World WarII



-Click image to enlarge-
Cadets Celebrate Graduation
Navigation cadets with diplomas celebrate in front of the San Sebastian Building during graduation ceremonies in 1941.


-Click image to enlarge-
Sigma Chi Cadets
The Sigma Chi chapter at the University of Miami during World War II was composed chiefly of Navy personnel. Over 8,000 war personnel, including members of the British Royal Air Force, received training at the University.


-Click image to enlarge-
UM and World War II
The University of Miami contributed in many ways to the wartime effort. The University offered special classes to pilots, navigators, and aviation personnel from the United States and Great Britain. A number of these individuals returned to make South Florida their home following the end of World War II.


-Click image to enlarge-
WWII Army and Navy Students, 1943
U.S. Army and Navy Air Corps Navigation Students stand in formation in front of the Anastasia Building in 1943. After the United States entered the war, military programs were offered by the University. The Navy V-5 program provided 15 weeks in aeronautics, ground school, and theory in the Anastasia Building and flight training at Chapman Field by Embry-Riddle instructors. The Navy V-12 program soon followed, which offered regular college courses with heavy emphasis on mathematics and science. A total of 9,885 civilian and service students were trained in these programs.


-Click image to enlarge-
WWII Cadets - Class of 1942-1943
These United States Army Air Corps Cadets posed for a group shot outside the Anastasia Building in 1943. The students returning to school in 1940 found many of their classrooms and facilities taken over by military students. The program ended in 1944 after training more than 4,000 navigators; about two-thirds were trained for the United States, and most of the rest for the British Royal Air Force. A small number also came from Brazil, China, Colombia, and New Zealand.


-Click image to enlarge-
WWII Sailors and Co-Eds
Sailors and co-eds take a turn around the dance floor during World War II. These Naval Air Corps men were in Miami to take advantage of 15-week courses in aeronautics, ground school, theory, and flight training. Many of the classes were held on the North Campus; others were held at Richmond, Opa Locka, and a Miami Beach Summer College.


-Click image to enlarge-
WWII UM Air Training Program
A group of students look over the University’s newly acquired P-51 fighter plane at North Campus. This was one of the planes used during World War II air training programs until the end of 1945.