Wayne Sandefur: A Leader of Men (Part 1).

As a native Hoosier, I was particularly interested in the story of World War II hero, Wayne Sandefur. A special thanks goes out to Sandefur’s daughter, Ginny, for providing so many interesting details.

Prior to war, at Purdue University, Sandefur starred as a guard on the Boilermaker’s gridiron squad. Following graduation, he took a teaching position at Evansville Reitz High School, where he also served as their football coach.

Coach Wayne Sandefur, 38th Division, holds the V Army Corps Championship Trophy.

Sandefur enlisted in the National Guard in 1940, and was soon called to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. In 1941, Lt. Sandefur took charge of the 38th Infantry Division football team.  The results speak for themselves. As America prepared to enter war, Sandefur’s Cyclones recorded a 6-0, undefeated season.

Major General Dan Sultan provided the following words of praise, dated December 23, 1941. “I desire to commend you for the superior character of your work as coach of the Division football team during the past season. Winning the V Army Corps championship with a record of six victories and no defeats is an outstanding record in which the division takes great pride.

Sandefur’s 38th Division football team battles hard during a game at Camp Shelby, Mississippi – 1941.

“…The enthusiasm and skill with which you tackled your job, the willingness with which you accepted all responsibilities, and the high morale and fighting spirit which you built up in the football squad, stamp you as an outstanding leader of men.”

And a leader of men, Wayne Sandefur would prove to be, as he and his men would soon be thrown into one of the worst scenes imaginable–the Battle of Zig Zag Pass, on Luzon in the Philippines.

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