He was a hero.

ROUTT, JOE EUGENE (1914-1944). Joe Eugene Routt, football player and World War II soldier, son of Eugene Otis and Annie Belle (Clay) Routt, was born on October 18, 1914, at Chappell Hill, Texas. He attended Texas A&M College from 1933 to 1938 and received a degree in animal husbandry. As a guard on the football team, Routt was named to the All-American football teams of 1936 and 1937; he was the first All-American player for A&M. He played on the 1938 College All-Star team in Chicago and in the East-West Shrine game at San Francisco. Routt was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation from A&M and went on active duty in the United States Army in March 1942. In 1942 he played for the Army West All-Star football team against professional football teams. As an infantry officer in World War II he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a captain and company commander in Holland when he was killed in action on December 2, 1944. He was buried at Margraten, Holland; on April 19, 1949, he was reburied at Brenham, Texas. Routt was married to Marilyn Maddox on March 1, 1942; they had two daughters. He was named to the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and in 1952 to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

[This message has been edited by fossil_ag (edited 8/11/2007 7:58p).]

it is a shame he died so young....

Thanks for posting. I didn't know that.

I have wondered that before. Thanks.

The legacy of Joe Routt is passed along to you. Remember it, honor it, and pass it along. That is your heritage as an Aggie.

Gotta love the guys who sacraficed so much for our country.

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animal husbandry

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YIKES!

I guess that's why its called animal science now.

[This message has been edited by superdales (edited 8/11/2007 9:40p).]

That was dad's major and they had classes together, so I always knew who he was.

Animal husbandry was what they called it, and I don't know when they changed the name of the major.

definitately a hero. In my book, the greatest to ever don the Maroon & White (& gold). His picture hangs on my wall. It is an original AP photo. Here is a scan of the photo:


Mr. Routt died in the historic Battle Of The Bulge. He was a great Aggie football player and and an even greater American that, like many other Aggies, sacrificed their lives for their country so that all Americans may live with the comforts that we have today, both physically and socially.

Players today are remembered for their accomplishments in the game of football. Joe Routt is remembered for his accomplishments in the game of Life.

Great post War Hymn.

'57

OUTSTANDING!

That uniform rocks by the way.

Trajan88
TAMU '88
Law Hall (may it R.I.P.) Ramp 9 Mule
fup!

WWII took some great ones. Baylor had an end who also played baseball named Jack Lummus. Lummus, as a 1st Lieutenant, was postumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo Jima:

""For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for two days and nights, First Lieutenant Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic one-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition, until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Lummus had inspired his stouthearted Marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."

http://www.jacklummus.com/Files/Files_K/LummusAJ.htm


Lummus, while bleeding to death from the loss of both legs to the land mine was still urging his men forward and returning Japanese fire until losing conciousness and dying.

Lummus played minor league baseball and played for the New York Giants in the NFL before joining the military. He was an honorable mention all-america @ Baylor.

Gig 'Em brother! A hero of our great country...

Great story, fossil.

Thanks for reminding us.

Joe Routt, the epitome of what an Aggie is. I appreciate the fact that Aggies are far more than football, or any sport for that matter. Thanks for re-emphasizing the point.

OH BEAUTIFUL FOR HEROES PROVED
IN LIBERATING STRIFE
WHO MORE THAN SELF THEIR COUNTRY LOVED
AND MERCY MORE THAN LIFE
2nd Verse of "America the Beautiful"

ttt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Keathley

That's the wikipedia entry for George Keathley who also attended Texas A&M and died in Italy during World War II. His story is really amazing.

Being from Brenham; everyone around here knows the history of Joe Routt. I used to work with his younger brother, Chip, years ago. He was quite a football player also, playing with the group know as the Kiddie Corps during the war. He showed me a picture once of himeself and Joe on horseback at their ranch in Chappell Hill. Joe had just gone to A&M and Chip was about a sophomore or junior in highschool. Joe had arms like tree trunks, hard working country boys who went on to play football at A&M like many before and after them. Great legacy!

nm

[This message has been edited by Humorous Username (edited 8/14/2007 9:02a).]

Thanks for the information!!!

I usually just lurk around here, but this is really cool to see. I love Aggie football (and football in general), but after many years of stories I think some things have certainly been lost, as aggiewarhymn alluded to. Here are a few more photo's for you, I have many and would be happy to share.

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/highfield27/?action=view¤t=37Team.jpg
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/highfield27/?action=view¤t=RouttVitek.jpg

Edit: I too slow to post pics, links will have to do.

[This message has been edited by StrikeWater00 (edited 8/14/2007 10:20a).]

Great photos, StrikeWater00. Thanks for the contribution. Any more would be equally appreciated.

Thanks for the history lesson. I like that he is flashing the gig 'em in the photo.

I support my Aggies 100% win or lose, without complaint and without reservation.

in the background is the North end horshoe of Kyle Field and the old Deware Fieldhouse. Both were taken down for the Zone.

Offense and defense, no face guards, and those ear flaps on the leather helmets had a side impact rating of 0.

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Offense and defense, no face guards, and those ear flaps on the leather helmets had a side impact rating of 0.

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That's no joke (my grandad's nose was mangled). Football was a different sport during these times, and not just from an equipment standpoint. Thanks for the history lesson today fossil.

Nice info about Jack Lummus. I don't recall anyone asking navyag86. The thread is about Joe Routt. Feel free to jump in on anything positive about A & M, seriously.