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Newspaper
Athens Messenger
Location
Athens, Ohio, United States of America
Date
May 20, 1942
Page
1
Russia's Ukraine armies, led by 52 ton monster tanks, pushed forward in the nine day Kharkov battle as German forces attempted a diversional attack 80 miles south. The Russians refused to be decoyed and overwhelmed fields strewn with German dead.
Soviet and Allied claims of heavy aerial combat and tank losses dominate reports from the invasion front. German and Soviet offensives, counterattacks, and transport strikes disrupt supply routes while British air forces raid Mannheim and other inland targets amid wartime tensions and defensive efforts.
Local classified page shows fragmented phrases about bargains and ads with missing letters and garbled text. The notice hints at opportunities or listings but lacks clear items or names. Readers are urged to check the Messenger issue for complete ad details and prices.
Ohio celebrates three sons among the 79 U S Army Air Corps crew in Brig Gen James H Gimmy Doolittle raid on Japan. William M Bower 25 Ravenna Richard T Meder 24 Lakewood and Heinrich Himmangichard E Cole 26 Dayton named among the field. Details continue on Page 5.
In Santa Fe New Mexico a man living with his common law wife and seven children for 15 years appeared before the draft board. New Mexico law does not recognize common law marriage and the board chairman suggested an eighth wedding might be in order. The registrant said he considered marriage but did not want anyone to think he married to avoid the draft.
Washington AP report notes House Military Committee approval of a bill reshaping dependents pay. It outlines monthly allowances for parents grandparents and in-laws, with changes affecting Class A and B dependents and deductions from the soldier’s pay beginning late next month after passage.
Chrysler President Keller defends Detroit auto plants amid war mobilization. He says Chrysler can ramp to a million units if authorized and disputes Kinserlberger’s critique of auto industry. He notes current bomber section output is steady and to rise 150 percent, with military details kept secret.
Mary Reinhart of Smeray dies at 94 after a brief illness at home with daughter Mrs. Mary Nassar as survivor. Born in Germany, she came to the United States at age five and is survived by one daughter. Funeral services set for two at Federated Church with Rev. Ralph Kuether officiating. burial in Beech Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at Ewing Funeral Home until noon.
Brig. Gen. James H. Doolittle disclosed that all nine American bombers reached their targets in Japan on April 18 and none were shot down as Japanese claims suggested. He said the raid was at near rooftop height with precise hits and that all crews volunteered and trained weeks for the mission. An unrelated note reports the Cincinnati FBI announced the arrest of a Hamilton woman identified as a German enemy alien.
Federal panel drafts tentative structure for income levies set to start July 1 with a 6 percent normal tax, possibly rising to 11 or 12 percent on the first 2000 of net income. Surtax scales and family impact noted as details debated amid gas rationing talk and auto restrictions across the nation.
Prime Minister Curtin warned that the tempo of the struggle is increasing as Australian and American forces patrol northern islands reported massing new Japanese armadas. British Indian front rearguards move toward the Chindwin Valley and Stilwell’s Chinese armies push to check the Burma road advance amid heavy rains in Yun-nan.
Production Board plans to limit stocks held by retailers and wholesalers to ensure an equitable wartime supply of consumer goods. The action would cover the consumer field as sweeping as the universal price ceiling, affecting virtually everything Americans wear use or eat.
Dr Cloyd Gustafson of National Training School warns churches must defend traditional institutions as protectors against a new dark age. Bishop Arthur J Moore calls for a massive missionary offensive in the Methodist Church. Dr Frank C Laubach foresees Asia shaping the world’s future and warns of racial divides.
The war manpower commission considers importing Mexican laborers to relieve field labor shortages. Report from government agencies notes the 6000 workers recommendation by the W S Employment Service to bring workers to meet needs in several states.
Ohio officials announce 310 promotions and openings in Civil Service for defense and Washington staff. Logan and Columbus locations host exams and training for men and women ages 18 to 38. Applicants must file forms in advance and attend a directed training program at Ohio State University in June.
A wartime dispatch reports Germany struggles to match Allied output amid shortages of raw materials manpower and power. Sabotage, repurposed engines and U boat production are noted while U S entry strengthens Allied staying power and war industry. Local theft and burglary cases are also mentioned in Lisbon and Lebanon contexts.
War officials consider nationwide rationing expansion to include May 1 in the East and Pacific Northwest with books to replace temporary measures. The plan aims to conserve rubber and fuel by limiting motor fuel, diverting tank cars east, and freeing rail capacity for essential needs while maintaining supplies for key users.
At Pennsylvania Military College Nelson, chairman of the War Production Board, declares United Nations war production now exceeds Axis in every category. He cites plants converted or built for war work and credits labor for the higher output.
In a Columbus report administrator Leon Henderson commends Ohio school teachers for their help in registrations for sugar rationing. John Bricker joins the praise for their efficient and speedy service, highlighting collaboration across the country.
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