Group portrait of the New York University College of Medicine class of 1944, taken during their third year. When the United States entered World War II, NYU College of Medicine compressed its normal four-year MD program into three years, and almost all the College’s male students enrolled in the United States Army or Navy. Enlisted students served on active duty while in school in return for a small salary of approximately $21/month, a stipend for room and board, and paid tuition. Upon graduation, students were expected to enter the United States Army Reserve for the duration of their medical internships.