RIP: COL Harold Ericksen, USA (Ret), FB Letterwinner (1959-1961) (Link)

[DeepSnap]

Link

Hal, or "Viking" as his obit calls him, was an ole redheaded guard who managed to make 2nd team All-SEC playing with a coupla other All-SEC guards, Dave Watson & Rufus Guthrie.

And then there was the military career.

RIP.

 

[gnats67]

RIP, Viking. Salute!

 

[ScionOfSouthland]

And then there was the military career.

An understatement! This man could have ten rounds in the ring with the devil himself.

4 silver stars, purple hearts, a bronze star and 5 stars of valor retiring at rank of Colonel

 

[ClubSeats]

An understatement! This man could have ten rounds in the ring with the devil himself.

An understatement! This man could have ten rounds in the ring with the devil himself.

 

[donsue]

Link

Hal, or "Viking" as his obit calls him, was an ole redheaded guard who managed to make 2nd team All-SEC playing with a coupla other All-SEC guards, Dave Watson & Rufus Guthrie.

And then there was the military career.

RIP.

Thanks for posting this. Hate to see more Dodd guys passing. If people don’t believe those linemen were tough as pig iron on those teams, ask anyone who played for Bama. A number of old Bama players maintain that the games vs Tech were the most physical they ever played in

 

[Combat Engineer]

In his obit guestbook, a friend left this:

"Jim Tarleton from North Carolina, wrote on Jul. 28, 2019:
I was fortunate to serve under COL Ericksen’s command from late '68 until May '69. It was evident from the moment I met him that he was a formidable combat commander - competent, self-assured, experienced, courageous - demanding the absolute best in leadership from his officers and intolerant of anything less. I learned quickly by his example and did my best to emulate him every moment under his command. Like those who served under and with him - I admired his coolness under fire, his personal bravery and utter fearlessness. I have never known a more competent combat commander. Those who served under his command owe their very lives to his unparalleled leadership. Viking was the epitome of a 'Warrior". I can think of no other man that I admire so much. All who knew him are better for knowing him. I am grateful to have served under him."

“Viking” spent the next 25 years in the Army including two tours of duty in Vietnam where he led the 101st. Airborne 506th Infantry Co. B 1st Battalion serving with honor and distinction receiving 4 silver stars, purple hearts, a bronze star and 5 stars of valor retiring at rank of Colonel.

I didn't know him but I would of liked to.

 

[Yukonwreck]

In his obit guestbook, a friend left this:

"Jim Tarleton from North Carolina, wrote on Jul. 28, 2019:
I was fortunate to serve under COL Ericksen’s command from late '68 until May '69. It was evident from the moment I met him that he was a formidable combat commander - competent, self-assured, experienced, courageous - demanding the absolute best in leadership from his officers and intolerant of anything less. I learned quickly by his example and did my best to emulate him every moment under his command. Like those who served under and with him - I admired his coolness under fire, his personal bravery and utter fearlessness. I have never known a more competent combat commander. Those who served under his command owe their very lives to his unparalleled leadership. Viking was the epitome of a 'Warrior". I can think of no other man that I admire so much. All who knew him are better for knowing him. I am grateful to have served under him."

“Viking” spent the next 25 years in the Army including two tours of duty in Vietnam where he led the 101st. Airborne 506th Infantry Co. B 1st Battalion serving with honor and distinction receiving 4 silver stars, purple hearts, a bronze star and 5 stars of valor retiring at rank of Colonel.

I didn't know him but I would of liked to.

Fits the description of "The Best and The Brightest" to a "T", pun intended. We have lost so much of the true warrior culture since those days.

 

[coit]

Link

Hal, or "Viking" as his obit calls him, was an ole redheaded guard who managed to make 2nd team All-SEC playing with a coupla other All-SEC guards, Dave Watson & Rufus Guthrie.

And then there was the military career.

RIP.

I love the action photos they used to take back in the day.