“Jumping Joe” Savoldi in 1936.
Joseph Anthony Savoldi Jr., more commonly known by his nickname “Jumping Joe” Savoldi, was born as Giuseppe Antonio Savoldi on March 5, 1908, in Castano Primo, Province of Milan, Italy. He was born two months premature and spent his childhood in Castano Primo and Bergamo (Milan, Italy). Raised by his grandmother and an aunt, he finally joined his family in Three Oaks, Michigan at age twelve.
Football Player
Savoldi anglicized his first name to “Joe” and became an athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduation from Three Oaks High, he enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, where, beginning in 1928, he played football for the Fighting Irish teams coached by Knute Rockne.
His first start for Notre Dame came during his sophomore year against would-be national champion, Georgia Tech, after Rockne’s first, second, and third string fullbacks all fell to injuries. The All-American fullback was first nicknamed, “Galloping Joe,” followed by “The Wandering Wop,” followed by “The People’s Choice,” before finally earning the moniker “Jumping Joe.” The nickname that finally stuck, was a result of a play he made in a 1929 game against Carnegie Tech, when he scored a touchdown by diving up and over the goal line to win the game.
Savoldi’s departure from Notre Dame was quite sudden and unexpected. On November 17, 1930, he withdrew from school after divorce papers were filed and news of his secret marriage was leaked to the press. This news did not sit well with the Catholic Church, and Savoldi was forced to leave Notre Dame.
After his time at Notre Dame, Savoldi went professional, signing with the Chicago Bears of the NFL. This move was not without controversy, as the Bears were fined $1,000 for signing a player before his college class had graduated Savoldi played the final three games of the season with the Bears.
Following his significant contribution to the Chicago Bears’ final three victories of the season, which included a remarkable 21-0 triumph over Lambeau’s Packers at Wrigley Field, Savoldi was invited to reunite with his Notre Dame team. They were scheduled to play in a game featuring Notre Dame All-Stars against West/South All-Stars at the Los Angeles Coliseum. In the game, which ended in a 20-7 victory for his team, Savoldi showcased his exceptional skills by scoring three touchdowns.
Pro Wrestler
His performance in the All-Star game, captivated two notable spectators — wrestling promoter Billy Sandow and the former world champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Savoldi debuted in professional wrestling in 1931 and retired in 1950. He was trained by Billy Sandow and “Strangler” Lewis. His ring name was “Jumping Joe” Savoldi, and he was billed from Milan, Italy. He was the originator of the dropkick.
It’s interesting to note that there is another wrestler who is also named “Jumping Joe” Savoldi. He is the son wrestler Angelo Savoldi and stepped into the wrestling ring for the first time in 1982, and since then, he has been a part of various North American and international promotions. Despite sharing the same name, he is not related to the original “Jumping Joe” Savoldi.
Spy
During World War II, the original “Jumping Joe” Savoldi served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He was assigned to the Special Operations branch of the OSS, with the code name “Sampson”.
Savoldi joined the OSS after being approached by the U.S. government in 1942. He was selected due to his fluency in multiple Italian dialects, his expertise in hand-to-hand combat, and his extensive knowledge of Italian geography, including the interior of Benito Mussolini’s compound.
Savoldi’s service in the OSS was marked by missions in North Africa, Italy, and France during 1943–1945. As a member of the 2677th Regiment APO 512, Savoldi took part in multiple missions behind enemy lines. His work was instrumental in gathering intelligence and disrupting enemy operations, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort.
His time in the OSS was characterized by bravery, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to his duty. Despite the inherent risks associated with operating behind enemy lines, Savoldi carried out his missions with unwavering dedication. His contributions to the OSS and the Allied war effort exemplify the spirit of service and sacrifice that defined the Greatest Generation.
After the war, Savoldi returned to the United States, where he continued to lead a life marked by service and accomplishment. His time in the OSS left a lasting impact on him, shaping his post-war life and career. Savoldi passed away on January 25, 1974, in Henderson, Kentucky at age 65,
Legacy
“Jumping Joe” Savoldi’s life and career spanned multiple fields, from athletics to professional wrestling, and service in the OSS during World War II. His contributions to each of these fields have left a lasting legacy.
Savoldi’s service in the OSS is a testament to his courage and dedication. His contributions to the war effort are a significant part of his legacy, reflecting his commitment to service and his willingness to risk everything for the cause of freedom. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the extraordinary feats ordinary individuals are capable of when called upon to serve.
Resources
Office of Strategic Services Society
OSSSociety.org
USASOC OSS Website (Official US Army Website)
www.soc.mil/OSS/index.html
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
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