Admiral Jonas Ingram commanded the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor, but before he made military history, he dominated the gridiron as a fierce fullback and linebacker for the Navy Midshipmen.
Football Bio
October 15, 1886, was the birth of Jonas Ingram.
Jonas Ingram won the Medal of Honor in 1914 during the Mexican Revolution, fought in World War I with the US Navy, and during World War II, he not only served in the Navy but also became an Admiral who commanded the entire US Atlantic Fleet!
Before the Wars, though, Jonas Ingram was a football player, and a good one at that, as he was a fullback and a linebacker who played for the U.S. Naval Academy.
He was often called the “One-Armed Admiral” because he often told his teammates, “I’d give my right arm to win this ball game!”
He was a fierce competitor, and according to his bio on footballfoundation.org, his efforts in the 1906 Army game led to a Navy win.
After his playing days, he returned to the Academy to coach the Midshipmen for three seasons.
The National Football Foundation inducted Jonas Ingram into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968. [National Football Foundation]
Jonas Ingram proved his unparalleled dedication both on the battlefield and on the football field, leaving behind a dual legacy that permanently etched his name into American history.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
- Starred as a standout fullback and linebacker for the United States Naval Academy from 1904 to 1906.
- Scored the game-winning touchdown to lead Navy to a pivotal 10-0 victory over Army in 1906.
- Served as the head football coach for the Navy Midshipmen (1915β1916).
- Awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at Veracruz, Mexico in 1914.
- Achieved the rank of four-star Admiral and commanded the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during World War II.
- Awarded the Navy Cross and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional military leadership.
Original source http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Notables/MOH/bios/ingram.htm
Jonas H. Ingram as an Annapolis midshipman
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