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Written by: Janey Murray. In the middle of a decorated Hall of Fame career, Hank Greenberg spent more than four years away from the game. The Detroit Tigers great was one of many professional baseball players to serve in the United States military during World War II.
When the United States joined World War II, Greenberg was the first major leaguer to join the armed forces; he spent 47 months in military service, more than any other major league player, all of which took place during what would have been prime years in his major league career.
- United States
- 1940-19411942-1944
- Captain
Jan 1, 2016 · He stayed in the uniform of the United States military for the next three and a half years. His last position was in the China/India/Burma Theater of Operations where he scouted bombing targets for B-29s. In all, Greenberg served 47 months in the service during World War II, the longest tenure of any ballplayer.
Greenberg, who smashed 331 home runs and won two Most Valuable Player Awards during what amounted to nine full seasons with the Tigers and the Pirates, served in the Army prior to the start of the United States’ formal involvement in World War II.
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Hank Greenberg . Date and Place of Birth: January 1, 1911 New York, New York. Died: September 4, 1986 Beverly Hills, California Baseball Experience: Major League Position: First Base Rank: Captain Military Unit: 20 th Bomber Command, United States Army Air Force. Area Served: China-Burma-India Theater of Operations
Mar 20, 2016 · Greenberg would serve for 47 months, the longest of any Major Leaguer, and rise to the rank of Army Air Force captain.
May 2, 2024 · Hank Greenberg, American professional baseball player who, as one of the game’s best hitters, won two American League MVP awards (1935, 1940) and became the sport’s first Jewish superstar. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956. Learn more about Greenberg’s life and career.