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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (June 26, 1943)
SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 26, 1943- Circling the Field Squadron III The Wing dance last Friday was the first dance for Squadron III, which was tremendously enjoyed by all. The men especially liked the music, the decorations, and the lovely ladies from Houston and nearby Bryan. Naturally many new friends and acquaintances were made. Squadron II was rep resented on . the reception commit tee at the depot by fifteen fine looking specimens, the maximum number alloted each squadron. Many thanks to all officers and persons whose work terminated with such a pleasant evening for us all. These days the boys are all working the creaks and stiffness out of their muscles and limbs in the Physical Training classes. After the first few sessions, Squadron II was a good, potential customer for rubbing alcohol, lini ment and crutches. The baseball team is shaping up better now after suffering a min or defeat recently from Squadron II during a practice game. Squad ron III asks just a little more time, then we should be able to handle our own. Flash: Tuesday Squadron III re ceived only three demerits during barracks inspection; however, we topped this record Wednesday with the grand total of no demerits. Gentlemen, we understand that this is a new record for the de tachment, so let’s keep up the splendid work. To Squadrons I, II, and V, we say—let us see you try to tie this score! The men unfortunate enough to be caught in classes when the rain came Thursday, were slightly wet when they reached Bizzell Hall. Nevertheless, the rain was a great relief to everyone. It was the first real rain Squadron II has wit nessed since we have been here. Roses are red, Violets are blue, We hate demerits, And so should you! -THE BATTALION- TURRET TIPS Squadron I The other day a young lady stopped her bicycle to watch Flight 15 (the pride of the Squadron) march. They say Chuck Chambers, the Flight marcher got so dizzy from trying to drill his flight and watch the young lady that he al most broke his nose by walking in to a tree. There’s a big, rough corporal that haunts the drill field in the evening and chases all the boys out of the shade when they take a break. Of course we don’t mind, since we know the sun’s good for us, don’t we? Richard E. Davis, our most es teemed Group Commander from the land of the Citrus, California, has nicknamed himself “Rick”. We agree that this sounds romantic, Rick, but we’ll also bet you got the idea from the motion picture, “Casablanca.” The question is: “Who is the most simple?” The candidates are Merwin, Bridges, and Sugarek. Get your vote in today.. Merwin’s campaign slogan—“When simpler things are done, I’ll do them.” ACID NEWS RUDDER DUST by A/S Jack E. Shaw Our non-com of the week is jov ial, husky, Sergeant Eddie Gralla. The sergeant was born in Brook lyn during the last war, on Sep tember 2, 1918, to be specific. He attended schools in Brooklyn and, later, attended a well-known New York university, majoring in spe cialized textile courses and pre paring himself for the buying end of the Rayon industry. When Uncle Sam sent out his call for men to aid democracy’s fight for survival, Eddie Gralla was managing a drug store in Brooklyn. That was early in 1941. Private Eddie Gralla became an infantryman and by hard work was promoted to the rank of Ser geant. He spent 18 months as a buck sergeant in the 28th Infantry in South Carolina. He later ap plied for cadet training and got as far as pre-flight, where he was eliminated. The “sarge” offers to give any helpful information he can about cadet training to anyone who asks him for it. Sergeant Gralla claims that he enjoyed be ing a cadet more than any other part of his army career. As to his hobbies, he did consid erable work in gymnastics and did some wrestling on a YMCA team. One of his famous philosophies is that sergeants were not born to be loved. Men like to be treated roughly and want to give the same treatment to the men under them. They like to become well-disci plined, but do not like the process that brings it about. The sergeant’s main ambition was to become a psychologist, but he claims that he will settle for a training detachment he wants to establish at Brooklyn College in Flatbush. The boys from Squadron V are to be with us for a while longer and have their books ready to go for a big day on Monday. We are extremely happy to have you as fellow students again. (See RUDDER DUST, Page 4) Something for the classical mind ed: Words to fit, of wise men...sages. Scrawled on history’s fading pages, Are there for naught, for they’re heeded not, Search for and sought, and then forget. How many wars have ravaged man, Sacked and wasted, land on land. When but to recal Ithe battle be fore, And those same mistakes to make no more. But there’s always some crazed and selfish fool, Who’ll trade human lives, so that he might rule. But along the line, there’s always a fumble, And his whole little world comes down in a tumble. ACTD STAFF Alvin B. Cooter Editor-and-Chief Jack E. Shaw Managing Editor Fred J. Rosenthal Associate Editor Alan E. Goldsmith Associate Editor Max E. Stump Associate Editor Lloyd Merwin, Jr Squd. One Editor Joseph E. Platt Squd. Two Editor Martin E. Ismert Squd. Three Editor Bill Peters Squd. Five Editor THEPRICEWE PAY By A/S Alvin B. Cooter In the last issue of the Battalion I mentioned in my column that the price we had to pay would be tre mendous. I also said that we would not see the reasons for many of the actions taken by our superior officers. I know now that many more of us now realize that the price we are paying is more than we thought. When the road to suc cess is getting more difficult to travel, that is the time to throw your shoulders back, pull in your chin, and go forth with more de termination than ever. When the skies are cloudy and all looks dark, that is not the time to lay down your arms and retreat. “Behind those dark clouds is a silver lining” is an old proverb and still holds true. Remember, gentlemen, there is a silver lining, and we shall see it—even though it may seem that the day of graduation will never come. We wear a uniform of a great nation. A nation that cannot con sider the individual’s personal feel ings at the time of war, but must consider the nation and its popu lation as a whole. It may seem to many that the government should take each one’s personal troubles into view, but it cannot be done. There are too many millions in the service, and the decision must be for the good of the whole. When we played football in school, and the other team was in the lead, did we just stop and forfeit the game ? No, we continued to fight more than ever before to bring honor to our school. When we were on the field and facing our opponent, did we consider just what we were go ing to get out of it? No, we were working as a unit, and the glory was going to the team and school of which we were a part. Today we are a part of a team and school. We are fighting for more than just a pennant, but for freedom and life itself. The team we are a part of is the Air Forces, and the school for which we are fight ing is the United States of Amer ica. Have we ever had a greater goal to reach ? Has there ever been a greater prize offered? With our mind set to do a diffi cult task and our souls determined more than ever, we go forth with all the glory of our country’s tra dition. We can take all that is re quired of us to fill the job that has to be done. No matter how hard it may seem at the time, we will smile and look at the bright side. We can do it! We will do it! Wisconsin senators and assem blymen may take over University of Wisconsin fraternity houses to combat the war housing shortage. ANNOUNCING- CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP - - - of - - - AGGIE CLEANERS i AT NORTH GATE We are happy to announce that we have purchased the Aggie Cleaners located at North Gate and will be happy to serve that firm's old customers as well as the new. The same business policy and prices will prevail. WE SPECIALIZE IN LADIES' WORK AND IN DYEING. IT WILL BE A PLEASURE TO SERVE YOU — SO BRING US YOUR WORK. Aggies and Servicemen—be neat and military by having your uni forms cleaned frequently and properly by the Aggie Cleaners. LADIES’ WORK A SPECIALTY J. E. SAXTON DRIFTING By A/S Fred J. Rosenthal SMILES Sometimes I think I shall not smile Again until I smile at you; I shall be solemn all the while Until this waiting time is thru. I must begrudge each ray of light That from my eyes has even shone, On days when all seemed fair and bright, And has not passed into your own. And life should run in sober style Till days of peace come back anew; Sometimes I think I shall not smile Again until I smile at you. Is There No Hope? Weather forecast from home town newspaper—Continued war. What’s in a Name? In a steeplechase in Kentucky a horse named Equilibrium fell and threw his rider. Walter Lake is chaplain of the WAVES at Cedar Falls, la. Sudden Thoughts With reference to this here new pay-as-you-go tax plan, I’m not going any place. Do I still have to pay? Amusing Musings I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—the zoot suit was invent ed by a frustrated designer of ladies’ hats. Burlesque—Tabloid Style A kick is but a kick, a thigh is just a thigh. Help! It’s Terrible The other day a girl went into a shoe shine parlor to get her shoes polished. She put her over sized purse on the floor beside her chair and the nearsighted shine boy polished one shoe and her purse. Crowding the Heroine Bench When my friend asked me what the dentists do in the army, I didn’t reply, “Military drill.” Service Record A/S George A. Martin (Editor’s note: In response to popular demand we are printing the Biography of the Comedian of Squadron III. Please address all comments and complaints to the dead letter office.) Tonight we would like to dis cuss the life history of A/S Leon ard L. Lombardo, the budding young poet who has just recently entered our midst. Leonard is a short, stocky fellow about five feet six inches tall and weighs one hundred and forty-two pounds. We would like to say that he is the quiet type, but it would be a gross misstatement, as he always has a cheery word for everyone and ap pears to be in a perpetual state of good humor. Mr. Lombardo was born in Falconer, a small hamlet in upper New York state. He at tended both grade school and high school in this community, being fairly active in sports in the lat ter. While winning ribbons in both football and basketball, he was also quite active in swimming and diving. After leaving school Leonard worked in the woolen mills, steel mills, and various ma chine shops. At one time he even worked as a bartender but soon left this line of work as it was not to his liking. On July 11, 1942, Leonard was inducted at Ft. Niagara, New York, and soon after was sent to Miami Beach, Florida, for his basic training. While in Florida he served as a drill instructor for a time. In the latter part of August Leonard was transferred to Lowrey Field, Colorado, to attend Armorer’s School. After completion of this course he was selected to attend the Sperry Power Turrett School in St. Louis. In early December Mr. Lombardo was assigned to the 18th Ferrying Group, Headquar ters Squadron, Hamilton Field, California. While at this post he observed many interesting sights one of which was the entry into this country of Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, the wife of China’s Generalissimo. Mr. Lombardo was also fortunate enough to witness the arrival of Captain Eddie Rick- enbacker, the American ace. One of his unforgettably mo. ments was the day he help e< j t 0 unload an LB-30 which had for a cargo a very rare assortrnyy,!; 0 f Orchids that were sent fro m the officers and men overseas to their HART THROBS Squadron V Well, you all know the worst, of course, and there isn’t much more to say. There is going to be a certain amount of belly-aching that’s expected, because the blow was hard to take, but there is no need in over doing it. The more you gripe, the harder it’s going to be. So we may as well make the* best of our stay here, and do it graciously. Ever since the orders came out that we could use our own dis cretion as to the distance we cared to travel over the week-end, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear eye witness accounts of hovf' the danc ing was at the Paladium, or at the Commodore Perry, or at the Pan ther Room at the Sherman, or at the Netherland Plaza. There’s only one thing, fellas—try your darned est to get back, on second thought, just get back, period. Your few extra hours at wherever you are going may mean that a lot of guys won’t get passes later. Our officers have been swell about it, so let’s not take advantage of this opportunity. Have a sterling time, thought, but there’s no doubt that you will. Yesterday, a group of Squadron Five characters were harmonizing in C ramp. They were putting their all into “Mary Is a Grand Old Name” when who should appear in the doorway but one of our tactical officers, who undoubtedly was attracted by the singing (?) from the East Gate. The boys shot to attention en masse, terrified, but the Lieutenant merely wanted to inform Leo “Crackerjack” Fedigan that if he didn’t stop hitting those sour notes, he would forbid him to sing. Well, it was almost like that, anyway. A character named Johanneson who happens to be the squadron leader of Squadron Three was giv ing his boys a pep talk the other day and made the following crack, and I quote: “Don’t pay any at tention to those boobs across the street, they’re just jealous because of our feats since we’ve been here.” wives and mothers here. Mr. Lombardo's ambition is to remain in the Aeronautical field and above all to become a pilot. Leonard is of Italian descent and is in the position to appreciate the privilege of being a citizen of this country. To put it in his own words he is quote, “Damn proud to be an American,” unquote. Mr. Lombardo is single at present but is expecting to hear the sound of wedding bells very shortly. He is also an amateur poet of no mean ability and we would like to close this column with one of his verses: FRIENDSHIP There is as little Friendship as there is gold Never bought, stolen or sold. A mutual feeling between loving men A feeling of which even Shakes peare can’t pen. A true love that never, no never dies But always, yes, always tries and tries Too bring on happiness in it brightest hue A happiness and friendship,^! now share with you. —Leonard L. Lombardo PROP WASH Squadron II Squadron II was saddened at the loss of five loyal men to Squadron I. These men, Henry G. Davies, Ray M. Walrath, John W. Cone, George H. Guenther, and Robert W. Wullenwaber, carry with them the best wishes of the men of their Squadron. May we meet again soon. Our very best welcome to Gerald O. Anderson, Squadron II com mander on his return from a brief furlough. His father’s condition has improved greatly. The opening of the new soft- ball league was rained out Thurs day evening and also the roaring opening that Squadron II intended to give the team it met in the opener. Manager Martin has a new worry now that his number one hurler, Hank Davies, has been transferred to Squadron I. Since Hank is originally from Squadron II he may continue to play with our softball team. If Squadron II loses Davies from its hurling staff they will be in a bad way. Man ager Martin is seending a S.O.S. to all members of the Squadron that have ever pitched softball, asking them to report for the team. Squadron II has a fine field- in ginfield, a fleet outfield, and considerable power at the plate, but they must have a good hurler to have a league leading team. Page 3 in the nation. Many interesting stories of rattlesnake hunts, etc., may be gotten out of the Okla- gent if you happen to get in a con versation with him. Duane graduated from Tahle- quah, Okla., high school in 1940 and the following fall went to Okla A. and M. The Cookson lad went to A. and M. for two years and studied pre-law there. In June 1942, Stratton went to work for the F.B.I. in Washing ton, D. C., and while working there attended law school at George Washington University. It was on December 4, 1942, when he en listed in the Air Corps and simul taneously quit his job and spent the remaining free time on his folks’ ranch until he was called to active duty on April 6. The marrying fever is still at an abnormal temperature in Sqdn. II. Gerald Sutton plans to be mar ried in Dallas Sunday. And we have just finished last week’s cigars. Today’s Guest Today’s guest has had a very interesting life and the outdoor experience he has had makes him different. Harold D. Stratton was bom and raised on a cattle ranch near Cookson, Okla. The ranch on which Duane was bom nineteen years ago is one of the few free range cattle ranches in Okla. Being brought up in a ranch at mosphere he naturally likes the out-of-doors, and fishing and hunting are his hobby as well as his favorite sport. His home is very near the Illinois river, which is one of the best fishing streams Now, what I want to ask you, are we going to take that? The an swer is a big, loud, and emphatic ‘NO!’ Why does Flight Lieutenant New Plastic May Solve Tire And Shoe Rationing AKRON, Ohio.—Perfection of a plastic which may serve as a substitute for rubber and even leather in the manufacture of shoes was announced today. This and other scientific devel opments, including the invention of a static elimination device, were disclosed as leaders in American science and industrial research gatherede for the dedication of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. research laboratory, built and equipped at a cost of $1,325,000. Can Be Vulcanized The new plastic, named plioflex, can be vulcanized like rubber and thus serve as a substitute for rub ber in many cases. It is expected to come into general use after the war. One scientist said part of the shoe top can be made of plastic and intimated that a shoe might be developed which never would need to be shined. Goodyear also announced an ap paratus for finding tire defects before retreading,, and a device utilizing sound waves beyond the reach of the human ear. Red JSigual Shows If the tire is solid supersonic vi brations pass through it with full intensity to a microphone controll ing a green light. If there is a separation in the tire, the waves do not get through with full force and the green light is replaced by a red signal. The device to eliminate static, a Bobbitt get such a fiendish glint handicap to war communications, in his eye whenever he speaks of was announced by P. W. Litch- going to Houston to “make with field, Goodyear board chairman, the romance,” as he calls it. who said the invention—the radio static neutralizer — will elifhinate static whether due to atmospheric conditions or man-made machines. While one of the P. E. instruc tors was walking home the other night two masked figures ap proached him stealthily, shoved him in the bushes, and spoke to him in harsh whispers: “You think a lot of your wife and kids, don’t ya?” “You guys can’t scare me— much.” (very bravely). A hose filled with lead flashed in the moonlight—thunk! “That’s just a sample, see? Now get this, we play basketball to morrow—or else!” Now, look, you buys, that’s car rying things a little too far. That poor guy has a fractured skull. Besides, a lieutenant is instructing us now and they can court martial one for such action. Don’t do it, please! House Leader Isn’t Going- To Banquet WASHINGTON. — If Pennsyl vania republicans are charging $8000 a plate for a banquet at Pittsburgh tomorrow night the price alone excludes congressmen from having a part in it, republ- can members of the house said to night. The charge by Senator Joseph F. Guffey, democrat of Pennsyl vania, that the fund raising din ner to be held at Duquesne club will rival the Biblical feast of Belshazzar brought only light quips from the house GOP. The Student Co-op “YOUR OWN STORE” SERVES YOU EVERY DAY!! Drop in today and check your needs against our stock of fine quality merchandise. We will be glad to supply you with uniforms, school needs, novel ties, supplies of all kind. We buy used merchandise. Bring us the things you don’t need and we’ll be glad to buy them and give you the best deal possible. « BICYCLE AND RADIO REPAIRING PHONE 4-4114