Bert Baston

Albert Preston Baston (born December 3, 1894 – November 16, 1979) was an American football player for the University of Minnesota, where he was an All-American and one of the first great catchers of the forward pass. He was awarded the Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism" in World War I. In 1954 he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Baston was a sports phenomenon in high school, where he played for Saint Louis Park High School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Entering the University of Minnesota to study law, he played football on the school's 'elevens' at left end for three seasons beginning in 1914. He was captain of the team his final year. Walter Camp named him on his All-American team both in 1915 and in 1916. In addition to his football honors, while at Minnesota Baston was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He was president of the Athletic Board of Control, a member of the University Senate, of the Junior Ball Association, elected to Iron Wedge, a senior society, and to Phi Delta Phi international legal honor society, along with various local clubs.

During World War I Baston served with the 17th Company of the 5th Marine Regiment. He was a captain and fought in France. He suffered a critical leg injury while serving in the Battle of Belleau Wood, with a hole in his leg "big enough to stick a broom handle through," according to family lore. Awarded the Navy Cross, his official citation reads:

"The Navy Cross is presented to Albert P. Baston, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Château-Thierry, France. Although shot in both legs while leading his platoon through the woods at Hill 142, near Château-Thierry, France, on June 6, 1918, Lieutenant Baston refused treatment until he had personally assured himself that every man in his platoon was under cover and in good firing position."