21 April 1945 Norfolk Seabag - U.S. Naval Training Station Newsletter

Front Page of the Norfolk Seabag Newsletter of the US Naval Training Station, Norfolk, VA. Vol. XXIII, No. 16, Saturday, 21 April 1945.

Front Page of the Norfolk Seabag Newsletter of the US Naval Training Station, Norfolk, VA. Vol. XXIII, No. 16, Saturday, 21 April 1945. GGA Image ID # 19be988eca

BLUEJACKETS PAY HOMAGE TO ROOSEVELT

Thousands of Training Station bluejackets along with civilian workers of the Naval Operating Base gathered on the Parade Ground opposite the Administration Building last Saturday to pay tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the late President of the United States. It was probably the largest assemblage on the Parade Ground since July 29, 1940, when Roosevelt reviewed recruits of the Naval Training Station.

The picture at top was taken as the memorial service opened and the huge gathering observed a five-minute period of silence and meditation. The brief services were conducted by Captain J. V. Claypool, ChC, USNR (left above) assisted by .Lieut. F. C. B. Bellis, ChC, USNR. There were many damp eyes as the solemn Ritual for the Burial of the Dead from the prayerbook of the Protestant Episcopal Church was intoned .. . "The righteous live forever . . ."

Following the reading of the 23rd Psalm by Chaplain Claypool and a prayer by Chaplain Bellis, the band played one of the late President's favorite hymns, "Battle Hymn of the Republic." The impressive service closed as a bugler sounded taps and the band played the National Anthem.

Out of respect to the late President formal entertainment, such as dances, will not be held during the 30-day period of mourning.

(Photos Courtesy 5th Naval District Public Relations Office)

PAGE 2 THE NORFOLK SEABAG

PAGE 2	THE NORFOLK SEABAG

Weekly Newspaper of NAVAL TRAINING STATION, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

Staff Members

  • Commodore H. D. Clarke, USN
    Commanding
  • Captain Daniel M. McGurl, trim
    Executive Officer
  • Lt-Cdr. J. W. Casey, USNR, Editor
  • Lt. (Jg) H. J. Masterson ChC-V(S), USNR, Associate Editor
  • Maynard Deekens, CSp (X)
    Managing Editor
  • Harry Postove, Sp (X) 1c,
    Sports Editor
  • Willie Mae Gillis, Y2c, Waves

ANY OLD CLOTHES TODAY? DRIVE STARTED TO AID EUROPE'S DESTITUTE

Destitute children and adults of liberated countries in Europe and the Orient will benefit from the United Nations Clothing Drive' which has just begun on the Naval Operating Base and will continue through Monday, April 30.

If you have any old clothes which you no longer need, take them to the American Red Cross building, which is located directly across the Drill Field from the 5th Naval District Administration Building. It will be open daily from 0800 until 2100 until the termination of the drive.

Articles of clothing urgently needed include bedding, men's and boys' garments (such as overcoats, topcoats, suits, coats, jackets, shirts, underwear and work clothes of all types); shoes (with exception of high heel shoes and evening slippers); women's and girls' garments, and infants' garments.

Old Navy clothing may be contributed. However, all Navy insignia, such as rating badges and buttons, must be removed first.

NEGRO STARS WIN

The NTS Negro All Stars won their first baseball game Wednesday by defeating the Norfolk Army Base, 7-5, on the latter's field. Holmes hit a home-run with two aboard.

New City, Iowa (CNS)—Jimmy Smith, 11, stopped cutting his birthday cake to demonstrate to his friends his conception of Jap hari-kari methods. He wound up in New City hospital with an uncritical, accidentally inflicted wound in the stomach.

THE LIGHTER SIDE

Recruit: "What time do we go to work in the morning?"

Chief: "Listen, Mate, in the Navy you don't ever go to work —you wake up surrounded by it."


A conference is a group of men who individually can do nothing, but as a group they can meet and decide nothing can be done.


A Britisher's first glimpse of sea gulls on American shores led him to observe: "My, what a fine flock of pigeons!"

"Gulls, not pigeons," suggested a chance hearer.

"Well, gulls or boys, it's a mighty fine flock of pigeons."


Garage helper: Your doctor is out here with a flat tire.

Garageman: Diagnose the case as flatulency of the perimeter and charge him accordingly. That's the way he does.


Two apprentice seamen walked by carrying a third on a stretcher.

"What happened to him?" asked a passerby.

"Aw, he just came off scullery detail," replied one- of the seamen.

"Yeah, but that's not the way to the hospital."

"Hospital, my eye. He's going on guard duty!"


Before the war, gals wanted sheer stockings to look like bare legs. Now that they have bare legs, they use make-up to make them look like stockings.


A sugar daddy is a form of crystallized sap.


1st Wave: "How come you're in the brig"

2nd Wave: "It was just my luck that the sailor I replaced had to serve 90 days."

APD 96 SOFTBALLERS WIN AT UNIT 'B'

There's going to be some hotly-contested battles in the Unit B Inter-Crew Softball loop if the first game is any criterion.

APD 96 blanked APD 107, 5-0, with Solis handing out the coat of whitewash. Solis didn't permit an opponent to get as far as third until the seventh inning and then he bore down to fan the last two batters.

Ewintell, the losing pitcher, got off to a shaky start, then settled down and held the opposition in check until his defense collapsed in the ninth to help in a two-run rally. Breslow displayed a flashy brand of ball for the victors around the initial sack, while Read costarred with Swintell for the losers.

DIVINE SERVICES

Protestant Chapel Services, Sundays
The David Adams Memorial Chapel

  • 0700—Holy Communion
  • 0830—Divine Service
  • 0930—Divine Service and Holy Communion
  • 0930—Sunday School (Frazier Hall)
  • 1100—Divine Service (Holy Communion 1st Sunday of every month).
  • 1900—Vesper Musicale

Holy Communion Week Days at 0620

Servicemen's Christian League each Monday night-1930 (Frazier Hall)


Roman Catholic Services

Our Lady of Victory Chapel

Sunday Masses-0700, 0800, 0900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400.
(Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament after 1100 Mass).

Weekday Masses-0620, 1645, 1730.

Confessions

Saturdays — 1600 - 1800 and 1900 -2030.
Weekdays-1615 - 1730
Thursday before each first Friday of the month 1700 - 2030.

First Friday — (Sacred Heart Devotions) after 1615 Mass

Study Club—Tuesdays and Thursdays-2000 (Frazier Hall)


Jewish Services — Frazier Hall

Sundays — 1100

Fridays — 1830


Christian Science Service

Frazier Hall

Sunday — 0930

Thursday — 1930


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meets in room 21 Frazier Hall, every Friday 1800.

EYE GLASSES AVAILABLE AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE

Under a comprehensive program which went into effect on March 15, the Navy will provide eye glasses and optical repairs and replacements at government expense for any man or woman, officer or enlisted, on active duty.

To insure quick service the Navy has inserted a provision in the contracts with optical firms that all orders must be filled within 10 days of receipt.

Personnel who already have glasses may have frames repaired and broken lenses replaced even though they are not the standard type, but the personnel who desire to obtain new glasses of other than the standard type will be obliged to buy them privately from civilian sources without cost to the government for either frames or lenses.

Fifty naval hospitals and dispensaries (including the Naval Hospital at Portsmouth) have been set up where personnel may obtain glasses and optical repairs.

FOUND—Fountain pen near Training Station Dental Clinic. Owner may obtain pen upon proper identification at "Seabag" office, first deck of NTS Administration Building.

LOST: At Ocean View, gold Gruen watch with name "C. R. Bain" on it. Finder please call N.O.B., Ext. 3130.

THE NORFOLK SEABAG PAGE 3

THE NORFOLK SEABAG PAGE 3

Scene During Religious Services In Unit 'A'

JAMES SMITH, ORDAINED MINISTER, CONDUCTS DIVINE SERVICES FOR NEGRO PERSONNEL ON TRAINING STATION

Each Sunday morning at 0830 a Divine service is held for Negro personnel in the recreation building, A-16, in the Steward's Mates Pre-Commissioning Training Unit.

This service has proven very popular and has been well attended. Lieut. J. H. Bowser is the officer in charge of this activity and is interested in developing the spiritual life of personnel within his Unit.

In June of 1944 a request came from the Steward's Mates Training Unit to the Senior Chaplain of NTS, Captain J. V. Claypool, ChC, USNR, for permission to hold Divine service in the unit. Since that time, James Smith, Cook first class, who was ordained in 1944 by the Southern Baptist Church, has been conducting the 0830 service. The men in the unit refer to him as "Reverend" Smith. His father, Robert James Smith, is a retired pastor of a Methodist Church in Memphis, Tenn.

A portable altar, with a tryptich for a background, a cross and candlesticks help beautify the service. Recently a pulpit was added. The Chaplain's Department at Frazier Hall supplies this activity with altar linen and candles when needed.

There are several unique features about this 0830 service. After the scripture reading by E. O. McDougal, StMlc, the whole congregation is led by James Smith, Cook first class, in the singing of a Negro spiritual entitled "Lay Down My Burdens."

The nature of the Divine service is somewhat in the form of a Sunday School lesson in that a Sunday School manual is used. Smith elaborates on the printed lesson, and members of the congregation have the privilege of making their own comments on the lesson.

Frequently, when an organist is not available for the small portable Estey organ, the congregation sings a cappella.

In addition to the morning service at the Steward's Mates Training Unit, Bible classes are held every Wednesday evening from 1930 to 2030. All Negro personnel on the Station are invited to attend these religious services at Building A-16.--(Chaplain Miller).

RED CROSS OFFERS FREE NOTARY SERVICE

The American Red Cross welcomes the opportunity to extend free notary public service to all Naval personnel. This service can be secured at the office of the field director, Naval Operating Base, located directly across the drill field from the Administration Building of the 5th Naval District. Office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. Saturdays, 8:30 a. m. to 12 noon.

GOLF MATCH

Naval Operating Base vs. Camp Patrick Henry will. be the first team golf match feature attraction at the N.O.B. Golf Course Wednesday, May 2, beginning at 1330.

Carrying the colors of N.O.B. will be Capt. L. P. Treadwell, Lt. Comdr. W. A. Parke", Lt.(jg) C. M. Parker, Chief Specialist Paul Runyan, former National P.G.A. champion; Chief Specialist John O'Donnell and Specialist Chandler Harper, International 4-ball champion.

Patrick Henry will be represented by Col. John R. Fountain, Capt. Carl E. Barker, Lt. John Fortunato, Metropolitan New York amateur champion; Corp. Joseph Fortunato„ Metropolitan N e w York pro; Pvt. Eddie Oliver, former uncrowned Open champion, Bing Crosy, Open winner.

The first match ended all even.

Engineering School

The week's competition in the Engineering School found DD Nucleus Crew 8-E coming through with top honors by massing a score of 3.73, more than enough to offset their nearest competitor, DD Nucleus Crew 12-E. The latter crew had a score of 3.55 for the week. APD 118 trailed both these crews with a score of 3.42.

The following men made 4.0 on the weekly examinations: W. E. Beilman, C. W. Taylor, W. T. Kirk, L. J. Meadows, A. J. Riley, E. F. Wahl and R. D. Seeley, all of DD Nucleus Crew 12-E; R. J. Barry, S. W. Holden, P. F. Wollschlager, all from DD Crew 8-E, and S. Nave of APD 96.

Our Lady of Victory Chapel was the scene of a pretty wedding on April 11 when Miss Jane Musco, of Ocean View, daughter of Lt. (jg) Anthony Musco, became the bride of Lt. (jg) Floyd Smith. The ceremony was performed by Chaplain H. J. Masterson.

THE BLOOD BANK NEEDS YOUR BLOOD

PAGE 4 THE NORFOLK SEABAG

PAGE 4	THE NORFOLK SEABAG

Around the Naval Training Station in general and down at Unit X in particular, the bowling addicts rave about the duckpin feats of one William LaBille.

He's the big anchor man of the Unit X team which recently made a successful defense of the Station Crew Bowling League championship.

One of LaBille's major boosters is John McHugh, the red-haired manager of the title-winning Unit X crew. Take it from McHugh, LaBille is a great guy to have on your ball club.

"All we did during the past season," commented McHugh the other day, "was to tell LaBille how many pins were needed to win and he did the rest."

LaBille's scores proved he was the class of the circuit. He rolled a 170 game for the highest individual mark of the campaign and was consistent in posting strikes and spares from start to finish.

Bowling is not a new sport to LaBille. Before he enlisted in the Navy, the Unit X star was knocking the little pins over with regularity of Washington., D. C., his home town.
And if you don't believe it, just visit LaBille sometime. He has a household full of trophies.

HERE AND THERE —

Rain washed out the official major league opener last Monday between the Washington Senators and the New York Yankees. This was to be a Roosevelt Memorial game. It will be made up in memory of a man who helped to keep baseball alive during its darkest days . . .

Tennis is a favorite sport among the Station Crew personnel. Ten courts and plenty of equipment are available for all hands . . . Bill Deininger, the baseball player, is hitting the tenpins high, wide and handsome at the Unit J Alleys. His high is 243 and he's ready to challenge all corners . . . Hubby Walker and Al Evans, former NAS team mates, were opening day starters for Detroit and Washington, respectively, in the 1945 American League race. Both are Navy dischargees.— (Harry Postove).

TRAINING STATION, NAS NINES CLASH TOMORROW

The old Naval Training Station- , Naval Air Station athletic rivalry will flare anew in baseball Sunday when the two nines stage the first of their 1945 series at McClure Field at 1400.

Lt. (jg) Andy Pilney, former Notre Dame All-American footballer, is coaching NAS on the diamond this season. He will put a well-balanced outfit on the field tomorrow against the Bluejackets.

Pitching for NAS will probably be Dale Jones, fireball right-hander who was with the Philadelphia Phillies before enlisting in the Navy. NTS will( pick its starter from Jack Robinson, Herb Chmiel and Joe Rustick.

Following the initial meeting with NAS, the Bluejackets will return to Piedmont League competition Monday in a three-game series with the Norfolk Tars.

Two new righthanders, Barnett and Peden, worked for the Bluejackets in the 8 to 5 victory on April 12 over the Portsmouth Cubs. Barnett left the game with a 7-2F lead and Peden gave up three runs and twice as many hits in the last four innings.

Ace Parker, NTS coach, parked his second circuit clout in the third inning. Triples were poled by a couple of Bills—Deininger and Mueller. Deininger also had a double for his day's efforts.

Camp Patrick Henry, which looms as one of the most dangerous foes on the NTS schedule, came here Tuesday and gave the Bluejackets trouble aplenty in a 2-2 stalemate halted by rain in the last half of the seventh inning.

A smashing home run drive by Preibisch in the sixth inning tied the score and saved NTS from defeat. Parker scored the other tally for our side, doubling in the Fifth, tagging up on Deininger's fly to center and racing home on a wild pitch.

HOW WE'RE HITTING

Batting Averages (Including Game AB of April 12)
Player AB R H RPI Pct.
Cross 30 11 15 6 .500
McCullough 28 10 12 16 .429
Parker. A. 29 8 12 4 .414
Deininger 10 1 4 2 .400
Mueller 35 2 9 5 .257
Preibisch 35 4 9 9 .257
DeVaurs 24 10 6 3 .250
Robinson 6 0 1 0 .167
Allen 7 2 1 2 .143
Meyer 17 3 2 2 .118
Rustick 3 1 0 0 .000
Chmiel 4 0 0 0 .000
Parker, C. 1 0 0 0 .000
Broskie 1 0 0 0 .000
Neener 3 0 0 0 .000
Barnett 2 0 0 0 .000
Totals 274 56 80 52 .290
Pitching Record
Pitcher W L IP H R Winning Pct.
Neeper 1 0 6 2 1 1,000
Barnett 1 0 6 2 1 1,000
Robinson 1 2 18 25 18 .333
Rustick 0 0 12 11 2 .000
Chmiel 0 0 9 11 7 .000
Collins 0 0 3 2 0 .000

18 TEAMS ENTER SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Eighteen teams have entered' the Station Crew Softball League which is slated to open in mid-May.

Entries have been received from Dental Prosthetic, Mail Index, Housing Office, Officers' Training School, Gunnery No. 1, Commissary, Personnel, Communications School, Athletic Dept., Unit A Dispensary, CIC School, Provost Guard, Torpedo School, Maintenance Dept., A.S.W., Gunnery No. 2, Dental General and Seamanship School.
Plans are being made at this time for a method in conducting the loop.' A survey has been taken as to how the teams wish to run the playoffs, etc.

All games will be played on the Main Drill Field, with the official starting time set at 1700.

An Officers' League, under the supervision of Lt.(jg) G. L. Brown and Lt.(jg) H. R. Wilson, will be conducted by the Training Department. Officers' games will be played on the diamond behind McClure Field.

Tennis and Golf tournaments are on the summer program.

* * *
A tennis tourney is planned in June. With Ensign Earl Keth, last year's champ, detached, a wide open fight can be expected. No date has been set for the golf event.

Watch the Seabag for more information on these tournaments in the future.

BUY MORE BONDS !

For the second straight year, Unit X emerged with championship honors in the Station Crew Bowling League. Members of the title-winning group shown above are, (left to right): James Anneblo, Robert Sheeran, John Carr, John McHugh, manager; William LaBille, Percy Fuller and Comdr. Frank Schlapp, officer-in-charge of the Receiving Unit.

THE NORFOLK SEABAG PAGE 5

THE NORFOLK SEABAG	PAGE 5

NTS WAVE FLASHES
By Willie May Gillis

Moans and groans emanating from the first session of the class of would-be horseback riders are believed to be of a temporary nature—or are we too optimistic!

However, in the event afore-mentioned recreation is a little too "rugged" for some, there are less rigorous activities in the offing with weekly tennis lessons at 1800 on Wednesdays ("weather permitting" understood) under the able direction of Ens. Anne Rochester and Ruth Ross, RM2c. And Seaman Mary Chauncey, an experienced instructor, will commandeer archery classes at 1800 on Tuesdays. For you who like outdoor living — opportunity is knocking!


Possibly the CPO who sent the following lines to "Kit" Mattingly, MAA at '68, would be surprised to learn how many chuckles they have brought forth among local Waves:

"A SAILOR'S LAMENT"

I think that I shall never rave About another Navy Wave.

A Wave whose appetite's no fake, Who orders caviar and steak.

A Wave who with me looks at stars Then turns her head for silver bars.

A Wave who must forever wear Six inches chopped off from her hair.

A Wave who likes to stay out late But can't be kissed at her front gate.

Oh give me strength my soul to save

And never date another Wave.

— (Author Unknown.)


One of the prettier NOB weddings took place earlier in the month when Lucille Skuzinski, SK3c, and Lloyd Belperain, CPhoM, were united in marriage at Our Lady of Victory Chapel. The bride put aside her uniform for a time—was attired in typical bridal dress—white taffeta with the traditional sweetheart neckline, long sleeves pointed over the hands, full skirt with sweeping train, and so right on down to a bouquet of gardenias with lilies of the valley and stephanotis.

Alma Ross, Y3c, Lucille's Maid of Honor, wore a blush-rose dress—carried an old fashioned bouquet of spring flowers. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the A'13 lounge for the happy couple who are both attached to ComServLant.

PRESIDENT ADDRESSES SERVICEMEN

`Depending On Each And Every One Of You' Declares Truman

Following are excerpts from an address to servicemen Tuesday night by the new Commander-inChief oil the Army and Navy, President Harry Truman:

"As a veteran of the First World War, I have seen death on the battlefield. When I fought in France with the 35th Division, I saw good officers and men fall and be replaced.

"I know that this is also true of the officers and men of the other services, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.

"I know the strain, the mud, the misery, the utter weariness of the soldier in the field. And I know too his courage, his stamina and his faith in comrades, his country and himself. "We are depending on each and every one of you.

"Yesterday I said to the Congress and I repeat it now:

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude . . . America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of justice and freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon.' "

NAVY CASUALTIES IN THIS WAR NOW 5 TIMES AS HIGH AS ALL OTHER WARS

More than five times as many Navy men have been killed in action during the present war as in all previous wars of the United States combined.

Statistics from the Office of Naval Records and Library in the Navy Department show that total Naval losses in all wars involving the United States from the American Revolution through World War I amounted to about 4,232 killed in action. In World War II, 22,481 men of the Navy alone, excluding the Coast Guard and Marine Corps, have been killed in action, the Navy casualty report of February 12 revealed.

Approximately 1,356 men were killed in action in all early Naval battles and later minor engagements of the United States, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914.

During the United States Civil War, deaths in Naval battles reached a total of 2,117. Eighteen Navy men died in action during the Spanish-American War, with 259 lost on the USS Maine preceding the war.

Only 422 Navy officers and men were killed in action during the World War I.

SHIPS DEADLOCKED IN UNIT "B" RACE

The week's end found three ships deadlocked at 3.95 for honors in barracks and ground competition at Unit "B." They were the USS D. 0. Wood, the USS Auman (now detached) and the USS R. K. Edwards.

Much of the credit for the tremendous improvement of the USS Wood, which last week rated 3.86, belongs to Boilermaker first class W. Tatro and Baker third class N. E. Fuller, crew masters-at-arms. They saw to it that the men who wear the colors of the USS Wood were "on the ball."

Two sturdy destroyer transports, the USS Hall and USS Baduck, were deadlocked for second place honors at 3.93. In last place was the USS Cobb with a 3.86 average.

SAILOR, 17, DROPS DEAD AT UNIT "J"

A lifetime friendship between two sailors on the DD 711 (USS E. A. Green) came to a tragic end last Saturday night when one of them, Seaman second class Louie Forish, 17, died suddenly of a heart attack at Unit "J."

He was a shipmate and friend of Jessie H. Kiser, S2c. Lifetime friends at Clincho, Va., the two entered the Navy at the same time and went through recruit training together at Bainbridge, Md. They were very happy about being assigned to the same ship.

Coastguardsman Irving Cohen is a sailor who prizes bonds in preference to blondes and he has his walls plastered with $3,500 worth.

Chief Machinist's Mate "Danny" Ratigan has been highly complimented by officers at the Engineering School for this drawing which illustrates the cycle of steam and water. Drawn by the chief in his spare time, the sketch is of great help to DE and APD students at the Engineering School. "Danny" Ratigan is going on 65 years of age but has often said he felt more like 25.

PAGE 6 THE NORFOLK SEABAG

PAGE 6 THE NORFOLK SEABAG

NTSNV-8462-4-18-45-6M.

At The Cinema

TODAY

"HIGH POWERED" with Robert Lowery and Phyllis Brooks

SUNDAY

"CRIME INCORPORATED" with Leon Carillo and Tom Neal

MONDAY & TUESDAY

"HORN BLOWS AT MIDNIGHT" with Jack Benny and Alexis Smith

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

"DIAMOND HORSESHOE" with Betty Grable and Dick Haymes

FRIDAY

"THE BODY SNATCHER" with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff

1945 N.O.S. LICENSE TAGS NOW ON SALE

Naval Operating Base automobile license tags for 1945 went on sale Wednesday at the BN.O.Bolice Office just inside the main gate to the Base. The 1944 tags will expire on May. 15, according to the Base Police Office.

All personnel of the Naval service attached to, or doing duty within the limits of the Naval Base, and all civilian personnel who desire to operate motor vehicles on the Base, must register their cars with the Base Police Officer and obtain 1945 license plates.

State registration cards for the year 1945 must be submitted when applying for N.O.B. license plates.

PRETTY ALEXIS SMITH, co-starring with Jack Benny in "Horn Blows at Midnight," which comes to the Recreation Center Theatre on Monday and Tuesday.

STATION EXECUTIVE OFFICER AWARDED SILVER STAR MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY

Capt. McGurl Commanded Supporting Unit of Cruisers in Fast Pacific Carrier Task Force

For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as commander of the supporting unit of cruisers of a fast carrier task group last October 13, Captain Daniel M. McGurl, USN, Executive Officer of the Naval Training Station, has been awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Presentation of the award was made on April 12 by Commodore H. D. Clarke, USN, Commanding Officer of the Training Station, at a brief ceremony in the Executive Officer's office.

Signed by Vice-Admiral J. S. McCain, Commander of a Carrier Task Force in the Pacific, the citation accompanying Capt. McGurl's Silver Star Medal read as follows:

"For distinguishing himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as commander of the supporting unit of cruisers of a fast carrier task force group on 13 October 1944.

While in action with the enemy and when a group of enemy torpedo planes executed a fast attack at dusk upon our carriers encumbered with the recovery of airplanes, he also disposed the cruisers of the support unit, and controlled their fire that not a single torpedo hit was registered by the attackers nor did any of the enemy torpedo planes which pressed in to torpedo release point escape destruction. His courage, skill and inspiring example were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Captain McGurl, whose home is at Minersville, Pa., assumed the duties of Executive Officer of the Training Station last December, succeeding Captain W. F. Dietrich, USN. From 1934 until 1936 he was -at the Training Station as Drill Officer. Captain McGurl was graduated from the Naval Academy in June, 1918.

Top Center Photo Caption

Commodore H. D. Clarke, Commanding Officer of the Naval Training Station, is shown pinning the Silver Star Medal en Captain Daniel M. McGurl, Executive Officer, during a brief ceremony in the latter's office on April 12. Oilers shown in the picture are, left to right: Comdr. E. S. Tucker, Captain J. Connor, Training Officer, and Captain H. F. Miller, Assistant Training Officer. Present at the ceremony but not shown in the picture were Captain C. F. Chillingworth, Gunnery and Tactical Officer; Comdr. H. E. Humphreys, Senior Disbursing Officer; Lt. Comdr. W. B. Lobaugh, Provost Marshal; Lt. Comdr. J. T. Rowland and Lt. Comdr. J. W. Casey, of the Executive Department.

4-Invasion Veteran Awarded Purple Heart

Signalman first class Thomas Henry Kneeland of Salem, Mass., an 'instructor in the N. T. S. Communication School, was presented a Purple Heart Medal at Unit "B" last Saturday in recognition of wounds received last November while serving aboard an LST.

Kneeland, who had previously' 'taken part in four invasions, was injured when his ship struck a mine in the English Channel. Kneeland had participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno and Normandy.

FINGER TOURNIQUET SAVES MARINE'S LIFE

As heroic as the lad who saved Holland by plugging his finger in a dike hole, is the story of a Navy pharmacist's mate who saved the life of a Marine by stopping up the Leatherneck's bayonet wound with his digits.

During the battle of Guam the pharmacist's mate, wounded himself, lay for hours at night in a wet foxhole, determined to stop the flow of blood with his fingers after compresses had failed. His efforts proved successful by the Marine's subsequent recovery.

Cartoon Caption

"Just hand me that batter and when the sun comes up I'll show you the biggest waffle you ever saw."
—Yank Magazine

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