Comments from Rutgers University Staff and Students

Targum---December 10, 1941

"I think it is regrettable that we're at war. I was almost swept off my feet by the news. I've thought that war is no way to resolve a problem. Nations should try and build a new world order. The establishment of peace and is important.  I am certainly not an interventionist, but I am also not an isolationist. It is not a question of war or peace, but a question of what kind of war and what kind of peace. It will very difficult to attack Japan and equally as difficult for them to attack us." --Dr. Philip L. Ralph, instructor in History.

"The clash with Japan was inevitable. It is very opportune to have it come this way as a direct attack. This attack leaves no doubts in the minds of thinking people that our President's policies were warranted." --Dr. Donald J. McGinn, assistant professor of English.

"I think students should sacrifice student activities and stress preparedness for actual fighting. There must be a common sacrifice; everyone is in the boat together. I think cadet officers over 21 will be commissioned and inducted by next semester. Victory should be gained within a year. I forecast an expeditionary force to the island empire." --Franklyn A. Johnson, Class of 1944.

"My sensation is one of numbness. I thought both the United States and Japan were bluffing and that a solution would be finally reached. The attack was untimely--I didn't expect it for at least another year. I thought we'd be fighting Germany before Japan. We shouldn't underestimate them--it won't be finished quickly." --Philip H. Brunstetter, Class of 1942.

'The war came an an inevitable conclusion to an endurable situation. We could no longer put up with Japan's 'face-saving' policy. The military has been in complete control of the Nipponese government; there is no representative government. We must not only defend ourselves, but bring the war to the Japanese mainland. Their sudden attack was a ruthless act of aggression. Measures must be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. I have absolute faith in the President and the administration. I feel our declaration of war is a declaration against all that military and fascists governments stand for. The United States will not stop until fascism is destroyed." --Martia J. Yawitz, Class of 1942.

"There is nothing to get excited about. Just keep your feet on the ground. Once America gets mad it won't take too long. Japan's chances? If they couldn't defeat China in all those years they haven't much chance against us." _--Robert Haber, Class of 1942.

"I expected the war; it was no surprise, I suggest an immediate invasion of the Japanese isles." --Richard H. Kessler, Class of 1942.

(Courtesy of Rutgers University Special Collections and University Archives)