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Newspaper
Sheppard Field Texacts
Location
Sheppard Field, Texas, United States of America
Date
Jun 26, 1943
Page
7
Pfc Harold De Long of the 14th Mess Sq wins the weekly $1 prize for best squib in Texacts. DeLong writes about his unit's activities with vivid, regional imagery. The buck prize awaits in our office at Blog. 844, Rm. 10.
Cpl. Oscar Height reports cigars from Sgts Olson Messina Miller and Youngen. Pvt Walter Schoonover becomes a father. Lt Sgt Phil Barkan and Yo arrive in Wichita Falls. The group honors the plaque reading Best Policed Area and thanks Wichita Falls families for Father’s Day support. Bob Townsend paints new signs for their area.
The 302nd Training Group celebrates new rank promotions with staff sergeants Benjamin F. Smith F Lindsay and corporals Russell J. Decker Daniel S. Spriggs Vincent J. Pisciotto and Adolph A. Straszypka. Song program rivalry grows as neat day rooms and the C Qing act draw crowds.
The 303rd Training Group welcomes new cadets en route to proving grounds. Staff Sergeants and corporals earn ratings, with Clomer E. Baird and George W. Harris topping the list for Tech. Names like Joseph Wasik, Alex J. Doka, Thomas B. Shankle, Jack E. Seawell, and Frank R. Fulmer appear among those advancing. Miscellaneous mentions include furloughs, insurance exams, a bivouac squirrel, and a large retreat parade last week.
Captain John A. Peckham, commanding officer of the 317th TSS, is described as a farmer from Checotah Oklahoma. A 1934 Oklahoma A&M graduate with a reserve infantry commission, he made the dean’s list and played varsity tennis. He worked as a mail clerk in Enid, served in the CCC as a reserve officer, then joined the Air Forces with duty at Sheppard Field beginning September 24, 1943, pictured with his executive staff and key noncommissioned officers.
A string of informal notes mentions Tech Sgt Ivan Mahurin on a GI mission, Cpl Ed Shaw tying the knot in Waurika Oklahoma, Sgt Burton Stombaugh planning a marriage next week in June, and casual lines about USC shows a phone, a Britain address, swimming and picnics. The piece ends with sports chatter and a social blowout at the Boy's Club tonight at 9.
A standout performance Thursday night at 392 showcased Pvt. Wessley Pendergraft Col Billy Nations of 307 and Paul Wellbaum with Betty Kee and Betty Milholland from the Norsworthy Music Center. Four squadron sweethearts Jo Daugherty Dorothy Rose Marrs Margie Dea and Alice Ann Presson drew attention with a standout spotlight. Margie Dea noted as sweetheart of squadron 13, brunette dancer educated in Wichita Falls, father owns a late model Chevrolet sedan seen around town.
The 305th Training Group describes a week of disruption with moves and unclear sleep, passes, and meals. The note ends with Miss Matthews of the Redwood USO making her last appearance amid the ongoing wartime routine.
Army announces June 18 promotion orders for 217 soldiers at Sheppard Field. 209 rise in BTC and eight in the Finance Detachment. BTC adds eight corporals, 72 buck sergeants, 53 staff sergeants, three tech sergeants, and one first sergeant. BTC marks first order in over 30 days.
The Lake Wichita pavilion hosted a USO sponsored dance with officers and the Provost Marshal extending curfew. Nine new staff sergeants, four bucks, and five corporals joined permanent party ranks while T. Sgt. Preston T. Conroy and Sen J. Robert Moore left the unit.
Four buck sergeants rise to staff, four corporals become bucks, and five privates are promoted to G I corporal stripes. Staff Sergeant McBride, despite attaining staff status, loses $4 in pay. Group HQ becomes a tense place as First Sgt Booth faces a limited service stripe upgrade.
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