"l IUi$h C. B. Could Have Been Thers"

The above was the oft-expressed r,r'ish heard here and there and everywhere among ths throng gathered at the main office plaza to r.','itness the presentation of the "E" to Union Lumber Company.

"C. R." of course refers to the late Charles R. Johnson, father of Otis R. Johnson, present president, who founded IJnion Lumber Company over 60 years ago when Fort Bragg, now a thriving community of 5,000, was nothing but a wilderness.

Endeared to the entire community through his long association with the company, "C. R." was present, however, in spirit in the shape of the Charles R. Johnson Memorial, huge Redwood 1og which formed the backdrop for the setting in which the "E" ceremony took place. Cut from a giant Redwood 2I f.eet in diameter, the log was dedicated a year ago at a ceremony reminiscent of the current occasion.

Having channeled production of Union Lumber Company's Noyo Redwood into the service of the nation during two previous wars, "C. R." would undoubtedly have taken greater pride than anyone present in witnessing the recognition of the company he founded for its outstanding contribution to the objectives of the nation in the present struggle.

In a colorful setting spiced by the salty tang of an oceanborne squall which failed to dampen the spirits of the 3,000 enthusiastic onlookers, Vice Admiral John W. Greenslade, Resources Coordinator, Western Sea Frontier, presented the Army-Navy "E" Award to Union Lumber Company

February 4 for "outstanding achievement in war production of Redwood."

Promptly at 3 p.m. the Mare Island Navy Band opened the colorful ceremony with the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Raising of the Colors. Chairman of the Day James L. Snell, superintendent of Fort Bragg schools, then introduced Admiral Greenslade.

In making the presentation Admiral Greenslade paid tribute to the resilience of American industry, comparing its spirit to that of the military forces which, like a game prize-fighter, climbed back off the floor after the stunning blows of Pearl Harbor and Bataan and reversed the situation. Calling attention to the fact that stiff resistance is yet to be encountered in the Pacific, he addressed the workers as follows :

"Thus you see it is as important as ever to maintain or increase our productive efficiency if we are to bring Japan to her knees by 1946. That is why it gives me special pleasure to award you today the Army-Navy'E', the highest award of its kind given in this country. Judging by your record, it is well merited indeed.

"As you know, the Redwood timber which you process and convert into lumber here, has done yeoman duty for our fighting fleet. This critical material is used as the core of the laminated decking for aircraft carriers, and at advanced bases is urgently needed because of its ability to resist rot and decay.

(Continued on Page 22)