V-12 Convocation

A NAVY V-12 CONVOCATION to mark the completion of the training course for 178 apprentice seamen and 45 Marine Corps privates was held in Webster Hall on Sunday, Feb. 11. The all-hands assembly was addressed by Capt. D. L. Madeira, USN, director of training in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, D. C., concerning whom more detailed information may be found in "The Visitor of the Month" feature in this issue.

President Hopkins, in behalf of the College, delivered a brief valedictory to the men who were leaving for more advanced training; and their commanding officer, Capt. Damon E. Cummings, USN, presided. The Navy Chaplain, Comdr. Leon A. Shearer, USNR, delivered the invocation and Dr. Roy B. Chamberlin, the College Chaplain, the benediction. Two of the graduating men, A/S Ernest W. Marshall Jr., USNR, and Pvt. Robert G. Marotz, USMCR, spoke briefly for the Navy and Marine trainees. The Dartmouth Glee Club, accompanied by Prof. Maurice F. Longhurst, provided the music which included Dartmouth songs. During the program the Silver Star Medal was presented to Gunnery Sgt. J. R. Strain, USMCR, for gallantry at Guam.

In the valedictory President Hopkins paid "deep and sincere tribute" to the Navy, the Bureau of Naval Personnel and Captain Cummings and his staff "for so much excellence in an effort of so great magnitude" and to "you men now graduating for the seriousness of purpose characteristic of you . . . . and for the extent to which you have recognized the responsibility of having been accepted as officer material for the armed services." President Hopkins also spoke of the Certificates of Accomplishment which are to be sent by the College to trainees successfully completing the course.