02 Feb 1942
Page 1
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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Feb 02, 1942
Page
1
Weather kept frosty with below freezing temperatures and a rising Tennessee River at 17.45 feet. Cotton prices traded at 19.25 for strict middling to 17.50 for low grade as local markets reported.
The Associated Press reports signs of a serious Axis Mediterranean campaign with Goering visiting Sicily and Mussolini as Germany reinforces air units. Malta suffers repeated air raids as Britain retreats in Eastern Libya. Russians push gains in the Crimean region while Axis sea and air actions continue near Gibraltar Cirenaica and Murmansk.
Dewitt Mackenzie analyzes the US Pacific fleet’s strike on Marshall and Gilbert islands as the day’s top war news. He argues the victory disproves Japanese propaganda after Pearl Harbor and asserts the fleet now includes formidable sea and air capabilities.
A warfront message asserts the U S Pacific fleet remains active with bomber and warship strikes lowering Japanese power near Hawaii and the West Coast It notes boosted Allied confidence and warns against assuming immediate large scale action in Singapore and the Indies while signaling continued aerial and naval pressure.
Lynn V. Stambaugh, national commander of the American Legion, announced in Portland that the Legion gladly accepts the duties and responsibilities for civilian defense training as assigned by James H. Landis, executive of the Office of Civil Defense.
Worley Alexander, a former local amateur boxer now battling tuberculosis, urgently needs blood transfusions. Type B donors are asked to call 92 at once, and others willing to be typed and donated should also phone 92.
Ernest Elery Hutto, 19, received appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis for June 1942. He will leave February 13 to serve as a pharmacist mate, second class, after enlisting in the Navy following years at the University of Alabama. His father, a World War I Army veteran who later served in the Navy, re-enlisted, saying he is needed in the Navy. Congressman John J. Sparkman aided in the appointment.
Private Joseph L. Lockard, 20, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was recommended to President Roosevelt for a citation after being identified by the War Department as the Pearl Harbor alerting sergeant whose warning was ignored. Representative Harness said the War Department confirmed Lockard’s role but disputed the commission’s designation of him as a non commissioned officer.
Sergeant Alvin C. York of world war fame will lecture at Riverside High School auditorium in Decatur on February 9 under the Decatur Lions club. Proceeds go to the Lions fund for the blind, York's share to help build a Bible school in Pall Mall Tennessee. Also on the program are Daniel's Quartet with about ninety minutes of entertainment. York will discuss his world war experiences and the current situation.
John Pennell of the Arrow Provisions Co addressed Decatur Rotary through the Vocational Service Committee chaired by D P Green. He predicted no meatless calls during the war and traced the Decatur area's packing house growth, noting the shift from scarce livestock seven years ago to improved local supply. members bought defense stamps and a bond.
London reports Britain will lend China up to 50 million pounds for war, while a Japanese assault on the Philippines fails to break American forces. Two divisions attacked Manila and the southern coast, but were repulsed with heavy losses. MacArthur’s troops defend the peninsula as a third Allied success in two days is noted.
Allied air operations over eastern Burma and the Salween estuary report all aircraft returning safely. Observers note Japanese forces pushed to use the Marta ban gulf area and an island as a possible Northward stepping stone while front lines remain unchanged.
General MacArthur commends Tatori troops for courageous attack but notes their eventual surrender. The Pacific Fleet pounded six Japanese air and naval bases in the Marshall and Gilbert islands in a surprise strike aimed at easing the siege and opening a path for a possible large scale assault.
The town wonders if Mr Groundhog saw his shadow as he emerged from hibernation. Weather forecasts are censored while paper readers learn whether six more weeks of cold lie ahead. Quarryville lodge members scan for signs, joking about restrictions and the governor’s health as they await Page Five.
Quarryville Pa February 2 A Winter-weary nation paused in the prosecution of the war today as casualties and shortages echo across towns. The war effort remains ongoing with news of battles and updates from fronts and homefront support demonstrations.
Australian correspondent reports 36 hours after Johore Singapore causeway destruction. No major combat. few Japanese cars seen. gunners shelled crossroads. Troops appear rested and ready despite blast damage as rubber plantations give way to jungle and mangrove.
Welders resumed duties at Tacoma and Seattle shipyards as the planned walkout failed to materialize. At Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. yard, about 100 of 360 welders reported for the shift amid minor scuffles, restoring normal operations on ships essential to the war effort.
President Roosevelt designates the new daylight saving period as war time to reflect its purpose in conserving power for defense. On February 9 clocks advance one hour, with railroads, government agencies, and industries seeking a clear terminology for the time adjustment.
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and Alabama Governor Frank Dixon will headline the launching of the 36 000 ton battleship Alabama at the Norfolk Navy Yard on February 16. Mrs Lister Hill will sponsor the ship with Mrs J J Sparkman as sponsor's attendant. Rear Admiral Felix X Gygax will be master of ceremonies.
Chilean voters chose 56 year old Juan Antonio Rios a pro US cooperation candidate over former president Carlos Ibanez Del Campo in a Sunday election. Ibanez conceded as Rios led with 257 980 votes to 202 033 with only 9 000 votes left to count. Rios calls the result a triumph for democratic ideals and continental cooperation. Chile expected to cut Axis ties, leaving Argentina as the sole Latin American nation maintaining them. Rios succeeds Pedro Aguirre Cerda who died last November ending the Popular Front government.
A boiler at the convict camp near Decatur burst about one o clock Sunday morning. City firemen received no calls and no injuries were reported. Officials declined to comment while confirming the blast and advising neighbours heard loud noises across parts of the city.
The War Department reports two Japanese divisions led by Lt Gen Nara attacked American and Filipino lines on Luzon and at the Bataan peninsula, with fierce fighting near Manila Bay and at a key road junction 17 miles from the regidor fortress. Allied forces claim gains against coast defenses, while experts anticipate new Pacific actions as Japan’s bases in the Marshall and Gilbert islands come under new strikes.
W. L. Bruce of Sheffield was arrested by city police for driving while intoxicated after a collision at the Fourth Avenue and South intersection yesterday afternoon. His car struck another vehicle driven by Mrs. W. Kilgore, causing the crash. both vehicles damaged and Bruce was jailed, later fined in city court.
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