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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 26, 1944
Page
2
A broadcast to King George VI on Christmas Eve links past European wars to current hopes for renewal. The speaker says lamps out in Europe in 1914 and 1939 rekindle, and vows that patience and labor are needed to secure a world of free men untouched by tyranny. He expresses confidence in Allies and the un conquestable human spirit.
The report proclaims the Japanese fleet beaten and routed in the ongoing naval campaign supporting General MacArthur. It notes raids before Mindoro and continued air cover as U S forces press land and air campaigns since October 25.
General MacArthur hails the Palompon landing as the decisive stage of the Samar campaign. The 77th division stormed ashore beneath patrol torpedo boats and artillery, trapping Japanese forces between advancing units. Casualties and captures are reported with Americans suffering 2,623 killed, 422 wounded, and 172 missing. Japanese losses include 112,728 killed and 493 captured on Samar and nearby.
Disappointing European frontline news weighed on post Christmas trading as stocks edged lower near the close. Transfers traded around one million shares while cattle and hogs showed mixed prices with calves steady and hogs largely unchanged across weight classes.
Markets at a glance show stocks lower with selective rail issues firm. Distillers face holiday prospects while rye remains strong on commission house buying. Hogs active with 25 to 35 cent gains. cattle steady with top at 17.75. Cotton futures hold dull amid scarce offerings awaiting Washington policy guidance. March at 21.97, May at 21.81. Tailings mention mill buying and lack of spot demand.
Forces in the area report heavy convoy losses as Japan suffers a major setback in Leyte Gulf. General Yamashita’s troops face a crushing defeat while Admiral Kinkaid’s Seventh Fleet defeats a larger Japanese carrier task force. Mindoro operations and Clark Field bombardment follow, with multiple aircraft losses on both sides.
Chicago reports butter receipts at 290 557 with AA and 92 scores around 41 to 40. Eggs receipts total 7 124 with U S extras 44 95 to 47 30 and standards 40 to 42 6. Current receipts and dirties for eggs listed with price ranges.
The Office of War Information says SS and Italian Fascists killed 300 civilians at Monchio in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy. Italian partisans shortly after reached Florence confirming the massacre and accusing victims of supporting patriots.
Albert R. Israel a former Associated Press staffer who sent the first wireless news story from New Orleans died last Friday at 66. A veteran newspaperman he later served as public relations chief for the Southern Pine Association and was a partner in the Associated Producers and Distributors of Louisiana.
Leighton native ee Brown, a GI newspaper hero, is hailed as the prisoner catcher in the First U S Army. The account recounts Brown coaxing surrendering German soldiers with a tap on the shoulder and a bold invite to advance. He also used a telephone signal to lure two Jerries, earning notice for vigilance and resourcefulness in combat.
Weidener and a private with a smashed hand refused evacuating as Germans stood 30 feet away in a barn near a chateau. For 24 hours they fought, aided by ammunition runs and a recalled charge that carried one wounded private to safety. German prisoners were held in a church cellar as an American 155 mm self propelled gun pounded the village from a ledge 800 yards away.
A German prisoner of war awarded his freedom by death inheritance becomes the new Earl of Ellesmere after the fourth Earl dies. The estate includes a stud farm near Newmarket and a fortune worth about 4.97 million dollars. The deceased’s wife receives jewels and carriages, while trust funds go to his daughters.
Bob Winters, employed twenty five years at Stone Lumber Company, is the oldest worker to receive a company Christmas present. Notes from Decatur General Hospital report several births and medical admissions including Lt. and Mrs. George E Michalka and Pfc. and Mrs. Claytor D Taylor. Public drunkenness cases and local visitors are also mentioned along with school yearbook sales and military honors for Lt. Osborne recently returned from overseas duty.
Thunderbolts fired on Brenner Pass rail lines and fuel dumps as airmen bombed targets near Brux 50 miles north of Prague. Twelve bombers were lost in the Brux raid. Fighters from the 12th Air Force also struck the Milan Dresso air drome and Austrian railyards.
Lt Clement Mee of Tuscaloosa, navigator on the Italy bound shuttle bombing raids against Nazi targets, is stationed at Maxwell Field Montgomery as a navigation instructor.
Former U S Senator Blair Lee of Maryland died last night at age 87. He served in the Senate from 1913 to 1917.
Allied forces report a German bulge still blocking key routes in Belgium as Eisenhower’s counteroffensive presses toward Bastogne and Echternach. American pushes northeast of Stavelot and near Duren gain ground while air forces destroy hundreds of enemy vehicles and planes.
NAM News reports top U S officials aim to withdraw from lend-lease after pending commitments. Amtorg in New York expected to handle Soviet buying and selling with the Soviet Government Purchasing Commission likely to be liquidated by next summer. The NAM notes Congress may see government guarantees for foreign credits to aid an anticipated U S Soviet commercial treaty. Protocol expired June 30 and renewal is unsettled, causing confusion among U S manufacturers and officials.
A year end spread of Sunday liquor laws in the United States shows varied rules for New Year celebrations. Some states allow all night tavern service while others ban Sunday sales or dancing. Cities differ on curfews and private clubs. mayor proclamations in Minneapolis designate Saturday as New Year’s Eve.
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