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Chicago Bears Legend Sid Luckman Part of Normandy Invasion in WWII

By Bill Zimmerman

Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of Chicago Bears helmet during NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of Chicago Bears helmet during NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Not only is Chicago Bears Sid Luckman a legendary hall of famer, but he’s an American war hero as well.

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This past Monday, June 6 marked the 72nd anniversary of the Normandy Invasion during World War II. It’s a time to stop and remember the heroism that so many Americans displayed during what is arguably the most important battle front in American history. Thousands of Americans lost their lives in what was the battle that began to turn the war in favor of the Allied Forces and eventually led to Hitler’s surrender and the defeat of the Nazis.

What many may not realize is that while many of professional athletes volunteered their services during the war years, they may not have realized that a Chicago Bear, arguably the greatest Chicago Bear at the time, Sid Luckman, was part of the Normandy invasion.

Upon further research, Luckman was indeed a part of the D-Day invasion. Luckman served on a tanker that was part of the transport system that ferried troops from Britain into France. Luckman was part of a ship that transported troops up to the beach to drive the Allied Forces movements up the beach and pushing back the Nazis.

Anyone that has done any reading of the Normandy invasion or watched any films that display the terrifying conditions of this particular battle, and truthfully any battle, know what type of heroism that Luckman and all the soldiers displayed that day.

While Luckman is no more a hero than any of the other soldiers that were there that day, it isn’t often that we have a chance to remember what bravery individuals can show in the most difficult of times.

The next time you enjoy a day off from school on Veteran’s Day or enjoy your bratwurst on Memorial Day, please make sure you take time to remember that not just Sid Luckman, but all the Americans that put their lives on the line that day, and every day, to protect America and serve our country.

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.

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