The 1210th S.T.U. at Fort Ontario, 1943-1944

From June of 1943 to February of 1944, the 1210th Special Training Unit at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York taught pre-basic military training to thousands of illiterate, slow learning, and non-English-speaking soldiers in the United States Army. The training center at Fort Ontario conducted programs in disciplinary barracks, specialized military, technical, academic and vocational education. Below are digitized military reports and manuals, journal articles, newspaper clippings, photographs, personal papers and other documents related to the United States Army Special Training Unit program and the 1210th S.T.U. that served at Fort Ontario during the Second World War.

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Dissertation – Army Training of Illiterates in World War II

Samuel Goldberg

Related sections of the dissertation Army Training of Illiterates in World War II by Samuel Goldberg pertaining to Fort Ontario.
Government Document - Albert Strem Naturalization Form

U. S. Department of Labor Immigration and Naturalization Service

The naturalization form for Albert Strem. Strem served at Fort Ontario in 1943.
Government Document – Steve Virostko and Alzbeta Kutalekova

Unknown

Steve and his wife Alzbeta's passports and naturalization paperwork. The letter at the end is a translation of the proceeding letter witch was written in Czech. Steve served at Fort Ontario in 1943.
Journal Article – A Reading Program for Linguistically Handicapped and Mentally Limited Personnel in the Military Service

Morton A. Seidenfeld and Paul A. Witty

An article published in the May 1943 Educational Methods journal, titled "A Reading Program for Linguistically Handicapped and Mentally Limited Personnel in the Military Service" describing the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article - Army Experience and Problems of Negro Education

Arthur G. Trudeau

An article published on April 20, 1945 in Education for Victory newsletter on the training of African-American soldiers in the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – Beam in the Eye

Paul A. Witty and Golda Van Buskirk

An article published in the October 1944 issue of Childhood Education, titled "Beam in the Eye" that describes an address made by Major Paul A. Witty before the Association of Childhood Education in April 1944.
Journal Article – Psychiatry in the Army Air Forces & The Services of the Military Mental Hygiene Unit

John M. Murray and Harry L. Freedman

Two articles published in the July 1943 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry that discuss the Special Training Unit Program. The titles are, "Psychiatry in the Army Air Forces" and "The Services of the Military Mental Hygiene Unit."
Journal Article - Psychological Procedures Employed in the Army's Special Training Units

Samuel Goldberg

An article published in the April 1945 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology, titled "Psychological Procedures Employed in the Army's Special Training Units" that described instruction techniques used by Special Training Units.
Journal Article – Psychometric in Special Training Units of the Army

Morton A. Seidengeld and Paul A. Witty

An article published in the May 1943 issue of the Education Journal, titled "Psychometric in Special Training Units of the Army" describing the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – Some Uses of Visual Aids in the Army

Paul A. Witty

An article published in the December 1944 issue of the Journal of Educational Sociology, titled "Some Uses of Visual Aids in the Army" that describes teaching methods of the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – Special Training Provided for Educationally Limited Soldiers

Education for Victory (Journal)

Article published on August 2, 1943 in the journal Education for Victory describing the aims of the United States Army Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article - Teaching the Three R's in the Army

Paul A. Witty

An article published in the March 1945 issue of The English Journal, titled "Teaching the Three R's in the Army" that described the instruction of non-English speakers in the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – The Army Program for Illiterates

Paul A. Witty and Samuel Goldberg

An article published in the February 1944 issue of the Education Digest, titled "The Army Program for Illiterates" that describes the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – The Army's Training Program for Illiterate, Non-English Speaking,and Educationally Retarded Men

Paul A. Witty and Samuel Goldberg

An article published in the December 1943 issue of The Elementary English Review, titled "The Army's Training Program for Illiterate, Non-English Speaking,and Educationally Retarded Men." The article describes the program of instruction used by Special Training Units.
Journal Article - The Conquest of Illiteracy

Paul A. Witty

An article published on July 7, 1945 in School and Society on the origin of the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article -The Conquest of Illiteracy

Paul A. Witty

An article published in the October 1945 issue of The Education Digest, titled "The Conquest of Illiteracy" that offers an overview of the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – The Special Training Units of the Army

Morton A. Seidenfeld

An article published in the April 1943 issue of the Psychological Bulletin, titled "The Special Training Units of the Army," describing the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – The Use of Visual Aids in Special Training Units in the Army

Paul A. Witty and Samuel Goldberg

An article published in the February 1944 issue of The Journal of Educational Psychology, titled "The Use of Visual Aids in Special Training Units in the Army that discusses the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – The Work of Psychologists in the Ninth Service Command Special Training Center

Hugh M. Bell and William D. Altus

An article published in the March 1944 issue of the Psychological Bulletin, titled "The Work of Psychologists in the Ninth Service Command Special Training Center" that describes the Special Training Unit Program at military bases in the western United States.
Journal Article – Training Handicapped Military Personnel

Morton A. Seidenfeld

An article published in the February 1944 issue of the Junior College Journal, titled "Training Handicapped Military Personnel" that describes the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article – Training Linguistically Handicapped and Mentally Limited Personnel in the Military Service

Morton A. Seidenfeld

An article published in the January 1943 issue of The Journal of Educational Psychology, titled "Training Linguistically Handicapped and Mentally Limited Personnel in the Military Service" discussing the Special Training Unit Program.
Journal Article - What the War has Taught us about Adult Education

Paul A. Witty

An article published in the July 1945 issue of The Journal of Negro Education, titled "What the War has Taught us about Adult Education" that evaluates the Special Training Program of the United States Army.
Manual – Meet Private Pete: A Soldier's Reader

United State Armed Forces Institute.

War Department Education Manual, EM 160, titled Meet Private Pete: A Soldiers Reader. This manual was the revised edition of Technical Manual, TM 21-500 Army Reader published in October of 1944.
Manual – Technical Manual TM 21-500 Army Reader

United States War Department.

Technical Manual No. 21-500, Army Reader. Also known as the Private Pete series. This manual as well as others was used at Fort Ontario by members of the 1210th S.T.U. to train soldiers.
Manual – Training Devices for Special Training Units

United States War Department.

War Department Pamphlet, No. 20-2, Teaching Devices for Training Units. Published in December of 1943.
Newspaper Article - Albert Strem Obituary

New York Daily News (New York, New York)

The obituary for Albert Strem. Strem was assigned to Class T-159 at Fort Ontario in 1943.
Newspaper Article – Army Conducting School to Teach Reading, Writing

Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, Indiana)

An article published on November 2, 1943 in the Indianapolis Star describing the Special Training Unit Program at Fort Ontario.
Newspaper Article – Army Detachment to be Stationed in Old County Jail

Elmira Star-Gazette (Elmira, New York)

An article published in the Elmira Star-Gazette on March 5, 1942 discussing renovating the Elmira Jail so it can serve as billeting to Soldiers.
Newspaper Article - Army Officers Inspect Old Jail, Say Building Not Ready for Troops

Elmira Star-Gazette (Elmira, New York)

An article published in the Elmira Star-Gazette on May 12, 1942 describing an inspection by Colonel Willis Shippam at the Elmira Jail while it was undergoing renovations to serve as billeting for Soldiers.
Newspaper Article – Army Opens Schools for Illiterates

Troy Record (Troy, New York)

An article published in the Troy Record on October 11, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Bungling Stirs Veterans Here

Press and Sun Bulletin (Binghamton, New York)

An article published on June 24, 1942 in the Press and Sun Bulletin (Binghamton, New York), titled "Bungling Stirs Veterans Here," stating Colonel Willis Shippam is the Commandant of Fort Ontario.
Newspaper Article – COL Ralph M. Manter Funeral Announcement

Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

The funeral announcement for Colonel Ralph M. Manter. Col Manter served at Fort Ontario during World War II as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Newspaper Article – COL Ralph M. Manter Obituary

Portsmouth Herald (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

The obituary for Colonel Ralph M. Manter. Col Manter served at Fort Ontario during World War II while he was a Lieutenant Colonel.
Newspaper Article – COL Willis Shippam Obituary

Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York)

The obituary for Colonel Willis Shippam. Col Shippam served as the Commanding Officer of the Central and Southern Military Districts and as the Commandant of Fort Ontario during World War II.
Newspaper Article - Illiterates Saved from Scrap Heap by Army's New Special Training

Army Times.

An article published on October 31, 1942 in the Army Times describing the introduction of the Special Training Unit Program.
Newspaper Article – Inter-Racial Educational Program Being Conducted by the Army at Fort Ontario, N.Y

New York Age (New York, New York)

An article published in the New York Age on November 13, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Jenkins and Duhl to Attend Meeting

Elmira Star-Gazette (Elmira, New York)

An article published in the Elmira Star-Gazette on March 11, 1942 describing a regional sheriff's conference where Brigadier General R. K. Robertson and Colonel Willis Shippam were guest speakers.
Newspaper Article – Legion Ready to Aid Veterans of Present Conflict

Mexico Independent (Mexico, New York)

An article published in the Mexico Independent on December 16, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Legion Ready to Aid Veterans of Present Conflict

Mexico Independent (Mexico, New York)

An article published in the Mexico Independent on December 16, 1943 describing a presentation given by Lieutenant Colonel Ralph M. Manter regarding the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – 'Little Red School House Opens' for Thousands of Service Men

Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

An article published in the Daily Oklahoman on October 11, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Men in Armed Services

Syracuse Herald-Journal (Syracuse, New York)

A picture of Private First Class Robert Casey with his brothers Private First Class Richard Casey and Seaman First Class Jack Casey. Robert Casey was an instructor at Fort Ontario during this time.
Newspaper Article – Mexico Day Room at Fort Ontario is Dedicated

Mexico Independent (Mexico, New York)

An article published in the Mexico Independent on October 28, 1943 describing a room furnished for Company G of the 1210th Special Training Unit at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Military Police Will Not Remain at Fort Ontario

Oswego Palladium-Times (Oswego, New York)

An article published in the Oswego Palladium-Times on June 22, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – New Day Room is Dedicated at Fort Ontario

Fulton Patriot (Fulton, New York)

An article published in the Troy Record on August 26, 1943 describing a dedication of room for the Headquarters Company of the 1210th Special Training Unit at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Open School for Soldiers

Albany Times-Union (Albany, New York)

An article published in the Albany Times-Union on October 11, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article - Private Pete s Primer Makes Soldiers of Unschooled

Sloan Taylor

An article that appeared in the New York Daily News on November 14, 1943 that examines training illiterate soldiers at Fort Ontario.
Newspaper Article - Private Pete's Primer Makes Soldiers of Unschooled

Sloan Taylor

An article published on November 14, 1943 in the Daily News-Sun (Hobbs, New Mexico), titled Private Pete's Primer Makes Soldiers of Unschooled," on the United States Army's Special Training Unit Program.
Newspaper Article – Sheriffs Confer With Army Men

Ithaca Journal (Ithaca, New York)

An article published in the Ithaca Journal on May 14, 1942 describing a conference on what sheriffs were supposed to contribute to state defense. Brigadier General R. K. Robertson and Colonel Willis Shippam were guest speakers.
Newspaper Article – Soldiers Unable to Read, Write Get Special Quick Schooling

Robert C. Wilson

An article published in the Albuquerque Journal on October 11, 1943 describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Son to Sloseks

Waterloo Courier (Waterloo, Iowa)

An article in the Waterloo Courier announcing the birth of Private Anthony Slosek's son. PVT Slosek taught in the 1210th S. T. U. at Fort Ontario before the unit moved to Pine Camp, NY.
Newspaper Article - Special Training Unit Banishes Illiteracy and Valuable Manpower is Salvaged

Christian Science Monitor (Boston, Massachusetts)

An article published on August 26, 1944 in the Christian Science Monitor on the Special Training Unit Program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Newspaper Article – Spinning the Sports Top

Al Lamb

A letter from Private P. E. McHugh to the Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin published on September 8, 1943. Pvt McHugh was an instructor at Fort Ontario during this time.
Newspaper Article - Teaching Soldiers 'The Three R's'

Clarissa Start

An article published on April 3, 1944 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the Special Training Unit Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Newspaper Article – The "H" Company

Kolber

An article published in "Dan Garliner's Corner" in a 1943 issue of Recoil describing the soldier literacy training school at Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York.
Newspaper Article – Vicinity Deaths

Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York)

The death notice for Colonel Willis Shippam's wife's aunt stating the COL Shippam was the Commanding Officer of Fort Ontario.
Photograph - 1212th Service Unit Headquarters

Fred Saunders

Main entrance to the Headquarters Building for the 1212^th Service Unit at Fort Ontario. The 1212^th had overall responsibility for the command, administration, and operation of the 80-acre army post while the 1210^th was stationed at Fort Ontario.
Photograph - 1212th Service Unit Headquarters (Winter)

Fred Saunders

The administrative headquarters building for the 1212^th Service Unit at Fort Ontario in the winter.
Photograph - Albert Strem 1995

New York Newsday (New York, New York)

Albert Strem was an Austro-Hungarian immigrant who came to the United States in the late 1920's. After immigrating to the United States he learned English at night school while working as a waiter in various New York restaurants. During World War II he was drafted and was assigned to class T-159, H company 1210th S. T. U. at Fort Ontario to learn to read and write English. After the war he resumed working in the restaurant industry and began volunteering with the New York Police Auxiliary when it was established in the 1950's. Before his death he supervised over three precincts and held the record for longest service in the Police Auxiliary.
Photograph - Anthony Slosek and Group

Unknown

A photograph taken at Fort Ontario in 1943 showing some of the soldiers stationed there.

The back says "Picture Taken in front of the Post Office Oswego, NY Friday Sept. 24, 1943 → Camp Upton

Second Row (L-R) Alfred Cannova, Anthony O. Sosus, Carl H. Beck, Elmer C. Germain, Ralph W. Bushe, Richard Bardeschluski, Eduard M. Austin, Allison J. Koberg, Phillip J. Scozzari, Walter S. Krukowski

Final Row (L-R) Anthony Slosek, Edwin T. Callaghan, Frederick C. Famule, John S. Selmbor, Joseph D. Kowalczyk, Elliot D. Smith, William P. Cheney, James Geoia, Lionel J. Harrington, Robert H. Horden, Robert E. Farnham"
Photograph - Barracks (Winter)

Fred Saunders

Two soldiers returning to Barracks at Fort Ontario, 1942-43.
Photograph - Captain's Quarters

Fred Saunders

Red brick 1905 Captains’ Quarters on Officer’s Row in winter, 1942-43.
Photograph - Chapel

Fred Saunders

Non-denominational Chapel built in 1941 built outside the entrance of the 19^th Century stone fortification. It was auctioned off after WWII and operates as a Seventh Day Adventist Church near the University of Buffalo campus.
Photograph- Coast Guard Station (Winter)

Fred Saunders

The Coast Guard Station, located on the shoreline next to Fort Ontario.
Photograph - Commanding Officer's Quarters

Fred Saunders

Soldier on guard detail by the Commanding Officer’s quarters at Fort Ontario, 1942-1943.
Photograph - Dress Parade

Fred Saunders

Soldiers at Dress Parade on the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario, 1943. 1905 red brick barracks at left and hospital at right.
Photograph - Dress Parade

Fred Saunders

Soldiers at Dress Parade on the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario.
Photograph - Dress Parade or Retreat

Fred Saunders

Soldiers on Dress Parade or Retreat at Fort Ontario, 1943.
Photograph - Enlisted Barracks

Fred Saunders

Image of a two-story Enlisted Men’s Barracks at Fort Ontario built in 1940-41 to accommodate the change from a 400-man regular army infantry battalion post to a special unit training post.
Photograph - Enlisted Barracks

Fred Saunders

Enlisted Men’s Barracks looking north towards Lake Ontario.
Photograph - Entrance to the Northwest Rifle Gallery

Fred Saunders

Entrance to the Northwest Rifle Gallery, 1943.
Photograph - Fort Ontario

Fred Saunders

Fort Ontario from across the Oswego River, 1943. Old stone fort in background at left; junior offices quarters at right.
Photograph - Fort Ontario (Winter)

Fred Saunders

Image of the red brick 1905 Station Hospital at Fort Ontario in winter, 1942-43. Red brick 1905 barracks to left.
Photograph - Main Entrance

Fred Saunders

The main entrance to Fort Ontario on East Seventh Street facing north towards the post.
Photograph - Map of Fort Ontario

National Archives

1941 Map of the Fort Ontario Military Reservation, updated to 1945.
Photograph - MG Robertson Inspects Barracks in Old Jail

Elmira Star-Gazette (Elmira, New York)

Major General Ralph Robertson inspects the equipment of the laundry room in the old Chemung County Jail. The jail had been repurposed as barracks for Military Police. (From left to right Colonel Willis Shippam, Major General Ralph Robertson and Captain Lynn Wallace)
Photograph - Military Police

Fred Saunders

Military Policeman at the main entrance on East 7^th Street in Oswego, NY.
Photograph - Military Police

Fred Saunders

Military Policeman at the main entrance on East Seventh Street.
Photograph - Military Police (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

Military Policeman at the main entrance on East 7^th Street in Oswego, NY. The photograph was colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Officer's Club

Fred Saunders

Parade Ground inside the old stone fort and Enlisted Men’s Barracks converted into an Officer’s Club in 1928.
Photograph - Officer's Club (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

Parade Ground inside the old stone fort and Enlisted Men’s Barracks converted into an Officer’s Club in 1928. The photograph was colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Officer's Quarters

Fred Saunders

Vehicle driving up to the 1822 lightkeepers house used as officer’s quarters during WWII and 1941 chapel.
Photograph - Old Fort Ontario

Fred Saunders

Entrance to the old stone fort with road that went around it. The photograph was digitally colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Old Fort Ontario

Fred Saunders

Entrance to the old stone fort with road that went around it.
Photograph - Parade Ground

Fred Saunders

Parade Ground at Fort Ontario with red brick 1905 Barracks, Post Exchange, and Hospital buildings in the background.
Photograph - Parade Ground (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

Parade Ground at Fort Ontario with red brick 1905 Barracks, Post Exchange, and Hospital buildings in the background. The photograph was colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Parade Ground (Winter)

Fred Saunders

The Parade Ground at Fort Ontario overlooking the Station Hospital, 1942-43.
Photograph - Post Church (Winter)

Fred Saunders

The post church at Fort Ontario in the winter, 1943-43.
Photograph - Post Exchange

Fred Saunders

1943 Image of the Post Exchange.
Photograph - Post Exchange (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

1943 Image of the Post Exchange. The photograph was digitally colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Post Signal Gun

Fred Saunders

Post signal gun overlooking the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario. The 1905 Post Hospital and red brick barracks are seen in the background.
Photograph - Post Signal Gun (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

Post signal gun overlooking the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario. The 1905 Post Hospital and red brick barracks are seen in the background. The photograph was digitally colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Solders Drilling (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

Soldiers at drill on the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario. The photograph was digitally colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Soldiers Drilling

Fred Saunders

Soldiers at drill on the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario, 1943. Dirt baseball infield at right.
Photograph - Soldiers Drilling

Fred Saunders

Soldiers at drill on the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario.
Photograph - Soldiers Drilling (Colorized)

Fred Saunders

Soldiers at drill on the Parade Ground at Fort Ontario, 1943. Dirt baseball infield at right. The photograph was digitally colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Photograph - Steve and Elizabeth Virostko (Colorized)

Unknown

Photographs of Steve and Elizabeth Virostko that were used for their passports. Steve served at Fort Ontario in 1943. The photographs were digitally colorized by the Special Collections and Archives at Morehead State University.
Poster - Private Pete Fights Illiteracy at Fort Ontario: The 1210 Special Training Service Unit

Byron Robertson, Christian Wright, Jeff Wysong, and Adrian Mandzy

A poster created by history students from Morehead State University for display at Fort Ontario Historic Site in March of 2023.
Poster - Private Pete Fights Illiteracy at Fort Ontario: The Men in Charge

Byron Robertson, Christian Wright, Jeff Wysong, and Adrian Mandzy

A poster created by history students from Morehead State University for display at Fort Ontario Historic Site in March of 2023.
Poster - Private Pete Fights Illiteracy at Fort Ontario: The Men it Changed

Byron Robertson, Christian Wright, Jeff Wysong, and Adrian Mandzy

A poster created by history students of Morehead State University for display at Fort Ontario Historic Site in March of 2023.
Report – Standardization of Reception Center Special Training Unit Tests, Fort Ontario September 1943

Defense Documentation Center for Scientific and Technical Information

A report by the Defense Documentation Center for Scientific and Technical Information discussing if the tests administered to soldiers assigned to Fort Ontario were appropriate for use in soldier literacy training.

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