Report of the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York, 1944

[Report of the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York, 1944]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

REPORT OF
THE BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
KINGS POINT, NEW YORK
1944

SEPTEMBER 30, 1944
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFH
WASHINGTON : 1945
S
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY—1944
Kings Point, N. Y., September 30, 1944 The President of the Senate,
The Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Gentlemen: Pursuant to Public Law 301, chapter 194, Seventy-eighth Congress, second session approved May 11, 1944, the following Senators and Members of the House of Representatives were designated to constitute the 1944 Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy:
SENATORS
By the Committee on Commerce:
Josiah W. Bailey, of North Carolina (ex officio).
George L. Radcliffe, of Maryland.
Harold Hitz Burton, of Ohio.
By the Vice President:
James M. Tunnell, of Delaware.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
By the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee:
Schuyler O. Bland, First Congressional District of Virginia (ex officio).
Edward J. Hart, Fourteenth Congressional District of New Jersey.
Robert Ramspeck, Fifth Congressional District of Georgia.
Richard J. Welch, Fifth Congressional District of California.
By the Speaker of the House:
Eugene J. Keogh, Ninth Congressional District of New York.
Gordon Canfield, Eighth Congressional District of New Jersey.
Representative Daniel Ellison, Fourth Congressional District of Maryland was later appointed in place of Mr. Richard J. Welch of California who was unable to attend.
The Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy assembled at Wiley Hall at 10:00 a. m. Friday, September 29, 1944, where the members were received by the Superintendent of the Merchant Marine Academy, Capt. Giles C. Stedman, United States Naval Reserve, and his staff.
The following members of the Board were present at the first and later meetings: Senator George L. Radcliffe, Senator Harold H. Burton, Representative Schuyler O. Bland, Representative Robert Ramspeck, Representative Eugene J. Keogh, Representative Gordon Canfield, Representative Daniel Ellison.
First meeting of the Board of Visitors
After being conducted to the conference room, Representative Schuyler O. Bland took the chair as temporary chairman for the purpose of organization.
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The Board elected Representative Schuyler O. Bland as chairman, and designated Lt. Comdr. William L. Bull, United States Maritime Service, as assistant secretary.
When, at the request of the chairman, the superintendent and his staff joined the Board in conference, the Superintendent was invited to make such reports on the state of the academy as he deemed pertinent and proper to bring to the Board’s attention. In response to this invitation, the Superintendent, Capt. Giles C. Stedman, United States Naval Reserve, presented the following report:
“Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to welcome the first Congressional Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The entire academy personnel is sincerely gratified by this visit, and appreciates the important function of your board in better enabling us to accomplish the mission of this national institution.
“We are well aware that the performance of this additional duty during these arduous days calls for considerable sacrifice for each of you. But we firmly believe that this generous donation of your time and effort will be compensated for by the realization that you will have rendered a valuable service to the academy and to the Nation’s growing maritime strength.
Part I. Introduction to Background and Establishment of Cadet Corps
“The passage by the Congress of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, gave distinct impetus to the Federal training of officers for the United States merchant marine by providing for the establishment of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps.
“The United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, was officially organized by the United States Maritime Commission, in the spring of 1938. In order to prepare a comprehensive training program an exhaustive study was first made of all foreign systems of merchant marine officer training. For many years England, Italy, Germany, Japan, Holland, Norway, Sweden, France, and Denmark had well-established training programs. Accordingly, a comprehensive analysis was made of the best points of each system of training. With this background, and with the assistance of the keenest minds among American shipping officials and merchant marine officers, the Maritime Commission inaugurated and developed the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, the Nation’s first Federal system for training officers for the merchant marine.
“The cadet corps had its inception when the 99 cadets who were aboard Government-owned or subsidized vessels were placed under the direct supervision of the Maritime Commission on March 15, 1938. Early in 1939, national competitive examinations for the appointment to cadetships were inaugurated, and for the first time in the history of this Nation an opportunity was presented to qualified young Americans of every State in the Union to receive training for a career in the United States merchant marine.
“Lacking its own facilities ashore, the newly established cadet corps necessarily had to share the quarters of certain other training institutions, such as the Admiral Billard Academy at New London, the New York State Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., the United States navy yard at Algiers, La., and a United States Navy base in San Francisco. Although at that early date the total complement of the cadet corps was low, the course of study was comprehensive, based on a 4-year curriculum.
“The growing international tension and subsequent declaration of war suspended the 4-year course, and compelled the adoption of a shortened period of training. Concurrent with the increasing strength of the cadet corps, two basic schools were established, one at San Mateo, Calif., the other at Pass Christian,
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Miss. By the end of 1941, the rapidly increasing strength of the cadet corps made clear the urgent need for the establishment of an adequate academy on the Atlantic coast to furnish both basic and advanced training. Accordingly, thorough investigation was made to locate a suitable site for the new academy. Final selection indicated that the Walter P. Chrysler estate of 11 acres, at Kings Point, N. Y., was the most appropriate location, and in December 1941, its purchase for $100,000 was consummated by the United States Maritime Commission. Plans were at once developed to adopt this estate for use in building the first Federal Merchant Marine Academy which would furnish officer training, to the young men of all States.
Part II. Planning, Establishment, and Construction of United States Merchant Marine Academy
“The newly acquired Chrysler property and residence were occupied early in 1942, and instructional activity was commenced. At the same time, broad plans were developed at the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps headquarters in Washington for the final design of the academy. Architects, cadet corps officials, prominent merchant marine officers, and educators jointly contributed to the preparation of the over-all plans. The design was based on a peacetime complement of 1,200 cadet-midshipmen, although it was then fully realized that during the war it would be necessary to operat¿ with at least double that figure. Final design having been established, a unique problem presented itself owing to the need of continuing all training activity at the same time that the builders proceeded with construction of the new buildings. Further, the enrollment was constantly increasing, and to accommodate the cadet-mid-shipmen it was necessary not only to occupy fully all existing buildings on the. grounds, but temporary C. C. C. barracks as well, erected for the purpose.. Owing to the critical shortage of steel, reinforced concrete was used for the basic construction of the new buildings. Record progress was made in the entire constructional program.
“At the termination of the construction period of approximately 15 months, the academy was substantially complete and accordingly was officially dedicated on September 30, 1943. At this date the academy had entered upon its full-scale instructional program. The cadet corps at that time, had a total strength of 7,514 cadet-midshipmen, of whom 1,094 were undergoing basic training at the academy and the two basic schools on the Pacific and Gulf coasts; 2,200 were undergoing advanced training at the academy, and the remainder, some 4,220, were in an intermediate period of training at sea aboard numerous merchant vessels voyaging to all parts of the world.
Part III. Broad Review of Cadet Corps Academic Curriculum
“The course of training prescribed for the past 2% years has been one of 18 months’ duration, consisting of 3 months at basic school, followed by at least 6 months aboard ships, and 9 months advanced courses at the academy. Effective October 1,1944, the course will be extended to 2 years.
“The method of instructing cadet-midshipmen is unusual, because of the provision whereby each cadet-midshipman must serve at sea aboard merchant vessels as a part of his training. Consequently, during existing war conditions, all cadet-midshipmen assigned to the academy for advanced courses are veterans with service in combat zones.
“At the very beginning of the cadet corps system of training it was found necessary, because of the movements of merchant vessels, to have new sections of
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25 cadet-midshipmen commence their basic and advanced academic schedules at weekly intervals. Graduations take place at semi-monthly intervals, thus keeping a constant supply of graduates available for sea duty.
“It is, of course, recognized that before newly appointed cadet-midshipmen are ready for assignment to training at sea, a basic course ashore is essential. Hence, the present basic training, of 4 months’ duration, has a twofold purpose. First, to prepare cadet-midshipmen to be useful when they join a vessel for sea training, and take care of themselves and others in event of enemy action or accident, and second, to present a rudimentary outline of the chief subjects upon which to build future training. With cadet-midshipmen undergoing sea training aboard so many varied merchant vessels, centralized control is difficult. Accordingly, a novel method of supervising their study is in force. District cadet-midshipmen supervisors and instructors are stationed in New York, Baltimore, New Orleans, the Canal Zone, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. These officers visit vessels which are in port, and not only check progress made by cadet-midshipmen, but also assist them with studies. In addition, the cadet corps has developed a guided plan of self-study for the cadet-midshipman at sea, called a sea project. This sea project outlines for the cadet-midshipman the essential points of importance on board his ship, to which attention must be directed during his study. This comprehensive manual has been so designed that for all cadet-midshipmen undergoing deck training, only two individual types of projects are necessary; one for cargo ships, and one for tankers. For cadet-midshipmen in engineering training, two projects suffice—one for steam, and one for Diesel vessels. Cadet-midshipmen are at sea for an over-all period of 6 to 9 months, depending on duration of voyages. During this time they make sketches, prepare drawings, and write answers to hundreds of questions. These questions pertain to the construction, equipment, operation of their vessels, and other professional subjects. Upon termination of their sea training, cadet-midshipmen must have their projects completed. They then report to district supervisors for assignment to the academy.
“To summarize academic training at Kings Point, the course now consists of 36 weeks’ advanced work, and will be expanded to 52 weeks on October 1, 1944. Deck and engine cadet-midshipmen take separate courses of study, although both study naval science and shipping economics. The chief subjects studied by deck cadet-midshipmen include navigation, seamanship and cargo, ship construction, mechanical drawing, and meteorology. Engineer cadet-midshipmen have as major courses the study of steam engineering, Diesel engineering, refrigeration, electrical engineering, ship construction, and engineering drawing.
“Teaching is chiefly done by the lecture-demonstration method. Lectures are supplemented by pertinent laboratory and practical work. Extensive use is made of educational motion pictures, slide films, charts, models, specimens of equipment, and other visual aids.
“Instructors are guided uniformly throughout their respective courses by lesson plans developed by officers of the cadet corps. These lesson plans show detailed content of each lesson, and when used in conjunction with an instructor’s guidebook, insure that all courses are taught in accordance with a standard plan.
“Academic control is exercised chiefly by an academic board, which maintains high scholastic standards, and an effective method of detecting cadet-midshipmen who are unable to measure up to the high standard required by the Merchant Marine Cadet Corps.
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“While cadet-midshipmen pursue a rigorous course of study, there are extensive provisions made for extracurricular and recreational activities. An extensive athletic program is under way, using all available facilities for the physical conditioning and recreation of cadet-midshipmen. The academy also possesses an auditorium, recreation rooms, and a library which contains a collection of books on appropriate technical and general subjects.
“At the completion of courses, graduates are examined for their original merchant-marine licenses as third mates, or third assistant engineers, for service in any ship in the United States merchant marine. Graduates also receive diplomas and commissions as ensigns in the United States Naval Reserve and United States Maritime Service. About 5,000 have graduated from the cadet corps and its academy since 1938. Of this number, 30 percent, or about 1,500 are on active duty as officers in the Navy; the remaining 3,500 are serving as officers in merchant vessels.
Part IV. Grounds, Buildings, and Equipment
“The academy, now totaling 60 acres, is situated at Kings Point, Long Island, N. Y. New construction completed since acquisition of the Chrysler estate includes buildings suitable for their respective purposes which are all named in honor of persons who were prominent in the history of the merchant marine. Major buildings include seven dormitories for cadet-midshipmen, a large mess hall, a drill hall, a hospital, and academic buildings for deck and engine training. These are supplemented by necessary service buildings.
“The success of a training program depends to a certain degree, on available instructional equipment. The academy is fortunate in having secured a great deal of marine equipment from the Navy and from the United States Maritime Commission. For deck training, navigational instruments and aids are available, including a most up-to-date Sperry gyrocompass laboratory. A full-sized set of ship’s cargo masts, winches, and booms is installed near the water front for practical instruction in cargo handling. Instruction in seamanship is supplemented by numerous small boats and latest designs of lifeboat davits and life rafts. There are also based at the academy, sail-, steam-, and Diesel-propelled training vessels, in which cadet-midshipmen make short cruises as part of their practical training. Engineering laboratory equipment includes a marine steam power plant which generates steam from two marine boilers. This steam is used for heating the entire academy, as well as for operating instructional equipment. A varied selection of steam engines, pumps, and auxiliaries, as well as Diesel engines, electrical equipment, and shop tools is available for actual operation and practical training. The department of naval science has not only a wide variety of representative guns, loading machines, specimen mines, and paravanes, but also has numerous instructional models and aids for classroom use.
Part V. Operation of Academy
“The United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps is a division of the Training Organization of the War Shipping Administration. This organization has jurisdiction over the training of officers and seamen for the duration of the war. The cadet corps operates under the direction of a supervisor whose office and staff are located in Washington, D. C. The academy, the largest unit of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, is headed by a superintendent. Next in the chain of command is the commandant of cadet-midshipmen, assisted by the executive and administrative officers, and the secretary of the academic
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board, who supervise all academic and service departments necessary to the operation of the academy.
“The academy at Kings Point and the cadet basic schools at San Mateo and Pass Christian are operated on a military basis, with discipline on the same plane as that at other service academies. Cadet-midshipmen of the cadet corps are appointed midshipmen in the United States Naval Reserve, in an inactive status. Officers and instructors are assigned to cadet corps units joindy by the United States Maritime Service and the United States Navy. The Navy has been most cooperative in every respect in assisting in the operation of the academy and other cadet corps units.
“More than 90 percent of our instructors are merchant marine officers, approximately one-half of whom are on active duty as members of the United States Naval Reserve. They have been assigned to the academy by the Navy Department. The remainder are commissioned officers of the United States Maritime Service. Our subordinate administrative complement consists of enlisted personnel of the United States Maritime Service and civil service employees.
Part VI. Accomplishments and Aims
“Thus the establishment and growth of the United States Merchant Marine Academy has been outlined. Built at a cost of $7,300,000, less than the cost of a single modern destroyer, there now exists the first Federal academy for training merchant marine officers, operating on a parallel with the Naval Academy, Military Academy, and Coast Guard Academy for the equally important American merchant marine.
“The cadet corps as of this date has already graduated 5,000 officers, many of whom have since risen to positions of master and chief engineer aboard vessels of the United States merchant marine. Of growing importance, however, is the post-war function of the cadet corps and its academy. It is expected that graduates, having been trained under the highest possible standards, will take the initiative in safeguarding the interests and well-being of the United States merchant marine in years to come, and thus play a key role in the national welfare.
“Highly desirable is the prompt return to a 4-year course, consisting of 9 months’ basic training, 12 to 15 months aboard ships, and 2 years advanced study at the academy. Also highly desirable is the return to national competitive examinations for appointment as cadet-midshipmen in the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps.
It may be of interest to note here that the 514 -year merchant marine officer training course of Russia was reduced to only 414 years during the existing war. In the opinion of not a few interested in the future of the American merchant marine, the reduction of the cadet corps’ 4-year course to 114 years was indeed drastic, and action to return to 4 years should be taken at the earliest practicable date.
Conclusion
“In conclusion, may I again assure you that you are most welcome. I thank you for your kind interest and attention. The entire staff of the United States Merchant Marine Academy offers you its full cooperation, and stands ready to assist you in every way possible during your visit.”
Upon the conclusion of this report the chairman threw the meeting open to questions by members of the Board, some of whom were not familiar with the organization of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and Academy. Their questions were answered by the Superintendent and his staff.
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At this time Capt. James Harvey Tomb, United States Navy, retired, the first Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, was presented to the Board.
In order to thoroughly acquaint the members of the Board with the academic program of the academy, each member was given a folio containing the following enclosures, the purpose of each being briefly oudined by Commander Harold V. Nerney, United States Naval Reserve, executive officer of tho academy:
i. Information booklet of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps.
2. Information booklet for ship’s officers and shore officials of steamship companies.
3. Regulations and instructions of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps.
4. (a) Registration as of September 1, 1944, showing distribution and quota by States.
(b) Home States of cadet-midshipmen in training as of September 1, 1944.
(c) Typical daily strength report of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
5. (a) United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps roster of officers, September 1, 1944.
(b) Organization chart of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
(c) Directory of officers of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, September 1, 1944.
6. (a) Academic curriculum of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
(b) Outline of courses for preliminary cadet-midshipmen (deck) and a typical class schedule.
(c) Outline of courses for preliminary cadet-midshipmen (engine) and a typical class schedule.
(d) Outline of courses for advanced cadet-midshipmen (deck) and a typical class schedule.
(e) Outline of courses for advanced cadet-midshipmen (engine) and a typical class schedule.
7. Typical academic schedule for the week.
8. Typical plan of the week.
9. Album of pictures of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and cadet-midshipmen activities.
10. Guide book for instructors of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
11. Typical instructors’ manuals:
(a) Instructor’s Manual in Navigation for Preliminary Cadet-Midshipmen (deck).
(b) Instructor’s Manual in Steam Engineering for Preliminary Cadet-Midshipmen (engine).
12. Tanker supplement to the sea project for cadet-midshipmen (deck).
The superintendent invited the chairman to designate a member of the Board to deliver a brief address to the regiment of cadet-midshipmen immediately before the review at 4:05 p. m. Senator George L. Radcliffe was selected to make this address.
The regimental commander, Cadet-Midshipman William C. Gibson, United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, was then presented to the chairman and members of the Board. After being presented, he invited the members of the Board to luncheon with the regiment at Delano Hall.
Just before the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a. m., the chairman informed the Board of the regrets expressed by the following members of the Board for their
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inability to be present due to unforeseen circumstances: Senator Josiah W. Bailey, Senator James M. Tunnell, Representative Edward J. Hart.
Meeting with the regiment of cadet-midshipmen
At 12:30 p. m., the Board was conducted to Delano Hall by the cadet-midshipman regimental commander and his staff for luncheon with the regiment. There were no commissioned officers present. After luncheon each member of the Board was introduced to eight cadet-midshipmen from his home State and held a 20-minute conference with them.
Tour of the academy
Their officer escorts having been presented to them, the members of the Board proceeded on a conducted tour of the academy. Among the various buildings and activities inspected were—
Barry Hall: Typical cadet-midshipmen’s quarters.
O’Hara Hall: Naval science classrooms, drill hall, pistol range, gun room, and ordnance equipment.
Bowditch Hall: Academy library, classrooms, radio code room, chart room, mechanical drawing room, radio laboratory, gyro laboratory, meteorology equipment, bridges, and the auditorium.
Fulton Hall: Classrooms, electrical laboratory, machine shop, Diesel laboratory, welding school, forge shop, and steam laboratory.
Samuels Hall: Sail loft, practical seamanship room, lifeboat and fire fighting classrooms, and signaling rooms (where a brief class in Mersigs was held).
Proceeding then along the water front the Board viewed the Cargo Mast Unit, Lyle Gun and Breeches Buoy Unit, and observed the harbor facilities and training vessels.
Upon completion of this tour, the Board proceeded to Kendrick Field and witnessed the review of the regiment of cadet-midshipmen.
The Board reassembled at the senior officers’ mess at 4:45 p. m., for an informal discussion which terminated at 5:30 p. m.
Superintendent’s reception and dinner
At 6:30 p. m., the superintendent held a reception and dinner for all members of the Board. In addition to the members of the Board there were present Capt. J. H. Tomb, United States Navy (retired), 5 officers from the headquarters of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps, and 20 officers of the academy staff.
After the dinner a film depicting the activities of the entire United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps was shown, accompanied by a running commentary given by Commander H. V. Nerney, United States Naval Reserve.
The Board adjourned for the day at 10:40 p. m.
Saturday, September 30, 1944
The members of the Board reassembled at 8:30 a. m., and were conducted by their officer escorts on a tour of Patton Hospital, visiting the dispensary, dental rooms and laboratories, wards, operating rooms, and diet kitchen.
Second meeting of the Board of Visitors
The members of the Board were taken aboard the training vessel William Webb for an inspection of the water front.
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At 9:30 a. m., the Board assembled in the wardroom of the training vessel William Webb for its final meeting, adjourning at 10:30 a. m.
Upon adjournment, the members of the Board proceeded to Kendrick Field to witness a formal review of the regiment of cadet-midshipmen.
Following the review, the members of the Board attended a buffet luncheon in O’Hara Hall with the superintendent and senior officers of the academy and prominent invited guests from the maritime industry in celebration of the first anniversary of the dedication of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The members of the Board departed from the academy at their pleasure upon the conclusion of the luncheon.
Comments and recommendations
As a result of the inspections made and the interviews held with members of the Merchant Marine Academy staff and cadet-midshipmen of the regiment, the Board of Visitors respectfully submits the following comments and recommendations:
1. The Board recognizes the necessity of maintaining a permanent United States Merchant Marine Academy. This academy will be an important factor in the development of a sound merchant-marine policy for the country. The maintenance of an adequate merchant marine of high standards depends upon the availability of qualified officers as well as upon the existence of the best ships and favorable economic conditions. It is imperative that the indispensable service to the Nation which the United States Merchant Marine Academy has been rendering in maintaining a steady supply of well-trained officers for the merchant marine and the Navy shall be continued in the immediate postwar days and for all years to come.
2. Although the present plant and facilities of the academy are of a permanent nature and have been developed in accordance with well-conceived plans, the Board feels that early and careful consideration should be given to the expansion of both grounds and buildings to the end that a complete and fully integrated educational institution may be established at the earliest moment. Study should be made of the evident need for officers’ quarters in a permanent academy. Enlargements of both grounds and facilities should be based on the requirements of the future permanent cadet-midshipmen complement of 1,200.
3. The Board is of the unanimous opinion that a full 4-year course is needed for this profession and recommends the return to the 4-year course as soon as practicable. Opportunity should be given to the graduates of the present shortened course to pursue post-graduate work upon resumption of the full course in order that they may have competence and knowledge in their profession equal to the graduates of the 4-year course.
4. The Board recognizes the need, during the national emergency, of keeping the cadet corps at a maximum strength without regard to national competitive examinations, provided the applicants meet the educational qualifications required. However, as a permanent national institution, it is necessary that equal opportunities for entrance be offered to the population of all parts of the country. Such equality may be attained by the assignment of quotas to each State and the requirement of passing a competitive examination by all applicants, subject to the additional qualifications of high moral character, perfect physical condition, and aptitude for the profession.
5. The Board recommends that means be provided for the academy to keep fully abreast of all modern marine inventions and equipment. As an example, one member of the Board learned, while overseas this summer, that the British were planning to place radar equipment on the vessels of their merchant fleet.
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It is hoped that it will be possible for the United States Navy to cooperate with our merchant marine in a free exchange of contemporary developments in maritime, naval, and scientific fields.
6. The Board believes that there is a lack of proper publicity for the academy. The members have been surprised and pleased, even as members of a congressional committee having to do with merchant marine legislation, at the outstanding establishment found at Kings Point. Ways and means should be found by which the true story of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and Academy can be brought to public attention. The Board will aid in every way to accomplish this.
7. It is the recommendation of this Board that the next Board of Visitors to the academy visit and study conditions at the academy at an early date in the year, so that they can have ample opportunity to give due consideration to questions of permanent policy and thus make a more substantial contribution to the welfare of the Merchant Marine Academy.
8. The Board recognizes that a great majority of the cadet-midshipmen who are now in training have seen service with the merchant marine in combat zones; they feel that this is a strenuous education for these men in itself, and produces the best kind of officer material for the future. The Board recommends that consideration be given to the general status of merchant marine officers as veterans of this war. A distinction must be made between their status and the status of members of the military and naval services during the war, yet certainly these men deserve regard as veterans of war service and should be given a fair opportunity to establish themselves in their profession. Any study of the situation must consider their special qualifications and their special needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion the members of the Board wish to congratulate the superintendent, the officers, and the cadet-midshipmen of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps and Academy for the splendid work being done. The Board was deeply impressed by the spirit and morale of officers and cadetmidshipmen, as well as by the institution, the latter so splendidly arranged and most effectively operated with an administrative and educational personnel of the highest character and efficiency.
The Board wishes to thank the superintendent, their escorts, and every officer for the courtesy and hospitality extended to the members during their visit.
To Lieutenant Commander William W. MacKenzie, United States Naval Reserve, Secretary to the Board of Visitors, the Board expresses its sincere appreciation for his ceaseless efforts in its behalf, and for his invaluable assistance and cooperation.
Repectfully submitted.
James M. Tunnell.
J. W. Bailey.
Harold H. Burton.
George L. Radcliffe.
Schuyler Otis Bland.
Gordon Canfield.
Eugene J. Keogh.
Edward J. Hart.
Robert Ramspeck.
Daniel Ellison.