http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/community/act_of_valor.jsp
The Indians have launched a campaign aimed at having the late Bob Feller awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The petition needs 100,000 signatures within 30 days to require a response from the White House. You can sign up at www.indians.com/feller.
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, given ?for especially meritorious contribution to 1) the security or national interests of the United States, or 2) world peace, or 3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.?
Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio says Feller, was the first baseball player to enlist in the U.S. Navy after the bombings of Pearl Harbor.
DiBiasio tells Newsradio WTAM 1100, Feller could have asked for a deferment, as his father had terminal cancer, but he insisted upon serving his country.
Feller served aboard the USS Alabama, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. He was decorated with six campaign ribbons and eight battle stars.
He was as an instructor in the Navy?s physical training program, and in July 1942, led a team of servicemen against American League All-Stars at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, raising over $130,000 for the war efforts.
After he returned from the Navy in 1945, Feller won 118 games over the next six seasons, and helped lead the Indians to the 1948 World Series title.
The Indians have launched a campaign aimed at having the late Bob Feller awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The petition needs 100,000 signatures within 30 days to require a response from the White House. You can sign up at www.indians.com/feller.
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, given ?for especially meritorious contribution to 1) the security or national interests of the United States, or 2) world peace, or 3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.?
Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio says Feller, was the first baseball player to enlist in the U.S. Navy after the bombings of Pearl Harbor.
DiBiasio tells Newsradio WTAM 1100, Feller could have asked for a deferment, as his father had terminal cancer, but he insisted upon serving his country.
Feller served aboard the USS Alabama, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. He was decorated with six campaign ribbons and eight battle stars.
He was as an instructor in the Navy?s physical training program, and in July 1942, led a team of servicemen against American League All-Stars at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, raising over $130,000 for the war efforts.
After he returned from the Navy in 1945, Feller won 118 games over the next six seasons, and helped lead the Indians to the 1948 World Series title.
