Robert Pitman entered Marquette University in the fall of 1941 to study literature and journalism. His studies were interrupted by World War II and in December 1942 he enlisted into service with the Army Air Force. Following basic training in Arkansas, most of Pitman’s tour of duty was spent stationed in Alaska as a meteorologist. Reaching the rank of sergeant, he separated from military service, and was honorably discharged in April 1946.
This undated military portrait of Robert Pitman was taken between 1942 and 1946. He was eighteen years old when he enlisted during World War II.
Photos of Pitman taken while serving as a meteorologist in Alaska for the Army Air Force
While in the armed services, Pitman shared his love of writing and journalism with his fellow servicemen as editor of the BINOVC newspaper. Hand typed and mimeographed for circulation, the newsletter included information on the men in his barracks, news of the war, news from the home front, and humorous tidbits that highlighted the dry, sarcastic humor for which he was known.
Here is a printable copy of the entire June 1944 issue of the BINOVC.
Robert Pitman returned to his college studies in the fall of 1946 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with minors in Latin and Philosophy from Marquette University in 1948.
Here is Pitman's diploma from Marquette University which is written entirely in Latin.
Pitman is writing while he and fellow classmates enjoy a meal between classes at Columbia University.
Robert Pitman earned a Masters Degree in English and Theatre Arts at Columbia University, New York on December 21, 1949. He continued with advanced studies at Columbia University concentrating on Dramatic Literature and Theatre Arts. While in New York, he was a member of the International House-International Players where he directed plays with young talents such as Leontyne Price, Malcolm Smith and Roscoe Lee Browne.
Pitman's Graduate Diploma
"The trustees of Columbia University in the city of New York to all persons to whom these presents may come greeting be it known the Robert Gerald Pitman having completed the studies and satisfied the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts has accordingly been admitted to that degree with all the rights and privileges and immunities thereunto appertaining in witness whereof we have caused this diploma to be signed by the president of the university and by the dean of the faculties of political science, philosophy, and pure science and our corporate seal to be hereto affixed in the city of New York on the twenty-first day of December in the year of our lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-nine."
