World War II and Military Service

While Dewey was teaching during the 1940-1941 school year, the Second World War was already raging across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.  In September 1940, as it became more likely that the United States might be drawn into the conflict, a peacetime draft was begun, with young men between the ages of 20 and 26 being drafted for one year’s service in the military.  On May 28, 1941, Dewey enlisted in the U.S. Army, volunteering for his one year of service.  Inducted on June 28 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he spent six months training as a chemical warfare specialist at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. 

In December 1941, Dewey transferred to the Army Air Corps.  He underwent basic training for the Air Corps at the Southeast Air Corps Training Center at Maxwell Field, Alabama (today Maxwell Air Force Base).  He demonstrated his leadership ability by being promoted to Corporal in the Corps of Aviation Cadets on December 29, and leading a group of cadets during this training.