Background
Beukema, Herman was born on January 29, 1891 in Muskegon, Michigan, United States. Son of Charles J. and Wyke (Banninga) Beukema.
Beukema, Herman was born on January 29, 1891 in Muskegon, Michigan, United States. Son of Charles J. and Wyke (Banninga) Beukema.
Student of University of Chicago, 1909-1910. Bachelor of Science, United States Military Academy, 1915. Graduate Field Artillery School, 1922, advanced course, 1927, Command and General staff schedul, 1928.
Honorary Doctor Science of Education, Washington and Jefferson College, 1943.
Doctor of Laws, Rutgers University, 1944, Norwich U. 1944.
He was valedictorian of his high school, a reporter for the Muskegon Daily Chronicle and the Muskegon Morning News and a track enthusiast. After being commissioned upon graduation, Beukema served on the Mexican frontier, and commanded an artillery battalion in France as a major when he was wounded in 1918. In 1928, Beukema joined the staff at the United States Military Academy as a professor of economics, government, and history.
In 1930, Beukema became head of that department (renamed the Social Sciences Department in 1947), serving in that role until his retirement from the Army in 1954.
He received honorary degrees from Washington & Jefferson University, Rutgers University, and Norwich University. The also allocated funds to civilian tertiary education institutions to develop programs in international and military affairs
Beukema’s efforts helped make the United States Military Academy a certified institution by the Association of American Colleges, and guaranteed that all Army graduates would receive a Bachelor of Science degree in addition to their commission.
Member Council Foreign Relations, American Political Science Association, American Military Institute, American Society of Professional Geographers, Psi Upsilon. Club: Army and Navy (Washington).
Married Margaret Whitman Shaw, March 18, 1916. Children: Margery Alden (wife of Major.