Football Accolades :

✦ All-around athlete playing tackle, halfback, and punter for the University of Oregon (1913-1916).

✦ Captain of the 1916 Oregon team, leading them to an undefeated record and a tie for the Pacific Coast Conference championship.

✦ Named Most Valuable Player of the 1917 Rose Bowl after leading Oregon to victory over Pennsylvania.

✦ Served as captain of the 1917 Marine Corps team, the only person ever to captain two Rose Bowl teams.

✦ Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Military Service (1917-1967):

✦ Enlisted in the Marines during his senior year at Oregon, serving with distinction for 50 years.

✦ Reached the rank of Brigadier General, earning medals for bravery and leadership in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

✦ Commanded the Fifth Marine Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

✦ Coached Marine football teams at various stations, achieving an impressive 56-19-3 record.

John Beckett's career was a testament to human potential. He excelled in athletics, mastered the demands of military service, and led by example on and off the field. His story continues to inspire generations of athletes and soldiers, reminding us that true greatness lies not just in achievements but in the character and spirit with which we pursue them.