Duke During Wartime: Research and Engagement · From Campus to Cockpit: Duke During World War II

Research

Dr. Paul M. Gross spearheaded an effort by the Chemistry Department to create a “frangible bullet” which would break up upon impact, enabling American soldiers to perform shooting drills on actual aircraft. Other research projects at Duke included ways to control venereal disease and studying the effects of Vitamin B deprivation.

Photograph of the scientists who developed the Frangible Bullet, ca. 1945.

From left to right: Joseph Evans, Dr. Paul Gross, Maj. Cameron Fairchild, Dr. Marcus Hobbs, Capt Charles Everett, Capt. J.B. Roan.

Shipping order for gunpowder from the War Department, 1942.

Diagram of a frangible bullet impact, ca. 1945.

Cover of the final report issued on the Frangible Bullet Project, ca. 1945.

Engagement

The Civilian Pilot Training Program allowed citizens to take basic flying classes. Organized locally by Duke Administrative Assistant, A.S. Brower, the CPTP held sessions at the Raleigh Airport. Many CPTP participants were later drafted or volunteered for service in World War II.

An instructor teaching participants in the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP), 1940.

Civil Air Regulations for Pilots booklet used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, August 1942.

Page from the Ground Instructor’s Manual used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, ca. 1942.

How to Prevent Air Sickness booklet used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, ca. 1942.

Administrators for the Civilian Pilot Training Program, including A. S. Brower, 1940.

Page from the Aerial Map and Photograph Reading Manual used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, ca. 1942.

Elementary Physics for Pilot Trainees booklet used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, April 1942.