Wisconsin and World War II on the 73rd Anniversary of D-Day
The University of Wisconsin made significant contributions to support the war effort
Tuesday is the 73rd Anniversary of D-Day, the allied landing at Normandy during World War II. The University of Wisconsin provided life-saving research during the war including in direct support of the D-Day landing.
Of course, Wisconsin also saw many of his students called into service during the war some of whom did not return.
An article posted on June 2nd describes how research work at the University of Wisconsin aided the D-Day invasion by helping expand access to penicillin.
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"By discovering new strains, isolating more productive mutants, and improving growing methods, UW–Madison biologists helped supply Allied troops with enough penicillin to treat life-threatening infections.More than 50 UW–Madison scientists participated in the government-organized program. Descendants of the penicillium mold developed at UW–Madison are still used to produce penicillin around the world today."
Work from UW microbiologists and biochemists modified the cultivation process to “induce more penicillin production.” Wisconsin botanists helped crated additional “mutations in the mold” to help identify the “most productive penicillium strain.” The end results helped mass produce more productive doses of pencillin at drastically cheaper prices.
"The strains of penicillium mold produced at UW–Madison were not patented, but were given freely to private industry to grow as much as possible for the war effort."
Beyond life-saving medical advances from researchers, there were of course many students who joined the service including many Badger football players. The 1942 Wisconsin Badger football team’s historic season was recounted in the book “Third Down and a War to Go” authored by Terry Frei.
"In the final-fling atmosphere typical on college campuses as the first year of U.S. involvement in World War II was winding down, the Badgers climbed their way up the rankings and ultimately became one of the greatest college football teams of all time.Stars and benchwarmers alike knew that each game brought them closer to military service. The Badgers scattered into the various branches-and around the world-shortly after the season."
The Badgers went 8-1-1 that season finishing the season ranked #3 in the Associated Press poll. Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch finished 6th nationally in rushing with 766 yards. Nine Wisconsin players would be among the 300 players picked in the 1943 NFL Draft.
An 18-year-old freshman was the first UW football player inducted. Only one player from the 1942 Badger team returned for the 1943 season.
Wisconsin defensive end Dave Schriener was named The Big Ten Player of the Year in 1942. He was drafted by the Lions in 1943 but had committed to joining the Marines. He was deployed to the Pacific Theater with the 6th Marine Division. Schriener was killed on patrol in Okinawa on June 20, 1945. Just 74 days later, Japan’s surrender ended World War II.
"UW retired Schreiner’s No. 80 in the 1950s when he became the first Badger elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Schreiner was UW’s first two-time All-America and the first to catch three touchdown passes in a quarter — against Marquette in 1942."
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Finally, if you’ve ever visited Wisconsin Dells and done something other than water slides, you’ve either seen or ridden the Ducks. Amphibious vehicles were crucial to moving thousands of U.S. soldiers onto the beaches of France to overtake the Nazi positions. According to the Original Wisconsin Ducks timeline, more than 2,000 Ducks shuttled troops and supplies to hard to reach beaches.” In 1946, the first Duck tours on the waters of Wisconsin Dells began.