πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡² WWII uncovered: Olympic Legends of World War II: Harrison Dillard of the 92nd Infantry Division




πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡² WWII uncovered: Olympic Legends of World War II: Harrison Dillard of the 92nd Infantry Division

Harrison Dillard, of Cleveland Ohio, was a student-athlete at Baldwin-Wallace College when he left his studies in 1943 at the age of 21 to serve with the 92nd Infantry Division of the US Fifth Army.  As a sharpshooter with the Buffalo Soldiers, Dillard fought in many of the major battles and liberations of the Italian Campaign. It is reported that General George Patton named Harrison Dillard as "the greatest athlete he has ever seen."

"After the war, Harrison returned to college to resume his studies and his athletic career. Dillard won the NCAA and AAU 120-yard and 220-yard hurdles in both 1946 and 1947 and he tied world records in both events with a 22.3 in the 220 in 1946 and a 13.6 in the 120. Between June 1947 and June 1948 he remained unbeaten in 82 consecutive finals."
(Source: Baldwin Wallace University)

"In the 1948 Olympics, Harrison won the gold medal for the 100 meter dash beating the world record holder at that time. He won a second gold medal as a member of the 400-meter relay team. Dillard was among the honored guests to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace. Back home, the Cleveland Indians in a game against the Detroit Tigers, Dillard was honored and surprised to see his old track coach, Finnigan, emerge from the Indians dugout. Later, Indians owner Bill Veeck hired him as a publicist, a job he held for nine years. He said, noting his weekly salary of $125, that he was making as much as some of the players." 
(Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

In the 1952 Helsinki Games Dillard struck Gold again with winning performances in the 100 meter hurdles and the 4x100 meter relay. (Pictured)

Harrison Dillard remained a lifelong resident of Cleveland. He passed away on November 15, 2019 at the age of 96. At that time he was the oldest living Gold Medalist in the United States. Please join us in remembering the Olympic Legend Harrison "Bones" Dillard. Lest We Forget.

©️WWII uncovered original description and photo sourced by: The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Baldwin Wallace University and United Press Association

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