Frank Jacob "Deke" Gard (March 27, 1892 – September 27, 1918) was an American rugby union player who played flanker for the United States men's national team in its first two capped matches in 1912 and 1913.[1]
 Gard with the US team in 1912 (pictured back row, sixth from left) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Frank Jacob Gard | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | March 27, 1892 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Tremont City, Ohio, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | September 27, 1918 (aged 26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Argonne Forest, France | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Stanford University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early life and university years
Gard was born on March 27, 1892, in Tremont City, Ohio, the eldest child of Emerson Earl Gard and Laura E. Gard (born Shanley).[2] Gard moved with his family from Ohio to Glendora, California, in 1905 and attended Citrus Union High School, from which he graduated in 1910.[2] Gard attended Stanford University from 1910 until 1914 and graduated in May 1914 with a degree in chemistry.[2][3] While at Stanford, Gard played for the rugby team,[2] serving as the team's captain during the 1914 season.[3] During his senior season, Gard was described as "one of [the] best forwards on the [West] coast."[4] He also was a three-time varsity letter-winner for the school's track and field team, running in the 440-yard dash and in relays.[3]
International rugby career
Beginning in 1911, Gard played for the United States national rugby union team.[2] On November 16, 1912, Gard played for the United States at flanker in its first capped match—a 12–8 loss to Australia.[5] On November 15, 1913, Gard also played for the United States at flanker in its first test match against New Zealand.[6] Gard served as captain in this match—a 51–3 defeat.[6]
Military service and death
On June 13, 1917, Gard enlisted in the United States Army.[2] Gard was commissioned as a First Lieutenant, served in the Army's 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, and was deployed to France during World War I.[2] On September 27, 1918, Gard was killed in action during an advance through Gesnes, France.[2] Gard was buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery near Romagne-sous-Montfaucon in France.[2]
References
External links
- "Lieut Frank J Gard". Find a Grave. August 28, 2006. Retrieved June 26, 2018.