Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 18, Number 6, DeMotte, Jasper County, 2 January 1948 — TWO YANKS DIVISIONS TO PATROL EAST [ARTICLE]

TWO YANKS DIVISIONS TO PATROL EAST

American Forces To B e Stationed I n Turbulent Middle - East Sectors Washington, Dec. 30 Two American combat-ready infantry divisions are prepared to sail for patrol duty in Greece or Palestine upon orders from President Truman, military sources disclosed today. The 2d marine division at Camp Lejeune, N. C., is at full combat. strength and can move upon 24 hours’ notice in navy transports, which already have been designat- ! ed under navy defense plans, it was learned. The army’s crack 82d air borne division at Fort Bragg, N.C., could start embarking within a week to 10 days. Each division has a peacetime strength of approximately 15,000, but could be expanded to more than 17,000 with combat reinforcements. Part of the 82d is participating in winter maneuvers in upper New York.

Report Marines Are Alerted. Marine corps headquarters here has been buzzing with reports that the 2d division command has been alerted for possible overseas assignment. Gen. Vandegrift, marine corps commandant who goes on inactive status Dec. 31, declined to comment on these rumors, but officers on his staff conceded that the 2d division was prepared for an assignment in the middle east. With Greek rebels, allegedly communist led, threatening the Greek government, which is being supported with American funds, the United States state department may have to modify its position that no; American troops are to be sent to Greece, military sources said. Troops Held Last Resort. Military observers noted, however, that the troops would be

dispatched only if Greece is critically menaced by a full scale communist invasion which could overthrow the present government. They said that Persident Truman would delay outright military intervention in Greece until the last moment in the hope that Greek government forces would be able to repel the rebel army. The United States has provided Greece with 300 million dollars in military and economic aid. Mr. Truman would be reluctant to send American troops on foreign duty in an election year, it was emphasized. He has kept 15 warships in the Mediterranean since the war as a symbol of American military might, but this force has scrupulously stayed out of local squabbles.

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Hanford and sons and Mr. and Mrs. Einar Anderson and daughter spent Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson, Kate and Roy, The Christian school is planning to move into their new building next week.