Alex Wizbicki
Alexander John Wizbicki (October 6, 1921 – December 3, 2018) was an American football defensive back and halfback in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL). Born in Brooklyn, New York, he played for the AAFC's Buffalo Bills (1946–1949) and the NFL's Green Bay Packers (1950).[1] Wizbicki played collegiately for Holy Cross College and Dartmouth College before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 18th round of the 1945 NFL Draft. He played for 4 seasons professionally in the NFL and retired in 1950.[2]
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| Position: | DB/HB | ||||||||
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| Born: | October 6, 1921 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. | ||||||||
| Died: | December 3, 2018 (aged 97) Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | ||||||||
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| College: | Holy Cross | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1945 / Round: 18 / Pick: 178 | ||||||||
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He was also a World War II veteran, having served in the US Marine Corps.[3] During his freshman year in college the second World War broke out and Alex joined the Marine Corps. He had basic training in South Carolina then went on to have more training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After this he was sent to Guam to train for further operations. He was assigned to a reconnaissance company with the mission of gathering information behind enemy lines on Japanese troop placement. He and his reconnaissance company were awarded the Bronze Star several years later for gallantry in action during a patrol mission. Alex saw most of his combat during the invasion of Okinawa. This was the last combat he saw, as the plans to invade Japan were scrapped after nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan surrendered. He died in Superior, Wisconsin in December 2018 at the age of 97.
When asked how his service effected his life he said, "I appreciate things more than I ever did. Up to the point prior to going into induction, I had everything but I took it for granted, I didn't realize how lucky a person can be. It gave me more incentive to follow up some thoughts of doing better, and I did that and I enjoyed a good life, I wouldn't change it."[4]
References
- "Packers.com - Alex Wizbicki". Packers.com. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
- "Alex Wizbicki Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
- "After 68 years, former Packer and veteran to get war medals". Retrieved 20 December 2017.
- "Richard I Bong Veterans Historical Center | The Best Museum in Duluth, MN. and Superior, WI". bongcenter.org. Retrieved 2020-01-03.
External links
- Nelson, Wayne (October 22, 2008). "Alex Wizbicki tells the tale of life and a good wine". businessnorth.com. Archived from the original on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-30.