Super-Fort - 25 December 1944 - XX Bomber Command

VOL. 1. NO. 2 25 DECEMBER 1944 PASSED BY BASE CENSOR

HOW JAPAN FALLS INTO
SUPERFORTRESS RANGE

XXBC RECORD
EXCELS 8TH
AIR FORCE’S
   HEADQUARTERS, XX BOMBER COMMAND, INDIA. - Six months ago last week B-29s of the XX Bomber Command hit Japan for the first time. In those six months:
   Combat missions have totaled aboput 55,000 miles, more tghan twice around the world - and this excludes the 2,400 mile round trips across the Hump to supply and stage China-based operations.
   Double-X gunners have knocked about 120 enemy fighters out of the air, probably destroyed some 90 others, and damaged approximately 170 more.
   From June through November the XX Bomber Command's average of enemy aircraft shot down, per sortie, was higher than that of either the fighters or bombers of any other United States Air Force. The average for December thus far has been even higher.
   The monthly bomb tonnage rose until the total for October was greater than the total for the four previous months combined. The November tonnage about equalled October's.
   The average monthly flying time, per airplane available, has risen steadily until in November it was higher than the for heavy bombers in the European Theater. In each single month of operations the XX Bomber Command averaged higher than the Eighth Air Force did during its first six months.

DEDICATE NEW SERVICE CLUB

   APO 220 - ". . . to the enlisted men of Col. *Richard H. Carmichael's crew, who went down with him that same day over Japan."
   That dedication suggestion was made here recently by Col. Alfred E. Kalberer, commanding officer, at the formal opening of the new Rajah Dodger Lodge.
   Operated by the Red Cross, the new service club has a refreshments canteen, library, orientation center, reading-writing room and games room.
   Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, commander of the XX Bomber Command, and Gen. Godfrey of the Airborne Engineers, SOS, gave shoert congratulatory speeches.
   The Officers' club at this field was dedicated to the memory of Col. Carmichael, former commanding officer, who was missing in action last July.

B-29s STRIKE
JAPAN FROM
TWO FRONTS

By Super-Fort Writer
   Japan's docile populace has not been warned in vain.
   Since the first Tokyo bombing by carrier-borne B-25s some two and one-half years ago, Japanese mainlanders regularly have been drilled in air-raid defense.
   "It might happen again," was the incessant warning.
   But Japan, protected by distance and island immunity, was seemingly safe. For two years no enemy bomber had ventyred near its war-busied shores. Then the XX Bomber Command came to India, constructed forward bases in China. One shakedown mission, to Bangkok, and the stage was set.
   Hit Yawata - On June 15, B-29 Superfortresses struck at the important industrial city of Yawata in Southern Japan. More raids followed and the strategic reduction of vital targets was underway. Though hampered by distance, the Hump and lack of gasoline, Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay's Superforts penetrated as far north as Okayama.
   Bombing records of the XX Bomber Command are unequalled. More important, perhaps, was the collection of essential data which is now "blazinf the way" for raids in the heart of the Japanese empire.
   Last month the sirens of Tokyo shrilled their long awaited warning. Superfortresses from the brother XXI Bomber Command, based on Saipan in the Mariana Islands, pounded the Jap capital for two hours. They struck at the Musashino airplane plant and other selected targets.
   Large Fires - Four days later, B-29s from Brig. Gen. H. S. Hansell's command hit Tokyo for a second time. Within the next six days, ywo more devastating raids were made on the large enemy city. Large fires were observed and considerable damage reported. Nagoya, home of the Mitsubishi aircraft plant, was blasted a week later.
   Three years have passed since the Japs swooped down on quiet Pearl Harbor, killing innocent victims and damaging millions of dollars worth of American property. The retaliation now is underway from two different directions.
   Gen. Hap Arnold, commander of the XX Air Force, has stated that Superfortresses would rain havoc on Japan until it surrenders unconditionally.
   Time seems the only remaining factor.

Fort Crook, Nebraska - Lieutenant General William S. Knudsen, Director, Air Technical Service Command, told a press conference thev Army expects "to double production of B-29 bombers in the next three months." He said this would be one of the "quickest and best means to smash Japan." USOWI

THOUGH BADLY INJURED........

A XX BOMBER COMMAND BASE, WESTERN CHINA - The heroic attempt of a wounded Superforress pilot to save the life of his dying flight engineer following a recent mission over Japan was disclosed here by interrrogation officers.
After bombs were dropped over Omura, on Kyushu Island, the B-29 piloted by Capt. Jack C. Ledford, Zanesville, Ohio, was attacked and riddled by bullets from a Jap fighter.
A bullet slashed a gaping wound in Captain Ledford's right hip, fracturing his hip bone and exposing his backbone and kidney. Another bullet hit the flight engineer, piercing his flak helmet and knocking him inconscious. Other bullets damaged gas lines, instruments and interior wiring of the bomber.
Captain Ledford refused medical aid until the engineer had been treated. The pilot handled the engineer's controls for nearly one hour before loss of blood weakened him. He then accepted air, but declined an opiate in order to keep his head clear.
Later, when loss of fuel forced the crew to abandon ship, Captain Ledford and other crew members ripped open an extra parachute, cut off the shroud lines and attached one end of them to the interior of the plane, the other end to the unconscious engineer's rip-cord ring.
They dropped the engineer through the nose wheel well. The scheme

RECUPERATING - Capt Jack C. Ledford, wounded B-29 pilot who free fell nearly 5,000 feet before opening his parachute in order to land near his dying flight engineer, is shown here recuperating in a Chinese hospital. The pretty nurse is Miss Nancy Chang.

worked, and the parachute blossomed open.
Captain Ledford then jumped and delayed opening his chute in order to be near the engineer when they landed. The wounded pilot fell free for nearly 5,000 feet before pulling his rip-cord.
However, despite Captain Ledford's courageous effort, the engineer died shortly after reaching an emergency hospital in unoccupied China. He failed to regain consciousness.
Captain Ledford's wounds were gtreated and several days later he and the other members of the crew, all of whom landed safely, retuned here.
Col. William B. Blanchard, group commander, presented the 24-year-old former Ohio State University diving star with the Purple Heart at informal bedside ceremonies in an Army hospital nearby, where Captain Ledford is recovering from his wounds.

B-29s CARRY TEN TONS OF BOMBS

(ANS) - According to a recent announcement by the Army Air Forces, a Superfortress can carry at least ten tons of bombs. Previously, the highest reported bomb load ever carried by a plane was for the RAF's Lancaster bombers which carry about nine tons on short missions and five tons on longer strikes deep into Germany.
The gasoline load of the B-29 is at least 8,000 gallons.

BY U.S. FORCES.......

THIS IS WHY U.S.
IS CERTAIN TO
DEFEAT JAPAN
(ANS) - To understand why America is certain to beat Japan, take a look at Saipan.
   This single island in the Marianas, says Correspondent Sidney Shalett of the New York , symbolizes better than anything else the superiority of American arms and brains. In an article following the first Saipan-based B-29 blow at Tokyo, Shalett compared our achievements of four months with what the Japs did at Saipan in nearly 30 years before we took over.
   "Saipan has been Japan's to colonize, exploit and fortify," he wrote. "in the four months since we bought it with American blood, we have done more that the Japanese did in 30 years; we've converted Saipan into a :little England" of the Pacific . . . Where, a few months ago, there was only muck, sugar cane and forbidding terrain, today great area have been developed, and are bristling with protection. All this has been accomplished in less time than it used to take to add an extra 100 feet of runway on the municipal airport back home."
   In addition to becoming out mightiest air base in the western Pacific, Saipan is now a giant stockpile from which future operations will be supplied, Shalett said - observing that if we decide to keep it, along with neighboring Guam, it would make the Marianas an invaluable bastion for maintenance of future peace.

ENLARGE MAP

DEEP WATER
PORT NEEDED
FOR INVASION
(ANS) - A landing on the China coast by U.S. forces is among the obvious possibilities in the Pacific war, whether it comes before or after the invasion of the Japanese homeland. One of the first objectives would be to secure a deep-water port to supply the invading armies. Following are descriptions of some of South China's most important ports.

HONGKONG
One of the strangest stories of the war in the Pacific emerged from the Japanese siege of Hongkong, early in 1942. Pint-sized Japanese swimmers who had won Olympic honors at Los Angeles in 1932 were said to have swum across the narrow Hongkong Roads from the Kowloon Peninsula, deliberately setting off water mines laid by the British and clearing the way for Jap landing craft to come in.
Hongkong is one of the world's most beautiful cities, one of its greatest ports, and, with a war-swollen population of 1,750,000, one of the largest cities in the Orient. Its hotels, country clubs, and nightclubs are as modern and luxurious as those anywhere else in the world. Its Eurasian women are famed for their beauty. THe city is one of the hubs of British world trade and has long been known as the Pearl in the British crown.
Hongkong island, obtained as a Crown colony in 1843, lies off the southeast coast of Kwangtung province, near the mouth of the Canton river 90 miles from the island city of Canton. Together with about 400 square miles of adjoining territory leased in 1893, it gave Great Britain her most important outpost in China and her main deep water naval base beyond Singapore. The island is 11 miles long and from two to five miles wide. Its broken, hilly terrain and precipitous shores favor defensive action; only the destruction of Hongkong's water supply system forces its surrender after an 18-day siege to overwhelming enemy forces in 1942.
Victoria City occupies five miles of Hongkong's northside waterefront, with Queen's Road running the entire distance. The city rises sharply from the docks section to the Peak, a favored residential district connected by pulley tramway with the lower levels. Ocean-going vessels can tie up or lie at anchor in Hongkong Roads. British Naval facilities were at the east end of town, nearest the open sea. Hongkong is a shipping point for sugar, flour, rice, cotton and woolen goods, silk, hemp, leather, tin, fishery products and tea. In addition to major steamship lines, Hongkong was a port of call for five airlines, including Pan American.
Weather is not too severe at Hongkong, the summer temperature remaining fairly constant at 81-83 degrees, without change day or night. The southwest monsoon brings an average of 19 inches of rain a month between May and October. The rest of the year is dry. As elsewhere along the China coast, typhoons may do excessive damage; it was at Hongkong and Kowloon that a storm took 10,000 lives in 1906.
The Japanese have maintained a prison camp at Hongkong for the defeated garrison, chiefly 30,000 Canadian troops, and an undetermined number of white civilians caught when war broke.

SWATOW
Near the northern border of Kwangtung province 170 miles above Hongkong sits the well-shielded port of Swatow. This fan-shaped city was built on silt deposits from the Hankiang river, which flows in along the north side of town and forms a mile-wide bay at its mouth. The Kakchick promontory opposite Swatow extends a protective arm around seaward approaches to the port, while the islands of Namoa-tau and Masu (Double Island) offer added offshore protection.
Swatow's relations with the white man have not been altogether happy; only in the present century have the inhabitants admitted foreigners without resentment. For it was on Namoa-tau that opium delaers based some of their most flagrant operations, and slave traders anchored at Masu left a record of kidnapping and bartering in human life still vivid in the minds of many old people of Swatow.
Except for shipping, Swatow's main industry is fishing. The region is highly agricultural, however, and farms beginning at the city's edge produce an abundance of rice and other grains, sugar, oranges, bananas, watermelons and barnyard animals. Junks carry on a brisk trade as far as 250 miles uo the Hankiang river. Railroad connections on the far side of the river connect Swatow with Chaochow, island city of 400,000.

WALKIE AD - Working on the theory that advertising will sell anything, Capt. T. H. Boynton of Command Special Services had his bearer parade up and down the area last payday. More than 50 new members were taken into the A. A. F. Aid Society.

Swatow itself is inhabited by about 175,000 persons, who show their dependence upon trhe sea by cramming their houses as close as possible to the docks section. The landward side of the city, away from the docks, narrows into a natural bottleneck, and only one first class street runs in and out. The rest of Swatow's thoroughfares sre unfit even for rickshaw travels.
Lying slightly below the Tropic of Camcer, Swatow endures a sub-tropical climate with temperature ranging from 50 to 95. Autumn is the best season, although typhoons may strike any time in August, September and October. The rainy season is from March to May. Lack of proper sanitation causes a high death rate from Cholera and bubonic plague, especially in summer.
Swatow is not a deep water port, and freight must be brought in by lighters from ocean-going vessels,

AMOY
Jap occupation offers little that Amoy hasn't seen before. Its deep anchorages and the protection afforded by rocky islands nearby made Amoy a leading haven for pirates during three centuries of the Ming dynasty, eding in1662.
Nestled behind two natural breaakwaters, Amoy harbor lies at the head of an extensive bay formed by the Kiulung river where it enters the Pacific on the southwest coast of Fuhkien Province, some 125 miles above Swatow. Its outer screen is a north-to-south chain of islands crossing the mouth of the bay -- all undoubtedly fortified heavily by the Japanese--while the port itself is so situated that it can be approached only by goingvhalfway around Amoy island, a body 35 miles in circumference and mounted with coastal batteries on the seward side. The port occupies both sides of a half-mile-waide channel separating Amoy from the tiny island of Kolongau, an international concession since 1903.(Kolongau means "Drum Wave;" incoming tides sometimes set up a booming noise when dashed against Kolongau's rocks.) As if this were not protection enough, the entire bay is hemmed in by steep mountains. A mainland promtory stretching to within three miles of Amoy offers the only island rail link.
The city's population is 234,000, but there is room on Amoy island for numerous small farms. Only cash crops of the region are produced on the mainland, however, tea, tobacco, sugar and fruits. Other basic industries are fishing, salt, paper, bricks and metal goods manufacture. Amoy is a shipping point for Chengehow, 30 miles inland ()not to be confused with Chuanchow, 68 miles north).
Amoy, enjoying a generally warm climate, is visited by occasional snowfalls. Inhabitants expect rain from March to May, heat from May to October and dry, sometimes crisp weather the rest of the year.
An American fleet visited Amoy in 1908, availing itself of deep water there to anchor the ships that sailed around the world in 1908.

FOOCHOW
Best protected of all Chinese ports, and the last to fall before Japanese assault (announced October 13, 1944), Foochow lies 34 miles uo the Minkiang river, which empties into the Pacific midway between Hongkong and Shanghai. It is the capital of Fuhkien province, with a peacetime population of 322,000.
Ocean-going steamers can move up the min only as far as Pagoda Anchorage, nine miles below Foochow. Goods must be transferred there to lighters and carried the rest of the way to the docks area, which occupies both sides of the river. Big junks ply the Min as far as Chwikan, 25 miles upstream. Downriver towns are Manwi, Kwangtau aand Changto.
The ancient city of Foochow begins three miles north of the river, with a high wall marking its boundaries to a circumfrence of five miles. Inside the city are two fortified hills, and between the city and the sea rise numerous mountain peaks, some a half-mile high. Only water routes connect Foochow with the outside world; railroads and highways are lacking.
Tea, timber and paper products make up most of this area's exports, with fishing and oyster digging adequate only to local needs. Crowded living conditions contribute to a high prevalence of cholera and bubonic plague during the four hot summer months. The best season is from November to mid-January; from then until April, it rains.

The Staff
Adviser.,,...........Lt. Donald B. Bischoff
Editor-in-chief...........T/5 Frank W. Lane
Art Editor.....................T/4 Al Fogel
War Writer...............Cpl. Lee Rasmussen
Sports Editor..............Lt. Dick Erdlitz
Reproduction................T/5 Earl Virden
Cartoonists..................Sgt. Dick Gunn
.............................T/4 Paul Tieji
............................Cpl. Lee Wexler
...............................T/5 Ben Shaw
...........................T/3 Brown Hudson

SUPER-FORT is published by the Information-Education branch of Personnel Section and Special Service Section of the XX Bomber Command. (All articles and photos are solicited and should be sent to SUPER-FORT, XX Bomber Command, APO 493, IB Theatre.)

"Not just the best trained soldier in the world, not just the best equipped soldier in the world, but the BEST INFORMED soldier in the world."

‘PEACE ON EARTH’
It's Christmas morning in the U.S.A. The tree is decorated and stands in its usual place in the living room. The presets are piled high in their gay colored wrappings of tissue and celophane. The entire room appears alive with color and glitter.
Shortly the children will be downstairs in their pajamas and nighties, oh-ing and ah-ing or letting out whoops of delight.
But what's all this got to do with B-29s, India, and the XX Bomber Commnad? Why couldn't we be there putting the last finishing touch to the decoration of the tree? Why couldn't we enjoy the wide eyed amazement of the kids as they rush for their presents and the sticks of peppermint candy? Why? Why. because we want that scene and millions like it to continue. We want our children and our children's children to know and enjoy that way of life exemplified by an American Christmas.
All of us, whether he pounds a typewriter, pilots a B-29, drives a truck, or no matter what, are working and fighting for that way of life.
The way of life which brings, "Peace on earth, goodwill to men."

OH, MY ACHING BACK
Oh, my aching back, Dick Tracy rides again! Hell yes, this is securtiy poop, so turn over to the pin-up gal, brother, if you think Tojos dispense jelly beans because I "ain't" Mati Hari. You though, Joe, you over there in the khaki beating your gums over a botle of brew - you better wait a minute, I need your help and so do you.
Sure I know, you think security is the bunk, something that automatically takes care of itself, like a blonde with a good ledft hook - a bitter pill to be swallowed with such quaint expressions as "Oh My Aching Back" and other unmentionable phrases. In fact, if it were not for AR-380-5 and its aftermath, you wouldn't even bother to whisper, would you? That's what I thought you said, but I won't go there, it's too hot. Dome a favor though, Joe, and read another paragraph or two before x-raying the pin-up gal. Most folks cooperate when they know the facts, and I think you will too.

DEFINITE EVIDENCE
There is a definite evidence indicating that the Japs are using a considerable number of informers in India for the purpose of collexting all the information possinle about the XX Bomber Command and the B-29 aircraft, performance, mechanical failures, numbers, names and organizations of crew members, any small bit of information that fits into the complete picture. I understand that the little honorable ones are also rather curious about our missions, particularly the targets. You know, it must be right discouraging to be in the middle of one of those targets with not even a chance to commit honorable hari-kiri.
Now Joe, you have plenty of these little bits of information, in fact, you have some pretty big hunks. You wouldn't sell that information. Why be careless and give it to those who do? Some characters don't give a damn about the war - they're not 10,000 miles from home - they're stacking up rupees for the postwar era in this neck of the woods, and they don't mind delaying our departure. Let's all coopeate and practice good security, then these rupee stackers can't make a very big pile. Besides, good security on our part makes their job harder and causes some of them to stick their neck out a little too far - right under the ol' axe.

JUST COMMON SENSE
Being careful about military information is just common sense, and it doesn't cost anything. But we all have to watch the little things. It's all right to go out with gals if you're old enough to protect yourself, but don't compare a gal's finer points with the turrets on a B-29. Legally, I guess it's all right to show her a censored photo of the B-29 with ypu standing in front, but it's not necessary to explain dramatically how the good ol' ship brought you safely home from the last mission through a swarm of Tojos over Yoyoburg flying upside down with two engines out and all the propellers turning in the wromng direction. Axccept a drink from a stranger, but remember that it's damn seldom that one gets anything for nothing in this part of the globe. Sleep at a hotel if you need rest, but it's not necessary to give them a personal history statement at the desk. Have your fortune told by the evil eyes, but remember who's who. And when deing swindled by a peddler, it's not nice manners to offer a letter with your name, rank, and organization in appreciation.
I'm not pulling your leg, Joe, these things actuall;y happen. That's why something has to be done! So let's forget this aching back stuff, and watch your step. I may eventually end up in that place you told me to go in the first paragraph, Joe, but I figure I can delay my departure for a number of years by practicing good security.

CENSORSHIP IS STRICT
ON PHOTOGRAPHS
Photos appearing in SUPER-FORT have undergone special censorship and may ne mailed. BUT, similar photos have little chance of being passed for any individual according to Theater regulations, and SHOULD NOT be ontained for sending home.
SUPER-FORT's Pictorial Page is strictly checked by the Base Censor, Public Relations, Security Officer and Intelligence before it is passed for publication. Any classified material is painted out and sometimes entire photos are deleted.
If an individual should attempt to send similar material home, his letter probably would be delayed for several weeks, then returned. To quote the base censor: "It just isn't worthwhile."
Working on the theory that all soldiers want representative photos to mail home, SUPER-FORT - through official channels - will attempt to feature each unit within the XX Bomber Command. Security will be strictly adhered to and the chance of classified military information "leaking out" will be nil.

READS SUPER-FORT - Brig. Gen. John E. Upston finds time from his duties as chief of staff, to read Super-Fort, new publication for the XX Bomber Command.

EVEN COOLIES ARE USED
FOR X-MAS RUSH

If you are missing any Christmas packages, don't blame the Army Postal authorities. They employed every conceivable method to get mail here on time. And nearly all of the packages have been delivered.
From the moment your package was mailed in the hometown post office, it has been given special care - though experiencing many new and different modes of transportstion. It probablyy traveled by truck and train to the APO, then by boat or air to India. Once in this country, it might have comen directly by ordinary routes, or, again, it might have been hauled in by jeeps, rickshaws or by coolies.
Whatever the method, Command postal authorities said the Christmas paxkage arrived ten to fifteen days sooner than ordinary mail. Fine service was attributed to the folks back home, who took time to properly address all mail. Only a few packages were lacking the name of the receiver's organization which, naturally, caused a slight delay.
All Christmas packages, of which "there were literally thousands," arrived in fine condition. Damage was less than the normal rate, stated Postal officers, who worked exceedingly long hours to get all the mail assorted and delivered.

By Super-Fort Writer

HEADQUARTERS, XX BOMBER COMMAND - You'll recognize him immediately. For he's as "army" as 27 years in the United States service can make a soldier - and equally as human.
Brig. Gen. John E. Upston, chief of staff, has an army record that reads like an encyclopedia, dating back to July of 1917 when he was enlisted as a student in the Aviation section of the Signal Corps. He was commissioned in February of 1918.
As a rising officer, he served in various capacities at numerous fields in the United States, spent three years at Panama, C.Z., as operations' officer for the 25th Bombardment Squadron. Later he was Junior Aide at the White House.
In 1939 he was flight commander on the 20,000 mile Latin-American flight taken by member of the Senate and House of Representatives. His colonelcy came at the oiutgreak of war, and his present rank in 1942.
Gen. Upston joined the XX Bomber Command in February of 1944, at present holds aeronautical ratings as Command pilot and Cobat observer.
When he isn't confronted with tactical problems he makes informal visits about the command, speaking with GIs and officers alike. He makes friends easily, especially with those who are fathers.
Gen. Upston has a 9-year-old son, John Jr., who resides with his mother atv Washington, D.C. Little John is the "chief interest" in his father's life, also the General's main morale booster. Gen. Upston plays horseshoes. He's a fast walker and quite frequently forsakes his staff car for a stroll about the area.

X-MAS MAIL - Tons of Christmas mail, delivered here by every conceivable means, literally buries the postal staff at Headquarters of the XX Bomber Command.

RUMOR MONGERS - T/Sgt. Walter McInnes passes on a rumor to T/4 Charles Urban and, as a result, a new Camera Club was formed.

OVER 1½ MILLION
COMBAT SORTIES

New York (ANS) - Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, more than 1,500,000 combat sorties have been flown by American planes, the U.S. Army Air Forces have just announced, and the daily rate of attack on enemy targets is climbing at a tremendous rate.
Before 1943, the AAF reveals that their sorties against the enemy averaged no more than seven a day. But in 1944 this figure has already jumped to an average of 3,432 sorties a day.
Twice as many aerial excursions have been staged in 10½ months of this year as were flown in all the rest of the entire war.

REVERSE
LEND-LEASE

Reverse lend-lease facilities, supplies and services furnished to the U.S. forces in the Pacific, China and the Burma-India theaters for the war against Japan are now rapidly approaching the billion-dollar mark. The cost of the reverse lend-lease aid rendered by Australia and New Zealand and in India has been reported as totalling 911,000,000 dollars up to June 30, 1944.

“THE SHAPE”
Since photographer Mike Levelle got his first picture of Frances (The Shape) Vorne into a national magazine, he has been deluged with requests from fliers in the Pacific area for pictures of the lovely lass. At right is a new picture of "The Shape" which the fliers plan to drop to Jap soldiers with the following inscription: "Eat your hearts out, you monkeys - here's what we're fighting for." In this photo, "The Shape" wears a swim suit made from a captured Nazi parachute.

ENLARGE PHOTO

CAMERA CLUB IS RESULT OF ‘GOOD RUMOR’

By Super-Fort Writer

HEADQUARTERS, XX BOMBER COMMAND - Rumors fly fast and furious about army camps, but it's seldom thatone ever materializes into something worthwhile. Here's one that did.
About two months ago, T/Sgt. Walter D. McInnes of New York City - exasperated because he didn't have a place to develop and print his photo films - confidentially told T/4 Charles R. Urban of Los Angeles that a camera club was about to be formed. Urban went to work immediately, drafted plans for a darkroom and went "snooping" for available material.
McInnes then informed him it was a farce.
But Urban was imbued with the idea, confidentially informed McInnes that a camera club would be organized and a darkroom built. That was the beginning. Membership was open and work began.
A small room was obtained. Members salvaged scrap lumber, junked parts of airplanes, then drafted several "would-be" carpenters. Under the direction of Urban, John K. Anderson of Chicago, Albert Zajac and Troy Osborne, both of Los Angeles, began construction. Others helped occasionally.
Midnight oil was burned by the gallons as engine crates wer tranformed into work tables, fuel tanks into water reservoirs, old scraps of metal into developing tanks and river sand, mixed with cement, into a concrete sink. Safety lights were installed, and a contact printer constructed. A little borrowed paint was dabbed onto the walls and the room was ready for use.
The clun now boasts of 25 members, all associated with an Engineer Topographic company.

To photograph everything, everywhere.
That briefly is the mission of an AAF Combat Camera Unit attached to the XX Bomber Command. In accomplishing that task, no holds are barred and the cameramen shy from no dangers.
There is no glamour to combat photography. Accompanying Superfortress crews on 3,000-mile missions gets monotonous, and the operation of motion and stll cameras while bombs are falling and enemy fighter planes are dodging about and around isn't the safest thing in the world.
As yet, however, no members of Capt. James R. Palmer's command have been lost in action. It isn't because they haven't been doing their job. Since its arrival in this theater, his unit has amassed an undisclosable amount of combat hours and more than 100 combat missions. Six men have been credited with more than 100 combat and operational hours. And three of them already have been recommended for the award of the Air Medal, and one for the Purple Heart.

HE STILL CAN'T GET HIS MiND OFF THE 29s . . .

Nearly all professionals in civilian life, the cameramen are experts in their particular lines. They have to be to get the required coverage. While on a raid, they take motion pictures of bombardment formations, of enemy fighter attacks on these formations, and of the effectiveness of enemy anti-aircraft fire, which is essential to the study and anlysis of enemy offensive and defensive tactics.
Then there is the need for a filmed record ofr enemy port and dock facilities, as well as of surrounding and adjacent features of terrain. This is particularly true of film covering the normal air approach to the target, such as mountain ranges, islands and so forth. Needless to say, a filmed record of air attacks on these objectives, and of the results of such attacks, also is essential.
Industrial areas, communication centers, air dromes, marshalling yards and other enemy warring facilities must be photographed for intelligence study.
Besides combat photography, the camermen do a million odd jobs, such as historical and publicity coverage for general release to the public.
Their job is tough and they despise the word, "Glamorous." It just doesn't fit.
(See the Pictorial Page section below for photo-story of unit.)

The GI Bill of Rights offers veterans of this war some wonderful educational opportunities, If your education was interrupted at the time of induction you may continue it after the war with expenses paid by the government. The government offers up to $500 for tuition fees and $50 a month for board and room or $75 a month with dependents.
But, wait a minute, when the war is over how old will you be? It's anybody's guess, but most of us have already been separated from civilian life by a couple of years. It won't be quite so easy to adjust ourselves to this excellent opportunity of finishing our education at government expense. Wht not start now! That adjustment period will then be easier and you will be just so much nearer your goal of obtaining a college degree.
Whether you plan to go to college or not, the College Extension Courses offered through the U.S. Armed Forces Institute offer you most any course you might desire. See your InformationEducation Officer or Special Service Officer for details.
Here are a few suggestions (Prices for Enlisted Men are one-half the quoted):
University of Georgia - Elementary Psychology, 21 lessons, $15.25; University of Denver - Business Finance, 16 lessons, $20.10; Newswriting, 16 lessons, $11.15; Principles of Advertising, 16 lessons, $20.15; Commercial Law, 16 lessons, $21.65; University of Minnesota - Radio Writing, $12.80 and American Parties and Politics, $18.00.

CLASSES POPULAR
APO 220 - It's "back to school" for more than 400 students, both Officers and Enlisted Men, here, where popular courses in a new Group Education Program have been started recently.
Ther are classes in fourteen subjects at present, including Phsychology & Life, Algebra, Advertising Fundamentals and Blue-print Reading. Additional courses are being planned.
The School Building consists of two classrooms, with new desks, chairs and blackboards. A school-annex has just been acquired to accomodate the large numbers of students in classes which are open every night in the week for two-hour classes.

ENLARGE PHOTO

By Super-Fort Writer
Luscious Jean Parker (just glance at SUPER-FORT's Pinup at right) is finally being recognized by publicity cameramen as one of Hollywood's choicest models. During the last few months, literally hundreds of photos have been snapped of the curvesome actress and are now flooding news and magazine publications.
Robin, as she is called by her friends, has been in movies so long her age is somewhat befuddling. She is in her early twenties - and single. Jean was recently divorced, claims there's no great romance in her life now.
According to Hollywood standards, Jean is the perfect size. Sher is five feet, three inches in height, weighs 106 pouinds, has red hair and hazel eyes. Oh yes, her busts...they're a strain on any tape measure.
In ten years, she has played in more than 40 pictures. Her first prominent part was that of the native girl in "Sequoia." In the last year, Jean has been quite busy at Paramount, starring in such pictuires as "High Exoplosive," "The Navy Way," aand "Minesweeper." Her latest is "Detective Kitty O'Day."

* * * * * The (pretty) lucky girl appearing at the top of this column is Martha Vickers who just has been handed a role opposite feminine heart-throb, Humphrey Boagart, in "The Big Sleep." She has a real romance, too. The very day she was signed to a long term movie contract, Seaman Cal Kerry, her sweetie back from 18 months with the Navy, proposed another long-term contract to her. She accepted both.

APO 220 --- Interest grows daily in the new Education-Information Activities Center opened here recenty.

Photos: S/Sgt. Burris conducts an off-duty class in radio; Orien-
tation Center; Sgt. Kailo broadcasts the news.

No Cigars to Civilians,
GIs Get Them All

New York (CNS) - Civilians will not be able to purchase boxes of Christmas cigars this year. The Cigar Institute of America reveals 91,000,000 cigars a month are now earmarked for the armed forces. Of these, 51,000,000 go overseas and 32,000,000 to Army post excahnges, ships' stores and other domestic military installations.

HERE’S HOW BILL OF RIGHTS WORKS

Des Moines (ANS) - Four discharged Iowa war veterans who went into business for themsekves - a farmer, a second-hand firniture dealer in a small town, a contractor and a trucker - have been paid a total of $368 for October because their businesses as yet have failed to suppoert them. The payments, three of $100 and one of $68, were made by the Employment Security commission, sdministering the Servicemen's Readjustment Act under which self-employed vetererans who fail to make $100 a month are paid the difference by the government. Three other such claims are under consideration. The government also pays a maximumof $20 a week to veterans awaiting jobs, and during October, 161 such men drew $9,123 in unemploiyment benefits.

Superforts carry the world's largest bomb load.

Over the target.

Capt. James R.Palmer
... Unit's commanding officer.

Bomb loading is a back-braking job.

Target bound.

Returning from a raid.

All technical and tactical information, including the maintenance of the B-29, must be recorded.

Putting the sting in a Superfort stinger.

Latest method of B-29 engine maintenance - as practiced in the field.

There's no glamour in combat photography. It's a neccessary war job that's tough - and damn dangerous at times. Bombing raids are mere routine for most of the members of this XX Bomber Command unit. But riding with the Superfortresses isn't their only task. They do every kind of photography imaginable as the various pictures on this page indicate.

Latest method of B-29 engine maintenance - as practiced in the field.

Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay - caught during one of his rare speeches.

An unimaginable amount of flying hours have been chalked up by this first group of Shutterbugs lucky enough to reach this command. They went to a lot of interesting places - and right back.
"No Matter when or where it happens . . . One of us will be there first."

INTRA-BASE FOOTBALL - HEADQUARTERS, XX BOMBER COMMAND - Competition in touch football is keen as several teams battle for top honors. In this game between the Engineers' Officers and Enlisted Men's teams, Cpl. Lee Wexler is about to pass. The Officers won by three touchdowns.

XX BC WELL REPRESENTED AT TRACK MEET

Interest increases daily at the India bases of the XX Bomber Commnad as entrants strenuously train for the All American Track and Field Meet Jan. 13-14 at Calcutta.
"This Command will be well represented at the meet," said Capt. T. H. Boynton, Special Service officer, adding thet "entry blanks are beginning to pour in from all bases."
Fourteen events are listed on the program, including three rreelays. They include the 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, quarter mile, half mile, one mile and two mile runs, the 120-yard hurdles, half-mile, one-mile and medley relays, broad and high jump, pole vault and shot put.
Trophies will be awarded for both individual and team events.
The meet, arranged through officials of the Bengal Olympic Association, will be held on the Calcutta Footbal Club Ground. Arrangements have been completed for the housing of visiting contestants.
Entry forma for the meet may be obtained from all Special Service officers. Deadline for entries is January 1, 1945.

ARMY FOOTBALL
In another week - after the bowl games are played - football will be "dead" and sports fans will focus their attention on basketball, hockey and winter racing. But one thing will remain in the minds of grid fans for a long time to come. That is the great Army "11" of 1944. The Cadets rolled over some of the outstanding tams in the nation, amassing a total of 505 points to their opponents' 35.

	A R M Y
46	No. Carolina	0
59	Brown	7
69	Pittsburgh	7
76	Coast Guard Acad.	0
27	Duke	7
83	Villanova	0
59	Notre Dame	0
62	Pennsylvania	7
23	Navy	7
---		--
504		35

BOXING
APO 220 - A Boxing Tournament is in the formative stage here. Winning boxers will travel to APO 465, where they will engage in monthly Theater-wide Boxing Tournamments.

PING PONG MEET
A Ping-Pong Tournament, sponsored by the Red Cross and under the guidance of Cpl. "Pete" Cunningham of Special Services, is readting APO 220 for future Inter-Base tournaments.

SCRIBES WANTED
Scribes are needed ateach base if SUPER-FORT is to carry complete coverage of all XX Bomber Command Sports activities. If you are interested, notify the Sports Editor, SUPER-FORT, APO 493, I-B Theatre.

SKETCH PAD

By T/5 Ben Shaw

APO 493 - Working side by side in the Repair Squadron of XX Bomber Command depot are three sets of identical twins. Sgts. Potter W. and James Bass Jr., from Greenfield, Indiana, (top), Sgts. Lawrence C. and Leonard J. Werner, from Spearsville, Kansas, (left), and Cpls. Melvin G. and Mervin B. Slough, from Houston, Texas, (right), all mechanics, prove that a line chief's lot is not always a happy one.

Tokyo No Tinderbox,
Army Learns in Raids

Washington (CNS) - The OWI today quoted the Army as reporting, following the B-29 strikes at the capital of Japan that "the rather general impression that Topkyo is a tinderbox city, which could be destroyed by incendiary bombs, is one of the most inaccurate od popular falicies.
"Metropolitan Tokyo, which includes the cities of Kawasaki, Yokohama and the naval base community of Yokosuka, has been prepared for years for earthquakes and fires. The significance of this is that buildings designed to withstand earthquake shocks are also well adapted to withstand bomb shocks."

NO, NOT THAT

Hollywood, Calif. - Reports from Luxembourg said that an Army unit fighting there declared that GI's are fed up with film cuties' "pin-up" pictures, but Barbara Bates (Left) and Kathleen O'Malley want proof of the statement. Attired in their costumes for Universal's "Salome, Where She Danced," the two Lovelies pose for this cryptic message to GI's. Well, boys, is you or ain't you?

NEW CHAPEL - Chaplain Paden chats with a few of the coolies who paeticipated in the construction of the new Air Depot Chapel.

A XX BOMBER COMMAND BASE, INDIA - American versatility and ingenuity has been applied to all phases of GI life overseas. Here, tghe men of a XX Bomber Command Air Depot have ransformed an ordinary prefabricated building into an attractive chapel, the steeple of which noasts the only GI church bell known to be used in this theater.
Capt. William T. Paen, the Depot's Chaplain, is by no means a novice at improvisation. As Chaplain of tghe first B-29 Air Depot to be established in India, Chaplain Paden, due to the lack of better facilities, held services in a simple tent and after a time, in a thatch-roofed barracks. When he was finally given a prefab and consequently the problem of convertinf it into a chapel, Chaplain Paden went to work alongside men of the Depot who volunteered their services during off-duty hours. After a period of speculation, plans were consolidated and within two months the renovated pre-fab resembled the finest chapels at bases back in the U.S.
The new chapel affords a better seating arrangement, improved lighting and a more religious atmosphere than would have been possible with the pre-fab originally. All these innovations give the men a welcome touch of home in their hours of worship.

NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE XX BOMBER COMMAND

"Not just the best trained soldier in the world, not just the best equipped
soldier in the world, but the BEST INFORMED soldier in the world."