Taussig, Joseph

Joseph Knefler Taussig

Taussig starred as Navy's quarterback in 1897 and 1898. Following his collegiate athletic career, Taussig fought in the Spanish-American War, won the Distinguished Service Medal in 1918 as commanding officer of a destroyer during World War I, and retired from the Navy as a Vice Admiral in 1941. He was recalled during World War II.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. August 30, 1877 - d. October 29, 1947

Career Highlights:
Taussig led the 1897 Navy team to an 8-1-0 record and a 7-1-0 record in 1898, with both losses being to Princeton. In 1898, Caspar Whitney, who with Walter Camp originated the All-America team, wrote about him in Harper's Weekly, "Taussig is fast, good driver and runner and sure and hard tackler."

In 1899, Joe won the Thompson Trophy as the man "who has done the most during the current year for the promotion of athletics at the Naval Academy." His brothers John Taussig and Charles Taussig played college ball at Cornell.

Origin:
Dresden, Germany

Career Dates:
Taussig played quarterback at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1897-1898.

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