Chronicle Commentary: June 18, 1941
Today’s paper previews the upcoming boxing match between heavyweight champion Joe Louis and challenger Billy Conn. Fresh from a victory over Buddy Baer less than a month ago, Louis is the 4-to-1 odds favorite for his 14th title defense. However, Polo Grounds fans are in for one of the greatest matches in boxing history tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Louis and Conn will both be boxing for the Army soon, and will have a rematch after the war.
While not in the paper, it is worth noting the passing of former 2nd Lt. Thomas H. Rynning, who died on this day at the age of 75. The Norwegian immigrant enlisted in the U.S. Eighth Cavalry’s Troop D during the Indian Wars, serving under famed Civil War cavalry officer Gen. Philip Sheridan and alongside then-Lieutenant Leonard Wood (Medal of Honor recipient and namesake of Fort Leonard Wood). Rynning participated in 17 battles and was present during the capture of Geronimo.
When war broke out between the United States and Spain, Rynning enlisted with the 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, which was organized by Col. Wood and future president Col. Theodore Roosevelt. During the Battle of San Juan Hill, Rynning led the American charge up Kettle Hill when an enemy bullet killed Capt. William O. “Buckey” O’Neill. Also present at the battle was 10th Cavalry quartermaster 1st Lt. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, whose nickname comes from his service with the Buffalo Soldiers.
Following the war, he served as Captain of the Arizona Rangers. Rynning is interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.