HOME FRONT MONTHLY BULLETIN OF THE ALABAMA STA'J:E DEFENSE COUNCIL
VOLUME 1. MONTGOMERY, ALA.,MARCH, 1945 NUMBER 10
Alabama Women Respond To Call For Alabama Completes Worse Shortage Of
WAC Technicians In Army Hospitals W. A. C. Hospital Coal Predicted Technician Quota For Next Winter Major General F. E. UbI of the Because the coal shortage next Fourth Service Command, Atlanta, year will be far worse than it was Ga., wired Governor Chauncey this year, beginning April 1st, Ala- Sparks on March 9th congratulat- bama householders will be limited ing Alabama on the completion of to 80 percent of a normal year's three months WAC Hospital Tech- supply of coal, it was announced nichian recruiting quota in just by the Solid Fuels Administration over a month's time. for War. "Your patriotic offer of continued Householders will be required to support until the Nation meets its file "consumer declarations" and quota is gratefully accepted," stat- accompanying orders with their ed General UbI.. regular coal dealers. These forms This telegram was in reply to one are scheduled to be available at the sent General George Marshall, dealers about April I, when the fuel Chief of Staff and General Ubl by year begins. Users of less than 25 State Defense Council Director tons yearly will not be required to Haygood Paterson on March 7th. state how much fuel they have on "His Excellency Chauncey Sparks, hand. Governor of Alabama instructed me Those who file their declarations to inform you· that Alabama is and place their orders prior to May proud to have met and passed its 15 will be entitled to receive 30 quota in nation-wide WAC Gen- percent of their full normal and eral Hospital Company recruiting annual requirements before Octo- campaign. Quota of 60 women ber 1. They must, however, ~ passed with enlistment yesterday, willing to accept any. kind and size 7 March, of five at US Army Re- of usable solid fuels which the cruiting Station, Birmingham. State dealer is able to deliver. now has 63 enlistments for WAC Haygood Paterson, Solid Fuels hospital training. Will continue to Conservator for Alabama is empha- Lt. Colonel Alex Asseff, District Recruiting Officer and Captain Cora recruit on full scale until National sizing the stretching of wartime Walker met with Governor Chauncey Sparks to discuss with pride Ala- quota has been met." fuel allotments by installing insu- bama's part in the National WAC General Hospital recruiting campaign. The campaign for recruitment of lation, weather stripping and auto- Alabama completed her three months' quota March 7th, in a little over WACS for training as hospital tech- matic heating controls this sum- a month's time. Major General UbI of the Fourth Service Command, nicians in Army general hospitals mer; repairing and cleaning fur- Atlanta, Ga., wired congratulations. was begun February 1st at the in- naces. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 stigation of General Marshall, in In sections where it will continue the face of an increasing number of to be cold for several weeks longer, Defense Council 7th War Loan casualties arriving in the United SFAW is asking that furnaces be States at a time of acute shortage stopped as early as possible and Cooperates In Vet Drive To Seek of nurses and hospital attendants. temperature be kept at 68 degrees Training Program It was officially launched in Ala- or lower during the day. Carl Griffin, Chief Civilian War $14 Billions bama at a meeting at the Gover- nor's office February 7th. Services of the State Defense Coun- cil mailed to all members of the In attendance at this meeting Cities Interested Secretary Morgenthau has an- were Major General Uhl, Major Chamber of Commerce in Mont- nounced a $14 billion goal for the Pauline Lynch and Major Rufus gomery a questionnaire designed Seventh War Loan, divided evenly Fort - all of the Fourth Service In War Memorials to secure information as to job between individuals and corpora- command, Colonel Alex Asseff, dis- That Will Live training opportunities open to re- tions. trict Recruiting Officer and Hay- turning veterans in their respective establishments. Tl:;1e response has The $7 billion quota for individ- good Paterson" State Defense A growing interest is manifested Council Director. States were given in the Living War Memorial Pro- already been very encouraging. uals is the highest ever assigned three months to attain their quo- them. The series E quota is also gram in Alabama as evidenced by Thirty seven firms have expressed tas. inquiries from all parts of the State Willingness to accept one or more more than Mr. and Mrs. America to Haygood Paterson, State Defense veterans for training. have been asked to dig up for that class of securities heretofore. Council Director, who is serving as Harley A. Smith, Chief, Vocation- al Rehabilitation and Education The total quota is the same as GIs Seek Small Advisor of the American Commis- sion for Living War Memorials for Division of the Veterans Adminis- that for the Sixth War Loan. District 7. tration in a letter of commendation In order to sell the unprecedent- Business Or Farms Among those who recently re- to Mr. Griffin for the fine coopera- ed amount of bonds to non-corpor- quested information concerning tion of the Defense Council in the ate investors the treasury set the Ninth Service Command, Utah.- "War Memorials That Live" are Veterans Training Program wrote: longest sales period yet. One out of every eight enlisted men Mayor J. G. Scherf of Andalusia, "It will be greatly appreciated if The formal drive with its custom- plans to operate either a small bus- Mayor A. W. McAllister of Hunts- you will continue furnishing us ary great promotional campaign iness or tarm after discharge from Ville, Judge Oscar Horton of Gun- these job training information will extend from May 14 to June 30 the Army, according to a recent tersville, and Secretary W. Elderry sheets as they become available to -seven weeks as compared with survey received at 9th Service Com- of the Talladega Chamber of Com- (Turn to page 2) four weeks in the Sixth War Loan. mand headquarters. merce. PAGE TWO THE HOME FRONT MAROH,1945
Defense Groups To Atlanta Field Office Praises Montgomery Government Needs
Aid In National C. D. On Work In Tornado Crisis Soldiers Clothing Clothing Drive When Discarded Montgomery, Ala. - High praise Montgomery, Ala. - "Montgomery Chairmen of County Defense for work of auxiliary firemen and can well be proud of itself for the Uncle Sam needs every arti9le of Councjls, Commanders of Citizens police and other units of Civiliim manner iJ;l which its citizens hand- soldiers' discarded cldo~hing-trou Defense Corps, Directors of Citi- Defense for their work in the re- led rescue and relief problems grow- sers, shirts, coats, overcoats, field zens Service Corps and Chairmen cent tornado disaster has come ing out of the recent tornado," was jackets-and an appeal has been of County Salvage Committees have from Lt. Col. Paul Sheahan of the the statement of Col. Raymond L. issued to civilians and military peo- been requested by the State De- Atlanta regional defense office. Winn, commanding officer of near- ple by Major Gen. Frederick E. fense Council to lend every possible by Gunter Field. Uhl, Commanding General, Fourth assistance to the local clothing col- In a letter to Alabama Civilian ';rh.e colonel, in issuing a general Service Command, for such clothing lection . committees of the United Defense Director Haygood Paterson, commendation to the men and wo- to be returned to service. National Clothing Collection. Col. Sheahan said: "I want to most men of his command who rushed to The program is for the purpose This Nationwide clothing collec- sincerely congratulate you upon the Chisholm and gave invaluable aid of saving millions of dollars-the tion is to secure the maximum most efficient job Y9 u did in direct- there, pointed out that while mili- difference between the price of used quantity possible of good used ing the various units of civilian de- tary personnel through their train- clothing and new uniforms-and to clothing for free distribution in war fense. ing were prepared in such emer- relieve the already over-taxed wool- devastated countries. The goal is "You have good reason to be gencies, he thought the survivors en industry nOw manufacturing 150 million pounds. The drive is proud of the fine work of organiz- and civic volunteers acquitted them- Army goods, permitting such plants (Turn to page 4, column 3) ing and training that you have di- selves admirably. to return to the manufacture of rected in Alabama for such a long "From reports, and what I've seen clothes for civilian wear sooner. time and I am sure that you must while visiting the area damaged by An Optimist Gets feel very happy over the realization that your splendid efforts have re- the tornado, the public gave more than neighborly aid to the unfor- President Calls First GI Loan sulted in saving life, alleviation of tunate victims. The Citizens De- For Observance suffering and minimiZing property fense corps, the city and State po- Washington, D. C. - The Vet- damage. lice, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Of Army Day erans' Administration has announc- "I can assure you that everyone the County sheriff's office, the hos- ed that what it believes to be the connected with OCD is very proud pitals and their doctors and nurses, Washington. - President Roose- first loan under the "GI Bill of of you and your efficient organiza- the American Legion, the VFW and velt issued a proclamation designat- Rights" for the purpose of ·starting tion." private citizens all were on hand ing Friday, April 6, as Army Day a business has been made to Jack On the evening of the tornado, to do whatever they could," he com- and urged State Governors to call C. Breeden of Falls Church, Va. more than 600 auxiliary police of mented. for observance of the day. Mr. Breeden, who bon-owed $3,000 the city civilian defense unit and "The Red Cross and the Alabama "I also urge the civilians of this from the Hamilton National Bank more than 75 firemen of the aux- State Guard were furnishing splen- Nation to renew their energies for of Washington, with 50 per cent of iliary, appeared at the City Hall in did assistance everywhere I went. the task of supplying our Army the loan guaranteed by the govern- less than 70 minutes and reported And of course I was proud of the with every necessary implement of ment as provided in the GI Bill, to Col. W. P. Screws. They were part played by the military in help- war to the end that final victory is an optimist. He is going into '1ssigned to the stricken areas and ing out," he added.-From Civilian may be obtained as speedily as pos- the meat business. worked fifteen hours without relief. Front, March 3, 1945. sible and to resolve that the peace He is going to buy a refrigerator which follows victory shall be firm- truck to sell and deliver meat to ly sustained," the proclamation retail butchers. said. Save That Tin! Army Day will be the 28th anni- The War Production Board has issued a new appeal for all house- Chisholm Thanks holders to save and prepare. all used tin cans for return to detinning versary of America's entrance into the World War and the President's State C. D. Group plants, emphasiZing the vital need for this commodity for the produc- tion of war's goods. .. proclamation calling attention to the fact that once more American For Assistance With our original prime source of tin cut by the Japanese and due soldiers "are suffering and dying to be curtailed for some time after complete liberation of these areas is ni defense of our land and our spir- State Defense Council Director itual heritage." accomplished by the advancing American forces, it is more than ever Haygood Paterson on March 9th re- ceived a letter from the Chisholm necessary that the citizens of this city cooperate in saving their tin Community expressing appreciation cans for salvage collection. DEFENSE COUNCIL for the assistance rendered during The assertion made by the WPB that at the present time Ameri- the recent tornado. The letter was cans are throwing' away two out of every three used tin cans forms a (Continued .from page 1) signed by M.rs. D. E. Walters, Dor- terrible indictment to the patriotism of many of our citizens. The ef- your office. We are haVing a rep- othy Nell Markham, Mrs. T. J. Ma- fort involved in preparing these cans for collection certainly cannot be resentative of this office personally chen, Sr., Mrs. S. J. Till, and S. T. termed arduous. The time spent in this task is small indeed in com- contact each of these places with a Rodgers. parison to the value of the contribution. view of securing agreements to The letter stated: "We wish to The extent to which people are now neglecting this tin-saving task training our veterans, and you can express to you and to every member is clearly indicated through Government reports which show that col- readily see how important it is to of your organization who helped us US." lections during 1944 totaled but 383,089,507 pounds, a decline of nearly The War Service Division of the in the tornado, on behalf of the hundreds of our people' in Chisholm 50,000 pounds from the 1943 totaL-New Haven (Conn.) Register. State Defense Council will furnish our sincere appreciation for every Mr. Smith with the information re- aid and assistance given. quested. "Please express to every member ENGLAND'S WAR COST WHOLE BLOOD FLIES ABROAD Letters and questionnaires similar of your organization our deepest to those sent the Members of the gratitude." Montgomery Chamber of Com- Great Britain is spending $57,- merce, in the interest of proper Packed in protective containers, MORE NURSES NEEDED 000,000 per day for war purposes, placement of discharged servicemen Sir John Anderson, chancellor of whole blood donated through the in an occupation of their own President Roosevelt reports that the exchequer, reported recently. American Red Cross speeds by air choosing, are being sent Chambers 18,000 more nurses are needed by to wounded fighting men in Europe, of Commerce over the State by the Army and 2,000 by the Navy. supplementing blood plasma and Mr. Griffin. The U. S. Eighth Air Force de- other medical supplies." Half a turn Buy more Bonds for the big vic- strayed 7,173 German planes in the around the g~be, refrigerated whole During 1944, American factories tory push! year ending January 1, 1945' blood is flown to the Pacific front. produced 96 369 planes of all types. MARCH,1945 • THE HOME FRONT PAGE THREE
Alabama Citizens Waste Paper Collection Occupies Time Are We Ready?
Respond To Call And Attention Of Patriotic Citizens Asks Commander For Waste Paper Arn Of C. D. Corps MONTGOMERY LIONS FILL SIX "Should you receive a call to duty GARS IN SUN. DRIVE; FLOR- tonight as a result of a sudden dis- ENCE HAS SALVAGE DEPOT aster, how quickly could you as- semble the men under you and how The amount of waste paper avail- efficient will they be?" . inquires able for collection is constantly les- Fred Am, Commander of the Citi- sening, yet more must be collected zens' Defense Corps of Mobile in 1945 than previously if the needs County of our fighting men as well as es- sential home front requirements are . Commander Am in an earnest to be met, according to L. E. Creel, attempt to determine the prepared- State Salvage Manager. ness of the COunty's Defense corps, at the end of the directive, asks - . Cities and towns throughout the pertinent questions. Quoting from State are answering the challenge the Bulletin of March 15: by putting their shoulders to the wheel. A number of smaller com- "The history of Mobile is proof munities that have never shipped that this community is not immune paper will do so next month. to disastrous storms, conflagrations, Local Junior Chambers of Com- high waters and epidemics. If con- merce have volunteered to give as- fronted with such an emergency sistance to Salvage campaigns in will we perform as creditably as did their respective communities. Sal- the Defense Corps of Montgomery vage Chairmen should contact them when it was struck last month by to secure their cooperation. a tornado which brought death, in: The Colbert County Salvage Com- jury and destruction in its wake. mittee headed by Mrs. Milo S. Long, "From the official report of Gen- Chairman has established a salvage eral William P. Screws, City Police depot at Florence, which is kept Commissioner and Commander of open by volunteers all day. The Montgomery's Defense Corps, we Catholic Welfare Committee will learn that within an ·hour and a furnish volunteers for next month. quarter from the first alarm, ap- A shed has been arranged so that proximately 100 members of the De- anyone who wishes, may drive by fense Corps reported. to headquar- at night and leave salvage. ters and that some 600 were on hand within another hour and a Lions Active half, including Air Raid Wardens, One hundred ninety thousand Auxiliary Police and Firemen and pounds of waste paper, enough to members of other divisions. They fill six solid box cars will redound were promptly organized into to the credit of the Montgomery squads and divided into six hour Lions Club, as a result of an inten- snifts and they served in the strick- sified Sunday afternoon campaign en areas from the evening of Mon- staged March 11th, according to day, February 12th until the morn- figures released March 15th by ing of Thursday, the 15th, Chairman W. P. DeLemos. "General Screws said: 'The mem- With paper still the No. 1 war bers of the Defense Corps demon- material shortage, the Lions sent strated the value of training and out the word to all local business discipline which they received when firms to clean house. The result first organized. The promptness was startling. Clarence Cook, gen- with which their members report- eral manager of Solomon Brothers ed, the efficient manner in which rounded up enough paper on the they performed their duties, and premises of his firm to fill one car. their willingness to' do anything to Other firms reported that with the At top is shown the Montgomery Lions, including Junior Lions and help in this hour of trouble, are di~posal of old records and non es- Boy Scuots, assembled at the City Scales, ready to start. They lost no deserving of the commendation of sential correspondence that had ~ime after churches were dismissed Sunday, March 11th swinging into all the citizens of our community.' been accumulating through the "To assure that our Defense action over the city in a whirlwind campaign to collect waste paper. It years, they have systematized their Corps is equally prepared to respond was an epic drive resulting in six carloads of paper from which the Club and perform efficiently, every offi- filing and increased space for cur- rent records. Residents also co- realized $1,200.00. cer is asked to check up on' his or- operated wholeheartedly. Below is pictured the Colbert County Salvage Depot at Florence ganization in the following particu- The Lions prepared painstakingly which has made an enviable record. It is kept open by volunteers lars: for their whirlwind campaign. The throughout the day and is the nucleus of salvage activity. Mrs. Milo S. "How many of your men are now city was carefully zoned. Army Long is Chairman of the Colbert County Salvage Committee. available for service? trucks from Maxwell Field were "Have you filled all vacancies. pressed into service. Junior Lions More than 12,00(},000 men are in among your key men? and Boy Scouts assisted. the U. S. armed services now. Wounded Soldiers "How recently have you checked In addition to collecting waste up on your call list? paper essential for war purposes, and myself, personally, I wish to Get New Training "How recently have you had sub- the Lions realized $1,200.00 from thank the Lions Club for the splen- Pre-technical training courses in ordinate officers check their call their Sunday drive, which _they will did work done in connection with arts and trades have been started lists? use as a fund for their Junior Lions their paper collection on March 11. by the army as part of its program "Our headquarters office at 107 Club. Especially do I wish to thank you to aid soldiers in convalescent hos- st. Francis Street; second floor, L. E. Creel, State Salvage Direc- and your committee for the out- pitals. (telephone 2-7761) continues open tor in a letter of appreciation to standing job you did in advertising The courses include canvas and during all regular office hours and Chairman DeLemos wrote: "On be- and the work each of you· did in leather work, sewing machine op- is prepared to' serve you in every half of the War Production Board the actual collection of the paper." eration, clothing and textile repair. possible way." PAGE FOUR THE HOME FRONT MARCH,1945
Victory Garden J. W. MORGAN The Government'Asks
Crop Essential To Citizen Of Month The Government needs and asks Its citizens to: Win Food Battle (1) Return to sea duty if you are an engineering or deck officer. Our Merchant Marine urgently needs 18,000 licensed men to sail the The citizens of Alabama, already ships carrying war cargoes to cOipEat areas. garden conscious, spurred on by (2) Address all overseas mail clearly, correctly and completely to Governor Sparks' proclamation of avoid delays and disappointments. One slight error may easily cause Victory Garden Week-March 5 to a letter to travel 30,000 extra miles. 10, are responding to the appeal (3) Buy only what you really need this Easter. Dollars unneces- for more and better Victory Gar- sarily spent contribute to inflation; dollars saved help to finance the dens for 1945. Citizens Service Corps through war. volunteer block leaders and war (4) Help relieve the nursing crisis. AU women, young or old, service groups are working closely trained or untrained, can participate in one of the eight war nursing with County Farm Demonstration programs. Inquire at your local Red Cross. Agents to increase the quality and number of gardens. M'Ontgomery Active DEFENSE GROUPS TO The Montgomery County Citizens (Continued from page 2) Airman's Prayer Service Corps, with the Garden scheduled from April 1 through Clubs as co-sponsors are going into April 30, 1945. Plans provide for An "airman's prayer," which a B- the nation-wide "Green-Thumb" participation by all groups and or- 24 gunner said "I have repeated Contest", in a big way. ganizations in the community in- many a time at my gun-station," Registrations are coming in, and cluding schools, churches, factories, read as follows: keen rivalry among the clubs is clubs; also house to house canvass- QOd of the evening, God of the giving the plan momentum. Reg- ing. The campaign will be "spear- - dawn, istrations are not confined to gar- headed" through the Nation by Ro- God of the morning, God of the den clubs, although the list of lo- tary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs. light, cal prizes provides a special class - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 AU contributions received will go Keep our engines strong in flight. for garden club members. into a common pool. No donations And then, 0 Lord, let it be Thy The Civilian Defense Council has Jefferson County can be earmarked for a specific will country.. The donated garments earmarked a war bond for the win- ner of the most successful individ- Salvage Chairman will be shipped to war devastated That there come a day when we need not kill.. ual garden in the county and mer- Solves Problems countries on the basis of the -great- chants will cooperate in a fall ex- est immediate need and available hibit. Tentative plans are being Since 1937, J. W. Morgan has shipping space. VICTORY GARDEN made for a Victory Garden Har- served as City Commissioner of Bir- The United National Clothing vest show to be held late in the mingham. With the welfare of the collection is a coordinated effort (Continued form column 1) fall to give gardeners an opportun- Birmingham citizenry as his first on the part of the United Nations tute held recently, Lester J. Norris, ity to exhibit the products of their interest, he was appointed Salvage Relief and Rehabilitation Admin- chairman of the board of that or- efforts; fresh, canned, and dehy- Chairman of Jefferson County at istration and over fifty volunteer ganization, received the following drated vegetables. the beginning of the War. war relief agencies of the United telegram from OPA Administrator OPA Urges Gardens Wm. O. Duntze, Chief of the Gen- States. The collection will be con- Chester Bowles, relative to the se- During an important meeting of eral Salvage Branch of the War ducted under the sponsorship of a riousness of the food situation, and the National Victory Garden Insti- Production Board, Washington, D, national committee which consists stressing the importance of making (Turn to column 4) C., declared, "If we had about five of representation from the above every Victory Garden produce to more men of the calibre of Mr. participating agencies, and other the limit. Morgan, I am quite sure we could groups. Mr. Henry J. Kaiser is na- "Today the home front is feeling solve the wastepaper shortage in tional chairman of this committee. New Handbook the United States." Mr. Dan A. West is Executive Di- the full effect of a long war. Food supplies are reflecting the real pinch Useful For Vets Mr. Morgan adopted a plan of rector. National headquarters is of an enormous double-barrelled collecting wastepaper during the located at 100 Maiden Lane, New war in Europe and in the Pacific. Washington. - A new "Veteran's summer months that can be used York 5, New York. We now have more than five mil- Handbook," compiled by Mal E. K. to good advantage in other com- lion men overseas and more are INCREASED PRODUCTION going every week. An average of Gubin, covers about everything a munities. This was accomplished War supplies valued at $65,500,- six pounds of food is allocated to veteran or his dependents can ask through the churches and Sunday OOO,OO~ or $2,500,000,000 more than for in the way of information re- School children of Birmingham. every American soldier every day. in 1944, will be manufactured in Forty-six per cent of the 1944-45 garding his rehabilitation. There are 151 churches in Bir- the United States this year, WPB commercially canned vegetables, Under the head "Jobs" it details mingham and 85 participated in the Chairman Krug has announced. and over half of the canned fruits. the veteran's rights, gives sugges- drive last summer. Mr. Morgan tions about where and how to ob- placed box cars on the railroad sid-' er of Public Improvements is at are being taken by the armed tain a job in private industry or in ing every Wednesday and picked up present campaigning for his third forces. Yet in the midst of this the Federal Civil Service, with the paper at the churches, weigh- term of office. Born and reared greatest war in our history America points on preference for veterans. ing each amount separately and in Birmingham, he was in the elec- is healthy and well fed, the best "Unemployment Compensation" cov- paying the churches 45c per CWT. trical appliance and radio business fed nation in the world. Our farm- ers the matter of the various pay- He mailed a check every Friday so in Birmingham for many years. ers and food industries have per- ments under that head. "Educa- that it would be received by the Commissioner Morgan has always formed a truly heroic task. tion" gives information on every- respective pastor on Saturday. been identified with civic and phil- "But a large part of the credit thing a veteran may expect. Mr. Morgan thus prOVided paper anthropic movements. He has par- must go to the Victory Gardeners "Loans" gives in detail the amounts for the war effort, and at the same ticipated in all constrUctive meas- who last year produced forty per and conditions under which loans time, helped provide money for the ures promulgated by the American cent of the fresh vegetables we may be obtained. Other matters church, which is a very worthy Legion of which he is a member; ate, and to the housewives who did covered are life insurance, muster- cause. is active in the Beverly Methodist a record job of home canning. I ing-out pay, benefits for the dis- He also made arrangements with Church and belongs to a number of don't know where we would have abled, benefits for dependents, le- the small towns surrounding Bir- Fraternal Organizations. been without their help in so sub- gal protection and income tax. mingham to have them haul their Under his direction, Jefferson stantially supplementing our vital The handbook can be obtained paper into Birmingham every Wed- County has made an excellent rec- food supplies. The Victory Gar- for 10 cents by writing Army Times, nesday, paying them exactly what ord in its salvage program which is deners of America are facing an- Daily News Building, Washington he received. an import3ilt part of Civilian De- other big wartime responsibility 5, D. C. Mr. Morgan, who is Commission- fense. this summer."