Eddie Waitkus, Former Cubs Player Shot in 1949-- Part 1: "The Natural"

From Wikipedia.

In the last post, I mentioned that along with Billy Jurges being shot by a jilted lover in 1932, another former Cub by the name of Eddie Waitkus, was shot by a woman in 1949 while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Born September 4, 1919 in Massachusetts.  Died September 16, 1972 in Massachusetts.

Played first base for eleven years:  Cubs and Phillies in the National League and the Orioles in the American League.  He was a member of the National League All Star team in 1948 and 1949.

As a rookie, he was known as "The Natural" for his baseball abilities.  (Sound familiar?)  He played a few games with the Cubs at the end of the 1941 season, but then served in the military during World War II, taking part in the battles in the Philippines.  During that time he was awarded four Bronze Stars.

Returning to baseball in 1946, he quickly became a star for the Chicago Cubs.

--CootCub

The U.S. Military Bronze Star: Martin S. Kadner, Vietnam War Recipient

In my Down Da Road blog today, I wrote about the death of a good friend of mine who taught with me at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois, for around 30 years.  His name was Marty Kadner.  I did not know he received a Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam War

From Wikipedia and other sources.

The Bronze Star Medal, unofficially, the Bronze Star is awarded to members of the U.S. military for heroic achievement or service or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone.

It was established by Executive Order 4 February 1944.  The idea for it was conceived by Col. Russell P. "Red" Reeder.

During the Vietnam War three types of Bronze Stars were awarded:

Bronze Star for service:  26, 213
Bronze Star for Achievement:  2,159
Bronze Star for Valor:  6,215

Unfortunately, I was unable to find any information on the circumstances for which Marty received his Bronze Star.