Joseph Louis Barrow, better known as Joe Louis, was a native of LaFayette, Alabama who became the world heavyweight boxing champion. He held the title for 11 years. At a turbulent time in history, just before World War II, he became a popular national hero. Louis faced champion James J. Braddock on June 22, 1937, and following an eighth-round knockout, he became the first African-American to win the heavyweight title since 1908. He served in the Army and spent time traveling around Europe, visiting with the fighting troops and boxing in exhibitions – and the money awarded him was turned over to the U.S. government. During this time, he became a national spokesman for the Army. Joe Louis died in 1981 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. His life and his achievements prompted writers to say “Joe Louis is a credit to his race – the human race.”When he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 1992, Congress stated that he “did so much to bolster the spirit of the American people during one of the most crucial times in American history which has endured throughout the years as a symbol of strength for the nation.”