The young men as described in the previous section were obviously talented and exceptional. They would be selected from every state in the Union, from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and several foreign countries including the Philippines, Chile, Costa Rica and El Salvador. 196 of them (17.3%) had some previous college. In the Class of 1969, 53 of those selected were the sons of earlier graduates of West Point. After being sworn in Reception Day, July 1, 1965, all New Cadets became members of the Regular Army and, therefore, received pay and allowances. They received $147.30 each month. With this, they were expected to purchase their uniforms, textbooks, and incidentals. Quarters, meals, medical and dental care were provided.
Of the 1138 young men who entered West Point on July 1, 1965, 800 of them
crossed the stage to accept their diploma and would be sworn in as Second
Lieutenants in the United States military.
Photos courtesy of the Jack Engeman Collection, the Photography Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore County