Frank Cuhel

Frank Cuhel, born on September twenty-eighth, nineteen oh four, was an accomplished American athlete renowned for his prowess in the 400 metre hurdles. A standout at the University of Iowa, he earned three letters in athletics while also showcasing his skills on the football field. Cuhel's athletic journey reached a pinnacle in nineteen twenty-eight when he clinched the title in the 220 yard hurdles at the NCAA championships, setting a new meeting record in the process.

His remarkable talent led him to represent the United States at the nineteen twenty-eight Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, where he secured a silver medal in the 400 metre hurdles. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone in his athletic career but also paved the way for his post-graduation endeavors.

Following his Olympic success, Cuhel transitioned into the business world, working as an envoy for various Dutch firms operating in America. His career took an adventurous turn when he was assigned to Java, Indonesia, just as World War II was beginning to unfold. Recognizing the importance of the region during the war, he was recruited by Mutual Broadcasting Systems to serve as a war correspondent, providing radio reports on significant events and developments.

Tragically, Cuhel's life was cut short when he perished in the crash of the Boeing 314, known as the Yankee Clipper, into the Tagus River near Lisbon, Portugal, on February twenty-second, nineteen forty-three. This incident also involved the renowned singer Jane Froman, whose story was later depicted in the biopic 'With A Song In My Heart.' In December of the same year, a freighter was named the Frank J. Cuhel in his honor, commemorating his legacy.