I was saddened to see an article in yesterday's news reporting the passing of Dr. Jim Swink. Doc was a 2-time All-American running back at TCU. He held most of the conference rushing records until Earl Campbell came along. He is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Rather than turning pro after undergraduate school, he went to medical school and became a physician. In 1967, CPT Jim Swink was assigned to the 2/28th Inf. Black Lions as the Battalion Surgeon. Although physicians were usually viewed as pointy-headed intellectuals by the infantry officers, Doc's legendary sports accomplishments (and enjoyment of Hell-raising at the Club) made him fit right in. He was decorated for heroism and received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered from enemy fire when the battalion perimeter came under attack.

Post-Army, Dr. Swink did an Orthopedic residency and had a long and distinguished career as an Orthopedic Surgeon in his home state of Texas.

Dr. Swink will always have a special place in the hearts of those who served with him, especially the battalion medics. Rest in Peace, Doc!