John “Johnny” Charles Young (1913-1975) was the head football coach at Palmerton High School several times from 1941 to 1957. He also taught history, social studies and economics for 37 years.
Photo courtesy 1938 Muhlenberg College yearbook.
Born in Allentown, he was a 1933 Allentown High School graduate. He enrolled for one year at Allentown Prep, an academy associated with Muhlenberg College, and then entered Muhlenberg in October 1934 where he was a tackle on the football team.
He graduated in June 38 1938
He was married to Genevieve née James (1914-1979).
Young's teaching and coaching career at Palmerton was interrupted several times when he reported for active duty with the U.S. Navy.
World War II:
domestic service, 5 May 1942 – 16 September 1945 and 15 November 1945 – 9 December 1945
foreign service, 16 September 1945 – 15 November 1945 aboard the USS Westwind, USS Griggs and USS Menifee
Korean War:
17 September 1950 to 29 August 1952
In June 1962, Young formally retired from the US Naval Reserve as a lieutenant commander.
Eventually, he became assistant superintendent for the Palmerton School District.
Young was Palmerton's head coach for these seasons:
- 1941, 4-3-1
- 1946, 5-3-1
- 1947, 3-5-1
- 1948, 3-6-1
- 1949, 1-8-1
- 1955, 2-8
- 1956, 6-3-1
- 1957, 2-7
His overall record as football coach was 26-43-6. He was also an assistant coach several times.