Background
Poschner was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and came to the University of Georgia as a result of the efforts of his good friend, Frank Sinkwich.
Poschner was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and came to the University of Georgia as a result of the efforts of his good friend, Frank Sinkwich.
University of Georgia.
During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he participated in the 1941 Orange Bowl and the 1942 Rose Bowl. When Sinkwich was recruited by Georgia, he accepted the scholarship on the condition that Poschner would be granted a scholarship as well. Poschner earned All-America honors in 1942, and was selected in the eighth round of the 1943 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
On January 8, 1945, Poschner participated as a lieutenant in the Battle of the Bulge.
While advancing into enemy territory, he was severely injured by machine-gun fire and did not receive medical treatment until two days later. Poschner lost both legs and several fingers as a result of his injuries.
A New York Times report on Poschner"s injuries observed, "His brilliant pass receiving added much to the reputation of All-America Frank Sinkwich, also of Youngstown, as a forward passer". The news report added that "Poschner"s mother advised Coach Wally Butts of her son"s case".
In 1982, his former teammate, Frank Sinkwich, lauded him at a testimonial dinner held at Youngstown"s Croatian Home.
"Knowing George has made me stronger all my life", Sinkwich said. In his letter nominating Poschner to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Sinkwich wrote: "In my opinion, George Poschner is perhaps the greatest competitor of all time, both on and off the field I have never known anyone with more courage on the football or the battlefield".
Poschner was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1982, and the Orange Bowl Hall of Honor in 1985.
Quotations: "Knowing George has made me stronger all my life".