HYDE PARK, NY and ONLINE — The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum will present a conversation and book signing with Jim Noles, author of “Undefeated: From basketball to battle,” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 16 at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home.

The conversation will be streamed live to the official FDR Presidential Library YouTube and Facebook accounts. 

In 1943, the West Point basketball team, the Cadets, had only managed a 5-10 record, and for the 1944 season, coach Ed Kelleher’s hopes in reversing Army’s fortunes rested on his five starters. They consisted of three seniors: team captain “Big Ed” Christl, John “Three Star” Hennessey, and class president Bobby Faas; plus two juniors—Dale Hall and Doug Kenna.

By the end of January 1944, West Point was 6-0; by the end of February, the team boasted a 13-0 record.

The senior cadets were unable to play in any national tournaments. One fought on the front lines in Europe, one died in Austria in the final weeks of the war, and one was shot down over Japan and forced to bail out over the Pacific Ocean. Coach Kelleher would die overseas on his own special assignment with the Army. The National Invitational Tournament’s trophy is named after him.

This is a free public event, but registration is required to attend in person. 

Visit www.fdrlibrary.org to register.

For more information about the library or its programs call 800/337-8474 or visit www.fdrlibrary.org.