Posted on 11/12/2004 11:52:03 AM PST by dead
CLEVELAND (AP) - The Browns will pay tribute Sunday to a former player who died in the Vietnam War and has gone unrecognized by the NFL for decades.
It has long been reported that Bob Kalsu, a Buffalo Bills lineman, was the only former NFL player killed while serving in Vietnam. But it recently came to the attention of the Pro Football Hall of Fame that Air Force Maj. Don Steinbrunner, a rookie offensive tackle with the Browns in 1953, died in Vietnam in 1967.
Steinbrunner, who joined the Air Force ROTC while at Washington State University, was called to active duty after his rookie season. After a two-year tour as a navigator, he decided not to return to the Browns.
He remained in the Air Force for 13 years and spent four seasons as an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy.
He began his tour of duty in Vietnam in 1966. As a navigator with the 12th Air Command Squadron, he was shot down over Kontum Province, South Vietnam.
The Browns are asking all military veterans to come to Sunday's game against Pittsburgh in uniform.
Steinbrunner will be represented at the game by his widow, Meredyth, and their three children.
"I cannot explain to you what a thrill this is for me and my family," Meredyth said. "We are so honoured to have this wonderful event in honour of Don."
Thank you Lerner family.
We may have an absolute moron for a coach but we have great onwership.
Kalsu was on the O-line for Buffalo as I recall.
Sports Ill did a nice story on him a yr or two ago.
He was a marine I believe and was killed during
a firefight at his station, which was a
firebase. He elected to go to Vietnam
while under contract to the Bills.
Much in the manner of Pat Tillman.
This is from memory based on the story in SI.
MV
Another brave hero lost after choosing his country over his career. God Bless his soul, and his family.
Thank you for posting this. I'll be sure to keep an eye on the game Sunday to see the tribute.
MAJ - O4 - Air Force - Reserve
35 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Apr 05, 1932
From BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON
Length of service 12 years.
His tour of duty began on Jan 30, 1967
Casualty was on Jul 20, 1967
in KONTUM, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, FIXED WING - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Panel 23E - - Line 96
Only at anti-war rallies.
He probably ravaged the countryside of "Lambert" Field.
Here is the story on Bob Kalsu who was killed in Vietnam and recently honored at the University of Oklahoma:
Bob Kalsu (1945 - 1970) was an All-America tackle at the University of Oklahoma and an eighth-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League in 1968.
Kalsu was a starting guard in 1968. He played the entire season and was the Bills' team rookie-of-the-year. Following the 1968 season, to satisfy his ROTC obligation, he entered the Army as a First Lieutenant (see discussion) and arrived in Vietnam in November 1969. He was killed in action on 21 July 1970 at Ripcord Base near the A Shau Valley.
Lieutenant Kalsu had one child, a daughter. At home in Oklahoma City, his wife gave birth to his son, James Robert Kalsu Jr., on 23 July. Mrs. Kalsu was informed of her husband's death only hours later. Kalsu was the only recently active professional American football player to lose his life in the Vietnam War. Retired player Don Steinbrunner also died in combat in Vietnam. In contrast, 21 active or former players, an ex-head coach, and a team executive all died during World War II.
There is a Marine camp in northern Babil province, Iraq, called Camp Kalsu. This is one of the camps where the 24th MEU is stationed.
A Proud Marine Mom
John Kerry notes the guy didn't have three purple hearts, and never served on his boat.
Thank you for informative post.
Proud of Cleveland owner for doing the right thing.
RIPCORD by Keith Nolan is an excellant read.
War hero/Cleveland Brown ping!
Cleveland Browns Ping
Thanks -- I need a good book to read!
Northeast Ohio Ping.
This is truly a great turn of events. At last we are seeing our veterans honored in popular forums. This is really a magnificent defeat for the anti –military, anti-war left.
DITTOS!
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