PSFCA Big 33 Announces Memorial Day Weekend Football Classic To Be Dedicated to Big 33 Alum and Legend Captain David B. Rodman

Written by: Big 33 Staff on May 20, 2026.

Rodman’s wife and daughters to attend the football game and participate in the Sunday, May 24. Pre-Game Ceremonies and Legends Recognition as well as the Saturday Night, May 23 Recognition Ceremony.

From the football field at Hanover High and the Big 33 to the battlefields of Vietnam, David Rodman’s legacy of leadership, courage, and sacrifice continues to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.

David grew up in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the son of Alice and Ray Rodman. From an early age, he was known for his strength, determination, and leadership. He was deeply loved by his family and friends.

He graduated from Eichelberger Senior High School (Hanover High), where he served as captain of the 1957 football team. An imposing linebacker, he helped lead the team to a 7-2-1 season. In 1958, he was selected to play on the Pennsylvania Big 33 Team, competing at Hershey Stadium. Pennsylvania defeated the All-American Stars with a final score of 7-0. He was also named to the All-South Penn Conference.

Dave went on to graduate from the University of Delaware in 1962 and later attended Dickinson School of Law. In 1964, he entered Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

That same year, Dave, his wife Dawn, and their daughter Amy moved to Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany, where he worked with the Pershing missile program. While stationed there, their second daughter, Lori, was born.

Before receiving formal orders, Dave volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1967, knowing soldiers were urgently needed. On November 7, 1967, he said goodbye to his wife, Dawn, and their two young daughters-Amy (3½) and Lori (2)—and departed for Vietnam.

After six months of service in Vietnam, David was killed in action. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His citation reads:

“Captain Rodman distinguished himself by gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force on May 8, 1968, while serving as Liaison Officer for Headquarters and Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 40th Artillery, to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, friendly units were engaged in fierce combat with heavily armed enemy forces in Binh Chanh District, Gia Dinh Province. Capt. Rodman was in the command-and-control helicopter responsible for adjustment of the supporting artillery for U.S. troops fighting on the ground, when he realized the need for immediate medical evacuation of the wounded. He ordered his craft to land in the area of the most critical fighting, ignoring the heavy volume of fire being directed at the landing helicopter. In order to personally aid in the evacuation, he left the relative security of the aircraft. Without regard for his own safety, exposing himself to a hail of small arms and automatic weapon fire, he ran to assist a wounded man. Using his body as a shield, Capt. Rodman pulled the wounded man aboard the helicopter and ordered the aircraft to be moved to the evacuation hospital. As the aircraft began to lift off, Capt. Rodman was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Due to his heroic and self-sacrificing efforts, the wounded man was taken to a medical aid center and his life was saved.”

In addition to the Silver Star, David was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism, the Air Medal for his flight service, and the Purple Heart for the life he gave in Vietnam. His honors also include the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

The Republic of Vietnam further recognized his bravery with the National Order of Vietnam (Fifth Class), the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic COO Nicole Whitmire said, “As we gather this Memorial Day weekend to celebrate this year’s Big 33 All Stars, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Their courage will never be forgotten.

“It is truly a privilege to dedicate this year’s Big 33 Football Classic to Captain David Rodman — a true hero, outstanding all-star, and leader who exemplified courage, leadership, service, and sacrifice. He represented the very best of our nation on the field, with his family, and in military service.

“The Big 33 Football Classic stands for more than football. It represents teamwork, character, commitment, and service — values that Captain Rodman embodied throughout his remarkable life.

“May this tribute remind us all, especially the young men and women participating in this year’s Big 33 game and events, that true greatness is not only measured by accomplishments on the field, but by the impact we make in the lives of others and the commitment to something greater than ourselves.

“We are looking forward to honoring our country’s servicemen and women, veterans, and Captain Rodman’s family. On behalf of the PSFCA and the entire Big 33 family, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served and sacrificed for our nation.”

Saturday, May 23: 7:00 p.m. BIG 33 Recognition Ceremony at Cumberland Valley High School PAC with Captain Rodman’s family, players, coaches, Legends, Hon. Chair Louis Riddick, families.

Sunday, May 24: 5:30 p.m. Pre-Game Ceremonies, Military Recognition & Tribute, CVHS Chapman Field
6:30 p.m. Big 33 Football Classic Presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA & The Birner Group
End of 3rd Quarter: Legends to be Recognized, including Captain Rodman’s Family

More details and tickets at big33.org.