As a coach and leader at Syracuse University, he led many young men into the battles of the gridiron. Mary Scofield (born Mary Schwartzwalder) passed away on December 7, 2017 after battling ovarian cancer for three years. complementary subscription to the newsletter here, White Stone, Red Rocks at Colleville-sur-Mer by Michael Joseph Gerber, 75th Anniversary Of the Landings and Liberation, Transforming Normandy Allies Experience into Veteran Support. I’ll never forget the depth of his eyes and the set of his jaw as he stressed the importance of full commitment. According to our records, Ben Schwartzwalder is possibly single. Ben Schwartzwalder. “Ben” Schwartzwalder, and led everyone in prayer aloud. I continue to discover great historical facts and stories behind the history of the places and people who made history. He coached high school football for six years in West Virginia — a year at Sistersville High School, followed by the Parkersburg High School Big Reds football from 1936 to 1940 — and Ohio — a year at Canton McKinley High School — and won two state championships. Davis's leukemia remained in remission throughout the fall of 1962. Schwartzwalder had a significant history of recruiting and developing black players during the 1950s and 1960s when many other major programs refused to do so. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 as Floyd Benjamin Schwartzwalder – April 28, 1993) AKA Ben Schwartzwalder was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, … I have not been to France to see the Bridge at Merderet that Ben and his men so bravely held despite the great odds against them. Ernie was Ben's man. Search US census records for Schwartzwalder. The obituary was featured in Syracuse Post Standard on August 26, 2012. Required fields are marked *. Both websites for the West Virginia University, where he played center … Captain Ben Schwartzwalder coached the men of the 507th along with Colonel Red Pearson to an undefeated, unscored-upon season and championship! Ben Schwartzwalder. I expected something lengthy; instead what he said was brief and profound. Lindquist was coming in from the east, and Levy was ensconced in a graveyard across the river at Cauquigny. While in England many of the men played in a football league to reduce idleness and keep the men physically fit. Schwartzwalder's teams went to seven bowl games and won four Lambert Trophies. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months. This category contains articles about United States Armed Forces personnel associated with the U.S. state of West Virginia.This category also includes U.S. military personnel who resided in the region that would become West Virginia prior to its succession from Virginia in 1863. Passenger List. Share. She was 76 years old. In the end, I am grateful for the great opportunity to have walked on the sand of Omaha Beach and to use it to honor a great American veteran! He coached to build young men’s character. Your email address will not be published. This remains Syracuse's only football national championship to date. He was a leader. LTC US Army Link. Born the second daughter to Floyd ('Ben') and Ruth ('Reggie') Schwartzwalder, Mary grew up in Syracuse, New York. As Dolan approached from the north, Captain Ben Schwartzwalder led more than 40 men of the 507th to the south side of the Manoir, where he was also stopped by machine-gun fire. He radiated … He played key roles in the capture of the La Fière Causeway and Sainte-Mère-Église, crucial points of entry into France during the D-Day invasion. … yr=d.getFullYear(); The following year, Schwartzwalder again led the Mules to a 9–1 record, … Captain Schwartzwalder was a leader of men and earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star and Presidential unit citation among his honors. I played FB & LB for Ben at SU entering with Floyd Little and many other great players and young men in the class of 1967. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained such future National Football League stars as Jim Brown, as well as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis. In 1959, he also won the national coach of the year award. Mostly, we remember Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder as Syracuse University's successful head football coach, 1949 to 1973. In 1941, he was coach of Canton McKinley High School in Ohio when, even though he was in his 30s, he commissioned in the US Army and fought in World War II. College coaches similar to or like Ben Schwartzwalder. Upon learning this and more, I visited the cemetery to search for his marker. They immediately embraced the idea without hesitation. Ben Schwartzwalder was in a relationship with Ruth Schwartzwalder. He parachuted in during the wee hours of the morning on D-Day and was immediately engaged in a life and death struggle with the German Army near Amfreville in the Merderet River area, La Fière and Sainte-Mère-Eglise. While winning was secondary, Coach Ben’s teams won not only because of his coaching ability, but because of his leadership, and the ability to transfer those leadership qualities to those on the team capable of learning what true leadership means. Schwartzwalder was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Originally published in Amitié, the newsletter of Normandy Allies. The team formed a semi-circle around his marker. Letter from Major General M. B. Ridgway, courtesy of Syracuse University Archives. He entered the active U.S. Army two months later in February of 1942. After returning home, Schwartzwalder began his college coaching career at Muhlenberg College, where he went 25-5. You should know their stories because they are Syracuse University stories—ones that speak to our past, our present, and our future. Schwartzwalder played center at West Virginia University, despite weighing only 146 pounds, and was an all-campus wrestler in 1930 in the 155 pound weight class. Career Record: 25 Years, 153-91-3, .626 Win% (at major schools) Bowl Record: 7 Games, 2-5, .286 Win% (at major schools) More bio, uniform, draft info When he was personally decorated by General Matthew Ridgway, the General said "Ben, I never expected to see you here to receive this award.". After several preparatory meetings with Coach Brotski, Director of Player Development and a brief meeting with Head Coach Doug Marrone, we agreed on a planned recognition that would enable players to realize the rich tradition of leadership in sports and in life that has preceded them. Moving toward La Fière in A Company’s wake were Colonel Ekman and elements of his 505th PIR; the 508th’s commander, Colonel Roy Lindquist with portions of his regiment, Captain Floyd Burdette “Ben” Schwartzwalder … Wife: Ruth Simpson ("Reggie", until his death, two daughters) Parkersburg, https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Ben_Schwartzwalder?oldid=5320039. In the aftermath of WWII, Schwartzwalder was Military Governor of Essen, for six months. (See letter from Major General M. B. Ridgway, below, courtesy of Syracuse University Archives). Ben Schwartzwalder Last updated June 29, 2020. Moving toward La Fière in A Company’s wake were Colonel Ekman and elements of his 505th PIR; the 508th’s commander, Colonel Roy Lindquist with portions of his regiment, Captain Floyd Burdette “Ben” Schwartzwalder (who would later be the collegiate football Coach of the Year at Syracuse), commander of G Company, 507th, and 45 others from the mis-dropped 507th. He was awarded a Silver … var d=new Date(); My hope is that everyone that played for Ben has a true understanding of how lucky we all were, and understands what a great man he was. [1] He coached high school football for six years in West Virginia — a year at Sistersville High School, followed by the Parkersburg High School Big Reds football from 1936 to 1940[1] — and Ohio — a year at Canton McKinley High School[1] — and won two state championships. View all Schwartzwalder military records. My hope is to visit the bridge and the beaches some day, to get an up close view of the area. I decided to approach the S.U. Your email address will not be published. I have since found many new perspectives and details about the events in Normandy that have enriched me and make me yearn to revisit. He was 33 years old when Pearl Harbor was struck by Japan on December 7, 1941. Two players laid a wreath at the head of the marker. if (yr!=2000) At that time I gave them a container of sand from Omaha Beach to carry to the Veteran’s Cemetery later that morning. It was no accident that Ben would win the National Championship in 1959, and it was also no accident that Ben was one of the leaders in giving African American Athletes a chance to play on the major college stage. The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy is the trophy that went annually to the winner of the game. In mid-December, in a snowstorm, Davis accompanied Schwartzwalder to the New Haven, Conn., home of Floyd Little, who had just finished his final, record-breaking season as a running back at Bordentown Military … In 1941, he was coach of Canton McKinley High School in Ohio when, even though he was in his 30s, he commissioned in the US Army and fought in World War II. English Translation of “Schwarzwälder” | The official Collins German-English Dictionary online. I got to know Ben after graduation at a more personal level, and was lucky to have him relate some of the stories of D-Day, and his time in the service. By the time the 507th reached the battle for Hill 95, they had suffered more than 65% casualties. In 1967, Schwartzwalder was elected president of the American Football Coaches Association. Sergeant Major Charles Frick raised his glass to make a toast. At approximately 11:45am (on the day after veteran’s Day, November 12th ) 80 young men and coaches dressed in suits, sport jackets and neckties alit from the team buses at the Veteran’s Cemetery and walked quietly to Schwartzwalder gravesite. "Coach," I said, "I'm coming to Syracuse." The team then quietly and in an orderly, respectful manner walked back to their buses to depart for their road trip to Rutgers University. He simply said, “To Veterans!”. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained such future National Football League stars as Jim Brown, as well as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis. document.write(" "+yr); Football program with a suggestion to honor Schwartzwalder on Veteran’s Day. May he rest in piece knowing I for one lived a life of honesty, loyalty and hard work, mirroring his examples and raised my family in a manner “coach” would be proud. No. He is buried in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Syracuse, NY. So I began the research on Ben’s military career. Don Nehlen. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a92dc1151e7675978a08b01503591519" );document.getElementById("e2bc7159ca").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Copyright © As a captain in the 82nd Airborne (CO of Company G of the 507th), Schwartzwalder earned distinction during the invasion of Normandy and battles that followed in the last days of the war. Syracuse sets high standard for military, veteran support ... Ensley Athletic Center to unveil a statue in honor of legendary Syracuse football coach and Silver Star Medal recipient Ben … Relationships. About. A humble marker, like all the rest, reads: Floyd B. Schwartzwalder Ben Schwartzwalder, who recruited a series of acclaimed running backs as he restored Syracuse to football glory during 25 sparkling seasons that included an … Each of them should know that Ben Schwartzwalder was an unusually gifted man, who lived in the world of decency, respect, fairness, and understanding. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 as Floyd Benjamin Schwartzwalder – April 28, 1993) AKA Ben Schwartzwalder was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim In addition to Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, he coached Jim Brown, Floyd Little, Jim Nance, and Larry Csonka through their college careers. I hope this piece that Ed has written gets circulated throughout the hierarchy of the administration and the Board at Syracuse University. By Keith Oliver, Soldiers Live November 16, 2015. Unlike the white marble “Latin crosses” and Stars of David at the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer above Omaha Beach, the markers are horizontal gray granite markers. June 2 1909     April 23 1993, Our very first evening in Normandy, in Bayeux, our group gathered for a reception. Normandy Allies, Inc. As a member of the famed 82nd Airborne, he parachuted onto Normandy Beach on D-Day in 1944. When I finally located it, I wondered whether many knew where he was buried or if many knew of his intrepidity and valor! I find from my twelve day immersion in Normandy this past summer (12-24 July 2010) like Hemingway’s Moveable Feast, it has stayed with me wherever I go! The Normandy experience has touched me in countless ways. En 1946, Ben Schwartzwalder est devenu l'entraîneur de l'équipe de football [20] et dans sa première année a guidé les Mules à un record de 9–1 [21] et à un championnat national, en battant Saint-Bonaventure dans le Tobacco Bowl. He organized an athletic league from among the soldiers being assembled in England in preparation for D-Day in order to keep the troops motivated and fit. In all his 25 years as a college coach, Schwartzwalder says, he never met another player like him. He was a superb athlete (a high school and college wrestler and football player) and was coaching high school football among other things in Canton, Ohio when he entered the active army. It was introduced in 1993 and is named after former WVU football player and Syracuse head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who died in April of that year.It was sculpted by Syracuse player Jim Ridlon.. West Virginia won the first trophy game 43–0 at Syracuse and has gone on to win 11. Ed, that article and the events described within have filled my heart with joy for the man I loved and called “coach”. He coached the 507th PIR football team, leading them through a ten game season in which the 507th was never defeated and never even scored upon. Northside Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL. In 1973, Schwartzwalder retired from coaching and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Even as a paratrooper, Schwartzwalder remained focused on his football career. WikiMili. (I reached out to our Veteran’s Service Agency for assistance with the research.) He earned a Silver Star for his bravery and leadership. Census Record. Ernie Davis had that kind of effect on so many people. The tri-captains then came forward as planned. Coach Marrone insisted at the start that there be no publicity attendant with the events. Ben Scwartzwalder’s life and military history is interesting and compelling. Schwartzwalder was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. History. Share on Twitter; Share on Facebook; Share on Reddit; Share on LinkedIn Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained such future National Football League stars as Jim Brown, as well as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis. She was 76 years old. I am proud to have had the chance to play for Ben. 5 in our series looking at the coaches and players who have made the biggest impact in Syracuse University sports. During World War II, Schwartzwalder enlisted and served as a paratrooper in the United States Army. Born the second daughter to Floyd ('Ben') and Ruth ('Reggie') Schwartzwalder… Former American football player and coach. Schwartzwalder with quarterback Dick Easterly at the Los Angeles Coliseum, 1959, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, West Virginia Mountaineers football players, High school football coaches in the United States, United States Army personnel of World War II, People from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Players of American football from West Virginia, "'The Express' ... and the movie's connections to Parkersburg", by Jody Murphy. Ben Schwartzwalder | Military Wiki | Fandom Hot military.wikia.org. Ben Scwartzwalder’s life and military history is interesting and compelling. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor for the town of Essen for a period of six months. With Ben as coach, there was no one on the team that was afraid to go out and play their very best in every game. Coach Marrone stepped forward and spoke to the team about the man, Floyd B. He was captain of the football team in 1933. In the end Ben Schwartzwalder had been laid to rest among his fellow soldiers, his teammates. Post High School: One year prep school at Hargrave Military Academy, Chatam, VA - all-state virginia military school football league - jersey retired ; College: Syracuse University, NY - received scholarship, coached by Ben Schwartzwalder; College Position: Defensive Tackle - starter for 3 years. Posted by Normandy Allies on Nov 3, 2013 in Tributes and Remembrances, by Ed Kochian, International Experience 2010. He also was a hero of World War II. Wikipedia. By any definition, during the war Ben distinguished himself in service to the nation, and to his men. Schwartzwalder loved him." Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained such future National Football League stars as Jim Brown, as well as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis. I was not there, but I knew that each of those young men who were there that day, and heard Ben’s history as related to them by Ed, were not only lucky, but that the way they looked at life–and yes even football–would never be the same. First in battle, where, as Captain Schwartzwalter, he guided his men in battle on D-Day. It was further agreed that I would give a briefing on Coach Ben’s military record after the team breakfast at 8:30am on the chosen day. He was a true legend, and I am not sure I have ever met a person that was more of a straight shooter than Ben. At times, the University agenda’s sometimes gets in the way of true history and the truth. The 1959 team was an unprecedented powerhouse with both the toughest offense (313.6 yards rushing, 451.5 yard total and 39 points per game on average) and the toughest defense (giving only 19.3 yards rushing, 96.2 yards total per game on average) in the country. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The trophy was established in 1993, the year Schwartzwalder died, and was sculpted by Syracuse sports hall-of-famer Jim Ridlon. Ben Schwartzwalder, a pre-war high school coach in West Virginia who served as a major with the army paratroopers during the war, returned home and took over the program as … "Ernie was just like a puppy dog, friendly and warm and kind." Several paused at the marker and some knelt to touch the gravestone. She attended Nottingham High School (Class of '59), and Syracuse University (Class of '63). Ruth Schwartzwalder passed away in Syracuse, New York. In 1946, Ben Schwartzwalder became head football coach and in his first year guided the Mules to a 9–1 record and a national championship, defeating St. Bonaventure in the Tobacco Bowl. Over 100,000 English translations of German words and phrases. He should be remembered as the truly remarkable and giving individual that he was. During his 25 years as head coach Syracuse teams outrushed their opponents by more than 22,000 yards. Floyd Burdette Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. On April 28th, 1993 Syracuse University Football legend, Floyd “Ben” Schwartzwalder, passed away at the age 83.Schwartzwalder, a decorated paratrooper during World War II in the 82nd … Schwartzwalder played center at West … Request a complementary subscription to the newsletter here. After initially shipping out to Ireland, he ended up in England to prepare for the eventual “debarquement” (French for “landing”) across the English Channel to France. There was a time he looked at us during a pregame talk and made reference to the resolve needed to succeed much like he needed during the war to survive. There are 418 census records available for the last name Schwartzwalder. He coached at Syracuse from 1949 to 1973, compiling a 178-96-3 record, and winning one national championship in 1959 while going undefeated. I was determined to visit the gravesite after returning home and learn more of Ben’s military history. I remember when Coach Marrone took the team to Ben’s grave. "Coach," I said, "I'm coming to Syracuse." He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation and was promoted to the rank of Major for his actions during the invasion. One of the greatest privileges in my life was to know Be and to have the chance to play football for him while at Syracuse University. Schwartzwalder … Schwartzwalder then coached high school football in West Virginia and Ohio until 1941. he says. World War II L'année suivante, Schwartzwalder mena à nouveau les Mules à un record de 9-1, la seule perte venant d'un point à Temple. americas best crime writer, barry bowe, ben schwartzwalder, bordentown military institute, chris short, denver bronocs, ernie davis, floyd little, heisman trophy, jim brown. My only regret is I didn’t know more of the details of his military while playing for him. Following his death in 1993, Schwartzwalder was survived by his daughters, Susan Walker and Mary Scofield, his wife Ruth "Reggie" Schwartzwalder died on August 25, 2012, aged 100. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months. Former Syracuse head coach Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder (center with his arm around SU's Ger Schwedes, 16) was no stranger to a good fight including this … I am offering my salute to Ben Schwartzwalder and all veterans and to Normandy Allies for honoring and keeping the memories alive! He was a superb athlete (a high school and college wrestler and football player) and was coaching high school football among other things in Canton, Ohio when he entered the active army. Featured SU Military Alumni These are alumni of Syracuse University, and also military veterans. For the American men that participated in Operation Overlord on the 6th of June 1944 D-Day, their lives would be forever changed. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Schwartzwalder census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more. During my trip to Normandy with Normandy Allies, my thoughts frequently turned to Floyd “Ben” Schwartzwalder, the former head football coach at Syracuse University (S.U.) He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation and was promoted to the … Mary Scofield (born Mary Schwartzwalder) passed away on December 7, 2017 after battling ovarian cancer for three years. I picked up the phone and called Ben Schwartzwalder. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 – April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse … during much of my youth in Syracuse, NY. The designated tri-captain cautiously and reverently poured the sand around the perimeter of the marker. Ben died in 1993 at the age of 84. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NOVEMBER 19, 2015)—New Jersey’s own master sculptor Brian Hanlon unveiled his bronze statues of Syracuse University greats Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little and Coach Ben Schwartzwalder at the University’s Plaza 44 on November 14.“This is a dream realized, and to be in the company of the real Jim Brown is awesome,” said Hanlon, a zealous sports fan who is I learned immediately that many areas we visited as part of our immersion included the very battlegrounds where Ben and the men of the 507th Parachute Infantry were engaged in bitter fighting. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. After the player briefing, I asked the team tri-captains to come forward. The briefing included some World War II movie clips prepared by the football team’s AV group and select photos which I took in France. Ben Schwartzwalder | Military Wiki | Fandom Hot military.wikia.org. Yes, Ben was a leader, and a man who made leaders of those that were lucky enough to have played for him, and know him. Almost immediately, Coach Ben Schwartzwalder enlisted in the United States Army, earning his paratrooper wings as part of the famous 82nd Airborne Division. He was a man dedicated to those that he coached–and the University where he spent most of his adult life. The coach is also remembered through the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy which, goes to the winner of each game between West Virginia University (where he had played as a college student) and Syracuse University. Indeed, they all did, from the moment he hit the campus and first suited up for freshman football. Syracuse sets high standard for military, veteran support. He chose Airborne! Schwartzwalder had a knack for developing excellent running backs. Ben Schwartzwalder is a member of the following lists: 1993 deaths, American military personnel … As Dolan approached from the north, Captain Ben Schwartzwalder led more than 40 men of the 507th to the south side of the Manoir, where he was also stopped by machine-gun fire. "He had that spontaneous goodness about him. I knew he was a member of the 82nd Airborne at Normandy and that he was buried in the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery, but didn’t know much more. His bravery and leadership is chronicled in many World War II books, and history shows a truly selfless man, who did what was right, no matter what the consequences might be–perhaps even death. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation and was promoted to the rank of Major for his actions during the invasion. At a time when conferences–like the SEC–would have no athletes of color, Coach Ben was unafraid to have his student athletes of character play the game, despite being criticized at the time, by other coaches who felt that athletes of color should not play in college football. "Unfortunately, little else is known about Coach Schwartzwalder's rather outstanding military service in World War II. Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. I understood then yet I understand better now. Notably, he coached the first African-American to win a Heisman trophy and maintained team unity and cohesiveness in a racially charged environment to defeat the all-white University of Texas team in the Cotton Bowl while winning the 1959 national championship. Schwartzwalder is portrayed by actor Dennis Quaid in the 2008 Universal Pictures film The Express, a biography about Syracuse University Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor for the town of Essen for a period of six months.