During World War II, soldiers stationed at Camp Adair received swimming and water-safety instruction at Avery Park in Corvallis, Oregon, through a program conducted with the American Red Cross. The training was particularly important because many soldiers entering the Army could not swim. Instruction included basic swimming techniques, water safety, lifesaving, and combat swimming. Soldiers learned how to cross rivers while carrying their rifles, helmets, and full combat equipment, as well as how to move quietly through water during combat operations. On July 24, 1943, members of the 70th Infantry Division, known as the Trailblazers, demonstrated techniques they had learned during their Red Cross swimming classes at Avery Park. The training prepared soldiers for the possibility of crossing rivers and other waterways during combat overseas.
Maj. Gen. J. E. Dahlquist. CO, 70th Division and his aids watch the 70th Division men give a demonstration of instruction received at the Red Cross swimming classes at Avery Park, Corvallis, Ore. 24 July 1943.
As taught in the Red Cross Water Safety course for combat troops at Avery Park, Corvallis, Ore., men of the 70th Division give a demonstration in formation swimming. They have been receiving instruction for several weeks. 24 July 1943.
Men of the 70th Division demonstrate a method whereby they may move soundlessly across a river during combat operations. They learned this technique at the Red Cross swimming classes at Avery Park, Corvallis, Oregon. 24 July 1943.
Following a technique learned in Red Cross classes at Avery Park, Corvallis, Oregon, men of the 70th Division move soundlessly across a river as they would during combat operations. Here the first wave is about to leave the water and the second has just started to swim. 24 July 1943
Men of the 70th Division cross a river in combat gear during a Red Cross swimming class at Avery Park, Corvallis, Oregon. 24 July 1943.