Edward A. Knight papers, 1944-2005

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: SC-56

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains memorabilia from Edward A. Knight's time at Hobart College as a member of the Navy V-12 Unit, July 1944 - June 23, 1945. Files include a photograph album, slides, a copy of The Ridge from 1945, certificates, a commencement program, directory of students, and writings by Edward A. Knight. Also included in the album are photographs from the Hobart College Navy V-12 Fiftieth Anniversary in August, 1993.

Dates

1944-2005

Biographical Note

Edward A. Knight was a trainee in the Hobart College Navy V-12 Program from June 1944 through June 23, 1945. While at Hobart College he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He received a certificate of Credit from Hobart and William Smith Colleges on June 23, 1945 upon the completion of 3 academic terms and a total of 54 academic hours at the Colleges.

Historical Note

The Navy V-12 Program at Hobart College began on July 1, 1943. The purpose of the program was to generate a large number of officers for both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to meet the demands of World War II. Backed by the federal government, the program paid tuition to participating colleges and universities for college courses that were taught to qualified candidates. Eligible candidates included naval enlisted personnel who were recommended by their commanding officers and high school seniors who passed a qualifying exam. The V-12 program benefited colleges and universities by offsetting declining enrollment due to the draft.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges President John Milton Potter was able to secure the designation of Hobart College as one of the schools that would have a Navy V-12 Unit and a contract was signed in the spring of 1943. The first group of Navy V-12 trainees arrived on campus on July 1, 1943.

The Hobart College Navy V-12 Unit was formally decomissioned on Saturday, October 13, 1945. More than 900 trainees had been members of the Hobart unit since it's establishment.