World War II
Art Double, circa 1942-1945
Credit: Loyola University Chicago Archives & Special Collections
The first Loyolan to die in the service of his country was Lt. Richard R. Rall, M.D., '33, who was reported killed in action in Hawaii on the battleship U.S.S. Pennsylvania. A member of the Navy Medical Corps, the 32-year old physician received his commission in 1936 after completing his internship at St. Bernard's Hospital. He was a graduate of the Stritch School of Medicine.
Once again, the university went on a war footing - students, faculty, and alumni answered the call to the colors. By 1943, there were 1,600 Loyolans under arms, and before the holocaust was over more than 70 would be added to the roster of war dead.
Father Ralph Gallagher was appointed supervisor of defense training for Chicago's north side by the Office of Civilian Defense. The navy set up a training program at Lewis Towers.
Loyola's 108th Army General Hospital was activated and sent to the European Theatre of Operations. One of the largest field hospitals, the 108th received a unit citation for meritorious service, caring for more than 68,000 casualties.
Thousands of Loyola-trained physicians, dentists and nurses served in both the Pacific and European war zones using their professional skills to heal and save the victims of battle.
Peace eventually came in 1945 and the nation rushed to get its young men and women out of uniform and back home. The post-war rush for education was on.