Title
Celebrating and remembering United States Coast Guard hero and National Football League Legend Emlen Tunnell on the occasion of the United States Coast Guard ship and building dedications in his honor.
Body
WHEREAS, Emlen Tunnell was known as "Mr. Defense" when he was playing for Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi in the National Football League (NFL), but he was known as a hero because of his service in the United States Coast Guard; and
WHEREAS, Emlen Tunnell, a Bryn Mawr native, joined the United States Coast Guard in May 1943 during World War II, determined to serve his country despite suffering a broken neck playing football at the University of Toledo the year prior; and
WHEREAS, As one of only 5 Black crew members onboard the United States Coast Guard cargo ship USS Etamin stationed at Aitape Harbor, Papua New Guinea, Emlen earned the recognition and respect of his fellow crewmembers and commanders when he ran onto the ship after it was attacked to rescue and save another crewmember from a fire; and
WHEREAS, Two years after his first act of heroism, Emlen would rescue another crewmember who fell overboard, this time on the USS Tampa, by jumping into the frigid waters and saving his fellow crewmember's life without regard for his own; and
WHEREAS, After his second act of heroism, the commanding officer of the USS Tampa nominated Emlen for the Silver Lifesaving Medal. At the time, Black servicemembers were rarely nominated or rewarded any medals; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, Emlen was discharged from the United States Coast Guard and would spend the next two years returning to football, this time for the University of Iowa; and
WHEREAS, After proving he was still capable of playing football at an elite level, Emlen became the first Black player signed by the NFL's New York Giants in 1948; and
WHEREAS, Despite the racism and hatred Emlen experienced by fans at home and on the road, Emlen would silence the opposition and earn new su...
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