VOL. I. No. 14 DECEMBER 8, 1944 FOR U.S. ARMED FORCES PRECENSORED FOR MAILING
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HIT MANCHURIA
NEW YORK, Dec. 7 - It was announced from Washington that Superfortresses attacked industrial objectives in Japanese dominated Manchuria.
The War Department statement said: "A large task force of B-29s of General Lemay's XX Bomber Command continued the campaign against Japanese war production with a daylight attack on Thursday against important industrial objectives in Japanese dominated Manchuria. Further details will be given when available.
NEW YORK, Dec. 7 - A Tokyo Radio broadcast picked up here today said that today's Superfortesses raid against the city of Mukden and port of Dairen caused "some damage" in both the towns. The radio added that about 70 bombers took part in the raid.
The Japanese News Agency reports received here states that Superfortresses raided the southern sector of Manchuria in daylight this morning.
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WAR AGAINST JAPS
WILL BE BIGGEST EVER
NEW YORK (ANS) - Lt. General Brehon Somervell, Commanding General of the Army Service Forces, told the National Association of Manufacturers Wednesday that the conquest of the Japanese will cost up to $71,000,000,000 per year after Germany is defeated, and that the "war against the Japs alone will be the biggest war this country or this world ever fought."
He said 300,000 more war workers are needed at once on critical programs and that for the first time munitions are being used up fasteer than they are being produced.
Somervell said that secret waepons are beiong produced that "must be ready in large quantities for the Pacific war." He said these devices are not yet in use in Europe. He also said that General MacArthur had used more mortar shells on Leyte than in all his previous campaigns in the Pacific.
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CHECKUPSeedlock New Road
Engineer’s Leader
SOUTHWEST CHINA - Colonel Robert F. Seedlock, CE, 31, of Lakewood, Ohio, is the new commanding officer of the Burma Road Engineers, now engaged in pushing through the final stretch of road to connect India supply bases with China. Col. Seedlock was formerly assistant theater engineer and he succeeds Lt. Col. Louis Y. Dawson, Jr., CE, 45, of Charleston, S.C., who has returned to Washington.
Burma Road engineers have greatly increased their activities in the last three months, boosting personnel by about 350 percent, getting in a big tonnage of new equipment over the "hump" of the Himalayas, and working closely with Chinese road engineers, civiian workers and troops to push through the new road, build bridges, and widen and improve the old sections of the Burma Road.
Work on the India-China road traverses most barren country. In some places native workers are fed rice dropped by planes. Parties keep in touch with each other by radio. Expert medical care is provided to keep all work going at top speed.
The whole operation is assisted by Services of Supply, China Theater, to which the Burma Road Engineers are attached, and which is commanded by Major Gen. Gilbert X. Cheves.
Col. Seedlock was graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., with the class of 1937. He attended Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, before entering the Military Academy. He has a degree of Master of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology bestowed in 1940.
Col. O'Dell's efforts have contributed much to improving GI menus in the Theatre. The freezing and flying of food to troops in the forward areas was made possible by his conviction that the Army could do the job despite almost overwhelmiong obstacles. |
ATC BASE, APO 629, ASSAM - Air Transport Command mechanics and pilots have a new way of keeping up with the latest improvements, new twists and perfected short-cuts in maintenance of C-46 Commandos.
Supplementing tech order verbiage is a Mobile Training Unit consisting of all-phase maintenance specialists, who bring mock-ups and cut-aways of various aircraft systems right down on the field, hold classes and, when necessary, pitch in and help on thorny problems on the line.
The C-46 MTU of the AAF Technical Training Command, is one of more than a hundred units in all theatres, and is now touring ATC bases is Assam and India. The MTU men "expertise" ground crews on latest factory modifications, correct servicing procedures and snappy little adjustments that prolong a plane's life and avoid use of replacement parts.
Currently the unit is concentrating on ATC bases from which planes leave to fly the Hump. Commandiong the group is Capt. Carl A. Unrath, University of Iowa engineering graduate. Enlisted men working with him are:
M/Sgt. Ray Fredstrom, Duluth, Minn.; T/Sgt. Charles Whipple, Denver, Colo.; S/Sgt. Martin DeSmet, Chicago; S/Sgt. Merrick Berry, Unionville, Missouri; S/Sgt. Walter D. Conklin, Chico, Calif.; S/Sgt. Earnest D. Todd, McLeansville, N.C. and Sgt. Ralph Block, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Soong Emerges As China’s No. 2 Man
CHUNGKING (ANS) - Foreign Minister T. V. Soong, emerged Monday night as the right hand man of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and the No. 2 man in the Chinese Government. Soong was elevated to acting Vice President and later to acting President of the Exectuve Yuan or cabinet, by the National Supreme Defense Council, of which Chiang is Chairman.
In Monday's move Soong took precedence over his brother-in-law, H. H. Kung, Vice President of the cabinet. The Associated Press said that Soong's attitude toward the Communists is known to be moderate, and said he is regarded in Washington and London as possibly China's most capable diplomat and statesman.
READIED FOR TOKYO Ground crewmwn ready bombs for loading into B-29 Superfortress on Saipan, Marianas, new American springboard for attacks on Tokyo and other Japanese industrial targets. (Radio photo) |
Two New World’s Records
Hitting two new all-time highs, I-B continues to lead military ports throughout the world; according to figures just released by the Chief of Transportation, ASF, Washington, D.C.
Spearheaded by Base Section 2, Maj. Gen. W. E. R. Covell's SOS Command set a new record during the first half of November for the volume of shipping handled. The net discharge rate for that period was over 400 tons better than the previous high. The gross discharge rate was exceeded by almost 700 tons.
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In achieving the top honors for I-B, Base Section 2 surpassed the best gross discharge record made in the Theater's history.
A letter of commendation from Gen. Covell to Col. R. R. Neyland, Base 2 CO, read in part:
"As a result of this outstanding achievement this Theater not only stood first in net discharge rate, first in gross discharge rate and first in improvement as we have done so many times in the past, but also led all other Ameerican Theaters in the world by the largest margin we have yet obtained."
"Please pass on my commendation to your port organization and other assistants involved. Give my congratulations to them and say that I am looking forward to even greater accomplishements in the future. I know that you and they can do it."
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DIRECT JAPAN SMASH
HINTED IN NEW PLAN
NEW YORK, Dec. 7 - An entirely new view of Far East strategy, with the eventual attack on Japan as a direct amphibious project, is being formed by military observers here.
Reassessment of the role of China in the Pacific struggle has been rendered necessary by the seriousness of recent Japanese gains and the disorganization of China's political, military and economic position. Expressing this view, military experts say that the recall of General Stilwell is evidence that such reassessment has probably already been made.
It now seems possible that the main effort against Japan will not be made through China, and that amphibious rather than continental strategy will follow.
This does not mean that China - geographically and militarily - will not make any contribution to the Asiatic war. The appointment of able young Maj. Gen. Wedemeyer as American commander of China Theater, was not made for nothing.
Additionally, the appointment of Lt. Gen. Browning as Lord Louis Mountbatten's Chief of Staff may be another indication, Browning is the British Army's expert on airborne operations which have already been proved practicable in areas of China thinly held by the enemy.
The conclusion is that it seems more and more probable that as operations progress in the Pacific and as the Japanese win new victories in China, direct assault upon Japan rather than prior landing in Eastern China will be the Allied counter to Japan's continental checkmate.
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PROGRESS SLOW
IN BURMA WAR
KANDY, Dec. 7 - Following in today's SEAC communique:
Air: Rail communications between central and northern Burma were attacked yesterday by aircraft of Eastern Air Command in the Chindwin region. Japanese bunker positions and other targets were bombed.
Heavy bombers on the previous day attacked installations on great Coco Island, north of the Adaman Island. All enemy camps in the lower Chindwin area were hit by other aircraft that night.
Northern Combat Area: Troops of the British 36th Division continued their patrols south of Pinwe towards Naba in the railway corridor. From Bhamo there is nothing to report.
Fresh bacon for breakfast and tasty hams for dinner - an I-B dream up till now - is about to become a reality. Still limited production is on the upgrade. However, Base General Depot No. 2, the GI people responsible for bringing the beautiful pork vision to life, say that there will be enough ham produced to supply most forward areas with lush Christmas dinners. The U.S. Army supervised piggery in Calcutta is housed in a maharajah's former palace, complete with muraled walls and swimming pool. Fattened on waste from soldier mess halls, the pigs are thoroughly examined by the Depot Veterinarians to guard against disease. From procurement of the animals to affixing the final stamp of approval on the finished smoked hams, GI inspectors are ever vigilant.
Ambulance Driver Lights Cigarettes With Rupee Notes By MOSCRIP MILLER - War Correspondent - LOOK Magazine 
Joseph N. Smith, 42, a New York bank clerk for 21 years until he joined the American Field Service as an ambulance driver less than a year ago, has become the big money man of the Burma jungle where he is attached to the British 14th Army.
Joe, whoe home is 312 Albermarle Rd., Brooklyn, literally has money to burn and frequently for effect will light his passaengers cigarettes from a burning ten Rupee note which should be three dollars American money. The joker is that his great horde of Burmese bank notes was issued by the Japanese government. Although the money is hard to spend on his side of the lines, it has a very definite souvenir value and Joe is practically back in the banking business - all on the cuff. In fact it was his old banking instincts which led to his discovery of the cache with its thousands and thousands of Rupees in various denominations. As Joe tells the story the British were pushing south of Tamu, pressing the Jap hard ahead of them down the Kabaw Valley. Joe was following along in his great lumbering ambulance over trails that were hardly passable. He was to contact a newly established casualty clearing station. Actually, Joe got lost and by accident happened upon a hastily abandoned important Jap camp. He took a look around and noticed a few bank notes which apparently had been dropped in flight. Joe decided that this place had probably been headquarters of what would be the finance officer in opur language and on a hunch dug into some freshly turned earth in one corner of the basha, And there it was. He doesn't know why. American Commando pilots, assisting in the evacuation of wounded, are his most avid customers, says Joe. But he is glad to pass out some of his Jap lettuce for souvenirs. "I guess I'd be a millionaire on the other side of the lines," said Joe. "But after all, what's money! Here, have some."
As China hastens last-minute changes in her political and military leadership, suppose we take a look at the admittedly bad strategical and tactical position in southwestern China: Having secured a north-to-south land link-up in China, the Japs immediately plunged into what has every appearance of being an attempted knockout blow against Nationalist China - the same blow seemingly being aimed at nullifying present Allied successes in northern Burma where there is early promise of being able to open up the overland supply route from India to China. Japanese columns set out from Paoching toward Chihkiang, and from Liuchow toward Kweiyang, in a double-barreled thrust that could easily turn into threats against Kunming and even against Chungking itself. The columns from Liuchow are making rapid progress, and Kweiyang today is defintely in danger. Kweiyang itself is important as a communications hub. The supplies that reach Kunming go by road to Kweiyang, from which point they go north to Chungking, and in other directions to the various other Allied installations important in operations in southwestern China. If Kweiyamg falls, as well it may, thyen gthere are still alternative routes from Kunming to the Chinese Capital of Chungking, however it would be senseless to deny that a crippling blow would have been struck at our supply channels in China. The threat to Kunmiong will be very real if Kweiyang falls to the Jap invader. Between the two points there is comparatively fine highway along which the enemy columns could speed to the west to knock off Kunming and bring to naught all our efforts in Burma to open up the Burma Road. Likewise, Chungking itself could be reached in a drive north from Kweiyang. What are the chances of Japanese success? Let's be frank about it. If the Chinese armies do not offer more determined opposition to the new thrusts than they have brought to bear in the recent past, then there is little reason to hope for the safety of Kweiyang, Kunming or Chungking. It has been proven time and again thst Chennault's gallant Fourteeth Air Force can not do the job alone; ground opposition to the foe is an absolute necessity. And this has been sadly lacking. On the brighter side, the very recent political and military shake-up in China offers some reason to believe that more decisive efforts may be put forth by the Chinese armies. Soong's added stature in the Government may well herald active cooperation with the Communist forces, which are strong enough to make a vast difference in holding the Jap at bay. But action - if it comes - must come now. Japan is on China's ten-yard line. In Burma, the outlook is as good as it is bad in China. Our forces have driven far below Bhamo. Pinwe fell to our side in the railway corridor this week, the Japs have been pushed back toward the south as far as Chefang in the Salween Sector, and on the Central Front Kalewa has been taken. Let's consider that Northern Front in Burma where we have but to push the Japs southward for a very short distance in order to control the old Burma Road and establish that land link-up with China; From west of Namkham to approximately Chefang, the Japs still are in possession of the Burma Road. Two factors make their position difficult. One of these is the fact that forces pushing at them from the west, north, and east are definitely superior; the second factor is the threat to their L of C that is now becoming possible as Chinese units drive southward from Bhamo. A flanking move to the east by these elements would cut off the foe's supplies and render him an easier victim. It is not too much to hope that the old Burma Road may be cleared within a few short weeks. Elsewhere in Burma the situation is equally good. Progress is being made toward Mandalay from three directions. And while we are employing but a small part of our potential power to win our present successes, the enemy on the other hand is scooping his too few reinforcements from the bottom of the barrel in the country and appears to be withdrawing his various headquarteers to Bangkok and Rangoon. |
BLEEDING HOST
SCRAPING
INSPECTION
STAMP OF APPROVAL
Resident of the CBI Press Club in Calcutta, The "Colonel" has become a military aiuthority after listening to dozens of war correspondents expound their personal theories for winning the war. Now he takes an active part in the Press Club's conversation marathons, vigorously presenting his original ideas, gathered from the fourth estaters. The "Colonel" was presented to the Club by War Correspondent John Grover of the Associated Press and busies himself in his spare time snatching tiny green flies which he relishes with great delight. He is adept at fly-snaring and the more numerous the insects the happier he is. He is a member of the Resus family. 
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‘Funsafire’ Opening Two-Week Local Run
After playing in almost every theater of the war, "Funsafire," USO Unit 289, arrives in Commandtown next week for a two-week run of the local installations, opening Tuesday evening Dec 12th at the General Hospital. Leading the new group as MC is Benny Meroff, who has been producing the wacky and hilarious routines of the variety show for the past six years. Working with him is dancer Kitty McLaughlion and his stooge little Charlie Mariano. This latest edition of :Funsafire" is chockfull of talent. One of the featured performers is Jack Gwynne, a magican, who has hit the top in the vaudeville and night club circuit in the last few years. Co-starred with Gwynne is Joe Jackson Jr., son of one of the greatest comedians in the history of the stage. The name of Jackson will bring a nostalgic gleam into the eye of the comparative oldtimers in the Army, who will never forget the inimitable routine of Joe Sr., who died in harness several years ago during a show in New York. Young Joe is a star in his own right and was a sensation with his bicycle act in the "Icecapades" in New York. In addition the show has Jerry and Jane Brandow, who supply the dancing for the troupe; Veteran Camp Show entertainer Edna Kenyon plays the xylophone; Betty Huntington, late of Detroit's Club Casarova, does the vocals, and Lee Silvern backs up the whole show at the keyboard of the piano and accordion. The show will open locally on Dec 12th at the General Hospital, and will play Camp M on the 13th; Staging area, 14th; Camp H, 15th; Burra Club, 16th; Buffalo, 17th; Air Depot, 18th; Camp T, 19th; Camp Hq., 20th; B. ATC, 21st; Camp A, 22nd; Rest Camp 1, 23rd; Double D Air, 24th, and close their run at the Race Course on Christmas Eve. |
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PRIVATE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
Leavy Paramore, Dothan, Ala.
Morise Foster Jr., Ithaca, N.Y.
John L. Smith, Shrevesport, La.
Willie Odom, Whatley, Ala.
Willie Wilkins, Mascot, Tenn.
Nathaniel Denegal, Odum, Ga.
PRIVATE TO TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE
Louis Filo Jr., Bethlehem, Pa.
Anthiny Novak, Dalmacia, Yugoslavia
Samuel J. Bartlett, Chicago, Illinois
Joseph A. Cravotta, Swissvale, Pa.
Charles S. Barrows Jr., Rochester, N.Y.
Ross R. Newton, Hyde Park, Vermont
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS TO TECH FIFTH GRADE
Samuel A. Colbert, Washington, D.C.
John Morris, Metcalf, Ga.
Harold F. Conklin, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Salvatore Severint, Newark, N.J.
Gerald C. Jacobs, Fordyce, Arkansas
Stewart A. Jefferson, Carmi, Illinois
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS TO CORPORAL
Regis C. Lostetter, Homestead, Pa.
TECH FIFTH GRADE TO TECH FOURTH GRADE
Lewis T. Davis, Flatrock, Indiana
TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE TO CORPORAL
Horace Cartmeil, Lebanon, Tenn.
CORPORAL TO SERGEANT
Ralph M. Tatone, Dayton, Ohio
STAFF SERGEANT TO TECHNICAL SERGEANT
George Netherwood, Ossininh, N.Y.
DARJEELING HEPCATSProviding the swing and sway for GIs at Rest Camp No. 2 are Pvt. Joseph W. Hortiz, pianist, Philadelphia, Pa.; Pvt. James C. McDonald, accordionist, Frankfort, Ind.; Pvt. Joseph Krokenberger, saxophonist, Philasdelphia, Pa.; Pvt. Fritz Witti, base, Minneapolis, Minn.; Pvt. Joseph Shubelko, guitarist, Phillipsburg, N.J.; Pvt. Jacob Rosenbaum, trumpet, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Pvt. Domenck Schirrippa, drummer, Shinnston, W. Va., and Pvt. Paul Ruggiero, vocalist, New Haven, Conn. |
ARC December Dance
At Rec Center Monday
The December Dance of the ARC Burra Ckub will be held on Monday evening, December 11th, at the U.S. Army recreation center at 3B Outram Street.
In line with the new policy of the dances, the ARC announced that all servicemen will be admitted without invitation. Any girls wishing to attend may secure an invitation by calling the Burra Club, Cal. 6250, Transportation will be provided to the girls by the ARC if they will notify the club.
Music for the December Dance will be provided by the Jive Bombers of the Base Section 2 Military band.
Decorations Here For
Home-like Christmas
With two tons of Christmas decorations already received at the Base Section 2 Special Service Office, GIs stationed at Army installations throughout this area are guaranteed a real "old fashioned Christmas."
Accordeing to the Special Service Supply Office, the Christmas decorations which include silver, tinsel, bells, stars, wreaths, colorful accessories and even ersatz Christmas trees, will be available just as soon as the paraphenalia has been assorted and prepared for delivery.
In addition to the abundance of Christmas packages and mail that is arriving daily, other features of the holiday season promise to be as joyful as possible for men and women of the armed forces on leave and for those stationed here.
The Baae Special Service Officer, acting on the War Department's request that pains be taken to provide a "home-like" Yuletide setting, said:
"It is easy to understand the importance of the Christmas season to each and every enlisted man and officer. In doing everything in our power we hope, in some measure to give them a "home away from home" even for a brief moment during Christmas season."
In line with the Christmas spirit, Service Clubs will dim their lights and add a touch of atmosphere with appropriate decorations as GI shoes trip the light fantastic to such reminicent melodies as "White Chritmas" and "Jingle Bells."
A host of social and sporting activities also are scheduled to take place Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
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ARMY REC CENTER OPEN FOR UNIT RESERVATION Reservations for the use of the spacious dance floor at the recreation center at 3B Outram Street are still available, it was revealed by the Special Service Officer today. It was also learned that two new concrete tennis courts and basketball courts will be opened for the use of teams practicing for the regular league season, as well as for league and challenge games. Organizations or persons who desire further information concerning the use of the Recreation Center contact Sgt. Sal Fiore at Base Special Service Office, or call Cal 6250. |
Shopping Service For Up-Country Officers
The newly established ARC desk for Officers, located at Headquarters Building, is adding more services, it wa announced this week by Mrs. Anne-Marie Innes, director of the project.
The most ambitious of these is a shopping service for those officers stationed out of town who are unable to come in and personally shop. All the officers have to do is address a communication to Mrs. Innes stating whet they wish purchased, how much they want to pay for it, send the money along with their return address, and the purchase will be made for them.
In addition, it was announcedd that there will be daily tours of the city for officers, and that it is hoped to add the river tour to the program in the near future.
A package wrapping service also has been instituted where officers may have their packages wrapped and censored for mailing to the United States.
MEETING IN THE MARIANASBrig. Gen. Haywood Hansell, Jr., right, commanding geberal of Saipan based XXI Bomber Command, discusses future Superfort blows against Japan with Brig. Gen. Emmett O'Donnell, left, who led a recent raid on Tokyo, and Lt. Gen. Millard Harmon, center, XX Air Force deputy commander. (Radio photo) 
LEAPING BOMBERGiven an extra boost by jet propulsion units, an American A-20 light bomber takes off in a hurry. The units help lift heavily laden olanes into the air after only a short yake-off run. The USAAF has been experimenting with auxulliary jet proplusion units for four years. 
SLEEPY SWEETIELovely Margret Early - could use a little shut-eye - but fails to have a sedative effect posed in this manner. To get on with the story, however, Margret appears in the new picture, "3 is a Family." |
HELICOPTER RESCUESecurely seated in a special harness lowered to him while he struggled in the sea, a shipwreck victim holds onto the rear wheel of the helicopter as it slowly carries him shoreward. The device is being used by the U.S. Coast Guard. 
NEW GUN ASSEMBLYImproved tail gun assembly saves morw than 200 pounds in the weight of the American B-24 Loiberator bomber. The installation, replacing the power-driven turrent formerly uised also increases the cone of fire from the tail position. The weapons are .50 calibre machine guns. 
HIGHWAY BIRTHDAYThe Alaskan Highway, cut through the rough, sometimes frozen terrain of the west coast of Canada, was completed one year ago last October. Now a military safe year-round supply line to Allied out-posts and bases, the highway was built in eight months by 10,000 workers. Covered with packed grtavel, it stretches from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, in Big Delta near Fairbanks in the heart of Alaska. |
TRAVELING TECHSCharts, graphs, cut-away models and mock-ups are some of the props used by S/Sgt. Martin G. nDeSmet, Chicago, Ill., and other specialists traveling with a Mobile Training Unit bringing the latest mechanical data to the ICD-ATC mechanics working on C-46s. (ICD-ATC photo) 
CHENNAULT PRESS CONFERENCEMaj. Gen. Claire L. Chennault, second from right, CG of the 14th U.S. Air Force, talks with American war correspondents at his headquarters in China. The 14th continues battering the Japs in Canton, Homg Kong, and on the Salwen front despite the loss of airbases as a result of the Japanese drive in southeast China. 
JAIN TEMPLEMecca for thousands of GI sightseers in Calcutta aand worshipping place for the followers of the prophet Paresnath, Jain Temple offers a typical example of Indian architecture, Many of Calcuuta's welthiest and influential merchants are numbered amomng the Jains. (Photo by Pfc. Mort Weinstein) |
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. I No. 14 ~ DECEMBER 8, 1944
Adapted from the original issue of THE COMMAND POST
Headline and lead stories are CBI-related and differ from the original.
Image of bank note did not appear in original newspaper.
Copyright © 2023 Carl Warren Weidenburner
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