Gentleman, scholar, soldier… or radical? The Don Henry Story

On October 3, 1937, students and faculty at Kansas University were shocked to discover that sophomore Don Henry had been killed in battle during the Spanish Civil War.

Henry had told his parents he was leaving for a tour of Europe the previous summer. In a July 4 letter to his father, Henry revealed the truth, saying he wanted to be a part of the fight against Fascist forces in Spain. “They outnumber us with planes and guns but there is practically no doubt here but that we have the superior forces. One thing we are sure of is, that Hell is bound to split wide open before much longer,” Henry wrote.

The Spanish Civil War began when members of the highly- conservative National Front launched an attack on the government of the Popular Front – a coalition of Republicans, Socialists and Communists.

Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans – including George Orwell – joined International Brigades in support of the Popular Front. Many were young radicals, and some were members of the Communist Party.

Don Henry was killed during his first day on the front lines. When his father learned of the news, he called for an investigation of Kansas University.

Ed Henry believed that his son had been exposed to radical teachings on campus, and that Kansas University professors and student organizations had convinced him to throw his life away for a hopeless cause.

At first, Kansas University students praised Don Henry as a hero, and dismissed his father’s charges as ridiculous.

But when Congress got involved – through its Committee on Un- American Activities – university officials began their own investigation.

The university’s report concluded that Henry had been influenced by Communist groups on campus – but that neither the faculty nor the university was to blame for his actions. Nevertheless, Kansas University fired several of its employees.

Your job: Examine the evidence in the Don Henry case, and answer the following questions: 1). Why do you think Henry decided to go to Spain? 2). Was it a principled decision, or was he influenced by others? 3). What responsibility – if any -- did Kansas University have with regards to Henry’s death?

Your tools Each group will receive the following documents: A newspaper clipping found in Don Henry’s luggage following his death A copy of Don Henry’s letter to his father A press release issued by the Kansas University Board of Regents following the university investigation An article about the Don Henry case from KUHistory.com