Attached
is a scanned photo of a "Football" Medal that the players of the Gold
Crew received from the SUBSUPPACT, PEARL INTRAM'L DIV TAG (Flag)FOOTBALL LEAGUE
in 1967. I believe we won the League (at least that's what I tell
everyone who sees the metal). But
there is a more interesting Story that is associated this Medal.
The
Story centers around a Change of Command Ceremony that took place in 1968.The
Ceremony involved a Dress White Inspection with Medals.
Some of the Team Members decided that it would be appropriate to wear
this Football Medal along with the traditional Military Medals on their
Uniforms.
During
the Inspection, the Inspecting Admiral was making his way through the ranks,
when he stopped at one of the Team Members, who was wearing the Football Medal,
and reviewed his uniform for the longest time.
The Admiral moved on without comment, but had a puzzled look on his face
as he left the Sailor. The Admiral
moved on to inspect a few more Crew Members, but promptly returned to the
original Sailor on whose uniform he had noticed something unusual.
He told that Sailor that he was unfamiliar with one of the Military Medals
that he was wearing and wonder what Medal it was.
The reply the Admiral received was, It's my Football Medal, Sir.
I don't remember the Admirals reaction, but he moved on with the
inspection, but shortly returned to the Sailor once again and said.
Okay, I understand it's your Football Medal, but why is it in front of
your National Defense Medal. The
Sailor then replied, Sir, we had a better defense than they had.
The Admiral smiled and moved on.
In
a future briefing prior to an upcoming Personnel Inspection, we were told there
would be no Football Medal worn on our uniforms.
Hopefully
others will remember this occasion and add their memories.
Craig P. Sylvester SKCM(SS) USNR (Ret)
Addendum to the football medal story form Roy Prizer:
That Sailors name was Roy Prizer (me). The football coach was Lt Brown and he was standing by the inspecting officer and he gave me a nasty look. I was the only one that wore the metal but I was getting out in 2 weeks and didn't care. Yes we won the league. I think I have the clipping. I think we beat the Hardhead-I will go looking in my files. The new Commanding office asked my name and I said Prizer and he said "Oh I have heard about you." This is no shit or at least the best I can remember. IMUA Prizer FTB1SS
Roy Prizer