Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140
RS 13/16/1
Iowa State University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Military Science
Subject Files, 1902-1991, undated
Descriptive summary
| creator: | Iowa State University. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Department of Military Science |
| title: | Subject Files |
| dates: | 1902-1991, undated |
| extent: | 4.55 linear feet (7 document boxes, 1 half-document box, and 1 oversize box) |
| collection number: | RS 13/16/1 |
| repository: | University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University. |
Administrative information
| access: | Open for research |
| publication rights: | Consult Head, Special Collections Department |
| preferred citation: | Iowa State University, Department of Military Science Subject Files, RS 13/16/1, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library. |
Historical note
The Department of Military Science was established in 1870 as a result of the provision in the Morrill Land Grant Act that military tactics be offered at land grant institutions. All able bodied male students were expected to participate, although neither the Morrill Act or the Federal Government required compulsory training. From 1878-1897, female students received military training on a volunteer basis. In 1916, Congress passed the National Defense Act, which provided for the establishment of the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps (R.O.T.C.). An Iowa State R.O.T.C. unit was formed in 1919, and training took place through the Military Science Department. To house the new program, the armory was built in 1921; destroyed by fire in 1922, it was rebuilt in 1923. All early records of military training were lost in the fire. During World War II, the R.O.T.C. program was temporarily halted (1943-1946), as most male students were enlisting in the regular army. The school year 1946-1947 saw the formation of a Navy R.O.T.C. unit. The Air Force R.O.T.C. unit was organized in 1949. In 1950 Military Science, Naval Science, and Air Force Science combined to form one department; but split into individual departments again in 1957. By 1961 students on campuses across the nation, including Iowa State students, were protesting the mandatory military training requirement. In 1962, the Iowa State Board of Regents declared R.O.T.C. an elective. During World War I, Iowa State trained soldiers for the military. Military draftees were trained as auto mechanics, blacksmiths, or machinists. They were housed under the bleachers on State Field. The instruction, mainly in practical assembly, repair and operation processes, entirely separate from collegiate work, was under the direction of Professor W. H. Meeker of the Mechanical Engineering Department. This detachment of trainees was known as the Student Army Training Corps (S.A.T.C.). College students between ages of 18 and 21 years were also able to volunteer for induction into active service. These students combined collegiate campus and army camp, by participating in scholastic study and military drill. The students received soldier's compensation, and the College paid for their housing and subsistence. A distinct separation of the collegiate and vocational sections was maintained in organization and instruction. The collegiate companies were lodged in fraternity houses and State Gym was utilized as a mess hall. In October 1918 influenza broke out on campus resulting in 1250 cases at one time. The wing of the college hospital, opened in April, was used exclusively for pneumonia cases. State Gym, a church basement, and dwelling houses became improved flu wards. The campus was placed under strict quarantine, and passes were required for travel between the Fourth Ward and the downtown district. All work was suspended for a week and the schedule was more or less broken the rest of the quarter by recurring outbreaks of the malady. From October 8, 1918, to November 27, 1918, 51 deaths were reported in the corps; 25 in the collegiate section, and 26 in the mechanical detachment. The training program ended on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. Veterans that were disabled as a result of their service in World War I were retrained by Iowa State from 1918 to 1928. Iowa State horticulture professor J. C. Cunningham represented agricultural interests on President Harding's Commission in the organization of the U.S. Veteran's Bureau from 1919 to 1920. He directed the work in agriculture for disabled ex-servicemen at Iowa State College from 1919 to 1928. World War II brought both military and civilian students to Iowa State for training. The Navy personnel were trained as electricians, cooks and bakers, diesel mechanics, and amphibious firemen. The Navy education programs were conducted from June 1, 1942 to December 2, 1944. In total 13,206 men were trained for the Navy. The Army personnel were enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). The ASTP was divided into four different curriculums: Basic Phase Curriculum B-1 (Engineering), Basic Phase ASTRP (Reserve) Curriculum B-1 (Engineering), First Year Advanced ROTC curriculum (Basic or Advanced Engineering), and Advanced Phase Curriculum in Veterinary Medicine. The ASTP program was very rigorous with all work done at college level. The Basic Phase ASTRP (Reserve) Curriculum B-1 personnel were civilians under the age of 18 years and were not able to enlist due to age restrictions. All others in the ASTP program were enlisted Army personnel. The ASTP program was conducted from September 13, 1943 to May 1, 1944. The advanced Phase Curriculum in Veterinary Medicine cadets were enlisted Army personnel and assigned to the ASTP curriculum for pursuing a regular college curriculum in veterinary medicine. Upon completion they would be commissioned officers in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. The curriculum was terminated at Army request August 26, 1944. Iowa State trained 117 cadets in the four curriculums. The Curtiss-Wright Corporation contracted with Iowa State to conduct a program to train civilian women assistants for their engineering departments. The Curtiss-Wright Engineering Cadets were trained in drafting, stress analysis, materials lab, aerodynamics, and production liaison. The cadets were not engineers, but were given adequate training so that they could assist engineers with their jobs. The company hoped their engineers would be able to accomplish more in less time with assistance of trained helpers. The courses began on February 15, 1943 with 100 cadets enrolled. When the course was completed 90 women out of the original 100 graduated, with 84 of the graduates being employed at the Curtiss-Wright Corporation Plant in St. Louis. |
Collection description
This collection (1902-1991, undated) contains subject files, reports, photographs, and news clippings. The collection documents the Military Science program, R.O.T.C. programs, and campus activities during World War I and World War II. World War I subject files include correspondence files, ambulance company records, the Library Memorial Collection, Student Army Training Corps (SATC) records, and newspaper clippings. The World War II subject files include personnel files, Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) records, Armed Services, Marines, Navy, Civilian and Naval Training School files. There is also a dissertation "A Century of Military Training at Iowa State University, 1870-1970" in this collection. The materials for the World War I Veterans Rehabilitation Program were administered by J.C. Cunningham (RS 9/16/53). This material was separated from his files and placed here on June 18, 1997. Records related to the Curtiss-Wright Engineering Cadettes Program, implemented at Iowa State during World War II, can be found in RS 13/16/4. |
Organization
The collection is arranged alphabetically. |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
1 |
1 |
Annual Inspection |
1908-1915 |
1 |
2 |
Award Certificate |
1973 |
1 |
3 |
Cadet Guide |
1970 |
1 |
4 |
The Changing Role of ROTC at Iowa State University |
1969 |
1 |
5 |
Clothing Record and Receipts |
1947-1970, undated |
1 |
6 |
Compulsory Military Training |
1930,1938 |
1 |
7 |
Correspondence and Departmental Memoranda |
1904-1966 |
1 |
8 |
Correspondence Concerning the Effects of College Athletics Upon the Bodies of ROTC Candidates |
1908 |
1 |
9 |
Criteria for Selection of Faculty in Officer Education |
1970 |
8 |
1 |
Graphs, Charts, and Group Picture |
undated |
1 |
10 |
History: "A Brief History of Military Instruction in the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts" |
1921 |
1 |
18 |
History: "A Century of Military Training at Iowa State University, 1870-1970" dissertation by James Leftwich Lee |
1972 |
1 |
11 |
History of Military Studies 1870-1970 at Iowa State University |
1970 |
1 |
12 |
Iowa National Guard |
undated |
1 |
13 |
Military Drill |
1902-1917 |
1 |
14 |
Modernized Officers Education Program |
1970 |
1 |
15 |
Report of the Officer Education Committee |
1971 |
| 9 | 4 | Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC): Information and Regulations Manual | 1925 |
1 |
16 |
ROTC Program Information for Faculty and Advisors |
1976 |
1 |
17 |
United States Army Field Band |
undated |
1 |
19 |
World War I: Ambulance Company: Biography A-M |
1917-1970 |
1 |
20 |
World War I: Ambulance Company: Biography M-Z, Reunions 1963-1970 |
1917-1970 |
1 |
21 |
World War I: Ambulance Company: Photos, Letters, Clippings |
1917-1969 |
2 |
1 |
World War I: Brochures, Pamphlets, Publications, and Official Passes |
1917-1956, undated |
2 |
2 |
World War I: Correspondence: Soldiers to Ward Jones, Alumni Association |
1917-1919, |
2 |
3 |
World War I: Correspondence: Soldiers to Maria Roberts |
1917-1919, undated |
2 |
4 |
World War I: Correspondence: Soldiers to various ISC People |
1918-1980, undated |
2 |
5 |
World War I: Correspondence: Re: Christmas Packages sent from Ames, Iowa |
1917-1918 |
2 |
6 |
World War I: Died in Service: Lists |
1919 |
2 |
7 |
World War I: Draft Rolls |
1917 |
2 |
8 |
World War I: Faculty: Military Resources |
1917 |
2 |
9 |
World War I: Flu Epidemic |
1918, 1989 |
2 |
10 |
World War I: Library Memorial Collection: Correspondence to Faculty |
1919 |
2 |
11 |
World War I: Library Memorial Collection: Correspondence with Fraternities |
1919 |
2 |
12 |
World War I: Hospital Records for the Motor Corp and SATC |
1918-1921 |
2 |
13 |
World War I: Training at ISC: Vocational Education of Army Men |
1918 |
2 |
14 |
World War I: Training at ISC: War Training Work |
1918 |
3 |
1 |
World War I: Library Memorial Collection: Correspondence with ISC Departments |
1919 |
3 |
2 |
World War I: Library Memorial Correspondence: Correspondence with other schools |
1919 |
3 |
4 |
World War I: Library: "What the Library did to help win the War" |
1919 |
3 |
5 |
World War I: Library Memorial Collection: Correspondence Re: Souvenirs |
1919-1920 |
3 |
6 |
Military Ball |
1943-1956 |
3 |
7 |
Military Circus |
1922-1938, undated |
3 |
8 |
National Research Council: Botany, Professor Pammel |
1917-1920 |
3 |
9 |
World War I: News Clippings |
1915-1917 |
3 |
10 |
World War I: News Clippings |
1918 |
3 |
11 |
World War I: News Clippings |
1919 |
Map |
Case |
World War I: Newspapers The Camp Dodger |
1919 |
Map |
Case |
World War I: Newspapers The Flash |
1919 |
Map |
Case |
World War I: Newspapers Stars and Stripes |
1919 |
3 |
12 |
World War I: Postcards |
1917-1919, undated |
3 |
13 |
World War I: Service Rolls |
1918 |
3 |
14 |
World War I: Souvenirs, Mementos |
1917-1918, undated |
3 |
15 |
World War I: SATC Memoranda, Circulars, Administrative Correspondence |
1916-1918, |
3 |
16 |
World War I: SATC Memoranda, Circulars, Administrative Correspondence |
1918-1920, 1940 |
8 |
2 |
World War I: SATC Photographs (52 black and white) |
undated |
8 |
3 |
World War I: SATC Photographs (40 black and white) |
undated |
7 |
13 |
World War I: Veterans Rehabilitation Program: "National Conference on Rehabilitation and its problems" |
1921 |
7 |
14 |
World War I: Veterans Rehabilitation Program: Photographs (33 black and white) |
1918-1928 |
7 |
15 |
World War I: Veterans Rehabilitation Program: Cunningham, J.C., "Can Anyone Be a Farmer?" The American Legion. |
1927 |
7 |
16 |
World War I: Veterans Rehabilitation Program: Correspondence |
1922-1928 |
9 |
1-3 |
World War I: Veterans Rehabilitation Program: Group Examinations |
1918-1924 |
4 |
1 |
World War I: War Records |
1917-1919 |
4 |
2 |
World War I: War Service Library Fund |
1917, undated |
4 |
3 |
World War I: Camp Dodge Article in the Iowan |
1987 |
4 |
4 |
World War I: "Iowa State's Involvement in World War I" (Student paper, History 495) |
1987 |
4 |
5 |
Gatling Gun |
1961-1962 |
4 |
6 |
Uniform Receipt Form A-ROTC |
1967-1971 |
4 |
7 |
World War I: Training at ISC: Exemption of Students and Staff from Draft |
1918-1919 |
4 |
8 |
World War I: Training at ISC: Officers Training Camp |
1917-1919 |
4 |
9 |
World War I: Training at ISC: ROTC |
1918-1919 |
4 |
10 |
World War I: Training at ISC: Student Army Training Corp (SATC) |
1918 |
4 |
11 |
World War II: Armed Forces Personnel: Engineering Procurement Program |
1942-1943 |
4 |
12 |
World War II: Armed Forces Personnel: Enlistment Procedures |
1942 |
4 |
13 |
World War II: Armed Forces Personnel: Fiks |
1943,1946 |
4 |
14 |
World War II: Armed Forces I.C.S. Students |
1942 |
4 |
15 |
World War II: Armed Forces Personnel: Letters from Serviceman |
1941-1945 |
5 |
1 |
World War II: Armed Forces Reserve Corps: Enlisted |
1942-1943 |
5 |
2 |
World War II: Armed Forces Selective Service System (Occupational Bulletins) |
1942-1943 |
5 |
3 |
World War II: Army Army-Navy Production Award for Excellence ('E' Award) |
1945 |
5 |
4 |
World War II: Armed Forces Veterans: ISC Educational Opportunities for Veterans |
1944 |
5 |
5 |
World War II: Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) |
1942-1943 |
5 |
6 |
World War II: Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) |
1944 |
5 |
7 |
World War II: Marine Corps |
1943 |
5 |
8 |
World War II: Military Leave Lists |
1942,1943 |
5 |
9 |
World War II: Navy: Bureau of Navy Personnel |
1942-1944, undated |
5 |
10 |
World War II: Navy: Office of Naval Officer Procurement |
1947, undated |
5 |
11 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School |
1942-1945, undated |
5 |
12 |
World War II: Navy: ISC Info Services (News Release) |
1942-1943 |
5 |
13 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Correspondence: Agg, T.R. (Dean of Engineering) |
1942-1945 |
5 |
14 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Correspondence: Business |
1943-1944 |
5 |
15 |
World War II: Navy: Correspondence: General |
1943 |
5 |
16 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Correspondence Military |
1942-1943 |
5 |
17 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Electrical and Diesel |
1942-1944 |
5 |
18 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Electrical |
1942-1944 |
5 |
19 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Employee Records |
1942-1944 |
5 |
20 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: V-12 Navy Training Program |
1942-1945 |
5 |
21 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: The WAVES |
1942,1944 |
6 |
1 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Personnel A-K |
1942-1944 |
6 |
2 |
World War II: Navy: Naval Training School: Personnel L-Z |
1942-1944 |
6 |
3 |
World War II: Camp Dodge Annex |
1946 |
6 |
4 |
World War II: Civilian Civil Aeronautics Administration |
1942-1943 |
6 |
5 |
World War II: Civilian Pilot Training Program: Advisory Council |
1940-1942 |
6 |
6 |
World War II: Civilian Pilot Training Program: Army-Navy Training Courses |
1940 |
6 |
7 |
World War II: Civilian Pilot Training Program: Correspondence |
1940-1941 |
6 |
8 |
World War II: Civilian Pilot Training Program: ISC Information Articles |
1942 |
6 |
9 |
World War II: Civilian Pilot Training Program: Personnel & Student Roster |
1940-1942 |
6 |
10 |
World War II: War Remembrances from Students in School When Pearl Harbor was Bombed |
1991 |
6 |
11 |
World War II: Civilian Home Economics in World War II |
1942-1946 |
6 |
12 |
World War II: Civilian Home Economics in World War II: Alumni Cards |
1943 |
6 |
13 |
World War II: Civilian National Training: Reference Material |
undated |
6 |
14 |
ISC Faculty Contributions |
1941-1943 |
6 |
15 |
World War II: Newspaper Clippings: Bibliography of Articles Relating to World War II and ISC |
1941-1964 |
6 |
16 |
World War II: Committee/Councils American Council on Education |
1942 |
6 |
17 |
World War II: Committee/Council ISC Council on Defense & War |
1942-1945 |
6 |
18 |
World War II: Civilian ISC Student War Council Minutes |
1942-1945 |
7 |
1 |
World War II: Committee/Councils ISC Student War Council(continued): Newspaper Clippings |
1942-1945 |
7 |
2 |
World War II: Committee/Council Joint Army-Navy-Marine Corps-Coast Guard Procurement Committee |
1942 |
7 |
3 |
World War II: Committee/Council Meteorological Committee |
1943 |
7 |
4 |
World War II: Civilian National Youth Administration Regional College Student Work Council |
1942 |
7 |
5 |
World War II: Committee/Council Naval Aviation Cadet Selection Board |
1942 |
7 |
6 |
World War II: Publications ISC and World War II |
1987 |
7 |
7 |
World War II: Publications Relating ISC's part in World War II (A Listing) |
1941-1945 |
7 |
8 |
World War II: Publications World War II: ISC |
1942 |
7 |
9 |
World War II: Publications World War II Booklets: Alumni |
1945 |
7 |
10 |
World War II: Publications World War II Booklets: Military Propaganda |
1945 |
7 |
11 |
World War II: From "Wings of Gold" by Richard Kell |
undated |
7 |
12 |
World War II: Publications Iowa State University Alumni Remembering D-Day, 1944 |
1991 |