Purdue University historian Randy Roberts discusses the iconic 1944 football game between the undefeated cadets of West Point and the midshipmen of Annapolis.

Roberts, author of A Team for America and a longtime observer of sports’ role in popular culture, describes a violent gridiron encounter that was a prophetic prelude for its war-bound players. For the rest of America the game represented national pride, hope during a desperate struggle, and a celebration of the best in our collective character. And the play-by-play radio broadcast of the contest gave a brief respite from combat to America’s fighting men throughout the world.