The Long Purple Line: The Military History of Lsu and the Heroism of Its Cadets and Associates

The Long Purple Line chronicles the military history of Louisiana State University from its founding in 1860 through all wars to the present. Ronald J. Drez unfolds that history through the actions and testimony of those who were there and who stepped out onto this nation’s battlefields to create a military legend that would rival the famous Long Gray Line at West Point. As a land-grant university with a military commitment in the form of a Cadet Corps, LSU was destined to become a major contributor of distinguished military personnel in all of this country’s engagements.

LSU formed one of the first federal officer training units and has supplied an impressive array of military officers for all the armed services. During World War II, only West Point, the Naval Academy, and Texas A&M fielded more officers for the war effort. Two generals hailing from LSU would become Commandants of the Marine Corps. And LSU’s own William T. Sherman’s credentials place him among the top generals in United States history.

As the drama of each chapter’s action unfolds, readers will find themselves caught up in the roar of the battlefield, witnessing moments of gallantry by LSU cadets, alums, teachers, and associates. Drez highlights the extraordinary courage of LSU servicemen and women--a prerequisite on the battlefield and the very essence of the high standard of LSU’s military history and tradition.

Ronald J. Drez is the author of several award-winning military history books. He is the former assistant director of the Eisenhower Center at the University of New Orleans.