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Tom Harmon WW II

Introduction

Capt. Harmon , circa 1945
(Harmon Family Photo Collection)

In the Fall of 1941, Tommy Harmon, Michigan's 1940 Heisman Trophy winner and 2-time All American, was riding the crest of a blue wave. His outstanding collegiate football career had made him a national celebrity and he was in demand as a speaker. "Life" magazine had featured him on their cover dubbing his football jersey number, "No. 98," the most famous number of the year. Additionally, "Harmon of Michigan" was playing at the theaters and he had become a regular sports announcer for WJR in Detroit. For the first time, Tom, the youngest of six, was taking on the responsibilities for the Harmon family. However, at the same time, a growing concern about the war in Europe had caused the United States to begin preparing itself defensively. And on November 8, 1941, "Old 98" enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. The following March, Tom had just finished building a new home for his parents (Louis and Rose Harmon) when he received his telegram calling him to duty.

Tom Harmon, "Old 98,"
University of Michigan,
circa 1940,(Bentley
Historical Library)

Tom Harmon & Fritz Crisler
holding torn jersey, circa 1940,
(Bentley Historical Library)

Tom Harmon diving over the
line,circa 1940, (Bentley
Historical Librabry)

The home Tom built for his
parents shortly before leaving
for the U. S. Army Air Corps,
circa 1942 (Harmon Family
Photo Collection)