University of South Dakota Athletics

A war hero, Joe Foss is considered an American hero as a Marine aviator during World War II. Foss, who was part of a civilian pilot training program at USD, later received the Congressional Medal of Honor from U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His efforts in WWII also earned Foss the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was presented by Admiral William Halsey. Foss, a three-year letter winner (1938-40) in football for the Coyotes, graduated from USD in 1940. Later, Foss was elected to the South Dakota Legislature and served two terms as Governor of South Dakota. Foss, who also served as the first commissioner of the American Football League, received a NCAA Commemorative Plaque at the 65th annual NCAA Convention in Houston, TX in 1971.