Manhattan College - Manhattanite Yearbook (Riverdale, NY)

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Gerry Loftus, Society Finance Officer, and Bob La Blunc, Society P.I.O., read announcement that Manhattan will host the '57 National Conclave. The Military Ball, held at the Biltmore, proved the highlight of the military social season. Under the chairmanship of Bob La Blanc and Gerry Loftus, it was handled efficiently and creditably. In the fall induction of new members the Society added another distinguished name to its rolls in the person of Col. Lyons, who complimented the Society on its achievements and encouraged the members in their endeavors, particularly the goal of becoming the host squadron for the 1957 National Convention, which became a fact at MANHATTANITE PRESS- TIME. Numerous other proiects were operated by the Society, including the Advanced Corps drill school, public information films, and the tea dance, to enumerate only a few. An informal group of the Society's members. ARNOLD AIR SlDCIETY The Major William V. Holohan Squadron of the Arnold Air Society increased its eminence on the campus military scene during the school year by its manifold and comprehensive activities directed toward enhancing the effectiveness and awareness of the importance of Air Force ROTC on the campus. During the two pledge periods, the ranks, depleted to some degree by graduation, were increased to sufticent numbers by a large influx of capable juniors and seniors. The Society sponsored the Military Mass, at which the Wing was again rededicated to Mary on the feast of the immaculate Conception. The turnout was large and the spirit of the corps more closely integrated by this mass profession of devotion to the Mother of God. A happy crowd at the Military Ball sponsored by the Arnold Air Society. 3 , us

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Miss Jeanne Battistone, Queen of the Military Ball, is surrounded by her regal train and by Bob La Blanc, Vincent Lavino and Gerry Loftus. :19 159?? The end of exams was a dual occasion for celebration for the members of the Corps with the annual Military Ball pro- viding the means for relaxing after the mental torment. Held in the Biltmore, the Ball was both a financial and social success. The Queen was crowned and Colonel Lyons presented Jack McCoy with his gold medal as the flight leader of the outstanding flight. The second term witnessed an expansion in the wing and group staff structures. Drill preparations were directed toward the immediate future with an eye specifically placed on the annual St. Patrick's Day parade up 5th Avenue. Following . . Bob O'Neill and Joe Sansone discuss drill for the day. Did you brush your teeth this morning, Mister? asks perfectionist Gerry Loftus during fiight inspection. the Kelly Green stripe up the avenue the Corps demonstrated its proficiency to the thousands that lined the streets on that Saturday afternoon in snow-covered New York City. Campus day was the scene of the last public appearance of the entire wing as the cadets paraded past friends, relatives and visitors in Van Cortlandt Stadium. tlt was also the last appearance of the senior class of cadets as members of Detachment 4f560 prior to the day of graduation and the awarding of gold bars. The awards for the year were given out in an impressive ceremony before the corps marched past the stands for the last time.

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PERSIHNG RIFLES The PtR's perform a trick movement at Madison Square Garden. The largest organization of its kind in the world, the Pershi Rifles was founded in 1894 byh General Blackjack Pershi and is primarily military in nature. The common bond amo the members is forged at ,the weekly drills and social gath ings. Experts on the drill field, the Pershing Rifles have sho their skill consistently in both regular drill and trick drill w rifles as well. Company C-8, the official designation of the Manhattan 0 has constantly maintained a record that the college c be justly proud of. Last year's company was chosen as 1 Outstanding Company in the Eighth Regiment, which itself chosen the top regiment in the nation. It is no small wonder that the tunit has attained such a hi degree of proficiency. Drills were held on weekday morni prior to class for the recruits and on Saturday mornings all members. The structure of 'the company followed alo the same lines as the AFROTC with Basic cadets making up t core of the unit with the Advaneed cadets providing the tra ing. Only the basic cadets were eligible to compete in t various drill meets. Thusly the;leadership ability of-the n: men was developed while the advanced cadets managed t affairs of the society as the commissioned officers. Ron Wilson gives the commands. Port Arms.