Page "Charles Whitman" Paragraph 14

Whitman's initial 18-month tour of duty in 1959 and 1960 was exemplary, and he earned a Good Conduct Medal, a Sharpshooter's Badge and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

After completing his assignment, Whitman applied to a U. S. Navy and Marine Corps scholarship program with the aim of becoming a commissioned officer.

He earned high scores on the required examination, and the selection committee approved his enrollment at a preparatory school in Maryland.

Whitman successfully completed courses there in mathematics and physics before transferring to the University of Texas to study mechanical engineering, later switching his focus to architectural engineering.

He continued to receive his regular active-duty military pay while a student.