Member Biography

Carl Hinkle was a defensive genius and the captain of Vanderbilt's famed "Iron Men" of 1937, a team which missed a Rose Bowl invitation by inches. The Commodores were playing Alabama in the final game of the season and a victory would bring the bowl bid. But, a Crimson Tide field goal produced a 9-7 Alabama victory, and Vandy's dream faded. Hinkle was the most decorated lineman in the South in 1937, winning the Southeastern Conference's Most Valuable Player honors as well as All-America recognition. He led the team in tackles and was among team leaders in pass interceptions. Following graduation, Hinkle obtained an appointment to West Point. He was not eligible to play on the Army team but he helped with coaching and took part in scrimmages. During World War II, Carl served as a pilot and won the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Medal of Commendation, France's Croix de Guerre and a Presidential Citation Unit with Oak Leaf Clusters. He was later named to the All-Time SEC team. In 1937, he played 60 minutes in seven of Vanderbilt's games. He was born in 1917 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the son of a Methodist minister, Rev. Carl C. Hinkle Sr. He died November 15, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas.