June 8, 2018
Veterans History Project: Robert Patrick “Rocky” Bleier Mistletoe Enterprises LLC and Victory & Valor are proud to advocate for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Today, we will tell a little more about it and feature one of the thousands of military veterans whose service history has been documented and preserved for posterity: Robert Patrick Bleier, United States Army. You may have heard of him as “Rocky” Bleier, a Viet Nam veteran and All-Pro running back starring with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bleier began his pro football career with Pittsburgh starting in 1968. His football career was interrupted from 1968-1969 while serving with the Army in Viet Nam. In combat, Bleier sustained a serious wound to his leg for which he earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After many months of rehab and recovery, he returned to the Steelers and played a key role to help them win four Super Bowl championships between 1971-1980. His story is preserved in the Veterans History Project. As I have mentioned previously, Mistletoe Enterprises organized as a business in October 2017. Long prior to that date, Victory & Valor first appeared in print in February 2007. On pages 18 & 19 of that premier issue, Victory & Valor saluted the Library of Congress Veterans History Project with a pledge to promote it in every issue. Mistletoe Enterprises and Victory & Valor will always honor that promise. Our mission is to educate others by spreading cheer and telling the stories of heroes from all walks of life. We value education, history, truth, and heroic acts. And the Veterans History Project is one way to share such stories. And to bring these stories to you, we do a lot of research. I mean a LOT of research! The Library of Congress, the National Archives, Presidential Libraries and Museums, and a long list of other public domains hold a treasure trove of historic material that we can utilize in our mission to educate others – especially our younger generation. Rocky Bleier’s story is among that treasure. Robert Patrick Bleier got his nickname “Rocky” when he was just a toddler in Appleton, Wisconsin. Growing up there, he excelled at football and basketball. He went on to play college ball at Notre Dame, was part of the National Champion team during his junior year in 1966 and was named captain in his senior year. Pittsburgh drafted him in the 16th round of the NFL draft in January 1968. He appeared in ten games for the Steelers his rookie year of 1968, carrying the ball 6 times totaling 39 yards. In December 1968, the Army drafted him. After training, he was shipped to Vietnam in May 1969. He was assigned to the 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade at Chu Lai, Vietnam. He earned the rank of Specialist Four and served as a squad grenadier. While on patrol on August 20 in Heip Duc, he was shot in the left thigh. On the ground, an exploding grenade sent shrapnel into his lower right leg and foot. There was little likelihood of playing football again. But Rocky Bleier did not quit. After several surgeries he was discharged from the Army in the summer of 1970. He returned to the Steelers and was placed on the injured reserve list. He hobbled. He was underweight. He still could not move without pain. But he continued to rehabilitate and workout to regain strength and form. In December 1971, he returned to the field for the Steelers. The rest of the story is told by four Super Bowl rings and a post football career of motivating others by sharing his story. Rocky Bleier served our country with honor and distinction. Now he serves others with inspiration. That is the heart of a champion. That is why we bring his story to you from Victory & Valor. And that is why we promote the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. They are stories of heroes. For more information about the Veterans History Project visit: http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.106914 Have a good weekend! See you back here Monday!
2 Comments
David Bonitati
6/8/2018 04:24:48 pm
I appreciate the stories you bring us Tom. Rocky Bleier is a great role model for never giving up.
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Thomas Davis
6/8/2018 04:26:46 pm
Thank you for following, Dave! Your support is appreciated.
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AuthorTom Davis is the owner of Mistletoe Enterprises LLC. He also publishes and distributes the Victory & Valor Flyer, it tells the stories of heroes from all walks of life. Archives
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