1952 Blessed Sacrament Cadets
1947-Getting Ready for Memorial Day · 1947 Drum Line · 1947 Color Guard · 1947 BS Twirlers · 1950 St. Patrick's Day Parade · 1952 Blessed Sacrament Cadets · 1952 Blessed Sacrament Cadets-Large · 1952 Holy Name Parade · 1952 Recording
The 1952 Blessed Sacrament Cadets (not yet the "Golden Knights"). Click here for an enlargement. According to Al Cohen, the photo was taken in Garfield, NJ, following a parade. This copy was provided by John Krein, who received it from Al Cohen. Notice the uniforms: "tar bucket" shakos, and no bibs with the blouses. The bass drums do not say "Golden Knights," and, of course, there are no titles listed on the bass drum heads. Also notice that the snare and tenor drums are different sizes. 1952 was the corps' first year of field competition. They would become National Champions just 26 months later - a feat that has never been duplicated.
According to the recollections of Al, John, and John's brother Joe Krein, the names are:
Bottom row, from left:
Bob Gleason, John Krein, Tom Chapman, Joe Krein, Ed Wyrwa, Joe Porta, Dan Walsh, George Hynson, ???Salvatore, Gene Gibbs, Joe Smith, John Murphy, DM Jack Stecher
American Flag row, from Left:
Jim (Deuce) McMahon, the head behind Chapman looks like Bob Yuknavage ("check the nose"), Gary Carlton, head behind Carlton is Marty Murphy or John Boyle, Bob Boyle, Phil O'Connell, Frank Dalton, Bill Samanek, Al Cohen, Bob O'Connell, Andey Prachard, Walt Smith (note the bass drum sling), Bill Sysyn, (next flag is Kyle Kresske according to Cohen), end flag is Red Huber
Next row, from left:
Bob Meyler, Tom Bambrick, Charlie Sodano, (maybe Eddie Pepick according to Cohen), John Seely, Dave Gornitsky, Dick Cooper, Jimmy Murray, Norm Jupa, Tom Sepe
Top Row, from left:
Ron Mullins, Jack Walker, John Leonhardt, Joe Buksar, Peter Farmer, Jack Karch, Joe Siefert, Bob Pepsin
Thanks to John, Joe, and Al for the memories!