1945

Dartmouth provided unique memories for the class of 1945 because of the war. For many the experience extended from 1941 to 1948 or later. A large number who went to summer school in 1942 and the "intersession" between spring semester and the start of V-12 in 1943 were able to earn degrees in February of 1944, and a substantial group left for service and finished at other colleges after the war. A few graduated in June 1944 and in June 1945.

First recollections include the freshman trip in early September, hiking with new friends in the White Mountains and staying at Mount Moosilauke Lodge, all with the help of the DOC. I found a misfiled card from DaveKendall in which he wrote of attending the 50th anniversary of the DOC with BertHickok and John Halstead and of the "glorious fall colors" and the fan of seeing so many generations of "chubbers."

Everything changed on December 7, 1941. Dave Davidson, Gregg Mac Donald and I drove that day to Middlebury College, where we were greeted with news of Pearl Harbor. After our visit we returned to the Indian Bowl in Hanover, where the noise made a crowded cocktail party in a small room seem quiet.

It was not long before classmates started leaving, but there still were some normal activities. We recall frigid nights watching the magic of 1944's Riley-Rondeau-Harrison line as Dartmouth's hockey team was beating almost everyone. Those who lived on the third floor of Wheeler Hall could watch Jack Riley and Snookie Hughes '44 try to hit a slap shot through an open window across the street to Baker Library. And freshman "heelers" for the Daily D, like Lee Kreindler and JohnButtler, were doing all-night duty at the press.

Sophomore and junior years found a lot fewer classmates on campus but also brought a large number of navy officers for an indoctrination course. They were the forerunners of the V-12 program which started July 1, 1943, and which started military careers for prospective navy and marine officers.

The campus turned into a military base made up almost entirely of privates and apprentice seamen. At least one of the marine drill sergeants found it difficult to adapt to the students, as evidenced by the following dialogue where the V-12er had been asked to define the "at ease" position:

V-12er: You stand erect with your hands behind your back and your feet are a foot apart.

Sergeant: No. Your feet are 12 inches apart. V-12er: 12 inches and a foot are the same

thing. Sergeant: Don't give me any of your college sh

Despite die military aspect there was time for social and athletic activities. There was a modified Carnival in 1944, and an influx of athletes made for successful football, hockey, and basketball teams.

However, less than two and a half years after matriculation a large number of us left in February 1944 for navy boot camp or for Parris Island. The marines left by train (I believe) from the Hanover station on a freezing morning and arrived after dark the next day to embark on new and dangerous ventures. Our diplomas were mailed to us.

A number of you must have recollections of your days in Hanover, either during or after the war, and if you do not want them in print how about coming to reunion and sharing them with your friends from '45, '46, and '47. Think reunion now.

John E. Leggat, 8 Timberlee Lane, Westford, MA 01886

CLASS OF 194545th REUNION JUNE 10-13, 1991