Pikes in Service

Though less widespread than the previous World Wars, the Korean War nevertheless impacted the Fraternity and saw significant participation from Pi Kappa Alphas. The beginning of the conflict, especially coming so quickly on the heels of the Second World War, left many Pike chapters nervous. In a report to headquarters, Beta Omicron Chapter Historian David E. Conrad (Oklahoma, Beta Omicron 1950) wrote that at the start of the 1950-1951 school year there was, "an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty caused by war in Korea and the troubled international scene." He continues, "this uncertainty, especially among men of draft age, put a serious damper on rush and scholarship, as well as most phases of college life." Doubtless these feelings of uncertainty and tension were not only felt at Beta Omicron Chapter and the University of Oklahoma, but throughout the country and among all Pike chapters.  

In 1952, at the suggestion of Beta Chapter (Davidson), the Supreme Council adopted a blood donor program as a national philanthropic project. The program, motivated by a desire to support the war effort and to benefit wounded servicemen, called for 100% participation in blood donation drives among active members. Chapters without blood donation programs on their campuses were encouraged to spearhead efforts to start such programs. They exceeded their goal of 1,000 pints of donated blood, providing 1,204 pints by September 1952. 

Hundreds of Pikes served in the military during the Korean War. Capt. Irving T. Duke (Richmond, Omicron 1919) commanded the Battleship Missouri, the first American battleship to reach Korean waters. Anthony Herbert, a Gamma Sigma (Pittsburgh) pledge who had tried unsuccessfully to sign up during WWII as a 14 year-old, joined in the Army three years later and became the most decorated enlisted man during the Korean War. Another member,  Major James Henry Crutchfield, (Davidson, Beta 1939) had served during WWII and headed to battle again during the Korean War. There, Major Crutchfield, along with 30 other Pikes, made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Learn more about US Navy Ensign Randolph Scoggan in the photograph here.