Joe Louis serves in U.S. Army — tours and exhibition bouts

Throughout 1942-1945, Joe Louis served in the U.S. Army, donated two championship purses to service relief funds, and conducted hundreds of exhibition bouts for troops. His service, despite the Army's segregation, made him a symbol of the Double V spirit — contributing to the war while fighting for dignity at home. Louis held the heavyweight championship continuously from 1937 to 1949, with 26 successful defenses.