George Poschner

George Poschner (born in 1920), was a former football end who played for the University of Georgia from 1939 to 1942. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he participated in the 1941 Orange Bowl and the 1942 Rose Bowl.cite news
first = John
last = Bassetti
title = 80-year-old veteran is link to football fame
work = The Vindicator
date = August 1 1999
accessdate =]

Collegiate football career

Poschner was born in Youngstown, Ohio, [ [http://www.gshf.org/site/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=253 Georgia Sports Hall of Fame] ] and came to the University of Georgia as a result of the efforts of his good friend, Frank Sinkwich. When Sinkwich was recruited by Georgia, he accepted the scholarship on the condition that Poschner would be granted a scholarship as well. [ [http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-833 Frank Sinkwich in the New Georgia Encyclopedia] ] Poschner earned All-America honors in 1942, and was selected in the eighth round of the 1943 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. [ [http://www.databasefootball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1943&lg=NFL 1943 NFL Draft] ] The most celebrated event in Poschner's collegiate career came when he caught two fourth-quarter passes from Sinkwich in a 21-10 win over Alabama in 1942.cite news
first = John
last = Bassetti
title = 80-year-old veteran is link to football fame
work = The Vindicator
date = August 1 1999
accessdate =]

Military service

Poschner served in the United States Army in World War II, where he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Distinguished Service Cross. [ [http://www.georgiadogs.com/attachments1/1420.pdf?SPSID=46736&SPID=3571&DB_OEM_ID=8800 All American Bulldogs] ] On January 8, 1945, Poschner participated as a lieutenant in the Battle of the Bulge. While advancing into enemy territory, he was severely injured by machine-gun fire and did not receive medical treatment until two days later.cite news
first = John
last = Bassetti
title = 80-year-old veteran is link to football fame
work = The Vindicator
date = August 1 1999
accessdate =] Poschner lost both legs and several fingers as a result of his injuries. [ [http://www.45thdivision.org/Veterans/Barnhart179_2.htm LT Robert M. Barnhart, 45th Infantry Division] ] [ [http://www2.tombigbee.net/sections/at_home/athome_hero06_2003.html Kay Marshall, Community Heroes Series, "Alabama Living", June 2003] ] A "New York Times" report on Poschner's injuries observed, "His brilliant pass receiving added much to the reputation of All-America Frank Sinkwich, also of Youngstown, as a forward passer".cite news
title = Georgia End Loses Legs
work = The New York Times
date = March 15, 1945] The news report added that "Poschner's mother advised Coach Wally Butts of her son's case".cite news
title = Georgia End Loses Legs
work = The New York Times
date = March 15, 1945]

Legacy

Poschner was admired as much for his military valor and buoyant optimism as he was for his impressive achievements on the gridiron. In 1982, his former teammate, Frank Sinkwich, lauded him at a testimonial dinner held at Youngstown's Croatian Home. "Knowing George has made me stronger all my life", Sinkwich said.cite news
first = Chuck
last = Perazich
title = Frank Sinkwich Lauded at Croatian Home Fete
work = The Vindicator
date = June 14, 1982]

In his letter nominating Poschner to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Sinkwich wrote: "In my opinion, George Poschner is perhaps the greatest competitor of all time, both on and off the field. I have never known anyone with more courage on the football or the battlefield".cite news
first = Chuck
last = Perazich
title = Calls Youngstown's Poschner: 'An Example of Courage'
work = The Youngstown Vindicator
page = D-2
date = March 23, 1982] Poschner was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1982, [ [http://www.gshf.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=253&Itemid=50 George Poschner entry in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame] ] and the Orange Bowl Hall of Honor in 1985. [ [http://www.orangebowl.org/honorall.php The Orange Bowl Hall of Honor] ]

References