WWII VMI History and Alumni Service

During the period 1939-1945 approximately 4,100 VMI alumni served in all branches of the armed forces. In addition to sending a large number of its alumni to war, the Institute itself underwent significant changes during this era---operating with a much reduced Corps size as men were called to active duty, adapting the curriculum, and serving as a training center for the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program). Contact us for more information about our records relating to this period.

Popular Research Topics

• The War Years at VMI. A brief history of significant changes at the Institute
• Cadet Life During World War II  
• Alumni Deaths in World War II. An annotated list of the 183 alumni who died in service.
• Prisoners of War. An annotated list of the 38 alumni known to have been held prisoner
• VMI Alumni Buried at Normandy and Ardennes
• Alumni Generals and Admirals in World War II 
• Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). Roster and other resources documenting army students at VMI
• Military History Manuscripts Guide. Descriptions of our holdings; many collections available in full-text online

Related Resources

• Pacific Theater Photo Album, Solomon Islands. Willis Riddick, Jr. (Class of 1939)
• World War II Europe Medical Corps.  Dr. John L. Couper (Class of 1937)
• Oral History Database.  Some interviews are with VMI alumni.