Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 42, Number 73, Decatur, Adams County, 25 March 1944 — Page 1
■ f y/intheWarl Is Chores!
11. No. 73
HER 1,000 BRITISH PLANES BOMB BERLIN
lan Forces I Forward list Nazis ■d For Drive sl|Old Rumania; ■ng Heavy Toll I'nited Pre** troop* of Marshal ZhuK. I army are f.>r a »ma»h into ■ and Rumania. ■) , unit-; are massed ■r:h l..*nk "f the Dllle-ter ■,. ~ mile drive that ».thill mil** of the ■ l( ,.; l n. l ki,ii frontier. ■l Zhit>**o' 4 ' force* engulfpin village* and ■ 11,. f .ir-day drive southh. _*«>•>«»♦• Nazi troop* K.i during the surging fimn the Tarnopol ,< Zion of old Poland ■*... ■ man- w* -e talc■c.* ■ t: . - huh command *ays ■an* in this area are in ■eut Front dispatch* s ■ Nazis are abandoning and other arm* a* ■he k aero** the Dniester ■let- front report* tell of ■re of 3'*' tank* and selfHP gnn* I'2*l armored cat■ne 1 11,1,1 kitn* and more ■ft truck*. ■i Russian advance 'iv completely l«o---■th all escape railroad* K the last report. Soviet ■re fighting in the out- ■ the city Kight of the Nasi garrison Kpoi i* almost a* perilott*. Ksian- have all but enclrK town. It* last railway ■1 I.wow ha* been cut. Kp|e us only a matter of ■f >-e that Nazi strongK will be completely stir Kussians who reached the ■tnies'er captured a town ■ miles northwest of CerK>- gateway to Central Ru- ■ It* for- the war Ceroautl ■nania's third largest ci'y. ■al Zhitkov'* masterful Kt reaching the Dniester i» ■ to result in the early ■g of Nazi defenses In old K to the southeast. The liili.iiio' to the Dniester ■lu-* an troops almost in ■ nt German and Rumanian ■triiggling to prevent en■nt of the Russian wedge ■n old Rumania But sector. Soviet troop* ■tllng through the streets B. a itrategic railway June■nd they're nearing the ■ver border of Rumania ■h*- Russians advance toft" Balkan*, the Nazis are la firm grip on Rumania. ■Algiers say the Rumanian ■ at Ankara has confirmed ■cupation of Rumania. The h'-'l Rumanian iron guard ■red to be aiding the Nazi* ftg over the country. I Stockholm comes a denial le Nazis had lauded on the I lalands. guarding the Gulf ■nla between Sweden and lamdon diplomatic cir■culated the report. ■■ - , kts Congress ps March 30 F“«ton. March X —(UP>I Democratic leader Barkley Pngr*-M probably will recess Rrt-h JO to April 11 He aaya HhanSier expects to have h*’" ant business during that res e*. would coincide with a lM»edule of political <w*n r ' ' I - II ■PERATURfi READING* •OCRAT THERMOMETER 0 a- m. — u WEATHER W " In eatreme south por•M snow in central and portion* tonight, Bun HHIy cloudy w,th rain in •we •autheaet portion Bun"’•remg; colder tonight aouth portion Sunday; wzature range from M de- ' * north to M degress la K>r, '*»s by Sunday mem-
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DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT
.lap Freighter Beached At New Britain Base
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VICTIM 0 FALLIEO BOMBS, i SJiOO-ton Japan**, freighter I* awash mi the beach at Vunapope. south of flabaul ou New Britain island. Jap supplies of food and ammunition ar*- piled on Hie bench while in background I* u coconut plantation. Official I'nited State* Army Air Forces photo.
Tribute 1$ Paid To Alumni In Service Dedicate Service Flag Here Friday Tribute to the 431 alumni in the service and the six who have glv-n their Ilves for their country wan paid at an impressive ceremony in the auditorium of the Dm-atur junior-senior high school Friday afternoon. A large, beautiful red. white and bine service flag, measuring four by six fe*t. donated by the school city, was officially presented. In the center of the flag Is a largo blue star, under which is the number “431." which is the number of alumni currently reported In the service. Above thia are six gold stars representing the young men who have given their lives. The flag was presented and received by W. Guy Brown, principal of the school it was displayed by Hoy Scouts, who assisted In the ceremony After announcing the purpose of the meeting. Mr. Brown paid tribute to the war service of the alumni. While the school stood at attention h* read the names of the six who have died in the service. These are William T Ives, n teacher; Jack Trlrk<-i James Christen. Everett Johnson. -Max Shady and Milo Btaltir. He also made note of the fact that Douglas Neidlgh had been reported missing but said he was not included In the group of those reported dead Itecause ‘ We hope and pray he will lx- found well and safe.** Immediately after reading the names, “taps'* were played, and the school remained tn standing (Turn To Page •- Column »> — - -o Charge Bedford Man With Manslaughter Physician Charged With Grand Larceny Bedford. Ind. Mar 25 «I*P»— William Fuller of Bedford has been charged with voluntary manslaughter In connection with the shooting of 25 year old Margaret Harbin of Pleasantville The shooting occurred In a Bed ford hotel February 11. Fuller, the son of John Fuller, president of a limestone company, denies shooting Miss Harbin. And Coroner R E Wynne says he will disregard the Indictment and return a verdict of suicide In her death. The young man told police that be heard shots ftred in the hotel while he was In his bed He says that When be opened the door, the girl fell, mortally wounded, into his room. Fuller is free on a 12.M0 bond. The Lawrence county grand jury also r« turned a grand larceny count yesterday against Dr. Norman Byers, a 44-yearold Bedford physician He is charged with the theft of <s7s from one doctor and »7»5 from another at a beopftai January 1» Dr Byers was released oa a |2.<wo bond.
j Intensify Drive For Consumer Compliance OPA’s drive to obtain 100 percent consumer compliance with the gasoline coupon endorsement regulation will be Intensified In coming weeks as a major phase of the tight against black markets. It was announced today by James 11. Strickland, district director. “The endorsement regulation is a 'must' and we believe few persons would balk at complying If they understood how important it 1 is in the enforcement drive.” .Mr. Strickland said. Russell Hendricks Wounded In Action Decatur Sailor Is Reported Wounded Itussell ftewayne Hendricks, seaman second clasa. son of Mrs Ocie Hendricks of Dayton. Ohio, formerly of this city, and brother of Richard Hendricks. 214 Jefferson street, was wounded in action “In the service of his country” on February 12. the navy has advised the family. Tlie formal notice from the navy reads: “The navy department regrets to inform you that your son. Russell in-wayne Hendrick*. S 2/c, t'SNR. was wounded in action In the performance of his duty and In the service of his country on February 12. 1P44. Due to the gre.it volume of communications now required for essential fleet operations. the dispatch received concerning your son wax necessarily brief and did not disclose the extent of his injuries. Past experience indicates that details are seldom forward<d if progress |is favorable. It is hoped that your 1 son will communicate with you at I his earliest opportunity. Vou may be assured that the best medical care is provided for injured naval personnel. The navy shares your concern for Go- welfare of your son." The young seaman was 20 years of age last Feb. 27. He wa.’ Inducted into the service about a year ago and formerly was employed by the Bellmont Trucking Co., in this city. Bar Association Plans Memorial Meeting MenVbers of the Adams county lair association will hold a special memorial mooting Bunday afternoon at 1 o'clock in Mie court house for James T. Merryman, for about *5 years, president of the bar. and one of its leading mesndrers for M yeans At a meeting called by the president. tHenry B. Heller Friday afternoon, the following committee wan appointed to draw up a resolution of respect to be submitted at the memorial meeting: French Quinn. Judge J. Fred Fruchte. Nathan Nelson. Ferd Litterer and Huber M. DeVosn A committee canposed of O. Resny Blerly and Judge Fruchte was ordered to purchase flowers invitations to attend the memorial meeting were sent to the Allen. Joy and Welle county bar aseoelation* Following the tweeting, the bar will go in » body to the Zwlck funeral hosne
ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY
Decotur, Indiona. Saturday. March 25, 1944
Committee Named For Youth Center Service Clubs And Legion List Members A committee of men has been named by the service rlubs and American Legion to serve with the women's Youth Committee in establishing the proposed Jeen Canteen and youth center, it was announced today. The first duty of the men's committee will be to see that the Iniilding. which will lie baaed, is properly prepared to house the canteen. Matters pertaining to the property. Including heating, lighting, plumbing and necessary repairs will ibe looked after by the men and work speeded toward occupancy of the quartern as soon as the project is approved. The committee members are: William Linn ar.d Adrian Baker from the American Legion James L. Kocher and Earl Fuhrman of the Rotary club. Deane Dorwtn and Phil Sauer from the Lions club. i.Mr. Dorwln. who has been assisting the women's committee and gathuring information on requirements for the canteen, will act as cha Inman. The ccmblned committee of men and women will appear before the directors of the Decatur Community Club Monday evening and file formal petition for an allocation of funds to operate the canteen and yonnix center. A lease has been drafted for an up town business building and will be sulimltted to the directors for approval 0 -•- John Nicholson Dies Early Friday Night Funeral Services Monday Afternoon John Nicholson. 51. a native ot Glasgow, Hcotland. died at 5 o'clock Friday evening at his home In Mt Prospect. HI.. after a years illness of < (implications. Hte wife was formerly Mias Josephine Krick* daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Krick of this city. They were married In Chicago In l»3o. Mr. Nicholson served In the British army In the first World War and also served during peace time In English possessions He later became an American citisen. moving to Chicago. Surviving besides the widow are four slaters and four brother. all residing in England Private funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Monday after (Turn Ta •. Celums •> ■ > Indiana Harbor Lad Is Killed By Truck Indians Harbor. Ind. March 25 —i VP >—Four-year-old Donald Tas arto «w killed yesterday by a truck which struck him as be played in front of hia some Hm parents are Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Taxario ol Indiana Hai*ov
Jap Column In Burma Trapped By Allied Force American, Chinese Soldiers Trap Jap Column In Retreat By I'nited Pres* American and Chinese soldiers have Irupped a column of Jap troops r«treating down the Mogating valley l*cf*>r<- General Stilwell* main army In northern Burma. Brigadier General Frank Merrill’s American forces. M*Trili's .Marauder*, and the Chinese 37th division, outflank'd the Jap* They captured the village of Shatiuzup by cutting behind the enemy from the east. Thl* maneuver caught an undetermined number of Jap troops between Shadiizup and the main Chinese force. General Stilwell's troop* are pressing down the Mogaung valley from the north. A front report «ay* the main Chinese force I* making alow but steady progress Into the valley. home ’io mile* to the northeast, a British commando force of Gurka* i* moving ahead toward the big Jap supply base at Myltkylna, some KO mil*-* to the south. On the central front, along the ; Indian side of the Butina border. I a Japanese column I* driving toward Itnphal. capital of India's Manipur state. A southeast Asia command communique acknowledges thin Jap force Is making further progress. The Jap column is moving north toward the Palel-Tamu road (Turn To Pag* 1, Column 4) o ——• Lt. Benjamin Fricke Killed In Air Crash Native Os Decatur Is Killed In Texas Lieutenant Benjamin C. Fricke, , 21. n native of Decatur, was killed in the crash of a B 24 army bomber near El I’aso. Texas. Thursday night, friends here have boon Informed Lt. Fricke, co-pilot on the bomber. was one of seven airmen killed in the crash, which occurred during a routine training flight. Th*- young lieutenant was born In Decatur February S. 1923. the , son ot Mr. and Mrs' E. J. Fricke, who now reside In Indianapolis. The lad'w father was employed by the old Holland-St Umi* Sugar and later was active In ' farm bureau circles in Adam* county and throughout the state Benjamin Fricke graduated from | Short ridge high achool, Indianapolis. and was a student at Purdue university when he entered service In February. 1943. He was commissioned at the Fort Worth. Tez, air base on January 7 of this year. Ll. Fricke is survived by the parents, three brothers: Maj. Wilbur Fricke and Sgt Harold Fricke, both of the South Pacific, and sea man first clam Lawrence Fricke. In training at the V-5 program at ■ De Pau w university; and five sisters: Mr* Melvin Habegger of Berne. Mr*. Sitneron K. Bell of New York. Mrs Ed Hoblt and Mis* Patricia Fricke, both of Indtanap- ’ olta, and Mias Doris Fricke, a TWA hostess. 1 The body wIU be returned to Indianapolis for funeral service*. Arrangement* have not been com--1 pleted. — ... o ' ■ - ■■ Increase Is Shown In Indiana Crops Lateyeuo. ind. Mar. 2»--An increase of 1.4 percent in prospective acreage of spring planted crops thia year, above the acreage planted last spring. I* indicated by Indiana fhrmera This report was made today by Purdue university agricultural statistician*. cooperating with the V- N bureau of agricultural economic* This Increase will come a* a result of planQm sis percent more corn, one percent more soybeans, one percent more oats. 10 percent more tobacco. Eve percent lees i potatoes, and 31 percent less barley than a year ago
Other Objectives Are Hit By RAF; Cassino Battle Still Raging
Preinduction Tests Ordered To Men Under 26 Pre-Draft Physicals Ordered By Hershey For Younger Men Washington. Mai 25 -IVP) Manpower official* arc tight-nitig their control over the group of men th*- army need* most, those under 26 years old The aim is to get a* many of these young men Into the army a* possible without disrupting war priMltictlon. To carry out thl* plan, draft director Hershey ha* ordered pre-lndtictlon physical examination* for all men under 26 who have been deferred for industrial reason*, laical board* will ytaft reclassifying the in* it at the same time. This mean*. In effect, that all deferment* In this group are cancelled. But a new committee headed by manpower commissioner Paul McNutt is being formed to handle deferment* of Irreplaceable men Even though a man Is accepted for service, he still may b.- deferred if he is ruled vital enough. If he I* refused further deferment. he goes into uniform McNutt'* committee, which he describe* a* an expanded war manpower commission, will determine what percentage of Industrial deferment* mu-t he cancelled In the age group under 26. Those deferred will he rationed out to industries considered vital MeanwhUe. an Interesting report on foreign policy come* from Capitol Hill. A coitgre**maii who atl* tided secretary of state Hull's conference with GO f’ house member* *ay* Hull declared that Great Britain and Buraia no longer are on s|H-aking let tn* lu-canse of the Polish border dispute Th- re is no state department confirmation. It appear* that Republican* aren't satisfied with Hull'* outline of our foreign policy After their talk with the white-haired stati sman yesterday, house member* still wer.- criticizing wha* they called the administration'* "do nothing" attitud*- In international affair* Closer to home. Ilqtior retailer* (Turn Tn P*«» 4. Column l> —— o Group Ordered To Service April 7 No Word Received On Thursday Group Seven Adams county men have received order* to report for active army inducinm Friday. April 7. official* us the Adams county aelective aervlce board announced this morning. These men were among the group accepted for wrvtca with the contingent which took physical exam inationa 'Marrii 9. •No navy call for active service I* Included in the April 7 order, draft board mrtr»l**-n* said ■Men ordered to report April 7 are as folksws: Elmer Dale John »on (limited aervicel. Marvin Paul Lehman. Herman Edward Kiefer. Arthur damea Elzey. Ro** McKinley Guilder. Gilbert William Koe-* neman. and Alva Adrian Myem In addition. Edgar Paul Sprunger. also called Cor April 7, ha* been transferred to Chicago for active Induction No official word ha* been released by the board oa the number of men accepted in the contingent which took physical examination* at Indlaaapolla Thursday of Hus week Another contingent boa been ordered for pre-induct ion cxaaiMtlou Friday April 7.
Churchill On Radio Sunday Afternoon Broadcast To World Sunday At 3 p. m. Ixtr.don, Mar 25 tl'Pi Prime Minister Churchill is expected to rally Britain close to fever-pitch for the Invasion of western Europe it: his' world wide broadcast tomorrow. Churchill already has told American liivumloii force* that they will strike "noon.” Most ohaervera believe that the prime mini*ter will empbaslXe the fact that everything else must fade Into Inaignlflcance compared with the successful prosecution of the opening of a western front. And diplomatic quarter* believe that Churchill also will dwell on the Allied attitude toward (he Atlantic charter clause* which relate to enemy countries. Chutchiir* speech will be carried In the I'nited Stale* by th** four radio network* at 3 p.m. (Central war time). Concludes Tour IT. H. infantry Base. England. Mar. 25. — (t'Pl Prime Minister Clmrchill has concluded a two-day tour of American ba*es in Britain. Churchill told American soldiers yesterday that they could approach the Impending struggle with a feeling of utmost confidence and resolution He added. "Be it sure that deeds will be done by British and American force* which long will be celebrated In the history of warlike and valiant men fighting for right and freedom " — oRed Cross War Fund Approaching Quota Fund Within $1,324 Os Meeting Quota Red Cross War Fund County'* quota. 116.7U0 Reported to date Geneva - 4*53 97 Berne '.*2.'>'» .!•» Rural Sec 5141 OS l>, , .itur 6922 t:t TOTAL -- it'. ::*, t . With th-- latest total* compiled, the Adam* county Red Cross war fund stood within 41.324 of going over the top. Clarence Ziner. wa, fund chairman, announced today The chairmen at Geneva and Berne reported figure* for the w ek. which boo»ied the contributions already listed l>y Lyman L. Hann, township epairman. and Walter J Krick Decatur chair- ‘ man. Contribution* In Decatur nowamount to 16.922.33. and about twiethird* of the soliciting has lieen completed, the chairmen said The most complete canvas* so tar ha* lieen made in th- rural sections, where the work is more than three-fourths done Red Cro-s oSicials urged solicitors to complete their canvassing not later than Monday, so every i ffort I'iHild Im- made to reach the county's 416.,'u0 quota. "The goal I* within sight and we don't want to falter now," the chairmen said. ■ ———<*— —— Investigate Swayzee Typhoid Fever Death Swayzee. Ind. Mar 25— (t'Pi— Dr. J W. Jackson of the Indiana state health board is investigating a tyrhold fever death at Swayzee. He seek* to determine if it is traceable to the same aoarce which claimed several lives in north<entral Indiana recMtly The victim waa Virgil Edward*. 45 year* old Edwarda died yesterday, tad Dr. Jackaon says that he haa been adviaed that there are thiaa debar caaea of typhoid lever m Uta vicinity of Swayzee.
Buy War Savinas Bonds And Stamps
Price Three Cents
73 British Bombers Lost In Widespread* Operations Against Nazi-Held Europe 4ty Vnited Press Berlin w:i* ou the receiving end of 2,so<> or more toil* of Allied lioiivlm during the night. The British lionAer*. estimated at more than LWO. carried the pay load Into the German capital, smashed at the naval center of Kiel, and hit other objectives In Wentern Germany. First report* indicate l*otnbing result* were excellent. And returning fliers suy they left a fire *lx miles in length burning within the Nazi city. The British lost 73 Itomber* In all attack* This loss is the second hlghesrt ever sustained by the RAF. The httvet bomb load b*-ing» the total weight dropped on Berlin hy both British and Americans since Novemlber IK to more than 33.000 ton*. German Raiders retaliated with a aharp fire raid on Ixindon. Hundred* of fire Ihmulm. interspersed with explosive*, were dropped. But fire fighter* bad the blazes under control almost as soon as the raidera left. 'Allied daylight operations apparently are on a relatively small scale today. American heavy bornite era appear to be taking a recea*. I'. N fighters and British plane* have le-en out over the at might a and th*’Berlin Radio reports single planes have flown over Germany, presumitbly on reconnaissance In Italy, the battle for (’usaino again haa taken u turn for the worse. German troop* have been leiured into th,’ town through a maze of subterranean tunnel* bulk during the 16th century These tunneb connected the strong points previously held by Gprniaß defenders. The Issue in the high ground surrounding 4’aa»ino also still is in doubt. On tin- Anzio iMtachbead front Iw-low Rome, Fifth army artillery has knocked out a number of <-n<*iiy tank*. And patrol action continue* on all other Italian fronts. The fierowt fighting In wo months has broken out in eastern Bosnia. Marshal Tito reports tha’ partisan troops already have cleared the German* from a big section ot the mountainous area in this sector. Bu*. his cominunique adds that savage fighting still is underway In the sea warfare, the Getvnan New* agency claim* that Nazi r*bonts have sunk lu ship*, totaling tons, and i.ve destroyer* and escort vessels m the Mediterranean (Turn Tn >*•<• 4. Column 4) — —0 ■ Noted Palm Reader Dies At Capital Mrs. Nellie Meier Is Taken By Death Indianapolis. Mar 25 (t'Pl — An M year-old woman who ha* read the hand of many of the world's notable*. Including the President and Mr*. Roosevelt, ba* died at her Intiianapoli* home She was Mrs. Nellie Nimmons Ml'ier. who began reading characters from the palm* of hands more than 50 years ago Although Mrs Meier discontinued her travels in recent years, many celebrities stopped in Indianapolis to sec her Including Launta Melchoir. Admiral Ernest J. King. Schiaparelli and Erika Matin While she still cmld travel. Mr*. Meier frequently wa* the guest in Washington ot h.diana congressmen She also numbered among her intimate friend* G-orge Geishwln, Bette Davis. Albert Unstrln and Jose Itnrbi Mr*. Meier was the author ot many IkxAs on palaUtry and bad a collection of thousands of priats ot the palm* she bad read Several hundred of the*-, prints wore pteraated to the < oagrsfsional library hy request. Funeral service* will be held lumoi run al tci uvea.