THE ATHLETE
Bob Burns played varsity football for the University of South Dakota. He was team captain and quarterback his senior year in 1941. He also earned NCC "All Conference" honors that year.
Burns originally played fullback at the University of South Dakota before being tapped to play quarterback.
Bob Burns (left) in his University of South Dakota letter jacket. Next to him is his younger brother Jim Burns who would later be killed in Panama where he was doing WWII flight training. Bob Burns did not see his father or younger brother after leaving the Midwest for WWII service. Both died before he returned from the war.
Bob Burns (right) was a lifeguard in Sioux City during his high school summers.
Bob Burns - light heavyweight Golden Gloves champion
Bob Burns was the the Golden Gloves heavyweight champion of the Carolinas while serving in the 101st Airborne Division. His shorts say 'Linas. As the Division Athletic Officer and boxer for the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, he named the team the "Screaming Eagles."
Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper article of 101st Airborne Division athletic officer and 502nd paratrooper - - Lieutenant Bob Burns (on left) - - defeating local heavyweight Bill Wilson at the Carolinas Golden Gloves tournament in 1943. Burns saved this article until his death in 2000.
The Ring Magazine that Burns and the 502nd SCREAMING EAGLE boxing team appeared in - - June 1943
June 1943 Ring Magazine article with Burns in photo
June 1943 Ring Magazine article about the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment boxing team
The 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment "Screaming Eagles" playing in France in 1945. Lieutenant Bob Burns came up with the nickname for the 502nd PIR boxing and football teams in 1943 as the 101st Airborne Division Athletic Officer. The 101st Airborne Division later adopted the "Screaming Eagles" as its nickname.
The 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) "Screaming Eagles" before their game against the 506th PIR "Sky Train" in Reading, England in the spring of 1944. Lt. Bob Burns is #19. Burns was the 101st Airborne Division Athletic Officer from 1943 - 1945 at Fort Bragg and in Europe.
The 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) "Screaming Eagles" starting 11 who played against the 506th PIR "Sky Train" in Reading, England in the spring of 1944. Lt. Bob Burns is #19. Burns was the 101st Airborne Division Athletic Officer from 1943 - 1945 at Fort Bragg and in Europe. Other now-famous 101st Division soldiers from WWII Europe battles are listed as well.
Lt. Bob Burns #19. Photo with the Screaming Eagle football team - - taken in England before D-Day. Burns was the 101st Airborne Division Athletic Officer from 1943 - 1945 at Fort Bragg and in Europe.