1950-1959
The Air Force ROTC program in the 1950's consisted of only male
cadets and quickly grew in 1955 to number 1741 cadets. Commonly
cadets majored in engineering and physics. The Air Force ROTC
program had a focus of seven basic areas of aerospace studies
nationwide. The Purdue Air Force ROTC program focused on two of
the seven sections: communication and maintenance. Cadets were
required to attend two hours of drill and three hours of military
classes a week. During the cadet's junior and senior years, he
was trained specifically in the communication or maintenance field.
Between a cadet's junior and senior year he would attend field
training. After graduation the cadet would be commissioned as
a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve.
A cadet practices communication procedures.
During the 1950's the Air Force ROTC program was much different
than it is today. The program was completely male unlike today's
program where women hold many wing positions. The uniforms are
very similar to the old style male uniforms many of the cadets
still wear today. The main difference in the uniform is the cover.
The 1950's cover was a hard, cap-like cover similar to the covers
the Army and Navy wear. The flight style cover that we wear today
was adopted in the late 1950's.
Uniforms of the fifties.
Detachment Commanders
1950 - 1953
Colonel Bowyer
1954 - 1958
Colonel Babb
1958 - 1960
Colonel Teal
Organizations
ARNOLD AIR SOCIETY
Arnold Air Society was established at Purdue in 1951. The organization
was named after General "Hap" Arnold. This organization
was made up of elite Air Force cadets who supported the Wing by
providing lectures and movies about the Air Force. They also organized
base trips and were involved in service projects in the community.
These cadets could be distinguished by the blue and gold cords
worn on their uniforms.
PURDUE DRILL TEAM
Purdue Drill Team was organized in 1947 by a group of ex-servicemen.
Their goal was to develop efficiency in military drill and promote
teamwork. Although the team was primarily composed of cadets,
this organization was open to all male Purdue students.
MILITARY BALL COMMITTEE
The Military Ball Committee was a tri-service organization that
planned the Ball that was held in November of each school year.
Members were advanced cadets approved by advisors from each of
the three branches of service. Cadets were selected in the spring
of their sophomore year and served through their senior year.
Because only four cadets from each branch were chosen each year
this was a high honor.
AIR FORCE BAND
The Air Force Band was organized in 1952 by cadet David H.
Claig. Band members were all freshman and sophomores.
CHANDELLE SQUADRON
Chandelle Squadron was founded in 1957 by Air Force
cadets. This organization was established because prior to its
existence, cadets belonged to POMM the Army's honorary organization.
After the Air Force ROTC split from the Army ROTC program, Air
Force cadets felt they needed their own organization. The Chandelle
Squadron honored outstanding Junior and Senior cadets. They were
distinguished by the blue and orange cords they wore on their
uniforms. This organization contributed to the detachment by organizing
dinners and picnics. They also offered discussion groups on Air
Force related topics.
Current Events of the Fifties
1950
President Truman gives go-ahead for hydrogen bomb research
Alaska admitted as 49th state
President Truman orders American air and navel forces to go to the
aid of South Korea
US F-86 shoots down a MIG-15 in first ever combat between jet
fighters
President Truman survives assassination attempt by Puerto Rican
Nationalists
1951
US tests nuclear bombs in Nevada desert
22nd Amendment passed limiting the future Presidents of the US
to
two terms in office
Rosenbergs found guilty of espionage and sentenced to death
President Truman fires General MacArthur as commander of the
UN
forces in Korea
First Hydrogen bomb is tested
1952
US Air Force unveils latest jet bomber, the giant eight-engine
YB-60
President Truman attends a ceremony to launch the USS Nautilus,
the
first atomic submarine
Eisenhower elected as President
1953
John Kennedy marries Jacqueline Bouvier
Boeing begins production of B-52 jet bomber
The polio virus is identified and photographed for the first time
1954
Senator McCarthy red-baited too far when he takes on the US Army,
he is voted out of office
Polio vaccine used on children in Pittsburgh
Supreme Court outlaws segregation in schools
Hurricane Hazel destroys eight US states
1955
Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California
James Dean and Albert Einstein died
1956
Elvis makes his break into the pop charts, and performed on the
Ed
Sullivan Show
US air pioneer William E. Boeing died
City Bus Line orders an end to segregation after long boycott
1957
Soviet Union launches Sputnick I, the first artificial satellite
Jimmy Hoffa was elected President of the International Teamsters
1958
US launches the satellite Explorer I
Harry Winston donates the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian
Institution
Elvis Presley is drafted into the Army
1959
NASA names the Mercury Astronauts, including "Gus" Grissom
Plane crash kills Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper
Hawaii becomes the 50th state
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