Highlights Archives
Third Down and a War to Go Publication Kickoff Party
Join the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, the National W Club, the Wisconsin Alumni Association, and the Wisconsin Book Festival in celebrating the publication of Third Down and a War to Go at a Kickoff Party, Friday, October 1, 3:30-6:30 p.m., at the Pyle Center's Alumni Lounge on the UW Campus, 702 Langdon Street, Madison. Introduction by Pat Richter and comments by Terry Frei at 5:00 p.m., with author booksigning to follow. The public is welcome!
"'Third Down and a War to Go' will put you in the huddle, in the front lines and in a state of profound gratitude-not only to the Badgers and the hundreds of thousands of veterans like them, but to Terry Frei." -Neal Rubin, The Detroit News
The famous football season of 1942 was a thrilling final fling. That year Wisconsin had a host of star players, including Pat "Hit 'Em Again" Harder, Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, and two-time All-American Dave Schreiner, and they were coached by Harry Stuhldreher (one of Notre Dame's legendary "Four Horsemen"). But stars and benchwarmers alike knew that each game brought them closer to military service. Months later, the Badgers were off fighting in Okinawa, at the Battle of the Bulge, in aerial dogfights, and in POW camps. Not all were asked to be heroic in battle, but many were, and they answered the challenge. Not all of them returned, and the circumstances of at least one battle death have been shrouded in mystery for six decades.
ISBN 0-87020-360-6 Hardcover $26.95 Author Terry Frei is the son of 1942 Badgers guard Jerry Frei, a decorated P-38 fighter pilot who went on to a long coaching career in college football and the National Football League. After Jerry Frei's 2001 death, his son set out on a mission of discovery, wanting to learn about the men in the team picture that hung in a place of honor in his father's den. Through extensive research and interviews with the remaining Badgers, their families, and combat comrades, Terry Frei tells the often heart-wrenching story of this band of brothers, describing their successes and losses both on the football field and in service to their country.
"Third Down and a War to Go: The All-American 1942 Wisconsin Badgers" (Pub date: September 2004; jacketed hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 0-87020-360-6) can be purchased from the Wisconsin Historical Museum shop at 30 N. Carroll St., Madison (608-264-6428) or from local bookstores, online booksellers, or the University of Wisconsin Press by phone at 773-702-7000. Find more information online about "Third Down and a War to Go."
For more information on the Third Down and a War to Go Kickoff Party, contact Kate Thompson, WHS Press, 608-264-6463. For review copies or to arrange an interview with Terry Frei, contact Benson Gardner, UW Press, 608-263-1034.
Second chance to see Terry Frei and get a signed copy of the book! Barnes & Noble West, Madison, Monday, October 4, 7 p.m. A portion of the entire day's sales will benefit the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
:: Posted August 5, 2004
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