For people like Don Klarer, the memories are still fresh.

He remembers the emotions of being a 13-year-old boy standing on Shields-Watkins Field as his brother's jersey number was retired in 1946.



Now he gets a second chance.

The University of Tennessee announced Tuesday four former Vols, who lost their lives in World War II, will be honored with a ceremony at this year's Air Force game on Sept. 9.

Family members will be present when Rudy Klarer (No. 49), Clyde "Ig" Fuson (No. 62), Bill Nowling (No. 32) and Willis Tucker (No. 61) have their numbers permanently recognized with a sign inside Neyland Stadium and a banner in the north concourse.

"There was a significant amount of emotion that day," Klarer remembers of the 1946 ceremony. "It was almost as significant as when my brother was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Second World War."

Klarer never thought he would get another opportunity to honor the memory of his brother in Knoxville.

"I'm just really pleased Tennessee is doing what it's doing," he said. "I thought just the fact their numbers were retired was significant enough."

Rudy Klarer, a Second Lieutenant, was only 20 years old when he was killed during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945.

At Tennessee, the Louisville, Ky., native had been a reserve guard in 1941 and a starter in 1942.

"He was very definitely a hero of mine," Don Klarer said. "He graduated from high school when he was 16 and there's no doubt in my mind, if he had survived, he would have been successful as a coach or whatever else he wanted to do."

UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said the timing couldn't have been better with Air Force coming for a visit.

"These four courageous men made the ultimate sacrifice for this country," Hamilton said in a release. "We recognized them in the past, but this is a good opportunity for us to recognize their families on the field."

Nowling, killed Aug. 9, 1944, was a three-year starter from 1940-42 under Gen. Robert Neyland and John Barnhill.

Fuson, killed Dec. 4, 1944, was a fullback on the 1942 team and shared time with Nowling.

Tucker, killed Nov. 28, 1944, was a Knoxville High School graduate and a star sprinter on the UT track and field team.

Season tickets this year honor the seven players who have had their numbers retired.

The Sept. 2 California ticket features Peyton Manning, the Sept. 9 Air Force ticket features Reggie White, and the Sept. 16 Florida ticket features Doug Atkins.

Fuson (Sept. 23 Marshall), Klarer (Oct. 21 Alabama), Nowling (Nov. 4 LSU) and Tucker (Nov. 25 Kentucky) are the other ticket honorees.

Officials at UT are trying to make contact with members of Tucker's family. Anyone with information on how to reach them should call the UT Marketing office at 865-974-1734.

Countdown Continues: The 2006 Vols have their moving-in day Thursday and report for practice at 4 p.m. Friday.

UT has scrimmages set for Aug. 12, Aug. 19, Aug. 22 and a kicking scrimmage Aug. 26.

The Vols put on the pads for the first time Aug. 8.

Football Warm-Up: UT is offering its sixth annual Big Orange Football Warm-up as a non-credit course offered by UT's Department of Professional and Personal Development.

The course is scheduled for Aug. 29 and Aug. 31. Cost is $59.

Speakers include Hamilton, retired Voice of the Vols John Ward, Pilot Corp. chairman Jim Haslam and Vols' offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.

Haywood Harris and Don K. Ferguson will act as moderators for each 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. session.

* Johnson Update: No decision on the status of defensive back Marsalous Johnson was made Tuesday. The redshirt freshman was charged Sunday with aggravated assault after allegedly waving a toy gun at an off-duty officer.

For more information, contact UT at 865-974-1050 or register online at www.outreach.utk.edu/ppd.