Military Science Department Records

2.84 linear feet (4 record boxes, 3 document cases) photographs

This collection documents the history and activities of the Military Science Department and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at South Dakota State University (SDSU), with materials spanning the late 19th century through the early 21st century. It is arranged into three series: Departmental Records, ROTC Records, and Military Organization Scrapbooks.

The Departmental Records contain materials related to military instruction at SDSU that are not specific to ROTC. These include clippings, correspondence, programs, catalogs, and artifacts, such as cadet hats dating from the 1880s and 1920s, and dance cards from early 20th-century military balls. Notable items include clippings on General Omar Bradley and registers of U.S. Military Academy graduates from 1802 to 1978.

The ROTC Records comprise extensive documentation of both Army and Air Force ROTC programs. Materials include newsletters, photographs, event programs, posters, certificates, enrollment data, and memorabilia. Topics covered include military balls, commissioning ceremonies, field training, recruitment, and alumni recognition. Highlights include a 48-star U.S. flag used by the ROTC color guard prior to 1958 and photographs of field exercises at South Dakota training sites.

The Military Organization Scrapbooks feature chronologically arranged scrapbooks created by the Pershing Rifles, Company K, 2nd Regiment, and their sister unit, the Pershingettes, Company K-2, dating from 1964 to 1978. These include photographs, news clippings, and organizational commentary.

The collection documents the evolution of military education at SDSU, the transition to formalized ROTC training following the National Defense Act of 1916, and the continuing presence of ROTC on campus. It reflects both institutional history and the personal experiences of cadets and alumni, including notable figures such as General Omar Bradley and Brigadier General Keith W. Corbett.

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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.

If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.

In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

• Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
• Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
• Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
• Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.

• Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

  For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

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Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.