Jere A. Chase graduated from UNH in 1936 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Branch of the U.S. Army Reserve and assigned to the 22nd Reserve Coast Artillery Regiment in Portland, Maine.
Following a short training period at Fort H.G. Wright on Fishers Island, NY, Jere taught math at Berwick Academy and then Dow Academy in Maine. However, in the summer of 1941, Jere was called to active duty with the U.S. Army Air Corps at Windsor Locks Air Base (later Bradley Field), Connecticut. He reported in as a first lieutenant to the U.S. 57th Pursuit Group, later renamed the 57th Fighter Group. In July 1942, as the Group Executive Officer, Jere deployed with the group of over 100 aircraft and 1000 men to Haifa, Palestine.
In September 1942, the Group was brought together for final training near El Alemein, Egypt and by mid-October, was fully engaged in the War having flown 550 sorties. In January 1943, the group remained in combat as it relocated to Tripoli. In April 1943, Axis forces retaliated against the 57th Fighter Group for downing 74 aircraft in one action and causing a equal number to crash land to avoid being shot down. For two sleepless nights the Germans pounded the 57th's home field. The minimal loss of life was attributed to the slit trenches Colonel Chase had contructed. His actions and heroism were recognized with the prestigious Soldiers Medal.
The 57th Fighter Group continued to support the invasion of Europe through Sicily, Naples, Corsica, and Southern France before returning to Italy until the European hostilities came to an end. The group was then requested by Pacific Command and was enroute to support them when Japan surrendered.
After World War II, Colonel Chase coached the UNH Ski Team on a volunteer basis while he earned his Master of Education. He continued his military activities in the reserve as the commanding officer of all Air Force Reserves in New Hampshire without aircraft. In 1947 and 1949, Colonel Chase was appointed as the Director of the Placement Bureau and as the Admissions Director respectively.
In 1951, Colonel Chase was recalled to active duty with the 31st fighter Escort Wing, Turner Air Base, Georgia. The unit was based with the 24th Infantry Division as part of the Japanese Defense Force. After 17 months, the unit returned home, Colonel Chase was released from active duty, and he started on a variety of assignments in the Air Force Reserve.
Jere Chase's civilian service was equally distinguished. Some of the many positions he held for New Hampshire and the University of New Hampshire include Director of the University Extension Service, Director of Development, Director of the NH Council for Better Schools, Director of the New Hampshire YMCA, one term in the NH House of Representatives, Assistant to the President, and the Executive Vice President (and interim President).
Colonel Chase drafted the legislation that eventually created the University System consisting of Keene State College, Plymouth State College and UNH. Then in 1969, Colonel Chase became President of New England College.
Upon his departure, UNH created and annual “Jere Chase” Service Award, presented annually at commencement to recognize a graduating student for outstanding service to the University of New Hampshire. Additionally, the Jere A. Chase Scholarship was created for a young man entering his final year of athletic eligibility who best combined athletic aptitude with outstanding academic ability.
Jere retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1976 after a distinguished career of 38 years.
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