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World War II

During the period of 1939 to 1945, approximately 4,100 Virginia Military Institute (VMI) alumni served in all branches of the armed forces. In addition to sending many 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 Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP).

The VMI Archives holds a biographical file for every alumnus who attended VMI during the World War II era (1939-1945) and these files frequently contain information about military service. If you would like to view these files, please contact us to schedule an in-person visit.

ASTP Students and Staff, Circa 1944

ASTP

The Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) was established by the War Department in 1942. Under the program, Army enlisted men were sent to various colleges and universities to take coursework in engineering and allied subjects. The first ASTP students arrived at VMI on May 7, 1943 and the program ended on April 27, 1946. A total of 2,148 men took part in the Institute's ASTP courses.

These "Army students" were typically stationed at VMI for a few weeks or months, and then were sent overseas or for additional training. They were not enrolled as VMI cadets and are not carried on the rolls as VMI alumni; However, shortly after the war, Institute officials compiled a complete roster of the men who trained at VMI.

Primary Resources

The Archives has a variety of World War II primary resources. To browse these resources:

  1. Visit the Archives Catalog.
  2. Enter World War II into the search box under the Search The Archives heading.

The following are some primary resources related to VMI alumni in World War II: 

Secondary Resources

The following are some secondary resources related to VMI alumni in World War II: