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Newspaper
Dothan Eagle
Location
Dothan, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Feb 02, 1945
Page
5
Allied forces push through Alsatian territory as German resistance thins along the Siegfried Line. American First and Third Armies advance near Colmar and Breisach, with key crossings and Rhine bridges contested as German lines retreat toward the west. Pillboxes are abandoned in several sectors, signaling a broader break toward the Rhine.
The Western Front reports Allied forces abandoning large sections near the Siegfried Line as American armies push into German defenses. Air bombardment targets the Colmar pocket while French units close in. The Russian Front notes Red Army advances within 30 to 40 miles of Berlin with Duhringshof captured, and a new Reich crossing reported 217 miles southeast of Berlin. The Italian Front mentions minor patrol actions and limited success by Sixth Army and Third Army against German positions.
The War Department in Washington announced Camp Rucker will be activated soon as an infantry replacement training center. It honors Civil War officer Edmund Winchester Rucker and first opened May 1, 1942, covering 62 500 acres near Dothan and Ozark in Dale and Henry counties. Four divisions trained there include List Wildcats and 35th European invasion participants, with 6th Panther Division details continued on page 14.
London reports say Churchill will press for immediate approval at the Big Three meeting of plans for ruling the Reich amid rumors of early disintegration in northern Germany. The source cautions against expecting rapid Nazi surrender while noting urgency and possible German military retreat plans.
Washington AP reports United States submarines have sunk ten more enemy vessels in Far Eastern waters including two medium cargo transports two medium tankers three small cargo vessels a large transport a medium transport and a small tanker. Total Japanese ships sunk by submarines now 1004 combatant and 888 noncombatant. Submarine sinkings since the year began total five ships including a cruiser destroyer and three escort craft.
Elba workers paused in the plant to accept the Army-Navy E award for excellence in war production. Colonel J D McIntyre praised the team for building essential trailers used across fronts. C E Dorsey Jr and Lt Commander W W Hearth er presented the recognitions amid an audience of local citizens and guests.
Two prisoners escaped from the guardhouse at Napier Field during the night. Pvt. Morris Gantt and Robert L. Shertzer, both not Napier Field personnel, fled after cutting a hole in the guardhouse door and climbing over a 4 wire fence. An intensive search by military and civilian authorities continued, with others detained and the incident under investigation.
Soviet and German reports detail fierce fighting around the Oder frontier as Russians push toward Berlin. Zhukov’s forces reportedly cross the river in places, while German broadcasts claim they are checked by minefields and heavy armor. Fires from RAF bombing and chaotic traffic near Berlin signal rising danger as Red Army advances threaten the capital.
About 486 American and over 20 Allied prisoners were freed by Rangers and guerrillas near Cabanatuan Luzon. They recall Bataan, Corregidor, and the Death March, insisting they still want to fight. They describe wartime abuse, hunger, and brutal guards, and note one prisoner was killed by American strafing during a field raid.
Kansas City Kansas AP report on ration board meeting where a garbage truck operator laments inability to hire riders due to gasoline rationing. He notes his route covers 75 miles monthly and asserts workers are scarce amid wartime constraints. He insists he hauls garbage and needs staff.
AP reporter Louis F P Lochner visits captured German soldiers on the Western Front and describes their demoralized state. The POWs say the army’s disintegration and scattered surrenders are essential to peace, noting alliances and defections as hopes grow for an early end to the war.
Quarryville area reports the groundhog saw its shadow signaling six additional weeks of winter. Lodge notes show Cordell Tull voted into membership while Col. Eltell Horsevelt was nominated but declined. secretary William A. Wensel relayed the forecast and lodge proceedings.
The Limited National Service Bill, passed 246 to 165 by the House, faces likely Senate changes. It would empower local draft boards to freeze jobs or conscript men 16 to 45 who leave essential work, with penalties of induction, fines, or prison. Congress debates shifting authority to a federal agency, likely the War Manpower Commission, and rejected a voluntary recruitment alternative.
Fifteen Washington area establishments reportedly failed to comply with a War Production Board lighting order effective yesterday. Ralph Goodwin of the City Water and Light Department said most violations appeared unintentional after checks found about 14 incidents. Violators will be warned to comply. flagrant cases will be reported to the War Production Board.
In a swift two pronged invasion of Luzon the Eighth Army closed off southern Manila while Sixth Army moved north toward Malolos. Eleventh Airborne touched down at Batangas Beach near Narugin with light opposition and advanced toward Tagaytay Ridge. MacArthur said the landings were largely unopposed and sealed off southern units from reinforcing Manila Bay defenses.
Houston County farmer Jim Henry Coonrod of near Pansey was taken into custody at the request of Sheriff Barkley Gause in Jackson County Iowa on a kidnapping charge involving his 16 year old nephew Details from the sheriffs office were sparse an informant called the charge ridiculous noting the youth had lived with Coonrod and his mother for about 14 years The informant added Coonrod’s mother is the grandmother of the youth involved
Dr Henry I Willingham announces separate bills to taxpayers who postponed payment under the 1943 income tax. Unforgiven tax arose from a switch to pay as you go, with Congress forgiving at least 75 percent of the 1842 tax in most cases. Unforgiven part due March 15 1944, balance by March 1 this year, with bills attached to remittance mailed to the Birmingham office.
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