Alumni Travel Back in Time
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Then (1943) |
Why I became a sailor rather than an Army G.I.
I had received my notice to appear for induction into the Army when I came to SDSU the first time. Remember, we were at war with the Japanese, and Hitler was invading all over Europe. This was six months after Pearl Harbor. I was 21 years old, single and prime candidate for the Army.
I had made preliminary steps to join the Naval Reserve-V-12 program but I needed final clearance from the Navy. I had to be registered as college junior in order to be eligible. Living in Vista with my widowed mother and sister, I had completed two years at Oceanside Junior College (now renamed Mira Costa).
Having no car, I took the bus to San Diego and stayed with Bob Post, a high school friend, while I negotiated with the Navy. On the day before I was to report to the draft, I took the bus out to San Diego State (my first visit to the campus). I was directed to Herb Peiffer, Dean of Students.
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Now (2007) |
The dean listened to my story, called Oceanside to verify that I was in good standing and promptly wrote a letter stating that I was enrolled in San Diego State as a junior. I hurried back to the Navy, and was sworn in at 4:30 p.m., missing the Army draft by less than 16 hours.
This is my first fond memory of SDSU, obviously a good memory. I spent one year at SDSU before being called to active duty, and returned in the fall of 1946 to complete my degree.
I met my first wife that fall of 1942. We later had five children (she succumbed to cancer in 1992). I will always have warm feelings toward Dean Peiffer and SDSU.
Al Nesvold
