August 27, 1945: Generals Patton and Smith Witness Lieutenant Gerald Karver Set Army Record

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA

August 27, 1945: Generals George Patton and “Beetle” Smith watched Boyertown hero, Lieutenant Gerald Karver win the 1500-meter race in Olympic Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany today, setting an Army record at 4:02. Jerry was competing with the track and field team of athletes from the Mediterranean Theater in World War II against the men from the European Theater in front of 25,000 spectators. On July 22, he had won the 1500 in 4:10 in the Spaghetti Bowl in Florence, Italy, setting another meet record.

More News from Boyertown

• Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club Announces $18,950.00 in Community Donations Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club announces $18,950.00 in community donations.
• Longings & Sad Realizations Known to N.C. Wyeth Craig Bennett offers the life of N.C. Wyeth, his accomplishments, disappointments, and possible disastrous decision with a shared understanding.