The GI Bill

Veterans’ Voices World War II: Minnesota's WWII Veterans

Veterans returning from World War 2 were the first servicemen and women to be able to access the benefits of the GI Bill, officially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. Far more GI's than expected took advantage of the opportunity to have Uncle Sam pay for their education. The University of Minnesota was a leader in welcoming the veterans to campus. The college degrees they earned lifted thousands of those who served into the middle and professional class and gave them the knowledge and skills that fueled the post-War economy. This episode features Minnesota veterans Jeanne Bearmon and Sherman Garon.