Vol. II No. 3 5317TH AIR DEPOT (PROV.) DECEMBER 23rd, 1944
OPEN LETTER FROM SANTA CLAUS
BATTERY REPAIR ESSENTIAL
ALL OF AREA'S NEEDS MET BY TWO MEN Perhaps the most common sight out here with the exception of people are vehicles. Hundreds and hundreds of trucks, jeeps, weapons carriers, staff cars and motorcycles pass in an endless perpetual review daily. In addition airplanes fly overhead every few moments. In order for each one of these machines to operate though, a device we are all familiar with must be used . . . the battery, which is the power plant of a vehicle. Now when one considers the number of batteries in all these vehicles and considers the number of batteries in all these vehicles and considers that they are very delicate and require a great deal of attention then can we realize the vast and important job of the battery repair section, the whole of which is operated by two GIs. Sgt. John Lonneman of Fort Thomas, Kentucky is the boss of the section. Before entering the Army Lonneman was a repairman for the National Cash Register Co., a job for which he was trained for two years. His favorite sport is horse racing in which a battery may or may not be used. His partner in this huge job is Pfc. James Reid of Muskegon, Michigan; a former foundry worker. Reid whois single has been in the Army for three years; sixteen months of which have been spent overseas. The Battery Repair Section handles the maintenance of the batteries for all AAF vehicles in this command and performs major repairs on all batteries consigned to AAF in the theater. Aslo some batteries are damaged on their way from the States and must be given complete overhaul which sometimes necessitates replacing parts. Salvaged parts of old batteries are uses for replacements when necessary. Old batteries are the only source of parts, consequently Lonnenman has built up a huge reserve by saying all usable parts no matter how insignificant, of a salvage battery. A 6 volt battery is the type most commonly used. Three cells each in a separate niche separated by pitch or tar and enclosed in a case are in each battery. Each cell consists of a number of plates divided bt separators. Plates are positive and negative charged and there is always one more negative than a positive in order that as the current flows through the cells it may do so in continuous current. Connecting the cells are two poles placed diagonally on each end cell and are both attached to the middle cell by connectors each of which have a positive and negative side. Batteries become discharged after so much use so the iggest task of the section is the recharging of batteries. An instrument called a charger is used. Before being put on the charger however they are filled through vents with a chemical called electrolyte. This is a mixture of sulphuric acid and water. This electrolyte must be brought to a certain gravity and charged to a maximum temperature for a certain period of time, both of which vary according to climatic conditions. The charger and the amount of ampheres which it is regulated to send, along with the number of hours the battery is "on" must be checked. The hydometer determines the specific gravity, and the voltmeter which when put in contact with the poles and connectors of each cell registers the amount of volt power in each cell which when added together should equal the required battery voltage, in this case six volts. All this and more comprises the average working day of the battery section. A great deal of their work is highly technical and would take pages to describe. One thing is certain, these two boys are doing a big job. |
T/4 John Lonnerman checks the specific gravity of a battery with a hydrometer.
TO TAKE PLACE
HQ AND HQ NORTH POLE
SUBJECT: Christmas Week
TO: The GIs at the
5317 Air Depot
Dear Fellows:
I am sorry that I haven't written sooner but we have been very busy here trying to strighten out our address files which during the past few years have become terribly confused. For a while we were quite mad at you guys for not sending us one of those change of address of APO forms the Army gave you before you went overseas. Well, I finally got all of you located again so we'll forget about it.
For the past several months I have been corresponding with the girls from your Rajah's Rest and they have almost convinced me that I can make the Hump or whatever they call it, so I might see you on the night of the 24th. At any rate from what they tell me the gals have some big plans for Christmas Week on your Depot. A show will take place at the Rajah's Club on Christmas Eve featuring an Entertainment Production Unit, which is composed of the best GI talent in CBI, and that after that a Depot Christmas program featuring that swell band, the Tigers. About 11:00 p.m. the Chaplains are going to come down for a sing (not swing) seesion in the back of the Hq orderly room on Broadway. Singing those Christmas Carols will be reminiscent of the old days.
After the sing Midnight Mass will be held in the post theatre, and after Mass the girls will have coffee aand doughnuts for all at your Club. The next day, which of course is Christmas Day, there will be Open House at Rajah's Rest from 3 till 5 in the afternoon and 9 till 10 in the evening. Food and snacks will be on hand as well as entertainment consisting of Charles Dickens' Christmas Story in the afternoon and a Musical Recording Program in the evening.
On New Year's Eve Rajah's Rest is again going to be converted into a Caberet and a big night is in the offing. Excellent entertainment has been secured for the occasion and a huge spread will be served. The evening of course will last until the New Year has been brought in with the proper style. Resrervations must be made for this affair which will cost 2 rupees. Girls with escorts may attend without cost. Sounds like a wonderful evening without having to throw a lot of thet New Year's bakshees around.
Well gang I'll close now. Hope I can get down to see you. Uncle Sam was supposed to have delivered a C-54 up here but it hasn't arrived yet and my reindeer can't stand the scent of Japs even from the reasonable distance of a 1000 miles.
| Your old pal Santa Claus |
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YULETIDE MESSAGE FROM STRATEMEYER I wish to extend my very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to every man and woman, British, American and India, under my command. I know how hard it is for those of you who are half way around the world from home to be separated from your families and friends at this season, when you are accustomed to gather with them to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But it is worthwhile today to remember that all of us are in this theater to fight for the same principles for which Christ gave his life - so that our wives and children may live in a world free from oppression, injustice and tyranny. I know all of you in the air forces are fighting and good fight and fighting it with all your hearts, to speed on the day when we will be able to spend the Christmas season in our homes and with our loved ones.
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GIs LIKE U S O FUNZAFIRE SHOW
Benny Meroff's "Funzafire" USO show was presented at the Post Theatre on Monday night and met with a fine reception and response from the large audience. Every seat in the theatre was filled as the 90 minute variety show unfolded before the eyes of the delighted audience.
Hit of the show was the pantomime comedy of Joe Jackson Jr. Jackson's uproarious routine was essentially the same as presented at the New York World's Fair in 1939. The tramp costume and mannerisms of Jackson had the GIs craning their necks to see better. Benny Meroff presented many laughs with his witticisms and innuendos - typical of vaudeville and burlesque routines. Benny is a one-man show. He juggled, tooted clarinets, saxophones and various other instruments and kept a running stream of humorous patter directed at the throng.
Jack Gwynne's tricks confused and entertained while Edna Kenton drew enthusiastic applause with her energetic xylophone playing. Kitty McLaughlin danced to the applause of the GIs while Betty Huntington's singing found a warm response. Jerry and Jane Brandow gave a scintilating exhibition of dancing.
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The Supply Division Five, winners of the first half Depot Basketball Championship were guests last week at a dinner party given in their honor at a downtown hotel by the Officers of the ASC Stock Control Division. Many notables were in attendance including lady guests of the team.
DEPOT WINS IN TABLE TENNIS MATCH
The Rajah's Rest table tennis team won its secind successive match when an Airbase team succumed by winning only two out of the seven sets played on Tuesday afternoon 19 December.
The Airbase paddle wielders won both their sets in the singles. Lichter put Airbase one point up when he trounced Rosen three straight games. Curtboys evened the score by putting on a courageous exhibition to nip Adams. Adams won the first two games by 21-12 and 21-18 scores. Curtboys came back to take three close games; 24-22, 22-29 and 21-18.
Barnett scuttled Knazen in three straight close games to put the Airbase team one up again but Bing Chinn again evened matters by beating Evard three games after Evard took the first. Perdue put the Rajah's Rest team ahead to stay by trouncing Mallers in a five game set. The fourth game was fought on even terms until Mallers eked out a victory 25-23. Perdue clinched the set with a 21-19 victory.
The doubles matches saw Curtboys and Pedue bounce Adams and Barnett and Knazan and Chinn take themeasure of Lichter and Evard. Curtboys and Perdue played brilliant games to win by 21-19, 21-18 and 30-28 scores. Adams and Barnett won the second game 28-26.
HAIRY CHESTS OBJECT OF SURVEY
Hairy vs. baby-smooth male chests became an issue with disclosure by This Week magazine of the results of a survey it had taken among 100 women, aged 16 to 60.
To the question, "Do you like a man with hair on his chest?" 13 percent answered "yes," 63 percent "no" and 24 percent were undecided. Most of the affirmative replies came from girld who thought hairless-chested men were nicer to look at. One of the 13 percenters, however, declared: "Men with hair on their chest . . . don't catch cold so fast. My first husband had no hair and died of pneumonia. No insurance, either."
Now blankets much of the country from the New England states to the Northwest Pacific while in the South the night is apt to be cool and perhaps in spots a bit frosty. Back home at Christmas! This thought is in the heart of everyone of us at this time. We see a fireside, gaily lit windows, the children playing about the Christmas tree and the faces of all our dear ones back there. 
Our soldier heart, still not inured to the hardness of a life which we would all gladly trade for a dream which constantly keeps flitting through our minds, cries out and we are lonely. What we wouldn't give to be back there for just one moment! There are Christmas carols which we used to sing. "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," rings faintly through our ears. Ah to be a little boy again and see visions of Santa Claus, to rush back to mothers, sisters, wives and all the rest, to sink our tired heads on someone's shoulders and just let the old familiar noises seep through into our very souls! With Kipling we are spending a mock Christmas here in India. 15,000 miles separate us from the places we would like to be, 15,000 lonely miles. Let us not forget that those we left behind are lonely too. They yearn for our return. That thought will make it easier for us to smile and see this Christmas through. Dream misty-eyed if you must. Forget your exile in this far-off place and dream soldier, dream! It is the season for dreaming and the dream will do no harm. But look about you and remember some of the things of your childhood. See them through the eyes of this country. It is very near to the stories you learned then.
Yes soldier, you are lonely. We are all lonely but we are here to do a job. It may not be much longer and it may be another Christmas but even though we must chalk this year up on the red side of our ledger of life let's remeber that it is not a loss at all. It is insurance against many bleak Christmases. It will make all the other things of greater joy just because we have found out that it means to have no Christmas with our loved ones and so we may cheerily greet each other on this occasion and say, "Merry Christmas !" 
WE HAVE COME TO THAT SEASON of the year that has significance for everyone - Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ. Christians and non-Christians alike recognize in Him a uniqueness that challenges the world. Whether you regard Him as a great sage and prophet as countless non-Christians do, or whether you see Him as the Incarnation of God as Christians do. He still challenges the world. We are iun aterible worldwide war the end of which is not in sight. We are seeing suffering, poverty and anguish on an unprecedented scale this Christmas.
When we pause to ask why, we must certainly find the answer in man himself - sin, greed, selfishness and ignorance. Tragedy and destruction plagues the world not because God sends them but because of the inevitable consequences of faulty human beings who make up a faulty society. Jesus in his teaching, His attitude and by His who's life showed the way to have a new humanity. His Ideas. His spirit and teaching stand at the opposite pole from the idealogies of nations and from the motives and habits of the masses of people of the world. All of us know which pole of thought and action is right and which one is bringing destruction and misery in its wake. A stream cannot rise higher than its banks, neither can human society rise higher than the quality of the individuals who compose it. Christ changes the quality of human individuals. So whether you see Him as sage and prophet or Savior, His coming into the world which we celebrate at this season is of supreme importance to everyone. May His peace be with you at this Christmas time and throughout the new year ahead. 0700 Mass 0900 General Protestant Serrvice 1030 Mass 2300 Carol Sing in front of crib located on Broadway, back of Chapel. Christmas 25 December, 1944 0001 Midnight Mass 0100 Breakfast at Rajah's Rest immediately follwing mid-night Mass 1000 General Protestant Serrvice 1100 Mass
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The fellows were gathered on the barrack porch mouthing gems of flotsam and jetsum over the remnants of a case of beer. The talk drifted - as it usually does - to women. Joe started it after a lull in the conversation by paraphrasing a famous line from a book: "Ah, trouble, trouble thy name is woman."
Within the space of a few moments everyone in the crowd started telling of personal experiences to substantiate Joe's statement. All except Whitey.
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"How about you, Whitey? Whenever we talk you're usually in on it. When we talk about women you shut up like a clam. Why?"
All eyes focused on the short, slight fellow slouched in the broken-down chair. His body stiffened as he became the cynosure of all eyes. "I got nuthin' to say about wimmen," he said, tossing his cigarette butt to the porch floor and stepping on it.
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As the last porch light snapped out and the men sat in darkness Whitey started to talk. His voice was calm and hisky. The long thin fingers lay relaxed on the arm rest of the chair.
"I had a gal before I came into the army," he said. "I'd known her for some time. We were really close friends for a long time before I . . . well I sorta opened my eyes and saw her in a new light."
The fellows had been surprised by the outburst but now settled back and listened attentively.
"We had just run around together as part of a gang back home," Whitey said. A chair scraped as a GI moved to a closer position. "We took each other pretty much for granted. But as I said... I suddenly decided that I thought a lot of her. Her name was Josephine... Josie..." Whitey's voice trailed off. A white hand ran thru his hair and he relaxed again. "I started taking her out... to the park... we went rowing, walking... to the shows and bowling and ball games and parties - the usual places that a fellow takes a girl. She seemed to like me... aftee all, she did go out with me. She was attentive and we did have a lot of fun together.
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"I think sometimes, that it takes more courage to propose to a girl than it does to go into battle. Well . . . she accepted me. We became engaged. I poured out my heart to her. All the punt up emotion flooded out of me.
"No sooner did it get around that we'd be married then she began acting strange. She became hyper-critical . . . my clothes didn't suit her . . . she didn't like my friends . . . I had to change the way I cut my hair. I couldn't figure it out. Then I learned that she had been seen with another guy.
"I broke the engagement. She seemed relieved. But I felt it and I wanted her back. I did everything I could think of to win her back. I made a fool of myself." A note of irony crept into Whitey's voice. "She went out with other men. I never let her forget how much I wanted her."
Joe spoke up after a short silence had ensued,"Y'mean that's what makes you better? he said sympathetically. "I can see your point. Gettin' thrown over by a gal is enough to sour any guy."
Whitey shook his head. "No, no! I finally did convince her and we were married. And that's why I'm so bitter.
Art Goldberg
LAFFS GALORE were heard Monday nite when Benny Meroff proved himself, and his gang real troupers and masters in the act of comedy . . . we have a BEEG show in store for you in the very near future and will tell you more about it next week.
I CASE YOU HAVEN'Y NOTICED . . . that young fella sitting in with the hand in the brass section, is Lt. Harold Shuman. Br'er Shuman blows a mean trumpet and has helped the Tigers no end!
WE'RE CONDUCTING an Educational Survey at the present time in order to determine what type of classes you'd like to attend. So far it's running neck and neck between "Psychology and life," and "Algebra." Following closely behind are courses in Shorthand and Typing and "World History." As soon as all the results are tabulated we will start classes in which the most interest is shown. In the meantime our Basic German froup is progressing nicely . . . why don't you join?
WE'VE A LOTTA new rercords and the requests keep rollin' in . . . you ask for 'em and we'll play 'em!
THE TRACK TEAM is nicely rounding into shape and is geting all set to cop the "ALL AMERICAN TRACK MEET" to be held January 13-14 . . . it's still not too late to come out for the team . . . ho, sprinters, hurlers, millers . . .c'mon out to the track!
SPECIAL SERVICE WISHES EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALSO WISHES YOU EVERYTHING THAT YOU WISH FOR YOURSELF . . .
One of the many shorthand classes held in town. Instructor S/Sgt. Earl Lawrence of New Orleans stands in front of the board. Next to him is Miss Editch Johannes, Red Cross worker. On the left is T/4 Tim Gilbert of Rochester, N.Y., Sgt. Victor Philips, T/4 Clark Martin of Atlanta, T/5 William Petersen of Phoenix, Ariz. At the right, from rear to front: Boyd Overton, club director, Pfc. Warren Lawrence, Pontiac, Mich., Pvt. William C. Carter, Omaha, Sgt. Preston Jackson of Charleroi, Penna., Cpl. John T. Howell, Cherryville, No. Carolina, Pfc. Maurice Van Keuren of Brooklyn.
By Sgt. Chas. M. Mason
The soldier who, by fate or good fortune, finds himself stationed behind the soldier behind the soldier behind the gun, has time to devote to all opportunities that are made available for his benefit.Not always on the physical side but mentally. When I make this statement, I have something in mind more important than games. Something that will fit in after the game. Enroll in one of the Army Institute Classes. There are subjects offered which might help your present status and add credit to your High School or College Education.
I know what the average GI would reply if ever confronted with this suggestion. "There are no classes in the subject of my choice or interest." Then get busy and build interest and attendance in this particular subject. The Army Institute has an enormous list of subjects youm may select from and if you woiuld discuss the matter with your buddy, I think that you will find that he too may be interested in your choice, but like most of us is waiting for someone to spread the icing on the cake. You can't start a class that no one is interested in, and no one will know what you're interested in if you don't enroll. Of course, there is a minor fee of two dollars for each course that you might have spent otherwise for Indian Gin.
S/Sgt. Earl J. Lawrence who has conducted a Shorthand Class for several months, has acquired a great deal of admiration from his students. He made shorthand simple to men who thought it impossible and at the same time he gained confidence that made him feel his ability to carry out his extra undertaking.
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'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the IB
Not a creature was stirring, except the MP.
All the bottles were emptied with greatest of care
In the hope there would be no gin left to spare.
The GIs were sprawled all stiff in their sacks,
With sweet dreams of rotation, scotch and the Wacs.
Rolled in my blankets with my net tucked in,
I had just settled down to sleep off the gin.
When out on the gravel there arose such a clatter
I said to myself, what the heck is the matter?
Away to the window I crawled like a snail
I the hope that it might be my Christmas mail.
There was no moon and no new fallen snow
Just an old oxcart and two huge buffalo
With a skinny old driver all dressed in gauze
I knew in a minute it must be Sahib Claus.
Inch by inch, o'er the gravel his coursers they came,
He shouted, he beat them and called them by name.
"Cello e'Banerjee, Jaldee jaro e'Mukherjee."
(In this weird clime not a strange thing to see.)
Without a word to the tower, they took off to the roof
And I heard the trampling of each mammoth hoof.
Down with the rafters, Santa fell with a roar
And lay with the bottles, all over the floor.
He was dressed in a sheet from his head to his foot
And his dhoti was tattered and covered with soot.
A wad of betel-nut was tucked in his cheek
And his manner was simple and very meek.
His cheeks were lioke carrots, dehydrated at that;
And his whiskers were stiff like those of a cat.
From deep in his pack, he drew out a full quart
And he woke all the boys so that none would stand short.
With this bottle in good hands, Santa's job here was done
We wished on each drink, as we passed round his cheer
That this be the last Christmas we spend over here.
Pfc. H. C. Alexander
CHRISTMAS WEEK is approaching and certainly during this time which signifies "Peace on Earth - Good Will Toward Men", hearts and minds are lifted somewhat in spite of the circumstances in which we now find ourselves. The Inquiring Reporter was curious about this so he went to the GIs with this Question. "What would you like to do most on Christmas Eve?"
I would most like to be back home among my old and intimate friends of yesteryear. A good gathering and some of that good old Stateside liquor would be my dream of a wonderful Chritmas Eve. In view of the circumstances though some jackal juice or possibly a few cans of beer in the company of some of the swell fellows I have met here will make an adequate substitute.
Well, this is supposed to be the land of mystery and enchantment. I wish this Genii of Aladdin's lamp fame would appear here and tell me that I could get one wish. If such a thing were to happen I would wish that I could be a boy in short pants again and believe in Santa Claus because after being in the Army for three and a half years I know definitely that there is no Santa Claus.
I have spent many Christmases away from home now and the feeling is always the same. Your people are the most significant part of Christmas Eve. When it is impossible to be with them a few good friends and a chat about old times is a good idea.
On Christmas Eve I like to give the presents to my family and friends. I think that this is a much better idea than waiting until Christmas Day. Then after everyone has the fun of looking at them, settle down to a few Tom and Jerries and have some good conversation. The spirit of Christmas exists no matter where you are and those that you like the best should be the company around you. |
THE FIRST ROUND of play to determine who is the champion in all sports draws to a close this week. Battling it out in volleyball are the Iron Kings and Engineers who came thru the League without a loss. The softball league is still to be decided, three teams being tied for first spot. It looked like the Fire Fighters all the way until they met the unpredictable Powder Puffs on Tuesday evening. Kinder, whom this column ahd given credit before, exercised control in the rough spots and saw the PPs through to an 11-6 win. Much credit is due the whole Powder Puff outfit. They trailed in play during the early season rounds and came back with good fielding and hitting to be the dark horse when the real test came. It must be kept in mind tho that this is only the beginning of competitions; there is still much playing to be done before an all-round winner can be picked.
Airdrome is doing its Spring cleaning and brushing up early this year. Most noticeable improvement has been made in the streets, the EM Mess and Club. Everyone seems to have been caught in the sweep to make his surroundings look a little better and consequently a better place to live in.Rumor has it that there is to be a PA system installed covering the whole field for use in orientation and entertainment. There is a possibility also thagt the theater will be built over in Temple style . . . to mention only two improvements to look forward to. The ARC Girls' Quarters were shown at Open House on Sunday. Fran, Mary and Helen were equally as good hostesses 'at home' as at the Grotto.
PLANS ARE COMPLETE to make Christmas a merry one at the base. Carol singing and a series of insteresting programs will get under way at the Grotto on Sunday after the services at the Chapel. Actually Christmas has been with us since the packages from Stateside started pouring ion last week. Many a GI heart has been made happier at the sight of a favorite brand of cigarettes, a fruit cake, home-made candy or perhaps greater still, the fact that so many of tem thought of us.
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The most enjoyable movie "THe Miracle of Morgan's Creek" lent itself to the occasion of Christmas with miracles and wishful thinking. Let me give you the picture . . .
On the 25th day of December 1944 "All were required to report to QM at 0530 in raincoats and GI shoes where each man was issued a civilian zoot suit and Simmons Beauty Rest mattress. Rations consisted of lettuce, fresh milk, steaks, and chocolate cake. Each was given a ticket and a set of china dishes which entitled him to proceed to the nearest luxury liner or clipper ship." Upon relinquishing said ticket, each zoot suiter was entitled to a lei of flowers and a reasonable facsimile of Dorothry Lamour if he wished. Each platoon was marched on board under the insistence of an MP's gun. Any man going AWOL, trying to stay in India, was shot. The natives served betelnut and Caroozes' Boozes for a royal send-off from the docks and runways. Music and soft lights in the lounge on board helped to provide the proper background for CBI-ers returning home on rotation. The ships consisted of only one top deck. The only two requirements imposed on the passengers were thay they must eat breakfast in bed and that they must have egg in their beer.
UPON ARRIVING IN THE States each man was issued a million dollars worth of nickels and dimes, a college diploma, the presidency of the business in which he formerly worked, and the opportunity of doing whatever he wanted for as may years as he had served in the Army. Some were known never to get off the N.Y. subways for four years.
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Get the picture? "The Miracle of 492." Academy Award, The Purple Heart!
Seriously, to return to the point . . . We shall not wish you a Merry Christmas because that is impossible as a matter of fact. But allow us to congratulate you all for the endurance and fortitude which you have summioned from God knows where, to last through another atrange, not white, Christmas. It is with great pride we can all gather this laurel to us for somehow we have weathered the disillusionment and cynicism of the world today and we have had the strength to keep going and to help buoy the spirits of them at home as they have lifted ours, by reassurance of letters and love. We've done it again. It means one less Christmas to spend away from home.
AND WHEN I REACH the States, I'll write you some columns and tell you what home is like through the jaded eyes of a CBI-er. And don't be angry at my going home before you. As I return to the States so shall you all . . . and soon. I shall miss you!
| Fearless |
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DRY CLEANING
The PX announces that it will handle dry cleaning for GIs. The service takes approximately one week and the clothing is handled at the Package Wrapping Dept. on Broadway. Prices are as follows: OD Trousers . . . 3/- OD Shirt . . . 1/8 Blouse . . . 3/- Field Jacket . . . 3/- Cap . . . 8/- |
KNOW YOUR COMMAND
In India and Burma the Air Service Command functions as the Air Maintenance and Supply Arm for Major General George E. Stratemeyer's Eastern Air Command. All Third and Fourth Echelon repair work is done for the Command. Most of this work we are more or less familiar with right here at this Depot for it is here that most of it is done both for the Air Force and A.T.C.
Besides this Depot there are many bases to service and to provide with messing facilities as well as equipment, clothing, medical facilities, etc.
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FIRST HALF OF BASKETBALL
TOURNEY ENDS; BALDOCK IS
INDIVIDUAL SCORING CHAMP
Five games during the past week brought the first half of the Depot Basketball League to a close - with the Gremlins and Tigers tied for second place behind the Division Suipply quintet which had finished its schedule the previous week.
The Globetrotters dropped out of second spot by losing two games on successive nights - finishing in a tie for third. The Sad Sacks dropped another encounter and forfeited their last game to finish in the cellar. The only victory for the Sad Sacks came about on a forfeit from the Flaming Bombs.
December 13 found Ordnance completing its schedule by trouncing the Sad Sacks 16-11. Bigarani sank 6 points thru the netting and Harrison tallied 4 points for the Sacks.
Overhaul pulled itaelf out of the second division that same evening by rocking the Globetrotters, 20-17. Baldock, second highest scorer in the league, tallied 11 points to point the way for the Overhaul five while Sims sank 7 for the 'Trotters.
Thursday evening saw the Tigers claw their way to a tie for second by conking the crumbling Globtrotters, 33-27. Cameron netted five goals to lead the 'Trotters while Walton's 17 points and O'Dowd's 10 paced the Tigers. The Tigers were behind 18-14 at the half but a strong rally took the game out of the Globetrotter's grasp. The co-feature game of the evening was not played as the Sad Sacks forfeited the game to the Gremlins.
On Friday night, Overhaul won their third game of the week by smashing the Bears by a 51-18 tally. Hanford Baldock, a runner-up to Ernie Martin in individual scoring thruout the season took over the individual scoring championship by tallying 34 points against the bewildered Bears. Seventeen field goals were dropped thru the hoop by the eagle-eyed Baldock as he set the individual high mark of the tournament.
Tuesday night's games included a game that had been postponed during the season and a playoff for second place between the Tigers and Gremlins. The Tigers tookn over the runner-up spot by nosing out the Gremlins by a 23-19 tally. Metallo of the Gremlins sank 13 points for the individual high of the game. Walton sank 7 points for the Tigers.
The Blue Devils slapped the Gin Hounds by a 38-28 score on the otheer court. Moody and Coppola battled it out with Coppola out-scoring Moody 14-12. Ames dropped four goals thru the hoop and Mulder of the Hounds supported Moody with 6 points.
The second half of the Depot Basketball League will start action Tuesday 26 December.
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TRACK TEAM
Track suits and shoes have been ordered for the promising 5317th Track Team. Three newcomers in the persons of Smith, Weisner and Skerlec have enhanced the team's chances in the big meet. Smith is small but fast and promises to be a threat in the sprints. Weisner and Skerlec looked promising at middle distance and will be battling for a place in the mile realy or medley relay. Track is a tedious sport to practice but we try to make it as enjoyable as possible. The men who are training say that they get tired but are feeling a lot better since they started taking a little exercise. New members are always welcome. Practice is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday nites but come out any week day nite - there is always someone there. HANGOVER SOBERED BY 8-2 LOSS The Handover softball team took it on the chin again, 8-2. The game was much closer than the score indicates. The Hangovers led 2-0 until the disastrous sixth inning when the team fell apart - again. Lt. Widom pitched a fine game except for a home run ball he threw with the bases loaded in the 6th. A single, a throw to the wrong base aand another error had loaded the bases. THe mighty wallop - far over leftfielder Burnski's head settled the issue. The Hangovers will try again next Sunday against the Airdrome Officers. |
AIR BASE 15-2
In a slugging exhibition featuring extra base hits galore and shady fielding, the Rebels pounded out 13 hits to whip the visiting Air Base nine 15 to 2 last Sunday on the motor pool diamond.
Leading off for the Air Base nine Chiriaco took the three count from Redmon. Rieff the next man up hit a double but died on base when Mallers was thrown out second to first and Tramsky flied out to short. Higgins popped to second for the first Rebel out but Fulmer, after lettingone go by, clouted the ball over the center fielder's head and was sitting on the bench when the ball finally reached the infield. Daveau was thrown out short to first and Lightner struck out to end the inning.
Costa in the second for the visitors hit a single and when the ball was momentartily dropped by Fulmer in left, Costa was thrown out as he tried to stretch it into a two bagger. Redmon set the next two batters down in order. The Rebels had a field day in their half of the second when every man on the team but one reached first base. Three walk, six hits and almost as many errors added up to ten runs before Rieff, who relieved Garrison the starting pitcher, could gain control.
In the third inning the Air Base boys took advantage of two Rebel errors to tally one runafter Redmon had struck out two men. Chiriaco hit one in back of second and was safw when the throw went wild. Rieff hit one to left and when Fulmer misjudged the ball, Chiriaco went all the way home. Rieff was caught trying for third. THe Rebels put two more across in their half of the third. Higgins hit a triple to right center and Fulmer's liner was muffed for a three base error scoring Higgins. Fulmer went home on Daveau's long fly to right.
Neither side scored again until the Rebels came thru with hits by Fulmer, Daveau, Lighter and McLam to add number 14 and 15.
THe Air Base bats came to life in the sixth to score one run. Rieff started off with a double but REdmon struck outr TRamsky after Mallers had popped out but Costa came thru with a single and Rieff beat the throw to the plate. The rally was cut off after one more single by De Gutis when Leger grounded out to first.
Rieff had no trouble in the last of the sixth nor did Redmon in the first of the seventh and the ball game ended with the Rebels on the long end of a 15 to 2 count and number seven in their hip pocket.
This Sunday the "country cousins" are scheduled to make their appearance on the home diamond. This prmises to be a honey of a ball game so come on over and join in the fun and don't forget the rupees.
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1. Q.- In 1927 Babe Ruth set an all-time major league record by whacking out sixty home runs in one season. What is the nearest that any other player has come to that record?
2. Q.- What is the most touchdown passes ever caught by one player in one game in the National Professional Football League?
3. Q.- Baseball has its flies and football has its tackles. But what sport has them both?
4. Q.- Can you name at least three major league baseball players whose name is Bucky?
5. Q.- The Western Intercollegiate Conference is often known as the Big Ten. What is the popular name for the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association?
6. Q.- Who was the last fighter to meet Joe Louis for the world"s heavyweight championship?
7. Q.- The St. Louis Browns recently bought outfielder Pete Gray from the Memphis Chicks. What makes Pete Gray such an unusual player?
8. Q.- According to the official collegiate football rules, how high must the crossbar of the goalpost be? How many feet off the ground is the crossbar of the goalpost?
9. Q.- In baseball, if a pitched ball strikes the ground before reaching home plate... goes past the catcher... and allows runners to advance, is it scored as a wild pitch?... a passed ball?... a balk?... or simply a ball?
10. Q.- In what college athletic conference would you expect to find teams from Alabama... Auburn... and Kentucky?
11. Q.- For some reason or other, heavyweight fighters are frequently given rhythmic nicknames. Can you name the heavyweight champions or heavyweight contenders who were nicknamed The Manassa Mauler... The Wild Bull of the Pampas?... and The Cinderella Man?
12. Q.- How many personal fouls is a college basketball player allowed per game?
THE TIGER RAG is a weekly publication edited and written by and for the Enlisted Personnel and Officers of APO 492, and is under the direction of the Commanding Officer, COLONEL FRANK D. HACKETT and Public Relations Officer, MAJOR STUART R. PETERSEN. STAFF: EDITOR... Pfc. Hollis H. Estill; ASSISTANT EDITOR... Pfc. Art Goldberg; ART... T/5 Layton H. Wicksten; PHOTOGRAPHY... Sgt. Les Gurwitz. Statements or policies reflected through the columns of this publication under no circumstances are to be considered those of the United States Army. Articles submitted by Officers and Enlisted Men represent personal opinions only. Internet adaptation by Carl W. Weidenburner.
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Adapted from photographs of the original TIGER RAG
Copyright © 2023 Carl Warren Weidenburner
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