19 Dec 1941
Page 1
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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 19, 1941
Page
1
The Senate and House debate draft age limits with hints of a compromise at 20. Reports on Hong Kong’s precarious fall, Pearl Harbor critiques, and calls for an expert strategy board shape wartime policy. Col Muhlenberg’s remarks spark talk of improved naval air balance. Governor Wilson names Iowa state guard heads including Captain Penningroth. New service uniform rules prompt a glance at wartime regalia and blackout concerns.
British announces the northern Malaya drive is stalled with Penang abandoned by defenders. The withdrawal leaves 108 square miles and 240000 people to Japanese control while the Krian river line is prepared for a renewed push toward Ipoh. Dutch air counteroffensive against Japanese landings in Sarawak also reported.
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox told Naval Academy graduates that Japan made three separate Pearl Harbor assaults on December 7. The third attack reached the target but was repelled by a strong American barrage. no torpedoes hit ships ashore. He warned Japan remains a formidable foe with the western Pacific’s largest naval force and a strong army.
The War Department announced new service uniform regulations marking the first official revision in ten years. Changes require olive drab or khaki for shirts, remove black braids for general staff corps sleeves, make all wool garments olive drab, allow black or khaki ties in certain combinations, limit breeches and boots to mounted troops, and permit campaign hats for officers in certain cases.
Cedar Rapids records a 54 degree high as December weather stays mild for a third day. Forecast calls for no precipitation this afternoon and Friday night with a low around 28 degrees, while the highest temperature of the season reached 56 earlier in the week.
The Associated Press reports Japan’s sea-borne invasion forces intensified a new offensive against Luzon in the Philippines. A War Department bulletin noted a marked rise in enemy air and ground activity in the theater over the past 24 hours with heavy bombing over Manila and the city of Iloilo on Panay.
American antiaircraft guns shield Manila as 24 Japanese bombers strike Cavite naval base and Corregidor. The raid follows attacks on Iloilo and Tarlac, with air raid alarms in Manila and reports of civilian casualties and damages to Fort San Pedro area and a Philippines Airlines hangar.
AP dispatches say Red Army shock troops push toward Mozhaisk amid stronger German defense. Five German divisions, plus reinforcements, concentrate in the Mozhaisk area as Moscow fronts threaten to roll Nazis back. Bern report quotes Voelkischer Beobachter expert Soldan acknowledging Russian armament and industrial buildup.
President Roosevelt nominated Lieut Gen Douglas MacArthur commander of United States forces in the Far East to temporary full general. Sixteen other officers in the Philippines received higher temporary ranks. The moves honor their successful defense of the Philippines.
Washington reports a secret accord with Martinique high commissioner Admiral Georges Robert and a U S Navy official to defend the French West Indies. The pact bars Axis use of Martinique and supports joint defense across Atlantic fronts from Iceland to Dutch Guiana. President Roosevelt and Hull to be briefed. occupation of the islands is a possible protective measure.
London reports heavy fighting on Hongkong Island with Japanese forces seizing Jardine's Hill and threatening the colonial stronghold. British defenders include Canadian, Scottish, and Indian troops while Berlin and Tokyo broadcasts claim key advances. Sir Mark Young’s fate remains unconfirmed as authorities deny his flight.
The navy announced two additional air attacks on Wake Island but said the marine garrison continues to counter. Navy communique No. 12 notes no new developments in Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, while Central Pacific reports two attacks from the 17th-19th. Submarine action in the Far East sinks a Japanese transport, and Admiral Nimitz takes Pacific fleet command.
British radio quoted Helsinki advices saying all German troops withdrew from Finland in a great hurry. The CBS New York broadcast relayed the report as received.
Premier Mussolini announced that Italian torpedo planes and German aircraft struck five British cruisers in the Mediterranean. The German high command claimed a Nazi U boat sank one cruiser of the Leander class off Alexandria, Egypt.
Charles Penningroth is appointed captain of Cedar Rapids Company L in the Iowa state guard by Gov. George A. Wilson. A preliminary meeting will assess Cedar Rapids home defense needs and personnel, with volunteers 18 to 50, eight corporals, 45 enlisted, and weekly drills. Penningroth has a lengthy military record and will lead a meeting to select suitable men.
The Senate approved and sent to the White House a bill requiring registration of men aged 18 to 64 and making those 20 to 44 subject to compulsory military training. A conference agreement set 20 to 44 for service and 18 to 64 for registration, amid debate over 19, 21, and 2o-year provisions and administration criticisms.
Washington reports Sen. Clyde L. Herring of Iowa voted for the Danaher amendment while Sen. Guy M. Gillette of Iowa voted against it. The proposal would limit compulsory military service to ages 21 through 44.
Des Moines reports Louis E. Armstrong Jr of Fort Dodge was named executive officer of the Iowa Civil Air Corps. Leo Brennan of Des Moines and Ames will be wing commander and secretary. Col Dan Hunter of Cedar Rapids said both positions are full time with start Monday and salaries to be determined.
The House approved by voice vote a $512,000,000 emergency war appropriation and sent it to the Senate. Funds will build homes and community facilities for workers in war industries and military establishments.
Des Moines AP report states Christmas and New Year’s Day will be ordinary workdays for all staff at the Des Moines ordnance plant. Construction crews and the office force will continue operations on holidays as Japan’s enemy status is cited by an officer.
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