Martin began his playing career in 1916 when he became the first African American cadet in the history of Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.

[1][2][3] Martin lettered in football, baseball, ice hockey, and track at Norwich.

[4] Martin was called into active military duty in 1942, serving as a major in the United States Army.

Shortly before the end of the war, Martin would die in an aircraft crash, on March 23, 1945, near Reidsville, North Carolina.

Beyond that, Norwich established the Harold "Doc" Martin Society to promote acceptance, inclusivity, and diversity on campus.