They called him "Footsie" because of his big feet...size 13.  At 6'3" and 220 pounds he was a big man, twice receiving honorable mention all-American for the Arkansas Razorback football team.   In 1941 he joined the Detroit Lions and played one season of professional football.   Then came war, and duty called.

A brave and fearless leader, on September 22, 1943 he received the Silver Star for knocking out an enemy tank.  A week later, in the face of enemy fire, he braved the darkness and a high cliff to save a wounded comrade...adding a Bronze Star to his collection.  Less than two weeks passed before his company, whittled down to 55 men, faced a determined enemy at Mount Rotundo in Italy.  Wounded and out of ammunition, the fearless leader grabbed an M-1 rifle and some grenades to reverse the tide of battle.   For two hours he met the enemy "head to head", devastating their ranks with his courage and accurate fire.  For that action he was nominated for the Medal of Honor.  Before it could be presented however, more battles awaited him.   Within two months he would also earn the Distinguished Service Cross....and lose an arm.  (Later he served two terms as Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas).