ALAMEDA, Calif. — During a ceremony today, the Coast Guard posthumously honored former Coast Guardsman and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Emlen Tunnell, with the Silver Life Saving Medal and gymnasium dedication. Tunnell’s sister, Vivian Robinson, accepted the award on his behalf.
Tunnell was awarded the SLM for conducting two life-saving rescues during his short Coast Guard career from 1943-46. His role as an athlete throughout his lifetime before, during and after the Coast Guard made it fitting and appropriate to name the Coast Guard Island gym after him. He pursued a professional football career after the Coast Guard and helped break the color barrier in sports history.
