The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America Student Military Involvement

From World War I Onward

1917: After Congress officially declared war in April of 1917, CUA’s lay students began recruiting for “the military drill” on campus.  From the initial gathering three companies formed under the leadership of University instructors who each had prior military experience.  Despite expressing to the War Department the desire to have an army officer assigned to the University, this request was not fulfilled due an overall lack of army officers in the corps.  Sgt. Major Malinka, an officer stationed in Washington, DC, however, did volunteer to serve as instructor until he was otherwise called away.  Beyond this on-campus activity, many students took it a step further and joined both reserve and active duty divisions. Source: Catholic University Bulletin, April 1917, vol. 23, pages 57-58.

1918: In the spring of 1918, the War Department established the Students’ Army Training Corps (SATC), in order to prepare individuals for military service. The SATC was met with enthusiasm by CUA’s student body.  500 students qualified to take part and 392 were inducted.  Despite these recommended candidates receiving orders for a change of station, these orders were rescinded and the program dissolved after the armistice in November of 1918. Source: Catholic University Bulletin, November 1918, vol. 24, page 131-132.

1918: Catholic University decided to construct a new gymnasium to serve both the recreational and military needs of the university.   The Drill Hall, as it was referred to, would provide an on-campus space for military instruction. Source: Catholic University Bulletin, November 1918, vol. 24, page 133.

Fall 1918: Rev. Dr. Peter Guilday was appointed one of the Regional Vice-Directors of the Students’ Army Training Corps (SATC), as a part of its academic component. This position served under one of 12 Regional Directors. Source: Catholic University Bulletin, November 1918, vol. 24, pages 133-134.

December 1942: The U.S. Government established the Army Service Training Program (ASTP) to work with colleges and universities in training and educating individuals for service in the military. The program focused on fields where the military was lacking at the time, including engineering, dental, foreign language, medical, and veterinary studies. Source: Heywood, Chris “The Army Service Training Program.”

July 1943: The 2517th Service Unit (AST – Army Specialized Training Program), The Catholic University of America, was activated with instruction to begin in August. The program would only last several months, coming to a close in March of 1944. Source: Heywood, Chris “The Army Service Training Program.”

March 1944: ASTP ends at CUA.  A report was issued summarizing the activities of the program. The report mentions the types of instruction provided – including academic as well as military instruction.  Medical attendance and other amenities are also briefly discussed. Source: “Final Report: Army Specialized Training Program The Catholic University of America Washington, 17, DC.” March 1944.

1948:  A joint program which had recently been organized between Catholic University and Fort Belvoir, Army Engineer Center, in Virginia had 85 students enrolled. This program provided both military and civilian students the opportunity to gain undergraduate and graduate credit.  Source: Catholic University Bulletin, January 1948, vol. 15, No. 4, page 13.

Fall 1951: The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps was inaugurated at Catholic University, led by Lt. Col. Joseph S. Magrath.  This four-year program stood as one of sixty-two centers that offered the opportunity to be commissioned in the Air Force reserves.  Source: Catholic University Bulletin, October 1951, vol. 19, No. 1, page 13.

1971: Catholic University Alumna was named one of the first two women generals in United States History.  General Anna Mae Hays received her master’s degree in nursing from CUA in 1968. She entered the army during World War II and served as an operating room nurse.  Source: Catholic University Envoy, Spring 1971, page 4.

Spring 1974: Columbus School of Law graduate (J.D., ’53) Mrs. Della K. McKnew was appointed District Counsel for the Baltimore District of the Army Corps of Engineers.  At the time, McKnew was the only woman Chief of Counsel in the Corps’s worldwide divisions and districts. Source: Catholic University Envoy, February 1974, vol. 2, no. 5, page 6.

Created by Sarah Rice Scott, GLP, University Archives

 

If you have addtional information about CUA students, staff, and faculty involved in the military please contact University Archives.