PMC During Times of War

When Confederate forces entered Pennsylvania in 1863, older cadets volunteered for service and formed an artillery unit known as Guss’ Independent Battery. Though young and lightly equipped, they were deployed to Harrisburg and Carlisle. For their service during the campaign, PMC was awarded a Civil War Campaign Streamer still carried on Corps flags.

Read More About Cadets During the Gettysburg Campaign

PMC launched the Citizen’s Training Corps in 1917 for men and high‑school boys seeking military training. With drills, lectures, and physical conditioning, the program grew to 400 participants and reflected PMC’s commitment to national readiness.

Read More About Preparing the Home Front

During World War II, PMC adapted to national demands as cadets were called to active duty and new military training programs took shape on campus. Accelerated courses, War Diplomas, and the arrival of Army Specialized Training units reshaped student life, while the G.I. Bill later brought a new generation of veteran students.

Read More About PMC During WWII

After Pearl Harbor, PMC launched an accelerated year‑round curriculum so cadets could graduate sooner. When juniors and seniors were called to active duty in 1943, PMC awarded “War Diplomas” to those who had not yet finished. Some, like Lew Hutton ’43, later returned to complete their studies.

In 1965, PMC cadets launched Operation Tender Tiger to support orphans in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province. Their campus‑wide fundraising effort grew into a regional movement, ultimately raising $5,500 for an orphanage in Qui Nhon. The project became a powerful statement of compassion during a turbulent time.

Read More About Operation Tender Tiger

During the Vietnam War, PMC cadets organized a trip to Philadelphia to counter an anti-war rally and publicly show support for American troops serving overseas.