James Gentle

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James Gentle (b. July 21, 1904 in Brookline, Massachusetts – d. May 22, 1986 in Philadelphia) was an American soccer striker, field hockey player, soldier, and golfer.

Contents 1 Soccer career 2 Military years 3 Other sports 4 External links

[edit] Soccer career

Born just outside of Boston, Gentle was a member of the US 1930 World Cup team which finished third, the best finish ever for an American team. Besides for his duties as a striker, Gentle also acted as an interpreter for the American team and officials being the only person who spoke Spanish. Later on in his soccer career, Gentle played in the ASL for the Philadelphia Field Club.

In 1986, Gentle was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

[edit] Military years

At the outset of Second World War Gentle was assigned to the 36th Infantry regiment and joined in the fighting at Salerno, the mountains behind Monte Casino. Another battle was fought at the Rapido River in Italy. Finally he joined General Patton's forces as they moved across Europe and into the Rhineland. After the cessation of hostilities Major Gentle was named U.S. trade and industry officer for the American zone of Germany.

[edit] Other sports

Gentle was a member of the US field hockey team which earned a bronze medal during Olympic Games of 1932 in Los Angeles.

Later in life, Gentle became interested in golf and became a member of the International Team of the American Senior Golf Association.

[edit] External links

• Profile at the National Soccer Hall of Fame