Julius Bernard Battista (October 1, 1916 – November 2, 1984)[1] was an American football guard.
Controversy arose in 1936, when other schools refused to play Union-Endicott due to questions of Battista's eligibility.
[5] He was subsequently selected in the 1941 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, as a 7th round pick,[6] but opted not to pursue a professional career.
In June 1942, he was drafted to serve in World War II as part of the United States Army.
[8] In 1965, Battista, now a captain, was awarded the highest medal of honor in the country of Panama for his humanitarian services.