Tiger Rag - August 11, 1945 - Bengal Air Depot

Vol. II No. 35 BENGAL AIR DEPOT AUGUST 11, 1945

Pfc. Michael "Commodore" Messana and Pvt. George P. Futterer braving the Hooghly with their newly launched SS Marthat, made entirely of salvaged parts.

INGENUITY, SALVAGE, WORK
RESULT IN SIXTEEN FOOT BOAT

Give two GIs some time on their hands, salvage material and their own creative ability and you have the trim craft, "SS Martha," launched on the Hooghly last Thursday.
The two men are Pvt. George P. Futterer and Pfc. "Commodore" Mike Messana, both of the 923rd Signal Co. The new addition to the U.S. Army task force is 16 feet long, 3½ feet wide and is made of an auxilary gas tank. It has oxygen tanks fastened to each side for stabilizers and an 18 inch keel complete with rudder, which is weighted down with metal. A bamboo pole with a mattress cover reworked into a sail, together with oars, furnish the motivation.
Futterer, who has been passing the salvage material for some time, thought up the idea. "When you work all day and go home nights with nothing to do but an occasional movie, your mind gets alert to possibilities. I saw the tank and thought it would make a good boat. So I got permission to use the salvage. I happened to speak to Mike Messana - he's a carpenter - about it. He had so many good ideas that we decided to join forces. The "Martha" only took us a week to build."
Messana joined Fetterer in the maiden voyage: "We found it needed a few improvements like more weight on the keel. Now the boat works like a charm. However, the tide is too strong upstream for the sail. We finally had to paddle back."
Futterer continued: "We're going to build a good sail as soon as the material is available. And we've got our hearts set on getting a motor. It's going to be great for sightseeing, fishing, as well as weekend trips."
Questioned on the origin of the name "Martha," Futterer just sighed: "That's 15,000 miles away. I wish I had the original here instead of the namesake."

Lottery To Select
Two Camera Buyers
For the first time in the history of the Depot, two cameras - ultra-modern in every respect - are available for sale at the PX for personnel either attached or assigned here.
The two cameras have aroused such enormous interest and hankering that a lottery will be held to decide who will be entitled to purchase them.
A ballot slip for every hundred men has been assigned to each unit. A drawing will be held at each outfit and the winners will be qualified to place their names on the ballot slips. The final lottery will be held at the Post Theater, Thursday evening, 16th July, just before show time, to select the lucky purchasers. One of the ARC girls will do the drawing.
The cameras are 35mm Perfex Model 55 Candid Minicams of American make. They have F2.8 Astigmat lenses with diaphragm closing up to F22. The speeds range from 1/25 to 1/250th of a second with secondary adjustment for time, bulb, half-second, 1/12th and 1/6th of a second. Each has split-field synchronized range finders for assuring sharp negatives, as well as a separate view finder. A built-in exposure meter automatically suggests speed and diaphragm opening.
A complete instruction book as well as everready leather case goes with each camera, which is priced at 157 rupees. According to Cpl. Arthur Talbot, custodian of the PX's Curio Counter where the cameras are on display, the cameras across the river will be sold without the camera case, the reason for the disparity in prices. Both Talbot and his junior wallah, Pfc. Gaylord Steinmetz, have their hands filled these days explaining the intricacies of the Perfexes.

Been in India
Too Long Dept
"You stepped on the line!"
"I did not. I was playing very close attention and ---."
"Yes you did. When you bent over your shoe touched the line."
"I say I didn't!"
"And I say you did... We'll leave it to this man here. Didn't he step on the line?"
"Well, fellows, I'm not playing. But his foot did hit the line all right."
Expecting a fight, visualizing fists thudding through the air and teeth dropping like raindrops, passers-by followed their shoes around the corner of the building towards the sounds.
And there, out on a little patio adjoining a second floor building, stood a knot of men in sober and heated discussion. Bare to the waist, sweat streaming down leaving wet stains on their shorts, were members of the 9th Eng. Overhaul Squadron.
They were absorbed - and may our ancestors remain in their graves - in playing Hopscotch!

BENGAL AIR DEPOT SECOND
IN THEATER VOLLEYBALL

The 47th Division Supply volleyball team, representing the Depot in the finals, lost their opportunity of garnering the IB Championship last Saturday night by losing two straight games to the Pick-Ups of Camp Hialeah 15-8 15-13. The match was held before an enthusiastic crowd of about 2000 at Monsoon Square Garden in Calcutta. Conservative estimates reveal that backers of the respective teams, both military and civilian, wagered over 5000 rupees.
The first game was Hialeah's all the way. The BAD team couldn't get started and before they knew it the Pick-Ups had too big a lead to overcome. The smashes of Becker of Hialeah kept the BAD on the heels continuously. Using either hand and taking advantage of set-ups by his teammates the six foot, 195 lb. Becker drove the ball repeatedly back to the opposite court with such force that it couldn't be handled.
The BAD team found themselves in the second game and started with a 3-0 lead over their opponents. The Pick-Ups again led by Becker came right back on their serve however, and tied the score. A see-saw of service and points went on for several moments and then a couple of errors by BAD put Hialeah ahead 10-7. BAD recovered the serve when Redmon lobbed one in close to the edge of the Pick-Ups' court. Kelly served for the Depot aggregation and as Becker attempted to smash the ball over, Scatena leaped up and smashed the ball right back into his face for a point. Outstanding plays by Shanks, Schoenborn and Kelly followed in rapid succession making the score 11-10 in favor of BAD. It looked as though the Hialeah outfit had fallen apart but again Becker came through and drove the ball three consecutive times into the BAD court with such force that a return was impossible.

The 47th Division Supply volleyball team representing Bengal Air Depot, is beaten by Hialeah 'Pick-Ups' for the IBT championship at Monsoon Square Garden. In the foreground Shanks of the Depot bats one over for a point as V. J. Smith looks on.

Smith recovered the serve for BAD by placing a shot far back in the Hialeah court when the Pick-Ups tried to crowd the net for a kill. The steady Redmon then threw all caution to the winds and batted through two hard balls, tying the score at 13-13. The BAD team lost the serve on a close decision but regained it before Hialeah could score. The crowd was nearly hysterical when the Depot also lost the ball without scoring. Becker then took the situation in hand and in two quick shots closed the most exciting game of the tournament. Hialeah 15, BAD 13.
Cups were presented these first and second place teams following the meet. Hialeah won a large cup and BAD took home one that was only slightly smaller. A six man all star team was chosen from members of the sixteen American, Indian, Chinese and British teams who participated in the meet. Chester Redmon of BAD was named an all star and received a small trophy. Incidentally, Becker of Hialeah was also named to the all stars.

E M CLUB OPENS WITH CUTTING OF 45 LB LAYER CAKE

The opening of the Rajah's Rest at its new quarters last Sunday was made memorable to Depot GIs by the lack of official formality, the array of ARC girls, the improvement in surroundings and facilities, the entertainment arranged, and the festal climax with the Depot CG cutting an enormous 45 lb layer cake to the gratification of all present.

1961st, 28th MARK TWO YEARS OVERSEAS A rugged milestone has been reached by two outfits on the Depot: the 1961st QM Truck Co. and the 28th Hq. Sq. who recently celebrated, to use a dubious word, their second year overseas.
One wonders however whether to offer congratulations or condolences. At any rate, men, when you're crutching down the street in that final victory parade don't be ashamed to flash those four gold overseas bars on your blouse when scratching that prickly heat.
You've earned them.

The doors of what is probably one of the largest post clubs swung open promptly at 2:30 p.m. The Men immediately started drifting in to admire the layout and try the new shining furniture which will assure them evenings of comfort and ease. Followed by the music of the Bengal Tigers and guided by the Rajah's Rest lasses, the men were guided through the canteen's spic and span kitchen, the commodious eating area and the game room, which was promptly put to use.
The crowds paused longest at the I&E display on China which had been set up by Sgt. Jim Alevizos and Cpl. Thomas Hare, both of the SSO. A beeline was then made for the liquid refreshments and the cookies. Flanked by lighted candles, the huge layer cake remained in isolated splendor until Brig. Gen. Frank D. Hackett made the first inroad, with the men following the excellent example with the usual speed which has made Bengal Air Depot's name renowned for services performed.
Introduced at the opening was Laura Peterson, the replacement for Helen Pyle who will soon be headed stateside. Laura, who hails from Salt Lake City and is a graduate of the University of Utah with time spent at the University of California, was celebrating the first anniversary of her stay in the Calcutta area.
Helen Pyle announced that the canteen would open the next day with hours from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m. On Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8 to 10 p.m. hamburgers will be on sale. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the same hours, egg sandwiches will be sold. Sundays from 8 to 10 p.m., cheeseburgers will be the house's specialty. At all other canteen open hours, chocolate ice cream sundaes, cold drinks, coffee and cake varieties will be on hand.
GI hosts for the occasion who did everything possible to keep things moving were S/Sgt. Michael S. Macari of the 83d Hq. Sq., Sgt. Erminie J. Pace of the 47th Sup. Sq., T/Sgt. Fred J. Grimani of the 893d Sig. Co., T/5 Alvin A. Amos of the 2485th QM Trk. Co., T/Sgt. James W. King of the 320th Rep. Sq., and 1st Sgt. Marion F. Roller of the 903d Sig. Co.
The same evening the first entertainment was offered by the new Rajah's Rest. A subdued but better equipped Ranjit Kumar, who had proved not at his best at the 4th of July presentation, gave forth with some unusual magician tricks.

New Provost Marshal 16 Years in Army

Capt. John R. Gordon, former Provost Marshal at Barrackpore, has been appointed Depot Provost Marshal to succeed Capt. John L. Meakin who has been transferred to another station.
Capt. Gordon, an old-time army man, has 16 years of service to his credit, and started his military career at Fort Sam Houston as an enlisted man in the infantry. He held his enlisted status 12 years, 9 months, and 4 days, to quote lucid statistics. And to quote the MP personnel under his supervision:
"Capt. Gordon is one swell guy and a regular enlisted man's officer. He has our full support."
The endorsement, coming from the somewhat reserved MPs should certainly bring hope to many an errant GI who momentarily oversteps the rigid laws of the military.

Less Coca Cola Due to Bottle Hoarding

The PX GIs have a plea this week which if complied with by the Depot's personnel will enable them to give the service sought by the PX.
The request has to do with Coke bottles. Originally the Depot was allotted 300 cases per day. According to Sgt. Louis L. Scott, Coca Cola wallah, 89 cases of bottles are missing. This means that so many less cases are obtainable by the PX daily. If the Depot GIs are to obtain their full ration of the thirst quenchers, the bottle must be turned in.
"I made a tour of the barracks' area," stated Scott, "and saw Coke bottles all over the field. If the men do not want to claim the deposit, then let them have the bearers or sweepers collect the bottles and turn them in for baksheesh. Up to now we have been pretty lenient about letting out more cases even though our records showed previous ones had not been returned. But it looks as if we will have to be strict from now on so as not to have many suffer for a few."

TWO AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS COMMENDED BY COLONEL IN CHINA

Brownfield

Graham

Two men, T/3 Vernon W. Brownfield and T/4 David B. Graham of the 2005th Ordnance, were this week profusely approbated in a letter of appreciation written by an Ordnance officer in China, Col. Paul W. Scheidecker, for diligent effort displayed while on temporary duty there.
The letter was received by the men's temporary CO, 1st Lt. George E. Pease. It extended high credit to Brownfield and Graham for their initiative and adaption to duty in reassembling vehicles which had been air shipped to China and required immediate assembly.
Brownfield hails from a small town cradled in the Ozarks named Sedalia, Mo., while Graham comes from Detroit. The men were stationed in China a little over 20 days for reassembly and to supervise operations for a new Ordnance shop being started. They have both been overseas 23 months.

BUCK ROGERS IN THE 20TH CENTURY ?

This war, just as the last one, has caused an advance in science commensurate with at least three times the number of years in peacetime. Almost all the mechanical, scientific and chemical innovations and revelations during the last five years have been in search for more destructive weapons and explosives.
The war has seen the use of weapons that would have caused doubting millions to sneer at their possibilities a few years back. From three hundred mile an hour to 800 mile an hour aircraft. From bazookas and rocket guns to jet propulsion and now, atomic bombs.
This latest discovery, the splitting of atoms to unleash the most destructive forces yet controlled by man, is perhaps the one with the greatest war and peacetime possibilities.
The energy released in the busting of an atom, and its potentialities, are almost beyond the ken of human comprehension. For several days now we have been listening to and reading descriptions of the results of the atomic bomb. Members of Congress have admitted that it can and probably will shorten Japan's ability to defend herself. And scientists are gloating on the possibilities now open in the harnessing of this atomic power to peace time needs.
The use of this cheap means of energy and power can alter the very economy of the world. For electricity and coal and gas are exorbitantly priced, and are not even a luxury, compared to the inexpensive efficiency of this new means of energy. Lighting, heating, motivating vehicles . . . and rocket ships!
All this will not come now or a few years after the war. There are myriad problems to be overcome before this vast potential can be converted to enriching the lives of people. But, in twenty, or thirty years men may be doing deeds hitherto considered impossible. Remember the fictionary Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, whose interplanetary deeds took place in the 25th century? Ten, fifteen years ago the rocket ships roaming the spaces, anti-gravity suits and paralysis rays were merely figments of imaginative authors' vivid minds. Today we stand on the threshold of those dreams becoming a reality. It is not too much to expect that interplanetary trips will become a common event in this century. Before the next fifty-five years are up who knows how science may alter our every mode of living?
When men can harness the forces of atoms, which are the very basics of the universe, can a Buck Rogers of the Twentieth Century be an impossibility?

Radio Men Get Cold Shoulder

Latest of the rooted installations to become air conditioned is the Radio Station of Radio Operations which has blossomed into a mecca for the radio operators on or off duty.

"We just can't seem to get rid of them lately," joked CWO Joseph Vogt, Radio Operations Officer. "I never did see the men more enthusiastic to stay overtime or take over. Some of the fellows have been wondering if they want to go home - now that we have air conditioning."
Sgt. Ronald Coulter, a radio station operator, claimed it's impossible to make mistakes these days with the cooling system keeping all alert and hands perspiration free to twist the dials on a moment's notice.

A Tale of One City - And Two Men

Sgt. Arthur C. Reddock of the 83d Hq. Sq. picked up the phone.
"This is Capt. Willis Paulk," drawled a rather stern voice at the other end of the line. "I want you to report to me at your earliest possible convenience."
Reddock thought a moment, wondering if he' snafued up something. He stalled for time: "Where shall I report sir>" He couldn't place Capt. Paulk, but the voice had an ominous ring.
"Report to me in town, sergeant. You and I have a situation to discuss."
"In town? "What kind of situation?" Reddock felt sweat pop on his forehead. "Are you sure you have the right man, sir?"
"Completely. Isn't your home Fitzgerald, Ga.? Didn't you go to school there?
Suddenly Reddock felt his spine relax and a light of understanding seeped through. "Paulk! Why you (censored)."
And that is how Sgt. Reddock and Capt. Paulk got together for a reunion. The two men come from a small town of 7,000 population. Capt. Paulk is stationed in the northern part of India. Sgt. Reddock reported in town as requested and the two high school buddies reviewed those wonderful civilian days long ago.
"Believe me," Reddock said, "the way that conversation began had me worried. I thought I was a dead duck and my sins had caught up with me."

WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

The Tiger Rag research department will include in this space every week a list of various types of entertainment and recreation facilities both on the Depot and in and around Calcutta. Suggestions for additions are welcomed.

BENGAL AIR DEPOT
Movies - At Post Theatre at 8:00 pm daily except Monday. Three new shows a week. See DIS for daily schedule.
Libraries - Books are available at Special Service Office and Rajah's Rest.
Tours - Conducted by ARC. Alternate Sundays, visit Calcutta and boat trip on Hooghly. Saturday and Monday, Bata (Czech Village) for dining swimming.
See Rajah's Rest and Beehive Schedules for further information on these and other ARC activities.
USAFI - Armed Force Institute courses are available through the Special Service office.
Swimming - Pool located back of Depot near river. Daily except Sat., Sun. and Tues, all day.

CALCUTTA CURRENT
Tennis - Sunday (12 August) round-robin doubles night exhibition between American team of Hal Wagner and Bob Rau vs Indian team of Sumat Misra and Dilip Bose, Commencing 7:30 pm at Monsoon Square Garden.
Lecture - Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal at 1 Park St. every Thursday at 6:30 pm. This Thursday: "Tribal Customs of Baluchistan."
Boxing - Wednesday, August 22nd at Monsoon Square Garden, commencing at 7:30 pm.
Concert - August 19th at New Empire Theater, tickets at Rs. 4/8 and 6/8.
Stage Show - "Three Men On A Horse" at ENSA Garrison Theater, once nightly for as. 4, as. 8 and Rs. 1. Tickets at Burra, Cosmos, and 60 Clubs. New Empire and Garrison Theaters.

REGULAR
Movies - At Cosmos Club every Wednesday evening, Burra Club every Thursday evening, Club 60 every Sunday night.
Swimming - Victoria Memorial Pool, opposite memorial daily except Mon., Tues., and Thurs. For U.S. military personnel only.
Swimming - At Batanagar on ARC tour from Burra Club, every Mon. at 9:00 am.
Tours - Conducted by Burra Club. Kali Temple, Tues., Thurs., Sat. at 9:00 am. Mon., Wed., Fri. at 6:00 pm.
Jain Temple, Mon., Wed., Fri. at 6:00 am. Tues., Thurs., Sat. at 5:00 pm.
Calcutta Mint every Friday at 2:15 pm.

Two Ordnance Mess Halls Cleanest on Depot

Under a new rating system inaugurated by a three-man medical staff consisting of Capt. Burleigh Kammerer, medical officer, and his assistants, S/Sgt. Frank Job and Pfc. Phillip Graeser, all mess halls on the Depot are inspected weekly and graded on a point basis derived from the following evaluations:
1. Surrounding area and premises - garbage disposal, etc.
2. Dishwashing; sanitation, water heating, and airing
3. Mess building interior and exterior - condition of screens, fly breeding prevention, general cleanliness.
4. Kitchen utensils and cooking equipment.
5. Civil and military food handlers. (Subdivided as follows)
a. Examinations - weekly physical, periodic immunization against cholera, typhoid, etc., and periodic stool test.
b. Personal cleanliness and facilities present for washing themselves and clothing.
c. Knowledge of personnel in handling and preparing food according to Depot Regulations where correct methods are clearly outlined.
6. Cold and dry storage facilities.

At the last inspection, based on the above points on a percentage basis, the standing of the various mess halls are as follows:
1953d Ord...........95%
2005th Ord..........95%
28th Hq...............94%
893d Sig..............94%
48th Sup..............94%
47th Sup..............94%
83rd Hq...............92%
325th Sup............88%
9th Eng...............88%
2466th QM Trk...87%
48th Rep..............85%

MEDITATION A LA MONSOON

Comes a dripping at the Window.
Comes a deluge through the Door
Gray clouds, bruised clouds, black clouds, scudding.
This is the Monsson's repertoire.
        Grows the fungus on the clothing.
        Watch your bunk float from the floor.
        Scorpions, lizards, spiders and mosquitoes.
        The Monsoon introduces these and more.
Sears the sun up in the welkin.
Cloudily the stream jets from the ground.
Your hair, your teeth, your morale, is missing.
Because the Monsoon is playing clown.
        Splays the mud on all and sundry.
        Feel the crickets tread thru' your hair.
        The toads, the bats, the snakes, are wondering.
        Is the Devil's domain much worse down there?

Bengal Air Depot - A Year Ago

T/Sgt. Bill Haas added a paragraph to the IDR when, a few moments after Col. Hackett had inspected the ranks at the first formal inspection held on the Depot, he ordered his platoon to "about face, march!"
The 82d Sup. Sq. was recovering from its squadron party and Mrs. Jacqueline McCormack, wife of Cpl. Faber McCormack of the 320th Rep. Sq., was chosen as the third of the weekly winners in the contest to select the Sweetheart of APO 492.
The "Hey Rookie" show which appeared for two straight nights proved to be one of the finest stage presentations ever to grace the theater on the base . . . and the carburetor overhaul section in the engine overhaul shops came in for a bit of publicity through the Tiger Rag's explanation of its work.

POWER UNIT UNUSUALLY EFFICIENT

A power unit for generating electricity at the Base Radio Station is believed to have established an efficiency record unequalled throughout both the IB and China Theaters. The power unit was in operation 3,904 hours before overhaul and repairs were deemed necessary.
T/3 David Murphy, in charge pf the power plant, revealed that the unit was installed in August 1944 and compiled this record of operational hours since that time. Normally, a unit is overhauled anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 logged hours with minor repairs needed from time to time.
"I don't believe any other unit installed in the theater can match this for efficiency," Murphy said.

AIR FORCE DAY

Eight of the sixteen P-38 Lightnings that took part in the Air Force Day Air Show held along the Hooghly, August 1st, caught by the camera as they approached their "target," the main jetty on which sat Brig. Gen. Frank D. Hackett, his staff, and the Bengal Tigers band. The lower photo shows some of the Depot GIs, lining the north jetty and the banks of the river, to watch the display by the 10th Air Force.

Race Against Deadline In Erection of Hangars

Seventeen GIs are racing against a deadline to construct 11 additional hangars for the storing of supplies and equipment which will eventually blast the Japs right out of this war, according to their leader, Sgt. George J. Ashley of the 48th Rep. Sq.
The 11 hangars are scheduled to be completed by 15th September. "It'll be done - so long as we get the equipment," assured Ashley.
The new storage places are going up in the Compound 3 area. So far only groundwork has been done and all the structures have yet to assume shape. The task is not an easy one but all the men are enthusiastic.
Stalwarts of the construction job are Pfcs. Kenneth M. Tower, Richard R. Kunde, Archie B. Jones, T/5 Roy J. McClure, Cpl. Vincent J. Cuttitti and T/4 Dennis F. McAfee, all of the 923rd Sig. Co., Pfcs. Harold Roberts and Leonard Kibby of the 82d Sup. Sq.; Pvt. William G. Latham and Pfc. John P. Quinn of the 48th Sup. Sq., Pfc. Olin Alexander, Cpls. Charles Ferver and Louis Vasconi of the 325th Sup. Sq.; and Pfc. Roy Bishop and Pvt. Sydney Derrick of the 75th Med. Sup. Sq.

GEN. HANLEY LAUDS MAINTENANCE DIVISION
In a letter to Brig. Gen. Frank D. Hackett, Depot CG, the Maintenance Division personnel were highly lauded and commended by Maj. Gen. T. J. Hanley, Jr., CG AAF ASC IBT.
The commendation was prompted by the Maintenance Division's production record for July when the greatest monthly engine overhaul total was reached since the Depot's inception.
The letter in part read: "An analysis of the performance of R-2800-51 engines used by the ATC during the period of April 1st to June 30th, 1945, indicates that the engines overhauled at your Depot are giving 74.7% of the performance of new engines . . this is a worthwhile achievement . . the diligence of all the commissioned and non-commisioned personnel is indicated and the entire organization is commended for its efforts."

From All Over IB and C

619th Signal Reunion Group. Left to right, standing: S/Sgt. Ray H. Squires, Maj. James A. Banton, Sgt. John E. Thornton, Sgt. Kenneth W. McLendon; sitting: S/Sgt. Joseph W. Gray, Sgt. William C. Seegert and Sgt. Herbert J. Castro.

SCATTERED GIs VISIT
FORMER CO HERE
Six GIs from all over the IB and C theaters came in by air, rail and motor vehicle to honor their former CO, Maj. James A. Banton, Depot Signal Officer, at a reunion last weekend which may be a forerunner of many more to come.
Planning the meeting weeks in advance, the six GIs were all formerly with the 619th Signal Aircraft Warning Co. which operated the Houston Army Information Center. Each had come by separate means to these theaters by way of the Atlantic and the Pacific. They had accumulated many decorations and commendations since their outfit disbanded a year ago.
One of them, Sgt. Herbert J. Castro of Brookline, Mass., is a flying mission photographer. His work in taking pictures of Jap installations at Akyab and Rawree Island won him two battle stars and a commendation.
Two others, S/Sgt. Ray H. Squires of Messina, NY, and Sgt. William C. Seegert of Elgin, Ill., now Air Commandos, received citations from Lt. Gen. George E. Stratemeyer, Lord Louis Mountbatten and the King of England for action in China and Burma.
S/Sgt. Joseph W. Gray from Carthage, Texas, with an Aircraft Warning outfit in Central Burma, has one combat star.
However, it is Sgt. John E. Thornton from Youngstown, Ohio, of the 903d Sig. Co. who bewails his luck of always finding himself surrounded by the ladies. Back at Houston he had all the feminine volunteers on the phones under his jurisdiction. He travelled half-way around the world to assume command, as chief operator here, of all the girls working the Depot's phone exchange. "These women... more trouble," he says.
It was Sgt. Thornton who initiated the suggestion of the reunion inasmuch as he was in correspondence with all the other members. "The other fellows kept writing how they'd like to see Maj. Banton, who was the most popular CO most of us ever had. When I suggested the get-together, they jumped at the chance. As usual, the major helped us out on the transportation. We had a great weekend."
Sgt. Kenneth W. McLendon of Columbia, SC, made up the sixth member.
With the exception of a half dozen GIs, the balance of the original outfit are now serving all over the world and in every theater.

The Wolf by Sansone

Depot QM Joins Celebration
Of Corps' 170th Anniversary

The QM is celebrating its 170th Anniversary as one of the oldest branches of the U.S. Army, according to Maj. Paul C. Uhlenhop, QM Officer here.
Founded by Gen. George Washington in the summer of 1775, it was then known as Masters of Quarters. Its original duties were to take care of all quarters, food supplies, and perform all household duties.
Rapidly, however, additional burdens were added to its broad shoulders until it became one of the busiest - and according to Maj. Uhlenhop - the best organization in the Army. It now handles all matters pertaining to clothing, office supplies, property, sustenance, salvage, laundry, sales stores, K-9 Corps, motor pools, 1st and 2nd echelon automotive repair, typewriter repair, shoe repair, clothing repair, tent repair, web equipment repair, furniture repair, packing and crating, carpenter shops, metal repair, stables (horses and mules) and in some cases rail transportation.
Up to 1922, QM paid all American troops. The FD now handles that. Up to 1941, QM had charge of all repairing on the various posts until the Posts Engineers took over. Corps of Engineers abstracted from QM in 1941 the construction of buildings. Up to 1942 QM had charge of all transportation until the Transportation Corps was formed. And it was not until 1943 that Ordnance took charge of 3d and 4th Echelon repairs on vehicles which QM had performed until4then.
Maj. Uhlenhop feels that with the coming of peace, many of the functions which other organizations assumed will revert to QM's jurisdiction.
The Depot's QM might truthfully be called the big brother department with its multitude of duties harmonized with other AAF branches. QM's relations join practically every operation on Bengal.
It feeds, clothes and equips troops in this area who number well into the five figures. It supplies thoroughly all personnel moving up. QM operates the Motor Pool with its complement of every type vehicle. Tying in with this is a 60 vehicle bus fleet which daily transports employees to and from work. It also supervises the operation of railroad trains which carry distant workers from and to their homes.
A fleet of boats carrying personnel across the Hooghly is also maintained by QM as well as sturdy tugs which assist incoming barges laden with AC supplies.
Other departments of the Depot's QM are an ice manufacturing plant, a laundry for all the military personnel, a salvage yard which is the biggest in the IBT, and one of the largest office machine repair shops overseas.

GOING MY WAY ?

What happened to us last Saturday night shouldn't have happened to a good volleyball team. But it did and to the tune of Rs. 2600. But the boys - Redmon, Shanks, Kelly, Scatena, Dutch and Smitty - deserve a great deal of credit. Nobody thought when they started that they would get past the first game. They had good support all the way from Lt. Holstein down to Burr's dog, Pfc. Face. But where was the first sergeant?
There has been quite a rush among the first three graders when they are stuck for theater guard to get put on the brothel detail... Joe Kelly and Medlin have a footlocker full of beer and Seagram's VO. But they don't trust each other so they have two locks on the locker. Kelly carries one key and Medlin the other.
I interviewed Clem Vitale while he was eating and for a man of his hulk I thought that it would be quite a difficult task competing with a mouthful of food. But Clem for all his one hundred and eighty pounds which he describes as his "perfect weight" is not too heavy an eater. At least not in our mess hall!
Clem is a short man, standing about five feet six and one half inches and his black hair and two small dark brown eyes separated by a sharp nose. I can't say anything about the hair on his chest because he was wearing a shirt. But I can say that his body doesn't look like the result of a Charles Atlas course. It looks more or less like a roly-poly that has sprouted legs.
He was born thirty three years ago in Manhattan on New Year's Day. Seventeen years later, he "emigrated" to Brooklyn where he now lives on 14th Ave. overlooking the Dyker Golf Course. (There will now be a slight pause while the boys from Brooklyn go out and tear up the sidewalk in celebration).

‘See India’ With Beehive
The Beehive is instituting a program of "see India," and has started conducting tours to nearby places of interest.
Sunday tours of temple and burning ghats are being held and mid-week tours are now under way Monday at 5:30 pm a crowd of men will be escorted through the National Jute Mill, and on Wednesday, from 5 to 8 pm a picnic supper will be held at the Botanical Gardens. Programs of following weeks will include tours of other industries and places of interest in this vicinity.

Art Contest at Beehive Lags
The Beehive urges all artists to submit their work to the Beehive art contest.
Entries have so far been slow in all classes - pencil, charcoal, watercolors and oils, but it is hoped enough entries will be turned in this week to provide some real competition

From his house you can just smell...
"Have you got any salt on your table?"
"Ya. Somewhere. Here."
From his house you can just smell the...
"Here, you can have it back, it's pepper."
"Try this. Maybe it's salt."
"Never mind. I'll put a little jelly on it."
I never found out what you can smell from his house. Clem had his mouth full of soup and when he got it emptied, he started talking about the marking device company, R. A. Stewart & Co., Inc., he used to work for. This company is located in the Wall Street District which is, if you know anything about New York, a long way from Brooklyn. Clem commuted back and forth in his own car. The idea of a New Yorker driving his own car to work was fantastic and I made him repeat it several times just to be sure that I had heard him right.
Clem was inducted at Camp Upton on April 2, 1943. He left behind him his wife and "one demobilizer," a little girl named Marianne. The Army pushed him through basic and clerical school at Fargo, North Dakota. He was shipped overseas in November of the same year. He is now a sergeant and holds down a steady position in the Engine Branch.
At home, Clem was a quiet fellow drinking nothing but Vat 69. Over here he drinks...
"Salt?"
"No salt!"
...almost anything that come along. And his hobby is poker. He never wins but plays it for experience and laughs. When the war is over Clem is going back to his rubber stamps. I worked, he explained between hunks of pineapple, in the distribution section which is similar to stack control. How anyone can want to go back to anything that is similar to stock control is beyond me.
"No, there's no salt on this table." HCA

PHOTO BOOKLET ABOUT
I-B AND C TO APPEAR SOON

A pictorial review of life in India, Burma and China comprise the contents of a booklet soon to be sold at the PX, "Yank's Magic Carpet." Prepared by the theater editors of Yank, as a service to the American armed forces in the two theaters, the booklet contains 96 pages and will sell for four annas.
Most of the pages are devoted to photographs and sketches of Indian, Burman and Chinese scenes. It's not, Yank cautions, "a record of the war in these theaters but is rather a record of ordinary and extraordinary things and places and people seen in these countries by visiting GIs."

2005TH, 47TH AWARDED CUPS FOR
SPORTSMANSHIP, PROWESS The 1944-45 Bengal Air Depot Athletic season came to an official end this week with the presentation of Special Service Awards to the 2005th Ord. Maint. Co. for all-season sportsmanship and the 47th Sup. Sq. for all-season athletic prowess.
Both presentations were made by 1st Lt. Joseph A. Zeitler, Special Service Athletic and Supply Officer, who gave the Depot the best sports program in its history. The initial presentation was made to Pfc. Paul maple of the 2005th, for Maple was captain of the Ordnance unit's horseshoe team

Pfc. Paul T. Maple here accepts the Special Service award from Lt. Joseph A. Zeitler, Athletic and Supply Officer, signifying that the 2005th Ord. Maint. Co. athletic teams have demonstrated the greatest sportsmanship during the recently completed 1944-45 season. Maple was captain of the horseshoe team. Capt. Walter M. Johnston, CO of the 2005th who has just returned to the States on TDY, tries to read the lettering on the cup.

which gave one of the finest displays of sportsmanship yet seen on the base.
Because of the fine cooperation of individual members of the outfit and the lack of unnecessary griping at the rulings the 2005th had piled up a sizeable lead over their nearest competitors, according to the scoring system devised by SSO. But the unusually noteworthy acts in the horseshoe tourney impelled Lt. Zeitler to present a cup to the unit.
"Their willingness to play a league contest despite the fact that they could have won the match on a forfeit, was the outstanding display of good sportsmanship of the season," said Lt. Zeitler. "The team was in a contending position and was assured of at least a tie for first place if they had claimed the forfeit."
Lt. Zeitler added, in his praise of the horseshoe team, "The games was played off and lost by the 2005th - which dropped them to third place. Paul Maple's teammates were: Pfcs. Donald and Ronald Bhe, T/5 Vincent Murphy and T/4s Albert Walling, Jack miller and James Kastl."
The 47th received a cup for being the outstanding organization in athletics during the season. With the runners-up in basketball, champs in baseball, runners-up in softball, champs in volleyball (and in the theater) and individual singles and doubles winners in a past horseshoe tourney they have been regarded by all sports fans here as the "big" team no matter what the athletic event. The outfit is sparked by its CO, 1st Lt. Bishop B. Holstein, who plays tennis for the Depot team in Calcutta.
The teams of this unit, Division Supply and Rebels, have produced some of the finest individual performers on the base. The most notable were Ernie Martin, of softball, baseball and basketball fame; Chester Redmon of those three plus volleyball; Perea and Higgins of diamond fame; Bob Calbetzor of basketball and John Shanks of volleyball.
To these two organizations went not only the Special Service awards but the admiration of sports followers on the Depot.

Some of the members of the various 47th Supply athletic teams and their CO as the organization receives a trophy designating them first place in baseball, volleyball and individual horseshoes and second place in softball and basketball. Left to right, Pfc. Bertus Lightner, Cpl. Ernie Martin, Lt. Bishop Holstein, Lt. Joe Zeitler of SSO, S/Sgt. Ches Redmon and Cpl. John Shanks. Sitting: S/Sgt. Ed Kilgore.

Above is one of the benches in the solder beading and final inspection section. From here the oil coolers are pickled and stored. The two men seated are Sgt. Cady (facing camera) and Pfc. Thomas. Looking on is Pfc. Yost.
Lower picture shows the valve regulator tester. Explaining the operation is Sgt. Cohen, While Sgt. Richard (left) and Pvt. Porter listen in to see that Cohen doesn't leave out anything. The valve tester is one of the chief prides of the department.

OIL COOLERS FOR AERIAL
ENGINES OVERHAULED HERE

If you want an understanding blueprint of one of the most interesting accessory sections located in the shop area - the Oil Temperature Regulation Department - you just walk in via the rear door.
You could enter through the front entrance, naturally, but tracing the functions of this department by the front method will makes your brain cells ring like a Chinese gong. And you'd probably wind up outside leaning weakly against a wall and wondering whether the men there restore oil coolers to maximum efficiency or are rebuilding honeycombs and apartment house for bees.
So you slip in quietly through the back door. For it is here that operations begin when oil coolers are brought in from the repairable warehouse. These have in turn been shipped in from installations throughout the two theaters. Oil coolers - which after rejuvenation will again control the pulse beat of aircraft and prevent overheat or hemorrhages to an airplane's thick blood supply.
The officer in charge of all the various accessory sections is Maj. Morris Skurka of Los Angeles, while the assistant chief is 1st Lt. George V. Constantakis of Detroit. These two control the ever present complications which normally arise in any repairing and production organization. And too, they have the legal authority to go to bat for their men and secure essential items which the men themselves might not be able to procure.
Directly under the commissioned personnel, like adjustable braces on a pair of lenient suspenders, is S/Sgt. Robert T. Rickard of Venice, Calif., the NCO in charge of the Oil Temperature Regulation Department, and Pfc. William M. Bolotin of Los Angeles who is his co-adjutant.
Much of the bench and repair equipment found in this department was designed and constructed by Rickard and Bolotin who have been in the section since its origin and possess a thorough knowledge of what is required on their jobs.
When repairable oil coolers arrive for restoration they are first received by Pfc. Louis E. Premore of New York City. Premore, with his group of Indian workers, thoroughly clean the coolers on a steam rack and dismantle the regulator valves attached to the jackets. The valves, which regulate the flow as oil moves inside and around the jackets and is in turn cooled by air movement rushing through the many cooler tubes enclosed within the jacket, are sent along one conditioning and reassembly line while the coolers pass through another.

HEXAGON TUBES LOOSENED
Free from waste accumulation of oil and residue the coolers then move along the tear-down line to Pfc. James L. Rosser of Macon, Miss., who immerses them in a solder dipping pot which loosens the hexagon tubes from the jacket. Here, with the dozens of tubes free, they are ready for reworking. They are then sent on along the reconstruction line.
Sgt. William L. Swinson, a southener, suh, from Mobile, Ala., is in charge of the tube rework and retinning. Under his supervision, and abetted by his crew of workmen, the myriad of tubes are retinned at both ends and, depending on the existing circumstances, either relegated to stock or utilized in the reassembly. For the tinning process the tubes are dipped into an acid flux solution, then a solder pot, and the clinging excess wiped off.
Similar to the loosening process and dismantling is the reassembly. Pfc. Albert J. Schaefer, who tied his shoelaces prewar each morning in Chicago, is in charge of this operation which consists of rebonding the tubes into an integral unit by dipping them into a solder vat. Also assigned on this process of regeneration is Pfc. William H. Yost, Jr., of Santa Ana, Calif. Yost likewise has grown up with the department and "Malums" its intricate functions from "A" to izzard but, cannot comprehend the complicities of over-crowded T/Os when it comes to additional stripes! That, to coin a sentence, dislocates his reasoning perspective.
With the oil coolers newly honeycombed with hex tubes they are then rotated up the benches to Sgt. Joe C. Cady, a genial GI from Merriman, Nebr. and Pfc. Carl D. Thomas who is a permanent supported of Marshall, Texas.
These partners iron out any dents found in the copper jackets, solder bead the tubes securely along the edge to the jackets, and subject the completed oil coolers to a water test to detect flaws. Like the other enlisted men they too have their particular crews of Indian welders whom they have taught the necessary procedures.

COOLERS WATER TESTED
In testing for leaks on the completed oil regulators the methods are similar to those used checking inner tube leaks for vehicle tires. The oil coolers are placed in a water test tank with 100 pounds of air pressure flowing through. If air bubbles form on the water's surface the assembly is imperfect and must be corrected.
When the tubes are solder beaded to the jackets a sloping bead is employed. This prevents the core being torn loose by wind pressure when the oil cooler is installed on the airplane engine.
After these final stages with oil coolers ready for service, they are then received by Sgt. Samuel H. Gratton of Hollywood, Calif. who is the shipping and receiving wallah and who also controls the pickling operation.
In pickling, two oil tanks heated to the boiling point are used. The regulators are immersed in the scalding oil for approximately five minutes, allowed to drain, and then boxed and stored for shipment in individual wooden boxes.
The regulator valves when taken off the coolers at the beginning of repair follow almost the same reassembly pattern. Pfc. Bolotin, shop foreman whenever Sgt. Rickard is absent, maintains the valve cleaning, break-down, and repairing section.
Since almost all the equipment needed for successful work was built by the men themselves they're particularly proud of the valve test bench they've set up for making any corrections necessary after the valves are repaired. Sgt. Paul Cohen of New York City and Pvt. Edward B. Porter of Marianna, Fla., are in charge of valve testing.
Through the medium of a reservoir and an oil pressure pump, rubber hoses are attached to the test valve which reveals either the flaws or perfect

SUN. AUG. 12
   Catholic service, 8:30 am
   Protestant service, 10:30 am
   Coffee and doughnuts, 9:00 am
   Temple tour, 1:00 pm
   Boat trip, 2:00 pm
   Tea, Sgt. Pennario at piano, 3:00 pm
MON. AUG. 13
   Bata tour, 6:00 pm
   Tour, National Jute Mill, 5:30 pm
TUES. AUG. 14
   Tour to Indian movie
WED. AUG. 15
   Fishing trip, 5-8 pm
   Picnic at Botanical Gardens, 5:00 pm
THURS. AUG 16
   Musical evening local talent, 8:00 pm
FRI. AUG. 17
   Council meeting, 7:00 pm
SAT. AUG. 18
   Bingo, 8:00 pm
   Baksheesh drawing, 10:00 pm

"Wounded nothing... He can't trust his knees."

operation of the valve on an instrument panel specially designed for the testing. Replete with dials and hand regulators to determine the pressure and oil flow, the test bench is an ingenious complement to the shop.
Another department being fitted but as yet unfinished will handle huge coolant radiators. This section is being developed by Sgt. Robert Nordberg of San Diego and when fully operational will rebuild and restore coolant radiators from P-51 (Mustang) aircraft. These are large jobs weighing in the vicinity of 250 or 300 pounds and will entail many problems in reassembly.
Such are the functions of the Oil Temperature Regulation Department. A repair organization that starts its business at the back door and delivers the finished product out the front door signed, sealed and ready for action. It sounds unorthodox compared to many shops that start manufacturing their parts at the front and shipping out the back. But in this case working hind part before seems to pay off.
Only recently getting underway, the production engine figures reveal around 200 oil coolers repaired each month. When peak capacity is reached this amount is expected to be tripled. That, is definitely not wheat straws!

Greetings gates! Now that our readers have enjoyed a three week silence in regard to SSC activities, it's time to shake off the effects of a memorable Darjeeling furlough and knuckle down to the task of replaying the latest news to local GIs as well as our vast Stateside audience - ahem! - Winchell, please note.
Speaking of Darjeeling, it is strictly a rest resort but the scenery plus the cool temperatures makes the Himalayan hamlet a welcome retreat from Calcutta's sultry heat waves. Outside of a lone movie, a skating rink, triweekly dances and the horseback cantering, there's little to do but drink in the picturesque surroundings - or just drink - period.
Mt. Kanchenjunga, 28,000 ft. of unconquered supremacy, is the big attraction and presents a breathtaking glimpse of towering snow-capped beauty, high above the low hanging clouds that clutter up the deep gorges surrounding the lofty resort.
Unfortunately, the peaks are greatly obscured at this time of year, due to the monsoon, and as a result, we missed out on our attempt to catch a bird's eye view of Mt. Everest, world's tallest, at 29,000 ft. The latter is only visible on very clear days from the crest of Tiger Hill and possibility of clearing weather sends scores of predawn tourists scurrying up the steep grades via taxi, horseback or in cases of rugged individuals - on foot.
In all, there are an estimated 20 peaks towering above 20,000 ft. and the majority have never been scaled. Darjeeling appears to be on a level with several but distance creates the illusion as there's a difference of some 13,000 to 22,000 ft. - and neighbors, that's plenty high.
To those who have visited the place we need not elaborate but to the many GIs contemplating a furlough, we advise a trip to Darjeeling at least once. (Rotation's shot - wot the hell!) It's tops in more ways than one - and you can't find a better spot to forget there's a war on.
The welcome mat is extended to Perry Kremer, Jack Hohulin, Joe Wisz, "Shorty" Gubala and Joe Moraza, recent arrivals from our Assam detachment and in technicolor, no less - the result of daily atabrine doses at the up-country base. Evidently, Bill MacDermott resented the added color so he ups and sports a wide streak of medicated purple across his forehead. That guy resents everything! G T T

JEWELRY DISPLAY AT
RAJAH'S REST LOUNGE

Three valuable pieces of jewelry with historical significance will be on display Tuesday, 14th of August, at the Rajah's Rest at a time to be announced later.
The chief stone will be a 69 carat Cats-Eye which has been proclaimed by the British Chamber of Commerce in London as the best of its kind in the world. Mined in Persia a few centuries back, the honey-colored Gem was in the possession of the descendants of the Moghul Emperors in Agra until it passed into the hands of the concern that runs the Jewelry Store. The proprietors have placed a value of 51,000 rupees on the Cats-Eye although they claim stones of similar quality have sold in the States for $70,000 ($1,010,572 in 2020). Because of its historical background, it is not for sale.
Second attraction will be a Kashmir mined Star Sapphire which has an exceptional royal blue color. Very few of this color exist as the majority of stones are either grayer or lighter blue in shade. It has a perfect six line star. What makes the 29 carat gem exceptional is the fact that is was mined in Kashmir where sapphires do not have stars. Most of the star stones available here are mined in either Ceylon or Burma. The sale price is 15,000 rupees. The local jewelers' Rockefeller Center store used to sell star sapphires of similar caliber for $10,000.
The third exhibit will be a pair of gold bracelets set with the nine lucky gems of India. These are perfectly matched emeralds, diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires, pearls, cairngorms, corals, cats-eyes and yellow sapphires. The two are similar to those that Indian princesses are accustomed to wear on state occasions. A price has been set of 20,000 rupees for the pair.
Mr. Lall, present head of the famous jewelry concern which has just celebrated its 100th anniversary and which were court jewelers to the late Queen Alexandra and the present dowager Queen Mary, based his stateside costs on taxes, duties and manufacturing costs.

Accident Chart at ACS Shows ‘Zero’

A new easy-to-read accident chart has been set up right outside the ACS administrative office where all members can see at a glance what mishaps have occurred and how comparisons are for previous months.

WHEN A RECORD
IS NOT A RECORD According to the Inventory Section of Air Corps Supply, the Tiger Rag's informant was incorrect in his statements about Class 0-1 breaking their inventory record. With a sweeping bow to Inventory which should know, we apologize and hide a blushing face.

The chart, which is the brain-child of M/Sgt. Francis A. Duso, NCO of Ground Safety at ACS replaces the old complicated graph which few people bothered to figure out. It is on a clock-like basis with three various colored minute hands. A black one denotes the number of consecutive days ACS has been without an accident. The red hand shows the number of accidents during the current month. A blue hand registers the amount of mishaps during the previous month.
So far the red hand points at zero. "We're doing our best to keep it there," declared Duso.

Plating Silver From Reclamation

To hear about a necessity is the signal for the Reclamation Branch to hold a conference and decide on means of supplying the demand from whatever salvage material is on hand, as in the case of silver for the Shops Area Electroplating Depot.
In the past, all outdated or under par film has been turned over to Reclamation for disposal. Quite a bit has been salvaged for amateur use and has been given over to Special Services for that purpose. However, the GIs of the Maintenance end of Reclamation felt other uses could be found for the film.
Therefore, when they heard that the Electroplating Dept. could use silver for plating various aircraft parts, they got busy, studied the properties of the film and figured out the best way to obtain the silver nitrate. As a result, a shop has been set up to reclaim the silver. Additional studies are now being undertaken on salvage printing paper to ascertain the silver yield.
T/Sgt. William Tomak is in charge of the Minor Maintenance men whose initiative resulted in the Depot's gain.

POST RELIGIOUS SERVICES

CATHOLIC Sunday Mass-0700 and 1030
Weekdays Monday, Tuesday, Friday Mass 0645
Wednesday: Mass, Rosary and Litany 1830
Saturday: Mass 1830
Choir practice Tuesday 1800
Instruction Class-Monday-1930
Wednesday-2000
Chaplain I.C. Baechler.

PROTESTANT Sunday Morning Worship: 0900 hrs
by Chaplain G. Dennis.
Sunday Evening Service: 1800 hrs
by Chaplain O. Dennis.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Sunday Morning: 1030 in the Summer House on the front lawn over the river.

L.D.S. (MORMON) SERVICES Sunday Morning: 1000 hours in Pre-fab X-49, Near Depot Hq.
Sunday Evening: 1900 hours. Base Hq. 2 Room 204.

JEWISH Every Wednesday: At 1900 hours
Friday: Religious Services at Maghen David Synagogue at 1930 hours. Transportation leaves Motor Pool at 1830 hours.
Chaplain Abraham Simon

CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday Afternoon: 1630 hours in the YMCA on Chowringhee Road, Calcutta.

ARE YOU LISTENIN?

Wherein the Tiger Rag attempts to select the most popular of the programs aired by VU2ZU, the Armed Forces Radio Station in Calcutta, and inform radio listeners of the time to lend an ear. This weekly feature will expand as soon as facilities permit.
Popular Music:
Name bands between 6:30 and 9:30 am daily.
Dinah Shore, songstress, Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Bing Crosby, crooner, Thursdays at 9:30 pm
Comedians:
Bob Hope at 9:00 pm Tuesdays
Jimmy Durante at 9:00 pm Fridays
Danny Kaye at 8:30 pm Saturdays
Sports:
Baseball Scores at 5:45 pm daily
Local boxing at 9:30 pm Wednesday Aug. 22

DON'T FORGET! THIS is your last chance to get in those prize-winning shots in the Depot Photo Contest. Grab yourself a hunk of war bonds by merely taking time enough to turn your favorite picture in to the SSO.
LAST TUESDAY NITE, this ol' sahib and the Bengal Tigers gave a l'il show at Rest Camp Number 11 for all the hepcats residing there for the nonce. The "Tigers" were really jumpin' and it was hard to tell who enjoyed it more - the audience or our Depot horntoooters!
WE HAVE A few (VERY few!) cameras that we can loan out for a period of three days at a time. You'll have to supply the film... veddy sorry. If you're interested check with Lt. Zeitler at the Supply Bldg.
OUR I & E wallah, Norm Kiell, is still laid up with you know what but we certainly are hoping for a speedy recovery.
THE SPECIAL SERVICE LIBRARY will be open for business again on August 15th, at which time a great many new books will be available to youse guys.
DOES THE G I Bill of Rights mean anything to you? Well, it sure does to a lot of us... a good education for one thing and many of the men are refreshing themselves with Tiger Tech courses. Why don't you take advantage of this opportunity?
OUR CONGRATS this week go to the "new" Rajah's Rest... a really beeootiful spot and a swell place to do your relaxin'.
WE'D LIKE to remin youd again that the mosquito repellent at the Post Theater is not put out for decorative purposes but for you use. Play it safe... avoid malaria... USE YOUR REPELLENT!
HOW DID you fellows like "Keys of the Kingdom"? Well, we have quite a good schedule this month so remember that your entertainment is at the Post Theater.

ROVING REPORTER
The Roving Reporter fearlessly bearded the supply sergeants in their dens to find out how they feel about ASC publicity with: "Do you think the people at home are aware of the work of the ASC?"

Oswald

SGT. ROBERT OSWALD, 923D SIG - No, I don't! It seems to me as if every other branch of the Army gets publicity but ours. Outside of a few remarks I see by some generals who know, there's not a mention of the men who get the supplies off when our front lines need it and where they need it. Our publicity departments ought to make a better effort.

Hussman

SGT. HOWARD HUSSMAN, 449TH QM - There's nothing spectacular about our work so we just don't get the praises the combat forces do. I write and tell my folks so they know what we are doing. I imagine they tell their friends. But that isn't enough.

York

T/5 VAN E. YORK, 2485 QM TRK - Most of the war is fought in the air these days so the people are pretty well air-conscious. May wife writes quite often about all the bombings she reads and tells me people are beginning to realize that someone has to handle and repair all this equipment.

Paramore

S/SGT. CURTIS E. PARAMORE, 83D HQ - There doesn't seem to be much about us said in the papers and that's where the people get their information. Someone ought to get after the newspapers and supply them with news about who is making the glory of others possible.

Wittman

CPL. LAWRENCE WITTMAN, 2466 QM TRK - Frankly, the only way my people have of knowing is by my own efforts. I send the Rag home weekly so the folks can read about what we're doing.

Whitman

S/SGT. ISAAC S. WHITMAN, 320TH REP - Do you think you could suggest having some of us sent home so we can explain what the ASC is doing? If so, will you put my name to head the list? Then it's sure the people stateside will know all about us.

Informal Music Night
Thursday at Beehive

Talent scouts, dressed in GI or Red Cross uniforms, are covering the entire shop area looking for men of musical abilities to take part in a big but informal musical evening on Thursday.
A barrack quartet is practicing up on its favorite old-time songs, instrumentalists of all kinds are being urged to participate, a singer of modern hit tunes is included on the program, and a musical melodrama concerning Little Red Riding Hood will be presented.
Sgt. John Pennario, whose scheduled appearance at the Beehive several weeks ago was unavoidably called off, will be guest artist at Sunday afternoon tea, 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Finance Men Fight Way
Through Payrolls, Win Combat Stat

By Johnnie Leonard

FINANCE OFFICE (SPECIAL) 10 AUG - We went through the double door leading into the Finance Office. The two men to be interviewed were busily reading one (1) comic book enclosed in a lurid cover entitled "The Batman." It was a thrilling sight.
"How did it happen?" Sgt. Maynard Craft was asked. Craft was a clean shaven man with the exception of a two day growth of beard bristling down his jowls and underneath his nose.
"There we were," Craft said soberly, "S/Sgt. Walter Van Bodegraven and myself, hemmed completely in and surrounded by desks, chairs, and pencils with the enemy on all sides of us. Just a mere thousand miles away. We were hot, sweaty, and wishing it would snow."
"Go on, " he was urged.
"Well, Van Bodegraven and I were in a spot. We knew if the Japs had any airplanes left or soldiers who could walk, we might be in the midst of a battle in several more years. They were only about a thousand miles away, you understand, and even Jap soldiers can walk that far after so long a time."
"Yes?"
"So there we were, separated from the enemy by just several hundreds of miles."
"We were attached to a bomb group," Van Bodegraven said, looking up from his comic. "In Finance we helped keep the boys paid off. This bomb group was bombing the Japs in Burma about that time, you see, and we were on temporary duty as part of the personnel."
"Naturally."
Craft came in: "Naturally. Of course we didn't fly on the bombing raids. However, some nights when we received beer we were pretty high up in the clouds and flew our lid. But our primary duty was sharpening pencils, writing letters home asking the folks how the war was going, and keeping the finance records straight. That is, at times. A harrowing job, that."
"Very!"
"Well, later on, after we came back to the Depot here we found our efforts had not been in vain. Giving our all, with the Japs just a meagre thousand miles away while we pushed pencils, brought its rewards. They gave us a Bronze Star."
"They did what!"
"Gave us the Bronze Star. Everybody in the outfit got one and

SATURDAY, AUG. 11 -
   6:00 PM - Bata Tour
   7:30-10:00 pm - Take-A-Book Out Night
SUNDAY, AUG. 12 -
   9:30 am - Boat Tour
   2:30-4:00 pm - Rhythm with tea
   8:00 pm - Musical Hour
MONDAY, AUG. 13 -
   7:30 pm - Monte Carlo Nite
TUESDAY, AUG. 14 -
   1:00 pm - Bata Tour (reserved 923d Sig Co)
   8:00 pm - Swing Time
THURSDAY, AUG. 16 -
   Pinochle Tournament (Rs 10/- Prize)
FRIDAY, AUG. 17 -
   8:00 pm - Bingo
Library Hours - Daily
   2:30-4:30 pm
   7:30-10:00 pm

Van Bodegraven and I were part of the everybody." Craft polished his fingernails. "It's five points, you know."
"Yes, but -."
Van Bodegraven held up one restraining hand. "We know what you're thinking. But far be it from us to question the powers above. We're just sergeants and technicalities like combat stars and rotation are beyond our comprehension."
"That's right," Craft said righteously. "One can't just walk up and say 'keep them' to the government. One might get busted, mightn't one? I must confess I've been wondering tho'."
"Wondering?"
"Yes. What if Van Bodegraven or I had cut ourselves while sharpening a pencil with that outfit? We might have received the Purple Heart and rode down Broadway on the back of a huge car when we get home."
We left the Finance Office quietly. Then men went back to their grim duty of following 'The Batman' as he chased a criminal through a deserted warehouse crackling with fire. And they were smiling...

The Tiger Rag is a weekly publication edited and written by and for the enlisted personnel and Officers of APO 492, Air Service Command, and is under the direction of the Commanding General, Brigadier General Frank D. Hackett and the Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. Edward B. Dixson. STAFF: EDITOR... Pfc. Arthur Goldberg; NEWS... Sgt. Robert J. McCarthy; NEWS... Pfc. Eugene Bernald; NEWS... Pfc. John Leonard; ART... Cpl. Layton H. Wicksten; PHOTOGRAPHY... Base Photo Lab. Statements or policies reflected through the columns of this publication under no circumstances are to be considered those of the United States Army. Articles submitted by Officers and Enlisted Men represent personal opinions only. Internet adaptation by Carl W. Weidenburner.

AUGUST 11, 1945

Image of Yank's Magic Carpet booklet has been added to this re-creation

Copyright © 2020 Carl Warren Weidenburner

ABOUT TIGER RAG E-MAIL COMMENTS TIGER RAG HOME CLOSE THIS WINDOW

The Tiger Rag uses news and editorial material furnished through Camp Newspaper Service and other sources. Republication of credited matter prohibited without permission of CNS, 205 E. 42nd St., N.Y.C. All other matter must receive permission from the Tiger Rag, APO 492. All material for publication must arrive at the Tiger Rag, Public Relations Office, APO 492 not later than Tuesday noon preceding the date of issue. Printed by M. C. Biswas, at the Art Press, and published by Pfc. Arthur Goldberg.