1942
The time has come once again to make a composite of all the news and set it down, in a legible if not an intelligent manner, to be rescattered over the globe. It seems that every time I write, I promise to pay back some of the space I must have necessarily borrowed from other reporters. Since I mean to keep that promise this time, the best step would be to proceed with the news.
Somewhat removed from the field of actual military accomplishments, but still closely allied to it is the brief bit of information received concerning Bob Hill. Bob has been recently appointed a vice consul in the Foreign Service Auxiliary, Department of State, and has left for his new post, which is in Calcutta, India. But not to venture too far from the field of the military, let us cite from a clipping with the dateline of the AAF Fighter Station, England. It reads briefly that First Lieutenant Charles S. Waller, a fighter pilot, has been awarded the Air Medal, "For exceptional meritorious service in flight over enemy-occupied Europe." It will be remembered that Chuck left Dartmouth for West Point, but it may not be known that he was married to the former Elizabeth Skillman of Cloverport, Ky.
Still in the line of military merit, '42 can take credit for another field promotion from the ranks of the enlisted to the ranks of the commissioned. Frank T. Bartlett now wears gold bars for technical skill and his knowledge of men. The promotion took place in Port Headquarters, Delta Base Section in Southern France, where Lt. Frank is now supervising stevedores in the loading and unloading of ships. Frank has been overseas twenty-six months in North Africa, Italy, and Southern France.
To maintain the chain of thought, namely in the line of promotions, it will be noted that Michael J. deSherbinin has been raised to the rank of second lieutenant. Express note is made of this fact because of the personal prompting by Mike who describes himself in the words of Bill Mitchel as the "Eternal Cadet." Mike has suffered many of those through breaks that befall many in the Army and his extreme tenacity is far from a joke.
Word of the promotion of Robert P. Wilson to the rank of lieutenant (jg) has been received. Bob is now enjoying a thirty-day leave after a year in the Southwest Pacific with the Navy, flying patrol bombers (Coronados). Bob expects to train a few months in Kansas and Florida and then to return possibly with another ship.
In the general listing in that department entitled, "Up the Ladder," we have the following promotions: Major Louis A. Wright Jr.; Lt. (jg) Reed O. Griffith; 2nd Lt. Robert R. Rodgers; Capt. Robert C. White; Lt. (jg) Matthew W. Rapf; Lt. (jg) Samuel J. Thomison Jr.; Lt. (jg) Ralph R. Tyson; Lt. Mathew J. Beecher Jr.; 2nd Lt. David L. Sills; Lt. (jg) Harold J. Eckardt.
Down in that state of matrimonial bliss we find some newcomers. Among these is Mr. Robert Gale of the Air Transport Command, European Division in London, England, and his new London-resident and Dublin-born bride, who is the former Maureen Dowd. Also present is an old citizen-family but with a new addition, namely, the Neil Bentons, the recent addition having arrived January 17. Pvt. Neil is now with an Army Air Communications outfit in New Guinea.
It will be remembered that in the last issue I asked for some information concerninga certain "Birdlegs" Nehring. And where dowe find the prompt reply? Why, right in thedepartment trimmed with "Hearts and Flowers." Lt. (jg) Richard C. Nehring was marriedin Winnetka, Ill., to Virginia E. Nickel, Lt.(jg) WAVES. All the upheavels of the"state" are quickly calmed herewith by thesimple application of rank.
Cliff Roberts writes this month and also adds some more news of Lt. Nehring. But Cliff also relates a bit that might rightfully be a headline in this department. This astounding item concerns the marriage of one James Campbell Doerr. This is all that is contained except for the non-matrimonial fact that Jim is a captain running a Marine Stevedore outfit. Now that your light has leaked out from under the bushel, Jimmie, we would appreciate a few details concerning you and yours.
Since a report of Cliff's letter has been started it should be continued quite correctly with the word that Cliff is a Lt. (jg) and a fighter pilot. He has had one trip to the Pacific and is now checking out with Corsairs with the hopes that he will be carrier-based. His checking is being done in Cape Cod where he is enjoying his desirable location near the skiing country.
Cliff writes of meeting in Cambridge Fred Brutschy, who is working on a secret government project with other chemical giants. Also Cliff met the aforementioned Bob Wilson and in Norfolk one of Bob's fellow world-travelers, Dunbar Shuetz, who is now attached to the administrative command in amphibious training. He also met Cliff Fuller and wife in Florida, and Bill Gray there in Jacksonville, training as a landing signal officer after a tour with "Fighting 39" on Majore.
One day in the middle of the Pacific a destroyer pulled alongside of Cliff's ship and there was the long lost Lt. Nehring. The heated conversation was at a distance at that time but it was drawn to a closer range later over some refreshments when Cliff learned that Dick was running the ship and that his shipmates had, for some unbeknown reason, named him, "The Stick". At Tulagi, Cliff was greeted by Charlie Hunt in charge of a beerequipped reception committee. That was a real gathering place as you may remember from past reports of these meetings from other sources. While there, Cliff met Lt. (jg) Nellie Craw off an LCT, Ed Hawkridge from a destroyer, and Ollie Quayle who was running the personnel office there.
Well, this is "30" or whatever the trade phrase is, on another issue. 1 am going to omit my usual postscript this time as I don't think that you need to be reminded that an inflow of letters is necessary for an outflow of news. Well, perhaps I should remind you. But, no, I'll just affix my sign and seal and end it.
APPOINTED VICE CONSUL In the Foreign Service Auxiliary of the U. S. Department of State, Robert C. Hill '42 has been assigned to a post in Calcutta.
Acting Secretary, R. D. No. 1, Rensselaer, N. Y.
