Navy V-12 Berea College Collection

Collection

Identifier: RG 11-11.05

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection is comprised of records of the Navy V-12 program at Berea College during WWII. Included in the collection is the contract signed between the US Navy and Berea College, enrollment records, activity and regulation reports, grade and curriculum reports, correspondence, Bulletins, and reunion materials and photographs.

Dates

created: 1943-2011
Other: Majority of material found in 1943-1945

Creator

Berea College (Organization)
United States -- Bureau of Naval Personnel (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

Federal copyright regulations apply. Cite all information. Some items may be restricted if they contain personal information.

Extent

1.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

During the advent of World War II, the U.S. Navy turned to liberal arts colleges to provide a basic education for their recruits. Between July 1, 1943, and June 30, 1946, more than 125,000 individuals were enrolled in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which was offered in 131 colleges and universities throughout the United States. The purpose of the V-12 program was to grant bachelor'sdegrees to future officers from both the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps. Berea College took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which offered students a path to a navy commission. Berea College and the University of Louisville were the only institutions in Kentucky that had V-12 students. Berea played host to 790 Navy V-12ers. About 40 of them returned after the war to complete degrees. During their time at Berea, most V-12ers were housed in Blue Ridge, Howard, and Cumberland Halls. Among the innovations they brought to Berea were dances (other than country dancing) and mixed swimming. The V-12ers also dominated Berea’s basketball, track, and judo teams. Navy personnel serving as coaches during this time period were Chiefs Leonard Pickett, Sam Fox, Ed Petro, Jake H. Moser and Charles Cummings.