Air Crew Training Program (1943-1944)

During the Second World War, Dickinson College became the site of an army air corps training program. Beginning on March 1, 1943, a large segment of the campus was used by the Thirty-Second College Training (Air-Crew) Detachment. The College provided a five month course for the "Preparation of Air Crew Students, both mentally and physically, for intensive ground training in the Preflight Schools." This program concentrated on the three distinct areas of academic preparation, military training, and physical training. In exchange for hosting the air crew students, the College received compensation from the U. S. government. The program was terminated on January 29, 1944, due to diminishing need for such programs in the northeastern United States. From its inception to its termination, 2260 cadets passed through the program at the College, providing a welcome federal income in the reduced circumstances of the conflict.

Note: Digital copies of 32nd's newspaper, the Eager Eagle, as well as two magazines are available by following this COLLECTION LINK.

Note: View a short film that shows the 32nd on the Academic quad and marching onto West High Street in Carlisle by following this LINK.

For further information, see "The Hartigan Project" completed by Laura Dettloff and Regan Winn for History 204 during the fall 1999 semester and "The Thirty-Second College Training Detachment (Air Crew) At Dickinson College, 1943 -1944" completed by Mark Fifer for History 404 during the fall 1999 semester.