VOL. II. No. 10 NOVEMBER 11, 1944 FOR U.S. ARMED FORCES PRECENSORED FOR MAILING
B-29s BATTER SINGAPORE AND RANGOON
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The B-29 Superfortresses were busy again over the past weekend, when in two record-breaking raids on Saturday and Sunday they hit the Maiagon mashalling yards at Rangoon and the dockyards and repair facilities of the Singapore Naval base.
Flying from the XX Bombar Command bases in India on Saturday, the Forts carried the largest bomb loads ever carried by any bombers in the daylight attack on the marshalling yards at Rangoon. Observers reported seeing a large number of bombs falling squarely on the principle objectives. Direct hits were seen on a roundhouse and other important buildings. Sunday's raid on Sigapore was the longest daylight operation ever carried out by military aircraft. The only longer raid was the XX Bomber Command's night attack on the Pladjoe Refinery at Palembang, Summatra last August 10th, which exceeded Sundays operation by several miles. In another raid on Sunday the Pangkaian-Brandon Oil Refinery on the North Coast of Sumatra, near the city of Medan, was also hit by the Forts. One direct hit was observed on the refinery. This installation is probably the second only to Pladjoe as a source of high octane aviation gasoline for Japan. The flak on all the raids was only moderate and what few Japanese fighters were observed seemed very reluctant to close with the B-29s. |
TRAITOR'S DEATHNot even allowed the dignity of facing the firing squad, Pietro Caruso, ex-"Master of Rome," is dispatched to his reward by a firing squad of sixteen Carabinieri. Bound and seated on a kitchen chair, he is ignominiously shot in the back. |
BURMA BRIDGE
BUSTERS BELT
BAWGYO SPAN
The Bawgyo railroad bridge between Mandalay aand Lashio, regarded as the second most important bridge left to the Japanese in that portion of Burma that is still in enemy hands, was destroyed Wednesday by B-25 Mitchell medium bombers of Major General Howard Davidson's U.S. Tenth Air Force, Eastern Air Command.
The 490th Bombardment Squadron, also known as "The Burma Bridge Busters," destroyed the 300-foot two-span steel structure, forty-five miles southeast of Lashio, with 1,000 lb. bombs, thus accounting for its one hundreth bridge completely demolished.
Destruction of this bridge spanning a river, cuts off the only rail link between Mandalay and Lashio and puts a serious crimp in the Japanese lines of communication into Northern Burma.
Two pilots were given credit for knocking out the span. F/O Warren E. Manckey, of Mokena, Illinois, and Lt. Robert J. Lundin, of Dubuque, Iowa, were over the target within a few minutes of each other and each dropped his bombs smack on the target.
"All of our bombs fell on or near the bridge," Flight Officer Manckey reported. "One span was knocked off the supports," he added.
Lt. Lundin and his crew, the next aircraft, verified Manckey's report, and then reported that the bombs from his plane blew one of the spans off its supports and into the river, resting on its side. Photographs confirmed both stories.
Air Raids May Presage New SEAC Amphib Operations
LONDON, Nov. 9 - The great air attack on Singapore following immediately after the heaviest bombing attack on Rangoon, probably marks the beginning of a new phase in the Pacific war.
Based in India 1,800 miles from their target, the Superfortresses carried out the longest daylight mission ever attempted by military planes.
Singapore is especially important to the Japanese. Not only is it a hide-out for repairing damaged ships, but it is from here that supplies and men are sent for the relief of the outposts of the so-called Japanese 'Empire.'
Pinpoint bombing at Singapore of ships under repair, dockyards amd control houses was a paralysing blow to the Japanese. It is believed this attack is a preliminary to an offensive whereby the Allies will recapture Singapore.
That the Japanese were taken by surprise was shown in the insignificant flak met by the Superfortresses.
Also, that this attack on Singapore coincided with an air onslaught on Pangkalan-Brandon Oil Refinery in Sumatra, the second most important source of high octane gasoline in the Far East, is regarded in Britain as part of a master plan in which the Allies are concentating on smashing Japanese sea communications and destroying their oil resources.
Meanwhile Allied fleets muster for more attacks beyond the Philippines and other vital Japanese-occupied centers reachable from the Indian Ocean. Coming at a time when they are fully occupied militarily by the land threat via Burma, these air onslaughts place the Japanese in a serious dilemma which daily becomes more acute.
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B-29 DOWNS 7 ZEROS IN FOUR-HOUR BATTLE WESTERN CHINA (ANS) - Interrogation officers at this B-29 base disclosed Tuesday that 79 Japanese fighter planes attacked a single American Superfortress over enemy teritory recently and not only failed to inflict damage, but had seven of their own planes downed, and two other damaged by the B-29 gunners. The big ship met the enemy planes in a four-hour running battle. |
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ARMY ORDERS 1,029 MORE SUPERFORTS SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 8 - The Boeing Aircraft Company of Seattle announced that they have received a Washington order for an additional 1,029 Superfortresses besides the 700 ordered. The management have intimated that these Superfortresses are necaessary for the softening up of Japanese defences. |
ALLIES CAPTURE BURMA TOWNS
KANDY, Nov. 9 - After two days of heavy fighting we have captured Fort White, says today's SEAC Communique. Troops of the Fifth Indian Division are in contact with the enemy four miles further east.
The communique further says:
Heavy bombers of the Eastern Air Command yesterday attacked railway targets in Southern Burma.
Other Allied aircraft bombed dumps, bunkers and a camp in the Chindwin region.
Northern Burma: A third prong southward into Japanese held territory has been made by Chinese troops who have crossed the Irrawaddy and occupied the town of Shwegu, midway between Bhamo and Katha. Only very light opposition was encountered and only a few minor casuialties suffered.
Kabaw Valley: East African troops, pushing south in the Kabaw Valley between Tamu and Kalemyo, aree making steady progress against stiffening enemy resistance.
Chindwin Front: Other East African forces are investing Japanese defences a mile from the Chindwin, north of Mawlaik.
Arakan: Patrol and artillery action continue around Buthidaung and south of Maungdaw.
The Southeast Asia Command communique Tuesday disclosed the capture of the former enemy stronghold of Kennedy Peak in southwest Burma by British and Indian troops of the 14th Army.
Chinese troops have stopped an enemy drive 45 miles north of Liuchow in bitter fighting, the high command said Monday. The Japanese spearhead, one of three closing in on the province rail center and site of the last United States air base in eastern China, had bypassed and completely cutoff Yungfu on the Hunan-Kwangsi railroad. Yungfu lies 33 miles south of Kweilin which is also menaced by enemy drives.
REUNION IN CHINAReunited at the 14th Air Force Headquarters eight years after they last met in Berlin are (left to right in background) Mr. Racine Huo, Chinese official in '36 Olympics, Mr. Mao Chue Yu, member of Chinese Olymoic basketball team, Lt. Earle Meadows, Olympic pole-vaulting champ from USC, and Prof. John Mo, another Olympic official. In the foreground Lt. Col. Joseph McNarama, chaplain, congratulates Pvt. John Lunch, South Ozone Park, N.Y., winner of the 880 yd. and mile run. |
Sultan Lauds Job Thus Far;
Calls For Renewed Efforts
"Our job is to open the Burma Road so that heavy equipment, impossible to move by air, can be gotten to the 14th Air Force. So that artillery may be gotten to the Chinese Armies. So that we may make the last concerted push, shoulder to shoulder with General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, to end the reign of the Jap once and for all," said Lt. Gen. Daniel I. Sultan in a special radio broadcast to American troops over the Armed Forces Radio Station VU2ZU this week. General Sultan is the new Commanding General of the newly formed India-Burma Theater.
Paying tribute to the vast number of "unsung, unhonored deskmen," to the dockworkers, the ground crews, fighter pilots and all those who have contributed to the miracle of supply in this Theater, Sultan said, "Events in the Pacific being what they are, we can at long last see the end in view. We can see the horizon beyond which lies victory, peace, and the return to normal life."
Calling for renewed effort to finish the job as quickly as possible General Sultan said he had assumed his new command with mixed emotions. "I am sad because in so doing I have seen the recall od one of the America's finest soldiers, General Joseph W. Stilwell, for an important new assignment. On the other hand, I am proud that the War Department has shown great confidence in me by giving me such a command," he said.
Pointing out that the India-Burma Theater is "rough, tough and disagreable" the new Commanding General said "It is no place for the boys in lace pants." The job will remain the same, he said, and that will be to prosecute the war in north Burma, and to open the Burma Road. Sultan said that the campaign in Burma had been carried out mainly by Chinese and British troops supplied by Americans. "Our liaison teams with the Chinese troops are rendering valubale service. Americans furnish evacuation and medical facilities. Americans furnish the air power and air supply. Americans supply the communications. Americans, if you remember Merrill's Marauders, also have made their contribution in the bitter jungle fighting which culminated in the Chinese-American capture of Myitkyina."
With high praise for the job done so far, Sultan said "through all the trials and tribulations of long service in a hot, alien land you have griped, and cursed, you have sworn to return to the United States and never leave, but through it all you have done your job."
Ending his address, General Sultan said it had been a great pleasure to be with American forces in this Theater, and that he was proud of his troops and would do his best to be a commander worthy of them.
Donald Nelson To Go Back To China
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 - The White House today announced Donald Nelson's early return to China to organize the Chinese War Production Board. The announcement said: "At a conference with Donald Nelson today the President asked Nelson to set the earliest possible date for his return to China, which has been urged by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek.
As the President's personal representative, Nelson will continue his work with the Generalissimo on measures aimed at strengthening Chinese war effort, notably in organizing the CWPB to increase the output of China's war industries.
Nelson is taking with him as his deputy for this undertaking Howard Coonley, War Procuction Board executive, and chairman of the Wallworth Company, valve manufacturers. He is also taking with him Eugene M. Stallings, American technical expert in alcohol production, anmd a mission of five steel experts headed by Herbert W. Graham, chief metallurgist of Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation.
ATC BASE, INDIA - The Air Medal has been awarded to Lt. Bernice McDonald, a flight nurse, of Burkburnett, Texas, for completion of operational flights in the evacuation of patients from hazardous combat zones. She is one of the first women ever to receive the honor in the China and India-Burma theaters.
The fair-haired nurse has been in the theater for a year, serving with a Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron attached to the ATC, flying wounded patients from the battlefields of Burma. She has assisted in the evacuation of an estimated 1,000 patients carried from jungles and foxholes. In the award citation, Lt. McDonald is credited with distinguishing herself "by meritorious achievement while participating in more than 150 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft through the combat zones of Upper Assam, Burma and southwest China." It adds that she has "displayed professional skill, untiring energy and meticulous care wile evacuating sick and wounded from forward American and Allied air strips in Burma to hospitals in India and China..." Lt. McDonald is the daughter of Mrs. Geneva McDonald, Burkburnett. Prior to receiving her commission in the army, she served as a stewardess with the American Airlines. Before that she worked as a surgical nurse in the Little Company of Mary Hospital, Chicago, Ill. Service as flight nurse with the evacuation unit is so hazardous that operational flights are considered combat time. Activities of the organization in saving lives through speedy evacuation of patients to rear echelon hospitals have been recorded for transcription by United States networks, as well as for the radio program, "A Yank in the Orient." |
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ATC BASE, INDIA - Such raucous outcries as "Step this way, ladies and gentlemen - the greatest entertainment on the boardwalk" echoed and re-echoed about the bashas at this jungle air base in Assam recently as GIs poured into the Assam Loews theater to enjoy what probably was their first carnival since they left Shangri-La.
All except the most hardened, Hump-happy GIs had to rub their eyes and then pinch themselves before they were convinced they weren't at Coney Island or Atlantic City or some other stateside mecca of fun and frivolity.
The carnival had most of the attractions of a bona fide, under-canvas affair - replete with hot dogs, mustard to smear 'em with, ice cold lemonade, and midway games in which suckers spend their money to toss a ring at Tojo's nose or throw a ball in a hole and get a chance to kick Hitler in the pants!
Hot dogs, fruit juices and other refreshments were served free to the men. Prizes handed out included Indian souvenirs such as purses, albums, jewelry boxes and cigaret cases.
The idea for the carnival was concocted by Pvt. Jack Kramer of Brooklyn, N.Y., ex-restauranteur and night-clubber. The facilities were built by men of the base and Sgt. Sol Gerb, another Brooklynite, a baker, prepared several thousand frankfurter rolls for the occasion.
Requests already have started to pour in for future stagings of the carnival which has been put on in two areas here. Private Kramer's only comment was, "We intend to make the hot dog as famous here in India as it is in the good old U.S.A."
Jap Drive Hopes To Split China From North To South
LONDON, Nov. 9 - Japan is concentrating on a great drive in the vicinity of Kweilin in an attempt to combat her increasing difficulties in securing supplies by sea and their staggering shipping losses.
Obviously, they are hoping to capture this military center and thus split China from north to south. If successful, this will have important results for Japan, according to Japanese strategists. It will give them a firmer hold on the eastern coast of China where the Japanes apparently anticipate amphibious landings if their present air attacks fail to smash the advancing Allied troops.
Japanes strategically, it is reported, believe that the division of China will also cut off a substantial area from Allied supplies while facilitating Japanese plans for developiung a system of defences with China as a buffer against any land drive to drive them back to Japan. Furthermore, they are anxious to make the fullest use of the present political situation in China, which they hope will develop into a permanent rift between China and the United States. They realize there are moves pending for great military developements in the Far East - not only from the sea but from Burma.
A British-Chinese drive in Northern Burma may be the first indication of the re-opening of the land supply route from India to China fairly soon.
The recent heaviest-ever bombing of Rangoon by Suiperfortresses is evidence that the Allies possess sufficient air strength to give the fullest support to land forces.
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Burra Club ‘Football Frolics’ Monday Night On Monday evening, Nov. 13th, the second of ARC's Fall outdoor dances, the "Football Frolics." will be held at the U.S. Army Recreation Center at 3 Outram Street. As a departure from the usual policy of limiting attendance to those who are invited, this week the Burra Club dance will be opened to all enlisted men despite the limited space for dancing. Any ladies interested in attending the dance may secure invitations by calling the Burra Club, Cal. 6250. |
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Experienced Carnival Men Wanted By EPU The EPU, under the command of Major Melvyn Douglas, Theatrical Advisor, issued a call throughout the theater this week for experienced carnival and circus men. Besides men with general carnival experience, the EPU wants pro wrestlers, judo experts, clowns, jugglers, tumblers, exhibition roller skaters and wire act men. Those intereted and qualified should write, stating their qualifications in full, to the Entertainment Production Unit, APO 465. |
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GI Color Artist Tints Favorite Photos Free Another service was added to the long list at the ARC 'Burra Club' when it was announced this week that the club had secured the services of color-artist Pvt. A. L. Franklin, who on Monday evenings between 1900 and 2100 hours will color in oils your favorite photograph free of charge. Pvt. Franklin was a color-artist in civilian life and has volunteered his services to the Red Cross each week to tint the pictures of wives, mothers, sweethearts, or children of his felloe GIs. |
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Second Services Art Exhibit Opens Sunday The Second Services Art Club of Calcutta will be officially opened by Mrs. Casey, wife of the Governor of Bengal, on Sunday, November 12th, at 1700 hours in the Government School of Art on Chowringhee. All servicemen are invited to attend the exhibit in which several American officers and enlisted men have entries. |
Rainbow Room Chef GI Pastry Baker
BURMA (CNS) - Doughnuts and other tasty pastries prepared under the supervision of the former chef of Rockefeller Center's Rainbow Room are delivered by airplane daily to hardened Allied jungle fighters deep in the remote jungles of Burma.
The delicacies are prepared by Pvt. Rudolph W. Klasen, manager of a Red Cross canteen at an outpost along the Ledo Road, who used to cater to New York's most jaded appetites.
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NEW LINE PROVES TO
HAVE SIZZLING RESULTS
Tonight's my night to either win or lose Arabella. I've got a heavy one on with her and I've got to pull my best line. As I walked in the Barracks, Abdul came up to me and said, "Sahib, the Americans are very nice people." I asked him what made him bring that up all of a sudden. He told me that they pick you up on street and take you to dinner. Then they treat you to a lot of other things. After that the buy you almost everything that you want, the ask you up to their room and invite you to have a few drinks and get you stinkin' drunk. I asked him, "Did all that happen to you Abdul? He said, "No, my sister." I didn't want to change his belief in Americans, so I told him that I agree with him about Americans being the best people in the United States.
I told him to start polishing my brass. He knew Who I was going with and seemed to be happy for me. He figured that maybe with me in a good mood that he could be able to talk me out of his pay for the month of May. He thought wrong.
I was dressed and on my way in less time than it takes for a guy to smile when he sees his Rotation Orders. On my way to Arabella's flat, I passed Patty-Cake-Annie, who was busy singing and slinging patties on the wall, and hardly noticed me walking by. When
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Then I started on my way through the rice paddies, alleys and garbage piles till I came in sight of Arabella's seventh heaven. There she was way up on the balcony. What a beautiful sight. I'm going to really snow her under with a super-duper line tonight.
When I got up to her flat, I knocked on the door. Arabella answered and when she saw me, she wrapped her arms around me and had me in a half nelson. "What's all this fuss about?" I asked her. She said, "Oh, I'm so glad to see you, Hank." She went on to tell me that she expected me to come last night. I asked her what happened to her First Looey. She said, "Oh, him? The only reason why I went out with him was to see if he could do something for you.
Maybe a promotion." I knew damn well that this was a lie, but it sounded good. I told her not to worry about me getting a promotion.
"So I work hard and become a General," I said, "then what? I'm stuck." "I like you as you are, Hank," she said, "but I want to go to the '300 Club,' that's all." I said, "But just think, if I get any bars, I will be able to go out with Nurses." She thought for a while and then said, "But my little Hankie wouldn't think of going out with nurses when he could go out with itsie bitsie me. Would he?" I told her no. (If she only knew).
Then Arabella's brother Omi took the cue, after I slipped him 8 annas, to turn the lights down low. The scene was set. I put my arms gently around her waist and started to snow her under. I asked her if she really missed me last night. She told me, "Yes, terribly. I was feeling so good last night I was really in the groove for pitching a little woo." I told her a gal may be as fit as a fiddle but she still has to have a beau to play. (Get it, beau, fiddle, play? Aw skip it).
Arabella got up and put on a nice slow moving record on the gramaphone. It sounded like the glow of altar
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After the gramaphone had died out we both went over to the sofa. I forgot where I had left off, so I had to start my line all over again. I told her that it must have been planned that I should go away from Jersey and come to a distant land and find my true love. She said, "Aw, Hanky, you're just pulling my leg." I must be doing better than I had thought.
Just then Omi came in. He sat down on a chair next to the sofa and started in staring at us. He enjoyed the line I was slinging and was even taking down some notes.
I asked him, "Why don't you go outside and see if it's raining?" He told me that he had a better way of finding that out. He said, "I just call the dog in and if it's wet, it's raining." I was in no mood for his humor so I went right on with my love-making just like he wasn't there.
As I got to the line where the gal is supposed to nestle up in my arms, there was no reaction. Am I slipping? I asked her if she felt cold. I figured that maybe I could do something about it, if she was.
Then Arabella looked into my eyes and said, "Yes, I'm cold but so is dynamite, until you fool around with it."
Guess what happened then? I went back to the barracks 'cause - well just because. I'm going back tomorrow, though, after I take out some fire insurance.
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As Top Teams Win Again
NATIONAL LEAGUE
The Reds won their second in a row, after a bad start early in the National League race, when they tallied three times in the top half of the eighth to beat the Sea Mulers 11-8. Lowell of the Invaders tossed a two-hit shutout over the Rotators to win 2-0; the Sleepers two runs in the second inning was enough to top the Generals 2-1; the Kids handed the Brass Hats their third consecutive setback by a 7-1 margin; and the Tornadoes thoroughly quenched the Flaming Bombs 6-3.
ALLIED LEAGUE
The undefeated Stevedores continued to hold sway Sunday as they battered the Navy 8-4 for their fifth win. The Dozers stayed in the running for the top as they bagged the Sad Sacks 9-1 for their fourth win in five starts. In a well pitched ball game the Redbirds halted the Ramblers with a 2-1 eight inning triumph; the Wildcats clawed the Parkers 6-0; the Guardians shout-out the Keymen 3-0, and the Dhobies washed out the Maple Leafs 5-4 in a protested game.
FEDERAL LEAGUE
In the Federal League the Hot Dogs won for the second week in a row when pitcher Sinek shut out the Bears for a 1-0 win. The Lightnings had a ten-run sixth inning in turning back the Turners 14-0 and the Flatfeet outran the Gobs to grab an 8-2 triumph.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Though no league standing has come from the league officials as yet, the MPs are still undefeated as they won their fifth straight league contest Sunday going ten innings to defeat a good Hams outfit 2-1. The Giants won again this week belting the Tigers 14-3. The ATC Skyliners sprung a surprise when they toppled the Pathfinders; the Orphans got back in the win column with a run in the seventh to edge out the Millers 5-4 and the Eagles' three runs in the tenth caged the Lobos 6-3 although the Eagles were outhit 9 to 3.
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CHIEF ARRIVESMaj. Gen. Albert C. Wedemeyer is greeted by members of the press on his arrival at Chungking to start his new assignment as CG, USAF, China Theater and Chief of Staff to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. The interviewers are (left to right) Anna Lee Jacoby, TimeLife; Walter Rundle, UP; Richard Watts, OWI; Spencer Moosa, AP. In the left background is Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Hearn, Chief of Staff. (Signal Corps photo) |
SHOE SHINE BOYA native boy, bearer for one of the GIs quartered in this basha at an ICD-ATC base at Ceylon, gives out with his very best smile as he polishes the shoes of one of the 'sahibs.' Pretty fancy variety of footwear there too - Indian sandals, Natal boots, American oxfords, and the very best QM issue. (ICD-ATC photo) |
GUIDING HANDC. J. Ketola, Los Angeles, Cal., American aircraft specialist, gives a helping hand to the Chinese boys that he is instructing in dismantling a radial engine at an Air Service Command engine overhaul plant in Southern India. (SEAC photo unit) |
HIGH IDEALSBeryl Vaughan, popular English-born NBC radio figure has been busy with her radio career but hopes to return to college for her B.A. |
WACS AT WORKPfc. Betty Shants (right) of Seattle, Wash., receives routing instructions frm M/Sgt. Edwin J. Davis, Kimball, Neb., as they route the many messages that pass through the operations department at Maj. Gen. George E. Stratemeyer's AAF and EAC Headquarters in India. (AAF photo) |
STOVE SPECIALISTLt. A. H. Butler, Brewer, Maine, is shown inspecting the oil burner which he recently developed as an attachment to the regular Army A-5 cooking range. (Signal Corps photo) |
TEN AND OUTS/Sgt. Arnold H. Hexon, Wankon, Iowa, provides some comedy relief in the first rough and ready, rootin' and shootin' Wild West Rodeo ever held in India, which took place recently at the Ramgarh Training Center. |
V-GRANDThe 5,000th B-24 Liberator produced by one of the U.S. aircraft companies makes its first flight decorated with the names of 5,000 of the company's employees. Names the V-Grand by the employees, this fouir-engine heavy bomber will soon be adding to the headaches of either Nazis or the Nipponese. |
THE COMMAND POST. Published weekly by the Headquarters of Base Section 2 for military personnel only. Lt. Lester H. Geiss, Director, S/Sgt. Harry Purcell, Editor; S/Sgt. Jesse Sincere, circulation; Sgt. Maurice Pernod, news; Sgt. Bernard Cohen, drama; Pvt. Adolph A. Reibel, reporter. Printed at the "Patrika Press"
Vol. II No. 12 ~ NOVEMBER 24, 1944
Adapted from the original issue of THE COMMAND POST
Headline and lead story are CBI-related and differ from the original
Copyright © 2023 Carl Warren Weidenburner
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