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.
Bob Burns - light heavyweight Golden Gloves champion
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 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.
