G.I. Bill 1944: The Best U.S. Investment Ever for The Greatest Generation

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - The Greatest Generation not only saved the world from murderous monsters but the 1944 G.I. Bill produced the greatest number of doctors, lawyers, engineers, chemists, etc. etc. etc. which truly stoked the educated engine which produced the greatest economic boom the world has ever seen.

After World War One, the veterans were promised pensions for their service and sacrifice. The Congress was so penurious (read cheap) that it almost caused a revolution in the U.S. and was partially responsible for the market crash of 1929 and the following disastrous Depression.

Wise persons in the 1944 Congress, (there were few of them) some veterans of WWI, remembered the stupidly and duplicity of the 1919 Congress and decided for positive action.

The WWII veterans were mostly young infantryman fresh out of high school. They were trained to shoot and duck with few other job skills. My discharge papers said I would be a good polar bear hunter.

There were 16 million people in the service during WWII. About 80 percent were only high school graduates. There were literally no or very few jobs available for those veterans.

The 1944 G.I. Bill was a Godsend and about 8 million took advantage of the educational opportunities. This 8 million really proved to be the Greatest Generation. Before this, college was the province of children of the rich. Now these would become the middle class powerhouse and they did.

To read now that G.W. Bush refused to sign for the 2008 GI Bill reminded me of what Texas Governor Ann Richardson said about him. "He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." I beg a correction. It must have stuck in his head. What other excuse for his numerous blunders and lies?

He says the new bill will cost too much. (5 billion dollars over 10 years) The war in Iraq costs 5 billion every two weeks.

I am not going to compare the "Bush" with President Roosevelt but this is what he said. "They (veterans) have been compelled to make greater economic and every other kind of sacrifice (400 thousands dead and 1 million wounded) and are entitled to definite action to take care of their special problems".

How would "Bush" know? He was really NEVER in the service and NEVER heard a shot fired in anger.

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courtndd June 9, 2008 7:05 am (Pacific time)

I used the "Cold War"/Vietnam era G.I. BILL and attended college starting in 1966 -- graduated 1970. Through my career I've paid back the cost of the "free education" many times over via higher income taxes versus what I would have paid without a college education.

JB June 7, 2008 8:30 am (Pacific time)

I was skeptical at first about this new GI Bill (I used mine for graduate school, because I had finished my undergraduate degee before my military service) but now feel that it should go forth with some possible revisions. There should be a multi-level amount of benefit, e.g. , those with actual combat experience should receive a higher amount than say someone who did not serve in combat. Like proficiency pay. A formula could be developed pretty easily.

Janet June 6, 2008 12:59 pm (Pacific time)

Great article. Can't wait for a change in the White House.

Henry Ruark June 6, 2008 7:19 am (Pacific time)

Right on, Dr L ! Was one of those GI-Bill-built grads-trained,changing my life and millions of others. No question but it was the greatest boon for the nation ever enacted by Congress, as middle-class, economic, social and cultural developments all show. NDEA wasn't bad, either, adding for education millions in every state for science, math, f-lang. and learning media consultants and progam necessities. Oregon gained $9 to $12 million annually for a decade, with strong impacts on most school districts. In later years Gov. Ann R. added:"They think that other part protruding is gold,too !" referring to strong dynastic proclivities of political families, from which we still are suffering.

Anonymous June 6, 2008 6:33 am (Pacific time)

This is so sad. Just one more thing to ruin the country before he leaves office.

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