My Encounter with The Brown Bomber by E.G. Brosh
There was a “buzz“ around Holloman Air Force Base located just outside
of Alamogordo, New Mexico which is where the first Atomic Bomb was
tested in July 1945 in an area now known as “The Trinity.” A “buzz”
around base means that something is about to happen whether it be a
surprise inspection or a visit from a General, high ranking politician
or a famous person. The “modus operandi” was to keep well groomed,
wear a neat uniform and keep a straight “gig line” (an imaginary line
from blouse buttons to trouser zipper).
The mess hall was nearly empty when I finished my evening meal late
one Saturday afternoon. Most of the meal servers had left but the
cooks and NCO in charge appeared to be hanging around. I thought it to
be somewhat unusual, deposited my tray and utensils and turned to walk
down the center aisle to exit the Mess Hall. In the now dimmed lights
of the Mess Hall a huge, imposing figure came through the double doors
followed by what I would now call an entourage. The man wore a one
piece set of fatigues and a fatigue cap. I noticed that he had no
insignia or uniform stripes to indicate rank or branch of service. I
immediately ruled out a stockade prisoner since he had no handcuffs or
Military Police accompaniment.
Oh my God, I thought to myself, it is the “Brown Bomber,” the former
heavyweight champion of the world. “Mr. Louis, Mr. Joe Louis, I am so
honored to meet you,” I muttered as I extended my hand to greet him.
He engulfed my hand with his and said “Just call me Joe.” He asked my
name and exchanged peasantries with me. It so happened he was flying
to California in a C-47 and one of the stopovers was Holloman Air
Force Base. I told him I admired him, he was one of the greatest
fighters in the world and one of my all time favorites. Taking me by
surprise he asked who the other fighters were and who was my favorite,
I told him there was only one other real favorite and that was Rocky
Marciano, the “BrocktonBlockbuster.” He chuckled, and while shaking my
hand once again, tapped me on the cheek with his left hand. “Good
choice, soldier. Nice to meet you.” I will never forget that day and
my chance encounter with a piece of history.
Joe Louis was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 1982
