Once again the Iowa State Athletic Department continues to improve its program’s future by remembering the history of ISU athletics.

The athletic department has dedicated an exhibit in the Gary Thompson Hall of Honor to memorialize student-athletes who perished while serving the United States in military action.

Thirty-one of ISU’s student-athletes had their lives cut short while paying the supreme sacrifice to their country during World War I and World War II.

ISU Sports Information Director Tom Kroeschell came up with the idea after looking through old alumni publications which listed graduates who perished in war. He noticed the names of some former Cyclone student-athletes on the list and the idea took off.

“I felt like if these guys don’t deserve to be recognized, who does?” Kroeschell said.

He said the idea has been in his head for awhile. But it wasn’t until the the addition of the Jacobson Athletic Building that the perfect place for this exhibit was finally available.

A memorial to these valiant Cyclones is etched on the eastern endcap of the Gary Thompson Hall of Honor.

Kroeschell said the Hall of Honor was a perfect place for the heroes to be remembered because its purpose is to “recognize individuals whose achievements went beyond athletic competition.”

Hall of Fame coordinator Thad Dohrn said that these student-athletes are special because of their achievements both “here and beyond.”

“It’s a very good fit,” Kroeschell said.

Dohrn agreed, saying these people’s lives “truly fit into the Hall of Honor.”

“These men represent the very best in Iowa State athletics,” ISU Athletic Director Gene Smith said. “They gave their lives to preserve the freedom that we sometimes take for granted. We hope this exhibit will give them a permanent place in Cyclone history.”

The etchings in the Hall currently are not permanent, in order to make sure that the research done and information collected is completely accurate.

Dohrn said that although extensive research went into finding these people, the records are not perfect.

No official ceremony has taken place or will be scheduled until accuracy is ensured. However, a ceremony inviting surviving family members is a goal.

“It would be my hope that someday we could do something special for them,” Dohrn said.

Dohrn requests assistance from anyone with information about these men or any additional Cyclones who died while serving their country. Anyone with additional information should contact Dohrn at (515) 294-4315.