American football player (1917–1944)
Michael Martin "Nick" Basca (December 4, 1917 – November 11, 1944) was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League (NFL). He played one season for the Philadelphia Eagles (1941) after attending Villanova University .
Biography
Basca and his brothers enlisted for World War II military service in the United States Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor .[ 1] [ 2] Robert Neyland 's All-Army football team that played against NFL teams in fundraising games.[ 3]
Assigned as a tank commander, he served in the 4th Armored Division in Europe and participated in the Normandy landings , where he landed on Utah Beach . The 4th helped lead the Third Army through Europe.
Death and legacy
On November 11, 1944, Basca was killed instantly when his tank was struck by a German 88-millimeter anti-tank round after four months in combat.[ 2] [ 4]
A year after his death, the Eagles honored Basca prior to their game against the New York Giants .[ 5]
His body was returned to Pennsylvania in 1948 and arrived nine days after the Eagles won the 1948 NFL Championship Game .[ 2] Pro Football Hall of Fame .
References
^ Anton, Todd; Nowlin, Bill (November 15, 2013). When Football Went to War . Triumph Books . pp. 41–42. ISBN 978-1600788451 ^ a b c Fitzpatrick, Frank (November 10, 2014). "Veterans Day tribute to former Eagle Nick Basca, who died in WWII" . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved June 28, 2021 . ^ "Neyland Picks Four Ex-Pros" . Deseret News AP . August 1, 1942. Retrieved June 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Nick Basca Killed in france Nov. 11" . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved June 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Honor Nick Basca In Eagle-Giant Tilt" . The Capital Times AP . November 9, 1945. Retrieved June 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
External links
