EVENTS
All-Around Champion Cowboy, 1940
Saddle Bronc Rider, Champion, 1939-1940
Well-remembered among old-time bronc riders, Fritz Truan was born in 1916 at Seeley, California. Although he was not raised as a cowboy, Truan joined the rodeo circuit in 1935 and soon established a reputation as a superb bronc rider and capable bulldogger.
Fritz Truan made his greatest ride aboard a horse called Hell’s Angel in 1939 at Madison Square Garden, winning the saddle-bronc championship for the year. Known for fierce determination and competitive spirit, he repeated the following year and captured the all-around champion cowboy title as well. Always a contender, Truan also earned many lasting friendships on the circuit.
Fritz Truan joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and was killed in the battle for Iwo Jima in 1945. The rodeo arena at Kaneoha Bay Marine Air Station in the Hawaiian Islands is named in Truan’s honor.
