Alex Agase had a fascinating life, both on and off the football field.  After starring at the University of Illinois, Agase entered the United States military as the country’s involvement in World War II heightened. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and, sent to Purdue University as a Marine trainee, played for the school’s football team. During the war, he fought in the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima and even earned a Purple Heart. Agase returned to Illinois in 1946 and led the team to an 8-2 record (ranked 5th in the final AP poll), including a Rose Bowl victory over fourth-ranked UCLA. He was named All-American and the Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player. Offered here is a 1946 Chicago Tribune 14K silver football award presented to Agase. This football-designed pendant features a blue enamel letter “I” between the year 1946. “Chicago Tribune AWARD” reads at the bottom. The back of the football displays the name “ALEX AGASE” at the top, above “MOST VALUABLE TO TEAM” and “ILLINOIS”. A 14K mark is also present. This item weighs approximately 7.2 grams. This item comes with a letter of provenance from the Agase family.

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