Discharged War II Vets, Now Working on Depot, Represent Various Army and Navy Services
Whether they wear their discharge buttons or not, several hundred Depot workers are proud that they have served in teh armed services in this war. Although they are no longer in uniform, they are still continuing to fight against the Axis.
Brief biographies of several scores of Depot workers have already appeared in the POWDER KEG; six are published here, and more will appear in later issues of the paper.
Harry H. Callaway
An ambulance driver in the army medical corps, Harry H. Callaway wasa private the seven months he spent in the army. Enlisting from Los Angeles he went to Camp Robinson, Ark., and Camp Atterbury, Ind.
Francis Clark
A Naval aviation cadet, Francis Clark spent nine months in uniform while he was in training at Mt. Vernon, Ia., and Yakima Wash.
"After I was discharged, I felt left out of everything," he says, "so I came here to try to help my buddies who are still in there pitching."
Clark and his wife, who is also working on the Depot, live at 205 University in Hastings.
George G. Fallis
A private in the infantry, George C. Fallis of building 424 spent his five months of army service at Fort Crook, Nebr., Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and Camp Roberts, Calif.
Fallis, whose home is in Lower Brule, S. Dak., says, "Being physically unfit for military service, I'm working at NAD to help my country win the war."
Jesse L. Graham
In the 19 months Jesse L. Graham spent in the mechanized cavalry of the army, he went on maneuvers in Tennessee, Arizone and in the desert.
A Pfc. at the time of his discharge, he was entitled to wear the good conduct ribbon and sharp shooter medal.
Resident of Wymore, Mr. Graham came to the Depot to "help with war production."
Robert L. Harris
Rigger sergeant in the army engineers, Robert Harris spent 17 months in the army. From Fort Belvoir, Va., where he received basic training, he went to Fort Custer, Mich., Camp McCoy, Wis., and Camp Hood, Tex. He was injured twice in training.
Married and living in Spencer Park with his wife and child, Harris says he came to the Depot to work because "I wanted to do all I could to help win this war and bring our boys and loved ones home."
Nathenial Hoskins
Second gunner in the army air force, Nathenial Hoskins of the labor barracks spent 13 months in the army. He enlisted from Arkabutta, Miss.
Private Hoskins was a qualified machine gunner at the time of his discharge.
He came to work at the Depot "because after I was discharged from the army, I still wanted to work for Uncle Sam."
Analysis:
This article stands as a counter to the typical "hero" portrayals of veterans. In contrast to the feature articles detailing bravery and bravado, this article plainly gives a short summary of the men's service. While they are honored to have served, they aren't given near the glory as the others that have had their bodies put to the test and come out alive.
Source: Powder Keg, August 8th, 1944, Pg 3
