The Heisman Winner Who Survived Two Plane Crashes in WWII

Tom Harmon wasn't just a Michigan football legend—he was one of the most remarkable Americans of the 20th century. Known as "Old 98," Harmon won the 1940 Heisman Trophy after one of the greatest college football seasons ever recorded, but his story goes far beyond the gridiron.

**The Michigan Football Legend**

At the University of Michigan, Tom Harmon became college football's biggest star. He led the nation in scoring for two consecutive seasons, accumulated 2,151 rushing yards and 1,396 passing yards, and scored 33 touchdowns during his career. His 1940 Heisman Trophy season featured unforgettable performances, including a birthday demolition of California where he scored four touchdowns with a 94-yard kickoff return, 72-yard punt return, and an 86-yard rushing touchdown.

But it was his final game against Ohio State that cemented his immortality. In a 40-0 Michigan victory, Harmon completed 11 of 12 passes, rushed for 139 yards, intercepted three passes, and averaged 50 yards per punt. His performance was so dominant that 73,648 Ohio State fans gave him a standing ovation—an unprecedented moment in college football history that has never been repeated.

Tom Harmon won the Heisman Trophy with a record number of votes, claimed the Maxwell Award, and was named AP Male Athlete of the Year. Michigan immediately retired his number 98.

**War Hero and Survivor**

After enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941, Harmon's life became a survival epic. He survived his first plane crash in South America in April 1943, spending five days alone in the jungle as the sole survivor of his six-man crew. His second crash over China in October 1943 was even more harrowing—shot down by Japanese Zeros, he parachuted from a burning cockpit with severe burns covering his body.

For 32 days, America thought its Heisman Trophy winner was dead. In reality, Chinese guerrillas were carrying him hundreds of miles through enemy territory. He lost 52 pounds, couldn't eat for 17 days, and suffered infected burns and dysentery. He survived by sipping tea and rice, earning the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery.

**Broadcasting Pioneer and Hollywood Dynasty**

After the war, Tom Harmon's English degree from Michigan launched a 45-year broadcasting career. He became the first play-by-play announcer for a televised Rose Bowl, worked as a CBS sportscaster for over a decade, and built "Tom Harmon Sports" into a million-dollar business. He made over 10,000 broadcasts, becoming one of television's most trusted voices.

Harmon married actress Elyse Knox in 1944—her wedding dress was made from the silk parachute that saved his life over China, complete with bullet holes. Their son, Mark Harmon, became famous as Agent Gibbs on NCIS, while daughter Kristin married Ricky Nelson.

Tom Harmon died in 1990 at age 70, leaving behind one of the most complete life stories in American history—a true Michigan football immortal, decorated war hero, and broadcasting pioneer.

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