Several PA Theta Phi’s lost their lives in World Wars I and II. We honor those Phi’s and their families for their ultimate sacrifice for our country:
World War I: Kirby Baldwin Sleppy ’11 (Bond #54), Percy McGrew Gerwig ’20 (Bond #141), and Harry Banks Mauger ’20 (Bond #131).
World War II: George H. Wolford ’32 (Bond #266), Henry Cartin ’38 (Bond #357), Harold E. Fry ’40 (Bond #374), Alpheus Clark ’41 (Bond #385), and H. Edward Wagner, Jr. ’41 (Bond #375).
A brass plaque once hung over the corner fireplace in the basement of The Lodge. The area was later known as “The Memorial Room.” The plaque was inscribed as such:
ΦΔΘ
In memory of our brothers who gave their lives
This was followed by a list of PA Theta fatalities of both World Wars.
There were many others who served in the wars, but there were never any records kept except for those who gave their lives.
The Wagner Building on campus, home for the ROTC and within close proximity to Beaver Stadium, was named for Lt. H. Edward Wagner, an outstanding Penn State student, and Phi, who lost his life in World War II. Today, it houses the offices of ROTC, general state authority, and telecommunications services.
