Jonas Ingram

Bio

They called him the "One-Armed Admiral" because Jonas Ingram often-repeated claim was "I'd give my right arm to win this ball game." Ingram was a competitor of special breeding who seemingly feared no human being. As a player at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1904 and 1906, Ingram's career spanned a Middie record of 15-4-3. It was his personal effort which defeated arch rival Army in a 1906 battle. Ingram was a thrashing fullback and fierce linebacker. Following graduation from the Academy, Ingram became the Navy coach for three seasons (1915-1917). His 1917 Midshipmen won seven of eight games (losing only to West Virginia, 7-0) while out-scoring the competition, 442-23. His brother, Hall of Famer Bill Ingram coached the Middies from 1926-1930. At the rank of Admiral, Ingram proved to be an inspirational officer in two world wars, winning the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Service Cross. He served as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in 1944. He later served as Navy's Director of Athletics.