[3] While Eugene (or Gene, as he was often called) would become known for his athletic ability, he was also an excellent student, graduating from Defiance High School as the class valedictorian.

[4] He was initially assigned as an artillery cannoneer with the 16th Separate Training Battalion in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

[12] In football, he shared the starting duties at the left halfback position with Bob Chappuis, who went on to All-Big Ten Conference honors in 1946.

"[15] Derricotte broke his nose in a scrimmage after the first game and saw limited playing time, which gave Chappuis an opportunity to shine.

41 while a Michigan Wolverine,[17] had an unusual college football career because he began by starting many games, but gradually became more of a return specialist.

In fact, Derricotte still ranks fifth in NCAA Division I-A history in average yards per punt return.

[23] During his Michigan career, Derricotte returned four punts for touchdowns, which set a school record that has since been tied (but not exceeded) by Steve Breaston and Derrick Alexander.

[27] In the Associated Press poll at the end of the 1947 season, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were ranked ahead of the University of Michigan, though both teams were undefeated.

Some noted that every Southern AP voter had voted for Notre Dame, which had yet to integrate, whereas three of Michigan's star players (Derricotte, Bob Mann and Len Ford) were African-American.

[18] Derricotte was selected in the first round of the All-America Football Conference draft in 1949 by the undefeated league defending champion,[31] Cleveland Browns.

[35] After receiving the second degree, Derricotte returned to the military, serving in Vietnam, as well as South Dakota, Massachusetts, Texas, Hawaii, Virginia, Illinois, and at the United States Air Force Academy before his retirement in 1985.

[35] In March 2007, he was one of many Tuskegee Airmen honored at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., where they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service to the United States.

[36] They were also honored at another ceremony in mid-June 2007 at Randolph Air Force Base in Universal City, Texas, near San Antonio.