12 May 1944
Page 1
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Newspaper
Dothan Eagle
Location
Dothan, Alabama, United States of America
Date
May 12, 1944
Page
1
The policy expands deferment eligibility beyond the previously restricted group. Local boards may now place eligible men in 2-A deferred status and consider additional fields if the work supports national health and safety, affecting 26 through fifty? age groups and key industries.
Sheriff Blakemore said the search continues for Isham David Beebe, 27, of Huntsville, linked to the stabbing death of Margareta Thornton Fleming in her home last week. A murder warrant and a $3,000 reward are in effect, tied to the slaying during an attack in which Fleming’s daughter Kathleen, 18, and niece Vance Thornton were injured.
Shell Oil Company Inc of Cincinnati files a bill of complaint against Blumberg and the Most Rev T J Toolen of Mobile diocese in a property dispute. Case located at corner of Main Street North Oates. Deputy Tara To No 33.
Allied and Axis units clash across Western and Eastern Europe with artillery barrages and advances on multiple fronts. American bomber raids strike inland targets while night bombing targets Cherbourg Boulogne and other coastal objectives. In Asia Allied air forces target Japanese bases as operations unfold across China Burma and the Pacific theater.
Washington reports that the United States and Britain have agreed on a system for governing conquered German areas but have not yet secured a Russia consent for joint occupation. Diplomats call this among the top three urgent Allied issues.
The United States Britain and Russia issued a virtual ultimatum to Hungary Romania Bulgaria and Finland urging them to abandon Germany and join the Allied side. The declaration warned that delaying defection would bring harsher terms and greater disaster, while noting they could shorten the war by throwing their weight against the Nazis.
RAF bombers in great strength struck railway yards and anti invasion targets in France and Belgium in pre dawn raids for the sixth straight time. Rail yards at Boulogne and Louvain were principal targets as Allied air power expanded across the channel. Sixteen bombers did not return in the night operation.
AP report on Sarah Pelham Speaks, a New York City criminal lawyer and longtime Republican activist, nominated for Congress in New York's 22nd District. She emphasizes protecting Negro rights and addressing voter intimidation, facing opponent Dr. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in a historically charged race.
Chungking reports a Japanese spearhead has crossed the Yellow River from Shanxi with about 5 000 men in 600 light tanks and armored cars. The drive aims to sever Peiping Hankow railroad lines, with Lunghai rail town Mienchih possibly captured 40 miles west of Loyang as Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault’s air force targets enemy tanks and trucks.
Federal Judge William H Holly dismissed the government petition to restrain Montgomery Ward and Company from interfering with federal operation of its Chicago plant. The case was returned to Ward control, action considered dismissed without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of a new suit later.
Washington AP reports Governor Thomas E Dewey’s repeated opposition to poll taxes drew charges of politics from Southern Democrats and rebuttals from Republicans that his stance will not sway pending legislation to abolish poll taxes in eight southern states. Sen Ellender criticizes Dewey as an upstart, while White presses Dewey to urge Republican Senators to back the repeal. Wherry says the outcome rests with the Senate, with a strong chance of a 45 to 41 vote against cloture if enough members attend.
The Dothan Lion's Club chose delegates for the state convention in Birmingham on May 24 to 16. President Jimmy Dees, Troy Lewis, Charlie Senna, Paul Gamble, and Horace Purch Alto Lee were named, with Lewis as an alternate. A Boys sextet from Young Junior high school performed under Miss La Merle Penn. Troy Lewis praised retiring Secretary J. C. Anthony, who leaves for Daytona Beach, Florida, calling him a valuable member and expressing regret.
Moscow reports a major German assault against the Red Army bridgehead northwest of Tiraspol on the Priestr river was repulsed with heavy German losses. The Red Army says about 2 German regiments were wiped out while Berlin claimed the Russians were defeated. The attack marked a rare German initiative after a lull last month, as a counter stroke near Stanislowowice.
Chicago AP report quotes Father Stanislaus Orlemanski, from Springfield, saying Marshal Joseph Stalin advocated freedom of conscience and worship and suggested possible cooperation with Pope Pius XII against Catholic church persecution. Orlemanski cited two Stalin quotes and stated the remarks came from Moscow during his trip.
Members of the Chester R Vickery Post 12 American Legion sharply criticized the County Board of Revenue for not employing a full time service officer, calling the move a political football. The board voted in April to set the office as part time and hired Sam Jones Parrish of Ashford as service officer. A Cheater FA Vickery Post delegation urged a full time office due to many veterans returning and needing assistance.
London reports quote German leaders as saying the I Day of the Allied invasion has begun and hinting at a counter invasion of Britain. Rommel named as Hitler's Western theater chief is cited as potential top target. The piece notes France braces for external and internal blows amid British invasion fears.
American fighters destroyed 18 Japanese bombers in an air sweep over Burma while artillery broke up enemy concentrations south of Kohima in Manipur. Allied communique reports patrols in contact with jungle fighters northeast of Khoma and fighting near Potaingham south of Bishenpur. The air force said to have bombed Ningthongkhong, with tanks used against the stronghold and ground actions continuing in the hills.
Alabama farmers will get 125 bushels of Canadian oats to ease a livestock feed shortage. Josge A Gulbreth county AAA official announced the plan after heavy rains hampered early seeding and crop cultivation. The oats will be distributed through established feed dealers with cooperation from AAA, the State Ford Advisory Board, and feed producers.
Beaumont AP reports Representative Martin Dies of Texas withdraws from pursuit of reelection citing health and a wish to return to private business. Dies has served 14 years and chaired the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Telegram to the Beaumont Journal conveyed the decision.
Washington AP Senator Russell D Georgia says reports show nitrate prices vary by region. He cites TVA nitrate costing 552 dollars per ton in Jacksonville and 46 in Norfolk, with Canadian nitrate in Louisville cheaper by 7 dollars per ton. Representative Charley Brand notes distribution issues and TVA contract with Associated Cooperatives Inc.
Allied heavy bombers struck Italian West Coast harbors and rail hubs in support of the ground push with the Eighth Army in Italy. In California a hotel fire in Owenville killed four, two identified. a coroner reported multiple fatalities. The Senate backed the Lend Lease extension, sending the bill to President Roosevelt for signature.
Allied forces launched a major assault in the Cassino area and along the Tyrrhenian coast as Fifth and Eighth Armies attacked German fortifications. The offensive began at 11 p.m. after a massive artillery barrage, with dawn reports of several advances. General Sir Harold Alexander directed the operation amid air and patrol support, while Allied lines urged through the Licc Valley and coastal flank aims to drive the enemy from Cassino and surrounding positions.
The term D Day is described as a military expression used to refer to an invasion day without revealing the exact time. It serves as verbal camouflage with H Hour signaling the minute of action and mirrors the World War I Zero Hour. Commanders may mention D Day while the date remains known to all.
AP report details how draft boards gain broader deferment powers under new guidelines from the Secret Service influenced policy. The change widens deferral eligibility for men aged 30 to 37 while preserving local control, with boards urged to apply policies to fit local conditions and bear heavy responsibility for future decisions.
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