re: Official Jersey Countdown Thread to UCLA, 1 day away

#16 #16 is Young Bussey
Most of us know the story of Alex Box but not many know the story of one of the greatest athletes in LSU history………..that no one has heard about…………Young Bussey (and yes I know how that sounds)
Bussey was a high school star in Texas, who excelled in every sport he played and excelled in the classroom as well. Every college in Texas recruited Bussey, but he eventually decided that He would be a Tiger, thanks in part to a guy by the name of Huey Long who was “influential” in his recruiting.
While at LSU, he became a team captain and led LSU in rushing in 1937, and in passing in both 1937 and 1938 and along with Ken Kavanaugh helped the Tiger to 9-2 and 9-1-1 records and trips to the Sugar Bowl. Although phenomenally successful, he never reached his total potential at LSU. Headstrong and supremely confident, Bussey had problems getting along with Mike Chambers (Mike the Tiger’s namesake) and head Coach Bernie Moore.
After his final season with the Tigers he and teammate Ken Kavanaugh were invited to try out for the Chicago Bears after completing his senior campaign in Baton Rouge. His successful pro career was cut short after Pearl Harbor.
When WW2 started Bussey enlisted, was sent to Officer Candidate School, attained the rank of lieutenant, and was assigned to USS Warren, an attack transport active in the Pacific Theater. He received a commendation, for his actions as a beachmaster during the Battle of Guam in 1944. Bussey also saw action at Kwajalein, Peleliu, Leyte, and Luzon, participating in a total of 10 amphibious assaults.
While awaiting the upcoming Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Bussey became pessimistic about his chances of survival; and turned over his personal effects to Warren's chaplain, telling him, "Tomorrow I make my ascension. Will you see that my mother gets these?“
True to his prediction, Bussey was killed on January 7, 1945, when his landing craft took a direct hit from a Japanese mortar after getting stuck on a coral reef 75 yards from the beach.