KWMF Board Member Emeritus Edward Wayne “Eddie” LeBaron, Jr., a Marine Corps combat veteran of the Korean War and an NFL star quarterback, died of natural causes on April 1, 2015 at the age of 85 in Stockton, California.
2nd Lt Eddie LeBaron, USMC, 1950
Eddie was born on January 7, 1930 in San Rafael, California. In 1946, he became a 16-year-old freshman quarterback under Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg at College (now University) of the Pacific in Stockton. He played all four years and achieved All-American honors in 1949 after leading the team to an undefeated 11-0 season. He was a two-way, 60-minute player – quarterback on offense, safety on defense, and punter on special teams. And despite his height of only 5’7”, he had no fear of scrambling.
5’7” Eddie LeBaron with his 6’9” Washington Redskins Teammate Bob Hendren
Eddie was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1950 and was soon in the Korean War. He picked up the nickname “Littlest General” for his leadership skills. In the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge in 1951, Eddie left cover to attack an enemy mortar position. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart for wounds received in that action.
When he returned to civilian life, the College Football Hall of Famer picked up where left off, as he began a stellar career in the National Football League. As quarterback for the Washington Redskins, he was the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 1952. Over an 11-season run with Washington and later the Dallas Cowboys, he was selected four times for the Pro Bowl. He was the first starting quarterback for the new Dallas franchise.
Eddie as a Dallas Cowboy (R), and with an enormous defender about to descend upon him
(c) Robert Riger/Getty Images
After his NFL playing career, Eddie went on to become a CBS Sports announcer. He also practiced law and served as general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.
Eddie in more recent years
Semper Fidelis, Eddie. May you rest in peace.