His doctoral thesis, "About Combustion Tests," was completed in very little time. It was later revealed that his real thesis was a classified Army document. One source states that he joned the SS at this time.

ARS Rocket No. 4 launched to 400 feet altitude, at Marine Island, Staten Island, N.Y. References: 17 .

This funding would continue through 1941. The first test series was designated the A Series (A1-A14). The A series rockets used simple pressure feed, gyroscopic control by means of vanes, and parachute. The rockets in this series averaged in length from 13 ft 6 in. to 15 ft 3 1/4 in.; their weight empty varied from 58 lb to 85 lb. References: 482 .