Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 42, Number 169, Decatur, Adams County, 18 July 1944 — Page 1

Must Win the War! All Else Is Chores!

Vol. XL!I.> No. 169.

Jffio Is Removed Chie£ Os Jap Staff 300 DIE AS AMMUNITION SHIPS EXPLODE

M?adzo Tokyo In Says Tojo Is Ousted

—, Led Japanese Into I War With America; win Indicates Crisis In Nippon Empire 24 By IWd Press I »• •llller CifSU* Hidt-kl To jo, who ~ I Japan to war against the UnitStates, hasfceen removed aa IJU let of the Japan-general u.iff. radio Tokyo announced tie y in a broadcast heard by Unit- - Pr.-ss at Hani Francisco. ’omta* Oil the heels of the 4MMMF Adm. Hhigetaro ■y minlater yeaH of "Th.- Rato” e Japanese army r crisis in the which gave no tojo had relln tershlp or other Mita, said Gen. had succeeded jo as chief of the general staff. today Tokyo had limited T’jV'jO aa saying fha' the American p wf*’'*t of HMpan. 1500 miles \ W the Japanese capi’al, had * rust upon Japan "an unpreceaintedly (pa*t national crisis.” ■UALom of the io i Marianas island MY * admitted by Japan only a few ura before Taj" • im.val was Mt „ nounfed, Sad apparently preparvwdt’a way for the statemen*. broadcast said in the usual ——panes* tnanMr of announcing . —snges ln military posts: It has just ’ -been announced it Gen. Yoslrtjlrii Uim-xu, com. uider tn ehMt of the Kwangtung nltiy. hasbeen appoin'ed chief the general start in succession |Bl Gen. HideM Tojo. who has iKv** 11 rriLved of his concurrent st. Uta of the word “concurrent" Im! to the fact ler of Japan, war r of commerce I munitions mln. ante premier of of 1941 and led >n who planned arl Harbor, took ' army chief of Field Marshal tb. 21, after fol- ' military shake con'inued Amer. a one of the orof the crack along with Tojo, imander In chief s in Manchukuo. I Nipponese am. puppet state, broadcast quotil Nomura, new Inis'er who sue. resterday, as teli i. Column T)

AurviVor Os France Invasion Home On Leave for 30 Days

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DECATUR DAIIY DEMOCRAT

Germans Force Yank Vanguards Out Os St. Lo Allied Troops Gain Up To Mile Elsewhere Along 70-Mile Front BULLETIN Supreme Headquarters AEF July 18—(UP)—The American first army captured bitterly defended St. Lo today In a triumphant climax to Its toughest battle of the French campaign which cracked the German ring of iron around the Allied beachhead In Normandy Supreme Headquarters, ABF. July 18. — (UP) — German tank forces threw American vanguards out of St. Lo In a counterattack last night, a front dispatch disclosed today, but elsewhere Allied troops gained up to a mile along a “0-mlle front from Noyers to the west coast. “Sporadic fighting from Lesaay to Noyens has brought further gains of important end commanding ground for the Allies,” Gen. Dwight D. Elsenhower reported In his 85th communique of the Invasion. German broadcasts said the Allies had launched a large-scale attack In Normandy today, but latest front dispatches did not bear tblr out and Allied headquarters —whose Information admittedly was 2T hours old—regarded the report a» “another fishing expedition" for infirmatfon as tj where ;.nd when the nex major Allied blows will fall. James McGlincy, United Press war correspondent in Normandy. /Turn Tn ISaas 1, Column l» Elizabeth Balsiger Dies Monday Night Mira Elisabeth Martha Balsiger, 62. died Monday night at her home In Berne after a seven months' lllneM. Surviving are three brothers. Ernest and Christian of Berne, and Albert of Forrest, 0., and one Ulster iMrs. Rufus Holdner of Berne. Funeral services will be held at 10 a. sn. Thursday at the First Mennouite church in Berne, with Rev. John P Suderman officiating. Burial will be in the M. R. E. cemetery at Berne.

I * cued from the English channel In which his ship, the U. 8. H. Hunan B. Anthony was sunk by enemy -attack on Dday. The young gunner's mate Is well and la thankful for his survival of the great battle which featured the Invasion of the French coast ou June 6 and 7. His ship was an amphibious troop skip. He did not state how many men It carried or the number rescued. or loa*. It was one of 16 ■hips lost in the Invasion. Paul is one of three brothers' In the service. Pvt. Loren Warthman. of thia city, was reported missing in action in Italy since April 18. No further word has been received from 'he army. Harold Warthman, 8 l/c. Is in the South Pacific. A veteran of the war and of the Italian Invasion. Paul Warthman has been In the navy 22 months and has made eight trips across the Atlantic. The family Ilves near Magley im is well known In the county.

Soviet Forces Are Within 116 Miles Os Warsaw Other Red Armies Prepare For Smash Into East Prussia Moscow. July 18.—(UP) -Soviet tanks and mobile Infantry plunged to within 116 mDes of Warsaw loday in a mile-an-hottr advance that carried almost to within artillery range of Brest Litovsk. gateway to the Polish plains, and threatened to outflank that key fortress from the north. While Marshal Konstantin K. Rokossovsky's Ist White Russian army was speeding through Vidoml. 16 miles north df Brest Litovsk, two other Red armies moved up reinforcements of men, tanks and mobile guns for a smash Into East Prussia. Germany's easternmost home province. ThvGermans counter-attacked repeatedly In an attempt to wipe out the Soviet bridgehead across the Niemen river on the Lithuanian approaches to East Pruseia. but Gen. Ivan . Chernlakhovsky'e 3rd While Russia army beat them off advancing, captured 30 unidentified towns and villages. (The American Broadcasting station In Europe quoted Cherniakhovsky as saying in an order of the day: "Now we are at the Niemen river, we will drive on to East Prussia. Give the Germans no rest. Keep moving.”) Farther south. Gen. Georg! Zakharov's 2nd White Russian army joined Chemlakhovsky's forces around liberated Grodno in regrouping for a companion thrust Into southeastern East Prussia. This force already may have advanced into the Suwaikl triangle, which Germany annexed to East Prussia following the partition of Poland in 1989. The main assault on East Prussia probably will be delayed, however. until an overwhelming battering ram of tanka and mobile guns can be massed so that the mistakes of World War I may be (Turn To Psae 1. Column I) ——— Ml —llli ■! Robot Birthplace 1$ Heavily Raided American Air Fleet Pounds Peenemunde lamdon, Jful|/ 1% —(UP) — Aji. American air fleet of 1.250 planes London. July 18. — (UP) An American air fleet of 1,250 planes struck at Peenemunde, birthplace of Germany's robot bombs, and another Baltic experimental station today In twin raids that may have Interrupted Nazi work on huge rocket project lies which Stockholm newspapers speculated may be hurled against the United States. Nearly 750 flying fortresses end an escort of 500 fighters sent a great weight of block busters and Incendiary bombs crashing down on laboratories and other buildings at Peenemunde. 60 miles northwest of Stettin, and Zlniiowitx, both on the Baltic sea coast. Other unidentified targets in northwest Germany also were bit by the Bth air force armada, which flew out from Britain In the fl ret good weather In many days. German broadcasts said Allied warplanes from Italy simultaneously struck Into southern Germany. The raid on Peenemunde was the first elnce RAF bombers hit the town on the night of Aug. 17, 1943, killing several ot Germany's top act* (Turn Tn Paas 1. CMnmn X) TEMPERATURE READING DEMOCRAT THERMOMETER Wsathsr Partly cloudy with little change In temperature tonight and Wednoeday. •:00 a. m M 10:00 a. m- ••«•«••••««•«••«•• •••••••*•« 09 Noon 7B *OO p. m. M

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday, July 18, 1944.

Stimson and Taylor See Pope i iPi . A , x. esSF * SECRETARY OF WAR HENRY L. STIMSON, left, and Myron C. Tay. lor. President Roosevelt's personal representative at the Vatican, arc shown leaving the papal palac.- after an audience with Pope Plus during the war secretary’s tour of the Italian theter of operations. Behind Secretary Stimson Is Brig. Gen Harry Johnson. Allied .Military Government commander of th- Rome area.

Allies Sweeping Up Italian Peninsula Gains Made On Both Sides of Peninsula Rome, July 18 — (UP) Allied forces swept up both sides of the Italian peninsula today for new gains threatening the Gwmait hold on the important ports of Livorno, ou the west coast, and Ancona on the east. Polish troops of the eigb'h army smashed through German defense lines guarding Ancona and were officially reported closing in on the port. On the western siae of th, Italian boot, Lt. Gen. Mark W Clark's hard-driving fifth army moved up to ’he Arno river tn a move foretelling a probable dash down the Arno valley to the sea, nipping off Livorno. An American spearhead reached the Arno at Pontadera. "A complete break-through of the German position southwest of Ancona was effected by Polish troops of the eighth army," Allied headquarters annoflneed. "Thus this important Adriatic port is now gravely threatened by the eighth from the west and from the south." On the western Allied flank, the fifth army elements at Pontadera were 13 miles upstream from Pisa, city of the leaning tower. cap:ure of which would seal the doom of Livorno. Elsewhere in this sector some American elements were reported only 11 miles across a flatland from Pisa and probably within sight of th/ leaning tower. Uivelopment of Livorno was progressing around .the entire German defense perimeter ringing the port, headquarters said. To the southeast, eighth army troops had crossed the Upper Arno northwest of Arezzo on the road to Florence and scored steady advances on a broad front. Fighting through the last of the bill masses belo* the Amo and approaching the plain bordering the river to a depth of three to six miles, the Americans overran a number of towns and villages The wheeling movemen*, captured Plevevechia. B*4 miles southeast of Livorno; Orels no. 10 miles southeast of Livorno; Plazsa. 12 east of Livorno; Creapina. a mile to the south; Borog, a mile west of Cresnina. and two miles east of Creplna.

Sgt. Louis Marhenke Given Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Fifteenth Army Air Force. July 18— Technical Sergt*ant Louis H. Marhenke. 20. son of Mr. and MrsEd. Marhenke of route 1, Decatur, Ind., hae been awarded the third bronze oak leaf cluster for the air medal it 'wae announced by 15th army air force headquarters. In the words of the citation. Sgt. Marhenke. aerial radio operator and gunner was awarded the cluster "'for meritorious achievements while participating in auetainwl operational activities against the enemy” Sat. Marheuke is stationed in Italy with a Liberator bombardment group of the 15th army air force which has been Ixunbing German held targets in Europe. A graduate of Decatur high school, the sergeant enlist."! in the artny August 26. 1942 — o Lower Quality Beef Off Rationed List Halt Point Holiday On Hams, Pork Loins Washington, July 18 — (UP) — War food administrator MarvlTi Jones had directed the office of price administration to remove ail lower quality beef steaks and beef roaste from the ration list but to end the point holiday on hams and pork loins. It was learned today. The change would go Into effect August 1. and would make ration free al! beef, except good and choice grades of steaks anJ roasts. Pork is not rationed at present, but some lower quality beeC requires points. .Informed quartern said publication of Jones' directive had been withheld for 10 days to give OP A t'me to carry out its provisions In setting exact ration values. tt. was understood I hat Jones nude the request in order to clear crowded storage space In preparation for the flood of lieef which b expected to arrlv-* .>n the market this fall. The order marks the first time that Jones has formally Invoked his authority to direct rationing In the past. WFA has reported the available supply of foods and left It tn QPA to determine what specific rationtnc **ll •>* neded for equitable dletrihutiou.

Ships Explode At Naval Depot In San Francisco Bay—Damage Is Terrific

F.D.R. Leaves Vice President Race Wide Open Endorses Wallace But No Dictation To Party Delegates BULLETIN Convention hesdqusrte-s, Chicago, July 18—(UP)—Vice-pre-sident Henry A. Wallace made up hie mind today to come here to direct personally hie sagging campaign for renomination in the face of entrenched opposition by conservative delegatee to the Democratic national convention. Wallace disclosed hie intentions to response to the urgent request from chairman Jake More of the lowa delegation that he hurry to Chicago "and shake hands with the folks.” Convention Headquarters, Chi. cago. July 18— (UP) President Roosevelt has yanked his official support from under Vice President Henry A. Wallace In a gesture which waves the lowan back to. ward private life and raises the hopes and blood pressure of a score ot party leaders who are willing and anxious to succeed hint in second place on the 1914 ticket. The president In a letter advised the Democratic national convention, me<tlng here tomorrow, that he personally was for Wai. lace but that he would not die. tate. that It was up to the con. vention to decide Only a miracle can save the vice president now that th. president has limited his (Turn Tn Pass t. Column 1) Program For Bridge Repair Is Approved County Council In Approval Os Plans 'The Adams county council. In special session today, approved a 142.000 bridge repair program in Blue Creek township. Involving three bridges that were weakened with the dredging ot the stream which they span. The councilmen also allowed four additional appropriations for funds and this afternoon were working on the special requests for transfer and appropriation of highway department funds. The councilmen will return tomorrow to ratify their action and adopt the necessary ordinances, approving of their setion today The bridges, on which construction costs for new abutments are estimated at 840.222.90, are the DeArmond bridge, one and one-quar-ter miles south of Halem, |16.808.90. D. D. Jones bridge, one mile south, one and one-quarter miles esst of Salem. 88,000. Daniel A. Mlfler bridge, one west and one and one-half in I lew south of Halem, 115,414.20. Ralph Roop was employed several months ago by the county commissioners to prepare plans and estimates for the repairs. The war production board turned down a petition for steel to build bridges, so the county officials hsd to resort to the repair program. Only new abutments will be constructed and the highways elevated to floor level of the bridges. Mst year the commissioners had appropriated 822.941 for the DeArmond bridge. This fund wm trans(Tura To page S, Coiling

Tojo Ousted St Radio Tokyo announced today that Premier Hidekl Tojo has been removed as chief of the Japanese general stuff Attends National Democrat Convention -Robert H. Heller of this city. Joint state representative from Adame and Welle counties, left today for Clrtcago, where he will attend the Democratic national convention. Heller was named an alternate delegate at the state Democratic conclave, held last month at Ind-hna-polis. q— Shutdown Threatens Michigan City Plant Michigan City, Ind.. July 18 tl'Pt Officials ol the PullmanStandard car manufacturing company said today that a shut Mown of the main assembly line Impend ed unless 120 riveters and roofers from the steel erection shop relumed to their J</!w The worker* started the walkout last Friday, a company spokesman revealed, and th-* tbalanc • of the assembly line depended on their work, if production of rail -oad rolling stock were to be continued

Wilbert Stoppenhagen Awarded Silver Star For Gallantry

* a ■ B * wWashington. July 18.—(UP)— The War department has announced award of the silver star to T/4 Wilbert E Htopprnhagen of Decatur, Ind. The citation for the award states that on Feb. 8, 1944, Htoppenhageu *4e In vuiumaud ot a tank m the vicinity of Casaino, Italy. Uenuaa

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Most Os Casualties Naval Personnel In Terrific Explosion Late Monday Night San Francisco, July 18 (UP) — Two 6,500 ton ammunition ships being loaded at the U. S. naval depot at Port Chicago in Upper San Francisco Bay exploded last night, erupting Into a brilliant sheet of white flame visible for 100 miles and causing “heavy casualties'' and extensive damage, 12th naval district headquarters announced today. "Casualties will Im> heavy but not as severe as early unofficial reports indicated." the navy said. Early estimates mid ranged as high as 650 dead and injured. Reports the casualties were fragmentary, but it appeared that approximately 300 p rsons were killed and missing and at least ihut many injured. The navy announced that 250 enlisted men and nine officers were missing and presumed dead Four coastguardsmen w- re report, i-d missing and four civilians killed. A crew member said "it men were aboard one of the blasted ships. The known injured includ. ed more than 200 civilians and about 100 naval personnel. Norman .Moniellier. a United Press staff correspondent, was among the first newspapermen to reach Port Chicago after the blast. H« reported that d puty sheriff John iaing said he had made a survey of the disaster scene and would estimate the dead at 350. mostly naval personnel. Long said he b« lleved that between 650 and Bt>o persons had been injured » Not a sign remained of the *wo vessels which were docked along side the loading wharf at Port Chicago. Cause of the blast re. mained unknown, with no report from possible survivors yet made public. An Associated Oil Company barge was anchored between the two ships and was reported destroyed. along with several other small ships anchored nearby. Coast guardsmen who reached the scene within lit minutes picked up four seriously injured men. They said strong winds and tides swept other possible survivors and debris up the channel. No accurate es'imate of the number of dead and injured will be available until muslvrs are held later today, the navy reported, adding that the situation "la now under control ' A crew member of one of the

(Turn To Paas 1. Column 4)

Infantrymen were crowing streets about 100 yards from the tank. Stoppenhagen rained his head out of the turret in the face of comparatively close enemy Are and. although his helmet wm pierced by a bullet, succeeded in locating and destroying an enemy machinegun which had been breaking periscopic sight* on the tank. On several occasions he emerged completely from the tank to dislodge rounds jammed in the tank gun. each time exposing himself to sniper and machinegun fire tor approximately five minutes. T/4 Stoppenhagen Is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Stoppenhagen of Uecatur, route one. in Marion township. Alien county. The honored soldier was 29 years of age on July 13. He was born in Preble township. Adams county. He has been In the army since March. I*4l, and entered the service when he lived In California. He landed overseas in January. 1943. A brother. Sgt Nor win Stoppenhagen. is stationed st Camp Rucker. Ala. He is one of the few Adams county soldiers to receive the silver Star tor gallautry in action.