During World War II, it was not uncommon for American military personnel to hold football games while stationed overseas in order to maintain morale.

[5][6] Post-war military games also took place, such as an Associated Press wire report noting a contest between American soldiers from Salzburg and airmen from Wiesbaden Army Airfield, played in Leghorn, Italy in 1953.

[7] While based in Florence, the Twelfth Air Force's Special Service received a set of 120 football uniforms and organized a game with the Fifth Army.

[8] The Army squad, known as the Krautclouters, was coached by Lou Bush, a Captain and former star for the University of Massachusetts Minutemen in football and basketball who also played baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system.

[10] Players for the Army included Philadelphia Eagles tackle Sergeant Cecil Sturgeon and black Los Angeles Bulldogs fullback Corporal John "Big Six" Moody.