Frank Sinkwich and the Second Air Force Superbombers

Few attending the mid-October 1945 football game between the El Toro Marines and Second Air Force Superbombers expected anything remarkable, but the injury to Frank Sinkwich during the game left many fearing for the future of the NFL's brightest star.

Like the Great War, WWII saw military bases across the country field football teams competing among themselves and with top colleges. Pro football meant nothing before WWI, so few military players during WWI had professional experience, but WWII military rosters had many pros, most of whom were eager to become civilians after Japan surrendered in August 1945. A point system based on time in the service, overseas duty, and other factors determined who mustered out first. Those with enough points went home in September and October of 1945.

We don't know whether Frank Sinkwich tried to get out early, but we know he worked hard to get into the military. Born in Croatia and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Sinkwich broke his jaw early in his junior season at Georgia (1941) and spent the rest of the season playing with his mouth wired shut, wearing a device to protect his jaw. Still, a Single Wing halfback, Sinkwich led Georgia to a 9-1-1 season in 1941, topped by a victory over TCU in the 1942 Orange Bowl when he completed nine passes for 243 yards and three TDs, rushing for 139 yards and another TD.

Injured in the third game of the 1941 season, Sinkwich used a jaw protector the remainder of the season, including the 1942 Orange Bowl.