Recently, I had to the opportunity to visit
Arlington National Cemetery while visiting our nation's capital for work.
Arlington is the final resting place for thousands of
military veterans ranging from the
American Civil War to
modern times. The cemetery is also the final resting place to one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all-time and veteran,
Joe Louis.
While many of you are aware of
Joe's legendary boxing career, some of you may not be aware that
Joe served our nation during
World War II in the
United States Army.
Louis, held the
World Heavyweight Title from
1937 to
1949, served in the
Army from
1942 to
1945. While in the
Army,
Joe primarily fought exhibition bouts to raise the morale of his fellow troops. As a member of the
Special Services Division, Louis entertained troops in the United States and Europe. He was promoted to Technical Sergeant prior to leaving the service, and was awarded the
Legion of Merit, an award reserved for meritorious military service, for his contributions to increasing the morale of troops during the war effort.
Following his military service,
Louis returned to the ring to fight and defeat
Billy Conn,
Tom Mauriello, and
Jersey Joe Walcott (twice). During this time,
Louis found himself significantly in debt to the
IRS. His retirement from the ring in
1949, was reversed a little over a year later when he was forced to return to the ring to pay off growing tax debt and penalties. He then fought a series of opponents including
Ezzard Charles,
Lee Savold,
Jimmy Bivins, and
Rocky Marciano.
Louis suffered defeats to both
Charles and
Marciano before hanging up the gloves for good in
1951, following his TKO loss to
Marciano.
Louis continued to suffer from financial problems following his retirement from boxing, which would haunt him until his death. The man who had been so generous with his money and time was forced to work a series of odd jobs, which included appearances on television shows, professional wrestling, and work as a greeter in a
Las Vegas hotel.
Louis also received financial support from his past rival for the
World Heavyweight Title,
Max Schmeling, and mobster,
Frank Lucas.
Louis died of cardiac arrest on
April 12, 1981 in
Paradise, Nevada.
President Ronald Reagan waived the eligibility rules for burial to allow him to be interned at
Arlington National Cemetery. Supporters and friends of the
Hall of Fame fighter, including
Max Schmeling, paid for his funeral expenses. There he was buried with full military honors on
April 21st.
If you visit Arlington, you can find the grave of the great,
Joe Louis at section 7A, grave 177 in the cemetery.
MW
