Bingham Gets Leave of Absence, To Report Tomorrow as Major

William J. Bingham '16, director of Athletics, will report tomorrow to the first Service Command for duty as a Major in the Internal Security Division, although he will be available here for the next few weeks. He has been granted a leave of absence for the duration by the University, and no successor will be named.

With Bingham away, Carroll F. Getchell will handle the business problems of the H.A.A., while Norman Fradd will have charge of the conditioning program. A new head of the Athletic Council, probably Dean Hanford, will be chosen at its meeting December 14.

Bingham emphasized that his departure is no indication of future athletic policy. "Harvard will continue its sports schedules as long as we have students and are permitted to travel," he stated.

In World War 1

The new commission represents a step upward from Bingham's post in the last war, which he finished as a captain in the transport corps. He had served with the French Army as a member of the American Field Service from June to October, 1917, when he enlisted in the American forces as a private. He was commissioned a First Lieutenant Novem- ber 15 and a Captain in July, 1918. During the fighting of October 6-20, 1918 he won the Croix de Guerre for bravery. He returned to this country in April, 1918.

While an undergraduate, Bingham starred on the track team, captaining it during his Senior year. He is the outstanding middle distance runner in Crimson history, and forced Ted Meredith to a half-mile record of 1:53 that remained on the books for years in the 1916 intercollegiates here.

In addition to his track exploits, he was first marshal of his class and vice president of the Student Council.

Track Coach in 1921 and 1922, Bingham became the first athletic director here in March, 1926