THEY SWEATED OUT B-29 FORAYS
VETERAN MAINTENANCE MEN OF EARLY SUPERFORT RAIDS STATIONED HERE Nine GIs of the 9th Engine Overhaul who participated in the initial trials of the B-29 bombing raids are the proud wearers of four bronze battle stars each as a result of their maintenance work during the period from June to October 1944. The stars were awarded one each for the Air Offensive against Japan: the India-Burma Campaign; the China Campaign; and the Air Combat at Palembang, Sumatra. Although recently united in the shop area, the men served at different stations of a bomber maintenance squadron with the 20th Bomber Command. Cpl. James F. Gainey, one of the awardees of the battle stars, recalled most vividly how the GIs with him would have to rise at all hours of the night to repair the B-29s: "The first two months were mainly experimental even though the B-29s were doing plenty of damage. After each raid, the planes would come back and we would have to iron out the kinks and bugs the engines had developed during their long flights. Although we had a number of scares, we never were bombed. I guess our fighter planes were just too much for the Japs." Cpl. Henry H. Hoeper, another recipient, was impressed with the long wait for the returning planes: "The first number of times it wasn't so bad because we always surprised the Japs. But then the enemy started their defenses working and our worries began. We used to watch along the sidelines at the time they were scheduled back. It would be a long wait sometimes before the first appeared. Then we would sweat it out as one plane after another landed. We sure felt glad when ours would finally appear. And it always did appear." "You could always tell if anything happened by the expression on the crew's faces," added Pfc. Francis J. Currie. "The crews never did have much to say at any time because they were plenty tired. However, we learned to read their faces. You could tell quickly enough when we had lost a plane." Currie explained that often they would fly to advance bases to repair the huge bombers in case the planes could not make it back to their bases. "We always helped out the other repair crews if there was not much damage to our plane. What we wouldn't give to be back there now taking care of the big boys." The other members of this select group with four bronze battle stars each are Pfcs. Irving Tannenbaum, Anthony M. Nastasi, John J. Hughes, Harrell E. Holloway, Peter G. Rotko, Jr. and Sgt. Glenn W. Schumaker. |
WINNERS OBTAIN PX ITEMS WITH FAKE MONEY
A "Monte Carlo" night held at Rajah's Rest Monday was a huge success. Hundreds of men participated in the games of poker, craps, chuck-a-luck and black jack which were played with fake money for prizes. Twenty-five dollars worth of bogus money was presented every man at the beginning of the evening and at its conclusion all over the original sum was redeemed in PX prizes such as beer, film, candy, etc. Each of these prize items had a set valuation in fake money. For instance, a roll of 35 mm film was valued at two hundred and fifty dollars, and so on through a large variety of items. Big winners were Cpl. John A. Burrell of the 2485th QM who amassed a 525 dollar fortune and Cpl. Jack Gallo of the 923d Signal who won 421 dollars. Throughout the evening cold drinks were served and the perspiring gamblers consumed many gallons of the sift liquids. Realism was further enhanced by the appearance of Evelyne Slor as a cigarette girl. Lauds A S C That the Air Service Command in this theater had "contributed materially to the success of the XX Bomber Command," was the substance of a recent letter of commendation from Brig. Gen. Joseph Smith, Deputy Commander, XX Air Force, to Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Hanley, Jr., CG, ASC, IBT. There can be little doubt that the Bengal Air Depot's contribution in supply and repair carried a lot of weight - both literally and figuratively. Stating, "We all understand... that the success of any one organization is dependent on many factors, the most important perhaps being the amount and quality of cooperation... such organization is able to derive from outside sources;" Gen. Smith added that this has been particularly true of the XX Bomber Command in this theater. "At all times and under all circumstances, we have received from your command the most courteous and willing assistance... therefore, I would like to express (to all men in the ASC) my appreciation for the wholehearted cooperation you have shown." |
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Victory Garden Pays Dividends The only victory garden on the Depot paid dividends this week by producing three bunches of radishes to the delight of its owner, Pfc. Luke Ambrose, who converted a three by seven foot plot on the Chapel's grounds to farming land. "Mighty tasty," proclaimed Ambrose as he consumed the fruits of his labor in the mess hall at dinner time while less fortunate GIs drooled as the red vegetable marbles disappeared down his gullet. In addition to more radishes which will be edible soon, Ambrose has planted lettuce, corn, tomatoes and hold onto your belt buckle - even watermelons. All this, mind you in one midget three by seven size it looks like Ambrose certainly has the right idea. |
Picture History of Bengal Air Depot During the coming week the Information and Education Section will display at Rajah's Rest a pictorial history of the Depot from its inception in 1943 to its present status as the largest Air Depot outside the continental United States. Vividly illustrated will be the original difficulties of housing and transportation and the struggle to do the job. |
Mil Civ Pers Bldg Swanky Business intent though they may be, visitors are somewhat staggered at the inside appearance of the new Military and Civilian Personnel Building which formerly housed the camera repair department. On the outside, the building is just as drab as ever but the interior has the appearance of swank and space rivalled by very few other places. Nevertheless, an air of efficiency is noticeable. Under Lt. Burns Waggener, Personnel and Properties Officer, the work is so divided that T/Sgt. Larry J. Goldberg of 9th Eng. Overhaul handles the complex civilianpersonnel while Cpl. Earl Alles of the 48th Repair takes care of military affairs. T/Sgt. Robert Schwefel of 314th Sq. is in charge of properties. Military and Civilian Personnel coordinates all departments of the Maintenance Division and takes care of all requirements for both military and civilian personnel. It also acts as arbitrator, handles complaints and generally acts as a big uncle top disputants. |
Camera Repair Expands Again Although it is only a few months ago that the Camera Repair moved to greatly increased quarters, work has mounted to such an extent that additional space has had to be requisitioned with the moving to be undertaken this week. The heavy equipment section of Camera Repair will occupy the new quarters formerly used for the final preparation of engines. Additional personnel has been added to take care of the overflow work. According to T/Sgt. John Meissner of the 320th Repair, NCO in charge, units all over the theater have been sending equipment in for general overhaul and repair. He cannot recall another instance when Camera Repair had such a large accumulation of cameras on hand to fix. However, he feels that with the expansion, the GIs working with him will be able to reduce the total considerably in very quick order. |
Hangar Warehouses Quickly Used "What has this Henry J. Kaiser got that we haven't got?" was the proud query of T/Sgt. John H. Bradley of 48th Repair who is NCO in charge under the shops superintendent. "You see the hangar which one of the signal units just completed?" pointing out a newly burnished and solid looking affair. "Well, the roof had hardly been put up when we were already using the space. We just have too much stock to let any building stand idle. So long as it can protect the material from the weather, it is going to be used. "For instance, there's the other hangar which was completed just a short time before this one was. You will not find an inch in it that hasn't already been assigned for one purpose or another. And so it goes for every warehouse we have here. If the Japs could see the mounting supplies we have they would holler uncle but quick. "You read in the papers how just as soon as one ship is launched, a keel is being laid for another. Well, we don't bother to even launch our ships before they are being used." |
Currency Exchange Method Changed It won't be as easy as before to exchange your foreign currency for rupees but the two tellers at the Finance Office are going to smooth your path considerably if you follow instructions. Every time you now change your dollars, or what have you, to rupees, a form will have to be filled out. However, it has been made quite simple and you can dash it off in a second. Either the ever smiling S/Sgt. Ernest Bacigalupi or Cpl. Walter R. Corwey, his new sidekick, will be glad to help. Incidentally, Corwey says you have to come to the Finance Office to get rid of your foreign money. Neither the PX, ARC, nor the orderly rooms can accept foreign currency. And just to remind you where you are even U.S. smackers are foreign here. |
Officers Sales Breaks Record A new record for one day's sales was established last week at Officers Sales when the two GIs working there sold $1314.00 worth of merchandise over the counter. According to Cpl. Orie Miller of the 428th QMs, high total sales previously averaged about $1,000.00 daily but it is only three months ago that $350.. taken in was considered a very bust day. The increase seems to be due to the many additional officers passing through the theater as well as the numerous new items added to the stock. A very popular addition is the line of WAC and nurses wear, which to quote Pfc. Julius E. Cabron of the 471st QMs, Miller's assistant, "Causes the prettiest gals in India to pass in review." |
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Local Issue Party is ‘Wow’
BY TIGER RAG'S GATE-CRASHER Maintenance Local Issue held their second annual dinner dance last Saturday evening at the Monsoon Square Garden in Calcutta with scintillating music "star-dusted" by the 574th AAF Band. The party, under the genial supervision of M/Sgt. Robert F. Dyer, S/Sgt. Richard L. Reese, S/Sgt. Kenneth W. Speck and Sgt. Elwood Batton, was a gala affair with mountains of food delighting the gourmands and gallons of variegated mixed drinks which furnished the carbonation, color, and headaches - depending upon individual willpower. A smooth floor show was featured by the band during the evening. Feminine pulchritude formally attired for the occasion lifted many GI eyebrows and pulse beats before the festivities ended. The party, employing a descriptive one-syllable word, was a wow. |
With only three games left on the schedule the race for Depot Horseshoe Championship honors has turned into a two-team battle. The standings as of Wednesday morning showed the Devils in first place with a 6-1 record trailed by the Signal team which has a 4-1 record. The Devils are assured of at least a tie for the title as they have completed their schedule. The sportsmanship of the Ordnance team deserves high praise as they consented to play off a forfeited game with the Signal team. Ordnance had rambled through their first three matches without the loss of a game but stumbled when they met the top two teams by losing 8 out of the 10 games played. Their record is now 4-2. The sad Sacks sprung the big surprise of the week when they downed the Signal team in their match 3-2. The league ended Thursday. Final results will be published next week. |
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ROVING REPORTER
With Germany out and the invasion forces drawing nearer and nearer Japan thoughts roll to the return to civilian life. The roving reporter asked GIs: "Do you think that you have learned anything in the army that will benefit you in the post war world?"
CPL. HARRISON NACE, REPAIRABLE, CLASS 13 - I think that the army has taught me a great deal about how to understand and handle men. It has also taught me how to take and carry out orders better than I ever dreamed I would as a civilian. As a result of traveling and association my outlook on life has been broadened immeasurably. PFC. VERNON GARCIA, ENGINEERING BRANCH - I am a radio man from way back. As a civilian I attended several radio schools but since entering the army I haven't seen anything but Air Corps Supply. This was a disappointment, but I guess learning a little about something else won't hurt any.
CPL. HARRY NICHOLSON, CONTROL SECTION - The most important thing I have learned in the service is the psychological aspects of dealing with all kinds of people both in a business and social way. Also, I have learned the Air Corps Supply business which should be of great value after the war. T/SGT. ROBERT HOLCOMB, RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Not too much. I've learned some about the handling and maintenance of heavy equipment and a few tricks about shipping that I don't know before, particularly how to get the most of box car space. I have also picked up a little knowledge about my fellow man while in the army.
PFC. CHARLES MILLER, INSPECTOR, ACS - Yes. T learned to fly an airplane. Also I have been through 22 weeks of intensified radio training which should be useful. And my wife will never have to worry about doing dishes when I marry because my great experience at KP will solve that problem. SGT. JOE FRAME. ENGINE SECTION - The main thing I have learned in the army is responsibility. Other than that I have learned how to operate practically all types of equipment and some about the various types of airplane engines. No fellow can be in the army any length of time and not learn something about human nature.
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Johnny Carlin At The Beehive Sgt. Johnny Carlin, at present making a tour of the theater, will entertain at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Beehive. Well known both as an accordionist and a pianist, Carlin will play both; to display the talent which earned his reputation in Shangri-La. Monday of this week, also at 8 p.m., Capt. John Murphy, Depot Legal Officer, will make a return appearance "strummin on his ole banjo." The GIs at the Shops have decided he knows what they want to hear. The usual monthly birthday party will be held Tuesday for the men whose birthdays fall in July. Phyllis Benthale will provide some unexpected treats. |