Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery - Dental Columbian Yearbook (New York, NY)

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5COC7 O S 191? officers were selected, the selections being based upon their previous military experience, and these men co-operated with the Commanding Officer in all matters. Discipline at the College became very stringent, and in class room or out, the soldiers were always under the watchful eye of either a non-commissioned officer, or a guard who maintained proper order. The classes were all in the charge of a non-commissioned officer, whose duty it was to keep a record of the attendance and to maintain order. For drilling purposes the small park opposite the College building served excellently, and due to its proximity, every spare moment was taken up with military manoeuvers. From 7 :40 A. M., when each man had to report, the unit drilled until 8 :45. The men were then marched to classes, and again they reported at 12 :30, when they drilled until 1. Time was given for lunch, and at 2 P. M., assembly was blown, and drilling went on until 4 :55, when retreat was held. It took only a very short while before the unit took on the appearance of a well-trained body of men, and once the semblance of real order was seen, each and every soldier took a particular delight in see- ing his company ahead, at insp ection. Every Saturday afternoon found the unit busily at work, ending up with a march through the surrounding neighborhood in military formation. But the military activities, no matter how extensive, could not interfere with other affairs in which all partook. Business, social, and athletic activities were always on hand. The business end took form in the shape of a Post Exchange, from which the unit derived a handsome revenue. Athletics consisted in the greater part of boxing and wrestling, in which field the unit was ably assisted by Mr. Dintenfass in the roll of civilian boxing instructor. Through his efforts an athletic carnival was held at the gymnasium, in which there were many excellent boxing and wrestling bouts. On the social side of the scale came the very successful Battalion Dance, which was held at the Central Opera House, and was attended by all the men in the unit. In order to accomplish these many things, everyone worked hard, and contrary to the idea preva- lent throughout the country, it can be said that the S. A. T. C. was not the easiest of army departments with which to be connected. At least this was especially true at C. D. 0. S., for there was not da.y in which our

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s COC7 O S I sr I . .©A . - .,- T - .vS - 0. ,.t A. XT. N ANSWEE to the call from Washington, Die College of Denial and Oral Surgery entered its name on the roll of those colleges in the United States enlisted in the extensive Avar prepara- tions sanctioned by Congress. October 1, 1918. heralded the formal opening of the Students ' Army Training Units throughout the country, but due to unforeseen difficulties in obtaining bar- racks, the unit at C. D 0. S. was not gotten under way until several weeks had elapsed. On October 21, 1918, the College with its equipment and all facilities was turned over to the Govern- ment, and from then on the college building became an Army Post in which the Military with its regulations reigned supreme. Immediately the entire course of instruction was revised. In addition to the former cur- riculum, the students were given military subjects. The year was divided into four semesters of three months each. At the end of each semester examinations were to lie held. Those students who had acquired suffi- cient proficiency in their dental and military subjects were eligible for entrance into an officers ' training camp. Due to the suddenness with which the Army took possession of the College, it was quite difficult for the students to accustom themselves to the changed conditions. Everywhere there was disorder, and the lecture schedule was interfered with, until a proper routine was established. First came the induction, fol- lowed closely by the inoculations and the outfitting of the men in service. By the time all these matters had been taken care of, a semblance of military discipline had appeared, and within a week, due to the efforts of Lieutenant Burke and his staff, the unit was whipped into splendid condition. In addition to Lieutenant Burke, five Second Lieutenants were assigned to the unit. Immediately non-commissioned 27

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opos ' ,gl unit did not put in a full day ' s labor, both mental and physical. But this labor was welcome, for army work developed both the physique and powers of accomplishment to such an extent that it took only a short time to make proficient officers of men who knew very little of army matters when they entered. This was especially applicable to the seven men who were recommended for commissions by Lieutenant Burke. They above all others became very proficient in military matters. With the signing of the Armistice came the disbanding of all the S. A. T. C. units throughout the country. On December 12, 1918, the unit at C. D. 0. S. went through the various steps for demobilization, and all the men were discharged. For several weeks following, the spirit of the Military still hovered over the college, but by degrees the old pre-war routine of college life returned. The Army and its training was a blessing in its way, and all were sorry to see it go, because with it went a man who will remain long in our memories, Lieutenant Burke, who taught us, first, how to be men, and secondly, how to be soldiers. PERSONNEL Lieutenant Burke - - - Commanding Officer Second Lieutenant Clarke - - Personnel Officer Second Lieutenant Meade - - Quartermaster Officer Second Lieutenant Ford ) Second Lieutenant Milliken - Post Exchange Second Lieutenant Hanley J Note:— Those students in the Naval Reserve were outfitted, and drilled with the S. A. T. C. men, under the command of Lieutenant Burke. The Medical Reservists in the Senior Class, were exempt from military drill, but the underclassmen in the M. E. R. C. were discharged and inducted into the S. A. T. C. 29