The Pittsburgh Press (December 24, 1942)
Around world with AEF on Christmas Eve
By the United Press
Bethlehem, Mandatory Palestine –
U.S. soldiers in olive drab mingled with somberly dressed pilgrims on the six-mile road from Jerusalem today, bound for the midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity.
Wartime restrictions reduced to only a few the number of autos on the road from Jerusalem and most of the pilgrims, including the doughboys, made the journey to the birthplace of Christ afoot. Others traveled in a strange assortment of horse-drawn vehicles and some made the journey on donkeys.
War news blared from a loudspeaker in the public square, but the bells of the Church of the Nativity, built on the traditional site of the manger where Christ was born, pealed out the Christmas message in the blackout.
Americans visit shrines
Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine –
Sightseeing guides experience a war boom today with U.S. soldiers, some fresh from sorties over the North African battlefronts, observing the Christmas season by visiting the shrines of the Holy Land.
They went by scores to see the Holy Sepulcher, the Wailing Wall, Rachel’s Tomb, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, Jericho and other Biblical scenes near the Holy City.
Parties in Britain
London, England –
Staff Sgt. Frank Mullin of New York, is ready for his Christmas overseas.
Sgt. Mullin wasn’t sure whether he would have to work tomorrow, but if he gets leave, he will attend a Christmas party his outfit is giving. The doughboys will exchange small gifts with the English girls, sing carols and dance.
Dreams of white Christmas
Allied HQ, North Africa –
U.S. doughboys in North Africa are dreaming of a white Christmas – a year from now.
They expect no special Christmas observance, although one Iowa squadron fattened up two turkeys and a pair of geese in their quarters for Christmas dinner. Most of the AEF here, however, will dine on cold mutton.
Yank like Indians
New Delhi, India –
Like most Americans here, Sgt. Charles O. “Chili” Hiller of Dallas, Texas, looked forward today to his first Christmas away from home but the prospect wasn’t too glum.
He said:
I’m starting Christmas with the services under the squadron three. Then with gifts and packages from home, I’m going to an Indian home to help a Christian Indian mother and a Brahmin father play Santa Claus for their three little children.
They’re swell people – almost like home folks. They’re going to have a big log fire and a Christmas tree. We’ll have all the fun – excepting home. I’m going to decorate their tree with a few packages of American chewing gum. They’ll love it.
Hawaii on the alert
HQ, Hawaiian Department –
Hawaii is on the alert today, but Christmas prospects are brighter than last year, when the holiday followed the Pearl Harbor attack by only 18 days.
Fighting men will remain at battle stations throughout the Pacific, but holiday traditions of turkey dinners and Christmas messages from their officers will be maintained.
Parties in Alaska
HQ, Alaska Defense Command –
U.S. servicemen will hold Christmas services and parties with Canadian forces tomorrow in desolate areas where only a year ago there was nothing but wilderness with an occasional Indian, Eskimo or wandering trapper passing through.
Chaplains and United Service Organizations officials were busy with plans today and the Quartermaster Corps was coping with the enormous task of providing “dinners like mom’s” for the forces, most of whom were sending their first Yuletide away from home.
The Royal Canadian Air Force, following an old custom, will have its Christmas dinner provided and served by its commissioned officers who will wait on the enlisted men.
Softball in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt –
Softball games, Christmas trees and religious services will highlight the holiday observances of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Middle East tomorrow and every man will get a pound of beef or chicken and American beer for his special Christmas dinner.
Forces near Cairo will play softball league games today and tomorrow. There was a special movie today and tonight midnight masses will be held.
Another day in Guinea
Somewhere in New Guinea –
Christmas under New Guinea’s blistering sun will be just another working day to AEF forces fighting the Japanese under Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s personal command.
Most Americans have received something from the planeloads of Christmas packages arriving here during recent weeks.