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Broomstick Scientists

 Subject
Subject Source: Local sources
Scope Note: The Broomstick Scientists were the men who made up the First Ordnance Guided Missile Support Battalion. They referred to themselves as the Broomstick Scientists, a name they adopted after an envious Captain commented that he was no more impressed with them than he would be with a bunch of broomsticks. He did not approve of the ease that they climbed the promotion ladder due to their civilian experience. They all had extensive engineering or scientific backgrounds prior to being drafted, or in some cases, recalled to active duty from the Reserves. It was made up of personnel associated with a diversity of missile programs, the NIKE, V-2, Hermes, LOKI, Terrier, Corporal, etc.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Contents of Collection: 1) Broom Brigade Member (Corporal, Unidentified) Being Congratulated by Lt. Col. M. R. Collins, circa. August 1951-September 1952; 2) Two Unidentified Enlisted Broom Brigade Members with Unidentified US Army Captain, circa. August 1951-September 1952; 3) V-2 Rocket with BUY BONDS Logo Undergoing Pre-Launch Servicing, Undated; 4) Sergeant Robert P Alley (Broomstick Scientist) Making Voltage Check on V-2 Rocket Equipment, Undated; 5) Broomstick Scientist (TSGT) in Discussion with two US Army Officers, Undated; 6) Two Enlisted Broomstick Scientists Servicing a V-2 Rocket Component, Undated; 7) V-2 Rocket on Launcher Being Serviced for Launch, Undated; 8) Two Unidentified US Army Officers in Front of Electronic Console, Undated; 9) V-2 Rocket with BUY BONDS Logo Launch, 29 October 1951; 10) Two US Army Officers Inspecting Documentation, Undated; 11) Launch of TF-1 (Test Firing) V-2 Rocket, 22 August 1951; 12) Three Unidentified Enlisted Members of the Broomstick Brigade Servicing Electronic Equipment, Undated; 13) Enlisted Members of Broomstick Brigade at a Lecture, Undated; 14) Broomstick Brigade Marching in a Parade, Location and Date Unknown; 15) Enlisted Broomstick Brigade Member Receiving a Citation from BG Eddy, WSPG Commander, Undated; 16) Broomstick Brigade Marching Along Main Street, Las Cruces, NM, Undated; 17) Broomstick Brigade Members Standing in Formation in Front of Headquarters, Sign Reads: 1st Ordinance Guided Missile Support BN in Background, Undated., 1951 - 1952

 Item
Identifier: 96.003.328
Dates: 1951 - 1952
Found in: White Sands Missile Range Museum Archival Research Center / 96.003, Public Affairs Office Photographs

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