OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

The park features 2 memorial World War I (WWI) and World War II (WW II) era guns, a memorial bench, and a rappelling training station in front (west) of Thatcher Hall, on the grounds of Oklahoma State University. In addition, a memorial flagpole is situated on the west lawn along the main walkway in front of the primary entrance to Thatcher Hall. The cannons were relocated to their present location in the 1970s from their prior location in front of the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (OAMC) Armory, the prior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Headquarters. The weapons were procured as Army surplus from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and positioned on-campus in recognition of the service and sacrifice of OAMC students that served in WWI and WWII. Both pieces are towed weapons, designed to be pulled by animal or vehicle, and capable of either direct or indirect fire. The larger weapon is of British origin and was introduced initially in 1916. It is an Ordnance Breech-Loading (BL) 60-Pounder Heavy Field Gun. This variant of the weapon is a Mark II model, which did not see combat action in WWI, and was only used briefly in WWII. The weapon is distinguishable by its large steel tractor-style wheels and box-shaped trails (carriage). It was manned by a crew of 10, shot a 5-inch (127mm), 60 pound shell, to a range of 14.1 kilometers, at a rate of 2 rounds a minute. Two data plates remain on the gun. The first reads: “60 Pr. B.L. Carr. Field. E.O.C. II/1916 Wt. Carriage Ton. 2.11.3.0. Reg No. C. 86470.” The second plate provides instructions to the crew on preparations for firing and reads: “60 Pr. B.L. Carr. Field. Contents – 5 Quarts To Prepare for Firing Elevate the Gun, Remove Plug A at Filling Hole in Front and Air Screws B & C on Top of Tank and Buffer. Pour in Oil until It Flows at Air Holes. Replace Air Screws B & C and Continue Pouring in Oil Until the Tank is Full. Remove Air Screw D at Front of Tank and Replace It When Air has Escaped. Replace Filling Plug A.” The smaller piece is an American-produced 4.7 inch Heavy Field Gun, Model M1906. It was in service from 1911-1932, and a total of 209 were produced. The Gun saw limited action in World War I, as only 64 weapons were deployed overseas for duty with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). The weapon is distinguishable by its large wheels, narrow wheel-base and box-shaped trails (carriage). It shot a 4.7-inch (120mm), 60 pound shell, to a range of between 4-5 miles, depending on the type and weight ammunition being used. This Field Gun is 1 of 19 surviving examples of the weapon. On the outdoor grounds, west of Thatcher Hall, near the main entrance, is a black metal memorial bench, on a brick patio, dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant James, with a plaque inscribed: “IN MEMORY OF 2LT LUKE S. JAMES, 1ST PLATOON, B COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 505TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY, 12 SEPTEMBER 1979 – 27 JANUARY 2004”. Lieutenant Luke S. James, graduated from OSU, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry by the “Cowboy Battalion,” in 2002. He was killed in action in Iraq on January 27, 2004. A rappelling station is situated on the west side of Thatcher Hall near the main entrance to the building. The top of the rappelling station is on the roof of Thatcher Hall; the west wall of the building serves as the bounding face; and the termination point is a marked pit on the ground at the base of the building. The site is an active close-in training area where cadets are taught rappelling techniques. The memorial flagpole is a tall pole with a concrete base situated on the main walkway in front of the primary entrance to Thatcher Hall. The flagpole is a central gathering point for military formations, leadership labs, and social and ceremonial events. Daily Reveille (morning flag raising) and Retreat (afternoon lowering) ceremonies, complete with music, are conducted by and Army and Air Force ROTC cadets during the school year. Thatcher Hall serves as the Headquarters of the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), “Cowboy Battalion.” It is the primary classroom and on-campus military training facility for OSU students enrolled in Army ROTC. Cadets are engaged in officer leader development training, leading to a commission in the U.S. Army. The Park is used for a variety of activities, including leadership labs, drill and ceremonies, awards ceremonies, unserviceable U.S. Flag disposal ceremonies, and a staging area for physical training activities. The Park is dedicated to Army ROTC students, past and present, and OSU veterans for their honorable military service and sacrifice.

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Organization Responsible for Installation:

Oklahoma State University.

Memorial War Era(s):

Persian Gulf
Panama
Lebanon/Grenada
Vietnam
Korea
WWII
WWI
Other

Location:

Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma 74078. On the Oklahoma State University (OSU) campus on the grounds immediately west (in front) of Thatcher Hall, which is adjacent to Knoblock Street and Athletic Avenue.

Photo Gallery:

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

OSU Army ROTC Thatcher Hall Memorial Park

 

Published on December 27, 2017