...in 1941, was a huge unexpected loss. Fortunately, they turned to several relatively new guys who hadn't traveled with the team to Hawaii. They helped mitigate the season-ending injuries of several long-time starters. By '45, Navy had managed to string together a multi-year unbeaten string, despite losing several starters during that run.

Meantime, Army had shown a true multi-dimensional approach by winning their battles in the trenches and the air.

Both teams attracted sell-out crowds in every venue.