Military History of Saint Thomas Academy

The military mission of Saint Thomas Academy is to train young men in ethical leadership by fostering Christian ideals, pride in personal appearance, dependability, promptness, and thoroughness in all things.

The military program was first formed in 1890 with two companies named after Bishop Thomas L. Grace. After the Spanish-American War a full cadet battalion was established in 1905. Saint Thomas Military Academy graduates were afforded the opportunity to earn a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. During this time period, Archbishop John Ireland, a Civil War chaplain, often participated in inspections and military reviews. In 1905, the school formed an official Corps of Cadets under the leadership of the first Commandant, U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Edward Massee. The first Cadet Colonel was Cadet Joseph Bouska.

In July 1916, STMA became a charter member of the new national Army Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC). During WWI, 17 graduates gave their lives on the battlefields of Europe. After WWI, the school retained its military training and has been a constant since. Uniforms changed from the “choke collar” West Point style to ties and “Sam Browne” belts. This basic uniform, of a dark blue blouse coat and striped gray pants, is still worn today.

The continuing focus and integration of academics, spirituality, ethics, faith, service, and military leadership have been constant throughout the school’s history. These factors have been keen in the development of graduates which include; General Alfred Gruenther '19, former Supreme Allied Commander – Europe in the 1950s; Lieutenant General George Monahan '51; Marine Lieutenant General Edwin Miller '41; Army Lieutenant General Bratten '44; Major General Ryan '19, and numerous other senior officers of America’s armed forces. Our most honored graduate is Marine Captain Richard E. Fleming '35, who commanded both the Crack Drill Squad and Charlie Company, was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for leading his bombing squadron against enemy forces at the Battle of Midway in 1942. His saber is presented annually to the cadet selected to lead the Corps of Cadets.

World War II had a great impact on Academy graduates. Because of STMA’s military training, many graduates during 1940 –1944, received direct commissions as 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army and were placed in leadership roles in both the European and Pacific theaters of war. This is exemplified by Mr. James Garberg '41, who after graduating from STMA, was commissioned as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant with the 7th Infantry Division. Mr. Garberg received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart for his actions against enemy forces on the Island of Attu in 1943. Academy graduates won countless awards and decorations during this conflict and 51 alumni lost their lives.

Saint Thomas Academy graduates have continued to answer the call of duty in Korea, Vietnam, and both Gulf Wars. Recently, STA graduate Air Force Captain Collin Coatney '94, presented the school with an American flag he carried in his F-16 during missions over Iraq. In addition, Army Captain John Shimp '96 carried a school banner with him during his service with the 101st Airborne Division during its drive to Baghdad in 2003. Both are on display in the military wing.

The military/leadership curriculum was originally taught by active duty officers and non-commissioned officers. However, during the 1970s, the ranks of military instructors were filled with Regular Army retired officers and sergeants. The school has retained a Commandant of Cadets, beginning with Lieutenant Edward Massee in 1906.

The core curriculum has remained constant over the years by stressing; ethics, hands-on leadership, personal discipline, teamwork, management, communications, fitness, leadership theory, the role of the military in a democracy, marksmanship, and first aid.

Though STA does not actively recruit graduates for the armed forces, many graduates opt to attend the service academies or compete for a college ROTC scholarship. Each year, graduates earn thousands of dollars in military scholarships and become officers after college graduation.

Saint Thomas Academy represents one of the largest and most respected JROTC military programs in the country. It remains a unique and cooperative effort on the part of the United States Army and the Archdiocese of St. Paul to provide high school men the opportunity for total development. STA has earned the coveted “Honor Unit with Distinction” since 1983 from the United States Army.

- LTC Michael DePuglio (Ret.)