TCU and the “Great War”
The First World War began in July of 1914 and lasted until November of 1918, with over thirty countries taking part in the conflict. As the war began, and primarily took place, in Europe, the United States was late to enter the conflict, waiting until April of 1917. In response to entering the war, the nation as a whole mobilized to answer the call, including the students, faculty, and staff of TCU.
World War I affected TCU in a variety of ways. Some, like the instance of an exhibitionist pilot accidentally crashing into the north side of the Main building before landing unhurt in a honeysuckle arbor, were temporary, and even somewhat lighthearted. Others, such as the 145 men who served during the war and the three who died doing so, were much more serious and permanent. TCU aided in the war effort by creating the Students Army Training Corps (SATC) and the TCU Red Cross Society, with male students joining the former and female students signing up for the latter. Still, when the armistice was declared in November 1918, TCU was able to slip, quite easily, back into its normal, pre-war existence.
Camp Bowie: Mobilization in Fort Worth
During the First World War the mobilization center at Camp Bowie, just outside of Fort Worth, was a vital part not only of the war effort, but of city life as well.
Student Army Training Corps
The Student Army Training Corps arrived on campus in 1918 and trained more than 320 students for positions in the Army.
Veterans Plaza: Remembering Fallen Frogs
Constructed in 1923, the TCU memorial commemorates Alumni that have served and died overseas, but how effective is a memorial if many students do not know it is there?