18 Jun 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Dothan Eagle
Location
Dothan, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jun 18, 1944
Page
1
Allied air forces raided Pas De Calais as 18 patrols and Liberators joined heavy bombers in strikes along the coast. The operation supported Normandy forces with air cover and attacked enemy airfields and transport targets across the region.
Dispatches report Chinese forces advancing in the Burma theater near the Mogaung valley and Laukhau area, capturing positions and threatening Allied supply routes. World War II reporting notes gains in the north Burma front and continued fighting around Myitkyina and surrounding regions as Japanese and Allied efforts continue.
Historic Elba Island off Italy’s west coast was stormed by French troops, Detachment B commanded by Gen De Lattre De Tassigny secured the isle. Allied forces cleared the island amid limited German resistance as the campaign pushes from west to east. A Dynan dispatch notes French assault boats battered a foothold despite stubborn German defense.
Washington AP reports growing opposition within Democratic ranks to Vice President Wallace for renomination at the national convention. Southern Democrats, including Maybank of South Carolina and Pepper of Florida, warn the party may reject Wallace without meeting demands on civil rights and a two thirds nominating rule. The convention in Chicago July 19 could shape the ticket and Southern policy, with possible removal of a racial equality plank.
Washington AP report notes a National Politics Action Committee formed to assure the renomination and protection of President Roosevelt. The group aims to coordinate with CIO, drawing delegates to a conference and including feeders from CTO supporters outside labor ranks.
SUPREME HEADQUARTERS OF ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE reveals the German dynamite meteors were a simple weapon, a crude overgrown rocket with wings and explosives. Projectiles fired from Pas de Calais were not radio controlled and had no reliable supply flow impact. A compass kept them roughly on course though they could fall far from target.
Admiral William F. Halsey Jr is named Commander of the Third Fleet in the war against Japan. The move grants him a fleet of his own to strike at Japanese forces, with authority similar to Spruance’s fleet. Halsey has led major actions from the Hornet near Japan in 1942 to early Pacific offensives, earning high decorations.
Headland becomes the first southeast Alabama community to meet and exceed quotas in both E and tote bond drives. E bond oversubscription by $14,000, with total sales $108,000 against a $95,000 E quota and an overall target of $146,500. Stores closed early for an auction led by Albert Ingue of Dothan and a large program by a Camp Awitaoketach band.
War Bond funds flowed into the Faith War Loan from Houston County as thousands invested to aid the war effort and postwar security. War Finance Chairman Pat Poyner Jr notes week one data incomplete with many workers busy. drive aims to meet a 2 208 000 dollar quota while urging greater effort. In other news, about 800 spectators attended Camp Rucker vs Napier Field baseball at Wiregrass Memorial Stadium, a close 2 1 game.
Camp Rucker posts announce that Italian Service Units will be allowed to take supervised sightseeing and shopping tours to Enterprise and Dothan. Groups will visit hotels farms and the Recreation Center with English fluent officers guiding excursions and future passes under limited conditions. Fraternization with Italian and American units is barred.
Two Dothan men were arrested on grand larceny charges within 24 hours of a dairy cow and young bull going missing from W. Lo Johnson’s farm. Identified by Sheriff’s Office as Lewil Thomar Johnson and Robert Earl Elmore, their apprehension followed an investigation linking them to the theft. Investigators noted the men were away from home when the report was filed and tracked the stolen animals to a loading trailer and yard tracks. The probe continued as authorities pursued further leads.
Allied forces advance toward Cherbourg trapping thousands of German troops as American and British units push from Saint Sauveur and Montebourg toward Cherbourg. American columns near Baubveur and La D Ourville close escape routes while recon reports indicate German withdrawals along the coast road. Casualties in the opening Normandy push tally 15,883 American total killed and wounded.
The Allied command reported the French underground and Maquis forces behind the lines in France have executed a master plan of sabotage and armed resistance since Normandy’s June 6 invasion. Sabotage delayed German reserves, halted road and rail traffic in the Rhone Valley, and allowed Maquis fighters to seize towns, destroy bridges and derail locomotives while aiding Allied efforts. The Vichy regime opposed the resistance, though some factions deserted to the guerrillas.
Lt Gen Omar Bradley announced American casualties in France through midnight Friday totaling 2,783 dead and 12,660 wounded in the first 11 days of the invasion. He said the beachhead is secure, with Germans losing their last chance to push us back.
Dothan citizens endured a blistering stretch with temperatures hitting 100 on Saturday, the year’s hottest so far. The preceding days ranged from 90s to 100, with daily highs of 94 on Friday and 100 on Saturday and minimums around mid 70s.
The Sovereign State of Georgia asks the U S Supreme Court for a permanent injunction against 20 major railroads accusing them of discriminatory and preferential freight charges favoring northern shippers. It seeks damages of 6 760 000 and a court order enjoining railroad agents from conspiring to fix rates, asserting rates to Georgia are unjust and unduly preferential to northern points.
Two Camp Rucker soldiers, Private John S. Stetler and Private John J. Durnin, were apprehended after fleeing in a car owned by W G C Howard of near Dothan. Police said Howard, father-in-law of Officer Kelley, watched them drive off from East Main Street and called in the pursuit.
U S Pacific Fleet hammering Guam as American amphibious forces press on Saipan amid fierce Japanese defense. Admiral Nimitz reports renewed air strikes against Japan’s Kurils while fighters clash above the theater.
General Charles de Gaulle, leading the Provisional French government not recognized by the United States, asked to visit President Roosevelt possibly in July. White House readiness to honor a visiting dignitary is noted, with Blair House as lodging and no move toward official recognition. Dispute over recognition colors negotiations and military cooperation talks.
Russian forces closed within 25 miles of Viipuri from two directions, seizing Perkjarvi and Kuolemapervi on key rail lines. Moscow said Govorny’s troops pushed through 129 populated places as evacuees fled toward safety, with Viipuri hearing heavy artillery and Finnish dispatches noting impending evacuation.
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