1941

Reserve officer training is re-established for WW II. A total of 3,319 are commissioned.
Wings 5 & 6 are added to Bancroft Hall.

February 1, 1941

Rear Admiral Russell Willson becomes superintendent.

December 7, 1941

The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. The Rev. Peter Marshall, chaplain of the U. S. Senate, is the guest preacher in the Naval Academy Chapel.

January 31, 1942

Rear Admiral John R. Beardall becomes superintendent.

1945

A Department of Aviation is established at the Naval Academy.

August 16, 1945

Vice Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch becomes superintendent.

Naval Academy celebrates V-J Day in Tecumseh Court and beats the Japanese bell until it cracks.

October 10, 1945

The Naval Academy celebrates its Centennial. Three special platoons of midshipmen parade in uniforms of 1845,1870, and 1900. During the century of its existence, the nation has taken part in five wars: Mexican, Civil War, Spanish- American, First World War, and Second World War. About 18,563 midshipmen have graduated to date, including the class of 1946.

1947

Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools grants accreditation.

January 15, 1947

Rear Admiral James L. Holloway, Jr., becomes superintendent.

June 3, 1949

Wesley A. Brown becomes the first African- American graduate.