1. AbstractAbstract
Norwich University Alumni Service in World War I
Wilma E. Melton
Professor Gary T. Lord, Advisor
Department of History; Norwich University, Northfield VT
MethodologyMethodology
For the purposes of narrowing the scope of the project, a
preliminary sampling was conducted. Fifty questionnaires
were pulled from a random section of the alphabet; in this
case, the 'R' section. From this sample it was determined
that branch, casualties, decorations, engagements, foreign
service, and rank would be the sections explored for the
analysis. As the focus was only to determine the worth of
these records; half, or two hundred were selected from
the 'R' section to the end of the alphabet, then from the
beginning in alphabetical order. Information from the
questionnaire was then entered into an excel document in
order to keep an accurate record of the data collected.
ConclusionConclusion
As a military college, Norwich University takes great prideAs a military college, Norwich University takes great pride
in graduating military leaders. Service has always beenin graduating military leaders. Service has always been
steeped in Norwich tradition and upon every cornerstonesteeped in Norwich tradition and upon every cornerstone
firm foundations are built. The rich history of the Universityfirm foundations are built. The rich history of the University
is comprised of the blood, sweat, and tears of men andis comprised of the blood, sweat, and tears of men and
women who chose to serve their country and community.women who chose to serve their country and community.
One cannot truly appreciate the present without reflectionOne cannot truly appreciate the present without reflection
on the past. These service records are important to bridgingon the past. These service records are important to bridging
the gap between what we think we know about Norwichthe gap between what we think we know about Norwich
University's involvement in World War I, and what weUniversity's involvement in World War I, and what we
should know about our alumni as a military institution.should know about our alumni as a military institution.
Analysis breakdown of 200 questionnaires:Analysis breakdown of 200 questionnaires:
Branch Affiliated: 95%Branch Affiliated: 95%
Casualties 16.5%Casualties 16.5%
Decorations: 7%Decorations: 7%
Military Engagements: 23.5%Military Engagements: 23.5%
Foreign Service: 52%Foreign Service: 52%
Held Rank: 87%Held Rank: 87%
Disclaimer: Not all surveys included in the analysis reportedDisclaimer: Not all surveys included in the analysis reported
on their activities and service during the war.on their activities and service during the war.
Analyzed Survey SectionsAnalyzed Survey Sections
-Branch
-Casualties
-Decorations
-Engagements
-Foreign Service
-Rank
Croix de Guerre: French War Cross
ResultsResults
Forever etched in history across the world is a war that was
destined to end all other wars. The World War was to put an end
to all future conflict; or as Hew Strachan puts it, “not the war to
act as a benchmark for future war.” Many a man fought bravely
in World War I and among those courageous souls were Norwich
men. They were recognized for their service and given the
reputation of Norwich University to graduate upstanding
individuals this is not surprising; however, the real question is
why? The answer lies in over four hundred self-reported records
of service currently residing in the Norwich University Archives
and Special Collections. It was determined that these records, in
questionnaire form are exceptionally important not only to
Norwich University, but to any researcher seeking a record of
World War I participants. In 1973 a fire at the National Archives
destroyed 80 percent of the Army's personnel records sparing a
slim twenty percent. This paired with the alumni experience
stories that accompanied some of the returns make these
questionnaires invaluable.