Leathernecks!

The article and pictures below were posted by the Western Illinois University Alumni Association. Being a proud Western graduate it seems appropriate on this 240th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps that I recognize the contributions to Western made by Ray "Rock" Hanson. 

 

For this month's Tuesday Tour and in honor of Military Appreciation Week here at #WIU, we are showcasing the Ray "Rock" Hanson display case located at Western Hall. Hanson's military career started in 1916 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 96th Company, 1st Replacement Battalion, Sixth Regiment; a unit that would forever be a legend though Marine Corps history. Hanson was awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Belleau Wood where he saved the life of a fellow Marine who had been seriously wounded. Hanson went on to receive a Silver Star citation for bravery, a French Croix de Guerre, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal, and a Purple Heart. Following the end of the war, Hanson attended Springfield College in Massachusetts where he befriended world-renowned Notre Dame Football coach Knute Rockne. Ray began studying under the legend and enrolled in his football fundamentals class. It was actually Rockne who helped Hanson secure his coaching position at Western in 1926. Hanson, who coached football, baseball, and basketball, served as director of the physical education department and is distinguished as the longest-serving athletic director at Western. What really set Hanson apart was his coaching theory. He said that victory was secondary to character development; he wanted to build men. "A player should demonstrate leadership, fearlessness, self-confidence, enthusiasm, and 'ginger'." Hanson said. He added that in any athletic contest "the battle is not always to the strong, but to the active, the vigilant, and brave." In 1941, Hanson returned to the Marines to serve his country in WWII. A little over 4 years later, the war came to an end and Ray returned to his home at WIU. By this time, Hanson had a record as one of the finest coaches in the nation and had greatly influenced Western. It was upon his return he was asked to serve as athletic director and physical education chairman. In 1950, the new Western football field was named after him and it was this that Rock considered his greatest honor. He retired from the Marines in 1955 and was appointed as colonel. In January of 1982, Col. Hanson passed but his legacy he left at Western and on sports history will live on forever. It was through The Rock’s determination that WIU was awarded permission by Congress in 1927 to use the Marines' official seal, the eagle, the globe and anchor emblem and the name "Leathernecks.” To this day, Western is the only state-funded school in the nation to enjoy this privilege.