How Did Navy Help Notre Dame in WW2?
Introduction
Notre Dame University, located in Notre Dame, Indiana, was not a major military training ground or a significant hub for war efforts during World War II. However, the US Navy played a crucial role in supporting the university and its students, faculty, and staff. In this article, we will explore how the navy helped Notre Dame during WW2.
Supporting the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC)
One of the primary ways the navy helped Notre Dame was by supporting the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) program. Established in 1926, the NROTC program was designed to train and commission naval officers. Notre Dame was one of the earliest institutions to establish an NROTC program, with the first class graduating in 1929.
Contents
**NROTC at Notre Dame: A Success Story**
- In 1941, prior to the US entry into World War II, Notre Dame had over 500 midshipmen enrolled in the NROTC program.
- During the war, the program continued to thrive, with over 700 midshipmen enrolled at its peak.
- A total of 2,141 Notre Dame NROTC midshipmen commissioned as ensigns during the war, with 142 receiving the Navy Cross, the Navy’s highest award for valor.
- Many Notre Dame NROTC graduates went on to serve in key positions during the war, including Commander of the USS Enterprise and Commander of the USS Essex.
Providing Vocational Training
In addition to supporting the NROTC program, the navy also provided vocational training for Notre Dame students and alumni. Many students and alumni were drafted into the military or enlisted voluntarily, but lacked the necessary skills for certain jobs. The navy recognized this need and provided training programs in areas such as cryptography, meteorology, and engineering.
**Vocational Training at Notre Dame: Filling the Skill Gap**
- The navy established a cryptographic training program at Notre Dame, which trained over 200 students in cryptography techniques.
- The meteorology department at Notre Dame was also used as a training facility for the navy, with students and faculty working together to improve weather forecasting techniques.
- The navy provided engineering training for Notre Dame students, with many graduates going on to work on critical naval projects, including the development of sonar technology.
Serving as a Naval Reserve Training Facility
Notre Dame also served as a naval reserve training facility, with the navy using the university’s facilities for training exercises and operations. This included the use of the university’s airport, which was converted into a naval air station during the war.
- The university’s airport was converted into Naval Air Station Notre Dame, which was used for flight training and other naval aviation operations.
- The campus was also used as a training facility for naval reservists, with exercises and operations conducted on and off campus.
- The university’s gymnasium and other facilities were used by the navy for training purposes, including physical fitness exercises and equipment testing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the navy played a crucial role in supporting Notre Dame University during World War II. The navy’s support for the NROTC program, vocational training, and serving as a naval reserve training facility helped the university to contribute to the war effort and train thousands of naval officers and other personnel.
