1939-April Shipmate

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1939

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SPORTS

SCHEDULE

Mat. 29 Apr. 1 5 ' • 8 ' ' 12 ' ' 15 ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' May ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

19 22 26 29 3 6 10 13 20 24 27

Fofdham Univeisity Dartmouth College U. of Vermont Harvard University Yale Univeisity Princeton University (at Princeton, N. J.) Temple University Pennsylvania State Col. Gettysburg College U. of Pennsylvania William and Mary College Duke University Georgetown University Cornell University U. of Virginia Western Maryland College U. S. Military Academy (atWestPoint, N. Y.) Plebe Baseball

Apr. ' ' ' ' May ' '

15 Baltimore City College 22 Mt. St. Joseph's H. S. 29 Staunton Mil. Academy 6 Augusta Mil. Academy 13 Admiral Farragut Academy Lacrosse

Apr. 1 ' ' 8 ' ' 15

Dartmouth College Harvard University Princeton University (at Princeton, N. J.) ' ' 22 Mt. Washington Club (Practice Game) May 6 Loyola College ' ' 13 U. of Maryland ' ' 20 U. of Pennsylvania ' ' 27 U. S. Military Academy Plebe Lacrosse Apr. 29 May 6 ' ' 13 ' ' 20

Friends School Gilman Country School Severn School Baltimore Poly. Inst.

Plebe Tennis

Golf

Baseball

Apr. 15 U. of Pennsylvania 22 Princeton University ' 29 Georgetown University May 6 Washington and Lee Univ. (at Lexington, Va.) 13 U. of Virginia ' ' 20 U. of Baltimore ' ' 27 U. S. Military Academy

Apr. 22 ' ' 29 May 20

Plebe Golf Baltimore City College Baltimore Poly. Inst.

Forest Park High School

Track Apr. 22 Columbia and Princeton ' ' 28-29 Penn Relays (at Philadelphia, Pa.) May 6 U. of North Carolina ' ' 13 Duke University (at Durham, N. C.) ' ' 20 U. of Virginia ' ' 27 U. S. Military Academy (at West Point, N. Y.)

Apr. 29 May 6 13

Episcopal H. S. Hun School Admiral Farragut Academy

Varsity Football Schedule 1939 Sept. 30 William and Mary College Oct. 7 University of Virginia 14 Dartmouth College (at Baltimore, Md.) 21 Notre Dame University (at Cleveland, Ohio) ' ' 28 Clemson College Nov. 4 University of Pennsylvania (at Philadelphia, Pa.) 11 Columbia University 25 Princeton University (at Princeton, N. J.) Dec. 2 U. S. Military Academy (at Philadelphia, Pa.) Plebe Football Schedule 1939 Sept. 30

Plebe Track Apr. 29 Woodberry Forest School May 6 Mercersburg Academy ' ' 24 Tome School Tennis Apr. ' '

' ' ' ' ' ' May ' '

1 8 15 19 22 26 29 3 6

' ' ' '

10 13 20 27

' ' ' '

William and Mary College Yale University Princeton University Temple University Cornell University U. of Pittsburgh U. of Virginia Georgetown University Columbia University (at New York City) Lafayette College U. of Pennsylvania U. of Maryland U. S. Military Academy

Massanutten Military Academy Oct. 7 Admiral Farragut Academy 28 Kiskiminetas Springs School Nov. 4 Bordentown Military Institute ' ' 11 The Hun School ' ' 18 The Bullis School B Squad Football Schedule 1939 Oct.

20

' ' 27 Nov. 10 17

Princeton University B Squad U. of Pittsburgh B Squad Pennsylvania State College B Squad U. of Pennsylvania B Squad

(All contests to be held at the Naval Academy, except as noted.)

SHIPMATE The Publication

of

the United

States

Naval

EDWIN F . COCHRANE,

Academy

Alumni

Associatio n

'16, Editor.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS — VICTOR F . BLAKESLEE, '20 — C. W I L L I A M D U N C A N , '21 — ROBERT C CONRAD, '25

VOL.

2

APRIL,

1939

No. 4

If you do not choose to help. SHIPMATE will stay fair to middlin', or slowly go down hill. It is your baby. But to make Next month we will probably have to it what you would like it to be—a real do that old magazine up-the-sleeve, now- powerful up and coming fellah — and you-see-it, now-you-don't trick of rotat- what we wish it to be, a magazine of great ing names. Some of you who have not popular Navy interest, with articles in paid will be cut ofif and will not receive the lighter vein that you will like to read, the May issue. In the June issue we will athletics in full about what is going on put you who have been cut off back for here at the Naval Academy, people you one more month—only—and cut off know or should and what they are doing others who have not paid. And so on for the service; you must send that dollar. until all you delinquents (using the word NOW!!!

Or we may have to cut you off. And only in reference to SHIPMATE) have been cut off the May, June or July issues. we literally hate to do that.

We are working for a close knit We do not like to do this. But we do Alumni Association that exalts this place want you to pay a dollar a year for this and all its activities, that wants to hear all magazine. And if you don't do it within about them, not in a half-baked manner, three months of "rotating," we will prob- but in the full rich story way. ably be forced to stop sending it to you As you wish it. But we wish to give altogether. Because by then you will have you our level best. Send us that dollar! shown us you don't want it, or value it, Fill in that blank you will find elsewhere or believe as we do that it can be made in this issue! Or we will get out that old into the best monthly publication you Colt .45 of ours and come around to your receive. house in person when the lights are out.

We are not conceited. But we can pro- As all good orators say in finishing a talk duce a good magazine, better each month of this kind—we thank you—if you kick than the month before, if you will help. through.

Again We Appeal In the March issue SHIPMATE made its first appeal to you for funds. Previously for nearly a year you got it for nothing.

We asked you for your subscription of a dollar per year, payable now, that we be able to give you a magazine of which you cotdd be proud. Your response has been most generous, and we are gratified by it. But to keep up the character of the publication, print pictures you would like to see (and they are expensive), and increase our editorial value to you, we must appeal again.

SHIPMATE goes out to some 13,000 of you. Everyone of you, we know, would send in a dollar if you just got around to it, or even gave it a second thought. With that dollar from each of you we can go places and make you and ourselves happy and interested in this venture. Without your dollar we are practically paralyzed in improving ourselves to you. It is your magazine. "Vbu can improve it, mold its policy, keep it alive, as you wish. It is in your hands.

(^1.00) PLEASE

ENTER MY SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONE YEAR TO

SHIPMATE ANNAPOLIS, MD. Name .

Address

APRIL,

1939

(^l.OO)

On Loyalty We are all members of an organization ties, its people, we should be just as loyal. that has given us some share of loyalty. To hit below the belt is not part of the But evidently not enough. There is loy- training of any of us. And we know that alty to the service, of course. Patriotism to boost when it is most needed is the if you like. We have that, all of us, one elixir that nurtures future greatness. hundred per cent. To our homes, our Despondency, disappointment, dysfamilies, our fellow men, ourselves, loy- pepsia even, come to all of us at one time alty sometimes occurs in lesser degree. or another. But the horsemen of remorse, What can we do to be more loyal in our nagging, hitting, knifing are by the rule human relations with each other? To of life all the sweeter victims when trieverything in fact our heritage represents. umph follows. And victory always folThere is loyalty to the Naval Academy, lows loyalty. to the fleet, and yes, to the team on the "Play up, play up and play the game," field. It is true that many times we stum- someone has written. There is no coach ble in our devotions, never quite attain- on duty at the Naval Academy who is not ing that perfection we have always doing his level best to live up to all you wanted and hoped for. But in time of expect of him. He would not be tolerated trouble and darkness the strong in heart long here who didn't. prepare for success at dawn.

We profess to be honest with you to AU of us can knock. But it takes years the best of our ability. And you—^we— to build a battleship. And only a single on the outside, all of us, still come from moment to destroy it. Ours is always the the finest place any of us has ever known building stage—in morale, personnel, or probably ever will. May we keep the Naval Academy and its every fine work material, and in football too.

To the Alumni of the Naval Academy close to our hearts. And never undermine in congress never wholly assembled. man or men who are giving of their very SHIPMATE presents a plea. We feel we best. Let us be loyal. Always, and forknow some of the answers here, merely ever. We can win in no other way, afloat because we are here, and not because we or ashore. are possessed of any particular knowledge. Nor even dare to think we could be.

Recently in a New York newspaper They Also Serve one of the nation's finest sports writers printed an "anonymous horoscope" of The authorities surrounded the Naval coming events here in the football coach- Academy with a wall to deter midshiping system. His information came from men from "frenching out," but they three men close to athletics, he said, all have always tried to provide recreational in the "service." Their names were not facilities within the academic limits to given. But by remaining anonymous act as a sort of magnetic force to keep they were knifing in the back. Knifing their charges on the reservation. The at the recently appointed head coach who winter sports season has been fully deis giving his every waking moment in scribed elsewhere in this and previous loyalty to us and his job. They told one issues, but here's a resume of the other of the country's best syndicate correspon- recreational activities of the 1938-39 dents that Swede Larson's appointment season. was temporary. He wouldn't be here a Broadway billings and internationally year from now probably, no matter what known musicians have appeared on the happened. His body, his soul, his loyalty Naval Academy Program. The midshipand devotion then were merely stop gaps, men have supported this series of artill a more definite professional coaching tistic entertainments with enthusiastic policy could be carried out. Such fodder interest. But their usual amateur activiborn of malice is not fair to Swede Lar- ties haven't suffered. In the Fall the midson. Who are you three who give your shipmen' Orchestra and the Glee Club opinions freely to a splendid writer offered a joint recital which was a great whom you know is quoted from Maine success. They're planning another for the to California? Why do you prefer to re- late Spring. main anonymous? Is that true to the heriOn February 17, 18, and 22 the Mastage of this place we all represent? Is it queraders presented as their annual even cricket? Why don't you come out play, the 1938 Broadway smash comedy and fight in the open? success, "Room Service," and under the We are everyone of us loyal to the capable direction of Professor Pease Naval Academy itself. To all of its activi- scored another hit. One of the "girls"

was Leavitt Davis, a plebe, the son of Ralph Davis who sang the role of Buttercup in the 1914 production of "Pinafore." Gene Knox, '39, was splendid as the distracted young producer and he was supported by an excellent cast. The situations and lines were hilarious and the Masqueraders made a new record of 279 laughs at one of the three performances, all of which were well attended. E. J. Foote, President, and W. L. Hunt, Director, headed the organization this year.

A rejuvenated Juice Gang under C. S. Thomas, Jr., built a flashing sign for the show that won much deserved praise.

The electricians are making two other displays, one for the Navy Relief Show and the other for the Musical Clubs. The Stage Gang, too, is doing its part for all shows in Mahan Hall.

"Red" Christie, '29, has charge of the musical club's production and is busy with rehearsals for the performance in April. The midshipmen are combining their talents to put on Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" this year to meet the popular demand created by the success of last year's "Pinafore."

On March 10, 11 and 17, 18 the Navy Relief Auxiliary presented "Penny Wise," a frothy and pleasant comedy.

The cast, which included Howard L. Collins, '24, Bunny Wray, '21, Lewis M. Markham, Jr., '25, and the following girls: Mrs. William H. Duvall, Mrs. James B. Weiler, Mrs. William C. Butler, Jr., and Miss Katherine Lewis, was excellent. Bill Corn, '10, was the producer.

Bill Fechteler, '16, directed, and the settings were designed by Mrs. L. H. Thebaud. These principals were ably assisted by many others too numerous to mention and the united efforts of all hands made "Penny Wise" a real dramatic treat.

The Naval Academy Band under the baton of Bandmaster William R. Sima has been broadcasting every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 to 2:30 p. m. These concerts have been markedly popular and have done much to win the good will of the radio public for the Academy.

Admiral Brown has spoken a couple of times on special occasions and Frank Grandfield, '24, sang a solo at one broadcast. Incidentally the orchestra which Mr. Sima has developed to play for the hops is so good that it would be difficult to improve upon it for dance music. The N.A.-Ten, the midshipmen's own swing orchestra has been carrying on in a capable way under J. M. Cease. They are always in demand on Sunday after-

SHIPMATE

noons and in Smoke Hall after the evening meal.

Another midshipmen's organization, the Radio Qub, has turned public benefaaor by sponsoring a program of amplified red seal record recitals designed to popularize good music of high calibre.

"The Trident," (and if you don't know this publication, send in your subscription or your literary contribution), blossomed forth in a new and attractive streamlined format. It is attractive to look at and stimulating to read.

"The Log" has improved. There's a cartoonist in the regiment who has been assisted by an expert versifier. Together they produced some hilarious comic valentines, one of the best of which was addressed to Roy Benson, '29. Viaor Barringer, '18, the Assistant to the Commandant, has general supervision of "The Log" and his excellent judgment has been shown in its improved quality.

When the new laundry has been completed next to the Power Plant, all the midshipmen's extra-curricular activities WLU be assigned office space in the basement of the Fourth Wing. Even now they are alive and flourishing and do their part to make life at the Naval Academy pleasant as well as profitable.

Common Sense in Municipal Government When the citizens of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania voted in the primary eleaions of 1937, the same man was nominated on both the Republican and Democratic tickets—Alex W. "Dutch" Loder, '12. At that time, they did not elect a man who sought the office, because being burgess of a small community is usually an honor conferred on some local individual whose work has shown he has the "community spirit." They have no other way to show their appreciation, so they elect him burgess.

All this had to be pulled out of "Dutch," because the guy won't talk about himself. He did say this much, though, that it was a sewer job that he had tried to get through that put him into the spot-light. It failed, and in talking to influential citizens to help the thing succeed the next year, "Dutch" talked himself into a job.

Once at it, he decided the only way to handle it, was to do the job right. Contrary to precedent, "Dutch" has an office and regular office hours. The idea: "I want to be where people can find me if there's anything that has to be settled."

Then he grinned slowly. "Two men came in the other day. They were ready 1909 "30 Years After" Dinner to come to blows. We talked the thing 1909 is having its "30 Years After" over, arrived at a compromise, and bedinner at the Shoreham Hotel in Wash- fore they left, they were pals." ington, D. C , Friday, May 26th, at 7:30 Then there was the case of a young boy P. M., stag informaL who had been caught stealing gasoline Cost per person is limited to $5.00. out of automobiles. There was no crimReservations and checks should be sent inal background, but investigation reto Captain L. E. Lindsay, U. S. N., Room vealed some rather startling things.

3046, Bureau of Navigation, Navy De- "Dutch" had the boy parolled and has partment. made arrangements for the boy to get a Seventy-five members are expected at fresh start. That boy was hardly past this get together of 1909 (53 attended seventeen. If he turns out all right, and the "25 Years After" dinner). it is believed he will, the clear headed Following the lacrosse game with the judgment of a small town burgess has Army at Annapolis on the day after the saved the criminal court of a larger city dinner, LeClair, of 1909, and Mrs. Le- a peck of trouble.

Clair will be "at home" to members and "Dutch" was asked if he would please families of 1909 at their place. Holly see to it his interviewer didn't get any Hill, Friendship, Md. tags for overtime parking and otherwise violating the law.

BUT TASTY? "We hold traffic court once a week," She—"Your kisses are like a popular he explained. "It's held in the council chamber—not like a regular police drink." court. The violators are brought in toHe—"Powerful?" gether, and their offenses noted. It's my She—"No, old fashioned." job to explain to them just why we have —1000 Jokes. the laws and what they mean.

"For instance, there's this thing of The father who sent his son to the double parking. The way our town is Naval Academy ostensibly to make a man laid out, the fire department can go either of him must have been pleased when the up the main street, or down it. In either son became the leading lady in the case, if there is much double parking, the Masqueraders his plebe year.

APRIL,

1939

fire department is delayed—maybe as much as five minutes. That much delay can cost someone their home, or their business. Our fire loss last year was less than eighty-seven cents per capita.

Roughly, that means we lost only a little more than five thousand dollars worth of property as the result of fire. All that affects the insurance rate and when you talk to traffic law violators in that kind of language, you don't see them back after their first hearing. Incidently, we do not fine them for the first offense."

The next thought was that East Stroudsburg was a rather small town.

Postal receipts at East Stroudsburg were over a hundred thousand dollars for one firm alone, "Dutch" said. Then, there's the State Teachers' College, and a number of small industries.

"We encourage small businesses to come here by trying to make things desirable for them. People don't think much of sewage systems, but we are putting a large water main in that will decrease fire insurance rates a great deal.

Then too, we added two new pieces to the fire department last year." These things, "Dutch" pointed out, are real talking points for any man's Chamber of Commerce.

"But that all sounds like spending money. Where does it come from?"

Dutch was asked. That point is still a secret. "You haven't seen anything yet," Dutch continued. He brought out a roll of line drawings.

"What do you think of this for a swimming pool?"

Being a member of the sub-squad too long to be funny, we sat and waited for more information about the pool.

The details were sketched hurriedly, because municipal affairs began to press on the time.

"It'll be the best one of its kind in this part of the country. And it'll be ours, not some stock company's."

Then you ought to be able to get a fev sailors around this section?

"We got 'em," the Burgess said.

"Every now and then 'Shorty' Long, and Jerre Stofflet, of '26 and I have lunch together." Shorty is president of Rotary and Jerre a member of Kiwanis.

And when these boys get together, there is no doubt but that the mountain air of the Poconos has the faint odor of tar, oakum and brine for a few hours.

To all whose travel takes them to the Poconos, or otherwise near East Stroudsburg, "Dutch" extends a cordial welcome. The latch string will be out at all times, and you will find him at the Borough Hall.

R C C 3

The Rodgers Flight to Honolulu A N INTERVIEW WITH LIEUT. COMDR. B . J. "SMIKE" CONNELL, U.S.N. AS TOLD TO V I C T O R F . B L A K E S L E E One of the most romantic chapters in all sea history was carved in the annals of time when Commander John Rodgers and Lieutenant Byron J. Connell with a crew of three attempted the first flight to Honolulu on August 31, 1925. The longest air distance over water between points of land, 2100 nautical miles, is that from the United States to the Hawaiian Islands, and for some time it had been the ambition of every aviator to make this flight.

"We all knew if such a "hop' were successful," Smike said, "airplanes, and especially seaplanes, could fly anywhere.

The Pacific and its broad expanse would be conquered. We were delighted, all of us, to be chosen to make this attempt.

But before we go any further I want to pay tribute to the memory of our "skipper.' Commander John Rodgers had my deepest affeaion and respect. I was with him when he died, but he lives on for me and always will as the finest officer and gentleman I have ever served with.

The outcome of our flight and our successful sail to one of the Hawaiian Islands was due to his great leadership and to the ability and high morale of the finest enlisted crew ever assembled."

We were sitting in "Smike's" home in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He had kindly consented to give SHIPMATE an interview and we were quick to take advantage of his offer by appearing almost immediately at his front door.

Commander Connell, who was chosen by Commander Rodgers to pilot his plane is now on duty as Planning Superintendent at the Naval Aircraft Factory, Philadelphia. He would still rather sit in a cockpit than eat, and is one of the Navy's most famous aviators. We looked up his record in the Navy Department and found that during his outstanding career in 1925, 1926 and 1927 he established 8 world's and 19 American seaplane records for distance, duration, speed and altitude. To list them all would fill several pages. In listening to "Smike" we realized we were hearing the joys,

sorrows, setbacks and triumphs of air- opened up the throttles. But after failing plane history unfold themselves,—from to get off,—^we had run about a mile,— a man who had experienced one of the I closed them to prevent overheating the most harrowing adventures of all time. engines and taxied back to shallower water for another try. Til get this plane For nine days the entire world listened off or sink it,' I muttered to myself as I on the radio, rushed for the latest edi- opened the throttles wide again and tions and called up their local news- worked the controls until I was nearly papers to find out if the P-N-9-1 had exhausted. Finally I felt her gradually been rescued. For on August 31, 1925 begin to climb up on the step and wanted this "ship" had started for Honolulu, the to shout 'hurrah!' to all hands, although first to ever attempt this longest span the roar of the motors made conversation over water, and through lack of fuel had impossible. After a six mile run I was been forced down approximately 350 able to pull her off the water. The flight miles from its goal. With very little food had begun. I was able to gain an altitude and hardly any water five weakened men of only 300 feet as we approached the actually rigged up sails using fabric cut Golden Gate, due to our heavy load. from the wings and steered for the beach Photographic planes hovered around us, while a school of sharks kept watch over but I didn't think of anything except flythem day and night waiting for the break ing the ship—not until I could get up. Courage, determination, heroism. If through that Gate anyhow. We knew we any of their little band had lacked these had just sufficient gas to make it with attributes they never could have saved favorable winds, almost a certainty at themselves. But they did. To tell their that time of the year. The engines were story was not the desire of this inter- humming 'Honolulu' to me and I was viewer. "Smike" was sitting before us determined nothing should stop us. and had consented to tell it himself.

Captain Rodgers was already busy in the "The morning before leaving San bow checking the drift and as soon as Francisco after three months difficult we were clear of the Golden Gate he preparatory work we had our dress re- passed back a note with the course and hearsal, checking up on the motors, going I checked all three compasses." over every detail. Then the final day There were station ships all along the arrived. Admiral Moffett, Captain Moses route, the WILLIAM JONES, MCCAWLEY, and Colonel Lahm made a last minute CORRY, MYER, D O Y E N , LANGLEY, trip to our 'ocean home' by speed boat, R E N O , FARRAGUT, AROOSTOOK, and to wish us good luck. Captain Rodgers TANAGER being spread out along the then gave the signal to start the engines. course 200 miles apart.

My first impulse was to cuss a little when "We began to pick up station ship for some reason or other the port engine after station ship right on the line and I didn't start immediately. In a few was able to relax a little. The sun finally minutes, however, it began to purr and went down and night approached. Now I heaved a sigh of relief. We could now we should pick up that following wind. warm them both up.

We did, but the velocity was very light —much lighter than we had hoped for.

"We had counted on a 15-mile wind to aid us in our takeoff. But what little If it would only pick up to 15 or 20 breeze there was seemed to be dying miles an hour! But it didn't. The night, down. With our enormous load of gas, however, was beautiful. The moon was 1350 gallons, this worried me. If we full, we could see the water, and we were could only get off with our total load of having no trouble in picking up our staapproximately 19500 pounds the rest tion ships. During the night the Captain would be easy. I taxied into position and threw over flares which lighted when

SHIPMATE

they struck the water and by these he estimated our drift. This together with star sights and radio compass bearings furnished by the station ships (we had no means of taking such bearings ourselves) kept us right on the course. The engines were operating perfectly.

"We were supposed to eat two sandwiches and drink a cup of coffee every six hours—doaor"s orders. But most of us were too busy to eat. The coffee, however, tasted very good and I drank some black.

"Toward morning we were more than half way across, the moon had disappeared and we hit a rain squall. It is true that it's always darkest just before dawn. I was beginning to get a little tired, especially my eyes, from keeping them riveted on the compass. When the sun rose I noticed there was hardly a breath of air stirring and there had been little or no favorable wind during the night. Tough luck. We checked our gasoline and I started to do some worrying.

For the first time I realized we weren't going to make it without landing and refueling from one of the station ships.

"I had been in the pilot's cockpit nearly 22 hours now and I confess I was very tired. My back especially ached from the vibration of long sitting on a hard metal seat with only a thin cushion under me.

"It was apparent that we would have to land soon as we estimated there was only enough gasoline left for 3Vi flying hours. Messages were shooting back and forth to the station ships and it was decided we would land and refuel from the Aroostook. A message was sent giving this information. We had sufficient gasoline to reach the Aroostook with an hour's leeway. I was sure we'd pick her up without difficulty. We hadn't missed a station ship yet and Captain Rodgers was one of the most expert aerial navigators in the Navy.

"The Captain was working the chart board overtime and we finally reached the position where we expeaed the Aroostook would be. But we did not sight the ship. During the run towards the ship the Captain had plotted a number of radio compass bearings furnished by the Aroostook (I repeat we had no means of taking radio compass bearings from our plane) and now we asked for more bearings. Since the increased run of the bearings indicated that the ship was north of us, the Captain set the course north and we attempted to locate her. The visibility became poor and we encountered intermittent rain squalls.

We continued to search for the ArooAPRIL,

1939

stook until our gasoline supply was ex- me in water for breakfast. We sat around talking, expecting to be picked up. But hausted.

"We were light now, of course, and the day came to its long end and we had the sea did not look rough from our alti- seen nothing. The waves were causing tude as we started down. I spiralled into some damage to the lower wings outthe wind and began my glide for a land- board of the struts. We hated to cut ing from 800 feet. The radioman con- away the fabric as we wanted to be able tinued to send position reports all the to fly on in if found, but we ultimately way down. I levelled off and made a full had to do it to increase the seaworthiness stall landing. I guess it was a lucky one of our craft. Our radio kite carried away because we settled on without leaving and we rigged up a temporary antenna. the water in a ten foot sea and very little We could now receive messages from a wind—rather unfavorable conditions. It distance of four or five hundred miles, was 1615 by my watch which made our but could not send, having no power. duration of flight 25 hours and 23 It was interesting to hear the news of the minutes. We still expected to be quickly world including items about ourselves, located, and given the few hundred gal- and follow the work of the searching lons of gasoline necessary for us to fly the vessels. We plotted all their positions and saw they were searching too far to remaining distance to Honolulu. the south of us. They had estimated our "There was very little said after landdrift at 5 knots and by simple arithmetic ing. Everybody was tired and disgusted. they weren't going to get any closer. The We merely looked at each other. For Captain then cheered everyone up by three months we had worked night and saying: 'Many people spend a lot of day to make a nonstop flight. No one, I money to go yachting with more disguess, had the heart to say anything. comforts than we have.' Later our radio Captain Rodgers took some sights to was to bring us news of the Shenandoah check our position (later that evening he disaster. got some more and his D. R. position checked closely with his position by ob"A message from the Aroostook told servation. I crawled back between the us to fire star shells if we saw them. We wings, lay on top of the hull and went to were still hopeful of being picked up as sleep. When I awoke 4 or 5 hours later another night rolled around. So far none it was dark. I ate about half a sandwich of us had had anything but water and a and threw the rest into the hull. A few few crackers since landing. I was always days later I hunted diligently for that tempted to take deep gulps of our meager other half. water supply, but merely wetted my lips "I found everybody awake and we dis- instead. Hunger began to grow less. You cussed the fact that if the sea calmed can live a long time without food and during the night and if the Aroostook you even get so you don't miss it after a showed up bright and early in the morn- day or two, but you can't live very long ing to give us gasoline (which we fully without water and we very carefully husexpected) we would be in Honolulu in banded the little we had. a short time. We turned on the light on "The following morning we were the top wing so we could be seen easily awakened by a cry from the man on by any of the searching ships, arranged watch: 'Smoke! Smoke!' Sure enough the watch (the Captain stood the first there was a merchant steamer heading one) and put out a bucket for a sea right toward us, it seemed. I crawled anchor to hold us up to the wind. Then out on the wing and cut loose one of the all of us slept like tops except the man wing tip flares, then climbed up on the on watch. top wing and set it off to attract her attention.

One of the men waved a piece "In the morning I was stiff from sleepof fabric tied on a stick until exhausted. ing on the hard top of a metal hull and I noticed the Captain who had spent the We also made a fire in a bucket and night cramped up in the front cockpit, smudged it with oil and set off Very star was trying to get the crimps out of his shells. Weakness from our efforts was legs. Only one of our crew was sick. It fast overcoming all of us. Besides I was was just ordinary seasickness, but he cer- thinking of a good square meal aboard that ship. She didn't see us. She passed tainly made up for the rest of us.

"The Captain took some more sights within 5 miles of us. Afterwards I and estimated our drift at two miles an realized we were between her and the hour during the night. My breakfast con- sun which was low on the horizon and sisted of a little water, the sandwiches which probably prevented her from sightbeing mouldy already. The skipper had ing us. brought along some poi in a thermos jar, "This waiting to be picked up was but this was also spoiled. So he joined {Continued on page 18)

skeleton when they have finished. I shot several birds over the river and as soon as they hit the water these little fish B Y L I E U T E N A N T G E O R G E F . K O S C O , U . S. N A V Y would commence their work and it was dangerous to try to recover your kill.

These waters are also inhabited by the "'If a monkey falls from a cocoanut over the mountains into the Orinoco tree when we hit the beach make sure Country, a distance of about a hundred electric eel. They grow to be rather large she's a goodlooking one, otherwise throw miles as the plane flies. The trip was ex- and are very dangerous. I saw some of the smaller ones that were caught and her back ashore." citing because we passed over some very they were able to give a man a very sensiThese were the final orders that the dense jungle-lands before finally arriving ble shock. The larger ones which attain Master of the Paul H. Harwood gave the above a great flat plain that was covered a length of about four feet, are capable of first mate as he took his station in the with high grass. This was the "Orinoco striking an animal such as a native cow bow for the maneuver of turning the Savanna" and from the air it looked just and knocking it down. The cows in this ship around in the tidal river, San Juan. as flat as a huge pancake. The pilot came district like the water and very often A monkey had actually fallen from a tree down to 200 feet and skimmed along the wander out into the receding floods to to the bow on a similar maneuver. Then surface scaring the animals into hasty feast on the fresh grass that grows under there had been little choice between the flight. It was raining hard and the pilot the flood waters. first mate and monkey when it came to had difficulty locating himself, but he was in no danger as he could land anyjudging which was the more startled.

There was much talk of a large tiger The Harwood was headed toward the where on this plain with perfect safety. that was preying on the cattle in this secriver bank near Caripito, Venezuela. It Finally he located an automobile that he tion and one of the native Indians who tended an isolated pumping station rewas 2:30 A. M. and after about fifteen was to contact and landed nearby. ported having been chased by this beast The people in the automobile were minutes the tide swung her around and in the early morning hours. So a party there to meet me. I spent a very pleasant she was ready for the return trip. was organized to hunt down this killer This was my initiation into the wilds few hours with them, but I was soon to and I was included.

Of course the hunt of Eastern Venezuela. On both sides of learn many new things and to have many had to be conducted at night time as the the river there was dense jungle. A sort thrilling adventures in this Orinoco tiger would go in hiding by day. We of calm hung over everything. It was an Country. I stopped in a new developstarted in the afternoon, having prepared exciting moment and one could just sit ment in the oil lands called Temblador, our headlights and shells in advance. for hours and wonder what was hidden close to the northern banks of the OriSoon we saw several ani^mals that had noco. The first few days there I spent in in that dark night. been attacked by some killer and had esThe arrival of the Harwood was an getting acquainted with the people and caped.

This strengthened our beliefs that event in this out-of-the-way spot and the countty. It was not long before I had we were on the trail of the tiger. We even the late hour did not keep a great made arrangements through friends to hunted small game before sunset to whet accompany some of the parties that were number of people from being on hand to our appetites for a bigger thrill, and shot going out to explore the land and to do greet returning friends, wives and relaquail, doves, wild pigeons, turkey and seismographic work in the prospective tives. There were brief conversations several deer. oil fields. about New York, Texas, Oklahoma and I was immediately introduced to a Right after dark we commenced our all parts of the United States and then they settled down to business at home, novel way of hunting deer. There were hunt for the tiger. Soon the natives and the happenings, the events in this many deer on the plains. In order to located him by his nocturnal noises. little world nestled in the heart of the catch them we would go out in an auto- Occasionally we could hear cries made by mobile and look around until we could some smaller animal that had run into jungle.

I was taken by some friends to their see a tail bobbing up and down and then our prey. We were in very treadierous home about three miles from the dock. head directly for it. After chasing the country and I found myself staying close The house was located in a large com- deer about a mile, he would tire and lie to a native who was armed with a large pound that the Standard Oil Company down and all that was necessary to com- machete. Periodically he would stop and had set up for their employees. When I plete the hunt was to shoot him and wait for the tiger to growl and then locate was ushered in, I was very much sur- throw him in the car. Most of this coun- his general direction from us. We covered prised for it was as beautiful as the aver- try is still in the native state and the a large area with our searchlights trying age country home in the United States. game is very plentiful; in fact one can to pick up his shining eyes, but after The house was constructed of tile and find ducks, quail, wild turkeys, doves and several hours of tramping through the swamplands we decided to abandon the had tile floors—there were no glass wild pigs almost everywhere. chase to the mosquitoes. Still it was windows and the only thing that covered I spent most of my time in the Delta the huge screened openings was a flap country which is characterized by tropi- thrilling as we never knew when we were shutter that could be lowered to keep cal rains, forests, and dense mangrove going to pick up those piercing eyes in out the torrential rains that fell daily. growths. It is very dangerous to swim the darkness. Some wild game would The compound was like an oasis in the in the waters of this section as they con- suddenly take off from under our very dense jungle and the high wire fence en- tain many little fish that are carniverous, feet and it would be a few minutes beclosed a striking example of the power of known as "Carib Fish." They are small, fore our hearts returned to their proper American Industry and the good old and have very big teeth—their average positions.

American dollar. length being about a foot. As soon as True, we were forced to abandon the I remained in Caripito for one day they see blood in the water they attack hunt, but it was the most exciting evenwhile waiting for a plane to take me the victim and leave nothing but the ing I have almost ever experienced, the

Up the

Orinoco

SHIPMATE

unknown always being a creator of fear.

A few casual observations of the mode of living of the natives interested me.

They slept in hammocks called "chinchurras," but instead of sleeping lengthwise they slept diagonally. Some of the chinchurras were made of fiber of very fine texture and were works of art. Whole families would sleep in one chinchurra so that very little space in the home had to be devoted to sleeping quarters. The natives say that they would much rather sleep in a chinchurra than a bed because they get more ventilation and thus more satisfactory sleep. The main food is a native bread called "Cassava." It is made out of the cassava root and tastes something like hominy grits. These roots are poisonous in their raw state and are first pressed and then heated to extract all the poison from them. Then they are ground up into very coarse flour, molded into large circular discs and placed on the roofs of the houses to bake in the hot sun. The natives, however, eat fruits mostly and only on very special occasions do they taste meat. Coffee is the favorite drink.

On July 2 I joined a party that was making an exploration trip up the Orinoco. This was the highlight of all my experiences in The Jungle. We worked our way down through the delta and through many Httle passages until we finally arrived at one of the main branches of the Orinoco. Then we started up the river. These passages, or "Canos," as they are called are not permanent as they shift with the rising and receding waters of the Orinoco. The country is very thinly populated and has remained very much in its native state. The banks of the river are low and the tropical vegetation extends right down to the waterfront. Many alligators lie along the banks, monkeys may be seen sunning themselves in the trees and keep up an eternal chatter, while birds of all colors and descriptions constantly fly over the water. One of the most beautiful sights of the tropics is to witness a flight of the scarlet ibis. These birds are large, vivid scarlet, and in flight they look like flickering flames. Herons are numerous too and every known species may be found here. There are many large snakes, but they are seen infrequently by the people that visit these sections because of their protective color which blends with the foliage and the fact that they live mostly in the trees and in the water. The largest of these snakes is of course the water boa or the anaconda—monsters which attain lengths of about thirty feet {Continued on page 19) APRIL,

1939

When Hostilities Come and the Navy Stands By

BY C. W I L L I A M D U N C A N ,

On this side of the ocean we hear about the outbreak of hostilities between two countries. We read about bombings and the hurried evacuation of noncombatants.

We are dimly conscious that somebody over there must be doing a good job for the United States. But we don't know the details.

Lieutenant George W. Snyder, U. S. N., knows something about the details of getting citizens to places of safety, as he returned only a few weeks ago from severals years' duty in the Orient. We were classmates at the Naval Academy twenty-one years ago. They called him "Smokey" Snyder then and still do, not because of his fondness for nicotine, but because he came to the Academy from Pittsburgh.

At the outbreak of hostilities in the Orient during the late Summer of 1937 Lieutenant Snyder was attached to a submarine squadron which had Tsingtao as its Summer base. The Asiatic fleet, before hostilities between Japan and China broke out, always had its Summer base in North China because it was too hot around Manila for operations. Tsingtao is a resort for the people of Shanghai and other cities.

Early in August the Japanese moved into Shanghai and Admiral YarnaU, in his flagship, the Augusta, hurried there to look after American interests. Lieutenant Snyder, stationed aboard the Canopus, a submarine tender or "mother ship," remained at Tsingtao. In September the submarines were detached from the squadron and sent back to Manila.

Still the Canopus remained.

The white foreigners, including the British and Americans, were ""jittery," not knowing what was coming next. The Japanese had in orderly fashion taken away their population of around 20,000 persons. The Chinese Governor at Tsingtao was jittery, too. He didn't know whether to stand by Chang-Kai-Shek or capitulate to the Japanese when they arrived. He ended up by being executed on order of General Chang for taking so long to make up his mind.

Tsingtao later was cut off from all Chinese ports and the people who wanted to leave were really stranded. The plight of the white Russians was especially pitiful, as they had no friends nor money.

So the foreigners, meaning the British

'21

and our people, gave a charity ball for them, raising sufficient funds for them to charter a ship and proceed to Shanghai.

The American squadron commander was ordered to prepare for the evacuation of our citizens. American business men didn't want to leave and most of them eventually did not but stood by their businesses and homes. The women and children, however, prepared to depart. It befell Lieutenant Snyder and other officers aboard the Canopus to change the ship from a submarine tender to a transport. Washroom facilities for mothers and children, places for heating the milk bottles of infants had to be installed. In three weeks the job was completed.

Early in October the Canopus took aboard about 120 women and children at Tsingtao and conveyed them to Manila, a run of six days. About thirty small children were included in the group, but no infants. They had gone on the Chaumont, a navy transport, and the Gold Star, another transport belonging to Guam, as they had nurses and adequate facilities for women aboard.

The group taken aboard the Canopus were real sports and seemed to enjoy the trip. In Manila they were quartered by the navy. Red Cross and army in barracks.

How much did it cost a refugee to be transported from Tsingtao to Manila?

If she could afford to pay she was charged the actual cost of meals. If poor she was charged nothing.

In Manila the Canopus refueled with oil and sailed again, but this time with two navy nurses aboard. The vessel touched at Shanghai for thirty-six hours and then went on to Tsingtao for more passengers, Kobe, Chefoo, back to Tsingtao, Shanghai again and Manila again.

People who wanted to land in Japan thus reached Kobe; those who wanted the Philippines got off at Manila, and those who wanted Hongkong were out of luck because that city was overrun with British refugees.

During his thirty-six hours in the river at Shanghai Lieutenant Snyder got a great "kick" watching the tactics of the Chinese as used against the Japanese. The Chinese didn't have the power of the Japs and knew it. So they annoyed the invaders.

At night one lone Chinese plane, traveling very high with lights on.

hummed above the city. Its appearance was the signal for all the Japanese searchlights to be turned on and aU the Japanese guns to start barking. This particular night the Japanese planes did not give pursuit. If they did the Chinese aviator would have extinguished his lights and sped away. The idea of the lone Chinese flier was to perturb the invader and make him waste ammunition.

Pootung is situated across the river from Shanghai as Camden is to Philadelphia or Jersey City to New York. After Pootung had been bombed and most of it was in ruins a few Chinese remained with a lone field piece. During the day the field piece would suddenly appear and fire away at the flagship Idzuma, lying in the river. Again the Japanese would open fire. Planes would circle around and drop bombs. But, meanwhile, the Chinese and the field piece would have disappeared into a convenient cellar.

Fleet Problem In lead gray silhouette, the fleet stands proudly out to sea.

Each gun crew ready at its post in silent reverie: That this is but a problem meant to train the ships and men For war they hope they never see, but which could come again.

Invisible, upon the bridge, a grim commander stands.

His braid now green with verdigris, his trumpet in his hands.

There is the glint of love of life returned into his eyes— Who once has sailed on fighting ships, his spirit never dies.

And so, in solemn voice he speaks to all men of the fleet, A final word of courage, that they know not of defeat.

Then crushing thunder breaks the air that quivers on his lip.

To silence his most fervent prayer they "Don't give up the ship!"

And thus, the mighty fleet stands forth in silent pride and might—• Its cause: To keep our peaceful shores in Liberty's clear light.

Untarnished by the dominance of hate and bigotry.

The flag streams out against the breeze, the symbol of the Free!

ROBERT C. CONRAD

8

In Years Gone By Each year since Hector was about to become a pup, the officers, wives, sweethearts and midshipmen "on duty" at the Naval Academy have given of their best to "make a play," the proceeds of which always go to Navy Relief.

Varied are the stars that have graced the footlights in past seasons, for the organization has never limited itself to any one form of entertainment. There have been comedy and tragedy to be sure, but light opera, musical extravaganza and even vaudeville have "stolen the show" in years gone by. Perhaps no one figure stands out in memory more than that of Ann Mecleary whose electric personality, courage and sense of humor made the wheels go round through many difficult seasons when the star-wagon developed signs of breakdown. Who of the old time playgoers can forget the night she and Van Kurtz brought down the house at the Circle Theater with their sister vaudeville singing and dancing act? Shades of the Duncans and Dooleys! They had nothing on Ann and Van. And then the lights went out in the middle of their act. But they were equal to the occasion as they always were off stage or on. Now was the time to substitute that parody of theirs on spiritualism. The show must continue. Their public, right or wrong. And then the lights went on again saving both public and actors.

Or the year Admiral Cluverius and the lovely Mrs. Brereton co-starred in "How He Lied to Her Husband"? That was a team. Could any producer anywhere have wished for more gracious charming players than these?

And "Mammy" Weems, hairy chest exposed to an admiring audience for the first time as a pirate in "Captain Applejack" . . . "Stir your stumps," "They are all aces," "You'll walk the plank today," Remember?

Mrs. Paddy McElduff stepped into the breech in one of Mrs. Brereton's starring roles. Death had laid his heavy hand on show business. Mrs. Brereton could not go on. So in two short days Mrs. McElduff had learned her lines and faced the audience with inborn confidence when curtain time was called. It proved another perfect production. Greater friendship hath no man—or woman.

"The Flora Dora Sextette" made its appearance for Navy Relief in Annapolis on one occasion. And who again do you think could have pulled that one off?

You have guessed it. Why, the incomparable Ann and Van again, of course.

In 1914 Commander Ralph Davis played Little Buttercup in Gilbert and Sullivan's greatest masterpiece with memorable success. "Pinafore" had never quite been staged like that before.

It is too bad the original Englishmen could not have been on hand themselves to enjoy it. Ralph Davis's starring days as a midshipman were reenacted later when as a young officer he played the lead in "Clarence." And now Ralph's son has made the Masqueraders.

Captain Baldridge took charge one year and produced Bob Erdman's original play. And then came "The Drunkard" with "Red" Bannerman "dolled up" in jet black mustaches, too long cape, and extra dirty looks. What chance had the pretty young bride to save her home with "Red," the deep dyed villain, foreclosing the mortgage and leading her young husband to a boozefighter's grave?

None at all. But then, of course, "Red" was a natural born actor. Some day he may lead the fleet to battle, and if he ever does, he will be seen by enemy binoculars stalking the signal halyards in special full dress, pipe in mouth.

"There's Gold in Them Hills" followed "Red's" super-super interpretation of villainy. Oscar Badger produced that one. And then came "The Whole Town's Talking," and the following year "Mrs. Bumpstead-Leigh." That was a big success too, for Ann Mecleary was back in town playing the lead again as she had so many times before.

A few seasons ago only "The China Doll," famous musical, caused everyone concerned with production to fear gray hair. Would it never be smooth in rehearsal? A midshipman actor was heard to remark: ""We'll all go nuts before this thing is over." But on opening night it went off all right. Bill Pye, later to give his life for the service was in it.

The popular "Poco" Smith was a star of "The Middle Watch" and Mrs. Elmer Jackson deserves hosannas for the trtily great work she has done in production and coaching comedy features.

If Time and Space only permitted!

There are so many more who have given of themselves for long hours, and weeks, and months that Navy Relief be successful. But Ann Mecleary pops up again for our last curtain. ""So This Is London" haunts our memory. She put that one over too. Actors may come, actors may go, but because countless Navy men and women, giving of themselves and their talents. Navy Relief will go on forever.

V. F. B.

SHIPMATE

THE DOPE Many letters have come to us this month—too many to publish, but the following, received anonymously, we think deserves to head Tlie Dope column: "I have enjoyed more and more the successive numbers of SHIPMATE. "I have just started to read the March number. I have reached page 2 and find the article "We Appeal." Before I go any further, I am stopping to send you my check for $5.00 for a year's subscription —and I owe you fellows a lot more for the happiness you have given me.

Old Timer of the early '80's.

• Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Ret., member of the famous class of '81 is at the Washington Naval Hospital. We were glad to find that he is an up patient.

His great smile has not changed and he wanted to know all about the Naval Academy. So we gave him all the dope we knew. A hero of the last war in his position of responsibility at Brest and later as superintendent of the Academy, he instituted many improvements, especially for athletics while at Annapolis.

He enquired warmly for Commander F. C. Denebrink, '17, his former aide, so Denny please copy. Admiral Wilson, SHIPMATE hopes you will soon be out of the hospital and returned to your home and family.

Chaplain Sydney Evans, completed our group of prominent visits at the Washington Hospital. He has not changed and we enjoyed a good visit with him. Perhaps no Navy "padre" has ever held the warm affection of all hands as does Chaplain Evans. He was in bed and had been for some weeks, but his eyes sparkled as of old when he said, ""I'm getting up next Tuesday." His many stories held us spellbound for an hour as they have so often in the past. Return to Crabtown, Chaplain. Your many friends want to see you again, just as soon as you are up.

their alma maters. The seventy-two presidents of universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and England who attended all sat at the head table where Walter E. Hope, President of the Club, presided. More than four hundred members of the Club were also present.

This dinner, which was one of the most outstanding ever held by the University Club, was addressed informally by Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, President of Columbia University, and Thomas W. Lamont, banker, while Lawrence Tibbett of the Metropolitan Opera and Ernest Schelling, pianist, completed the evening's program.

Those of us who have had the good fortune to hear two great artists sing over the radio are congratulating W. Burton (Pierie) Piersol, '08, and his charming wife, on their fine program over Station KYW (Philadelphia).

Snug before the fireside last Sunday afternoon (March 5th) from three-thirty to four, we listened to those truly fine artists. From the station announcement we learned that they are to give weekly broadcasts over K Y W with orchestral accompaniment from three-thirty to four every Sunday afternoon.

The Piersols have recently sold their home on the Eastern Shore and are taking up their residence in Narberth, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia on the Pennsy main line.

We have written to our famous artists congratulating them on their fine program. We know that they would appreciate hearing from the "old crowd," too.

me to set up' . . . course she should say, "hep" me to setup!'"

We have just learned that Wm. Griswold (Gooz) Hurlbert, Jr., '12, has very kindly and generously offered a pastel drawing of Spalatto to the Officer's Club at the Naval Academy and that his generous offer has been accepted.

Drawn by an ex-service man, "Gooz" acquired the pastel shortly after the World War. The view, we understand, is an evening scene in the harbor with the lights of town in the distance and the bows of some vessels looming through the evening mist.

ED. N O T E : We have just learned of the death of Mr. Wm. Griswold Hurlbert, St., father of Wm. Griswold Hurlbert, Jr. SHIPMATE extends condolences.

E. S. (Ted) McCawley, '13, of Haverford, Pa., writes . . . "There are lots of retired sailors running farms and a number of shipmates who have found no pen more potent than the sword but as far as I know I'm the only graduate who owns and operates a book store. Like the Navy you don't make any money but you do see life. I spent two terms of office as president of the American Booksellers' Association, then as chairman of the board and a member of the Joint Board of Publishers and Booksellers so I've sampled most of the jobs the profession offered."

EDITOR'S N O T E : ""Ted's" splendid re-

views. Navy Men and A History of the U. S. Marine Corps, appear elsewhere in this issue.

Malcolm W. (Tom) Reed, '16, has been appointed chief engineer of Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, with headquarters at Pittsburgh. Tom was formerly vice president in charge of operations of American Steel and Wire Company, Cleveland.

From W . H. (Harry) Stiles, Jr., '08, far down there in Cartersville, Ga., comes this bit of news—""If you have a Register of Graduates handy I could use it in my travels. Want to look up and 'fan the breeze' with some of those who speak the language. The red clay hills of North Georgia, the white sands of Florida F. S. Irby, '17, who is attorney for • beaches, a little golf, ditto fishing, seem Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Mr. Whitney Darrow, of the Univer- to be my contribution to 'when I retire.' with offices on West 56th St., in New sity Club, 1 West 54th St., New York I am a confirmed tourist—and like it. York City, informs us that a son, Franklin City, sends us this bit of news . . . "Rear Visiting in an Atlanta hospital yesterday, Scott Irby, was born on February 1st.

Admiral Wilson Brown, Jr., '02, Superin- I overheard a North Georgia nurse (good Both mother and son are reported to be tendent of the United States Naval Acad- looking) tell of a cracker woman patient. fine while P o p . . . well, to quote Franklin, emy, was the guest of the University Nurse: "Don't these hill-billy crackers use Senior . . . "At this stage it is difficult to Club, New York, on Friday evening, the funniest words? The patient next determine whether he will be lined up for January 20th, at a dinner tendered by the door just called me and said, "hey, nurse, a midshipman or a councellor-at-law. His members of the Club to the presidents of put your hand under my back and "hope" old man is attorney for Twentieth CenAPRIL,

1939

tury Fox and has been for a number of years." Frank adds that he is looking forward to seeing the fleet and his classmates this Spring in New York.

SHIPMATE extends their congratulations and best wishes.

• Graeme (Red) Bannerman, '18, who is at present skipper of the CANOPUS in the Asiatic, sends us this bit of dope . . .

"Mail is a slow business out this way, so that letter writing, such as I generally do, questions and answers, is rather unsatisfactory. In other words, asking a question in one letter and receiving the earliest reply two months later would scarcely be desirable if it were a matter, say, of marriage proposal. Of course there is Clipper air mail but a canny Scot could hardly be condemned for not indulging in that expense. We expect to be receiving Christmas cards until Easter, after that we consider them to be intended for next Christmas. In this connection I may add that I haven't received my request blanks for Army-Navy football tickets.

"The Augusta, Marblehead, Destroyer Squadron, Submarine Squadron, and Train are all in the Manila Area for the present. Numerous Fleet athletic events are in progress, a fine brand of baseball having been displayed in the elimination series recently completed; a play-off was necessary and the team representing the destroyer squadron won. Basket ball, soft ball, boxing, wrestling, swimming and sailing are still to be decided. "'Numerous changes in officer personnel are occurring frequently, new ones arriving on each U. S. ship and old timers on the Station leaving."

• We were delighted to see F. A. (Dutch) Westphal, '18, walk into our lair looking just as fit, perhaps slightly heavier, than he did back in those "hey-hey" days when he was one of the mainstays on our football team. ""Dutch" left the Academy before graduation because of defective hearing.

At the outbreak of war he "joined up" with the Army in the Field Artillery. He went "over there." Twice wounded, he wound up in a hospital at Fort McHenry and was later retired—a Captain in the Army.

Today "Dutch" is the superintendent of a wire company in Kansas City. He is also president of the Wire Association of the U. S. His trip East was on business which must have been most important for, try as we did, we could not entice him into spending the evening with us.

"Dutch" is a great advocate of national 10

defense. His plant is set for "M" Day, come when it may. We were sorry he could not spend more time with us and tell us more about himself and his part in the problems of national defense.

• H. C. Rule, Jr., '20, who is now living in Sea Girt, N. J., writes in . . . "The only business I have been engaged in since my retirement has been that of regaining my health, and I am happy to state that my business now appears to be on the up-grade."

Good work, and more power to you.

• We learn that R. P. (Ray) Powell, '20, owns a wholesale hardware business in Oakland, California. Ray writes—""I wish I could get East again to browse through the Academy. I guess I must be getting old. I like to 'remember when.'

I haven't had a real vacation in nearly fourteen years . . ." Come on, Ray, all of you that yearn for a few days at the old school within those walls . . . Alumni Day, May 27th, promises to be a day "ne'er to be forgot" . . . so pack up the old bag and join us here in "dear old Crabtown by the Bay." • Turner Battle, '20, prominent in the Department of Labor as assistant to Secretary Perkins, is at the Naval Hospital, Washington, undergoing a thorough check-up. It all started with the intestinal "flu" that seems to have hit everybody this winter. ""Bat" has not changed down the years, and enjoys the stories extant about his many friends in the service. Like most of us on the outside he misses being in it. We hope he will soon be back at his desk for he worries about the work that is piling up on him.

• From J. A. (Jack) Upshur, '21, we have the following interesting bit of news . . . "Whenever the Class of '21 may be on the air, it may be of interest to many of my friends and classmates to know that the Upshur family is well dug in at Williamsburg, Virginia, where we have recently built a home by the lake, and where a cordial welcome extends to our many friends.

"When I was retired from the Service in 1933, like many others who loved the Navy and wished to make it their life's work, I was greatly discouraged and disappointed. Soon I was on my feet again, and after teaching for two years, I found my real work with Mr. John D. Rockefeller's Restoration of Colonial Williamsburg.

Schuele, Peppier &Kostens 62 Maryland Avenue Annapolis, Maryland

Our Mr. James Peppier can be seen at the Monticello Hotel, Norfolk, Virginia, April 14, 15, 16. also at Pennsylvania Hotel—New York, April 28, 29, 30 Tuxedo Suit Less 10% Discount

$60.00 $54.00

Also samples of Civilian and Uniform materials.

S

P E C I A L I Z I N G in forecasting the cyclical movements of securities prices, and its application to specific investment problems, Roger Brooks (USNA '20) offers a service of particular value to investors, no matter how small their initial capital.

Address:

3924 Livingston Street Washington, D. C.

"A lot of hard work and more luck soon pushed me along, and I am now general manager of this division of the restoration. Next to the Navy it is the finest work in the world."

We have asked Jack to tell us some, at least, of his interesting and unusual work which we hope to feature in a future issue of SHIPMATE.

J. Foster Geise, '22, was recently elected Vice-President and Assistant Trust officer of the First National Bank of Columbus, Georgia.

Foster and Mrs. Geise, who was Miss Jessie May Hatcher, daughter of C. A. Hatcher, the founder of Nehi Corporation, formerly lived in Charlotte, N. C, where he was an executive with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Corporation. He is very active in the Naval Reserve in which he holds a commission as a Lieutenant.

SHIPMATE

Along comes the dope from John G. (Skeets) Mercer, '22, who is with the Ford Motor Company in Norfolk. ""Skeets" is in the production end of the game, putting on that touch which makes possible—"Watch the Fords go by." Reports indicate he is plenty busy and full of health.

From Guam comes news that Paul F. Dugan, '23, is editor of the Guam Recorder, illustrated monthly magazine of Guam. He also has charge of training the new Chamorro Mess attendants for the Navy and hopes that wardroom service will show improvement in the near future.

From Gordon W . Daisley, '23, we learn that George W. (Monk) Moyers, '23, has been with the International Agricultural Corporation for the past twelve years and is now assistant chief sales engineer. That is the outfit which owns all the phosphate rock in the country, according to Gordon, and is one of the largest manufacturers of fertilizer in the U. S. Gordon reports . . . "He (Monk) travels practically all the time, but some how has found time to court and marry one of Georgia's finest and to raise two of Georgia's best—both boys. "Monk' must be doing all right since he owns a home in Florida (whence he came), leases an apartment in Jackson Heights, N. Y. (which he seldom occupies), and is renting a house in Tennessee where his wife and boys are now living because it's easier to get to on the week-ends. When asked by your reporter about the fumre prospects of the fertilizer industry, he reverted to type by replying — 'it smells!' " • The Class of 1924, according to the dope just received from S. F. Morris, is holding their 15 th anniversary at a cocktail party at the Rockefeller Center Luncheon Club on the 67th floor, 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York on Wednesday, May 3rd, from 4 P. M. to 7—wives included.

The committee is composed of Ken Hyatt, chairman; Sam Singer, and Paul Siegrist. Ken has made the arrangements for this very attractive spot and also a surprise extra feature.

William B. Krieg, '25, has joined the group of Navy men serving visitors to the New York World's Fair. He and Mrs. Krieg have taken new quarters at Beechhurst, Long Island, N. Y. APRIL,

1939

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Hellauer, '27, copper and made us knock off the old announce the birth of a son, James Car- sport of lighting the chapel roof during roll Hellauer, seven pounds, five ounces, June Week. In fact unless modernity has at Allegheny General Hospital, Pitts- sent the painters into the old "juice burgh, February 22nd, Washington's gang" haven under the stairs beneath the birthday. Believe it or not, Mrs. Joe is a stage my name should still be faintly discernible amid that of hundreds of others native of Mount Vernon (N. Y.) SHIPMATE extends their congratula- on the overhead scroll of fame ( ? ) .

Am greatly interested in radio work tions. just at present and am having my A. M. Leary, Jr., '28, P. O. Box 47, in troubles getting a 29,000 kc. portableShreveport, La., has written us to request mobile rig with the tremendous power of the members of the Class of 1928 who five watts to give me consistent contact have not informed him of their correct with the east coast. Great day time band address to please do so at the earliest though, hardly get out of the back yard at night. Was at K7ESJ Alaska a year ago possible moment.

Under date of February I4th, Leary this last winter, fox farming. But take it sent out a letter to all members of that from me, fox farming is more smell and class whose addresses were known, telling work than profits. The storekeepers, the them that the second Twenty-Eighter is food profiteers of the North take everyabout to be published. He enclosed a thing but the shirt off your back, and that questionnaire asking that Twenty-Eight- too the first chance. However, it is a ers fill it in and send it back to him. So beautiful country up there and a fellow . . . Twenty-Eighters, please heed the call certainly misses it once he has come out to the states awhile. and let Leary hear from you.

LaVere, believe it or not, comes from • that great state of North Dakota comFrom Burl H. Bush, '29, Dean of the monly known as the "Flicker Tail" state.

School of Engineering at Fenn College in To quote him . . . ""Afraid that my claim Cleveland, we note that there will be to kinship with the red-skins is of the ""hilations" on the shores of the old lake this fall . . . Reason? Well, here's Burl's thinnest. Although not so apparent by story . . . "All the local graduates are name, more kin to the "Auld sod' and the happy to hear that the Navy-Notre Dame merry halls of Yorkshire. But allegiance game will be held in Cleveland this fall. first and last and always to the old prairie Please tell any of the boys in '29, who state be it ever so flat."

• come to Cleveland, to be sure to look me H. T. Klenksiek, '32, has recently been up. On page six of the March issue I was interested in seeing the familiar sight of appointed as a junior Naval Architect in Rollo Brownlee dressed up like a Christ- the design section of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He has taken up his resimas tree." dence in Philadelphia.

Lieutenant and Mrs. E. J. MacGregor, '30, USN, announce the birth of a daughter, Judith Anne, born February 9th at the Chelsea Naval Hospital. SHIPMATE extends congratulations to the ""Macs" who are now stationed at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.

And from LaVere Cowell, '31, of San Diego, we receive the following . . . "Was especially interested in the article by Robb White, 3rd, as I knew him very well, back in the days when he was 7th and I was 8th company, although I understand that doesn't have the same meaning now that it had in the good old days, what with a streamlined regiment and four more companies where but eight grew of yore. Am looking forward to making a trip back east one of these days, and the new chapel will be something to look forward to. Brings back memories of the days when they replaced the old roof with

Old Ironsides The United States Frigate Constitution—""Old Ironsides"—always a splendid symbol of the early American Navy, has again been saluted by the American public.

In a beautiful brochure published by the Paterson Parchment Paper Company, Bristol, Pa., the story is told of a ship that was the training ship for men who made Naval history and later brought an early victory to a young nation when she destroyed the British "Guerriere" off Halifax.

Essentially an advertisement, the pamphlet is refreshingly free from the spread of commercialism that detracts from the true function of similar efforts, and while limited in its publication, its sponsors deserve the esteem of all those truly interested in the U. S. Navy.

11

Sports of Sorts

gregation, 46-20. The only loss of the day for the budding class of 1942 was February 18th marked another full against Temple's freshmen gymnasts, day of athletics at Annapolis. In the 33-21. evening a strong Syracuse boxing team in one of the best encounters here in We are going to build a tower next many seasons tied the Navy 4-4. Our winter atop Bancroft Hall equipped team was favored to win, but Syraaise with binoculars and telescopes to cover proved so strong that a tie measured the "more better" all these winter sports for capabilities of both outfits about cor- you. Then we hope to present a true realy. Bennett, Navy bantam, was de- picture of the Naval Academy on Saturfeated for the first time this year by Ter- days. We fully expect a hundred years ziev of Syracuse. J. E. Shepherd lived up from now that at least 10,000 midshipto advance notices of this department men will be engaged each week-end in which thinks he's the works by taking his intercollegiate competition. But perman in all three rounds. He hits quicker haps we won't be around then to take the and harder than anyone we have seen rap of trying to comment on the results. here in many years. Coyne, Navy light- A few more of these things and we will weight, outpointed Breckinridge, capable have to be swept off to the cleaners.

Syracuse boxer. Captain Fairfax also Hanging on the ropes, "drunch punk" came through with one of the best bouts as we are, we refuse to surrender. of his career, doing everything but knock Hockey, Polo and Jai Alai should be adout his opponent, Palipoli. In the heavy- ded to the curriculum so we could be weight division Lenz of football fame bounced in the neck by a puck or a horse, had little trouble in disposing of the in- —on Saturday afternoons. We will experienced La Vine. Syracuse and Navy close the sports at the Naval Academy have met 12 times in the ring. Spike's on February 18th, 1939 by concluding boys have won 7 of these matches, lost that we are almost as dizzy from watch4 and tied 1. ing them as Pennsylvania's wrestlers were In the afternoon the Navy fencing in accumulating that swabo of theirs. team had little difficulty in downing Oh yes, the ""B" squad basketball team Cornell, 18-9- The gymnasts of Louis defeated the Marine Corps Basic School Mang and Syd Bunting did not fare so 34-33. We almost forgot that one. Mawell in their warmup for Army, Tem- rine Publicity please copy. ple's experienced troupe winning '6IV2 to llYz. In wrestling Navy shut out Pennsylvania, 30-0. Coach Swartz in his Columbia, 47; Navy, 39 first season at the Naval Academy has done a monumental job. The swimming On the 18th of February the Navy team continued to take it on the chin, basketball team journeyed to New York or perhaps better to those who speak the for its only ""away" game of the season language, inhaled it through the lungs. with Columbia. Lack of reserves was one Harvard overwhelming us, 63-12. of the outstanding reasons for Navy's The Plebes had a big day too. In defeat. For ten minutes the play was fencing they licked Penn Charter, famous even, but Columbia succeeded in pulling prep school from the City of Brotherly away thereafter to a substantial half time Love, 19Vi to 71/i. Plebe riflemen beat lead of 25-15, an overworked first team McKinley High, 1368 to 1321. In tiring under the grilling of two Columswimming Staunton Military Academy bia fives. In the second half near the was rained under by a superior Plebe ag- finish Navy spurted and succeeded in 12

cutting down Columbia's margin to a bare five points, but could not hold the pace they had set for themselves. Ghesquiere and Captain Laney were again outstanding performers as they have been all season. For Columbia Albie Myers was all over the court and shared honors with Ghesquiere through his brilliant play. The score follows: NAVY Total Points 9 5 0 0 16 0 1 3 5

G. 4 1 0 0 6 0 0 1 2

P. 1-2 3-5 0-0 0-0 4-4 0-0 1-1 1-1 1-1

14

11-14

39

Naylor, F Myers, F Rafal, F Retano, F Medvedeff, F Anderson, G Gilligan, G Macioce, G

G. 3 6 1 0 2 3 2 1

F. 2-2 3-4 0-0 0-0 1-1 1-2 3-4 1-2

Total Points 8 15 2 0 5 7 7 3

Totals .

18

11-15

Laney, F Gillette, F Ackley, F Holmes, F Ghesquiere, C Bill, C Lee, G Shaffer, G Hanley, G Totals

COLUMBIA

47

Navy Defeats Loyola, 52-25 Loyola of Baltimore was no match for the Naval Academy five in a pre-Army tune-up February 22nd. Practically every member of the Navy squad saw action, the first team being used only sparingly.

George Ghesquiere who has played a brilliant game for Navy all season was on the sidelines nursing minor injuries from carrying the brunt of the Navy attack game after game. Hanley led the scoring, his set shots sinking beautifully on several occasions. For Loyola Stakem at guard stood out, in the otherwise mediocre play of a tired looking team.

At half time Navy led 31-13 after a monotonous succession of baskets. It was

SHIPMATE

the kind of workout needed by our team before Army appeared the following Saturday. The score follows: NAVY Total Laney, F Gillette, F Hanley, C Lee, G Shaffer, G Geis, F Dinsmore, C Barton, G Nelson, G Riley, F Totals

G. 3 2 4 1 2 1 0 4 2 2

F. 9-3 2-3 3-7 O-O 0-1 1-2 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0

21

10-18

LOYOLA

Barczak, F ClanQ', F Radebaugh, F Cummings, C Tanneyhill, G Bracken, G Stakem, G Walker, G Quinn, G

G. 2 0 1 2 0 0 5 1 0

F. 1-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-1 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0

Points 8 6 11 2 4 3 1 9 4 4

Navy as has happened so often this year against strong opposition jumped into a 12-5 lead during the first ten minutes, but as soon as the smooth working machine from up the Hudson got under way the final result could hardly be said to be in doubt. With perfect passing, retrieving most of the shots off the backboards, and general excellence of the whole Army team to cope with, the inexperienced Navy five was outplayed for the remainder of the first half. The score as the teams left the floor midway in the battle was Army, 27; Navy, 17.

52

Navy came back with a rush and succeeded in holding Army about even Total during most of the second half, but never Points threatened at any time to overcome 5 Army's substantial lead. The final score, 0 2 46-32, probably represented the correct 4 difference in the playing strength of both 1 squads, though Navy's courage and de0 11 termination kept the huge crowd in the 2 usual constant frenzy that accompanies 0 Army-Navy competition of any kind,— 25 and makes the result always in doubt.

Totals 11 3-9 Non-scoring Navy players: Ackley, Blount, Welch, Dexter, Holmes, Hardy, Bill, Goranson and Goolsby.

Ghesquiere was the outstanding player on both teams, despite the fact that half of Army's defense was built to stop Army Defeats Navy him. He was ably assisted by Joe Hanley Deadlock Basket Ball Series at Eight who played the best game of his career Each Before 7,000. Final Score is 46-32. to date both offensively and defensively.

Too much credit cannot be given either Ghesquiere, Hanley, Brinker and of them, they rated the sportsman's term, Gillem Star The 7\rmy basketball team arrived in great competitors. For Army, Brinker Annapolis on Friday afternoon February put up his usual magnificent exhibition 24th for their annual affair with the mid- though below par physically because of a shipmen the following day. They were strained back. He was ably supported met at the steps of Bancroft HaU where by his star running mate, Al Gillem, who they were quartered during their stay by broke into prominence only recently at several hundred midshipmen who gave West Point when Brinker for two weeks them a 4-N yell as they stood greeting was out of the game. their reception committee. The team The Army guards, Samuel and Sulliwas accompanied by Major Harrison, van left nothing to be desired so West graduate manager and Captain Stober, Point had another of its very good days former Army Captain and center, and against Annapolis. It was the last apnow officer in charge of basketball at the pearance of Captain Laney, George Point.

Ghesquiere, and Gillette on a Navy Seven thousand people crowded them- basketball court. To Ghesquiere must selves into every nook and corner of the go the palm, for he led both teams in gymnasium to see what is generally re- scoring with 14 points, in spite of garded as the best team in the East play double coverage on the part of the whole the Navy. The Army regulars, all first- Army team. The score follows: classmen, all having played together for NAVY four years presented an unusual front, Total a team that "happens" perhaps once in P. Points G. a decade. Four of its first string members, Laney, F 1 0-0 2 Kobes, Sullivan, Samuel and McDavid Gillette, F 0 1-2 1 1 1-2 also played four years of football together, Holmes, F 3 5 14 4-5 all being Army ends. The fifth member Ghesquiere, C 0 0-0 0 of this all star aggregation, Walter Brink- Lee, G 3 4-5 10 er, did not play football, but makes up Hanley, G 1 0-4 2 for it by being the greatest forward that Shaffer, G has ever been developed at West Point.

Totals 11 10-18 32

APRIL,

1939

ARMY G. 5 1 0 3 2 1 4

Gillem, F Vaughn, F McDavid, F Brinker, F Kobes, C Samuel, G Sullivan, G

F. 0-0 2-2 3-5 4-4 3-5 2-5 0-1

Total Points 10 4 3 10 7 4 8

Totals 16 14-23 46 Non-scoring substitutes: Navy, Barton, Geis, Riley and Ackley, F. Army—Griffith and Long, F.; Borman and Yeager, G. N O T E S OF THE G A M E

The crowd was slow in getting to their seats making it almost impossible for many of the spectators including this reporter to see much of the first half.

The out of town crowd gathered at the Officers' Club following the game, a good time being had , etc., you know the rest.

In the Army dressing room after the game there was little excitement over the victory. A mature West Point outfit had accomplished the expected.

Brinker's back was being unwrapped from a protective belt, GiUem's arm was being unbandaged. The other players talked little concerning the game to each other as they went about the business of getting ready to return to West Point.

Captain Stober, Army basketball officer, made a fine impression on everyone who met him during his stay in Crabtown. He is the type that makes ArmyNavy athletics the great boon they are to both institutions. This department hopes he will come again soon—when he does not have a "first classman's team" to throw a monkey wrench into our machinery, and we can enjoy more complete relaxation in his company.

Army, we will have to hoist that pennant to you: WELL DONE. Record of Games.

1920—Navy 1921—Navy 1922—Army 1923—Army 1924—Navy 1925—Army 1926—Army 1927—Navy 1928—Navy 1933—Navy 1934—Navy 1935—Army 1936—Army 1937—Navy 1938—Army 1939—Army

Army-Navy 24; 45; 25; 37; 34; 21; 21; 32; 29; 51; 31; 35; 35; 42; 44; 46;

Army Army Navy Navy Army Navy Navy Army Army Army Army Navy Navy Army Navy Navy

Basketball

18.

29.

21.

29.

29.

17.

12.

25.

17.

24.

23.

26.

19.

40.

36.

32.

13

Army Gym Team is Victor— Defeats Navy, 34-20

32.3 sec, another new national record.

Joe Burns also of Yale hung up a new pool record here of 1:41.9 sec. in the The Navy gym team under the direc- 150 yard back stroke. Captain Gibson, tion of Lieut. Comdr. Sydney Bunting, Navy, won first place in the fancy diving, '21 and Coach Louis Mang left for West and our 400 yard relay team also won Point February 24th to engage the when Yale was disqualified. Other than Army in one of our favorite winter the above we had to be satisfied with sports. The Navy team worked out in most of the second and third places. In one of Army's three gymnasiums that the Plebe swimming meet with Mercersafternoon to accustom itself to the dif- burg Academy, won by the latter 39-27, ferences that always exist in gymnasium Dave Tyler, visiting captain, set a new equipment. The meet on Saturday was interscholastic record in the 220 yard attended by a "full house" of Cadets, free style of 2 min. 13.7 sec. beating the sweethearts, officers and wives. Navy former record of 2:16.6. was equal to the occasion, tying the Army The Navy wrestling team lost at in first places at three each, but lost the Penn State, 17-11, barely missing a tie. meet by failing to qualify many per- Captain Chuck Leigh threw his opponformers for the ""place and show" posi-'' ent in the 135 lb. class, while Al Bergtions. Sears, Army star, and perhaps the ner, football captain won his match, albest gymnast in the country lived up to most getting a fall. his reputation as did Ellison and Butler, The Navy track team led by Captairi Navy champions. Three extra heats Barney Oldfield who smashed the were necessary in the rope climb to record in the 880 yard run, won the break the tie for first place between Southern Conference Indoor Track and Cadet Belardi and Ellison. Ellison won Field Meet beating out Virginia by 8 it in 4 seconds flat in his final try. Folpoints. Navy placed in every event lowing the meet the Army entertainwhich would seem to prophesy success ment committee went to town and gave for Coach Earl Thomsen's future stars the entire party from Annapolis a good in coming outdoor competition this time. The gymnasium series between spring. The 60 yard dash was won by Army and Navy now stands at 2-2. The Chabot, Navy, while Brewington and score follows: Shumway of our team shared first honors Horizontal Bar—^Won by Sears, Army in the pole vault at 12 feet 2 inches.

(285); Frost, Army, second (257); The scores follow: Navy, 30V^; Virginia, 23 V^; Georgetown, 16 1/3; PresRoy, Army, third (232).

Side Horse—Won by Whalen, Army byterian, 3 1/3; Guilford, 2; and (255); Hardy, Navy, second (243); Catawba, 1/3.

The Navy fencing team defeated Wopner, Army, third (230).

Rope Climb—^Won by Ellison, Navy, Columbia in the local gymnasium, 4 sec; Belardi, Army, second, 4.1 sec; 17-10, the work of Al Campo, Jim Appleton and Deprix standing out.

Sawyer, Navy, third, 4.3 sec.

Parallel Bars—^Won by Sears, Army (281); Lilly, Army, second (235); Army Wins Svrimming Meet Clapp, Army, third (228).

In the Naval Academy pool, one of the Rings—Won by Butler, Navy (520); Ostberg, Army, second (507); Sears, finest in the world. Army defeated Navy in swimming 48-27 with a team of well Army, third (480).

Tumbling—^Won by Lomax, Navy developed physical tankmen. Army's (260); Bowen, Army, second (255); natators got off to a 5-0 lead, winning the 300 yard Medley Relay, which proved to Easterbrook, Navy, third (240). be one of the most exciting events of the whole meet. Army's Hank Brewerton then won his first of two races in More 'n' More Sports the 220 yard free style beating MidshipYale's powerful swimming team upset man Wager by 4 yards. Cadet Colwell the midshipmen in the Naval Academy took the 50 yard free style with Navy's pool February 25th, 47-28. Three new Rait and Michel finishing second and marks were set in this meet, two of third.

The outstanding victory of the day was them national records. The Yale 300 yard medley relay team won from Navy that of Captain Gibson, Navy, when he in the remarkable time of 3 min. 4.6 scored 141.3 points to win over Army's sec. breaking the old record by all of Captain Crandall in the fancy diving.

3.9 seconds. Ed Gessner of Yale swam Gibson's score was the highest hung up the 200 yard breast stroke in 2 min. in the Eastern Intercollegiate League this 14

season. Garrett of Army, who was the best swimmer in the Medley Relay, then won the 100 yard dash in 55.2 seconds.

Gauvreau, Army, was first in the 150 yard back stroke. Navy's only other first came in the 200 yard breast stroke when Midshipman Sampson defeated Bonham, Army. Brewerton then won his second event of the meet, the 440, by a goodly margin. The day in the water was completed when Army won the last event, the relay, in 3 min. 49-3 sec. The summaries follow: Event

Navy

Time

Army Coyne Bonham Garrett

220-Yard Free Style

Wager ( 2 ) Haddock(3)

3 min.

16.7 sec.

Won by Army 2 min.

25 sec.

50-Yard Free Style

Michel ( 3 ) Rait ( 2 )

24.8 sec. Colwell ( 1 ) Cloke

Fancy Diving

Gibson ( 1 ) Miller

141.3

100-Yard Free Style

Wager ( 1 ) Englander

55.2 sec. Garrett ( 1 ) Colwell ( 2 )

150-Yard Back Stroke

Jacques ( 2 ) 1 min. Gauvreau ( 2 ) Keough 49.5 sec. Coyne ( 1 )

Jacques 300-Yard Medley Relay Sampson Keough

Brewerton ( 1 ) Spragins

Crandall ( 2 ) Harding ( 3 )

Bonham ( 2 ) Sampson ( 1 ) 2 min.

200-Yard Breast Stroke Grace ( 3 ) 46.4 sec. Muzyk 440-Yard Free Style

Holt ( 2 ) Haddock(3)

5 min. Brewerton ( 1 ) 20.5 sec. Trahan

440-Yard Relay

Warner Rait Keough Wager

3 min.

49.3 sec.

Won by Army

Williams O'Neil Colwell Garrett

Navy Fencers Win All-Eastern Honors—Beat Army, 16-11 The midshipmen swordsmen who have been so successful all season against the best competition in the land, defeated Army, 16-11, on March 4th at Annapolis, in a long duel meet that also included victories over Harvard, Yale and Princeton. It was the biggest day here in fencing in many years and established the undefeated Navy team's superiority ovei the country's best. To Monsieur Deladrier, Navy coach, formerly of the Belgian Army, must go reams of praise for the excellent team he has turned out. To each of his star performers in foils, epee, and sabres, namely DePoix, Appleton, Henry, McPherson, Glennon, Howland, Dare, Campo and Silsberg, SHIPMATE extends congratulations for their remarkable triumph. Navy also defeated Yale 14-13, Harvard 17-10 and Princeton 22-5, culminating one of the greatest days of achievement in Europe's favorite sport in the annals of the Naval Academy.

The summaries of the results against Army follow: FOILS DePoix, Navy, defeated Kinnard, 5 to 2 and Bowlby, 5 to 3-

SHIPMATE

Appleton, Navy, defeated Bowlby, 5 to 2.

Henry, Navy, defeated Bowlby, 5 to 3.

Bane, Atmy, defeated DePoix, 5 to 3; Appleton, 5 to 3 and Henry, 5 to 1.

Kinnard, Army, defeated Appleton, 5 to 4 and Henry, 5 to 1.

Commander Kessing and Senator Walsh.

The great crowd watched keenly again as Shepherd (this correspondent's favorite boxer, we must admit) got the decision over Toronto's 127 pound Swick, who was no match for his gifted opponent, as has happened all year with Shepherd.

Coyne, Navy lightweight, succeeded in getting a draw, while Captain Fairfax at 155 lbs. showed plenty of fight in defeating Ted de Wolfe, Toronto. Ramon of the visitors, won the welterweight scrap from Midshipman Robertshaw. In the 175 lb. class, Mike Wallace, Navy, was kept from a win in the closing mo-

ments of his bout when Dempsey stopped the battle 8 seconds from the end when a deep gash appeared over the game Navy fighter's eye. It was the correct decision under college rules and Jack did the right thing (as he did all evening) in stopping it. Walace has been the tough luck fighter of the year. Navy thus ended another undefeated boxing season, though tied twice by Virginia and Syracuse. To Scrappy Kessing and Spike Webb the palms of victory for the hard work they have done in turning out for the Naval Academy another batch of grand fighters.

EPEE McPherson, Navy, defeated Meyer, 3 to 1.

Glennon, Navy, defeated Manzo, 3 to 1, and Meyer, 3 to 0.

Howland, Navy, defeated Manzo, 3 to 1 and Smith, 3 to 0.

Manzo, Army, defeated McPherson, 3 to 2.

Smith, Army, defeated McPherson, 3 to 2 and Glennon, 3 to 2.

Meyer, Army, defeated Howland, 3

BY E. M . JACKSON, JR. to 1.

Sports Editor, Evening Capital SABRE Dare, Navy, defeated Strock, 5 to 1 Dempsey's visit and refereeing of the interested to notice the silence after beand Dalziel, 5 to 4. bouts Saturday night, was a decided high- ing used to whoops one hears in profesCampo, Navy, defeated Rorick, 5 to 2; light. Dressed in the latset evening garb, sional ring circles. It is a great thing to Strock, 5 to 3 and Dalziel, 5 to 1. a double-breasted tuxedo without a vest, see the Navy give so much attention to Snilsberg, Na\y, defeated Strock, 5 to Dempsey looked like a movie star, rather boxing, as it is a sport which develops 2, and Dalziel, 5 to 4. than an ex-plugilist. In the ring, how- the body as well as the mind. You have Rorick, Army, defeated Dare, 5 to 3, ever, he did an A-1 job of refereeing al- to figure out how to duck a punch as and Snilsberg, 5 to 2. though it was the first time he has been well as deliver one. Boxing develops courarbiter at college matches. Those who age and makes for great spirit and dehave seen Dempsey fight recognized the termination which aids materially in the Navy Matmen Trim Kansas fact that the ring still holds a lure for battle with the problems of life." the old timer. He was just as nervous State and fidgety as the Dempsey of fifteen Pugilist Almost Mobbed Kansas State met defeat on the mat years ago, pacing around the ring at a after their long trip to Aimapolis, 16-12. tremendous clip.

Dempsey was almost mobbed by Chuck Leigh, Navy Captain, won his youthful autograph seekers as he left the Dempsey today still admires most the ring Saturday night. He signed many prosixth straight fall of the season, while man with dynamite in his fists but he got grams by finally reached Comdr. GilAl Bergner won another bout by decision, a thrill out of the Collegiate show here. more's office with a hundred kids in full keeping his record clear. Bergner has now Cornered in the office of Comdr. Morris pursuit. Some midshipmen halted him qualified for his fourth varsity sport letD. Gilmore a few minutes after the fight, and he signed programs for them also. ter, adding wrestling to his football, lahe declared that he had gotten a thrill He autographed the cuff of one Middie crosse and boxing triumphs.

The Navy Rifle Team defeated Mary- and a workout from the Navy-Toronto who didn't have a program. Once inside land in their closest match to date, and meet. He exhibited a shirt soaking with the Athletic Association office Dempsey we are still undefeated in the target game. perspiration as evidence that he "put confessed that he actually enjoys the The score was 1398-1381. Stiles led the out" and said: "Boy, those youngsters crowds which always surround him seekNavy riflemen with 283 out of a possi- keep the ref stepping, I got a real work- ing autographs. "You know I sign an ble 300 in prone, kneeling and standing out. I never get up such a sweat like this average of 200 autographs a day. It really is fun, but I have to do it while on the positions. Walker was second with 282. handling pro fights." run or I would be kept busy for hours inPlebe riflemen defeated the Maryland Enjoyed Experience, Dempsey says stead of minutes," he declared.

Frosh, 1353-1325, Hamilton, Navy, scoring 280, pretty fair work for a plebe The old Manassa Mauler says he is in Speaking of the international meet shot, we'd say.

Dempsey declared, "My experience to- fine shape, keeping in trim by refereenight was most interesting and unique. ing and occasionally ""playing around" Of course, the boys all boxed like ama- boxing in some gymnasium. He never Middie Boxers Defeat teurs as they are trained rather than as drinks alcoholics and watches his diet Toronto professionals, but they really have the en- carefully. thusiasm."

With Jack Dempsey doing the honors Stopped Wallace Bout The setting with everyone in evening in the center of the ring as referee the

Jack Dempsey

midshipmen were successful in turning clothes and the absence of cheering durback Toronto University 41/^-3^2- ing the rounds drew praise from the Tommy Bennett, Navy, won his final pugilist. "It was a very beautiful setting fight, while his father looked on with with everyone in evening clothes. I was

APRIL,

1939

In

Annapolis

Jack was told that women in the audience gasped when he ruined his natty navy blue tux by wiping the resin from the gloves of a fighter who had slipped to 15

the deck. That made Dempsey smile, and he said: "I would much rather ruin the ttix than have some youngster's face marred. Wallace, of Navy, got a bad cut as it was. I was sorry to have to stop the fight but I feared another blow might cause real damage."

Following the bouts Dempsey was an honor guest at a supper given at the Navy boathouse by the Athletic Association for aU the officers on duty here who help with Navy Athletics, and their wives.

Commander Ward P. Davis, Graduate Manager of Athletics, was heard to comment on Jack Dempsey's refereeing of the Navy-Toronto meet and said in part: '"He conducted the bouts in the most exemplary manner and most skillfully. He tecognized the desirability of stopping a bout when superiority was definitely established. We all enjoyed his visit."

Commander Kessing, boxing officer, said: ""Personally, I think Jack did a great job. His appearance here and the way he handled everything required of him in the ring gave college boxing a big boost."

Jack was a guest at Commander Kessing's home. Assistant District Attorney and Mrs. Akin driving him down from Baltimore. "Jack wants to bring his wife down to look the place over next time," Scrappy added.

old golf course where more than 60 families of officers will be quartered. It is one of the Senator's pet projects, and it is his desire to build further if possible that there be no shortage of officer housing in Annapolis. He also wanted to see the gorgeous view of the Academy from the hill approach on the new Baltimore Pike and evinced a genuine affection for the Naval Academy in all his remarks.

SHIPMATE hopes he and Mr. Markham will come again soon to Annapolis. Their general comeraderie with officers they met everywhere stamps them as ideal leaders in their respective fields. Senator Walsh as representative of the people of America in their relations with the Navy is doing a monumental job. In his address at the Boat House in the evening he stressed with complimentary statements the fine influence he felt was being nurtured here for college boxing as it was being handled, that it was a credit to the game, as he put it.

Lacrosse Prospects

Lost from last year's squad are Ray Dubois, Al Minvielle, and Butch Player, from close defense; Frank Case, George Muse, and Freddie Greene, from the Midfield; and Mike Rindskopf, Dick Bowers, and Steve Mann, from the close attack.

Starring members from last year's Senator Walsh Here Too Championship team are Capt. Nat James Senator Walsh motored to Annapolis at goal, (All American); Bill Carey at in the afternoon with James E. Markham, point; and Stu Miller at close attack (All head of the Federal Deposit Insurance American).

Expected to fill the vacancies at close Corporation in Washington. They were accompanied by Commander J. B. Noble, defense are Al Bergner and Harry Harty, '19. In the evening the party witnessed who had some playing experience last the boxing bouts as guests of Scrappy year; and Ed Gillette, who showed great Kessing and George Kosco, boxing repre- promise in summer practice; also Lee sentatives. In the afternoon the Senator Swepston, Mike Gilmore, and John Mcand Mr. Markham paid a call on "Buck" Mullen who are varsity candidates for Walsh at the boat house after watching the first time. Bob Bulfinch will be first the crews work out on the river. The reserve goalie. Midfield men Rhythm Senator seemed to enjoy his brief chat Moore, Bill Ruhe and Jack Munson, last with the crew coaches and was especially year's first string reserves, will uninterested in the Navy Captain, and the doubtedly step into the vacancies at midprospects as he saw them, for another field and will be backed up by Charles championship year on the water. The Mason, Frank Welch, Walter Shaffer, Chairman of the Senate Naval Affairs Coleman Sellers. Third classmen, Frank Committee impresses everyone he meets Parry, Lyttleton Ensey, Vic Blandin, and here with his affable informality and per- Blanchard Randall will also offer opposisonal charm. SHIPMATE had the great tion. pleasure of driving him around the Naval Close attack men to aid Miller will be Academy. He was much interested in the Jim Hedrick and Charlie Hendrix, two new dispensary building and remarked able performers of last year; and John about the wonderful work Navy doctors Refo, Larry Fox, John Wier, and George were doing everywhere. The new mu- Simmons. Bleecker Seaman, Harry Vinseum caught his eye as did the new apart- cent, and Herbert Hawkins, from the ments for officers being erected on the third class, with Joe Castello, from last 16

year's B squad, will round out the attack.

The Squad, ably coached by "Dinty" Moore, who is assisted by "Angle" Lamond, a "Saint Johnny" of All-American fame and who played on that famous International Team, is fortunate in having Commander J. P. (Jimmy) Compton, '16, as their officer representative.

"Jimmy" played an excellent game while in the Academy. Now he is most active in looking after his flock. The success of this year's team will depend greatly upon the development of a satisfactory defense which is a most difficult task.

Behind the Line Keith Molesworth, newly appointed head backfield coach, and the man who is responsible for the successful passing attack developed at the Naval Academy a year ago is a quiet unassuming man. It is more difficult to find out anything about Keith than 'most anybody in Annapolis. Reason? He doesn't talk.

Keith was born in Washington, Iowa, October 20, 1906 and attended grade and high schools there. He was too small to play games much, tipping the scales at a bare 100 pounds. But as a youngster he did play basketball and compete in track.

On graduating he decided to go to Monmouth College in Illinois. Here he began to click athletically though weighing still in the neighborhood of 135 pounds, so he had to win his spurs in football the hard way. In his first college game he made a ""terrible error" when he substituted in the backfield. He foolishly caught a punt on his own 5 yard line when he should have let it roll. And then he streaked the other 95 yards to a touchdown. After this "mistake" he played regularly and started a passingreceiving career that later was to make him famous. In his first year at Monmouth he completed 27 out of 28 consecutive passes, a record, and in his junior and senior years made the AllMidwest and Little Nineteen Conference teams, not an easy achievement when coming from a small school.

Keith was the second 4-letter man in Monmouth history, baseball, track and basketball being added to his major sport laurels—and all at the amazing figure of 135 pounds.

He wanted to coach after leaving school, but a Monmouth graduate at that time was playing center for the Green Bay Packers and having watched his more than successful career asked him if he'd be interested in playing professional football with Portsmouth, Ohio. Here no

SHIPMATE

doubt came the crisis in Keith's athletic career, for later he played in Ironton, Ohio under Greasy Neale ( now at Yale).

He had a couple of good days in exhibition games against the New York Giants and Chicago Bears in Cincinnati and was the spark plug that beat them both. So it was natural that the following season George Halas grabbed him for his topnotchers in the National Professional Football League. Keith played 7 years with the Bears at halfback and quarterback and in addition to starring on the field was one of the ""brain trust" of the greatest outfit in professional history.

The Bears won two world's championships and three Western Division championships while he was there.

In the off season he played professional baseball, starting with Moline in the Mississippi Valley League. He was sold after one year to Waco, Texas, Class A in baseball parlance. From Waco he went to Galveston, and thence to the Baltimore Orioles, Class AA. Keith played with the Orioles in '34 and in '35 was optioned to Oakland in the Pacific Coast League. But he was returned to Baltimore and later went to Syracuse, also in the International League.

"What happened after '37?" we asked him knowing perfectly well that the Naval Academy acquired a real prize about that time.

"At the end of the 1937 season the Bears made a Southern tour playing exhibition games in Houston, Dallas, New Orleans and Miami. Warren Giles, business manager of the Cincinnati Reds was in Florida while we were there and wanted me to manage their farm club in Waterloo, Iowa. But I had a contract to play baseball in 1938 with Syracuse.

Representatives of the Naval Academy contacted me at about the same time to work here in football, basketball, and baseball. I accepted the Navy's offer as I had always been an admirer of this place and reported for spring football practice onMarch 1,1938."

Never having witnessed much professional football SHIPMATE asked Keith if there were many differences between it and the college game.

"In pro football you can pass anywhere behind the line of scrimmage, whereas in college you have to be 5 yards back. Also the goal posts in pro games are on the goal fine instead of 10 yards behind it. This makes for more attempts at field goals, generally by the place kick route. There are fewer Brickleys nowadays, place kicking is surer. On a punt in professional football if you are backed up against the posts they move the ball APRIL,

1939

out to give the kicker a chance. But this is a ground rule, and only is enforced if the kicker is directly behind the bars."

"Do you think the posts being on the goal line cause many injuries?" we asked.

"I've never seen any." ""Isn't there more passing in the professional game?" ""Yes, there certainly is. And it's a lot tougher on the secondary than in college.

In addition the pros are of course better ball handlers from longer experience and added maturity. You know, there used to be more laterals in the pro game, but they are gradually being reduced. The record in laterals of the Chicago Bears is six on one play, but the last one when this was pulled was ruled a forward and the perpetrator lost his team 60 yards in one of the most brilliant efforts in football history."

Keith Molesworth through his great experience helped to bring Lem Cooke up to the point where he had the best record of pass completions in the East, Luckman of Columbia not excepted. Molesworth says pro players like to win as much as college men do, but the spirit of course professionally, can never be quite the same as it is in college. Does he think the pro game will some day become more popular than the college sport? As has happened in professional baseball?

"Of course the pro game has been gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds and does fill a long felt want for a section of the public most keenly interested in plenty of football. But I can't see how it could ever supplant the college game as it depends on them for "attractions" and replacements. What do you think?"

But the interviewer was not there to be interviewed.

"What is the average life of a professional player?" we asked instead.

"Five to six years, I should say. Grange however, played eight or nine years, and a few have kept on as long as twelve to fourteen years. But only a very few."

With Keith Molesworth teaching these "flippers" of passes as well as receivers— and if their development fulfills their present promise as they look doing their spring chores today. Navy's air attack has hit the big time.

Molesworth will always be quiet and unassuming. His work will do all the talking for him in the future as it has in his most remarkable career to date.

You can look for most anything in the Navy offense from now on. And when it clicks, as it will this autumn, maybe we can get our Mr. Molesworth to tell us why it did.

V. F. B.

And Still Sports On March 10th, a quiet week-end in sports at the Naval Academy, after a busy winter season, the Navy gymnasts journeyed to Dartmouth and won easily over the Hanover gym team, 42-12. The following day at Princeton Louis Mang's and Syd Bunting's pupils won another one-sided triumph, 44-10, marking up another successful season for Navy gymnasts.

The swimming team was active at Dartmouth the same day, but Henry Ortlund's inexperienced team was defeated 58-17, and on the following day at Columbia suffered another reverse, 48-27.

The Navy fencing team went merrily on its way to an undefeated season, trouncing Penn, 18-9. The Navy riflemen kept up their end and were victorious over George Washington, 1886-1838.

Coach Earl Thomsen's track athletes defended their collegiate indoor title at Baltimore winning the Maryland-Fifth Regiment games. The Navy athletes scored in every event, winning two of them. Captain Barney Oldfield won the intercollegiate mile with his usual sterling performance. Dave Bunting, a youngster, won the 880 in the exceptionally good indoor time of 1:59.6. Navy's point score of 16 was enough to take the meet as it was a year ago, and it looks like a well balanced team would represent us this year in the field and on the cinder path. We can look forward to more and more success we feel sure under the great coaching of Earl Thomsen.

THOSE W H O SPEAK A LANGUAGE We believe the following conversation might have occurred in the Mess Hall just after the midshipmen marched out from breakfast. The Log, however, gives credit to "Bob-o-Link."

First Negro — "You ain't got no tobacco, is you?"

Second Negro—"I ain't said I ain't, is I?" First Negro—"I ain't ast you if you ain't; I ast you if you is. You ain't, is you ?"

That Dollar of Yoursl We regret that due to our depleted Treasury we are unable to run the articles, A Successful Surgeon and A Navy Wife, we promised you in this issue. We hope to publish these interesting features in the MAY number.

17

The Rodgers Flight to Honolulu {Continued from page 6) beginning to be monotonous. We had 7 canteens of water and 5 sandwiches left, a few crackers and a six pound can of corned beef. I took the waxed paper off the sandwiches and they were mouldy.

So I toasted them "on deck' in the hot sun. Each man then wrote his name on his water canteen. The two extra ones were held in safekeeping by the Captain.

"By the third day we had lost all hope of being picked up and carefully cut off all the fabric from both lower wings. We rigged up sails. The plane, we felt, would not break up unless we hit a real storm.

We fastened our sails to the flying wires with safety wire, thus increasing our "speed' toward Oahu. We also tried to rig up a radio sending set and worked all day on it. We finally made a spark set and sent out a number of position reports, but the set lacked range and none of our messages was received.

"Our crackers were exhausted on the third day, but the monotony was broken on the morning of the fourth day by Pope, our assistant pilot. He looked over the side and said: "Good morning, strangers.' We looked also and there were a couple of nice playmates watching us —tiger sharks. They were about 15 feet long. From then on a school of them followed us continuously. We never so appreciated a strong duraluminum hull as we did ours now. If we just could keep from cracking up! Fortunately so far the hull was standing up beautifvdly.

"That night we opened up the canned wiUy and all of us were ghastly ill from eating such salty food without sufficient water. The Captain alone did not partake and came off clear. Then our cigarettes ran out. We would have given anything for a good smoke. One of the men had a few cigars and the crew all took turns taking a puff on them until they too were gone. When a cigar was "not in use' they fastened it to a motor with a safety wire to prevent loss of the butt.

"One night when it got very rough we took down the sails and put out our sea anchor again. The wing tips took a terrible beating. We kept a man continuously in the pilot seat at the controls to keep the ship on its course, and to ease the force of the waves on the wing tip pontoons by using the ailerons.

"Sailing a plane in the water requires considerable skill. All through this stormy night everyone of us would wake 18

up when a heavy wave hit us, wondering if our lower wings had carried away.

Next day we lashed the spars in the lower wings where they had begun to buckle.

"Saturday night we were awakened by the Captain's cry of "Rain! Rain!' We leaped to our feet and spread our 'sail' over the forward part of the hull. It sprinkled only for a few minutes and our sail was barely moistened. We all got down on all fours and licked the fabric with our tongues. The skipper seemed to enjoy this immensely.

"The next day I noticed the Captain crawling on his hands and knees down in the bilges. He was looking for a piece of crust someone had dropped there days before. He finally found it. It was about as big as the end of your thumb. That night a flying fish about the size of a minnow flew into the cockpit. The Captain found it and stroked it tenderly.

We rigged up a light hoping to catch some more. But the Captain made our only "haul." He insisted on sharing it, but we finally ragged him into eating it himself, head, wings and tail, all in one swallow. He fully enjoyed it.

"Our water supply was getting low.

So we rigged up a still which the Captain's mother, one of the loveliest women I have ever met, had given him before leaving. We ran the still for five hours but were able to distill less than a quart of fresh water. As our supply of wood, taken from the trailing edges of the lower wings and placed in a bucket to produce a fire, was soon exhausted, we couldn't depend longer on that. But the little water we did distill tasted wonderful. A message to the Captain during these efforts from the Aroostook read: 'Cheer up, John, we'll get you yet. Hammer on the keel so the submarines can hear you.' . . . Two of the men grabbed hammers and began to pound on the hidl, but we had to calm them down lest they drive a hole through the bottom.

"We all began to get weaker and weaker. Every movement became a great effort. Soon we would have to lie down after any great exertion. It took a terrific effort to man the controls and hold a compass course. Then we got to the stage when we could only crawl. The two reserve canteens of water now went on issue, taste by taste,—and finally they too were exhausted. The Captain offered his last sip to one of the crew who was in particularly bad shape. It was just a question of how long we could last. We knew we had sailed 300 miles, or about 50 miles a day and our course was putting us slowly nearer to the island of Oahu.

"Tuesday night we saw the Army

searchlights at Schofield Barracks, Oahu: our first contact with life other than our own since seeing the steamer that had passed us five days previously. '" 'How far away are those lights, Captain?' one of the men asked. "" 'Only about a hundred miles,' he replied.

"Then we intercepted messages saying we had been given up for lost. They indicated the search might be abandoned.

But we were now too weak to listen in much on our radio. "'Something had to be done to sail the plane to land. Our position was such that the Northeast trade winds would take us through the middle of the channel between Oahu and Kauai without touching shore. It occurred to me that if we could rig up a keel, it would help us to make good a course more off the wind.

Perhaps then we could tack enough to hit the beach. So we used the floor boards, lashing them alongside the hull.

We then set our course for Oahu, putting on all sail possible. The next morning we could see the island as plain as day.

It was a wonderful sight, but it was 50 miles away. With our keel we were able to tack 15 degrees off the wind; and were making the terrific speed of 3 knots. "'When it became apparent we could not make Oahu, the Captain decided to set our course for the island of Kauai. . .

If we had gone on towards Oahu and missed it we had the whole broad Pacific ahead of us. It was pretty tough losing sight of that land, only 50 miles away, and head for Kauai, a hundred miles distant.

We all of us looked longingly ashore.

We felt we had lost our last friend.

"Our despair turned to cheer when we settled down again and saw a black cloud ahead of us. We made all preparations again to catch any rain that might fall.

At about noon it poured and kept on pouring, for a half hour. It saved our lives. Our "caught water' was full of aluminum paint from our fabric sail, but it was the drink of a lifetime. We collected three whole quarts besides all we could drink.

"Thursday morning we found Kauai just ahead of us. The Captain's navigation had been perfect. By two o'clock we were only ten miles off shore and all our worries were over. It was a great feeling. We built a fire in a bucket and fired Very shells to attract the attention of anyone on the beach. If not sighted we felt we could sail the plane into the harbor of Abukini as we were directly to windward. Fifteen minutes later one of the men looked to seaward and yelled: SHIPMATE

'There's a 'sub,' right behind us.' It was the R-4. " "What plane?' the R-4 semaphored. ""P-N-9-1 from San Francisco,' the radioman semaphored back.

"We asked for water, food, coffee— and cigarettes. The water, though fresh, could not hold a candle to our "aluminumdope' product. But since our rain we were no longer very thirsty. The R-4 threw us a line and towed us toward the beach. We looked like Robinson Crusoes after our nine days sail with long beards and dirty faces. As the R-4 towed us in the Captain remarked: 'Well, we're the first plane to reach the Hawaiian Islands even though we did have to sail the last 450 miles!' Some of the crew suggested that we should sail the last 10 miles too and the Captain said jokingly: "Every ship takes on a pilot going into port!'"

EPILOGUE

Less than a year later Captain John Rodgers, then Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, flew to Philadelphia from Washington to consult with Commander Connell about another flight they were contemplating. This time they had hoped to be the first to span the Pacific. In landing at the flying field at the Philadelphia Navy Yard the plane went into a tail spin and crashed into the river a short distance from shore.

"Smike" Connell was the first to rush out and reach his old skipper's side.

Rodgers was mortally injured. These two intrepid airmen had their last words together there, for Captain Rodgers died a few hours later. One of his last spoken thoughts was to inquire about the welfare of the crew that was with him on the P-N-9-1. The irony of fate is sometimes beyond belief. But at least these gallant officers were together at the great Captain's end.

Up the Orinoco ( Continued from page 1) and are the undisputed masters of their realm.

Life in this country is very difficult and it is a constant battle with the elements and the tropics—which give no quarter nor ask any favor. Here is a true example of the survival of the fittest and man with his many advantages is only able to live by being constantly alert and taking nothing for granted. One must sleep under nets at all times and take every known precaution against fever, insects and the many small animals that

APRIL,

1939

bore into the skin, lay their eggs and cause very bad infections.

We stopped along the banks at many places to make short visits to the beach to pick fruit and inspect many of the strange plants. On the third day of the trip we tied up at a little town called TUCUPITA. It was July 5 th and the V E N E Z U E L A N INDEPENDENCE D A Y or BOLIVAR DAY. This town is the capi-

tal of the Federal Territory of the Delta of the AMACURA, and a huge fete was scheduled. Here "in the tropics in the hottest time of the year they were celebrating with all the pomp and dignity of a Presidential Inauguration. The Governor and all the officials of the village were attired in formal morning dress, correct in every detail. The other men of the village wore dark woolen suits. The ladies were dressed less formally and their feminine creations covered a very long period in the history of female design. They are very sensitive about their dress and an amusing incident happened one day when a member of our party was arrested for walking in a public park after four p. m. without his coat—a misdemeanor. When the Governor learned that we had arrived in the village through the customs it was necessary thereafter for us to stop at all the villages on the Orinoco and pay a toll for passing, but he did send us an invitation to join him in the festivities. So we attended a large reception at his home. The Independence of Venezuela and of the United States was toasted with champagne and brandy after which the entire party went to the plaza where an enormouse barbecue was the "piece de resistance" of the day. Large tables had been set up and the soldiers were carving the beef on large planakin leaves which served as dishes. Cassava was the only other item of food on the menu. Such a barbecue is considered a very formal feast by the natives of this section and some sort of formal attire is compulsory.

We continued our journey up the Orinoco next day and the country off to the south began to rise from the level plain to highlands and finally to mountains.

It is all very wild and little is known about it. Diamonds have been found and mined by some of the more adventurous, while gold is very plentiful and one sees a lot of it among the natives. In addition to being mountainous off to the south of the Orinoco, the country is heavily wooded and travel in these sections is almost impossible. Several planes have made trips above this country and I was told by one pilot that to

the South there was a vast plateau, about 5000 feet above sea level which was extremely fertile and where wild life was very abundant.

This section is also inhabited by the Carib Indians that are hostile and it is dangerous to invade their territory.

These Indians are the descendants of the original inhabitants of this strange land and very little is known about them.

They have claimed many a life with their poisoned arrows.

One of the interesting things about this part of the Orinoco is the many relics of an ancient civilization which one finds along the banks of the river. In the course of many years the river has cut through new channels and many of the larger rivers that rise in the south and cascade down the mountains into the Orinoco bring with the waters relics of ancient burial mounds. These relics are grotesque figures of stone and what appear to be handles of some kind of water jugs. I brought several of the smaller relics back with me and although I have never had them classified they must have great anthropological value.

After spending several days in this country, the return to the delta was made over practically the same route, though much faster, as the current was very swift.

When it came time for me to start for the coast, I took passage on a small yacht that was enroute to Guira aritf^he trip took about a week because of the many stops.

I was much impressed by my trip to Venezuela and I am firmly convinced that it is one of the "Lands of Tomorrow."

Editor's note: Lieutenant Kosco made a trip to the Orinoco Country during his summer leave period from the Post Graduate School at the Naval Academy in 1938.

Song of Old Hawaii William G. (Slim) Beecher, '25, is a composer. He was seated at his desk in Naval Operations when this reporter burst in on him. "Knock off everything," we demanded, and Slim, knowing us by reputation refused to comply. He went right on dictating. So of necessity we sat down and waited.

He had written "Song of Old Hawaii," both words and music, in June 1937, while serving in the Islands as executive officer of the Montgomery. It was actually his eighty-fourth composition, but the first one to prove an international hit —• if we can believe him in his modesty.

19

"I have always been interested in music as a hobby," he said, "but except for a brief contact with Tin Pan Alley in 1925, never took commercializing of it seriously."

Slim began writing parodies as a midshipman when ""put to do it" by the Academy musical shows. With Bill Kirten, '25, the team of Beecher and Kirten worked for four years together in musical clubs.

"I wrote my first original music during this time, collaborating with Bert Klackring, '27. We turned out a couple of football songs, "Up and at 'Em, Navy" and "Fight, Big Blue Team."

Slim says he still can't read a note. He is like a good many writers we know.

They "compose" books and articles for a living, but don't ever read very many themselves. He says he relies entirely on ear to bang out chords, first on the banjo and later on the piano. He has six banjos (remember the Six Brown Brothers? Or were theirs saxophones?) and tries to never be without one at sea. '"A piano, however, is far more satisfactory for composing," he added.

From 1932-1935 Slim was on duty at the Naval Academy. Additionally he was officer representative of the Combined Musical Clubs which as he says, "gave me added incentive to write more original numbers. I also worked with Lieutenant Sima of the Naval Academy Band in turning out the lyrics of "Gangway for the Navy Blue."

Significantly on finishing his tour around and over Bancroft Hall, Slim was assigned to temporary duty as technical adviser for the Warner Brothers picture "Shipmates Forever." While in Hollywood he worked with Warren and Dubin in turning out "Don't Give Up the Ship" —a song that was destined to become famous. Dick Powell was the hero of the story and sang that fine number with unforgetable gusto.

From Hollywood Slim went to Hawaii for sea duty. He tried the Honolulan angle on new tunes. Six of these have been recorded, and "Song of Old Hawaii" caught the fancy of Johnny Noble, composer and publisher. It was immediately taken up by Leo Feist, Inc., New York impresarios. They gave it a real (shall we say wide?) spread. "Song of Old Hawaii" has been recorded on Victor, Decca, Brunswick, Bluebird and Vocalian records, and the publishers are predicting a 300,000 sale for it in sheet music distribution. We told Slim we had heard that.

"I doubt it," he said. But the true

naval officer, we find, generally underestimates everything concerning himself.

So we can probably say it will reach half a million and about hit the mark.

"I have no intention of going into composing seriously, at least not on a commercial scale," he remarked. "It was just plain luck that one broke for me.

I'll continue, however, to bang out chords and put down any melodies that might pop up."

Just plain luck! "Song of Old Hawaii" is a beautiful piece of work.

With that last remark about being lucky Slim "popped" back to his desk just as though we were no longer there. The interview was over. We looked at our notes. He had told his story clearly and accurately. What more then was there for him to say? His department is one of the busiest in Washington and though a composer of music "on the side," Slim lets nothing interfere with the job at hand.

If we ever go to sea again, we will scan the roster of officers on coming aboard and hope Slim Beecher is among those present. With his banjo and our voice the next war will be a cinch at least till the voice part hits the brig for disturbing progress. Of all the young officers on duty in the Navy Department, none impresses the casual visitor more favorably than does William G. Beecher.

SHIPMATE is sure more and even greater music will come from his talented fingers —soon.

V. F. B.

The Masqueraders

ing of plays and dramatic performances of various sorts, and a series of them burgeoned. Amateur dramatics thus fostered, never wholly vanished, though they passed through various vicissitudes.

In 1908 these dramatic efforts were organized under the present name of The Masquaraders; and since that time and upon these foundations they have steadily improved the quality of their work.

"Patsy" Donavin, '08, was the moving spirit of the new organization, and so well did he do his work that it survived the hiatus that came when the United States entered the World War. Under his aegis appeared Paul Armstrong's My Wife's Husband and a Spring Concert, home-brewed. At least two plays a year appeared thereafter, culminating, in 1914, in H. M. S. Pinafore and The Serenade. At this time there blossomed forth the blue velour curtain with the gold Academy Seal; this has served the Masqueraders faithfully every year up to the present time.

Since 1914 the Masqueraders have confined their efforts to producing plays that have been Broadway successes and the Musical Clubs have handled minstrel shows, concerts and musical revues. The list of plays the Masqueraders have produced is a growing one. The following ones have been produced here in this order: Facing the Music; Seven Days; What Happened to Jones; Christopher Junior; Raffles; The Man on the Box; It Pays to Advertise; Stop Thief; The Fortune Hunter; A Pair of Sixes; Come out of the Kitchen; Adam and Eva; A Full House; Bulldog Drummond; The Cat and the Canary; Not Herbert; The Devil in the Cheese; The Haunted House; The Donovan Affair; The Command Performance; Hay Fever; Three-Cornered Moon; The Man on Stilts; The Bishop Misbehaves; Let Us Be Gay, and many others.

Human nature being the well-known thing it is, one cannot be surprised that the presenting of plays has so perennial an appeal to the Navy. John Paul Jones acted in one while he was in the Caribbean, thus providing a precedent that naval officers have not been loath to follow. The Naval Academy was founded in Ode To '21 the fall of 1845, and in 1846 a midshipman society. The Spirits Club, produced Someone has suggested that SHIPMATE Bulwer Lytton's The Lady of Lyons, a maintain a Bar Editor in the Naval Acadcurrently popular play, and the Academy emy Officers' Club. It is one position that did not flounder; though it is recorded is not open, though competition is great. that the good folk of "Crabtown" im- The present editors must continue to mediately converted the building in fight over and covet that hallowed job for which the performance had occurred into themselves. Your many applications to the present Presbyterian Church build- represent us at this court of last resort ing. Was there a causal relationship? with unlimited expense account are thereOne wonders. fore and hereby revoked.

When, after the Civil War, the Naval We wandered in late one night to this Academy returned to Annapolis from most popular rendezvous in Annapolis to Newport, R. I., Admiral Porter, the get our accustomed night cap of a vile Superintendent, encouraged the produc- mixture called grape bevo. Our eyes de-

SHIPMATE

ceived us. There, believe it or not, was a long table spread from one end of our haunt to the other. It was obviously set for no good. Each place as George Lyttle reported later in the '21 class bulletin (better read it, it's a good sheet) had a dozen or two on the half shell, and another dozen straight from the keg. Why all this atmospheric, Henry the Vlllic spirit of conviviality? For so the table looked. We wondered if Guinevere was coming—or perhaps the Lady of the Lake (wrong sequence, no doubt). But the bar itself was empty save for George.

"What are you trying to get away with? " we asked him.

"The Class of '21, you know, that famous class, my class, are having a business meeting." H e pointed proudly to the overweighted table. "This is the works.

Sit down and throw in and toss off a dozen or so before the anointed arrive."

"But where are they?"

"They're down bowling. I'd be there myself but somebody stole the 8 ball."

It was only a few minutes until '21 began to appear,—raucus, uninhibited— attractive to the nth power if you want our opinion. They began to count off: Wray, Wirth, Tellman, Tarbutton, Sewell, Sanders, Moore, Mclnerney, Lyttle (George), Lewis, Jackson, Green, Erck, Curry, Crenshaw, Costello, Cook, Beard.

It is the last time we will be able to locate them in alphabetic disorder. Why the beer at the business meeting, we wondered? Weren't they a l l . . . but let it go.

We hung around as is our custom until they had to invite us. Besides, they all complimented, you should have bilged and been in our class anyway.

It was a business meeting all right.

There were many speakers, all not waiting to be recognized by the chair. Members of the class of '21 are all orators.

"Minck" didn't seem to be there. He was supposedly in Baltimore doing something for the Admiral. Or so it was reported in the minutes of the last meeting.

Apparently '21 wanted to give a dance at Carvel, a picnic at the Ritz, a cocktail party in costume on the broad pavements of Maryland Avenue a la Gras Mardi— or something. We never quite found out what, though we whipped out our notebook and tried to appear intelligent. No use. If we'd had advance notice we'd have brought a dictaphone. Every word of the speakers was worth recording.

Tears rolled down our cheeks as we laughed with them. Perhaps it was the dozen in front of the dozen that caused it.

But then '21 was always clever. They admit it. That old '"maturity," "poise" APRIL,

1939

presses of the D. Appleton-Century Company.

Others will doubtless follow and if possible, will be reviewed In the Ship's Library.

WORLD TRADE, by Ethel B. Dietrich,

The Ship's Library

(Henry Holt and Company, New York, N.Y.—$2.75.)

Students of international trade will find in Professor Dietrich's book a most complete Of the new books scheduled for re- analysis of the present day drives for trade lease between now and June, there are advantages being made by mercantile nations the world over. As a contributor to the study several which should prove of interest to of import quotas to the Hitchen's Report, and Navy men. The New York Times has a member of the Committee on International published a selected list of these volumes Peace (1937) which reported on economics. and those listed here were given by the Doctor Dietrich writes from knowledge gained through a broad experience.

Times.

Of particular interest is the writer's discusDoubleday-Doran offers Vicki Baum's sion of the merchant marine question. Based latest novel, "Shanghai—1937," and Far- on data obtained by such groups as the U. S. rar and Rinehart, who have published the Maritime Commission, the article is authoritaworks of W. Hervey Allen, '13, have put tive; it is also a convincing argument for the the "cans" in the spotlight with "Deli- need of a continuance, not for five, or ten years, but for all time, of the U. S. Maritime lah," a novel of a Navy destroyer by Commission.

By ROBERT C. CONRAD

Marcus Goodrich.

While the "Boys of 1917," by Warren Hastings Miller (L. C. Page & Co.) is but partially devoted to the actions of the Navy during the World War, those actions were of such a nature as to be worth the attention of those who find interest in the sea service.

Men of the Navy and their lives at sea will be publicized by the John Day Company under the title, "Navy Men." James B. Connolly is the author. The story of codes and ciphers will be given in a book

by Fletcher Pratt, titled "Secret and Urgent."

Bobbs - Merrill, publisher.

"Steam Conquers the Atlantic," by David Budlong Tyler, will come from the

Particularly timely is the special article written for "The (March) Commentator," one of the newer publications, by Hanson W. Baldwin, '24. Captioned "Our Shield Is Our Defense," Mr. Baldwin's outline of a national defense program, was publicized by Lowell Thomas, the famous radio speaker, interviewer and author on one of his evening broadcasts. A successful author in his own right, Mr. Baldwin continues his quietly brilliant observations, in this suggested program for the protection of our shores. Because his travels have taken him far from his native land, Mr. Baldwin has a broader perspective than is common to the less competent, and the more effusive critics of our National Defense Program. The subject, alone deserves the attention of America, but Mr. Baldwin makes his point brief and very interesting.

and ""confidence" didn't pass them by.

They've had it since they were plebes.

The "business meeting" lasted an hour.

Nothing was accomplished, but the 5,000 oysters disappeared including ours which some ultra hungry member stole from beneath the nose. But whoever he was, he didn't get our Pilsener.

'21, to quote any of you in solemn conclave would be sacrilege. Especially when your gift to the N . A. is to be your numerals in bronze over a solid gold grille above the bar. SHIPMATE is glad to report that you are going to have that weeny roast, swimming party, fashion show, or whatever it was you decided on.

We "except" with thanks your kind invitation to attend them all. But next time we will come prepared. We'll wear our rubber boots. You were always a "person-

ality" class even when you ran '20 as youngsters. Your class "spirit" has not changed, though you have descended to Budweiser these twenty years.

Why not a game of water polo for your annual get together? Then you can reduce the number of orators to three at a time, the rest of the august members holding too glib tongues and sliding throats outside the oxygen. Besides we think water would be good for you. You see, we just have to scold. For we can't forget when you arrived in Annapolis in '17 and started to change the map of the world—and inquire if Bancroft Hall were temporary or permanent. Besides you always beat the Army. So we are proud to have attended your rodeo. Bon Homme Richard to you all.

V. F. B.

(^Continued on next page)

21

SHIPMATE The Publication of the U. S. N. A. Alumni Association, Inc. W. H. STAYTON, President, 1881 D. F. SELLERS, Vice-President, 1894 E. F. COCHRANE, Secretary-Treasurer, 1916 TRUSTEES

H. G. Gillmor W. H. Standley E. J. Sadler H. N . Gleason G. V. Stewart Bryson Bruce M. D. Gilmore G. B. Junkin Clyde King G. W. Daisley W. B. Bristor J. H. Howard

1891 1895 1899 1899 1905 1907 1911 1913 1922 1923 1927 1930

Address all communications to: The Secretary-Treasurer, U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Annapolis, Maryland.

NAVY M E N . By James B. Connolly. III.

by Henry $3.50).

O'Connor.

(John Day.

The Gloucester Fisherman Connolly?

None other. He went on where Kipling left off with "Captains Courageous" and in all of his books you can smell the tarred hemp and feel the sting of salt spray. Though at home in a deep sea fisherman, probably no civilian of the past forty years has been equally at home in the wardrooms of the Fleet.

A Friend of Theodore Roosevelt, Connolly enlisted by special dispensation, as a "gob" to get the view point of the enlisted man. As the "captain's writer" he spent a most uncomfortable cruise sleeping on a cofferdam in the office. He made the round the world cruise with the fleet in 1908, sat in on the party at Vera Cruz in '14, and is entitled to membership in good standing in the Queenstown Patrol.

"Longtimers" will find the names of many old Shipmates mentioned, for this is an intimate behind the scenery glimpse of our lives written by a man who has known and loved us.

Incidentally, the "Navy Juniors" will eat this up as will the civilian friend who wants to know what makes the wheels go round.

E. S. MCCAWLEY. A

HISTORY O F T H E U . S. M A R I N E

CORPS. By Lt. Col. Clyde H. Metcalf,

USMC. (24 ills, and maps. G. P. Putnam. $5.00).

This book rounds out a splendid collection of histories of the three branches of the armed services of the United States, all published by Putnam. (A History of the U. S. Navy, Capt. Dudley W. Knox, U.S.N. $5.00 and the U. S. Army in War and Peace by Col. Oliver Spaulding, U.S.A.). Col. Metcalf, as chief of the Historical Section of the corps, has had access to all of the official records and has done a sound workman like job.

The colorful history of the corps lends itself to dramatization, possibly the author passed up a wider and more popular market by a 22

TRUSTEES

NOTES

• Establishing a record for attendance, at least during the tenure of office of the present Secretary-Treasurer, the Trustees of our Association met at the Army-Navy Club, Washington, D. C , at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 2nd.

The finances of the Association were fully discussed and a committee to investigate and recommend methods of financing operations of the Association was appointed. Those appointed were: Bryson Bruce, '07; M. D. Gilmore, '11; and the Secretary-Treasurer.

amendment will be carried, the following officers and Trustees are to be elected in the election which will be held in June: President; Vice President, "East Coast"; Vice President, "West Coast"; and twenty-four Trustees.

It was proposed that an Alumni Luncheon be arranged at the Officers' Club on Saturday, May 27 th, before the Army-Navy Lacrosse game which is to be played on that date at the Naval Academy. It was further proposed that an Alumni dinner (stag) be arranged, if possible, to be held that evening in BanA committee composed of G. V. Stewcroft Hall, as such dinners were formerly art, '05; J. H. Howard, '30; and the Secheld. G. V. Stewart was appointed to retary-Treasurer was appointed to make present the matter to the Superintendent up and submit to the membership the for his consideration. official ballot containing the names of The name of J. J. Blandin, '11, of those nominated for the several offices of the Association who will take office on Akron, Ohio, was proposed to the Trustees to be accorded full membership July 1,1939.

Nominations for President, East and privileges in the Association, and was apWest Coast Vice Presidents, and the proved by unanimous consent.

The next meeting of the Trustees will twenty-four Trustees must be in the hands of the Secretary-Treasurer by April be held in April, the date, time and loca12, 1939, in order that the ballot can be tion to be decided later. prepared and sent out in sufficient time Such matters which a member may deto permit members on distant stations sire to place before the Trustees should to cast their ballot. be sent to the Secretary-Treasurer at AnThe attention of all members is called napolis, Md. to the provisions of the By-Laws which requires the signatures of twenty-five members to nominate a member for office. All nominations should be sent to the Secretary-Treasurer, Annapolis, Md. The indications at this time clearly show that the proposed amendment to CHARLES MORRISON AUSTIN, Captain, increase the number of officers and TrusUSN, '05. Died in New York City on tees will be carried. Consequently, the February 12, 1939.

Trustees recommend that nominations be HERBERT O M A R D U N N , Rear Admiral, made with that fact in mind.

USN (Ret.), '77. Died in Baltimore, For the information of those who do Md., on February 13, 1939. not recall this proposed amendment, the changes provide for an additional Vice R A L P H EARLE, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.), '96. Died in Worcester, President and twenty-four Trustees.

Mass., on February 13, 1939.

Thus, considering that the proposed J O H N ALEXANDER JACKSON, '83. Died in Tampa, Fla., on January 14, 1939-

m)t Ha^i Call

N O R M A N MILLARD OSTERGREN,

Lieu-

more factual approach. In Fletcher Pratt's retenant, USN, '35. Died in McDavid, cent book "The Navy" (Doubleday) the auFlorida on February 20, 1939. thor took full advantage of drama to add color to the retelling of old stories, lifting it at once out of the class of literature read only by the N O B L E W I T H E R S , '15. Died in New York City on February 23, 1939. initiates to that of a much broader appeal.

As the best comprehensive modern account on the Marine corps today. Col. Metcalf's book is a worthy companion to those of Capt. Knox and Col. Spaulding and rightfully earns a place in every service library.

Please send in all information concerning vital statistics to Shipmate.

E. S. MCCAWLEY.

SHIPMATE

Seagoing Philosophy It is said that Joe Fyffe was trying to get through the Straits of Gibraltar with a somewhat lubberly sailing ship.

The wind and tide were both strong against him, and he was making no real progress.

A small Navy vessel under steam came along and Fyffe signalled her to take him in tow, which she did.

Various signals were exchanged indicating that the towing vessel had too little fuel and vdtimately a wigwag message

was sent from the tower to Fyffe, and the message just happened to be in rhyme, and read: "Unless the wind and tide abate, I cannot tow you through the Strait."

Fyffe's immediate reply was: "So long as you have wood or coal, keep on towing damn your soul."

Branch, please communicate with Warren E. Haycock, '22, Secretary, 140 Federal St.

CHICAGO, ILL.

The Get-Acquainted Dinner Dance of the Naval Academy Association of Chicago went over with a bang at the Army-Navy Club in Chicago.

Headed by Rear Admiral Hayne Ellis, Commandant of the Ninth Naval District, Prospective Father "And doctor. Class of 1900, representing the active service and Hubert Burnham, '05, on the civilian what are your terms?" side, there were representatives of nearly Doctor—'"C. O. D." every class down to '36.

—Let's Laugh.

The number of ex-Navy men in this area has grown until the latest roster shows upward of 150 names. Increased activity of the regular Navy, such as the Reserve Training Unit at Northwestern University, has swelled the officers on duty in the district to a conhis fine talk, seriously given but not without siderable number. It can be appreciated that humor, was most appreciated. scores of people were not personally acE. E. "Rip" Miller, one of the mules on quainted with each other, particularly in cases that famous Notre Dame "Four Horsemen" of the women, thus presenting a big job of aggregation, surveyed the "Bird-dog" situ- introducing and mixing. ation and, as usual, gave a fine talk.

The success of the party was in no small The Akron Branch intends to unify the part a tribute to the excellent job done by the Alumni groups in Ohio, with an annual meet- hostesses who were: ing each year; these meetings to change to difFor the active service: Miss Lucia Ellis, ferent cities possessing groups. From these groups a delegate or delegates will be sent to daughter of Rear Admiral Ellis, Mrs. Braisted, wife of Capt. Frank A. Braisted, Mrs. the Annual Meeting.

Wolleson, wife of Capt. E. A. Wolleson, Mrs. The Executive Committee, consisting of Beard, wife of Lt. Comdr. F. W. Beard, Mrs. Guy Winkler, Art Blough, J. J. Blandin, Carpender, wife of Capt. A. S. Carpender.

Conger and Hill are most active with the re- For the Exes: Mrs. Hubert Burnham, Mrs. sult that business is picking up with great John Metcalf, Mrs. Ed McLean, Mrs. Kenneth speed.

McCracken, Mrs. Earle F. Johnson, Mrs. E. Mr. Baer Schmidt, whose son Jack was K. Zitzewitz and Mrs. R. D. Sullivan. a star on last year's Plebe team, graciously The evening was devoted entirely to havfurnished all the beer gratis for the gathering ing a good time, without any speeches or from his excellent brewery. announcements. The Army-Navy Club did The next meeting of the Branch is an excellent job of catering and the swing scheduled for May 3rd. For further particu- orchestra kept it up until the wee hours of the lars please communicate with L. R. Becht, morning.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Elmer Zitzewitz, our new president outdid himself in his gracious charm—in fact, he BALTIMORE, MD. became so expansive that he upset one of the tables, crockery, et al.

For information concerning the Baltimore Ed McLean had his eagle eye trained on the Branch, write to W. Beverly Bristor, '27, 2205 door and says he didn't let a one escape, early N. Calvert St. or late.

Henry Hutchins acted as the official photographer and had a field day with his BOSTON, MASS. flashlight bulbs, but his batting average was Even though the weather was "typically a skimpy 2.5; tough going for an ex-conBostonian," a large throng of one hundred structor. and twenty couples turned out for the Navy Elmer Zitzewitz, our new president, found Relief dance given in the Navy Yard on renewed confirmation of the old physics law, February 18th and a tidy sum of $112.00 was "Two bodies cannot occupy the same space netted which was turned over to the Navy at the same time." The table lost out or rather Relief. the crockery did.

The connoisseur, John Metcalf, in looking Held in the Armory, the decorations of evergreens and flags made the place most at- over the beautiful ladies, was heard to retractive. The music was excellent and all mark in his most charming and seemingly hands reported having had a fine time,— innocuous manner, "The Naval Academy is thanks to chairman C. F. Hooper, '22; C. C. still carrying on its best tradition . . . good Soule, '04, co-chairman; and the rest of the taste in all things." committee.

For information concerning the Chicago On Wednesday, March 1st, seventeen mem- Branch, communicate with H. A. Hutchins, bers of the Branch met at the monthly 35 East Wacker Drive. luncheon. No particular business was transarted, the luncheon being a get-together and CLEVELAND, OHW a grand time was had reminiscing. E. W. Sweetland, '22, attended, being temporarily Regular meetings are held every Monday located at the Hotel Bellevue. at the Army & Navy Club in the Hollenden For information concerning the Boston Hotel at noon.

BRANCH ASSOCIATIONS The Branch Associations are requested to send their news to the Secretary-Treasurer, Annapolis, Md., by the 5th of each month to insure it making the press.

AKRON,

OHIO

On March 1st, at the Ohio Building, the ever faithful of Akron assembled to partake of sustenance and beverage and to honor our distinguished visitors from Crabtown-on-theBay. Those who attended were: Captain B. H. Bruce, '07; J. J. Blandin, '11; Zeno Wicks, '14; R. Kain, '21; Lt. Comdr. Zimmerman, H. Fisher, and R. Fox, of '22; G. Winkjer, '23; A. Bednak and A. Blough of '24; T. Collins, E. Morris of '25; C. McKinney, '31; W. Clark, '33; L. Becht, R. Johnson, M. Blackford and C. Coen, of '34.

The guests were Mr. Conger, whose son Jim is now breaking swimming records at the Old School; Messrs. Hill and Schmidt, whose sons played great plebe football the past season; M . F . Hook, whose son is now in the Academy; Ensign "Bud" Blandin, '38; Karl Fickes, a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve and an outstanding "Zep" pilot; Lt. R. M. Johnson, USN (MC); Messrs. Lawrence Forbes, William McMonagle, R. Gressard, with their fathers; Messrs. R. Hawkes, P. Edminster, M. Tedrow, Tevis and Beebe.

The Annapolis delegation comprised Captain E. V. McKee, '08, Director of Athletics; Comdr. Ward Davis, '17, Graduate Manager; Major E. E. (Swede) Larson, USMC, '22; Comdr. Morris D. Gilmore, '11, and Head Line Coach E. E. (Rip) Miller.

The theme of Captain McKee's talk was "Learn how to Study" and was well received by the throng.

Ward Davis excellently portrayed the Athletic set-up at the Academy.

"Swede" Larson's subject was "This Game of Football." His talk was most interesting and marked him as an outstanding leader, possessor of pleasing personality, forceful and dynamic. To quote one of the remarks overheard,—"The Academy Grid Teams will enjoy more than average successful seasons under his leadership, even though he is a Marine."

Morris Gilmore came in for his usual "heckling" when he rose to speak on his favorite (?) subjea . . . "Those tickets on the 50 yard line." As usual it was all in fun and

APRIL,

1939

23

For infotmadon concerning the Cleveland Branch, communicate with A. Ray Staud, 922 Union Trust Bldg.

DENVER, COLO. For information concerning the Denver Branch, communicate with G. C. Tarbox, Jr., 1729 Arapahoe Street.

DETROIT, MICH. For information concerning the Detroit Branch, communicate with D . C. Wilkerson, General Motors Building, Detroit, Mich.

FORT WORTH, TEX. W . C. Fowler, ' 2 3 , 2025 Huntington Lane

HOUSTON, TEX. For information concerning the Houston Branch, communicate with T. G. Schirmeyer, Cotton Exchange Bldg.

INDIANAPOLIS, IISD. Address J. E. Fleming, 1015 Architects Bldg., Indianapolis, for information.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. T h e officers of the Los Angeles Branch are; President—^Valentine W o o d , '13.

Vice President—^Whitley Perkins, '12.

Treasurer—Blair MacW. Fuller, ' 2 1 .

Secretary—Gardner K. Grout, '27.

Regular meetings are held at 6.30 P. M. at the Los Angeles Athletic Club the first Wednesday of each month. Time—6.30 P. M. For further information, communicate with Gardner K. Grout, Metropolitan Box 6330, Los Angeles.

MILWAUKEE, WIS. Meerings are held at the Hotel Pfister on the first Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m.

For information concerning the Milwaukee Branch, communicate with Kavanaugh C. Downey, 3328 N o r t h Bartlett Ave.

NEW ORLEANS, LA. Philip Seymour, '08, 822 Perdido St.

NEW YORK, N. Y. Meeting at the University Club, the N e w York Branch held their annual dinner on Friday, March 3rd.

T h e Boys started the evening off in true and ancient style with cocktails, and a holiday spirit prevailed as the gang filed into dinner. The University Club did their bit in producing one of the finest dinners it has been this reporter's pleasure to devour.

After dinner, the annual election of officers and even numbered group leaders were elected. A unanimous vote ushered in the new regime with E. J. Sadler, '99, as President, heading the slate. After thanking the Association for their splendid cooperation in behalf of the retiring staff. Admiral Standley, '95, turned over the gavel to the new President.

24

The new President showed his aptitude for his office in his excellent handling of the duties of toastmaster and introduced the speakers. Admiral Woodward, '99, Commandant of the N e w York Navy Yard, told a series of humorous anecdotes. Captain McKee followed with the dope on what the Navy Athletic Association is doing to improve athletics at the Naval Academy. Captain "Swede" Larson, our new Head Football Coach naturally spoke on Football. His fine, sincere, heart-to-heart talk made a real impression on the gang. He left at least three important messages with the gang. That the 1939 Team is one on which every Navy man will play a part; his pride in his job, and, his aim to put a team on the field next fall that win, lose or draw will be a representative group of the Navy that all Navy men can see, hear about and talk about with real pride. " R i p " Miller followed the "Swede" and in the fine straight-to-the-point language for which he is famous, pledged his gratitude to those who have been interested enough in our Academy to spend their valuable time in cooperating with the authorities in their .selection of future midshipmen who will be able to carry on the work and traditions demanded of them.

Claude Vickery, '15, chairman of the Fleet Ball committee reports that the following are members of the various committees thus far formulated; Honorary Chairman, Junius Morgan, Esq.; Chairman, Claude Vickery; chairman, Reception committee, Hon. Herbert L. Satterlee; chairman, Invitation committee, Admiral Belknap; chairman. Floor committee, George W . Grove; Treasurer, Paul W . Siegrist; Secretary, A. A. Denton, jr., E. J. Sadler, ex-officio. Other members include: Admiral W . H. Standley, Captain Jonas Ingram, A. H. Bigelow, W . F. Griswold, W m .

Strachan, Elmer D. Langworthy, Carl Lamb, Fred Billings.

Luncheons are held the second Tuesdays of each month throughout the year at 12.30 P. M., at the Downtown Athletic Club.

For further information concerning the New York Branch please communicate with W . J. Strachan, '19, Secretary, 17 Harrison St.

PHILADELPHIA, PA. Through the extreme tact and diplomatic handling of difficult situations, Harry E. Yarnell, '97, Admiral, U.S.N., now stationed in the Orient, has won for the United States, the deep respect of both China and Japan, George W . (Smokey) Snyder, 3rd, Lieutenant, U.S.N., told the Philadelphia Branch at its last monthly meeting. "Smokey" told of the fighting troops as he saw them, exploding some of the ideas developed through inaccurate accounts brought to this country. Both the Chinese and Japanese soldiers are very human beings with all the weakness and strength of other nationals.

"They don't like a bayonet anymore than we do," "Smokey" said, "And don't let anyone kid you about that."

After his talk, "Smokey" volunteered to answer what questions he could, only once or twice asking to be excused for "official reasons."

John E. Walsh, '33, just returned from a southern cruise as a reserve ensign on the U.S.S. Phoenix, also spoke. "Johnny" put

his law books away for a few months so he could cast off his title of "polly wog." Plebe year was tame it seems.

According to Johnny, our South American neighbors are enthused about everything American, particularly our President whom they cheered time and time again with shouts of "Roosevelt! Si!" W h i c h is their way of giving the Commander-in-Chief a "Four-N." Answering the roll call were: H . A. Bispham, '85; George W . Eyre, '87; L. B. Bye, '09; G. D . Blasdel and Louis E. Fagan, Jr., '10; A. W . Loder, "12; J. H . Hofi^man and George B. Junkin, ' 1 3 ; Arnold W . Jacobsen, '16; J. L. Woodruff, '17; Harris Allen and John P. Graff, '20; C. William Duncan, J. R. Hughes, B. B. Kane and Geo. W . Snyder, 3rd, ' 2 1 ; Milton C. Jackson, '22; C. F. Markoe, Blackwell Newhall and F. W . Parsons, '23; R. A. Anderson and John H o g g Austin, '24; W . M. Bradbury, Robert C. Conrad and S. H. King, '25 and John E. Walsh, Jr., ' 3 3 .

For information concerning the Philadelphia Branch, communicate with R. Bruce Miller, Secretary, 2210 Rittenhouse Street, Philadelphia.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. For information concerning the San Diego Branch, communicate with P. W . Rudedge, '16, Chula Vista, Calif.

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. March 1st found 30 of us gathered for luncheon, among us several who have not sat with us for quite a time, including Captain M. S. Davis and Lieutenant Laird, the son of our newly eleaed President. Routine matters being disposed of, an eleaion was held with the result that Commander George H . Laird and the incumbent Secretary-Treasurer were eleaed to serve for the coming year. T h e eleaion was not contested and both were eleaed unanimously. Jimmie Howell and Commander Mack were eleaion tellers and served without bond.

It was with regret that Admiral Osterhaus, by reason of a severe cold, was not able to be present and thereby broke an almost perfect record for attendance. W e will look forward to seeing the Admiral at our next luncheon.

Jimmie Howell suggested that a luncheon or possibly a dinner be held in May at the Exposition Grounds contiguous to the Navy Station at Yerba Buena Island and the entertainment committee notified of this disposition.

Commander Graham returned just in time to preside at the last meeting and turned over his chair of office to Commander Laird.

T h e retiring President told us of his trip to Crabtown and also of his being recognized by the midshipmen whom we had had as our guests at luncheon last summer.

Following this a very interesting talk was given by Mr. L. R. Kiebler on money and inflation. H e traced the history of money and the processes of deflation as well as the records of governments in the payments of their debts. H e went further into the functions of money, the effect of inflation on prices, and traced briefly the balance of money value and human effort.

Arrangements for our April luncheon were

SHIPMATE

has requested that our group take action and go on record in the matter. This will be brought u p at our next meeting.

Haller Belt was not with us at our last meeting, as business prevented him, but in the near future he will show a film "The Eyes of Science," showing the production of optical instruments.

Further arrangements will be made and we are all looking forward to what undoubtedly will be most instructive and interesting.

Shipmates meet at

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176

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then taken u p , and Colonel O. P. M. Hazzard has graciously accepted the invitation extended to h i m to address us on the capture of Aguinaldo. Colonel Hazzard has gone on record with the undersigned to state that he desires merely to a a as a narrator and desires to emphasize that his own part in the expedition was merely because he was one of the five American a a o r s in the play. W e are looking forward to meeting and hearing the Colonel, and his message should be an interand unanimously seconded that Captain Ross esting and an historical one.

It is with regret that we learn that Hiram Irwin has been unable to attend any of our meetings for the past sixteen months, by reason of a hit-and-run accident. W e are hoping that his recovery, though it has been slow, is progressing and soon will be complete.

W e miss h i m and look forward to having him with us again.

W h i l e visiting the Exposition on Verba Buena shoals the other day the Secretary took a p i a u r e of the Navy Station from the Fair Grounds and is sending the negative along with this article as it may look familiar to some of our members who have served there.

T h e Bridge from San Francisco to Oakland attaches itself to the Island and those visiting the Fair circle the Island on a broad causeway.

Also a negative and picture of "EI Jardin" where we meet.

Our next luncheon, April 5th; the time, 12 noon; the place, El Jardin, 26 California Street, San Francisco, California.

Russell C. Ryan, Secretary.

ST. LOUIS, MO. For information concerning the St. Louis Branch, communicate with W m . Pitt Kellogg, 630 South 2nd St.

TULSA, OKLA. For information, communicate with John E. Kirkpatrick, ' 3 1 , 1407 North Peoria.

WASHINGTON, D. C. T h e Washington Branch held a delightful dinner-dance at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., the evening of Friday, March 10th.

Dancing to Dot Wildman's swing band, one hundred and thirty members, their wives, guests and sweethearts had a grand time. During the excellent dinner which the Army-Navy Country Club prepared, pretty and talented Evelyn Knight from "Vine" Gallagher's H O U R GLASS entertained delightfully. Cocktails were served on the porch before dinner.

W h e n the dance was over, in the small wee hours of the morning, all hands voted the party a huge success and particularly complimented the committee who had worked so efficiently and hard to put it over.

For information concerning the Washington Branch, please communicate with R. D .

Stinson, 6401 Georgia St., Chevy Chase, Md.

It was moved by Commander Graham Culp be made a D i r e a o r to fill the unnexpired term of Commander Bertschy, who by reason of sea duty has been taken from our midst. T h e unexpired term is for one year.

It was also moved and carried that the Executive Committee appoint Ross Culp from the D i r e a o r s to a a as Vice President. This will officially be done at our next meeting.

It is with pleasure that we announce that on the m o r n i n g of February 21st the stork hovered over the residence of Ray Kimbell, at 2433 Lawton Street, San Francisco, with the result that Ray and Mrs. Kimbell are the proud parents of a seven and a half pound future midshipman. Congratulations to the Kimbells. ( S H I P M A T E adds their congratulations, ED.

NOTE).

T h e absence of Captain Stanford Moses at several of our meetings base been explained by a message received to the effect that he is now residing in Mexico City with Mrs. Moses.

W e extend to Captain and Mrs. Moses our best wishes and hope that they will soon be back in the Bay Region again.

Hubert McLellan has submitted a newspaper article from one of the leading publications, in which is advocated the establishment of a second Naval Academy on the Pacific Coast. T h e article reports Representative Tolan, a Democrat of Berkeley, as introducing the bill which is now in the hands of the House Committee and Naval affairs. Hubert

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