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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jun 23, 1944
Page
1
Weather forecast calls for fair tonight and Saturday with thundershowers near the coast and a high of 100 as the low 76. Cotton prices posted today include strict mid dling 21.15 middling 21.00 strict low 19.15 and low 17.15. Community notices cover military promotions missing in action updates and local church activities and services across Decatur Huntsville and Cullman.
German high command and Berlin broadcasts claimed a large scale Soviet summer offensive on the Eastern Front began north of the Pripet marshes and south of Mogilev to north of Vitebsk, with reports of heavy tank and air support. Moscow cited triple Russian spearheads driving against the Finns north of Onega and along the Karelian isthmus. The Allied and Russian reports differed on confirmations, with London adopting a wait and see stance pending Moscow.
American submarines sunk 16 more enemy vessels in the Pacific, adding to a war total of 623 sunk ships 36 probables and 115 damaged since the start of the conflict. The Navy gave no location details for the latest bag, noting operations near Japanese shores and supply routes. Submarines contributed to reconnaissance before locating part of the fleet east of the Philippines. The new tally comprises 11 medium cargo ships four small cargo ships and one medium naval auxiliary.
Governor Sparks warned that state departments must spend within their appropriations. The 1943 legislature set definite appropriations with conditional allotments and end-of-year balances revert to the general fund.
London reports minimal impact from German flying bombs as Home Secretary Herbert Morrison tells the House of Commons that national utilities and public services were affected only slightly.
Ernie Pyle describes the D Day invasion phases in France. He notes American and British buildup, the successful ashore landing, follow up waves with minimal casualties, and the ongoing phase to consolidate defenses around the frontline.
London reports for June 23 state Germany acknowledged murdering 50 Allied officers at a German prison camp, up from 47, with the victims said to include British and Dominion fliers and other European officers. Eden condemned the Nazi explanation as a confession of a war crime.
The durable goods and services panel reported two ceiling price violations on used electric refrigerators. Hearings, led by Kingman C. Shelburne, will be held Tuesday night June 27 with involved parties notified to appear. J. E. McCrary urged buyers and sellers to confirm ceiling prices before sale and obtain the correct price from the price office by calling 404. Morgan county coal dealers face a meeting June 27 at 8 p.m. in the courthouse annex as investigators present enforcement officials.
Washington June 23 A boom for Senator Byrd the Virginia Democrat as vice presidential nominee on the Republican ticket developed among GOP members of Congress House Republican Leader Martin of Massachusetts said there is strong sentiment for Byrd and he will go to Chicago to gauge its strength before the convention.
Allied bombers smashed Romanian oil fields at Ploesti for the eighth day, supported by British Liberators and Fortresses. Italian forces and 590 heavy bombers also hit Giurgiu, with rail yards and Danube targets attacked. Germany’s oil output reportedly cut by about 65 percent.
Lovick Fowler 30 of Morgan county died at Decatur General Hospital after a June 7 shooting at Rex Maxwell’s home near Hartselle. Maxwell surrendered as charges of first degree murder were pursued. Fowler had been jailed on assault with intent to murder and released on bond. Funeral planned at Center Springs church with family survivors named.
Japanese army pressures to fortify lines as U S Navy advances toward Hengyang driving toward the Asiatic mainland. Chinese civilians flee Hengyang while Saipan battle yields 20 000 Japanese surrender. Task Force 58 with carriers and battleships dominates the Pacific as Tokyo admits losses. General MacArthur strikes Noemfoor Biak Noemfoor campaigned.
Allied forces push along both coastal sectors and inland lines in Italy. The Eighth Army faces strong resistance north of Peru gia and southwest of Lake Trasi meno with German counterattacks repulsed. In the Adriatic, forces near Ancona approach the Chienti river, while the Fifth Army advances toward Falencia from Livorno. Mediterranean air forces fly 2,300 sorties, destroying two enemy planes and losing ten Allied aircraft.
Dr. E C Ray, chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, said a new government order will allow distillers to make whisky in August and will increase available merchandise. Alabama consumers now face a one quart per month limit and effects should be felt around Sept. 1.
The Associated Press reports 20000 Japanese troops on Saipan appear abandoned as U S forces, led by task force 58 with numerous carriers, press inland toward the Marianas gateway. The U S invasion army outnumbers the Nipponese, signaling a decisive turn in the campaign.
The piece discusses Berlin's claim of a new Russian summer offensive likely to join the Western front. It notes Berlin's habit of forecasting Moscow moves, recalls the Smolensk recapture and potential North-Central thrust from Velikie Lukin to Gomel, and suggests the drive could reshape the war as Russia plans multiple coordinated blows with strong forces.
June 23 forces under Lt Gen Omar N Bradley stormed over Cherbourg harbor defenses and captured a hill at Tourlaville four miles from the sea. Allies described Cherbourg defenses as formidable but foresee a rapid siege unlikely. Remaining strongpoints at Nouainville and La Glacerie were reported. German divisions and naval units were believed trapped in the American wedge.
General Charles De Gaulle reverses his position and agrees to allow French representatives to serve as liaison officers and governors of freed areas under supreme headquarters. The arrangement is said to be informal and day by day with no formal agreement or meeting with General Eisenhower.
Allied forces pressed through fierce resistance around Cherbourg as bombing raged on the long contested town. British radio reported German orders to hold Cherbourg at all costs while U S troops clawed forward inch by inch, securing the St Pierre Eglise junction and Carneville as the port held under a 1000 plane assault.
Aviation Cadet Joseph Mizereck, 19, of Brooklyn New York, flew an Army training plane from Napier Field to Texas without permission and will be returned to Napier for trial by military authorities. Army public relations said they have Mizereck and the aircraft in custody after the incident near Alice Texas.
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