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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 29, 1944
Page
1
Cloudy drizzle and warmer in parts with a high near 46 and low around 35. Local and military notices include service effects from World War II and personnel changes, church sermons, births, library and bank holiday closings, and school census training.
Japanese high command reported a large US transporting convoy moving westward through inland Philippine waters, claiming six ships sunk over two days. Tokyo said the convoy was escorted by more than 20 warships and attacked across Mindanao Sea toward Mindoro, while MacArthur disputed ongoing Allied activity after earlier carrier and PT boat actions.
British and Greek forces drive against ELAS positions in Athens eastern suburbs. Troops move through Ardittos hill and Kissariani area after artillery bombardment. 7,500 prisoners reported. EDES forces under Gen. Zervas engaged in fighting in northwest Greece.
Allied headquarters reported a slowdown in the German counteroffensive in the Serchio valley where the Fifth Army had been pushed from Barga. The drive toward Lucca paused on the Serchio front with claims of heavy losses by the Germans and continued Allied activity in the Po valley and Faenza area. Canadian Lt. Gen. Charles Foulkes said Canadian corps destroyed at least 4,800 enemy troops and freed more than 1,600 prisoners across the Po valley, while German infiltration attempts south of the Bologna Rimini road were repulsed.
In the sixth war loan Morgan County shows little change as residents meet the official Series E bond quota. Series E purchases total $531,356.25 against a $501,000 target, with other investments bringing the county to $1,405,821 and a grand total of $1,937,177.25, ahead of the $1,200,000 quota but short of the $2,142,000 victory target.
Allied air forces batter rail hubs and bridges from Euskirchen to Bingen Frankurt with large fleets from U S Eighth Air Force and 15th Air Force plus British heavy bombers. Fighter escorts of 700 planes shielded the raid as weather limited tactical close support for ground troops.
Russian forces drive to seize Budapest as house to house fighting intensifies. German lines claim defense of the city against heavy Soviet attacks while rival offensives press along the Danube toward Komarom. Soviet columns converge from Tobulkhin’s Ukrainian group as Malinovsky directs pressure on the Hron defense.
The German counteroffensive is reduced to a near standstill as Allied forces halt their drive to the Meuse and inflict damage around the Hitlerite bulge. General Eisenhower may trap and annihilate part of German lines while Von Rundstedt consolidates gains and seeks rest for his exhausted troops.
Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe identified as the Bastogne garrison leader who famously answered Nuts to surrender. The 101st Airborne, encircled for seven days, received relief as Patton’s Fourth Armored Division and elements of the 80th and 26th Infantry broke the siege from the south and west into Bastogne.
Word was received that Cpl Homer D Renegar was killed in action on December 10 in Germany. He enlisted in November 1942 and has been overseas since last June. Survived by his father John Renegar of Decatur, a sister Mrs Clark Lentz of Decatur, and two brothers Cpl Orville Renegar and Sgt John Renegar Jr., overseas in Europe.
Washington reports year end reviews and forecasts from top war chiefs. Patterson says Japan may not fall quickly after Germany. Krug notes war production lag. Nutt warns of severe manpower shortages. Davis cites production stoppages and tough jobs. Bowles stresses keeping costs in check but unfinished work Ahead. Vinson and Johnson flag economic stabilization needs. Gamble foresees rising war supply needs. Thebaud and Bissell warn of continuing loss of life and extended war.
Birmingham date line reports Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp produced 49 wartime vessels in 1944. De catur Alabama built 28 ships including 16 ocean going and 12 cargo barges while Pascagoula Mississippi built 21 18 000 tonners. Also completed river towboat and harbor tug tests at Birmingham and 45 knocked down barges by Ingalls Iron Works with Verona Pennsylvania fabrication.
Balloting is heavy in the annual election for five Board of Directors of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. Members must vote by noon January 9. Ten nominees were named by the nominating committee: Adams Edgil Godwin Jarvis Loyd McClary Patterson Rankin Shelton and Stone.
In Washington on December 29, Southern Airways of Decatur Alabama is among six Army contract schools that have completed cadet training and begun civilian flying programs. Civilian flight aims to aid non military aviation and potential Army air force needs in emergencies. Local officials in Decatur plan to develop aviation further while awaiting federal, county, and city decisions.
A crippled child’s brace and a left shoe were found near the river today in Decatur. The Daily was informed by Mr. Velaro that the brace may belong to someone in the area and urged owners to identify it.
American armor hammered Von Rundstedt’s offensive, driving spearheads back over 10 miles toward Rochefort as Patton’s Third Army widened the front by 20 miles. Bastogne’s 101st Airborne held firm, blocking a German push toward Sedan while fighting raged along the Meuse and Celles to Rochefort corridor.
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