| VOL. I | 21 March, 1942 | NO. XXXIX |
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THE BUREAU of Aeronautics, in cooperation with the U.S. Office of Education, is sponsoring a program for building in high schools throughout the country 600,000 scale model aircraft for use by the Navy, Army, and civilian defense groups in aircraft recognition and range estimation training. There will be 10,000 models of each of fifty different types of Allied and Axis aircraft, all built to an exact scale of one to seventy-two
Plans for building the models, prepared by this bureau, together with necessary instructional materials, are being distributed by the U.S. Office of Education. Plans and instructional material for building the first twenty types have already been distributed.
Plans and instructional material may be made available, if desired, to personnel interested in constructing models for use by their own activity. Twenty-four copies of "Construction Procedure" are now on hand in the Crew's Library and may be obtained by men desiring to build models.
1. Be doubly cautious when with strangers. The most innocent appearing people may be spies.
2. Do not pass on the latest rumors. They can cause havoc, and are often started by enemy agents for their special purpose.
3. Give no military news in your letters.
4. Beware of the defeatist mood.
5. Beware of arguments. Do not pose as a know-it-all.
6. Never discuss military affairs in public places or in street cars, buses, or taxis. Because there is no one in sight, it does not follow that there is no one within earshot.
| A. E. Lewis | J. Roberts |
| R. Lebel | J. E. Horton |
| R. B. Rask | W. H. Hutto |
| J. Knaub |
All hands extend hearty congratulations!
Michael Dorn, Sixth Division, received a message from his grandmother that his wife had given birth to a big baby boy and that both mother and baby are doing fine. Congratulations to the proud parents!
THE GREAT traditions of the United States Navy, studded with the names of a host of heroes, are now enshrined in the Naval Museum opened two years ago on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Exhibits have been arranged in chronological order so that if you are so inclined, you can trace the growth and achievements of the infant Navy of the Revolution down to the mighty battle fleet so much in the news today.
The Navy's first commander-in-chief was George Washington, and numerous objects associated with him are on display--his Spode cup and saucer, whist counters, the original parchment deed for the transfer of Woodstock Manor, Maryland, his dinner invitation to James Madison, his silver and gold buckles, the comb used in dressing his hair when he visited Annapolis.
Equally numerous are the possessions of John Paul Jones, who early established the tradition of victory -- his commission signed by John Bancock in 1776, his service sword, quadrant, and his letterbook containing copies of his correspondence as commander of the Ranger and the Bon Homme Richard.
Stephen Decatur, who made his first bid for fame in the Tripolitan campaign, is represented by three swords, bookplates, and a dinner service. There, too, is the cutlass of Thomas Macdonough, who served under Decatur at Tripoli, later led the American fleet to victory over the British at Plattsburg, New York.
The seal ring of Captain James Lawrence, and the sword and watch of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry also recall stirring victories of the War of 1812. Lawrence uttered the rallying cry of the fleet with his immortal words, "Don't give up the ship." The battle flag bearing these words, used by Commodore Perrv when he drove the British from Lake Erie, is a prized possession of the museum.
Nothing is so expressive of valor as battle flags, and the museum has a wealth of them--the pennant of the British frigate Guerriere captured by "Old Ironsides," fragments of the Constitution's battle flag, those of the Tecumseh, which fought in the Battle of Mobile Bay, and the ill-fated Maine. There is another which was taken from the Reins Christina after Manila, and the ensign flown by Dewey's flagship during the battle.
None of the flags quite matches in curiosity the home-made imitation of an American ensign carried by a sampan in Canton, China, October 27, 1938. Its twelve four-sided stars, four red stripes and three white ones were designed to circumvent the Japanese.
Invaluable are the ship models which range all the way from one of a royal barge built in 1675 through Perry's flagship, the brig Lawrance, to the Navy Department's own models for shipbuilders.
One of the most colorful displays is the vast collection of naval prints depicting stirring- scenes in the service's history at home and abroad.
Sidelights on the everyday life of battle wagons long ago are furnished by such oddities as the battle rattle used to summon the ship's company, the scrimshaw executed by sailors in days of sail, samples of their knots, and even of their embroidery.
There is no charge for admission to the museum, which is just inside the Maryland Avenue gates of the Naval Academy.
There are stories told in the Navy of San Francisco, New York, and New Orleans being the friendliest cities in the United States.
To these are now added stories on board many ships of the Navy of the city or town of X, as the old fashioned novels would say. Through censorship regulations, the fourth place is easily recognized by anyone who ever has been there, for what other place except one could rightly be added to the formidable trio of cities named above?
It is pleasurable for a Navy man to visit a city where there is an intelligent effort being made to provide wholesome and clean entertainment; where it has been known for a ship to have four dances on successive days in one week; where he feels that a sincere effort is being made to make him feel at home; where it is easy for single men to meet friendly and respectable girls from fine families; where the interest of the people is not confined to his bank roll; but rather where money has been raised and spent to promote recreational facilities that compare favorably with those afforded by New York and San Fransisco? For example, three hundred families felt aggrieved because, when many hundreds of sailors were invited for a holiday dinner to homes of townspeople, the ships could not supply enough men for all households that desired to entertain them.
The real old time Navy man shows deep appreciation when he can go ashore in such friendly surroundings. His conduct is such as to reflect only credit upon the uniform he wears We knows that a few screwballs in uniform can develop a situation where Navy men would be welcomed only in bars. He tries to curb the thoughtless individuals who mistake liberty for license.
As for this ship, if it happens that we are fortunate enough to visit such a city or town after a cruise at any time in the near or distant future, may it be said again as was said by a shore patrol officer on one occasion. that Washington men know how to behave themselves. A reputation like that is worth more than riches; it gives the ship a good name that wins pleasant friends ashore and afloat.
I've got a gal so far away,
And she is fair, not pale,
But how can I send my love to her,
When the censors read my mail?
This gal is, Oh! so very sweet,
I love her willy-nilly,
But how can I tell her of my love
When in print it looks so silly?
I hate the thought of those tender
words
Being read by strangers' eyes,
The soul-writ words for her alone,
The lies and alibis.
So read epistles gently, sir,
They are not meant for you,
But for a girl so far away
I scrawl this silly goo.
And when you read this letter, sir,
Perhaps laugh with keen delight,
Remember sir, that another censor
Reads the love letters you write.
-----Vernon Dale French- 5th Div.
"Now son," said the fond mother, as her boy was starting to join the Navy, "remember to be punctual in rising so you will not keep the Captain waiting for his breakfast."
A man, as well as an institution, needs a solid financial foundation.
Young Americans are inclined to be good spenders. It is said that they lack the ability to accumulate for the future. Thrift and saving habit are essential to a successful career.
One of the first problems a young man must face when he launches out on his own resources is how to manage his finances. And it is at this point where the majority fail. The reason for this is probably tile absence of the proper habits.
It is necessary to form the saving habit early in life. While the money saved will be a great help, it is quite possible that the habit itself will be the most valuable part of the process in days to come. Dollars in the bank or in investments, the saving habit as a part of character and a few thousand dollars insurance will keep a man on an even keel as he sails into the responsibilities of the uncertain future.
He should allow a part of his wages to accumulate for future needs. While a man is young, he should provide against the approach of old age and adversity by storing up, in a sense, a part of the energy of his youth in terms of cash.
"The enemy has struck--There is no time to lose. The Navy must lead the way." To this order of the Secretary of the Navy no other reply suggests itself than "Aye, aye Sir!" That salty phrase of obedience is famous even to landsmen and will help decide our destiny: American freedom or iron-bound Axis slavery. Obedience is our greatest toast to freedom although its very definition means submission in will and in act to authority.
A statesman named Ames cried out that "a government must compel the obedience of individuals." But to us that statement does not apply, and for the reason that we need not be compelled. We have already dedicated that obedience, not to any senior in himself, but to Liberty's ensign which that senior wants to be kept flown as it flew at McHenry with colors of right, justice and truth.
An eagle represents Navy spirit and an eagle cannot be bound. It is a huge bird with spirt as undaunted as the waves. It keeps flying above its ships through men with its own spirit, men big enough to submit to the obedience by which the waves are ruled. Chaucer once wrote to a superior: "my will obeys your mill like a ship obeys her helm."
The command "Don't give up the ship!" was given only because it was expected to be obeyed. It was obeyed and it still applies. We are attacked by men with the spirit of jackals What is the defense? It is a continuation of the Naval glory of 1776 and 1812, signifying bravery under leadership, yes, obedience directing bravery with the spirit of the Greatest of all Leaders. Christ was obedient, and not obedient only, but obedient unto death, and not only to death, but to the death of the cross--for the salvation of others.
It is prompt, willing, cheerful obedience that makes our Navy the finest in the world; one that will not play second best to Japan or to Hitler. It is that spirit which prompts our Navy ever to proclaim that as large as this country is, it is too small for any flag except the red, white and blue.
Some time ago a ship's officer was ashore on patrol in an unnamed port when he noticed a sailor wearing a white hat. Seeing his duty he proceeded to cut loose with a lecture because the wearer was out of uniform and, as a final punch line, concluded his eloquent address by ordering the lad back to his ship. "But Sir," said the lad in the sailor suit, when finally he was able to say a word, "I am a sea scout."
In telling the story on himself the? officer commented, "At that, he was probably older than some of the men in my division."
The Chairman of the American Red Cross has expressed his appreciation of the contributions of the Atlantic Fleet in a letter to Commander Service Force which is quoted in part:
"It is with pleasure that I acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 9th enclosing checks and money orders amounting to $18,728.62, representing High Seas Roll Call membership contributions of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet to the American Red Cross.
"I want you to know how pleased we are by this very tangible evidence of the interest of the officers and men of our Navy in the work which the Red Cross is doing in the war emergency, and especially in that part of the program which concerns itself with service to the men of our Armed Forces wherever they may be. I will be glad if you will kindly express our sincere thanks to every contributer."
Al Jolson was so hopped up about "Poi", the Hawaiian delicacy, when he was first told about it he got on a liner and went there to get some... He couldn't wait to taste it, so great was the build-up..."Oh," they told him, "you'll never eat anything else."
The boat docked and Jolson didn't even wait to pick up his bags. "Where can I get some poi?" He asked..."In any restaurant," he was told...Jolson got into a cab and went into the nearest restaurant. "You got some poi'" he asked excitedly..."Wot kind you like," was the retort, "stromberry or opple?"
------From the KANFORT KLIPPER
Boxing workouts in preparation for contests with other naval units are now in progress. The men have a long way to go after a long layoff to get in the pink of condition. With a lot of hard work, it is hoped that they will rapidly round into shape. Fifteen or twenty men -- about eight with previous experience-- are working out. Many more men, both experienced and inexperienced, are invited to start regular workouts. Report to Mr. Fargo or Levine and Kirchke. Among the men are the Following:
| De Santis | Graham |
| Russo | Heunekes |
| Wondalawski | Conrad |
| Lewanski | Beacht |
| Stahnke | Massar |
| Yow | Manning |
"Gripping" interest in wrestling is developing aboard with the announcement at there are prospects of meets with other naval units. While the material available is shaping up well, it is desired by Mr. Heimark, who is coaching the wrestlers, that more men report for the daily workouts. This will provide a larger field from which to pick a competitive team and also will prove beneficial to the participants themselves. Wrestling, of course, is an excellent conditioning sport which adapts itself to the confines of a ship. Experience is not necessary; just an interest in developing yourself and in learning the game are the only prerequisites. New covers for the wrestling mats are now in use.
U.S.S. Washington's undefeated basketball team is again resuming practice with the possibility of several games in the near future. The team has been slightly handicapped by the loss of two players through transfer Adequate replacements seem to be available, however. Any man who would like to try for the team see Joe Gendron in the Paint Locker.
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