A Purple Heart recipient and four-sport star, George Gaudreault is a shining example of the collegiate student athlete during World War II.
Following a stellar rookie campaign in 1942-43, when he became the first freshman to captain the varsity basketball team and established a freshman scoring record, Gaudreault was called into military service.
Stationed in Europe, he suffered numerous injuries, including a gun shot wound to his right hand when his A-26 crashed into a field in the surrounding area of Gresette, Italy.
In what should have been his senior year, Gaudreault returned to Boston University in the fall of 1945 as a sophomore. His two years in the military did not alter his athletic desire or instinct, but severely impaired his agility on the baseball diamond. He earned a varsity letter as a utility infielder during his freshman year, and was expected to assume a starting role at first base during his sophomore year.
His wartime injuries reduced him to a utility role, and Gaudreault spent the springs of his junior and senior campaigns working part-time jobs, and competing with the track team. His natural talents allowed him to excel in the 100-yard dash, 220, low hurdles, high jump, javelin and long jump. He captured the IC4A title in the latter event.
However, it was on the basketball court that he enjoyed the majority of his success and notoriety. He again served as team captain during his sophomore and junior years and received All-New England recognition in 1946 and 1948.
Gaudreault led the team in scoring in 1946 and helped the Terriers compile a 12-2 mark, with the two losses incurred at the hands of a Harvard team that would later represent New England at the NCAA Tournament. He again led the team in scoring in 1948, while he was second in 1947, and finished his career with 970 points.
