Hank Greenberg is known as one of the best power hitters who ever played for the Detroit Tigers. But did you know he served in the United States Army during World War II?

On October 16, 1940, Greenberg and a few other Americans registered for the first peacetime draft in the nations history. When he took his physical, doctors found out he had flat feet and couldn’t enlist, but a second examination determined him fit for the military. On May 7,1941, Greenberg enlisted into the Air Force and was sent to Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan. Before Greenberg left for battle, he told The Sporting News, “If there’s any last message to the public, let it be that I’m going to be a good soldier”. Greenberg was assigned as an anti-tank gunner in Tennessee and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant. Greenberg was honorably discharged after Congress released men 28 years or older from military service. However, Greenberg re-enlisted and volunteered for service in the United States Army Air Corps. He would tell The Sporting News, “We are in trouble and there is only one thing for me to do-return to service”.

- The Wanna Be Sports Guy

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Tags | Detroit Tigers, Hank Greenberg, military, MLB