Montgomery, the quarterback, called a hidden-ball trick play known as KF-79[1] that led to Columbia's 7–0 upset over Stanford University.

It was widely regarded as one of the greatest athletic upsets of the twentieth century, and Montgomery was named the game's Most valuable player.

[2] Montgomery went on to play for one season with the National Football League Brooklyn Dodgers, seeing action in 11 games and starting 3 times.

[3] Montgomery served with the United States Navy during World War II.

He earned the Silver Star during the 1945 invasion of Okinawa, credited with saving the lives of 400 sailors on April 6, 1945, when he navigated his flagship alongside a burning destroyer in rough seas.