Alumni and VMI certificates and citations collectionMS.0226.OversizedVirginia Military Institute Archives

VMI ArchivesPreston LibraryLexington, VA 24450Business Number: 540-464-7516archives@vmi.eduURL:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-06-11 13:00:35 -0400.Description is written in: Undetermined, Code for undetermined script script. Virginia Military Institute Archives Alumni and VMI certificates and citations collection Amory, Thomas D. (Thomas Dwyer), 1893-1918 MS.0226.Oversized /repositories/3/resources/777 0.5 cubic feet 1860-2013 Oversized Case 1, Drawer 4 English Scope and Contents

This collection consists of certificates, citations, commissions, and similar documentation associated with VMI alumni, faculty, staff, or VMI as a whole. The collection does not include VMI diplomas or literary society certificates, which are filed separately.

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Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

 Preferred Citation

Alumni and VMI certificates and citations collection, 1860-2013. MS 0226. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

 Certificates Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography Military commissions Baldwin, Richard Belden, Arthur W., Jr. (Arthur Williams) Bissell, Norman M. (Norman Michael), 1938-2019 Brister, Charles M. (Charles Melville), 1889-? Carroll, Robert P. "Doc" Dabney, William H. (William Howard), 1934-2012 Daniels, Jonathan M. (Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965 Davis, Samuel G. (Samuel Griffith), ?-1943 Elliott, Thomas N., Jr. Foster, Charles E., Jr. (Charles Edgar), 1903-1938 Heflin, S. Murray (Sterling Murray) Hippey, Frederick A. (Frederick Allen), ?-1945 Jamerson, Osmond T. (Osmond Tower), 1906-1975 Johnson, H. B., Jr. (Henry Belton), ?-1931 Lattin, John H., Jr., ?-1967 Mallory, Francis Mapp, John A. Millar, Charles M. (Charles Maynard), 1910-1946 Miller, Giles H., Jr. (Giles Henry) Miller, John C. (John Craig) Morson, William A. (William Alexander), 1843-1903 Pate, Randolph M. (Randolph McCall) Pitkethly, David T. Puller, Chesty, 1898-1971 Richards, James N. C. (James Neville Cocke), ?-1918 Rockwell, Kiffin Y. (Kiffin Yates), 1892-1916 Rosenbaum, Joseph M. (Joseph Marx), ?-1928 Selvage, Donald H., Jr. (Donald Hollis) Sydnor, George W., Jr. (George Woodson) Talman, Woods G. (Woods Garth) Tosh, James T. (James Thomas), 1838-1894 Wise, Henry A. (Henry Alexander), 1874-1968 Wood, Martin B., 1845?-1908 Certificates and citations, individuals/repositories/3/archival_objects/45831860-2012EnglishThomas D. Amory poem/repositories/3/archival_objects/58311 itemsWorld War I memorial poem /repositories/3/archival_objects/4601EnglishBiographical / Historical

Thomas Dwyer Amory (VMI Class of 1916) was a First Lieutenant, 26th Infantry (Regular), 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces. He was killed in action while leading an assaulting platoon ahead of his regiment, near Verdun, France on October 2, 1918.

PoetryVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1916Amory, Thomas D. (Thomas Dwyer), 1893-1918Richard Baldwin certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58321 items1940Domain of Phoebus Apollo certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46141940EnglishScope and Contents

Certificate presented to Richard Baldwin (VMI Class of 1942) that commemorates his passage across the International Dateline.

CertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1942Baldwin, RichardArthur W. Belden, Jr. certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58331 items1943World War II certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/45961943FrenchScope and Contents

A certificate (in French) appointing Lieutenant Colonel Arthur W. Belden, Jr. an honorary member of the French Foreign Legion in recognition of services rendered.

World War, 1939-1945CertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1923Belden, Arthur W., Jr. (Arthur Williams)N. Michael Bissell certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/45884 items1985-2013EnglishCertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1961Bissell, Norman M. (Norman Michael), 1938-2019Charles M. Brister certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58341 items1909Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46041909EnglishSigma Phi EpsilonCertificatesBrister, Charles M. (Charles Melville), 1889-?Robert P. Carroll certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58351 items1951Phi Beta Pi certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46031951EnglishScope and Contents

A certificate of honorary membership for faculty member Robert P. Carroll in the Phi Psi Chapter at the Medical College of Virginia.

CertificatesCarroll, Robert P. "Doc"William H. Dabney caricature drawing and resolution/repositories/3/archival_objects/46182 items1981-2012EnglishScope and Contents

This folder contains one cartoon/caricature (1981) presented to William H. Dabney relating to his assignment at the National Emergency Airborne Command Post, and one memorial resolution (2012) passed by the Virginia senate honoring the contributions of Dabney.

Caricatures and cartoonsDabney, William H. (William Howard), 1934-2012Jonathan M. Daniels related proclamations/repositories/3/archival_objects/45903 items2000-2010EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1961Daniels, Jonathan M. (Jonathan Myrick), 1939-1965Samuel G. Davis certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58361 items1888Academic certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46001888EnglishScope and Contents

Certificate awarded to Samuel G. Davis for completion of courses in physics and astronomy.

Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th centuryCertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1888Davis, Samuel G. (Samuel Griffith), ?-1943Thomas N. Elliott, Jr. military certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/45876 items1961-1964EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1962CertificatesElliott, Thomas N., Jr.Charles E. Foster, Jr. award/repositories/3/archival_objects/58371 items1923Varsity track letter award/repositories/3/archival_objects/45991923EnglishVirginia Military Institute—AthleticsTrack and fieldVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1925Foster, Charles E., Jr. (Charles Edgar), 1903-1938S. Murray Heflin certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58381 items1929Certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/4598Rockne, Knute, 1888-19311929EnglishScope and Contents

Certificate from the Rockne-Meanwell School for Coaches, Football, and Basketball held at Washington and Lee University.

Virginia Military Institute—AthleticsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1916CertificatesHeflin, S. Murray (Sterling Murray)Frederick A. Hippey World War II certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/4597Truman, Harry S., 1884-19724 items1945EnglishScope and Contents

Includes the citation: "In grateful memory of Major Frederick A. Hippey who died in the service of his country in the Asiatic Area, August 6, 1945". Signed by President Truman.

Also included are three certificates in Chinese:

  • Appointment of Hippey as an instructor in the artillery section of the Training Corps, Yunnan Branch of Military Council of China signed by Chiang Kai-shek, Head of Training Corps
  • Certificate of award in consideration of meritorious services
  • The Special Breast Order of the Cloud and Banner, presented by the National Government of China, Chiang Chung-Cheng, President, January 30, 1946

World War, 1939-1945CertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1939Hippey, Frederick A. (Frederick Allen), ?-1945Osmond Jamerson certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58391 items1925Varsity boxing letter certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46061925EnglishVirginia Military Institute—AthleticsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1927CertificatesJamerson, Osmond T. (Osmond Tower), 1906-1975H. B. Johnson, Jr. certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58401 items1983Certificate for flag presented to VMI/repositories/3/archival_objects/46301983EnglishFlagsCertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1926Johnson, H. B., Jr. (Henry Belton), ?-1931John H. Lattin, Jr. citation/repositories/3/archival_objects/58411 items1968Silver Star citation/repositories/3/archival_objects/46021968This is a photographic reproduction of the citation.EnglishBiographical / Historical

John H. Lattin, Jr. was killed in action in Vietnam on December 15, 1967.

Vietnam War (1961-1975)Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1966Military decorationsLattin, John H., Jr., ?-1967Francis Mallory certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/4206Washington and Lee University2 items1939EnglishScope and Contents

Two certificates, including an Honorary degree from Washington and Lee University and a membership certificate for the Sons of the American Revolution.

CertificatesMallory, FrancisJohn A. Mapp certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/58422 items1953-1954Scope and Contents

Two track and field team certificates for the 220 yard low hurdles.

CertificatesVirginia Military Institute—AthleticsTrack and fieldVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1954Mapp, John A.Charles M. Millar military citation and certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/4617Truman, Harry S., 1884-19722 items1943-1946EnglishScope and Contents

Includes a citation (1946) that reads "in grateful memory of Charles M. Millar who died in the service of his country," signed by President Harry S. Truman. Also includes a certificate (1943), humorous, U.S.S. Henderson, "Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep."

World War, 1939-1945CertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1937Military decorationsMillar, Charles M. (Charles Maynard), 1910-1946Giles H. Miller, Jr. resolution/repositories/3/archival_objects/58431 items2006Virginia Senate joint resolution/repositories/3/archival_objects/46132006EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1924Miller, Giles H., Jr. (Giles Henry)John C. Miller citation/repositories/3/archival_objects/58441 items1918Distinguished Service Cross citation/repositories/3/archival_objects/46081918EnglishScope and Contents

Citation for extraordinary heroism at Lucy le Bocage, France, June 1918.

United States. Army—American Expeditionary ForcesWorld War, 1914-1918Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1916Military decorationsMiller, John C. (John Craig)J. Andrew Morson diploma/repositories/3/archival_objects/58451 items1860Medical College of Virginia diploma/repositories/3/archival_objects/46091860EnglishBiographical / Historical

J. Andrew Morson is the brother of VMI New Market cadet William A. Morson.

DiplomasMorson, J. AndrewMorson, William A. (William Alexander), 1843-1903Randolph M. Pate certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58461 items1948Certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/45891948EnglishScope and Contents

"Military Order of the Carabao"

CertificatesPate, Randolph M. (Randolph McCall)David T. Pitkethly certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58471 items1956All American cross country team certificate /repositories/3/archival_objects/45911 items1956EnglishCertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1958Pitkethly, David T.Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58481 items1998Certificate of recognition/repositories/3/archival_objects/45841998EnglishScope and Contents

Commonwealth of Virginia recognition of Chesty Puller Day, June 26, 1998.

CertificatesPuller, Chesty, 1898-1971James N. C. Richards citation/repositories/3/archival_objects/58491918Distinguished Service Cross citation /repositories/3/archival_objects/45851918EnglishUnited States. Army—American Expeditionary ForcesWorld War, 1914-1918Military recordsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1914Richards, James N. C. (James Neville Cocke), ?-1918Kiffin Y. Rockwell certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58501 items1918 January 23Lafayette Flying Corps certificate of recognition/repositories/3/archival_objects/45861918 January 23EnglishBiographical / Historical

Kiffin Yates Rockwell attended VMI in 1909. During World War I he was accepted by the Service Aeronautique, began flight training in September 1915, and in April became one of the founding pilots in the squadron initially known as the Escadrille Americaine (later called the Lafayette Escadrille). In May 1916 while on patrol at the front, he became the first American pilot to down an enemy plane. Rockwell subsequently flew dozens of patrols and fought in many air battles, gaining fame for his skill and courage. His final combat took place on September 23, 1916, when his Nieuport was downed by the gunner in a German Albatross observation plane. Rockwell is buried in the cemetery at Luxeuil-les-Bains, France.

Transcription

January 23, 1918.
Number 3.
La Fayette Flying Corps.

In recognition of the services rendered to France and her Allies for the cause of humanity, this certificate has been issued to S/Lieut Kiffin Yates Rockwell who served during the European war in the capacity of Pilot in the LaFayette Escadrille. Killed on Sept. 23, 1916. Thereby in a measure repaying the great debt which America owes to France and contributing to the victory of Liberty and Civilization over military Autocracy and Barbarism.

World War, 1914-1918Air pilots, MilitaryCertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1912Rockwell, Kiffin Y. (Kiffin Yates), 1892-1916Joseph M. Rosenbaum certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/45827 items1889EnglishScope and Contents

Certificates of course of study completion in various academic classes at VMI.

CertificatesVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1889Rosenbaum, Joseph M. (Joseph Marx), ?-1928Donald H. Selvage, Jr. commission/repositories/3/archival_objects/58511 items1953United States Army commission/repositories/3/archival_objects/46151953EnglishMilitary commissionsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1943Selvage, Donald H., Jr. (Donald Hollis)George W. Sydnor, Jr. military certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/46058 items1956-1963EnglishMilitary commissionsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1957Sydnor, George W., Jr. (George Woodson)Woods G.Talman certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58521 items1930Varsity football letter certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/45941930EnglishFootballVirginia Military Institute—AthleticsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1931CertificatesTalman, Woods G. (Woods Garth)James T. Tosh military certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/45923 items1909-1913EnglishScope and Contents

Certificates that appoint James T. Tosh as a sergeant in the 1st Infantry, and Medical Department, Virginia Volunteers.

Military commissionsVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1860CertificatesTosh, James T. (James Thomas), 1838-1894Henry A. Wise certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/58531 items1894Certificate of engineering course completion/repositories/3/archival_objects/4595Virginia Military Institute. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering1894EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Class of 1894CertificatesWise, Henry A. (Henry Alexander), 1874-1968Virginia Military Institute. Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringMartin B. Wood appointment/repositories/3/archival_objects/58541 items1880Appointment/repositories/3/archival_objects/46161880EnglishScope and Contents

Appoints Martin B. Wood as Judge, Scott County, Virginia.

Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867Wood, Martin B., 1845?-1908VMI honorary alumni certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/4593Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association7 items1958-1972EnglishScope and Contents

Appointment certificates for the following honorary alumnus:

  • Baldwin G. Locher
  • Mary Moody Northe
  • Virgil D. Bradley
  • Richard H. Kemper, Sr.
  • Robert Patterson
  • Fredrik Wachtmeister
  • Louis G. Kuchuris

CertificatesVMI faculty commission documents, historical examples/repositories/3/archival_objects/46121913-1931EnglishScope and Contents

VMI faculty traditionally receive commissions in the Virginia Militia, unorganized. This file contains historical examples of these documents.

Virginia Military Institute—FacultyMilitary commissionsRead, Hernando M.James, RussellCertificates and citations, VMI/repositories/3/archival_objects/4619EnglishAssociation for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities certificate to VMI/repositories/3/archival_objects/46201993EnglishHistoric preservationCertificatesMu Beta Psi Timmins Chapter charter certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46211970EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Cadet organizationsCertificatesGeorgia Senate Resolution honoring VMI's 175th anniversary/repositories/3/archival_objects/46222014EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Founders DayFlood relief service recognition certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/4623Robb, Charles A., Governor1985EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1980-1989Floods—Virginia—Rockbridge CountyCertificatesSigma Nu fraternity centennial certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/4624Sigma Nu1869EnglishCertificatesVirginia General Assembly Senate joint resolution honoring VMI's 150th anniversary/repositories/3/archival_objects/46251989EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Founders DayLexington City Council resolution honoring cadet service during FTX/repositories/3/archival_objects/46261995EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1990-1999Virginia—LexingtonPhi Kapp Phi Honor Society charter/repositories/3/archival_objects/4627Phi Kapp Phi1978EnglishCertificate commemorating the return of Civil War banners/repositories/3/archival_objects/46281961EnglishScope and Contents

Issued by New York Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller on the occasion of the opening of the Virginia Civil War Centennial Center in Richmond, Virginia. Confederate banners of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry captured during the Civil War were returned by the State of New York.

Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 5thFlagsCertificatesDelta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha Forensic Society charter/repositories/3/archival_objects/46291978EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Cadet organizationsVirginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1970-1979Virginia High School League certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46311955EnglishScope and Contents

Certificate of appreciation for coaches clinic.

Virginia Military Institute—AthleticsCertificatesKentucky Derby Festival parade certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46321976EnglishCertificatesNational Historic Landmark designation certificate, VMI barracks/repositories/3/archival_objects/46341966EnglishHistoric preservationNational Historic Landmarks Program (U.S.)CertificatesNational Historic Landmark designation certificate, VMI post historic district/repositories/3/archival_objects/46331974EnglishHistoric preservationNational Historic Landmarks Program (U.S.)CertificatesWashington and Lee University Founders Day greetings/repositories/3/archival_objects/4635Washington and Lee University1964EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Founders DayDepartment of the Army ROTC certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46361948EnglishVirginia Military Institute—Army Reserve Officers' Training CorpsUnited States. Army—Reserve Officers' Training CorpsCertificatesVirginia Press Association certificates/repositories/3/archival_objects/46372 items1928-1929EnglishScope and Contents

Awarded to cadet publications "The Bomb" and "The Sniper."

Student publicationsVirginia Military Institute—PublicationsCertificatesStudents Army Training Corps certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46381921EnglishUnited States. Army—Students' Army Training CorpsWorld War, 1914-1918CertificatesVirginia State Chamber of Commerce membership/repositories/3/archival_objects/4639EnglishVirginia General Assembly joint resolution honoring VMI Basketball team /repositories/3/archival_objects/46401976EnglishScope and Contents

Resolution honors VMI for winning the Southern Conference championship.

Virginia Military Institute—AthleticsBasketballAmerican Revolution Bicentennial colleges and universities participation certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/46412 items1975EnglishCertificatesSwimming pool timer computer in honor of Robert Patterson/repositories/3/archival_objects/46421971EnglishVirginia Military Institute—AthleticsVirginia Senate joint resolution, Citizen Soldiers' Day/repositories/3/archival_objects/49261980English