He was teaching in Opelika until entering the military on April 7, 1942 and serving until the end of World War II in 1945. He was awarded five campaign battle stars for distinguished service in the ETO; the "Purple Heart" and the Bronze Star medals for action during the "Battle of the Bulge"; the American Campaign medal, World War Victory medal, World War II occupation (Germany) medal and four overseas ribbons. Upon completion of his military service he returned to teaching and coaching at Dawson, GA. Morgan came to Lanett in 1947 and was Athletic Director, coach and teacher through the 1958 football season. During his twelve years as coach, Lanett had three undefeated and three State Champions in football. His record at Lanett was 80-30-3. Morgan's 1949 team went 9-0. The 1956 squad finished the season with an 8-0-1 record and followed that up with a perfect 10-0 season. The 1957 team was named State Champions by the Birmingham News and Post-Herald. His 1958 team won a Championship as selected by the voters at the Post-Herald. The basketball teams were runners-up or District Champions five times and played in the state tournament five times. They placed third in 1952. Morgan was head coach of the winning South Team in the 1950 North-South All-Star Game played in Tuscaloosa, AL. He was Class AA football coach of the year in 1958. Morgan was inducted in the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. The Auburn Chapter of the National Football Hall of Fame gave him the distinguished service award in 1999. In 1959, Morgan became the managing officer and executive Vice-President of First Federal Saving and Loan Association of West Point, GA. He served in a number of civic and professional posts in the Greater Valley Area. He was a member of the Lanett City Council and the Board of Education. Past President and Director of the Lanett Kiwanis Club, Director of Citizen National Bank, First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Valley Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, George H. Lanier Hospital, Auburn Football Lettermen Club and was a member of the Baseball and Basketball Lettermen Clubs. Malvern C. Morgan, Jr. of Lanett, Alabama died March 7, 2009. |