1957


"In '57 the titles were lost, but not without a fight. B.S. put on outstanding shows at both Nationals. Perthaps emblematic of the character of that corps was the Bayonne contest. After losing to Vinnies for 8 straight weeks, and with several substitutes in the line that night, B.S. upset St. Vinnies before their home crowd....There were the bitter sweet moments. In 1957, a veteran of the Corps was kicked out of the line on the day of the American Legion Nationals in Atlantic City. But instead of sulking in seclusion, he was at mid-field on the back side of the Armory floor that night as the Corps defended its National Title indoors. Every time the Corps turned away from the stands and headed backfield, they saw their fellow Golden Knight, clad in his Corps jacket, his fists clenched, exhorting his corps onward. There were tears in his eyes. His name was Richie Paul. His brother was the Drum Major. His father was the Quartermaster."  - from Tim O'Brien's A (not so brief) HISTORY OF THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS