[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 47 (Friday, April 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ROTC CLASS OF 1944

 Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
University of Utah ROTC Class of 1944 which responded to the call for 
active military duty during World War II. On May 2, 1998, at the 
University of Utah members of the ROTC Class of 1944 will hold a 
reunion commemorating the 55th anniversary of their activation into our 
national armed services. I believe it is fitting that we honor them 
today in the United States Senate.
  The University of Utah Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) was an 
unique organization. It was one of the few military units which were 
called into service during World War II from a specific community and 
which can return to that home area for a reunion. Most military units 
include individuals whose residences are scattered throughout the 
country. Through an Act of Congress in 1916, ROTC programs were 
established in higher education institutions across the country. Since 
that time, they have been an important part of this nation's civil 
defense--in times of war and peace--training generations of students 
for service to their country.
  In the early 1940s, this class trained at the University of Utah with 
horse-drawn artillery working with an old French 77 millimeter cannon 
and with a 105 millimeter howitzer, new at the time. As a unit, this 
ROTC class was first assigned to Camp Roberts in California, for basic 
training in truck drawn artillery. Later they were assigned to Fort 
Sill, Oklahoma, for further training and ultimately received further 
schooling at the Infantry Officers School at Fort Benning, Georgia. 
After graduation from Fort Benning, these young men, whose average age 
at the time was slightly over 20, served as officers in various combat 
units in Italy, France and the South Pacific.
  These were brave and honorable men, each one of them. Of the 99 who 
were called to active duty in 1943, two were killed in action while 
serving in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. One was later killed in 
the Korean Conflict. Of the group's original 99 members, 71 are still 
alive. Today, I speak for all Utahns and all Americans when I say, we 
honor these brave men and pay tribute to them for their service and 
sacrifice for this great country. The Class of 1944's great tradition 
of discipline and leadership continues today as many of its members are 
respected professionals in the public and private sector as well as 
their own communities.
  Finally, Mr. President, before I close, I want to thank Chris S. 
Metos of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the outstanding job he has done to 
help organize this upcoming reunion and for the many years of service 
he has provided to this country and to the people of the state of 
Utah.




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