Remembering former UCLA veterans this Memorial Day

This Memorial Day we honor former UCLA student-athletes who served in our U.S. military and are no longer with us.

When duty called, several renowned UCLA athletes answered the call to serve. Their narratives of athletic prowess and national pride contribute to their legacy. This story honors the exceptional UCLA athletes who served in our military and are no longer with us.

Jackie Robinson (1919–1972)

Robinson showcased his exceptional talent across four sports at UCLA from 1939 to 1941. He competed in football, basketball, track, and baseball. His impact on American history is undeniably profound. Robinson was the first student at UCLA to earn letters in all four sports. In 1942, the onset of World War II compelled Robinson to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was appointed as the second captain of an independent horse troop. Robinson faced the harsh realities of racial discrimination long before he donned a military uniform. A court-martial found him not guilty after he refused to move to the back of a military bus. In 1947, Robinson made history by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the color barrier as the first African American player in Major League Baseball. He was a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights, known for his relentless effort and fearless spirit. He passed away in 1972.

Woody Strode (1914 to 1994)

Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode's time at UCLA in football and track and field was nothing short of remarkable. In the late 1930s, he shared the field with legends Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington. During WWII, he served our nation, while playing service football in Guam and Saipan with the Army Air Corps. In 1946, he made history as one of the pioneering African American players in the NFL, marking a significant moment when the league opened its doors to all races. He was a player for the Los Angeles Rams. Strode was a talented film performer. In 1994, Strode passed away.

Captain Francis B. Wai (1917-1944)

Charles Brown Wai excelled as a swimmer during his time at UCLA. He showcased his athletic prowess across multiple sports, including football, rugby, basketball, and track. As a quarterback, he shared the field with legends such as Kenny Washington and Jackie Robinson. In 1940, he achieved his degree in economics. Wai enlisted in the Hawaiian National Guard before making the leap to the U.S. Army in 1941. He served as Captain Wai during World War II. He served in the 34th Infantry Regiment, part of the 24th Infantry Division. Unfortunately, Captain Wai fell in battle on October 20, 1944, amidst the fierce assault on Leyte in the Philippine Islands, where forces clashed from both land and sea. His courage in leading his men to eliminate enemy gun positions was very commendable. Initially recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross, he was later awarded the Medal of Honor in 2000, a testament to his extraordinary bravery.

Lynn "Buck" Compton (1921-2012)

He was a catcher for the baseball team and played guard for the football team that made its mark in the Rose Bowl in 1943. He served alongside the Easy Company 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during the tumultuous days of World War II. His contributions at Brécourt Manor during D-Day in Normandy led to him being awarded the Silver Star. He endured the intense Siege of Bastogne amidst the fierce fighting of the Battle of the Bulge. The HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers" brought his wartime experiences to the forefront of popular culture. After the war, he rose to prominence as a notable prosecutor and later took on the role of associate justice at the California Court of Appeals.

Al Hoisch (1923 to 2015)

Running back for UCLA football, Al Hoisch played well in 1946 and 1947. He gained fame for his remarkable 103-yard kick return against Illinois during the 1947 Rose Bowl, setting a record that still resonates in the annals of sports history. His performance propelled the Bruins to achieve their sole 10-0 season in 1946. Hoisch showcased his football talents at UCLA following his service in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. His outstanding achievements and honors of three Air Medals and four Distinguished Flying Crosses are remarkable.

Ray Bartlett (1920 to 2008)

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Ray Bartlett showcased his talents on the football field of UCLA. He and Jackie Robinson were the first All-American and All-Southern California selections in football in 1938. He took on the role of halfback for the Bruins during the 1939 and 1940 seasons, and he lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field. Bartlett, a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, proudly served in the U.S. Army. He served a 20-year career in the Pasadena Police Department, and he later worked for more than a decade for the County of Los Angeles, including a six-year run as deputy for County Supervisor Warren Dorn.

Jim Brown (1934–2022)

This Jim Brown is not the legendary NFL star, but he was a remarkable man who served his country and was an outstanding football player at UCLA. His role in UCLA's 1954 national championship football team was pivotal. Brown played right guard on the offensive line, and during his playing days at UCLA, the Bruins achieved an impressive record of 18-2, clinching two titles in the Pacific Coast Conference. After his time at UCLA and serving in the military, he transitioned into the business world. In 2001, Brown was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame.

These athletes have demonstrated exceptional skills in their respective sports and have proudly represented their nation. Their dedication and hard work continue to inspire us to this day and we honor them on this Memorial Day.