Scientist Emil O. Deere

Deere's College Military Involvement for World War 1 and 2
~ An account by​​ Dr. Leon Lundstrom
from his
​1990 "History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas"
pages 194 to 197
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"Although Professor Deere did not enter military service, he had participated in the war efforts of both World War I and World War II. Undoubtedly the only military action in which he would have been the right age to be drafted was the Spanish – American War. He had just completed his study in the Academy when that conflict came to an end.

"During World War I, Professor Deere, organized the Lindsborg Home Guard and served as captain of the unit. Bethany College participated by forming the Student Army Training, Corps (S. A. T. C.), of which Dean Deere was the educational Director.

"Professor Deere became involved with the Army and Navy programs established on the Bethany College campus during World War II. In 1941 he served as coordinator of the Civil Aeronautical Authority, which was reported as the Civil Aeronautical Administration during 1942 to 1943. In 1942 he became chairman of the Military Advisor Committee and also Bethany‘s representative in the Naval V–I and V–7programs. In 1942 he was involved with the Civilian Pilot Course and was appointed the War Training Service Program Coordinator in 1943. During 1945 he was one of two faculty members who visited the Inducting and Separation Center at Fort Leavenworth. Also, during the same year, these two men represented Bethany College at the Veterans Council meetings in McPherson.

"After the war, Deere, worked as one of the colleges representatives in procurement of surplus military equipment that could be used by Bethany College. Some of the surplus equipment became useful in teaching science. Two federal agencies contacted for their procurement were the Federal Works Agency and the War Assets Administration."
​

Deere's 1918 letter of "procurement of surplus military equipment that could be used by Bethany College."

From the Deere Papers

​From the 1919 "Bethany Daisy" pages 104 - 108

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Dr. Thomas F. Jorsch
 “Lindsborg During World War I: Service, Sacrifice & Dissent."

Almost 100 years later in 2016, Bethany College history professor Dr. Tom Jorsch and Honors class and student volunteer created the website: The “Lindsborg During World War I: Service, Sacrifice & Dissent." What a work of commitment and respect!  To learn more, go HERE.

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