Stimson: Overseas men to come home if ships permit
Combat furlough policy explained
By Daniel M. Kidney, Scripps-Howard staff writer
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Mike Ryba’s successful debut as starter adds to Red Sox flag hopes
By Carl Lundquist, United Press staff writer
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$2,112,583 for $728,974 –
Labor-renting racket curbed, U.S. reports
Saving to taxpayers of nation cited
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Roving Reporter
By Ernie Pyle
Somewhere in Normandy, France – (by wireless)
I know of nothing in civilian life at home by which you can even remotely compare the contribution to his country made by the infantry soldier with his life of bestiality, suffering and death.
But I’ve just been with an outfit whose war work is similar enough to yours that I believe you can see the difference between life overseas and in America.
This is the heavy ordnance company which repairs shot-up tanks, wrecked artillery, and heavy trucks.
These men are not in much danger. They work at shop benches with tools. Compared with the infantry, their life is velvet and they know it and appreciate it. But compared with them your life is velvet. That’s what I’d like for you to appreciate.
These men are mostly skilled craftsmen. Many are about military age. Back home, they made big money. Their jobs here are fundamentally the same as those of you at home who work in war plants. It’s only the environment that is different.
These men don’t work seven, eight, or nine hours a day. They work from 7:00 in the morning until darkness comes at night. They work from 12 to 16 hours a day.
Haven’t sat in chair in weeks
You have beds and bathrooms. These men sleep on the ground, and dig a trench for their toilets.
You have meals at the table. These men eat from mess kits, sitting on the grass. You have pajamas, and places to go on Sunday. These men sleep in their underwear, and they don’t even know when Sunday comes. They have not sat in a chair for weeks. They live always outdoors, rain and shine.
In the World War, their life is not bad. By peacetime standards, it is outrageous. But they don’t complain – because they are close enough to the front to see and appreciate the desperate need of the men they are trying to help. They work with an eagerness and an intensity that is thrilling to see.
This company works under a half-acre grove of trees and along the hedgerows of a couple of adjoining pastures. Their shops are in the trucks, or out in the open under camouflage nets.
Most of their work seems unspectacular to describe. It just consists of welding steel plates in the sides of tanks, of changing the front end of a truck blown up by a mine, or repairing the barrel of a big gun hit by a bazooka, of rewinding the coils of a radio, of welding new teeth in a gear.
It’s the sincere way they go at it, and their appreciation of its need that impressed me.
Cpl. Richard Kelso is in this company. His home is in Chicago.
He is an Irishman from the old sod. He apprenticed in Belfast as a machinist nearly 30 years ago. He went to America when he was 25, and now he is 45.
Improvisation wins wars
He still has folks in Ireland, but he didn’t have a chance to get over there when he was stationed in England. He is thin and a little stooped, and the others call him Pop. He is quiet and intent and very courteous. He never did get married.
Kelso operates the milling machine in a shop truck. His truck is covered deep with extra strips of steel, for these boys pick up and hoard steel as some people might hoard money.
When I stopped to chat, Kelso had his machine grinding away on the rough tooth of the gearwheel of a tank.
The part that did the cutting was one he had improvised himself. In this business of war, so much is unforeseen, so much is missing at the right moment that were it not for improvisation, wars would be lost.
Take these gearwheels, for instance. Suppose a tank strips three teeth off a fear. The entire tank is helpless and out of action. They have no replacement wheels in stock. They have to repair the broken one.
So, they take it to their outdoor foundry, make a form, heat up some steel till it is molten, pour it into the form and mold a rough gear tooth which is then welded onto the stub of the broken-off tooth.
Now this rough tooth has to be ground down to the fine dimensions of the other teeth and that is an exacting job. At first, they didn’t have the tools to do it with.
But that didn’t stop them. They hacked those teeth down with cold chisels and hand files. They put back into action 20 tanks by this primitive method. Then Kelso and Warrant Officer Henry Moser of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, created a part for their milling machine that would do the job faster and better.
That one little improvisation may have saved 50 Americans’ lives, may have cost the Germans a hundred men, may even have turned the tide of a battle.
10 miles away, they’re real
And it’s being done by a man 45 years old, wearing corporal stripes who doesn’t have to be over here at all, and who could be making big money back home.
He too sleeps on the ground and works 16 hours a day, and is happy to do it – for boys who are dying are not 3,000 miles away and abstract; they are 10 miles away and very, very real.
He sees them when they come back, pleading like children for another tank, another gun. He knows how terribly they need the things that are within his power to give.
Detroit Evening Times (August 1, 1944)
America First picks Gerald L. K. Smith
Gerald L. K. Smith was in the presidential race today, having been nominated by his America First Party at its state convention, being held at the Detroit-Leland Hotel.
Repudiating Republican nominee Thomas Dewey, who in turn had repudiated Smith’s support, the group voted to place Smith on its ballot, subject to substitution in case another candidate is nominated by the party at its national convention, to be held later.
“How can we support a man who has called me a rodent?” demanded Smith, speaking of Dewey.
The group gave its endorsement, however, to Governor John Bricker of Ohio, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, to all of the incumbent Republican Congressmen who are seeking reelection, and to most of the other Republicans in Congressional races.
For Governor, the convention selected as its nominee the Rev. Leland L. Marion, pastor of the Christian Temple Church in Pontiac. who a few months ago was involved in a controversy with the OPA over his gasoline allotment.
Smith said:
Men with courage like Rev. Marion have given 10,000 pastors more gasoline to take care of their flocks.
For Lieutenant Governor, the party selected Pvt. George Boss, a soldier with two years overseas service, who is now recuperating from wounds at the Percy Jones Hospital, Battle Creek.
Bernard A. Doman, secretary-treasurer of the America First Party, was named for Secretary of State; Alemond G. Blanchard of Niles for Auditor General, and C. J. Smith of Belding for Treasurer.
Völkischer Beobachter (August 2, 1944)
US-Panzerspitze südlich Avranches aufgefangen –
Schwerstes Trommelfeuer im Raum von Caen
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Die Kämpfe auf den Marianen
Tokio, 1. August –
Über die Kämpfe auf den Marianeninseln gab das Kaiserliche Hauptquartier eine Verlautbarung heraus. Es heißt darin, daß die japanischen Truppen auf Guam in heftigen Kämpfen, hauptsächlich in der Nähe der Städte Agana und Agat, dem Feinde schwerste Verluste beigebracht haben. Die japanische Front wurde inzwischen einer Verkürzung nördlich der Stadt Agana unterzogen. Die Kämpfe dauern noch an.
Auf der Insel Tinian haben die Japaner bisher trotz zahlenmäßiger Unterlegenheit ein Vordringen der Amerikaner, die im Nordteil der Insel landeten, verhindern können. Am 31. Juli gelang es dem Feind jedoch, in die letzten japanischen Stellungen einzudringen.
Die Insel Rota ist ständigen Luftangriffen und dem Feuer von Kriegsschiffen ausgesetzt. Feindliche Landungen wurden bisher verhindert.
Innsbrucker Nachrichten (August 2, 1944)
Neue Feindangriffe in der Normandie zusammengebrochen
Alle Durchbruchsversuche des Feindes bei Florenz gescheitert – Der schiefe Turm von Pisa durch Feindfeuer beschädigt – Schwere Verlust der Banden auf dem Balkan – Feindkräfte auf der Beskiden-Passstraße zurückgeworfen – Sowjetangriffe im Weichsel-Bogen abgewiesen
Aus dem Führerhauptquartier, 2. August –
Das Oberkommando der Wehrmacht gibt bekannt:
Südlich Caen brachen von Panzern und starker Artillerie unterstützte feindliche Angriffe verlustreich zusammen. Auch beiderseits Moyon und im Raum Percy–Villedieu wurden alle Angriffe der Amerikaner unter Abschuß von 30 Panzern zerschlagen. Südlich und östlich Avranches sind heftige Kämpfe mit vordringenden feindlichen Panzerverbänden im Gange. 34 Panzer wurden dort abgeschossen.
In der Nacht griffen Kampfflieger feindliche Panzerspitzen und belegte Ortschaften mit guter Wirkung an.
Im französischen Raum wurden 102 Terroristen im Kampfe niedergemacht.
Das Vergeltungsfeuer auf London dauert an.
In Italien scheiterten wiederum alle Durchbruchsversuche des Feindes südwestlich Florenz. Feindliche Artillerie beschoss gestern Florenz, obwohl die Stadt zur Schonung ihrer Kulturgüter von der deutschen Führung militärisch nicht ausgenützt wird und von Truppen freigehalten ist. Auch der historische schiefe Turm von Pisa, in dessen Umgebung sich keinerlei militärische Anlagen befinden, wurde durch feindliches Artilleriefeuer beschädigt.
Deutsche Torpedoflieger griffen einen feindlichen Geleitzug vor der nordafrikanischen Küste an. Vier Frachter mit 26.000 BRT und ein Zerstörer wurden vernichtend getroffen. Außerdem erhielten weitere sieben Handelsschiffe mit zusammen 49.000 BRT-Torpedotreffer.
Der Kampf gegen die kommunistischen Banden auf dem Balkan brachte dem Feind im Juli besonders schwere, blutige Verluste. Er verlor außer 13.000 Toten 3.800 Gefangene und Überläufer sowie zahlreiche leichte und schwere Infanteriewaffen. Über 20 große Versorgungsund Munitionslager wurden erbeutet oder vernichtet.
Am Nordhang der Karpaten wurden die auf die Beskiden-Passstraße vorgestoßenen feindlichen Kräfte im Gegenangriff zurückgeworfen. Weiter nordwestlich kam es im Karpatenvorland, besonders im Raum westlich Sambor und bei Reichshof, zu heftigen örtlichen Kämpfen. Im großen Weichselbogen wurden zahlreiche Angriffe des Feindes abgewiesen. Gegen einen feindlichen Brückenkopf südlich Warschau sind Gegenangriffe im Gange.
Schlachtflieger versenkten auf der Weichsel 28 mit Truppen vollbeladene Fähren der Sowjets.
Nordöstlich Warschau warfen Truppen des Heeres und der Waffen-SS, von Schlachtfliegern unterstützt, die Bolschewisten im Gegenangriff zurück. Zwischen dem Wald von Augustow und der Memel kam es zu schweren wechselvollen Kämpfen, in deren Verlauf die Orte Kalvaria und Wilkowischken verlorengingen.
In Lettland wurde der Südteil von Mitau, in dem mehrere Tage heftig gekämpft wurde, nach Sprengung der Brücken geräumt. Birsen wurde im Gegenangriff wieder genommen. Zwischen der Düna und dem Finnischen Meerbusen scheiterten mehrere örtliche Angriffe der Sowjets.
Im Monat Juli vernichtete die Luftwaffe 1.830 anglo-amerikanische Flugzeuge, darunter 1.236 viermotorige Bomber. Allein über dem Reichsgebiet wurden 804 feindliche Flugzeuge in Luftkämpfen und durch Flakartillerie abgeschossen.
Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (August 2, 1944)
Communiqué No. 115
In the AVRANCHES sector, Allied armored forces continue to push forward to the south and east. South of VILLEDIEU, further progress has been made.
Allied forces have captured TESSY after heavy enemy resistance. Our hold on LE BENY–BOCAGE and the crossings over the river SOULEUVRE have been strengthened.
Enemy vehicles, ammunition dumps and other battlefield targets were attacked by fighter-bombers in close support of our ground forces yesterday.
Better weather during the afternoon made possible a step-up in the Allied air offensive and large-scale attacks were launched on enemy bridges and airfields.
Airfields at CHÂTEAUDUN, ORLÉANS–BRICY, TOURS, CHARTRES, and MELUN, bridges over the SEINE and MARNE Rivers, and an oil dump at ROUEN were attacked by heavy bombers.
Rail bridges crossing the LOIRE, other rail bridges in the LE MANS, CHARTRES, and DREUX areas, a fuel store at SAINT-MALO and an ammunition dump southeast of CAEN were targets for medium and light bombers.
Communiqué No. 116
Allied formations have continued to fight their way forward during the day and have now reached VIRE and the from VIRE to CONDE. The village of ESTRY has been taken and progress continues. There is also heavy fighting in the area of ONDEFONTAINE. Our troops are approaching AUNAY.
In the CAEN area, bitter fighting continues against enemy armored formations in the region of TILLY-LA-CAMPAGNE.
In the western sectors, Allied armored formations have progressed beyond PONTORSON, while other forces are approaching SAINT-POIS and advancing southeast of BRÉCEY. The town of VILLEDIEU has been captures and further progress has been made south of TORIGNI.
Our air operations were limited by the weather.
U.S. Navy Department (August 2, 1944)
CINCPAC Communiqué No. 102
Marine and Army troops on Guam, fighting through dense underbrush and against mounting enemy resistance, advanced more than a mile to the north during August 1 (West Longitude Date). The towns of Saucio, Toto, and Timoneng and the airfield at Tyan were occupied in the advance. On the west coast, our line is anchored on the southern shore of Tumon Bay, and on the east coast it is anchored approximately three miles south of Sassayan Point. Our casualties through August 1 were 1,022 killed in action, 4,946 wounded in action and 305 missing in action. Our troops have counted 7,419 enemy dead.
Carrier aircraft from a fast carrier task group attacked enemy installations on Guam on August 1 with bombs and rockets. Additional bombs and strafing attacks were delivered against troop concentrations.
Lt. Gen. Holland M. Smith, USMC, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific, has sent the following dispatch to Maj. Gen. A. D. Bruce, USA, Commanding General, 77th Infantry Division:
The 77th Infantry Division has shown commendable ability of high order in operation against the enemy on Guam. Its complete cooperation with other fighting elements has been noted with much pleasure. It has shown marked tactical ability in moving its forces into position over unfavorable terrain and in the face of great difficulties.
Late reports indicate that during the ground action on July 27, Mount Tenjo was occupied by the 77th Infantry Division.
On Tinian Island, mopping-up operations are in progress. Ravines and caves at the southern tip of the island were partially cleaned out during August 1. Our troops have buried 2,075 enemy dead, and have interned many civilians. Large numbers of the enemy have yet to be buried. Our casualties as of August 1 were 208 killed in action, 1,121 wounded in action and 32 missing in action.
On July 30 and 31, 7th Army Air Force Liberators dropped 60 tons of bombs on an airfield and installations at Truk. Six to eight Japanese fighters attempted to intercept. Three of the fighters were shot down and three more damaged. Five of our Liberators were damaged but all returned to base.
Mitchell bombers of the 7th Army Air Force attacked Nauru Island on July 30 with more than 12 tons of bombs, scoring hits on the airfield and on gun positions.
On July 30 and 31, aircraft of the Central Pacific shore‑based air force harassed enemy positions in the Marshall Islands.
The Pittsburgh Press (August 2, 1944)
Yanks sweep on in France
U.S. tanks close on big road, rail hub of Rennes in Brittany
By Virgil Pinkley, United Press staff writer
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Churchill: Victory may be near
Prime Minister says robots cause million to evacuate London
By Joseph W. Grigg, United Press staff writer
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In primaries –
Clark trailing; Fish renominated
Missouri Senator appears defeated
By the United Press
Senator Bennett Champ Clark, ardent isolationist before Pearl Harbor, was apparently defeated yesterday in his race for renomination in the Missouri Democratic primary, unofficial returns showed today.
Mr. Clark was trailing State Attorney General Roy McKittrick by more than 21,000 votes, the unofficial returns from 3,785 of Missouri’s 4,516 precincts giving McKittrick 147,229 and Clark 125,828 votes.
Clark was beaten in the rural sections. St. Louis and Kansas City practically cancelled each other, the former backing McKittrick and Kansas City going for Clark.
In the New York primary, the renomination of Rep. Hamilton Fish Jr., another pre-war isolationist, in New York’s reapportioned 29th district, was assured.
In another contest in a newly-aligned district in New York, Rep. Vito Marcantonio, seeking renomination for a fifth term, won both the Democratic and Republican nomination, leading Democratic Rep. Martin J. Kennedy of the old district, 10,100 to 7,759, and Republican Robert C. Palmer, 2,949 to 2,720.
Fish’s opponent concedes
Mr. Fish’s opponent, Newburgh attorney Augustus W. Bennet, conceded the nomination early today when unofficial returns from 252 of 278 precincts showed 13,975 votes for Fish and 10,891 for Bennet.
Mr. Bennet, however, was unopposed for the nomination for the Democratic and American Labor parties, and will oppose Mr. Fish in the November election.
Bennet to fight on
Mr. Bennet said later today that he was starting immediately to circulate a petition to have his name placed on the ballot on November as Independent Republican candidate – “independent of the dictates of the Hamilton Fish clique.”
He said:
The primary was but one phase of the crusade to crush those things Hamilton Fish stands for in the Republican Party and in American life.
The margin of victory was the smallest ever piled up by Mr. Fish, who battled for renomination in a reapportioned district in which voters of three counties were strangers.
In addition to the handicap of winning votes in new counties, Mr. Fish was also opposed by Governor Thomas E. Dewey, the Republican presidential nominee, and Wendell L. Willkie, the GOP’s 1940 candidate, who attempted to purge him for allegedly injecting racial and religious prejudices into the campaign.
Other Missouri races
In another Missouri primary contest, Governor Forrest C. Donnell won an easy victory for the Republican senatorial nomination with 65,055 votes on the basis of returns from 2,210 precincts. His nearest opponent was St. Louis shoe manufacturer Howard V. Stephens, who received 26,602 votes. It was a seven-man race.
A nip-and-tuck race developed in the Republican gubernatorial race. Returns from 2,220 precincts gave Charles Ferguson, former state Republican chairman, 59,203 to 58,578 for Lebanon lawyer Jean Paul Bradshaw. State Health Commissioner Dr. James Stewart had 17.156 votes in the three-man race.
State Senator Phil M. Donnelly had a 30,000-vote margin for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination on the basis of returns from 2,237 precincts.
All incumbent Congressmen who had opposition in the primary were leading their opponents.
Kansas results
Returns from 733 of the state’s precincts gave Senator Clyde M. Reed a total of 21,553 votes, compared to 16,757 for Carl Friend.
In Virginia, Democratic Rep. Patrick H. Drewry win renomination on the basis of nearly complete but unofficial returns. But in the only other contest in that state, State Senator Ralph Daughton, backed by the political machine of Senator Harry F. Byrd, held a slim lead over his nearest rival in a three-war race for the party nomination to succeed Rep. Winder R. Harris, who withdrew to enter private business.
In another New York City contest, the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Negro, defeated Mrs. Sara Pelham Speaks, Negro, for both the Republican and Democratic nomination in the new 22nd Congressional district which comprises Harlem.