The last surviving Aggie from Corregidor shares his journey

On Easter Sunday, April 21, 1946, a group of Aggies gathered at the mouth of the Malinta Tunnel on Corregidor Island for an Aggie muster to honor their fellow Aggies who died in World War II. With a bedsheet serving as an improvised Aggie flag, 128 men stood together and paid tribute to their fallen brothers.

This profound ceremony embodied the resilience of the Aggie spirit and strengthened Texas A&M’s enduring tradition of loyalty and remembrance through patterns, a solemn tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Gerry Grogin, born in Bryan, Texas, in 1926, is not only a living testament to the enduring spirit of Texas A&M University and the profound influence of the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, but he is also the last surviving participant of the legendary Corregidor Island Pattern. His legacy symbolizes Aggies resilience and unity.

Grogin grew up just a few blocks from Main Street in Bryan and has deep roots in the local community and Texas A&M.

Maroon blood

Grogin’s connection to Texas A&M began long before his college days. His father and uncles attended Texas A&M. His uncle, Phil Groginski, graduated in 1914 and then served in World War I as a machine gun officer in the 144th Infantry; He was also credited with founding the Kilgore oil field, a remarkable achievement that undoubtedly fueled Grogin’s own ambitions.

When thinking about his time at Texas A&M, Grogin’s feelings are clear. “When I think about Texas A&M, I quickly tear up,” he admits. “Because without A&M, I don’t know if I would be here.” His words reflect the deep gratitude he feels for the institution that has shaped his life.

In 1944, while still a student at Texas A&M, Grogin joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet, hoping to become a pilot. However, his eyesight prevented him from achieving this dream. Instead, he was sent abroad as a cryptographer, a position he secured thanks to his engineering and mathematics degrees from Texas A&M.

As World War II ended, his skills as a cryptographer became less important and he was employed as a courier. During this time he also took part in the legendary Aggie Muster on the island of Corregidor in 1946.

Upon returning to Texas A&M, Grogin initially enrolled as an aeronautical engineering major, motivated by President Franklin Roosevelt’s belief that air power was critical to winning the war against Japan. However, Grogin soon realized that his true calling lay elsewhere and switched to mechanical engineering, a decision that would shape the rest of his career.

After graduating, Grogin took up his commission as a lieutenant and his unit was called into action in Korea, but luck was on his side. Due to its affiliation with the 75th Division in Houston, his group was not deployed.

He is still working on his degree

After joining the reserves, Grogin got his start in the commercial air conditioning industry just as the Houston field was just emerging.

In 1993 he moved to Polar Air Corporation, where he continues to work as a project manager and engineer at the age of 98. His dedication to his profession and his many years in the field are a testament to his passion and expertise.

Grogin’s influence extends far beyond his professional career in the HVAC industry. A dedicated Aggie, his generosity to Texas A&M, particularly the Mechanical Engineering Department, was significant. His monetary donations have been instrumental in advancing academic initiatives and supporting future generations of Aggie mechanical engineers.

When asked what advice he would give to current students, particularly those in mechanical engineering, Grogin’s words are both wise and encouraging: “I would say to stay the course. Keep doing what you are doing and keep your mind open to all other possibilities. Because there is so much to learn in engineering, especially mechanical engineering.”