The Longhorns' slogan and famous hand gesture, known as the "Hook 'em Horns," was created in reference to the need to mitigate Swink's prowess as a player.

[3] After finishing his degree at TCU, Swink chose to give up playing in the National Football League and attended medical school instead.

According to the book June 17, 1967: Battle of Xom Bo II by David Hearne: The presence of 31 years old Captain James E. Swink, our battalion surgeon, was an additional blessing for our wounded men as they were pulled out of the wood line.

He had been a famed player in his earlier years, earning him the moniker "the Rusk Rambler" as he led TCU to consecutive conference championships and Cotton Bowl appearances.

In fact, Captain Swink was a two time "All American" halfback who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1955.

In numerous interviews, Swink stated he had been inspired by a physician in Rusk, Texas to pursue a medical career.

Prior to November 12, 1955, game Texas students had come up with the oft-heard phrase in the hopes of unsettling Swink and his team, the Horned Frogs, but it didn't work.

During his tour, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal for his outstanding contribution to the cause.

Swink died on December 3, 2014, at his home in Rusk, Texas, due to complications of lymphoma.