By Darin 
We love stories of great athletes who interrupted their promising careers to fight for our freedom. When they survive the ordeals of war and then pick up right where they left off, their tales remain intriguing.
November 23, 1916 – Little Rock, Arkansas – Ken Kavanaugh, the end from LSU, arrived in the world. Louisiana State University used the single-wing offense during the 1930s, which typically led to low stats for receivers.
That was not the case for the talented Kavanaugh, who, along with Tigers passer Leo Bird, connected often in the passing game. The NFF states that Kavanaugh snared 30 Bird throws in nine games, netting 467 yards to lead the nation’s receivers in 1939 and earn the Most Valuable Player award in the Southeastern Conference. The National Football Foundation inducted Ken Kavanaugh into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963. After college, Kavanaugh joined the Chicago Bears. His pro career in the Windy City was briefly interrupted as he served in the U.S. war effort as a bomber pilot, flying 30 missions over Germany. Ken was a true war hero, and for his bravery, he was issued the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Clusters.
After the war, he rejoined the Bears to continue a brilliant career. In 1951, he became an assistant coach with the New York Giants.
List of Accolades and Accomplishments
College Career (LSU)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963).
- National Receiving Leader (1939), leading the nation with 30 catches for 467 yards.
- SEC Most Valuable Player (1939).
- Played for the LSU Tigers, excelling in the single-wing offense.
Military Service (U.S. War Effort)
- Decorated War Hero (Bomber Pilot).
- Flew 30 missions over Germany.
- Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for bravery.
- Awarded the Air Medal with four Oak Clusters.
Professional Career (Chicago Bears / New York Giants)
- Played professionally for the Chicago Bears before and after his military service.
- Rejoined the Bears following World War II to continue his playing career.
- Served as an Assistant Coach for the New York Giants (beginning in 1951).