CHRISTMAS  IN  OLD TRADITION


VOL.  I          NO.  16                                  DELHI,  THURSDAY                                    DECEMBER  31,  1942.

BANGKOK STRUCK AGAIN;
JAP   PLANES   DESTROYED

CATF Gets
Eight Ships

  The Japs, who never seem to get enough, attacked an auxiliary U.S. airfield in western Yunnan last week but were intercepted by U.S. P-40's who shot down three confirmed bombers and five fighters.
  Our forces lost two fighters with one pilot known to be safe.
  Meanwhile the China Air task Force conducted a night raid on Tengchung. B-25's, led by Lt. Col. Clinton Vincent flew through heavy but ineffective anti-aircraft fire to deposit all bombs within the target area, damaging enemy installations and starting large fires.
  One anti-aircraft battery was silenced, no enemy interception was attempted and all planes and personnel returned safely to their base.
  In the Jap raid on Yunnan several bombs were dropped, according to the communiqué from Chungking, but did no damage and inflicted no casualties. Reports of enemy losses from that raid are still incomplete.
  For the third time in a week B-25's, escorted by P-40's, attacked Lashio inflicting heavy damage to the warehouse and barracks. Two large fires and several smaller ones were known to have been started. En route to their base U.S. fighters intercepted and destroyed one enemy plane. No anti-aircraft fire was observed and enemy interception was attempted. All planes and personnel returned safely to their base, the communiqué said.



CHENNAULT DECORATED

  Brig. Gen. Claire L. Chennault, famous commander of the China Air Task Force, last week received the Distinguished Service Medal from Lt. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell.
  The citation reads as follows:
  "You have demonstrated a keen knowledge of Japanese
Gen. Chennault
technique and air tactics. Although greatly outnumbered in personnel, planes and other essential items you have succeeded in protecting a large section of unoccupied China from enemy air attack and have caused severe losses to the enemy. Your appreciation and understanding of many problems of the China Theater has resulted not only in highly successful air operations but also in a high degree of goodwill between the United States Army Forces and the people of China."


CATF MEMBERS AWARDED DFC'S

  Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Robert L. Scott, Jr., who has shot down 11 confirmed Japanese planes, and Captain Burrall Barnum were announced by the Tenth Air Force this week.
  Colonel Scott's DFC was awarded for his directing with brilliant success for fighter element of an extremely important bombing mission over enemy-held territory in China, last Oct. 25. Captain Barnum (then First Lieutenant) was cited for single-handedly attacking waves of enemy aircraft approaching Hengyang last Sept. 6.



XMAS PICTURES
  In order to give outlying posts a chance to get pictures of their Christmas activities in to the Roundup the editor have held out all Christmas art already in.
  It is hoped that there will be sufficient pictures in time for next week's issue to go for a page.



RADIO PROGRAMS
  For you fellows up in China, American radio programs are now being broadcast over station XGOY, Chungking.
  The time is 8-45 to 9-00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Sundays 9-30 to 10-00 p.m.
  Here's the dial information: 6135 Kilocycles, 49-meter wave band.


PRIZE DOG
"Sandy," this cocker spaniel, was chosen best-of-show at annual Buckminster Kennel Club exhibition in Slippery Rock, Arkansas.





Docks, Arsenal, Airport Bombed
 By TOBY WIANT
 Associated Press War Correspondent

  The largest force of United States heavy bombers ever to attack a single target area in the CBI Theater successfully completed one of the longest missions in this war's history Saturday night and Sunday morning when they rained bombs on the naval dockyard, main railroad station, arsenal and Donmuang airport in the Bangkok area.
  From a grandstand seat in one bomber I saw thousands of pounds of high explosives blast targets with devastating effect.
  Several fires were started and one of five bombs which scored direct hits on the arsenal illuminated the whole countryside far as the attacking bombers high above. All bombers returned safely to their bases.
  A few searchlights swung their beams frantically over the Bangkok skies but were unable to locate the American bombers.
  The exact number of bombers used on the mission must remain a secret as well as the exact mileage covered but I can say the total distance was longer than a single trip from New York to San Francisco.
  This was the second United States heavy bomber raid on Bangkok, the first having occurred Thanksgiving Day. Then a smaller force knocked out the electrical system, several damaged oil pipelines and the refinery. From what I could see this raid must have been even more successful.
  The raid was a good warning of what the Japs can expect when the United Nations take over airports closer to the Jap mainland. When that will be, nobody can say, of course, but the day is certainly coming. Young American airmen such as those who participated on that raid are fairly itching to go further a field.
  I was in one of the bombers assigned to pound the naval dockyard located in the heart of the city along the Menam Chao Phya River. It was my first visit to Bangkok and I thoroughly enjoyed what we did to improve the scenery. Ours was probably the most experienced crew in the group. There were nine in all, representing nine States.
  They were Capt. Wesley Werner, pilot; Lt. K. W. Trout, co-pilot; Lt. F. N. Thompson, navigator; Sgt. H. C. Darby, bombardier; Sgt. W. O. Frost, engineer; Sgt. J. E. Craigie, radioman; Sgt. B. L. Bennett, tail gunner; Sgt. A. Scolovine, bottom gunner, and Sgt. F. M. Salley, side gunner.
Parties Through-out China-India Spread Goodwill

  From the bleak sands of the west coast of India to the bomb-pocked city of Chungking, soldiers of the United States Army celebrated Christmas in the traditional manner.
  There was a definite shortage of turkey, but duck, goose and roast suckling pig blended in with the regular Yuletide trimmings to form a succulent potpourri that spread the tasty warmth of its appetizing aroma throughout the length and breadth of what is geographically the largest theater of operations in this war.
  As is customary with American Christmas, giving ran a dead heat with receiving. Troops in this theater received (most of it on time) literally countless Christmas packages from home, thanks to an Army Postal Service that makes up in enthusiasm for what it may lack in personnel. This was not an easy job because, with the constant moving of troops, it was an almost superhuman task to check rosters over and over again to keep the packages flowing in the right direction without the delay of forwarding.

SENTIMENTAL ARMY
  Aiding in this new move were the transpiration people, air rail and water who made the deliveries possible in the last analysis. The 10th U.S. Air Force did yeoman service in putting special planes on to fly nothing but Christmas mail.
  The Army can be sentimental at Christmas time even in wartime!
  Down at one of our bases on the West Coast of India American enlisted men capped the Christmas spirit by entertaining over 350 needy and orphaned children at a series of 15 turkey dinners during which gifts and clothing were distributed. Many of these were Polish refugee children who, dressed in their native costumes, danced Polish folk dances and sang songs of their tragic homeland to men who are supposed to be tough but can still get teary over things like that.
  Brig. Gen. Francis Brady has been in the forefront during his entire tour over here in promoting just such relations.
  Far away in Assam soldiers again opened their hearts and their tables to 500 Indian children from neighboring tea plantations. Although the traditional Christmas tree was not available a native fruit tree was substituted and decorated with real tinsel and other decorations from the States.
  After singing carols to the children, bags of candy were distributed and eaten until little brown bellies were bulging with sweets.
  At about midnight Christmas Eve, Assam was alerted to a "fast-moving object reported by the air warning net." It proved to be Santa Claus spinning in, complete with sleigh, eight reindeer and plenty of turkeys.
  At the Chinese-American training center Santa Claus arrived in a bullock cart and distributed presents to all members of the command from the Red Cross. Tree decorations were made from old photo-flash bulbs and tinfoil from cigarettes. The little Burmese nurses, famous for their hymnals, delighted the entire post by traveling about in a truck singing carols to each unit.
  Remote battle-weary but grimly determined Chungking saw Chinese and Americans from every walk of life forgathering in a series of parties that made the Spirit of Christ glow even against the evil back-drop of war.

QUAINT DECORATIONS
  One Christmas tree was decorated with Chinese coins. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Bureau threw a party for the officers. Lt. Richard Young and Major Paul Jones got up a party for the enlisted men at which acrobats, fortune tellers and girls fought to attract the attention of men confused by a multiplicity of attractive distractions.
  At another party Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek received all officers and enlisted men during which carols were sung, the pageant of Nativity and Santa Claus were presented.
  Down at one of our air bases the emphasis was on Christmas sports and eating. Decorations featured large "V-Wreaths," improvised table clothes, flowers and candles.
  In New Delhi the barracks were decorated with red and green lights and a huge "Merry Christmas" sign over the entrance archway. A public address system was rigged up and Christmas carols were broadcast to all and sundry passing up and down Queensway. Egg Nog, properly spiked, was served. Goose was the piece de resistance and the boys obtained two camels to symbolize the transportation of the Three Wise Men.



Eye-Witness Account Of U.S. Bombing On Lashio
 By J. REILLY O'SULLIVAN   Associated Press War Correspondent

  (The following is an eye-witness account of the recent U.S. bombing of Japanese-held Lashio in Eastern Burma)
  I saw over seven tons of bombs rain down on a big airdrome and on large storehouses in the central and southwestern parts of Lashio, the northern railroad terminus of the line from Rangoon and the starting point of the Burma Road to China.
  A medium bomber flight head by Lieut. Col. William Bayse, with Lieut. George Stour as head bombardier, raided an airdrome several miles from the city. Five or six heavy bombs crashed down on half the length of the north-south runway and tore huge craters which will probably make it useless for several days. Others hit the airport buildings, starting a fire in what was apparently an oil dump.
  A big warehouse received a direct hit and was blown to smithereens. A big fire broke out. Other warehouses were directly hit, and other fires started in the wreckage of other smashed buildings.
  No planes were seen on the airdrome and there was no fighter interception. All the American planes returned safely.
  The bombers had clear weather and an almost cloudless sky. A strong wind spread the fires over Lashio, and two huge columns of smoke could be seen 60 miles away on out homeward flight.



CORPORAL GEE EYE
BURMESE NURSES SING TO
CHINESE AND AMERICANS


  All units at the Chinese-American Training Center had Christmas Day dinners.
  Pvt. Frank Amelia, in a red Santa suit, presented cigarettes from the Red Cross, presents for every man and day-room equipment.
  On Christmas Eve, Burmese nurses, riding in a large truck, caroled for all the units.
  The dinner menu consisted of wine, soup, roast goose, dressing, sugar cured ham, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, gravy, creamed peas, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, American buns, iced tea, ice cream, coffee and baked beans. Sgt. Carl E. Kirk was responsible for the dinner.
  Christmas trees were provided complete with home-made decorations of old flash bulbs and cigarette tin foil.
  "Yanks out for Victory," is our slogan.
  All of the personnel worked on Christmas Bull Sheet, put out a Christmas edition. Gifts of Jewish, Catholic and Protestant testaments were handed out to the units; the Catholic midnight mass was well attended and printed programs for the Christmas dinner were printed in color and the open-air dinner tree was placed in the center.
  Santa made his arrival in a bullock cart loaded with a bag of presents. The Drum and Bugle Corps did their bit by touring all the camp areas. As was reported, 4,000 Christmas cards were sent six weeks ago to kinfolks in the States. Chinese-American calling cards arrived as Christmas presents and many packages arrive from the States to make it a grand Christmas. The spirit is "damn high" among the boys and that they are now ready for the Japs.



JUST ABOUT DA WING ON DA BOID
 By Pvt. LEO COAN

  From friends back in Denver, Colo., Pvt. Dick Conlon of Onekama, Mich., and River Forest, Ill., this week received a warm invitation to Sunday dinner. The letter had been following Conlon from camp to camp for months since he left Ft. Logan, near Denver, where he attended the A.A.F.'s clerical school. He's sorry he can't make it just now but he'll take a rain check - he says.
  Pvt. Bob Heldman has decided that Uncle Samuel (he of the long white beard) isn't becoming a penny pincher - he blames governmental red tape. Anyway Heldman just received a card from an Ohio post office informing him that a letter is being held for him and will be forwarded upon receipt of a penny or a one cent stamp. And he hasn't got either. In reply Heldman has asked the P.O. officials if they'll settle for an anna instead.
  The success of the biweekly musical show which most of the boys in the squadron hope will become a permanent entertainment feature has been largely due to the efforts of Pvts. Arden Clark, Dick De Sonia, Israel (Roy to you) Brodsky and Jimmy Stewart (not the one you're thinking of). Clark was in radio work - an announcer and script writer - in his pre-Air Corps days; De Sonia was a well-known Michigan (brrr... cold there now) entertainer, Brodsky a composer of popular ballads and Stewart a professional musician.
  His alma mater, Ohio State, is responsible for the broad grin you've seen lately on the friendly physog of Sgt. Paul Zwicker. And if that doesn't make sense to you, Sgt. Zwicker (on the slightest provocation) will proudly tell you that the mighty Buckeyes, Western Conference champs, this season were first choice in the recent Associated Press sportswriters poll.
  Among the veterans of the squadron recently honored for services of distinction in this theater of war are T/Sgts. Fred Bramer and Robert Bourgeois who already helped make a lot of history and who intend to make plenty more if they have their way about it. Details on the awards later.
  Pvt. Jim Wall figured he was right on the beam when he arrived at the mess hall for KP duty and found the place still in darkness. He was a little early, he thought, but sat down to wait. A half hour later, convinced all was not well, he checked up at the orderly room and discovered it was only 12-30. Now Pvt. Wall is cooking up a scheme to pay off in their own coin, the pranksters of his bay who woke him up.
  Thanks to the Red Cross the squadron now boasts a library (located in the Intelligence Department's building) of some 100 volumes. No juveniles either, boys, but much of the better fiction and biography published in the past 18 months. Pvt. Harry Burr is in charge and the library is open evenings.
  A dizzy, daffy dogface who calls himself Skeats Shakesworth recently deposited the following item on our doorstep. See what you can do with it:  Spring has sprung - The grass is riz - I wonder where da flowers is - Look, da boid is on da wing - How absoid! - I thot da wing was on da boid.



A BOOK-LENGTH NOVEL FROM UP IN ASSAM
 By Pfc. MELVIN E. STUMP

  This is hello from the U.S. Army Hospital in Northeast India. We hope that this holiday season brings good cheer to all.
  We are sending in this bit of news to let you know that we are still going strong up here. "Cooking with gas," is the way it's classified, but some of the boys say we're "Going First Class." According to them it only costs a nickel more here and there. Really, though, we have a method. It consists of a system of Research. For example, our Mess Sergeant is "working" out a way to dig slit trenches. He is using the trial and error method. At our interview Sgt. Williams stated, "Well, he who builds a better slit trench will have a well beaten path to his - slit trench."

COMES SANDWICHES
  Another example is a project of Captain Snider's. The Captain is working on a lettuce and tomato sandwich. He is growing the ingredients - Don't call it a Victory Garden, he insists that it is a lettuce and tomato garden. From personal observation we note that the lettuce is doing okay but the tomatoes have only grown about an inch in two weeks. Maybe more Vitamin B would help, heh, Captain?
  Research is first on Captain Bickel's program. One project in which the Captain was already successful was his diagnosis and work on our big light plant. Did you ever see a doctor with a monkey wrench? Neither did we - he used a crescent wrench! The Captain's biggest worry is trying to solve the problem of getting us to use more V-Mail. He censors hundreds of letters a day and never complains. But if we wrote more V-Mail, he says, there would be more room for supplies and that would mean we could move into Burma. Right, isn't he? Well, he has improved our mail problem by censoring V-Mail every day and regular mail only twice a week.

REASON CENSORED
  Lt. Williams and Corp. Campanella made hospital headlines last week. Both are in the Air Corps and arrived at our hospital like Bengal Lancers, without their lances-hungry. You see, they were forced to bail out of their plane (reason censored) somewhere in Assam and had nothing but a few lemons to eat for several weeks. Upon admission to the hospital the two most important things to them was the barber and the mess hall.
  They had to take three turns in Barber Enloe's chair (box) to get their beautiful beards removed. About food - Major Miles, our Commanding Officer, stated that he almost had to break into our emergency rations to fill the Air Corps up.
  The picture of the Thanksgiving dinner in our latest Roundup reminds us of a human interest story which centered around one of our turkeys.
  One of the Medical Corps officers got lost in Medical Supply. He found a refrigerator and upon examination discovered it was working and contained part of a large turkey. Let's see, Thanksgiving was on November 26th, November 26th to December 10th, no, we really don't know how long the turkey was on storage - What we wonder - who "Lifted the turkey?"

NEW SECRETARY
  We would like to state that you fellows at the A.P.O. in New Delhi haven't anything on us, for we have a new secretary here at the hospital, too (Dept. censored). Yes, she's English, but the fellows in Dept. X are Americanizing her speech. You know - dance instead of Dawnce and laugh instead of lawgh. Oh yes - she can type, too... Paulette Goddard's type.
  FLASH. We wish to congratulate Sergeant Kinnee on his double chin. When interviewed, he admitted that another was on it's way and was expecting it soon. We hope the next one doesn't have red hair, Sergeant.
  Our sports item brought in, covers two tiger hunts. The first hunt - Capt. Snider, hunter - Report: He heard the tiger. Second hunt - Capt. Snider, hunter - Report: He waited, he waited (He saw the tiger on the way home.

THE LOVE BUG!
Lt. Elleard Heffern and bride (nee Beulah Cronin) don't look any too happy although having just been spliced in the old tradition.  They met a long time ago here in India and they're going back to Calcutta after a short honeymoon.


He states the tiger is eight and a half feet long - nice tail? tale?)

WEDDING
  Honestly, we have faith in the Captain. He has made arrangements to meet the tiger again, the latter part of this month. We will wait for further reports. Lots of luck, Captain.
  Our Social Set goes to a wedding. (A woman ought to write this, weddings always give me the jitters). This is the tale of a sad wedding. One of our Indian friends was getting married and wanted a Christian wedding so the nurses at the hospital helped.
  Quite a few close friends and a few related members of the hospital staff attended.
  Ava Maria was sung by John McCormick on the phonograph and the pair were married by one of our Chaplains. During the ceremony, when the Chaplain asked certain important questions always asked at a wedding, the bridegroom had to interpret to the bride the questions. The amusing part was the fact that the bridegroom always answered the questions yes, for both parties getting married. The poor bride, No?

WEDDING CAKE
  The bride was dressed in a lovely white dress and had a bouquet of white flowers. There was a reception after the wedding and cake and coffee were served.
  Here is a late bulletin: One of the new nearly completed wards of our hospital was started afire. No patients were in the ward. A captain and a sergeant suffered broken bones while fighting the fire. We all suffered shock. Oh Yes, the roof and interior was destroyed, and damage has not been estimated.
  Well we're out of antiseptics (alcohol) so until next time; your hospital in North Eastern India wishes all a Merry Xmas and a Victorious New Year.



TEX HILL GOES HOME
 By M/SGT. L. R. McNEVEN

  A fighter squadron in China recently lost its distinguished commanding officer when Major David Lee (Tex) Hill received orders transferring him to another assignment.
  Major Hill, born 27 years ago in Kwangju, Korea, received his first military education at Virginia Military Institute. He the entered Texas A and M with a particular interest for - of all things - cavalry.
  After graduation from college, Tex entered the Naval Flight School at Pensacola, Fla., and was commissioned an ensign in August, 1939. From then until the spring of 1941, Tex saw service on the Navy's aircraft carriers Saratoga, Ranger and Yorktown.
  Tex resigned from the Navy to join the AVG, arriving in Burma in the early fall of 1941. It was with the Flying Tigers that the Major first showed himself to be a top-flight combat fighter pilot - shooting down 12 confirmed enemy plays.
  The Major joined the Army last July and assumed command of the squad that was to replace the AVG unit. During that assignment, he added four more Japanese planes to his credit.
  The squadron's new commander id Major John R. Alison, who has already distinguished himself in the manner of Tex.



SOLDIER MORTICIAN STILL CUTS MEAT
 By Pvt. LEE S. KRUSKA

  Highlighted by Sgt. Mclaughlin's amazingly lifelike imitations of famous personalities, the first in a series of All-talent stage shows was recently put on before a capacity audience at the group theater, augmenting one of the regular tri-weekly movies.
  Seated at the piano, Sgt. McLaughlin virtually brought down the house with his impersonations of Bing Crosby, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jimmie "Schnozzle" Durante, Rudy Vallee and others.
  Also taking part in the program were Corp. Even Francis, Cpl. Addison Bailey, Pvt. James Stewart, Pvt. Arel, Pvt. Arden Clark, Pvt. Roy Brodsky, Pvt. Richard DeSonia, Pvt. Robert Naves and Pvt. Leonard Loftin. The latter, in charge of group special service, served as program director. Among the musical numbers were two original compositions of Pvt. Brodsky - "Candle Burning Blues" and "Contact U.S.A." It is planned to make the shows a weekly feature.

HOLD IT!
  G. O. SHELDON - Pvt. Sheldon takes his guard duties so seriously that he's even began to issue sentry commands in his sleep - all of which resulted recently in a humorous incident involving Pvt. Keenon Weeks. Walking into the barracks late one night, Weeks was halted by the command, "hold it," emanating somewhere in the stygian darkness of the bay. Pausing for a few moments, Weeks again started to enter the room only to be stopped by a sharper and more authoritative "hold it!" Thinking there was a sentry in the room, Weeks patiently waited outside. There he still might be had not bunkmates awakened and informed him that it was only Sheldon talking in his sleep.

HEDY LAMARR KISS
  G.I. GUFF - That nifty little mustache being sported by Sgt. Bert Moore of the mess hall had its inception the day the Japs attacked Pearl Harbor. Says he:
  "There it is and there it will stay until the day the war is over and the Japs are licked"
  Pvt. Leo Barkume has been informed that his three-year-old son was kidnapped recently back in the States - at any rate the child has mysteriously disappeared. Inasmuch as the Barkumes are not in the millionaire class, the disappearance is all the more baffling...
  How'd you like to be kissed by Lana Turner, Madeline Carroll or Dottie Lamour? Pvt. Charlie Blatt, a tall, good-looking chap, has never been kissed by any of the three either but he's done even better. Before he left the States, Blatt was kissed by Hedy Lamarr, a dish of glamour if there ever was one. It happened on a Kay Kyser quiz program at an Army camp. A $50 war bond was thrown in for good measure but that was just incidental says Blatt.
  Sarcastic words of a local chap to his buddy at a camp back in the States: "Quit your griping. Look at me - I had to go through J. B. twice."

MESS-KIT THROWN
  Mild-mannered Ralph Hansen has his own way of showing disapproval. Frustrated recently in attempts to purchase cigarettes and later ice cream, he proceeded to throw his mess kit to the ground in a most unsoldierlike manner. Asked to explain his actions, he said he was "darn good and mad" and that it was simply a good way to let off steam.
  There's never a dull moment with Pvt. Winfred Kelley around. Baptized Winfred, his mother calls him



FINDING THE RANGE
The Tenth Air Force finds the range on a 6,000-ton Japanese cargo ship (center) during a raid on Canton, as more bombs fall on other targets.  Japanese shipping is getting much of the attention of our bombers.
Herman, and his nickname is "Lucky." That he is nicknamed appropriately, anyone who has ever gambled against him will testify. Kelley incidentally, is an ex-motorcycle racer.
  MOST ANYTHING - Pvt. George Economous thought it only happened in story books but he was actually tucked into bed the other night by his sergeant, in this case, T/Sgt. Merkle. Commented the sergeant when he saw the protruding feet of Economous:
  "Can't have any of our men getting pneumonia now."

JESSE JAMES
  What has this squadron got that probably no other in the Far East has? Well, for one thing, a member by the name of Jesse James. Unlike the famous desperado, who made the name world-known, Jesse is one of the best-natured men in the organization. He's not certain but thinks that way back somewhere he might be related to the man who once terrorized the west...
  Since his arrival, Pvt. Johnnie Garrison has been kept busy painting the squadron insignia on leather flight jackets. Garrison, who is a talented artist and interior designer, does a helluva swell job and there has been a rush for his services...
  In an effort to show their appreciation for money raised in the current Polish refugees' relief drive, a group of Polish flying cadets recently put on an entertaining program of songs and music in their native tongue before a large assembly at the group hospital theater. Only a few knew what they were singing about but the program was appreciatively received...
  Pvt. Cliff Ingroville, who was a mortician back in civilian life, is still dealing in dead carcasses. Don't be alarmed - he is now a butcher at the mess hall and confines his efforts to cutting up the meat for your meals.. And so until next week, adios!



ST. NICK'S PRESENCE SEEN BY WARNING NET

  Assam Fighter group soldiers entertained Indian children from neighboring tea plantations with a party on Christmas Day. The traditional evergreen was not available for the Christmas tree, so a native fruit tree was used.
  Decorations from the States furnished by Lt. Frank Wright transformed the ersatz tree into the Real McCoy to the delight of the kiddies and soldiers. A large silver star, made from tinfoil, graced the top of the tree.
  The decorations were put on by Sgt. Sam West, Corp. John McNeil and Corp. Ben Nevitt. The soldiers sang Christmas carols for their guests after which Col. John Barr and Chaplain Israel, on behalf of the soldiers, presented bags filled with candy and oranges to each of the 500 kiddies.
  The fast moving object that was reported by the Air Warning Net as high about midnight Christmas Eve, proved to be Santa Claus and eight reindeer. Old Santa, face beaming with delight, stopped in the Fighter Group and left turkey and trimmings for an old fashioned Christmas dinner.
  Enough chocolate fudge filled with chopped walnuts was made by Corp. Kenneth Lobdell for all the men. After a sumptuous dinner, Christmas packages from home were received by most of the men.
  Chaplain Israel held communion services in the Fighter Group area and at the hospital on Christmas Day.



Flying Parsons Give Services In South China

  Christmas festivities for American soldiers in southern China were featured by the peripatetic efforts of a couple of flying preachers.
  Chaplain Tull and Father Lyons flew to out-of-the-way points throughout southern China conducting Christmas services for those who would not have the opportunity to attend otherwise.
  Main single celebration of the area began Christmas Eve with an open house at the Victory Club. Alice Todd, Red Cross hostess, acted in that capacity and served hot chocolate and sandwiches after which all sang carols in the club which was suitably trimmed and decorated for the occasion.
  On the same evening another party was held at the headquarters of a fighter squadron during which new day rooms were Christened to the glug-glugs of eggnogs dropping down the hatch. Between 2 and 4 a.m. a Chinese chorus from a nearby university sang carols through the various barracks.
  Each soldier in the South China area as did those in Chungking, received a silk necktie from Generalissimo and Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Additionally they received candy and tangerines from the same source.
  Huge Christmas dinners with all the trimmings were served with the compliments of the War Area Service Command after which sacks of gifts arrived and all personnel were busy examining and exchanging items contained in the packages.
  The Christmas dance was postponed until the 26th and all arrangements were handled by a committee composed of Miss Todd, M/Sgt. Leon R. McNeven, S/Sgts. Kenneth N. Underwood, Kenneth G. Faulkner, Robert J. Gillespie, Oliver M. Bettes, Robert E. Mann, and Sgt. Marvin N. Lewis. Miss Todd, Mrs. L. K. Taylor and Mrs. R. Turner acted as hostesses.
  Guests arrived from various universities and clubs in the vicinity and were treated to dinner at 7 p.m. After dinner the dance started and McNeven was selected master of ceremonies. Girls present found plenty of dancing partners. Entertainment, coffee and cakes were interspersed with the dance. The entertainment was arranged by Sgt. Mann while M/Sgt. James Grece handled the dance. Brig. Gen. Chennault and commanding officers of all units attended the festivities.



Indian Seaport Yanks Feed, Clothe, Entertain Children

  American soldiers at an Indian Port Base staged one of the largest Christmas celebrations seen in the entire country, under single auspices when enlisted men played host to over 350 needy and orphaned children of all denominations, at a series of fifteen turkey dinners and parties at which clothing and other gifts were distributed.
  A large number of those entertained were Polish War refugee children, who attired in native costumes, sang carols and anthems for their hosts in native tongue and danced folk dances. The enlisted men sang carols for the children and provided special entertainments. Over Rs. 8,000 were donated by officers and men to make the project a big success.
  One organization contributed half of their amount entertained 100 youngsters. The same organization clothed the kids from head to foot with suit coats, dresses, and shoes. Another organization distributed blankets to the poor and infirm.
  Despite the scarcity of materials, servicemen did an excellent job in creating decorations including artificial Christmas trees. Handsome souvenir menu programs bearing theater emblems were printed and distributed at all mess halls. Over 300 attended a Christmas Eve dance at the Soldiers Club.
  The program was made possible only by the combined efforts of all special service officers and non-coms of Air Forces and Services of Supply, U.S. Army Chaplains, and the American Red Cross. To mention only a few responsible, we take our hats off to Capt. Irving K. Perlmutter, Chaplain William F. Mullaly and Alfred B. Minyard.



Gissimo Hands Out Maroon Necktie With Chop

  Up at Chungking, Christmas Eve, St, Richard Young and Maj. Paul Jones arranged an officer party for enlisted men. Chungking gin was well disguised and appetizers of Yunnan ham, cheese and egg sardines was served.
  The Chinese Foreign Affairs Bureau held a party for officers with jugglers, acrobats, fortune tellers and girls. The enlisted men held a not too quiet party at their houses after 13 sacks of mail arrived of which most of it included packages from home.
  There was a broadcast for the troops in China of General Stilwell's and President Roosevelt's messages. Unknown to them it was picked up in the States and rebroadcast.
  Carolers of the evening were Sgt. Jess E. Mccardle, Sgt. James Lytle, Sgt. William Exoo, T/5 Scott Cottle and Sgt. Oscar Venske. They also sang a local recital. Midnight mass was well attended by the men of the base. Capt. Grady Hagan and Mess Sgt. Andrew Chemsak were responsible for the trees in every house and the dinner consisted of Goose with Chestnut dressing, mashed potatoes, peas, corn, fruit cocktail, soup, mince and pumpkin pie, ice cream and cake.
  In the afternoon Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek received all of the officers and enlisted men of the Allied Nations at a semi-religious affair consisting of Carols, Pageant of Nativity and Santa Claus. Food ran from lotus seed soup, symbolizing success, to peanut candy for fair weather, in twelve courses.
  Everyone used chopsticks and enlisted men sat with the Generalissimo's son. Gen. Stilwell sat with the General. In the evening a broadcast was heard by the enlisted men. Gen. Stilwell held a buffet supper for Chinese and officers.
  Gen. Shang Chen gave a party for the enlisted men at victory hours, girls, entertainment and fourth of July fireworks. Wherever the men in China were entertained by cities, they were presented with sides of beef, suckling pigs, ducks, chickens and candies. Most field units also had turkey. High ranking Chinese were entertained by the officers and the enlisted men of most of the units held their own parties as well.
  A bomb group celebrated after the return of a successful bombing by the Teng Chung volunteer mission. Generalissimo gave every man in the sector a maroon tie with an embroidered chop.



Activity in our own theater last year was largely aerial warfare.  Here, at a base in China, twin-engine bombers are seen being made ready for one of the many raids that the Tenth Air Force carried out during 1942.  From bases such as this, our planes continue to launch effective aerial blows against Japanese-held territory.



SQUADRON SILHOUETTES
 By SGT. JACK BLUMENFELD

  The Christmas spirit overwhelmed the Tenth Air Force as early as two weeks ago when the first avalanche of Christmas packages snowed under the mail room. The APO seemed to do all right by everyone - except Sgt. "Shorty" Graham, who is looking for the Chaplain's office.
  Our little corner of Queensway was made to look like Times Square at night when Sgt. Bill Fleming, T/Sgt. Marvin Swallow and Corp. William Sumereau got through covering the facade of the barracks with numerous bright red and green lights. To help the Squadron spruce up for the occasion the supply boys, Corp. Morris Zimmerman and Pfc. Leroy Schucker, rigged up some fancy lettering which read "MERRY XMAS" to the passer-by in the street. When, however, the locals began to wish "Merry Xmas" to the G.I.'s there was a quick change in the lettering to make it read "MERRY CHRISTMAS"! A loudspeaking system (which broadcast Christmas carols) and a Christmas tree completed the preparations.

EGG NOG
  On the day before Christmas the Squadron presented its version of the customary Afternoon Tea by serving egg nog (with a kick in it) at five o'clock, and practically everyone in town showed up to taste it. We saw T/4 Sam Miller almost choke over his drink when, suddenly, he was delivered a slap on the back. Miller wheeled, his arm raised, ready to slam back with force. But he stopped his arm in midair when he caught sight of the gold bars of Lt. Jacobs - the one who made the friendly slap on the back.
  That evening, the soldiers gathered around the entrance to the barracks to sing Christmas Carols. S/Sgt. Bruno Nicknardarvich lent his voice to the festivities in his best tenor manner. Posted at the gate were two camels mounted by Indians, which lent a very Eastern air to the scene.

CAMEL HAUNT
  These camels remained to haunt the barracks area on Christmas day, at which time the G.I.'s took up camel riding. Corp. Lunnie Willis, Pfc. Kenny Swann and T/Sgt. Stanley Bajek turned "camel chauffeurs" simultaneously when they all climbed on to the same animal at the same time. The crowded seat was a little too much for Willis and he slipped off after posing for pictures. Just as he hit the ground the camel sighted two others of his family marching along the avenue carrying two pretty maidens apiece and the camel race along the avenue was on! Poor Bajek and Swann had never "posted" on a camel before...
  Preparing for the Christmas dinner was quite a job. Most of the preparations had to be made the day before and the cooks worked pretty hard. They told us of S/Sgt. Wendell Decker and T/Sgt. Edwin Davis, who imbued with a spirit of helpfulness, asked S/Sgt. John Guthmiller if he needed any assistance. Guthmiller answered in the affirmative and the two pitched in by pumping up the gas stoves.

WHAT FOOD!
  The Christmas dinner was an outstanding success: the food was delicious, the decorations perfect, and the visiting WAC's friendly (three of them, strangers to T/4 "Judge" Director, kissed him out of pure holiday joyfulness). Lei's, given them by Indian friends, appeared around the shoulders of many of the diners. Lt. Holmes wore one which featured a great big "V" for Victory - it hung down almost to his knees. S/Sgt. John Shipley and S/Sgt. Bruno Nicknardavich serenaded the Squadron officers at their table; Major Wiseheart, Captain Caughman, Captain Donald Uber, Lt. Holmes and Lt. Bartlini. The Squadron was honored by the presence of many distinguished guests. General Bissell was present as were his Chief of Staff Col. Old and his Aide-de-Campe Captain Hall.
  The Squadron gave out some special Christmas presents to some deserving G.I.'s. "Our boy" Charlie Davenport finally made Sergeant. So did Hall K. (Operator, 10th A.F.) Pitts and Harry (Cookie) Warren. Forest C. Joslin got his stripes out of balance when he acquired one stripe below his top three, attaining the only Staff Sergeant of the week. Robert Young, who was so long in the hospital with a hot water bag on his foot, emerged from the ranks of the rookies by snagging his first slice of gold braid - Pfc. brand.
  And now, as we sing the Swan Song for this column we would like to sing one for a Swallow who is leaving us - T/Sgt. Marvin R. Swallow - who was the Tenth Air Force's first Top Kick. He has been with us ever since we left our port of embarkation back in the States and was our first sergeant when we arrived at our present station - they don't make them any better. We hate to see him go and we wish him the best of luck in his new outfit. We hope that he turns his journalistic talents to reporting for the Roundup from his new vantage point. (Are you listening: 1) Swallow; 2) Editor?). - (Yep.-Ed.)



XMAS SPORTS

  A full program of Christmas sports was enjoyed by everyone at an Indian Air Base Christmas Day as well as goose dinners with all the trimmings.
  The dinner was prepared and served by Mess Sgt. George Newman and staff and Mess Sgt. James Thompson.
  Sgt. Thompson also starred with a fruit cake for his organization. First Sgt. Charles Humphreys decorated his organization mess hall with beautifully improvised tablecloths, flowers, candles, large "V-wreathes" lighted with Christmas lights. The dinner was followed by formation at which time a Christmas message to the troops was read by Capt. Schweitzer.
  A horseshoe tournament highlighted the sports events. It was won after a ding dong battle by T/5 George Phillips and Pvt. Charles McCarthy of the Ordnance. S/Sgt. Raymond Hartbauer and Corp. John Decker of the Air Corps were second. The score was 50-38.
  In the sack race, Pvt. Morris Miller stumbled in to take first place with Pfc. Hedon Rolling taking second. S/Sgt. Raymond Hartbauer and Pvt. Thomas Markham broke the tape at a gallop in the three-legged race and Pfc. Frank Hedin and Pvt. James Miller took second.
  Theater tickets, donated by officers were awarded for first and second places in all events. In the final event a softball game between the Ordnance and the Air Corps was won by the Air Corps, 17-7. Starring in the game were Sgt. Leonard Cunningham, pitcher; T/Sgt. John White, catcher; Corp. Earl Langenbahn for the Air Corps and T/Sgt. Harold Wing, pitcher and T/5 Emil Barran for the Ordnance. Langenbahn hit two homers and Barran one while Warrant Officer Harold Harper starred for seven innings as Umpire.
  The credit for these events goes to the Special Service Officer, Capt. Clarence Watson, Sgt. Donald McDonald and T/Sgt. Harold Wing.


BURMA, THAILAND AGAIN RAIDED

MASS OF MUSCLE
Capt. Carl Arnold, morale officer at the Chinese-American training center, who built his inverted "V" torso stroking an oboe, teaches boxing to Chinese soldiers.


BOMBERS BLAST AIRFIELDS,
DOCKS, AND RAILWAY YARDS


  Continued activity by the Tenth Air Force against Japanese installations in Burma and Thailand was disclosed in communiqués issued this week.
  On Dec. 20, two formations of American heavy bombers were over Rangoon during daylight hours. Airfields, runways, hangars, railway yards and critical docks were the targets.
  On Dec. 21, American medium bombers made precision daylight raids against important enemy railroad yards in central Burma. Many direct hits were scored on tracks, sidings and rolling stock. Similar bombing attacks were repeated during the daylight of Dec. 22.
  On Dec. 22, a large formation of U.S. heavy bombers attacked Rangoon shortly after noon. Many heavy bombs fell on docks and warehouses.
  On Dec. 23, fighter planes of the Tenth Air Force carried out an offensive patrol against Japanese installations in Maingkwan, in northern Burma, with fragmentations and incendiary bombs and heavy machine gun fire. Fires were seen burning in the target area as the attacking force left. Returning from this trip, the fighters strafed an enemy truck convoy.
  At about midnight of Dec. 26-27, a considerable force of heavy bombers raided Bangkok, Thailand.
  various targets in the area were effectively bombed. A large arsenal and powder factory located north of Bangkok was hit; the Bangkok airfield, one of the most important enemy fields in the occupied countries, was successfully attacked. At the same time the naval dock area of the city was hit with heavy bombs which caused damaging fires.
  All aircraft returned safely to their bases on all of these raids.



ONE OF ’EM DEALS - OTHER ONE WHEELS
 By CORP. KARL PETERSON

  Comes now Christmas, and a flood of heavily-anticipated packages, mighty fine for the troops but hell for the mail orderly. Regular convocation of the "What-you-got-Willie-candy? mob are now in order, and woe to him who tries to run that gauntlet of wolves without a bodyguard.
  Best package goods story so far concerns Corp. Leland L. Ross. Here is Assam the sustaining but monotonous supply of black bread, margarine and marmalade with every meal is called the "Unholy Three" and local lads can no longer look an orange in the face. So "Shorty Potack" was all adrool when he received notification that a packet of "Canteen Goodies" was en route, a luscious pack of between-meal tidbits. Arrived same, with large crowd of spectators as the brown paper was torn away to reveal, tastefully-packed in the center of the assortment, a nice big jar of marmalade, naturally.
  As it must to all men of chance, disaster came last week to that infamous syndicate, Radler and Sorrentino, Unit. (S/Sgt. Sam and Corp. Al). As devotees of that now well-founded Assamese institution, "Black Jack at High Noon," they were seeking to live up to their business slogan, "One of 'em deals and the other one wheels, and Lord how the money rolls in," but fickle Fortune frowned and the boys had to go dig up the old tomato can to continue operations. An early offensive on the Stalingrad plan to regain the lost territory was expected.
  Department of the weird and eerie: As if it weren't cold and shivery enough on one's sack these crisp nights, the jackal chorus has to go to work every midnight without fail. When they start kickin' the wail around you forget your own troubles, only a lost soul could feel that bad.
  Home front note from the embattled South: editorial comment of the Simpson County News (Mendenhall, Mississippi), "We Americans don't object to seeing Axis spies get fair and impartial trials if we can be assured that they will be executed immediately thereafter."



ENGINEERS' COMPANY TRANSFORMED TO EFFICIENT TRUCK ASSEMBLY LINE

  A Negro Engineers' truck assembly line in Upper Assam is now assembling vehicles with speed and efficiency that would be a credit to veterans in this type of work even under normal conditions.
  When Rangoon was tottering, boxed truck parts and pieces on Chinese Lease-Lend orders were retrieved and, together with loads discharged at Calcutta, were loaded onto barges and sent up to Assam. There they were dumped on a sand bar. Some of the crates later became submerged.
  Crews of Indian mechanics struggled with the jumbled mass of parts and the best they could do was piece together 16 trucks in a month.
  Late last September, the Negro Engineers took over and efficiency started to take hold. Under the guidance of Capt. Callan and Lieut. Ross, competitive crews were organized. Sergeants Byrd and Ennis, who had previous experience doing work of this type in the States, were particularly effective.
  In a short time, Internationals, Dodges, Chevrolets, Macks, Studebakers and Fords ran off the line to be distributed by the SOS to transportation-starved units, and now as many as 15 completely assembled trucks roll off the line in a single day. Water-logged motors, rust and sand were but a few of the obstacles.


PHOTO WINNER
T/5 F. A. Garlick of the V-Mailers shot this picture with a 4x5 Speed Graphic.  He calls it "Mistri's Daughter."



The Movies Are Back But He's Stripe-Dizzy
 By Sgt. K. W. MARTINDALE

  'Twas a happy crew that got the word "you passed" from the bulletin board or word-of-mouth. Congratulations to the lucky 26 that the board approved, and we hope that you'll have just as much luck with the higher-ups.
  The APO boys have finally dug themselves out of the deluge of packages that hit them all at once, and many a candy bar and many a cigarette has been distributed to the men here.
  We said hello and goodbye to members of a Service group that went through here on their way to new stations. By the way, were there any privates in that outfit? We were stripe-dizzy from looking at the staffs, techs, and et cetera that filled the mess hall lines during their short stay here. "There'll be no promotion, etc."
  Praise and hallelujah, the movies are back! But, boy oh boy, is it cold in our outdoor show. However, the operators have themselves a snazzy-looking projection room. But we emphatically protest against having the movies go all the way to China and back before we see them. What is this, the "forgotten base?" The writer saw most of the shows that are playing now, at APO 886 (Karachi) about four months back.
  S/Sgt. Abe LaFonte has him what looks like a building big enough to house all the officers in C.B.I. going up. Incidentally, Abe gets a mighty kick out of politely inviting the officers away from the new table for the Air Depot stenographers.
  It seems the easy days are over, and we're going to have to shell out ourselves for the barracks bearers. Ah well, we knew it couldn't last.
  We certainly do not lack for chaplains these days. From one single "padre" we now have about six. Guess they must think we need to be saved.
  Our Depot All-Stars fought a close but losing battle against the new Supply Squadron team. Harry Kareka, Signal Corps, pitched a no-hit game until the ninth, the Supply boys gaining one run on errors. Meantime, Rarra had tallied one for the All-Stars with a four-bagger. But in the 10th, a triple and single in succession was too much for the All-Stars and the game ended at 2-1.
  In the making now is a 10-team touch football league, with six men on each team. The league winner is to challenge the "per diem hill" boys, and we hope to beat them again. Plans are shaping up, also, for a basketball league, under the able leadership of our new Special Services officer, Capt. Baker.



A GREASE MONKEY'S LAMENT
Crashing through the timbers
A tankman unlimbers.
He knocks fence poles asunder
And plows the corn under.
He goes into a steep climb
And spins around on a dime
A king in his realm!
Is the tankman at the helm.
Coughing, spitting, roaring, clanking about;
There is no stopping the lout.
What now, little man?
Do you think that you
Can cause so much destruction
With a monkey wrench and a little instruction?
The infantryman goes into battle
Where the machine guns rattle.
Down he flops and lying prone,
Straight as a die sends each bullet home.
The far flung hand grenade
Is followed closely by the thrusting bayonet blade.
He is a pack totin,' rootin,' shootin' son o'gun.
A one man army on the run.
A man for the Ages!
He will fill histories' pages →

O, Woe! Grease monkey, must you be a dolt
With nut and bolt?
Could you set the world afire
With screwdriver and pliers?
The airman (the handsome lug)
Has got the bug
For aerial acrobatics
And dive bomber tactics.
He is a devil reincarnated;
But more elevated.
With eyes piercing skyward
"Keep 'em flying" is his byword.
On the enemy's toil, a burst of fire;
A trail of smoke...
We owe so much to so few
Churchill said of the bloke.
Alas, grease monkey
For you there is no glamour
Must you always be a fizzle
With hammer and chisel?
I am open to suggestion:
How can we "mechanic 'em"
And still panic 'em?
That is the question.
-Sgt. ALBERT GLYNN


ODE TO INDIA
The Indian's Heaven, the white man's Hell
Land of brothel, beast and smell
For eight months now, within your borders
I've sweated out my home-bound orders.
I've walked and walked around your cities
Heard the beggars sing your ditties;
No mommy, no poppy, give baksheesh, sahib
In his eye a tear, in his voice a sob.
I've seen your cripples, along the street
Heard your fakirs, with story so sweet.
I've drunk your rum and Juniper Gin
Been carried out of bars I've been in.
I've sweated with heat and shivered with cold,
You've a wonderful climate, so I've been told.
But, India, India, I'd give every pice,
To be far away from your curry and rice.
Where the whiskey is good for three bucks a quart,
(If you want a drink, it's two-bits a snort).
Where you buy steaks that are three inches thick,
(The meat's good too, it won't make you sick).
- M/Sgt. E. F. PERKINS




WOLF,  WOLF
If he parks his little flivver,
Down beside the moonlit river,
And you feel him all a quiver,
Baby - He's a wolf!
If he says you're gorgeous lookin,
And your dark eyes set him cookin,
But your eyes ain't where he's lookin,
Baby - He's a wolf!
When he says that you're an eyeful,
But his hands begin to trifle,
And his heart pumps like a rifle,
Baby - He's a wolf!
If by chance when you are kissin,
You can feel his heart a missin,
And you talk but he won't listin,
Baby - He's a wolf!
If his arms are strong like sineu,
And he stirs the gypsy in you,
So you want him close again you,
Baby - You're a wolf!
- (Submitted (but not written by) Lt. E. C. Weatherly, Sgt. Jack Storey and Pvt. Vance Burnham)
MAN WANTED
I guess I'll have to advertise
For something I need
I pray each night before I sleep
But no one seems to heed
I've got the sun to keep me warm
And give me coats of tan
But what I need's a coat of arms
From almost any man!
I found a lake to paddle on
And air to stimulate
But what's the good of privacy
With fishes for a date?
I guess I'd better hurry
And place a certain ad:
MAN WANTED - WITH EXPERIENCE
AND WANTED REALLY BAD.
- Donald Pittman

TO THOSE WE LOVE
If, perchance, in the sigh of a breeze
You hear familiar melodies.
Or if a star-fall glances by
With a bit of twinkle in its merry eye.
Or a moonbeam touches your silken hair →
Then please remember one who's there.
For all of the continents, all of the sea
Never will separate you from me.
And the stars that flame in a vaultless sky
And breezes drifting happily by.
And the moon in her silver silent flight
Will bind us forever together at night.
- Wetherill Wood, A.N.C.

FAINT PRAISE
He used to ride behind a plow
And he wishes, by heck, he was back there now.
Or whatever he's doing or wherever he's been.
He's a smoothie-at oiling Hospital Routine
He hollers and bellers, he bellers and roars:
"Grab them mops, men! Hit them floors."
Bu he keeps his ward at the peak of perfection.
He's always just gone on a secret mission
When patients need a that or a this-un.
But when the Head Nurse feels like "blowing her top."
He "takes" like a soldier, deserve it or not.
In communiqués he rates not a line
He's the Wardman - thank Heaven -
on your ward-and mine.
- Elizabeth Shaunty, A.N.C.




A SOLDIER'S SONG OF INDIA
India, land of milk and honey,
God and silver, rice and curry,
Land of changes and of wonders,
Land of lightning and of thunders.
Land of desert, tanks and fountains,
Suspension bridges, jungles, mountains,
Land of beasts and reptiles evil,
Land whose heat would kill the Devil.
Land of Mosques and wooden Gods,
Land where the stately palm tree nods,
Land where the heat maintains his seat,
Land of fever and prickly heat.
Land where the lordly bower tree waves,
Land where there's loads on new made graves,
Land of jackies and of Dhobies,
Land of punkhas and of coolies.
And of spite and hateful scorn
Land where clothes are hardly worn,
Land of thieves and dark deceit,
Which Satan holds beneath his feet.
Land where strong men fast are wasting,
By eating fruits of splendid tasting,
Land where every charm combines,
To make a soldier's life divine?
Tropic heat and savage creatures,
Combined with Military teachers,
Martial Law each day renewing,
Wonder what the heck is brewing? →

Now evening throws its shades of gray,
Across the sun's declining rays.
Where breezes sweet and soft do sigh,
Among the mangoes swinging high.
I wander forth to take the air,
At India's lovelies to stand and stare,
From filthy huts of mud and smoke,
Come beauties who a sigh evoke.
If I ask a kiss they rightly frown,
Although their skin is rather brown,
They say if our lips once break their caste,
Our life in this world would not long last.
My head and eyes I turn, (a sigh)
To where my native land doth lie,
Where floats no dust across the plain,
Or houses sink in monsoon rain.
I see in mirage, Beauty's face,
The loveliest form of all our race,
No ornaments there to debase
Such milk white arms and smiling face.
Upon a form I lay my head,
By some misnamed a feather bed,
I groan, I turn, I curse and swear,
But hopes of rest are not found there.
I try to sleep to ease my pain,
To rest my weary limbs, in vain,
Consuming thoughts, I might as well,
Attempt to sleep as rest in Hell. →

Women scolding, children squalling,
Whilst bugs around my legs are crawling,
Drunken men of Devils dreaming,
Wake from sleep with terror, screaming.
Mosquitoes in my ears are singing,
And sand flies at my feet are stinging,
But yet in spite of scenes like those,
I chance to drop into a doze.
My turn of duty is the next,
Enough to make the Saints all vexed,
The gun it fires, my name they call,
I wish the Devil had them all.
As from my bed I jump, I swear,
May Heaven or Hell hear a soldier's prayer,
It is my first, it is sincere,
Restore me to my native sphere.
Across the ocean, thinking again,
If ever I cross that raging main,
To see this wretched land again,
May on my head this curse remain.
In steamboat, plane or a balloon,
Or riding sideways on the moon,
On eagle's back or vessel's deck,
May the Devil break my blinking neck.
- Sgt. G. Ilea





New Year's Resolutions

  Although this is being written before either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day we know how we're going to feel, so there won't be any material change in what we might have said had we waited.
  The fine Italian editorial hand will be shaking like the proverbial aspen leaf after too many trips among the grog shops in and around what the boys out in the weeds call "Per Diem Hill."
  Hence it will be best to predate this bit of deathless prose and our New Year's resolutions are already made after having just completed an inspection tour to study the sanitary conditions in our local gin mills.
  1. In the first place we'll never again mix whisky and soda with stout, port and needle beer!
  2. We repudiate our Christmas editorial in which we said we weren't made at anybody. We're now mad at everybody we were mad at before and the whole staff is enlarging our "backhouse" list and we're on double shifts stirring the poison-pool.
  3. We will establish the necessary apparatus for stomach pumping and colonic irrigations in the Roundup office. Morning-after sufferers numbered among our friends are welcome to come in and use our facilities.
  4. We propose to start a campaign to get WAACS in numbers equal to our officers and men over here to take care of that old morale problem. Incidentally, we'd like to see some young WAAC competing with a Naga head-hunting belle for one of our sergeants.
  5. We propose putting the pressure on Doc Seagrave to get us more little Burmese nurses to scatter about the theater.
  6. We propose to get more "cheesecake" - literally and figuratively.
  7. We propose to get more controversial national news.
  8. We propose to start a campaign of intramural athletics between our Assam lads and the Naga head-hunters.
  9. We propose to continue cheering the 10th Air Force as it bombs the daylights out of the Jap.
  10. Ditto for our Chinese-American training camp which someday will stop training and start slugging.
  11. We'll continue the adventures of Corporal Gee Eye.
  12. We'll continue the measured "think-pieces" of Lt. Luther Davis.
  13. We'll continue the silly season!



The C.B.I. Roundup is a weekly newspaper published by and for the men of the United States Army Forces in China, Burma, and India, from news and pictures supplied by staff members, soldier correspondents, Office of War Information and other sources. The Roundup is published Thursday of each week and is printed by The Statesman in New Delhi, India. Editorial matter should be sent directly to Capt. Fred Eldridge, Branch Office Hq., U.S.A.F. C.B.I., New Delhi, and should arrive not later than Monday in order to make that week's issue. Pictures must arrive by Sunday and must be negatives or enlargements. Stories should contain full name and organization of sender.











DECEMBER  31,  1942    

Adapted from the original issue of CBI Roundup

Copyright © 2009 Carl Warren Weidenburner




 TWENTY-THREE DAYS IN THE BURMA JUNGLE 

 TOP OF PAGE       PRINT THIS PAGE       ABOUT THIS PAGE 

 SEND COMMENTS       ROUNDUP HOME PAGE