Frank Kurtz

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Frank Allen Kurtz Jr. Diving
Personal information
Nationality: United StatesUnited States United States
Discipline (s) : Art, diving
Society: Los Angeles Athletic Club
Birthday: September 11, 1911
Place of birth: Davenport , Iowa
Date of death: October 31, 1996
Place of death: North Hollywood , California
Medals

Frank Allen Kurtz Jr. (born September 11, 1911 in Rockford , Illinois , † October 31, 1996 in North Hollywood , California ) was an American diver and pilot in the US Air Force .

Youth and sports career

Frank Kurtz was born in Davenport, Iowa. After running away from home when his stepfather was beaten at the age of 12, he made a living selling newspapers. Kurtz was attested throughout his life as an engaging manner and great charm. Through this, too, he came into contact with patrons of the Kansas City Athletic Club, who brought him to the club and so for high diving. At a meeting with Johnny Weissmüller he asked him how he could be successful in sports. On the advice to look for a trainer like Clyde Swenson, he went to see him and was then trained by that one. In addition to an AAU title from the 10-meter board in 1933, Kurtz was able to qualify for three Olympic Games. At the 1932 Games in Los Angeles , the then 20-year-old athlete was able to win the bronze medal from the 10-meter board. On the way to his second participation in the Olympics, he seriously injured his shoulder on the way to the 1936 Games in Berlin . Although his coaches advised him not to participate, he finished 5th from the 10-meter board. Kurtz was also qualified for the 1940 Games in Helsinki . However, these were canceled because the world war had begun.

Further life

In addition to diving, Kurtz was a successful pilot. Before the World War he held several speed records in the junior sector. In order to further train his flying skills, Kurz joined the US Air Force, in which he would serve for 24 years. At the beginning he flew missions in the Pacific and later in Europe. Kurtz received several awards and was promoted to the rank of colonel. After his military career, he took a job at William May Garland's company and later supported the city of Los Angeles' successful bid for the 1984 Olympic Games.

The daughter Swoosie Kurtz emerged from his marriage to Margret Kurtz . It got its name from the B-17 bomber "Swoose Goose" flown by Kurtz.

Awards

In addition to his military awards, Kurtz was also highly honored in terms of sport. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2012.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ sports reference: Frank Kurtz. Retrieved November 8, 2019 .
  2. ^ Myrna Oliver: Frank Kurtz; World War II Aviation Hero. In: LA TImes. LA TImes, November 7, 1996, accessed November 8, 2019 .
  3. ^ Colonel Frank Kurtz (USA) 2012 Honor Pioneer Diver. Retrieved November 8, 2019 .
personal data
SURNAME Kurtz, Frank
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Kurtz, Frank Allen Jr. (full name); Kurtz, Frank
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American diver
DATE OF BIRTH September 11, 1911
PLACE OF BIRTH Davenport , Iowa
DATE OF DEATH October 31, 1996
Place of death North Hollywood , California