1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6475 Walter W. Vatcher Charles H. Greene, Jr. Mr. MARCANTONIO. I withdraw the Frederick A. Vernon Hubert J. Hamlin HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES objection temporarily. Edgar C. Vernon Robert w. Hengesbach Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Re- · Burks A. Via David H. Lewis FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1946 Herbert R. Waltz Paul F. McLellan serving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, Raymond F. Webb Carl A. Nielsen The House met at· 12 o'clock noon. I would like to ask the distinguished ma­ Donald B. Welsh · Eugene J. Robinson The Chaplain, Rev. James Shera Mont­ jority leader with reference to this legis­ Myron P. Wieczorek John c. Shelnutt gomery, D. D., offered the following lation. When this bill was before the Dean Wilker William C. Stoll, Jr. prayer: House the President demanded the bill Richard A. Winters, Jr. Paul c. Trammell because, as he said, the preservation of Ro~ert J. Wright George G. Abadie Lord God of mercy, as we bow in this the Government required its enactment. Nell F . Defenbaugh Richard N. Aufmann sacred stillness, hear us and forgive. As There were several serious strikes pend­ John E. Dornbach Gilbert D. Bradley we live in Thy presence, so we live in Thy ing and a crisis existed. Since then the lfarold L. Haley George H. Cearley, Jr. strength. In this benediction of love is Gordon K . Jackson J ames 0 Clouser strikes have been settled. My question Danny "W" Johnson Maurice A David a fresh reason why we should delight in is this: In view of the fact that that Benhard Kemper John K. D.iveny Thee and acknowledge our daily bless­ legislation was passed without assign­ Joseph W. Krewer Donald T. Doxey ings as Thy bountiful gifts. Heavenly ment to a committee, with no hearings Robert A. Longstaff Aldor B. Elmquist Father, come with us; give us Thy guid­ and no opportunity for amendments, Ern est R. Olson Ed d S Fr' ance, that we may not indulge in intem­ Donald R. Oseid war · IS would it be possible for the conferees, Martin T . WagenhofferEugene W. Geniesse, perate speech or in pride or willfulness. if appointed, to give a hearing to the ''.1 " "E" Wellman Jr. . 0 keep our whole lives in fellowship with different parties that they might pre­ Marshall R. BreedloveJohn M. Jago~a the things above; these blessings will be sent their views concerning the bill? John P. Wilbern Kenneth M. N1x a precious discipline against the day of Mr. McCORMACK. Of course, I am Anthony A. Akstin Thomas W. Pearson friction and the hour of humiliation. unable to answer that question. That J ack N. Arbolino Arthur L. Sherbondy Bless all of us with good health, and be would depend upon the action of the con­ William E. Baugh Will~am M. Sigler, Jr. pleased to give direction to the delibera­ Joe P. Cain Willlam L. Walker ferees of both branches.· Of course, it is John A. Conway Ross H. Beatty tions of this day. We pray in the name most unusual, as the gentleman knows, J oseph A. Donovan Dorsie H. Booker, Jr. of our Saviour. Amen. but, of course, it could be d ne. John v. Downs Allen B. Clark The Journal of the proceedings of Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. The Joh n K. Hogan Franklin R. Chambers yesterday was read and approved. whole action on the legislation, of course, Milt on A. Hull John A. Daskalakis has been unusual. Thomas J. Matthews Jack N. Dillard MESSAGE F·ROM THE SENATE Mr. McCORMACK. Yes; that is true. Paul M. Smith John P. Errett A message from the Senate, by Mr. Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Bernard G. Thobe George D. Gillians Frazier, its legislative clerk, announced Which would be an argument in favor Bennett W. Alford Harold F. Haupt James W. Bateman Robert H . Moore that the Senate had passed without of an opportunity for hearings. Patrick D. Boyle Charles W. Noah amendment a joint resolution of the Mr. RANKIN. Mr. Speaker, will the Wilbur J . Buss Herman Nolte House of the following title: gentleman yield? Robert W. Hamilton John E. Rich ~H . J. Res. 347. Joint resolution to correct Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. I Sta t es R. Jones, Jr. Leo R. Ryan a technical error in the act approved ·April yield. William A. Kerr Robert F. Young, Jr. 18, 1946 (Public Law 347, 79th Cong., 2d sess.). Mr. RANKIN. Of course tbe situation Edward L. Lewis, Jr. Richard W. Batdorf! was unusual. These strikes are unusual. John H. Maher Thomas M. Coles The message also announced that un­ I want to ask the gentleman from Massa­ William T. Phillips Loren D. Everton der authority of Senate Concurrent Res­ chusetts this question: Would the in­ Mark A. Rainer, Jr. Roy R. Hewitt olution 58, entitled "Concurrent resolu­ quiry of the gentleman from Massa­ Marshall Salvaggio Norman R. Nickerson tion relative to representation of the Elmo J. Stingley Charles D. Garber chusetts [Mr. MARTIN] also cover the Robert B. Allen Theodore J . Horner Congress at a meeting of the Empire maritime strike-- Robert W. Calvert Robert L. Milling Parliamentary Association at Bermuda Mr. MARCANTONIO. Mr. Speaker, I Michael P . Carroll Clyde S. Stewart in June 1946," the President pro tempore object. I am not going to get into the Robert L. Davis James R. Turner of the Senate appointed Mr. GREEN, Mr. maritime strike. Roswell S. Frichette, Gerald C. Armstrong FULBRIGHT, Mr. FERGUSON, and Mr. The SPEAKER. Objection is heard. Jr. William H. Bortz, Jr. WILEY as the Members of the Senate to EXTENSION OF REMARKS Daniel J. Griffith, Jr. Byron M. Burbage attend the meeting of the Empire Parlia­ Robert G. Parrish John Callahan Mr. BLAND. Mr. . Speaker, I ask Harold L. Parsons William c. Carlson mentary Association at Bermuda, be­ ginning June 10, 1946, and designated unanimous consent to have printed in the Arthur J'. Poillon Robert H. Cook RECORD at this ·point the report of the Linus F. Pot tebaum Otis w. s. Corman Mr. GREEN as the chairman of the dele­ Board of Visitors to the United States Lester D. Sperry Keith W. Costello gation. John B. Wenger Lawrence R. Denham Coast Guard Academy. Edward L. Barker William L. Devinney SETTLEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES The SPEAKER. Is there objection to Grover R. Bet~er James G. Fox Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, I the request of the gentleman from Vir­ James J. Lar~m Donald J. Ha~lameyer ask unanimous consent to take from the ginia? D~niel C. Smi~h Welsie T. Howton, Jr. Speaker's desk the bill H. R. 6578, an act There was no objection. Vmcent J. Smith John R. Hyneman • The matter referred to is as follows: Harry A. Stahlstrom James K. Johnson to provide on a temporary basis during Russell A. Andres Chester M. Lupushan- the present period of emergency for the CoNGRESSIONAL BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE Donald L. Boudreaux sky prompt settlement of industrial disputes UNITED STATES CoAST GUARD ACADEMY, 1946 J~mes T. Cotto? Kenneth L. Mann vitally affecting the national economy in MAY 27, 1946. ~~~~~~ ~: ~~~~hamEugene W. Nelson the transition from war to peace, with The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE. Philip J. Keleher Russell G. Patterson, The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA­ Senate amendments, disagree to the Sen­ TIVES. James W. Nelson Jr. ate amendments, and agree to the con­ GENTLEMEN: Pursuant to the act of July Leland C. Ritter John L. Read ference asked by the Senate. Brett E Roueche Walter L. Redmond 15, 1939 (Public, No. 183, 76th Cong., 1st The Clerk read the title of the bill. sess.), the following Senators and Members James w. Smith DavidS. Reid III Or an L. Stephenson, John E. Shields The SPEAKER. Is there objection to of the House of Representatives were desig­ Jr. Roscoe R. St. John the request of the gentleman from Mas­ nated in January of this year to constitute the 1946 Board of Visitors to the United John H. Barclay Patrick J. Dayson sachusetts? States Coast Guard Academy. Nathaniel Morgenthal Donald E. Gillespie Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Re­ George A. Rickert John L. Hamilton, Jr. serving the right to object, Mr. Speaker. SENATORS Jackson C. TurnacliffFrank H. H6rn Hon. JOSIAH W. BAILEY, ex officio member, Richard R. Bucher Arthur F. Shupe Mr. .MARCANTONIO. I object. chairman of the Commerce Committee of the John A. Creamer George M. Smith Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Will Senate. John T. Fey Thomas B. Wadsworth the gentleman allow me to reserve the Hon. CHARLES C. GOSSETT, appointed by Lawrence L. Graham right to object? Senator BAILEY. 6476 ·coNGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE ·7 Hon. 'WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND, appointed by visitors and. each member was seated in the practical methods to publicize the advantages Sena tor BAILEY. cadet mess hall with cadets from his State to a young man of an education at the Coast Hon. JOHN L. McCLELLAN, appointed by or district. At 2 p. m. the formal meeting Guard Academy and a career in the Coast Senator KENNETH McKELLAR, President pro of the Board was held in the Academic Board Guard. tempore of the Senate. room. At 4 p. m., the band and guard ren­ Respectfully submitted. REPRESENTATIVES -dered honors at the flagpole after which the WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND. party entrained for Washington, arriving at SCHUYLER 0. BLAND. Hon. SCHUYLER 0. BLAND, ex OffiCiO member, 11 p.m. that evening. CHRISTIAN A. HERTER. chairman, Merchant Marine and Fisheries At the official meeting of the Board at 2 CHASE G. WOODHOUSE. Committee. p. m. on Saturday, the Hon. WILLIAM F. RALPH W. GWINN. Hon. FRANK W. BOYKIN, appointed by Rep­ KNOWLAND, Senator from California, was ELLIS REED-HILL, resentative BLAND. · elected chairman following the prccedure of Secretary. Hon. JAMES DoMENGEAUX, appointed by electing a Senator and Representative on Representative BLAND. alternate years as chairman. Commodore SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT TO THE CONGRES­ Hon. CHRISTIAN A. HERTER, appointed by Reed-Hill acted as official secretary and re­ SIONAL BOARD OF VISITORS Representative BLAND. corder. NINTH ANNUAL MEETING, MAY 3-4, 1946 Hon. RALPH W. GWINN, appointed by Rep­ The Superintendent of the Academy was resentative SAM RAYBURN, Speaker of the Since last year's meeting of the Board of invited to appear before the Board and sub­ Visitors on May 4 and 5, 1945, the principal House. mitted his report, a copy of which is attached Hon. Mrs. CHASE G. WOODHOUSE, appointed occurrences have been the discontinuance of hereto. The Superintendent went into con­ all wartime training in August 1945, the re­ by Representative SAI\1: RAYBURN, Speaker of siderable detail explaining this report and the,House. replying to questions of the Board. Follow­ turn of the Coast Guard to the Treasury De­ Hon. HUGH PETERSON, Of Georgia, was ap­ ing the Superintendent, Capt. Edward B. partment on January 1, 1946, and the rapid pointed by Representative BLAND in place of Harp, Jr., United States Navy, the Academy demobilization of the service -subsequent to Representative DoMENGEAUX, who resigned. chaplain, was invited to appear and discuss these events. During the year committees On May 3, 1946, the following Members the need for a chapel for the Academy, which acting for the Philippine, Chinese, and In­ left Washington, D. C., via the Pennsyl­ has appeared as a recommendation of sev­ dian navies visited the Academy for the pur­ vania Railroad, on the Colonial, at 9 a. m.: eral previous Boards of Visitors. The chap­ pose of studying its curriculum and methods Hon. WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND, Hon. SCHUYLER lain expressed to the Board the keen interest in connection with the establishment of 0. BLAND, Hon. CHRISTIAN A. HERTER, and of the Cadet Corps as a body, in religious ac­ officers' training schools in their respective Hon. Mrs. CHASE G. WoODHOUSE. They were tivities with which he was charged, and countries. accompanied by Admiral J. F. Farley, Com­ stated the difficulties and handicaps with • The return of the Coast Guard to the mandant of the United States Coast Guard, which he was faced in not having a chapel on Treasury Department placed on a peacetime Commodore Ellis Reed-Hill, Capt. A. C. Rich­ tHe reservation. He stressed the .importance basis the performance of the civil functions mond, and Lt. Comdr. C. W. Schuh. After of the Academy and the work it is doing and of the service. Many of the wartime re­ 11rrival in New London, Conn., late in the af­ how much a chapel and memorial building spom:ibilitics still continue, however. Even ternoon, the Board was joined by Representa­ would mean to the Cadet Corps. Upon com­ now the Coast Guard is manning many Navy tive GWINN. pletion of their statements and the Board's transports, DE's, and other vessels. The per­ The visit of the Board this year marked discussion of the matters under considera­ formance of civil functions of the Coast the seventieth anniversary of the Academy tion, the Board adopted the following recom­ Guard in the fields of law enforcement and as a national institution, its genesis having mendation~>: maritime safety have been made reore diffi­ been the establishment of a school of pros­ (a) That the necessary steps be taken to cult by the increased demands resulting from pective officers of the old Revenue Cutter acquire for the use of the United States Coast the expansion of transoceanic. flying necessi­ Service in 1876. Originally located in New Guard Academy the properties known as the tating additional airplanes, weather patrol Bedford, Mass., the school was moved to College Heights housing development. and station ships, increased air-sea rescue Baltimore in 1900 and to New London 10 (b) That the Superintendent and proper facilities and by the technical advances in years later. The physical plant of the officers of the Academy be authorized to pro­ communications in loran and direction­ Academy at New London was authorized by ceed to change the entrance gate on Mohican finding techniques requiring increased per­ congressional -appropriation in 1929, and the Avenue and to advise with the State and local sonnel and facilities. The service has been buildings were completed in 1932. In 1940 authorities to eliminate the traffic hazard as faced with many problems in connection with the Academy was accredited by the Asso­ far as possible. the maintenance of. efficient performance of ciation of American Universities and awards (c) That proceedings be instituted to ac­ its civil functions while continuing these the degree of bachelor of science. The fa­ wartime duties and, at the same time, re­ cilities of the Academy were expanded · in quire the land necessary to build a chapel and the architectural services required. leasing almost 90 percent of its .total per­ 1941 to m~t the increased needs of the (d) That the water-front development rec­ sonnel and redeploying a large percentage of service. Since the Coast Guard is a military ommended in the report of the Board of the remaining personnel of the service. This service, operating . under the Treasury De­ is redeployment is complicated by the fact that partment in time of peace and under the Visitors last year renewed: Navy Department for the duration of na­ 1. Thb.t the water-front area east of the the service has operational responsibilities in tional emergencies, the disCipline of the . railroad tracks be bulkheaded and filled to peacetime as well as in war and in the Academy is military in nature and the cur­ provide additional playing fields for baseball, transition period between war and peace, both riculum is based on marine and engineering soccer, and football. responsibilities continue. The public which subjects but includes also such general col­ 2. That a rigging-loft building to take it serves is mindful of the difficulties of the lege subjects as languages, literature, history, care of the storage of sails and equipment of Coast Guard's present situation. As stated in government, science, and law. In view of the Academy's sailing fleet be constructed on an editorial in the New York Times, April 25, the increased Coast Guard activities relating this filled area. 1946, "Through its long history it has earned to the merchant marine, added emphasis (e) That the boathouse on Jacobs Rock, its salt in peace. In the war it was second has been given to maritime law and eco­ on which construction was stopped at the to no armed service in valiant performance." nomics. The wartime demands made uppn beginning of the war, be completed as The Academy faces similar problems. Al­ the service have required the introduction planned when materials are available. though the training of reserve officers under of these courses, but the Academy remains (f) That a new :wing to Satterlee Hall be the wartime program was discontinued im­ an engineering college of the highest stand­ completed to contain a lecture hall, drafting mediately after the cessation of hostilities, ing. The prescribed course requires 4 years room, and additional facilities for physics the training of regular cadets has continued to complete. and chemistry. without change. Release of reserve officers The program previously arranged by Rear (g) That proceedings be instituted for the arid enlisted personnel in connection with de­ Adm. James Pine, superintendent of the appropriation of $50,000 for an addition to mobilization has reduced the officer personnel Academy, was carried out and at 7:30 p. m. McAllister Hall to accommodate a new ship's· from 138 to 65 and the enlisted personnel the cadet battalion was paraded, following boiler. from 709 to 326. Before adjourning from this meeting, which, the Board was entertained at dinner Regular cadets in the Officers' Club attended by the senior Cadet Battalion Commander W. 0. Henry was cfficers of the Academy. After dinner, serv­ requested to appear before the Board. All There are at present three classes of re3ular ice motion pictures were shown, illustrating officers and personnel connected with the ad­ cadets. The class of 1947, due to graduate on Academy life and the carrying on of general ministration of the Academy were· excused June 5, 1946, is the last class under the service duties. from the meeting while the Board inter­ 3-year war curriculum. The classes of 1948 Saturday morning, May 4, was given over viewed this cadet. and 1949 are on the revised 4-year curriculum to a thorough inspection of the various de­ The Chairman of the Board expressed the (copy attached). No graduation is scheduled partments of the Academy with demon­ feeling of the Board as having been favor­ for 1947. Statistics for the 3 classes now un­ strations of the methods of instruction used. ably impressed by the very high standards of der instruction are as follows: The entire physical plant was inspected and the Coast Guard Academy and that it is a Class 1947: upon the completion of this, the party re­ splendid institution, and one in which the Number entered ______151 vie"'ed the cadet battalion at 12:15 .p. m. Board will take a great interest in the years Remaining May L------103 Luncheon was then served for the board of ahead. The Board expressed its· interest Ia Resignations pending______0 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6477 · Class 1948: last year with the exception of a replace­ Cruise (3 weeks). ~unaber entered ______157 ment for the training ship Danmark which First terna ( 16 weeks) : Renaaining ~ay 1------74 has been returned to the Danish Govern­ English composition______2- 0 Resignations pending______0 ment after 3 years' war service at the Acad­ History and literature______4- 0 Class 1949 : emy. As a replacement the former German Analytic geonaetry and different ial calculus ______, ______4- 0 ~unaber entered______145 training ship Horst Wessel has been allocated, Renaaining ~ay 1------113 renamed Eagle, manned by a Coast Guard Physics------3- 3 Resignations pending______2 crew, and is expected to sail from Bremen Engineering drawing and descriptive next month. geometrY------1- 3 Regardless of the final deternaination of F.rygiene______1- 0 the authorized postwar officer strength of the Recommendations service, it would seena that a naininauna of Military science______0- 3 The following reconanaendations, which re­ Physical education------0- 3 150 cadets should be appointed to the Acad­ ceived the approval of the Board of Visitors enay each year for a nunaber of years to conae. last year. are renewed: 15-12 This nunaber will probably be required tore­ 1. Water-front developnaent: = place the increased numbers of officers who (a) That the waterfront area east of the Second terna ( 16 weeks) : will be retired for both age and physical railroad tracks be bulkheaded and filled to Geography------2- 0 disability brought about by several years of provide additional playing fields for base­ History and literature______4- 0 war service. Examination of records for sev­ Calculus------4- o eral years after the Spanish-Anaerican ball, soccer, and football. Physics ______._ 3- 3 and World War I indicates an attrition of (b) That a rigging loft building to take Engineering drawing______o- 3 care of the storage of sails and equipnaent officers several tinaes the nornaal peace­ ~avigation______1- 3 tinae attrition. This increase will probably of the Acadenay's sailing fleet be constructed Military science______0- 3 be even greater following this war because of on this filled area. Physical education______0- 3 its length and the very arduous duty per­ (c) That the boathouse on Jacob's Rock, formed by officers of all ages and ranks. A on which construction was stopped at the 14-15 further difficulty naay be anticipated in ob­ beginning of the war, be completed as THIRD f:LASS YEAR taining a sufficient nunaber of interested and planned when naaterials are available. Sunanaer terna (10 weeks); Cruise. qualified candidates for cadetship. The nuna­ 2. Satterlee Hall, Science Wing: That a First term (16 weeks): ber applying this year is less than half of wing to contain a lecture hall, drafting roona. History and literature ______.4- 0 those who applied last year. However, it is and additional facilities for physics and Calculus------­ 3- 0 believed that practically all of those apply­ chemistry be added to Satterlee Hall. Physics------3- 3 ing this year are interested in the Coast 3. Chapel and memorial building: Mechanics------3- 0 Guard as a pernaanent career in peace as well (a) That a chapel and naenaorial build­ Chemistry _____ ------2- 3 ~ilitary science ______as war, and not interested in the Coast Q-3 ing, as reconanaended by the Board of Visi­ Physical education ______Guard as just another of the four nailitary tors on three previous occasions, be con­ 0- 3 services. structed on lands to the south of the 15-12 The revised 4-year curriculuna referred to Acadenay. above, which takes into account the changed (b) As the land needed for this purpose Second terna (16 weeks): requirenaents resulting frona the expanded adjoins and includes the logical site for fu­ History and literature______4- 0 functions and technical advances of the war ture officers' quarters it is again recona­ Calculus------3...:. 0 years, has been approved. A sinaplification naended that the land be acquired and an Physics------3- 3 of the administrative set-up, decreasing the architectural competition be held for the ~echanics______3- 0 nunaber of departnaents of instruction from whole project. ChenaistrY------· ------2- 3 10 to 6, has also been placed in effect. 4. College Heights housing developnaent; Military science______o- 3 Other plans have been· prepared and await That the 50 double houses built by the FHA Physical education______o- 3 determination of postwar size and budget of be transferred to the Acadenay for occupancy 15-12 th~ service before being approved. by officers and enlisted naen attached to the As a result of studies which are still con­ Acadenay. Academy personnel now occupy SECOND CLASS YEA~ tinuing, improved methods of selection of 30 of these houses on a rental basis. Other candidates have been put into effect. It is units as they become available are filled from Sunanaer terna (6 weeks): expected that these methods will decrease ~avigation______2- 3 a waiting list. Surveying______0- 6 the attrition after appointnaent. 5. Entrance gate: That the entrance gate Another factor which will affect the num­ recorrunended in last year's report be built Aviation------3- 0 ber of applicants is a decrease in the ad­ in order to renaedy a dangerous traffic situa­ SeamanshiP------o- 6 ~echanisnas______0- 4 vantages offered young naen to attend· the tion. Coast Guard Academy as well as the other ~achine tool laboratory______0- 6 military acadenaies relative to entry in ci­ New Recommendation Physical education______0- 3 vilian education institutions. With educa­ An allotnaent naade for an addition to ~C­ 5-28. tion at Governnaent expense available to Allister Hall (the engineering building) to former GI's in civilian institutions, there is acconanaodate a new ship's boiler was re­ Sunanaer term (4 weeks): Aviation les~ incentive for thena to apply for cadet­ scinded under the first rescission bill last training at air stations. ships at one of the Governnaent nailitary year. It is recomnaended that funds for First term (16 weeks): acadenaies under rigid nailitary discipline and this project be allowed in order that the Government and econonaics______4- 0 with difficult acadenaic and physical require­ equipnaent, which is available and awaiting SeamanshiP------2- 0 ments. Increased cost of unifornas, text­ installation, naay be utilized. Differential equations______2- o books, and other Items required by the cadets The Superintendent wishes to avail hina­ Electrophysics______2- 3 have decreased the very linaited allowances self of this opportunity to thank the Board Strength of naaterials______3- 0 available to them for other purchases. For of Visitors for their interest in the Academy F.reat-energy analysis______3- 0 the above reasons, it is believed that cadet and for their helpful attitude toward its Military science ______------0- 3 pay should be included in any pay increase Physical education------0- 3 which naay be given the naUitary services. problems. Within the past year 97 regular cadets and JAMES PINE, 16- 9 148 Reserve officer candidates have been cona­ Rear Admiral, USCG, Superintendent. = naissioned-a total of 245 officers. During the Second term (16 weeks): U. S. Coast Guard Academy, 4-year Governnaent and economics ______war the Acadenay trained and comnaissioned curriculum 4-0 ~avigation ______376 Regular cadets, 4,726 Reserve officer can­ 2- 0 didates, including 830 of the Women's Re­ FOURTH CLASS YEAR Electrical engineering ______3- 0 serve, a total of 5,102 officers at the rate of Prelinainary terna ( 6 weeks) ; Properties of materials ______3-3 about 1,700 a year: English grammar______3- 0 Heat-energy analysis and fluid nae- A plan for the procurement and educa­ Coast Guard history and administra- chanics------2- 3 tion of Coast Guard officers was subnaitted tion ------2- 0 ~ilitary science______0- 3 to the Conamandant on January 2, 1946, by a Snaall arnas______o- 2 Physical education______0- 3 board of which the Superintendent was Trigononaetry ------6- 0 14-15 chairman. This plan, which provides a basic SeamanshiP------0- 3 pattern extending throughout an officer's Engineering drawing______o- 3 FIRST CLASS YEAR career, has not been released by headquar­ ~avigat!on______1- 3 ters pending the establishment of a definite . Military science______0- 3 Sunamer terna (10 weeks): Cruise: personnel authorization and budget for the Physical education______o- 3 April 20, 1946. First term (16 weeks): fiscal year 1947. Law ______,:______2- 0 ~o action has been taken on the recom­ 12-17 naendations made by the Board o! Visit

/ '6478 'CONGRESSIONAIJ RECORD--HOUSE .JUNE 7

FIRST CLASS YEAR-continued Second term (16 weeks): the lumber situation in the South. I am· First term (16 weeks)-Continued LaW------3-0 now informed by the Public Printer Ship design______1- 8 Navigation------~------2- 3 that the cost thereof will be approxi­ Power engineering (steam)------3- 3 SeamanshiP------3- 0 mately $150. Notwithstanding the addi­ Ordnance------2- 3 Power engineering (I. C. E.)------3- 3 Electrical engineering______3- 3 Gunnery anq ballistics______2- 3 tional cost, I ask unanimous consent that Military science______0- 3 Maritime economics______3- 0 the matter may be inserted. Military science______0- 3 The SPEAKER. Is there objection to 14-15 the request of the gentleman from Loui­ -=== 15-12 siana? There was no objection. U.S. Coast Guard Academy 4-year curriculum OPA FLOOR TAX ON DAIRY PRODUCTS

Year------Fourth class Third class Second class First class Mr. MURRAY of Wisconsin. Mr. 1--,----.,----1--.--.--l·----;--;---l--:---.--- Semester Speaker, I ~k unanimo.us consent to hours Term______P 1 2 s 1 2 s 1 2 s I 2 address the House for 1 minute and to 'Veeks______6 16 16 10 16 16 6 16 16 10 16 16 .revise and extend my remarks. ---·------The SPEAKER. Is there objection to English grammar and com- the request of the gentleman from Wis­ position______3- 0 2- 0 ------____ ------______------50 consin? History and literature______2- 0 4- 0 4- 0 ---- 4- 0 4- 0 ------268 There was no objection. g~~~~iii-an

t Summer term (4 weeks). Aviation training at air mission to insert in the RECORD a speech 13 to 25 cents per pound at the time. stations. and certain other data with reference to Yes, a subsidy along with it. 1946 'CONGRESSIONAL RECORD'-HOUSE 6479 But now the farmers' co-ops and other Mr. GIFFORD asked and was given door to read as follows: "Closed for the dairy plants have a few pounds of butter permission to extend his remarks in the season. No more business will be trans­ or cheese or condensed milk, and the Appendix of the REcORD and include acted. No more deficiencies are on OPA came out with a floor-tax proposal therein an article .from the Chemical and . order." It is certain Mr. John Q. Public to assess these. dairy manufacturers a Engineering News on the proposed would welcome and cheer such an an­ fioor tax of some 5 to 6 cents per pound O'Mahoney wool bill. nouncement. on cheese and 12 cents per pound on Mr. MASON asked and was given per­ CONTROL OF ATOMIC ENERGY butter, and other manufactured dairy mission to extend his remarks in the products in comparable amounts. RECORD and include an editorial from Mr. HOLIFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask Someone should be telling Mr. Bowles the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, a newspaper unanimous consent to address the House some of the facts of life. One of these in his district. . for 1 minute and to revise and extend facts is that he has not 11een selected to Mr. PLOESER asked and was given my remarks. be an economic dictator; that he better permission to extend his remarks in the The SPEAKER. Is there objection to read the Price Control Act and follow Appendix of the RECORD and include an the request of the gentleman from Cali­ the law of the land; and that he does article from the St. Louis Globe-Dem­ fornia? not carry anywhere near the weight he ocrat. There was no objection. thinks he does. This proposed order is Mr. MATHEWS asked and was given Mr. HOLIFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the ridiculous, and the OPA better forget it permission to extend his remarks in the so-called McMahon bill, S. 1717, has now while they can. Most people wish to RECORD and include therein a letter he been reported to the House and referred retain the OPA. The OPA is strangling received from the Executive Assistant to the Committee on Military Affairs. itself to death. Of late it looks like to the Assistant Secretary of State, and The report of the Senate committee is hara-kiri. Mr. MATHEws' reply thereto. now available. I hope the membership If this agency is liquidated the OPA Mr. ANDREWS of New York asked and will avail themselves of this opportunity itself must take the responsibility for was given permission to extend his re­ to get this report and study it, as un­ liquidating itself. No one Member or marks in the Appendix of the RECORD and doubtedly this legislation will come to no dozen Members of Congress could put include therein a speech made befDre the the fioor within the next 10 days. The this outfit in the shape it is in today. United Nations Security Council. Senate report is a good one and its study It is being discredited by issuing such Mr. CLEVENGER asked and was wili give the membership the informa­ silly proposals as Order 114. given permisison to extend his remarks tion which is contained in this very This administration appears to have in the Appendix of the RECORD and in­ important bill. great power in dealing with the little fel­ clude an article from the Ne·w York Jour­ I think this atomic energy bill is the low but no powers to deal with the big nal American. most important bill which this Congress boys. Mr. HAND asked and was given per­ will have to consider. This administration could not think of missiDn tD extend his remarks in the Ap­ The SPEAKER. The time of the gen­ any way or any law to get a peep at pendix of the RECORD and include an edi­ tleman from CalifDrnia has expired. General Motors' books or the Steel Corp. torial. EXTENSION OF REMARKS books. They were so helpless then. Mr. HOLIFIELD asked and was given Mr. THOMASON asked and was given They could not even see the color of the permission to extend his remarks in the permission to extend his remarks in the covers of the books. Appendix of the RECORD. REcORD and include an address by Sec­ But, my colleagues, when it came to a CLOSED SEASON ON APPROPRIATIONS retary of War Patterson. little cheese dealer by the name of Stein­ NEEDED Mr. DONDERO

~assage without intervening motion except to accumulate at the rate of 30 days per Mr. BECKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, on (me motion to recommit. year, which leave they were paid for, the December 18, 1943, I introduced a bill Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, enlisted man received no compensation (H. R. 3875) to provide terminal leave I have no requests for time on this side if he did not use his leave, and it did not for enlisted men. On January 8, 1945, so far as the rule is concerned. accumulate from year to year. I introduced H. R. 1160, a slightly modi­ I reserve the balance of my time and Colonels in the Army have opposed this fied form of my first bill: The National now yield 30 minutes to the gentleman legislation for the enlisted man and I Legislative Committee of the American from Illinois [Mr. ALLEN]. think it very unfortunate. I also think Legion endorsed my bill, H. R. 1160. Sev­ Mr. ALLEN of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it unfortunate that a House committee eral Members of Congress and I appeared this resolution makes in order .considera­ was so influenced by this high brass in before the· House Military Affairs Com­ tion of H. R. 4051 to grant to enlisted the Army in their discrimination against mittee urging the passage of the termi­ personnel of the armed forces certain the GI;s that we were forced to band our­ nal leave legislation. I include at this benefits in lieu of accumulated leave. selves into a body and petition this com­ point the endorsement of the American This resolution provides for 2 hours of mittee from further consideration of this Legion: general debate after which it is to be bill in order to get it brought to a vote THE AMERICAN LEGION, read under the 5-minute rule. on the House floor. NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, We have heard considerable about the I am not ashamed of my position, in Washington, D. C., October 24, 1945. caste system in the Army and Navy. fact, I am proud that I, with several Hon. LINDLEY BECKWORTH, other Members, were successful in secur­ House of R epresentatives, As for myself, I see no good reason why Washtngton, D. C. an enlisted man should not, for disci­ ing sufficient names on the discharge petition to force H. R. 4051 before the MY DEAR CONGRESSMAN: We are, a!) you pline's sake, salute the uniform and rank know, vitally interested 1n your bill, H. R. of a commissioned officer. Neither do I House of Representatives. 1160, which provides terminal leave to en­ see any good reason why officers should I shall vote for the passage of this bill listed men in the same manner as is now have their own places of entertainment. and hope that parliamentary procedure given to officers, except that it also provides However, since 1874, there has been on the part of the leaders of the House that the compensation to which the soldier grave discrimination as to annual leave will permit us to pass it today. If pas­ is entitled shall be paid in a lump sum, which, between officers and enlisted men. This sage is blocked in the House today, it of course, is a very good idea. bill will rectify that unwarranted dis­ means delay in these boys receiving this Demobilization is taking place at such a pay which they need and need so badly rapid rate at the present time that unless crimination against the enlisted men. this is enacted into law quickly it is not go­ For many years it has been the policy at this time. Delay has already cost ing to benefit very many GI's. of the War Department to permit offi­ these boys undue hardship. It does not seem to me as though it is a cers to take advantage of accumulated Some of us are going into the Middle very controversial issue and that the House leave upon relief from active duty. Offi­ West over the week end on an investiga­ Military Affairs Committee could make up its cers, although relieved from active duty, tion of the terrible food shortage induced mind very readily as to how they feel about actually remain upon the Government by the bungling of this administration's it. We shall appreciate very much if action pay roll for a period of time equivalent pet bureaucrats; we may be forced to can be had on this rnatter. drop this very important investigation in Sincerely yours, to the amount of leave which has accu­ JOHN THOMAS TAYLOR, mulated to their credit. This bill under order to come back here and vote for the D irector, National Legislative Com­ consideration places the enlisted man on terminal pay bill. m i ttee. exactly the same basis as an officer, ex­ I do hope H. R. 4051 is passed today, cept instead of keeping them on tne pay without further delay by the adminis­ I was one of 218 Members of the House roll after discharge from active duty tration. to sign the petition-the two hundred it provides for a cash lump-sum pay­ Mr. ALLEN of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, and eighteenth signature was obtained ment on discharge. I yield such time as he may desire to the April 17, 1946-which authorized the This bill provides for 2% days of fur­ gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. AuGUST bringing of the legislation to the floor of lough per month for enlisted men. In H. ANDRESEN]. the House. The CoNGRESSIONAL RECORD, the event they do not take the 2% days Mr. AUGUST H. ANDRESEN. Mr. on pages 3945-3946, shows my name to furlough each month this leave will ac­ Speaker, I shall gladly vote for and urge be the only Texan or 21 Texas Members cum·:.llate up to 120 days and they will re­ a favorable vote on this bill, which pro­ listed among the 218 signers. I shall ceive not less than 70 cents per day for vides for payment of terminal leave pay vote for the legislation today. each day. In the event of passage, and-I to all noncommissioned men in the For some time I have had a bill before know it will pass, this bill becomes effec­ armed forces. The men and women in the Congress that would give all World tive September ·8, 1939. the service, who contributed so much to War veterans and widows of World War Mr. Speaker, I urge all to vote for this the winning of the war are entitled to veterans pensions 'not less in amount rule and for the bill itself upon final pas­ the same terminal leave pay policy as than those now received by Spanish­ sage. has been received by all commissioned American war veterans. I shall continue Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he officers. There should be no discrimina­ to urge in the future this legislation. may desire to the gentleman from In­ ~a . Note the position of the American diana [Mr. WILSON]. On October 23, 1945, I introduced H. R. Legion, Department of Texas, concern­ Mr. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I am 4467, which provides for the payment of ing my present bill, H. R. 360. I quote happy to say that my record is 100 per­ terminal leave pay to all persons in the from a letter written me May 19, 1945, cent in favor of legislation beneficial to service who have not been compensated by Mr. Harry E. Rather, department the veterans of World War II, as well as in such a manner. I appeared before adjutant, the Ame:·ican Legion: all other veterans. There is no way in the Subcommittee on Military Affairs H. R. 360 is the very important legislation which we can adequately compensate urging the passage of my !Jill or any sim­ which sounds like the kind of legislation them for the service they have rendered ilar proposal. I fully recognize' that the that you are always sponsoring, LINDLEY. to our country. Unfortunately, the en­ Democratic leadership might prefer a We know that we can always depend on you. listed men have long been discriminated bill introduced by a member of the ma­ We are delighted that you are back in the against in past legislation. Not only jority party, rather than to approve a harness and on the right side, as usual. have colonels and other officials had bill introduced by me, a member of the I quote part of a letter I received from very special and sometimes elaborate liv­ minority. However, since my bill was Mr. Rather after he resigned his work ing accommodations but they have had not reported, I am nevertheless happy to with the American Legion, dated Janu­ other special concessions. The one to have the opportunity of supporting this ary 22, 1946: I meritorious measure in the interests of which am referring at this time, we are Appreciate your every courtesy-many, attempting to remedy by the passage of doing justice to those Americans who many times. Your cooperation was every­ H. R. 4051. This bill will compensate served their country in time of war. thing that I could want and expect and I sergeants down to buck privates, as well Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, shall miss you but I know that you can be as other enlisted personnel for accumu­ I yield such time as he may desire to the counted on being in there doing your part lated leave which has not been used by gentleman from Texas [Mr. BECK­ in every worth-while matter. We who know them. While officers' leave was allowed WORTH]. you are proud of you and your record. 1946 ·coNGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOU-SE 6481 ·I quote part of a letter written Decem­ Mr. LANE. Mr. Speaker, this bill cor­ ance this situation. By so doing, we ber 31, 1945, which I received from Mr. rects an unfortunate discrimination shall win the cooperation of our veter­ Joseph M. Stack, .commander in chief, which has been in effect since 1876. As ans for the group tasks of peace instead Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United a result of the law then passed. it has of alienating .them in bitterness. The States, Kansas City, Mo.: · become the policy of the War Depart­ job is not over. It never will be. We I have the page from the CoNGRESSIONAL ~ent to allow officers to take advantage need their peacetime faith as much as RECORD reprinting your remarks and the of accumulated leave upon relief from their wartime courage. And the way to various communications you have received active duty. • win it is by playing square with them. in connection with your activities in behalf The officer is paid in full for any un­ The enlisted personnel terminal leave of vet erans and their dependents, and I wish used leave that may be coming to him. pay bill is a step in the right direction. to express my appreciation for your e.fforts The enlisted man is not. There must be no distinction between along this line. This bill provides specific legislative officers and enlisted men with respect to On January 3, 1945, I introduced H. R. authority to remedy an unfair situation. accumulated leave. Even the represent­ 361 which would make eligible a World It does not repeal or amend any provi­ atives of the War and Navy Departments War I or II veteran for a pension, if that sion of existing law in view of the fact who appeared before the Committee on veteran could not qualify for Govern­ that no law on the subject in question Military Affairs, could not offer any ob­ ment or private employment, the nature exists, at much dissatisfaction among the jectiom; to this principle. But the prin­ of which required only reasonable physi­ rank and file of our armed services, for ciple must be implemented by perform­ cal standards. too many years. ance. In March 1945 I introduced H. R. 2492 It has always been a mystery to me It is gratifying to observe that the sen­ to permit direct sales of surplus pr.operty why we are so vigilant in the defense and timent of this House is moving toward to veterans; many veterans have compli­ extension of civil liberties, while taking immediate approval of H. R. 4051 and mented my bill; in my opinion it practi­ for granted a military system which em­ the correction of a long-standing injus­ cally would have solved the problem of phasizes class distinctions. Belatedly, tice to those who have served so well. making sure that veterans receive the we are coming to a realization of the fact Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, surplus property they need. Too, I have that this is a hold-over from the days of I yield such time as he may desire to the personallY sought to aid many veterans stratified privilege which is a contradic­ gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. in their individual efforts to obtain sur­ tion of democracy. McCoRMACK]. plus property items. The men who fought this war had no Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Speaker, I On June 21, 1945, I introduced H. R. illusions about the job they were doing. know that all the Members are proud of 3526 which would extend the GI bill of But in the doing of it they expected as the appointment of one of our dis­ rights to widows of veterans and the much democracy to prevail as was con­ tinguished former Members of the House, wives of certain totally and permanently sistent with the needs of discipline. That the Honorable Fred M. Vinson, as Chief disabled veterans. was not the case. On all sides the enlisted Justice of the Supreme Court of the On June 26, 1945, I introduced H. R. man saw artificial distinctions between United States. Mr. Vinson served in this 3592; this is a bill to help, concerning himself and his officers which gave him body in the late twenties and from 1930 housing problems for veterans. This the feeling of being a serf in uniform on with outstanding distinction. Those bill, be it noted, was introduced some 6 rather than a comrade in arms. This who served witl:i him remember well the months before the real effort to meet led to a wave of protests which has re­ remarkable service that he rendered to the veterans' housing problems got under sulted in an examination of the whole the country as a Member of this House. way in the Congress. I quote from a military set-up. There are indications He left this body to become a member of letter written me November 27, 1945, by that it will be de-Prussianized and the United States Circuit Court of Ap­ Mr. Harry E. Rather, department adju­ humanized. peals, and he left there during the war to tant, the American Legion, Department Already it has been recommended that go into the executive branch of the Gov­ of Texas, concerning my effort to help all men in service, regardless of rank, ernment and then later to become Secre­ our veterans obtain houses: shall be called soldiers. Furthermore, the tary of the Treasury, and now to become We know that we can depend on you to do Hollywood wardrobe for officers will be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of everything you possibly can on the housing discarded. All soldiers will wear uniforms the United States. We, in the House. situation which is most critical. of the same material and same style. can be particularly proud of the great The CoNGRESSIONAL RECORD will show Only the simple insignia of rank will record that he has made. We are always that l was one of the Members of Con­ separate the men. Of more importance, proud of the great record that any former gress, although we were in the minority social barriers will be eliminated, and Member makes, without regard to what at times, that supported every effort to the average soldier on leave, whether side of the aisle he sits on. Whether we provide housing for veterans. from garrison duty or from the combat are Democrats or Republicans, as Mem­ Last year, October 1, 1945, I introduced area, will have a chance to recover his bers of the House we are always happy H. R. 4219, a bill that would permit a dignity as a human personality. No • to see some Member make great con­ man or woman in service to carry his longer will stuffy lines be drawn to im­ tributions to our country's progress and immediate family with him at Govern­ press him that he belongs to a lower · to make great progress himself. I know ment expense to the place where he was order, not fit to associate with the mili­ I speak the sentiments of all my col­ stationed, where practicable, even out­ tary hierarchy. le~gues without regard to party in ex­ side of the United States; too, I provide Democracy is getting around to the tending tu him and to Mrs. Vinson our that the Government will furnish ade­ armed forces, and it is about time. If congratulations and our very best wishes. quate housing for such families; this war should ever come to us again, we Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speak­ legislation will do for enlisted men that shall need all the morale we can get and er, I yield such time as he may desire which has for a long time been done for more. The time to establish that is now, to the gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. some of our officers. I am glad to note by. compensating for recent injustices, O'NEAL]. recently that the Army and ·Navy -are lest the cynicism of the new veterans fil­ Mr. O'NEAL. Mr. Speaker, all Ken­ beginning to carry out this objective ter down through the years to those who, tuckians today are extremely proud of which I sought to attain by my bill. some day, may have to :fight as their the fact that Fred M. Vinson, our former As I have told. and written a number fathers fought. Our citizen soldiers are colleague, has been appointed to the of veterans who have mentioned the intelligent. They can always be depend­ position of Chief Justice of the United question of paying our veterans a bonus, ed upon, as long as we, back home, deaf States Supreme Court. He will adorn I favor paying our veterans a bonus. To fairly with them. They are coming that position as he has the other arduous this end I have worked and shall con­ home to meet enough disillusionment as appointments which have come to him tinue to work diligently. it is. Let us not leave them with a in the line of duty. Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, brooding memory of the stupid and un­ The story of Fred M. Vinson is as typi­ I yi'eld such time as he may desire to the reasoning inequalities which they ex­ cal of American democracy as that of gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. perienced in the service. It is up to us, Abraham Lincoln. His determination, LANE]. . the Congress, by positive action, to bal- his ability, and S(:nsitiveness to the G482 'CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE ~JUNE 7 yearnings of the humblest American that is, unless they do not go quite far Mr. Speaker, this strikes me as an ex­ have made him indispensable to those in enough, and if they do not, the bill, of tremely strange situation. An officer and authority. course, can be corrected before · it is an enlisted man may serve in the same As a legislator he was astute and loyal passed. company in combat, each being denied to the party leadership. Some weeks ago when I was in my the normal periods of leave or furlough. As a Federal executive he was wise in district I informed the veterans that Upon separation from the service, how­ counsel. this bill would be on the floor of the ever, the officer will collect full pay for As a Federal judge he was judicial with House for action on May 13 because we this unused leave, while the enlisted man all that that implies. had petitioned the bill out of the com­ receives absolutely nothing; his time is As the Chief Justice, in my opinion, mittee. By way of explanation as to why merely forfeited. The injustice is obvi­ he will rise to great heights in devotion it has not come up earlier for action, I ous. In an attempt to correct this situa­ to that which made America strong and want the veterans to know that after the tion, I int roduced in March 1945 H. R. the land of the free. I look forward to discharge petition had been signed and 2454, which was followed by a number a national recognition of the fact that before May 13, the Military Affairs Com­ of similar measures, including the meas­ Fred Vinson, of old American stock, and mittee reported a bill and as a result of ure at present before this body, H. R. one who is filled with the love of Ken­ this report the parliamentary procedure 4051, sponsored by my esteemed col­ tucky and its traditions, is a mighty for­ was such that the Rules Committee had league, the gentleman from Florida. tress to throw back the attacks of un­ to grant a rule on the bill which the The Military Affairs Committee has sound political theories and temporizing Military Affairs Committee had reported, stricken the original provisions of H. R. expedients. and therefore the bill which was dis­ 4051 and has written its own bill con­ I am sure that that love· of country charged by petition, was shunted aside. taining many of the provisions of my which he has shown, activated by com­ However, the important thing is we are bill, H. R. 2454. mon sense, will bring a solution and a going to pass this bill, and it is my sin­ We have heard in recent months nu­ working hypothesis for many of the ills cere hope that the Senate will do so. I merous charges of discrimination and which now assail us. could never see any reason for the dis­ cl;:tss distinction in our military service. I . believe he will rise to his great re­ crimination between officers and enlisted . The whole bone of contention has been sponsibility and leave a name in the men in regard to terminal leave or ac­ that commissioned personnel receive so­ future history of our country which will cumulated leave pay. cial and monetary privileges which are reflect great credit upon himself, Ken­ Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, denied to enlisted personnel. I presume tucky, and his country. I yield such time as he may desire to the that all Members of this body have read Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, gentleman from Oregon [Mr. NoRBLAD]. the report of the Doolittle committee I yield such time as he may desire to Mr. NORBLAD. Mr. Speaker, I am with respect to this very situation. It is the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. JENKINS]. very much in favor of this legislation. a highly illuminating report and bears Mr. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker, it has I was an officer in the United States Army directly upon the measure which we are been my pleasure to know Judge Fred M. during the war and received 59 days of considering at this time. Let us delude Vinson for many years. He comes from terminal leave, and I do not see why the ourselves no longer. We must recognize · Ashland, Ky., which is just across the enlisted men should not also receive it. the fact that the-re are basic injustices in Ohio River from my home town of Iron­ the policies anQ. practices of our military ton, Ohio. Being neighbors I naturally Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speak­ organizations. This measure, H. R. 4051, rejoiced with many people in my home er, I yield such time as he may desire to in its present form, strikes at the heart town and his home town when we re­ the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. of one of the most flagrant of these in­ ceived notice that he was to be advanced BRYSON]. justices. Its enactment is imperative if to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Mr. BRYSON. Mr.' Speaker, it is in­ we are to retain a favorable opinion of Court of the United States. Before com­ deed a strange commentary upon the the armed forces on the part of veterans ing to Congress I knew him as a member functioning of this body that the pend­ and servicemen alike. Every veterans' of the bar in his home city. He and ing measure has languished for such a organization in the country has been Justice Stanley Reed and I were young long period· of time. It is taking the ap­ pressing for its passage. The American lawyers together practicing in that tri­ pearance of the orphan that everyone Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, State region. admits is lovely and desirable but no one Am vets, tne American Veterans Commit­ I know the esteem in which he is held is willing to adopt. This measure, which tee, have all indicated through their in his home community and I am sure would give enlisted personnel of the spokesmen that this measure is one that that his elevation to the highest place armed forces the same leave privileges ' is uppermost in the thinking of all vet­ in the judiciary of the Nation will be as are at present accorded to commis­ erans, whether of this or previous wars. received by them with Joyous acclaim. sioned personnel, has, on the surface, at The enactment of this legislation will do We served together in Congress for least, no enemies: Never within my much to eliminate the cancer of discrim­ many years, and on the Ways and Means memory as a Member of this body has i}1ation which has been undermining the Committee, and since we lived in ad.: any measure received such enthusiastic and unqualified support; never has there morale of the members of our armed · joining communities and had the same forces. economical interests we found ourselves been such a disposition to disregard par­ tisan outlook. But up to the present Mr. Speaker, I contend that we cannot · very frequently on the same side of.many .afford to delay any longer. Veterans are · issues although we were affiliated with time it has all been mere .lip service. The bill has been pending in one form or an­ rapidly becoming fed up with the con­ different political parties. tinual run-around they have been receiv­ Justice Vinson is equipped by natural other for more than a year. The great congressional. myster.y· during the ·past ing upon their returrr to civilian · life. ability and by education and by experi­ They cannot obtain surplus property, ence to fill the high place to which he is and the present session has heen, "Why · about to be elevated. I could make a long has not this bill been passed?" they cannot find a decent place in which speech with reference to my friend and Permit me to review briefly the hiE;tory to live, the:y find the cost of living sky­ former colleague but let me condense my of this measure. All of us are aware of rocketing, and the Nation torn asunder speech into one sincere sentence and say, the fact that H. R. 4051 is merely one of by domestic strife. Congress has passed "I sincerely wish for him a long and numerous bills introduced to accomplish many generous laws for veterans but the happy tenure as Chief Justice of the Su­ the same purpose; to rectify the injustice administration of such laws has not been preme Court of the United .States." of existing military regulations respect­ effective. The long burial of H. R. 4051 Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, ing leave policies as applied to enlisted is merely characteristic of the lip service I yield such time as he may desire to men of all branches of the service. Un­ which we have been content to give our the gentleman from Florida [Mr. HEN­ der existing regulations, a commissioned returned heroes in exchange for the in­ DRICKS]. officer may receive, upon separation from comparable. sacrifi.Qes which they have Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. Speaker, I the service, a lump sum payment cover­ madeto_preserve our Nation and our way want to say that this bill giving the GI ing all unused annual leave. Enlisted of life. Our veterans owe us nothing; · terminal leave pay has my wholehearted \men, on the other hand, receive no such. on the contrary; we owe- much to those -support. Ther~ is no question about consideration. If their leave is not used, who served their country so well, who the justice of the provisions of the bill, it is lost, and that is the end of it. gave so much for so little. 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD--HOUSE 6483 Both as a practical matter and as a sonnel in the armed services. I can see It 1s the general policy of the War Depart­ matter of fairness, action on this bill no valid reason for giving officers ter­ ment to grant terminal leave up to a maxi­ should be expedited in order that the minal-leave pay without giving it to en­ mum accumulation permitted by law to of­ fleers separated from the active service upon many men currently being discharged listed men. Certainly, if they stayed on honorable conditions. from the services may have an opportu­ duty at a time when they were entitled to Under existing law, there is no limitation nity to readjust and reorient themselves leave ,and were denied the privilege of on furloughs which may be granted enlisted prior to seeking employment or reem­ visits with their families and recreation, personnel. However, Army regulations ad­ ployment. they should be paid compensation. This ministratively provide that furloughs may be Only those who have seen active serv­ is only fair and just. granted to enlisted men upon the basis of ice can fully appreciate a practical and Arguments are made that the admin­ 30 days a year plus such additional brief pe­ psychological problem of "unwinding" istrative difficulty of paying these men riods as may be necessary in emergencies or to cover travel time. Such furloughs do not after return to civilian life from military would be substantial. I have an idea include passes which may not exceed 3 days service. This terminal leave, which is that payments could be made without in­ in duration or delays usually authorized in now very properly granted to officers curring as much administrative difficulty connection with official travel, temporary upon their separatio.n from the service, as has been suggested. Even though duty, and return to station of origin. Re­ should be extended immediately to en­ payment may be delayed for a short time enlistment furloughs are for a period of 90 listed men under similar conditions. in order to enable the records to be put days or less, including travel time. Upon A high proportion of our servicemen in shape for making payments, I feel separation from the service, enlisted men are never had a chance to obtain a leave or that we should provide now for the ulti­ not granted termnial leave. Under the Mustering-Out Payment Act of furlough. They are entitled to every cent mate compensation of these valiant men 1944 most personnel having 60 days or more of the money which they would receive and women. of active service, and below the grade of for that time. Officers receive consider­ Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, major, will receive upon separation from the able sums of money upon discharge and I yield such time as he may desire to service a cash payment of $300 1f the in­ that is as it should be. But, Mr. Speak­ the gentleman from South Dakota [Mr. dividual has served outside the continental er, what about the privates, the corporals, CASE]. United States, or $200 if all of his service the sergeants who are denied these Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. has been performed in this country. · Under present War Department policy, War Depart­ rights? To grant commissioned officers Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to ment personnel who return from overseas 120 days of terminal leave and deny it revise and extend my remarks and in­ to reception stations in this country and are to enlisted men is a disgrace to the Na­ clude a letter from the War Department 1n need of recuperation, rehabilitation, or tion, and a rank injustice to the men on the subject of the terminal leave pay who are to be redeployed, are sent at Govern­ to whom our high commanders have bill. ment expense to their homes or places se­ given primary credit for winning the The SPEAKER. Is there objection to lected by them for a period of 30 days plus victory. the request of the gentleman from South travel time. Such time is not charged against I say "rank injustice" advisedly, for Dakota? leave or furlough. that is just what it is. It is one of the The War Department has been requested to The was no objection. submit reports on H. R. 411, 1160, 2454, and most glaring injustices caused by the arti­ Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. 2478, Seventy-ninth Congress, bills providing ficial social stratification which exists in Speaker, my activity in behalf of estab­ for granting of terminal leave to enlisted our armed forces. It is inconceivable lishing equal terminal leave benefits as men with pay, or lump-sum payments in lieu that the mere fact of rank should en­ between enlisted men and officers is evi­ thereof. The War Department has con­ title an officer to monetary privileges be­ dence of my support for this measure. sidered these b1lls and has submittep a pro­ yond the advantage which he already en­ Several months ago I took up the matter posed report to the Bureau of the Budget for joys with respect to his salary. This is advice as to whether the proposals are in with the War Department in an effort to accord with the program of the President. grossly unjust, and I trust that we shall determine the facts and see what could Sincerely yours, not hesitate to make a speedy readjust­ be done. GEORGE J. RICHARDS, ment by passing this measure. And when the gentleman from Florida Major general, General Staff Corps, The enlisted men have borne the brunt brought up the matter on the floor, No­ United States Army. of this war. They have endured more vember 5, 1945, it was my pleasure to Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, and they have suffered more. They have support his interest and to call atten­ I yield such time as he may desire to paid the heaviest price. Surely we can­ tion to some of those facts. When he the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. not heap penalty upon penalty, indignity filed his discharge petition to bring his upon indignity, merely for the crime of bill to the floor I was one of the early BIEMILLER]. being an enlisted man. Surely no mem­ signers, although customarily I do not Mr. BIEMILLER. Mr. Speaker, I ber of this assembly will willingly and sign discharge petitions. support the bill for terminal leave pay intentionally deny to these heroes that They say actions speak louder than for enlisted men as a simple matter of which· is rightfully theirs. words. So I mention these things elementary justice. If officers are to Already we have delayed too long. merely to evidence my support for this have terminal leave pay, why not enlist­ Prompt action is imperative. I shall ex­ meritorious proposition. It will cost ed men as well? There is no possible ert every effort to press for the im­ money; that is true, but the justice of reason, in justice or in common sense, mediate passage of this most vital leg­ why this distinction should exist. It is giving equal treatment cannot be denied. merely another instance of the operatioiJ.t islation. I am sure that I shall be joined Under permission granted by the of the caste system, which, with its many in this action by all those who entertain House, I include the following letter from a comparable respect for the principles discriminations, lowers morale in our Major General Richards, budget officer armed forces. of justice, fair play, and plain common for the War Department, dated October sense. 25, 1945, replying to my letter of inquiry The Army caste system has not helped The things we can do are small enough. of September 29, 1945. I think the data in building a strong volunteer army. By no stretch of the imagination can we in General Richards' letter will help vet­ Practically every GI gripes about it in­ presume to repay our servicemen for erans in computing the amount of un­ cessantly, and with reason. their sacrifices. But those things that used terminal leave due them: The recent Doolittle report offers a lie within our power to do, we must do. real ray of hope. It behooves us in the WAR DEPARTMENT, Congress to take action, and following That is why I urge the prompt passage OFFICE OF THE BUDGET OFFICER, of H. R. 4051, to provide for terminal Washington, October 25, 1945, the recommendations of that report, re­ leave pay to the men and women of our Hon. FRANCis CAsE, construct our Army on the basis of armed forces who have so valiantly House of Representatives, American democracy, instead of the earned it. Washington, D. C. Prussian military model which is still MY DEAR MR. CASE: Reference is made to Mr. JOHN J. D~EY. Mr. Speaker, the basis of our Army structure today. I yield such time as he may desire to the your inquiry of September 29, 1945, relative to This bill, I trust, is the opening gun of War Department regulations with regard to a series of bills to make an Army career gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. leave and furlough privileges. KEFAUVER]. Under existing law, commissioned and war­ more attractive to volunteers. The Army Mr. KEFAUVER. Mr. Speaker, I shall rant omcers are authorized leave at the rate pay raise is another measure to encour­ vigorously support H. R. 4051 which pro­ of 30 days per year and they may accumulate age enlistment, which I hope will clear Vides terminal leave pay for enlisted per- not :inore than 4 months of unused leave. the Congress before long. "6484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 The United States Army offers an hon­ later reported .the bili back to the full drew terminal leave pay, but I do not orable career to any man who is inter­ committee, and then by the full com­ believe they did. But it is the same old ested in the many activities and attrac­ mittee, and I believe the bill comes here law and the authority is there. It all tions it can offer. It is up to us to make with the unanimous support of the com­ dates back, as I quoted from the report, it an even better career. As we do this, mittee. to the provisions of an act of May 8, we will see so many volunteers entering I can best explain the bill in a few 1874, under which this 1 month's leave the service that our occupation forces words by quoting a few lines from the of absence for every year of service for will soon be completely staffed with them. report. If the Members will turn to page officers has moved along without proper Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, 3 of the report of the Committee on regard for enlisted men. The truth is I yield such time as he may desire to the Military Affairs, they will note this lan­ there has been unjust discrimination gentleman from Montana [Mr. MANS­ guage: which must be corrected. FIELD] . Under the provisions of the act of May 8, Mr. WHITTINGTON. The gentle­ Mr. MANSFIELD of Montana. Mr. 1874 (18 Stat. 43), as amended by the act of man has been very helpful, but it has Speaker, as one who has introduced a July 29, 1876 (19 Stat. 102; 10 U. S. C. 842), been argued repeatedly to us by those terminal-leave bill I am more than happy officers of the Army are entitled to 1 month's who are asking for terminal leave for that the House is now considering this leave of absence a year without deduction others that this is a provision which has of pay or allowances and may accumulate measure. As an enlisted man in all three unused portions of such leave not to exceed been made f.or soldiers of World War II. branches of the service during· and after a total of 4 months. Mr. THOMASON. It is the same old the First World War I have been unable It has long been the policy of the War law, and if the War Department wanted to understand the discrepancy which has Department to permit officers to take advan­ to exercise this authority under this old existed in giving terminal-leave pay to tage of accumulated leave upon relief from act of granting leave to officers, of course, officers and not to enlisted men. active duty. As the consequence of the law they had the authority. The trouble is, I sincerely hope, Mr. Speaker, that this and this policy, an officer, although relieved it made no provision for enlisted men. bill will pass the House unanimously and from active duty, actually remains upon the Mr. WHITTINGTON. Did they grant Government pay roll for a period of time that the Senate will consider it and pass equivalent to the amount of leave which has it following World War I? it shortly. I have no doubt but that the accumulated to his credit. Mr. THOMASON. I yield to the gen­ President will sign this measure because tleman from Louisiana [Mr. BROOKS] to it is not only meritorious but long over­ I call the special attention of the Mem· answer that question. due. I hope also that other inequalities bers to this sentence from the report: Mr. BROOKS. Under the act of 1884 in the armed services along the lines rec·­ There is no law on the subject of leave or the Secretary of War was entitled, at his ommended by the Dooiittle committee furlough for enlisted personnel. As a mat­ discretion, to accumulate the leave. But will be put into effect shortly so that a ter of policy, the War Department has au­ you have this big difference between thorized enlisted personnel not to exceed 30 World War I and World War II. In more democratic, a more capable, and a days' furlough annually. Because of the lack better satisfied Army will be the result. of specific legislative authority, however, un­ World War II you had a much longer I urge the House, therefore, to vote this used portions of such furlough do not ac­ · war, so that the accumulations were bill out immediately so that all enlisted cumulate to the credit of the enlisted man much greater. In addition to that, you personnel will receive · the same treat­ as is th~ case of an officer. Consequently, had a situation where the men and offi­ ment, on a terminal-leave-pay basis, as there is no provision whereby an enlisted cers were serving in places where fur- the officers. · m an may enjoy or be paid for unused leave ·loughs were not granted because there Mr. JOHN J. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, . upon discharge or relief from active duty. was no reason for giving them and they I move the previous question. Now comes the heart of this bill which were away from home for 4 or 5 year~. The previous question was ordered. will be discussed in some detail later by Therefore, it does make a big difference. The resolution was agreed to. members of the subcommittee of the Mr. WHITTINGTON. That is be­ Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Speaker, I Committee on Military Affairs which cause of the lack of having accumulate-d move that the House resolve itself into drafted the measure. as much leave as was accumulated in the Committee of the Whole House on The report reads further as follows: · World War II? the State of the Union for the consider­ 'I'he bill under consideration, with the Mr. BROOKS. That is correct. ation of the bill (H. R. 4051) to grant amendment recommended by your commit­ Mr. WHITTINGTON. Mr. Chairman, to enlisted personnel of the armed forces tee, places the enlisted man on exactly the will the gentleman yield further? certain benefits in lieu of accumulated same basis as an officer with respect to leave Mr. THOMASON. May I say to the leave. with the exception that it also provides for gentfeman if. he will bear with us a few The motion was agreed to. a cash lump-sum payment upon discharge. minutes, the members of the subcom­ This latter provision is necessary in view of . mittee who drafted this bill are asking Accordingly the House resolved itself the fact that the Army of the United States into the Committee of the Whole House already has been demobilized and a great for time immediately and they will be on the State of the Union for the con­ majority of its personnel discharged. Sec­ glad to answer any questions that Mem­ sideration of the bill H. R. 4051, with Mr. tion 1 of the bill, as amended, grants to en­ . bers may want to ask. THOMAS of Texas in the chair. listed personnel leave at the rate of 30 days Mr. WHITTINGTON. I do not care The Clerk read the title of the bill. per year and provides for the accumulation · to take up the gentleman's time except By unanimous consent, the first read­ of unused leave not to exceed 120 days. Sec­ to ask a question with respect to the ing of the bill was dispensed with. tion 2 prov!.des for the payment upon dis­ statement the gentleman has made, Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, on charge for this accumulated leave. which has been very helpful. Under the account of the absence of the chairman That is the purpose and the objective law, with respect to the 30 days' annual of the Committee on Military Affairs, I of the bill, to try to put these enlisted leave for enlisted men, are those men have been requested by him to act as men on the same equitable basis as the allowed 30 days' furlough pay? chairman today and to allot the time officers. I count it an honor to be per­ Mr. THOMASON. They were allowed on this side, and also to make a few ob­ mitted to say a word in behalf of the en­ a furlough of time if they could get it servations in support of this measure. I listed men who in the recent war wrote and wanted to use it, but if they did not am for the bill because I believe in jus­ the brightest page in all our military his­ use it, that i.s all there was to it. But it tice. The enlisted men are only asking tory. I urge prompt and unanimous pas­ does not accumulate. for what the officers have already re­ sage of this bill so that it can be enacted Mr. WHITTINGTON. It could not ceived. into law at the earliest possible date. accumulate, and, therefore, they have The Members present, I am sure, are Mr. WHI'ITINGTON. Mr. Chairman, not been given the privilege of, let us acquainted with the bill, which is H. R. will the gentleman "yield? say, 4 months' accumulated leave? 4051, and the title of which is "A bill to Mr. THOMASON. I yield. Mr. 'THOMASON. That is correct. grant to enlisted personnel of the armed Mr. WHITTINGTON. Is there any Mr. WHITTINGTON. What is the forces certain benefits in lieu of accumu­ difference with respect to the terminal total estimated cost of this bill? lated leave." leave for officers of World War II and Mr. THOMASON. That is a very dif­ This bill has had careful consideration World War I? ficult question to answer. There have first by a subcommittee of the House Mr. THOMASON. ·I am not sure at been estimates all the way from two to Committee on Military Affairs, which the moment if officers of World War I six million dollars. 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD'-HOUSE 6485 Mr. WHITTINGTON. What is the Mr. PACE. In view of these circum­ As I understand the committee bill be­ best estimate the committee was able to stances, does not the gentleman feel it is fore us, it provides for a period of 12 make? timely now for him to state-for the record months for the enlisted man to make ap­ Mr. THOMASON. i yield to the .gen­ that, as anxious as we are for the enlisted plication. I believe the original Rogers tleman from Florida to answer that. men to receive this pay, they need not bill provided for only 3 months' time to Mr. SIKES. I would like to take that expect it the day after it is enacted, but make application. My bill, H. R. 6149, up when I have more time. . it will certainly be a matter of months which I introduced some months ago, Mr. THOMASON. It is a very large and perhaps longer before the payments carried this 1 year's provision. It seems sum of 'money, and there is a very wide are made? to me that we might just as well go into spread in the estimates, I will say to the Mr. THOMASON. I thank the gentle­ this with our eyes open and say that gentleman. man for making that statement, because when the year is up it is the intention of Mr. HOFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, will no member of the committee and no Congress to extend the time so that every the gentleman yield? Member of the Congress wants to prac­ enlisted man will have an opportunity to Mr. THOMASON. I yield to the gen­ tice any deception about this, or hold out file his or her application. I give notice tleman from Michigan. any encouragement that there will be that. so far as I am concerned, there is Mr. HOFFIVIAN. There has been a any checks in the mail tomorrow or next not goingto be any limit of even a year's great deal of talk about the difficulty in month, because, in addition to the tre­ time beyond which these men cannot file. learning how much a veteran would be mendous cost of carrying out this bill, it Mr. THOMASON. There is a year's entitled to receive. Is there any way to will require many thousand employees limitation .in the bill that is now under avoid that? to check the records. You cannot take consideration. Mr. THOMASON. I may say to the 12 or 14 million men who have been in Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Yes; I gentleman that the two big obstacles in the service, perhaps 10 million of them understand that. and so stated. I con­ the way of doing prompt justice in this enlisted men, and go through the records gratulate the committee on extending the matter are, first, the question of cost, and in any one day or in any month. How­ time. But at the end of that time Con­ second, the question of administration. ever, this is a good-faith bill and a good­ gress undoubtedly will again extend the With several million men in different faith effort on the part of all of us on time for making application. services it will require reasonable time the Military Affairs Committee to bring 1'4.r. THOMASON. · Of course, a fair and it will take a great many employees out a workable bill, and then later the Congress is going to extend the act if it is to determine who is entitled to this pay War Department will work out some fair necessary; and I might say in this con­ and how much they are entitled to re­ system of administration. Justice must nection, while there have been a lot of ceive. May I say that the authors of be done these men, and I am certain that bills introduced and pending before the the bill, particularly those on the sub­ payment will e hastened as rapidly as committee for a good long while, I be­ committee who drafted it, expect to give possible. lieve every Member of the House, whether you the details on that if you will bear Mr. KEARNEY. Mr. Chairman, will he introduced a bill on the subject or not. with us for a few minutes. the gentleman yield? is personally interested in seeing that Mr. HOFFMAN. I was just trying to Mr. THOMASON. I yield. justice is done in this matter. I am ac­ learn something about what Members of Mr. KEARNEY. I think the gentle­ tively supporting this bill, as is the entire Congress could do when these requests man is absolutely correct, and also that committee. That is the reason we bring for information begin to come in. I sup­ is a reason to assume that, in the pay­ it here for debate and consideration, with. pose this includes the WACS and the the hope that the fairest and most equi­ WAVES. . ment of this terminal leave adjustment, in some cases it may take years, due to table measure that can be passed under Mr. THOMASON. Yes, it will. the scattering of the records all over the the circumstances is going to become Mr.· HOFFMAN. We already have so world, and the ultimate placing of those law. I feel a great personal interest in many requests from veterans that we this legislation, and the Members.may be have difficulty in answering them. If records in any one central office. Mr. THOMASON. I want to be frank assured that I speak for all the members each veteran who was in the service be­ of the Military Affairs Committee in say-_ gins to write why they do not get their' about this. This is going to be a very complicated ·matter of administration, ing that we have worked out a fair bill, money or why the amount is riot correct, and urge its prompt enactment. have we any assurance that an agency because, as the gentleman from New will be set up here to determine those York has said-and the veterans have no Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of questions, so that we can 'give that in­ better friend in this House than he, and, my time. formation? besides, he is a veteran himself-we know The CHAffiMAN. The gentleman Mr. THOMASON. Yes. There will be that these records are scattered to every from Texas has consumed 15 minutes. a separate division set up in the War part of the world and now several mil­ Mr. ANDREWS "Of New York. Mr. Department, but a great many of those lions of men have been discharged, and, Chairman, I yield myself 5 minutes. individual claims will have to be based in addition, their commanding officers The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman upon affidavits, because you cannot de­ are gone and the records are probably in from New York is recognized. termine from the records just how much Paris, Tokyo, Yokahama, or some other Mr. ANDREWS of New York. Mr. furlough time an enlisted man has taken place. The records will have to be re­ Chairman, the provisions of this measure or how much he ought to be paid. So assembled and evaluated and the truth present certain most difficult problems, it will probably boil down to a question arrived at, because the Government must and it may not be out of the way for me of the enlisted man having to make an have that. The veterans only want what to make some observations looking to the affidavit and furnish proper evidence in they are entitled to, and, of course, the practices which to my mind have pro­ support of his claim. taxpayers want the claims justified. It duced the situation in which we are today Mr. HOFFMAN. There is no way of will certainly take some time to work out having to deal with this legislation. giving each one a lump sum and settling the details, and there is no reason for You will recall that during the early it in that way? No way of avoiding all anybody to be deceived about that. days of the war we passed a bill which these individual discrepancies? Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Mr. came from the Military Affairs Commit­ Mr. THOMASON. There would be Chairman, will the gentleman yield? tee for mustering-out pay amounting in some enlisted men who took all their Mr. THOMASON. I yield. the highest figures to $300 for enlisted furlough time when others were either Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. As one men. When that bill was brought from in combat or at certain places where they of several Members of this House who the committee and the committee sup­ could not or did not want to take any intrpduced bills on the important subject ported the move, there w~s a great feel­ furlough time at all. Every claim filed of terminal-leave pay for enlisted men, I ing at that time that the junior officers will have to be decided on the facts in am especially interested in the gentle­ whose pay was very little different from that particular case. man's statement that it is going to take that of the enlisted man were as badly Mr. PACE. Mr. Chairman, wlll the considerable time in order to pay all in need of mustering-out pay as were the gentleman yield? these enlisted men their· terminal-leave enlisted men, and for that reason offi­ Mr. THOMASON. I yield. pay the same as the officers have re.celved. cers in the grade of second lieutenant, '6486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 first lieutenant, and captain were in­ Mr. McCORMACK. Mr. Chairman, the leadership can work out something so cluded within the provisions of the Mus­ Monday is District Day. I understand that we will not lose another day. tering-Out Pay Act, receiving up to $300 there are thre~ bills to be called up. Mr. McCORMACK. I think that the themselves. The Committee on Military After those bills are disposed of the hope of the gentleman is a very proper Affairs reported that bill anp the House Railroad Retirement Act will be brought one to express, but I want to be per­ passed the measure without the knowl­ up. There are 5 hours' gener.al debate fectly frank and state that that is the edge that the Army in accordance with on that bill. If that is not disposed of situation. My friend knows that the an old statute would pay terminal leave on Monday, further consideration will be leadership has· no control over it. to all officers who served in the Army at suspended. Mr. MICHENER. I am very sure that the conclusion of their service. That On Tuesday the Labor Department ap­ is true. produced the situation we are in today. propriation bill will be considered. Mr. McCORMACK. That is a situa­ The enlisted men knew, they had a right Wednesday is set aside for Calendar tion that the leadership has no control to know, it was proper for them to know, Wednesday business. over. that officers in the grades of second lieu­ On Thursday the Labor Department The CHAIRMAN. The time of the tenant, first lieutenant, and captain who appropriation bill will be taken up for gentleman from Michigan. has expired. were receiving the $300 discharge pay further consideration if not previously Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I would also receive terminal-leave . pay. disposed of. The corporation appropria­ yield the gentleman four additional min­ They are the only ones in the category tion bill will follow until completed. utes. who receive both terminal leave and After that the Railroad Retirement Act Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. mustering out pay in the amount of $300. will be taken up and disposed of' if not Chairman, will the gentleman yield? As I stated, that produced this situation. previously disposed of, and consideration Mr. MICHENER. I yield to the gen­ Frankly, I see no way in which it can of that bill will continue until completed. tleman from South Dakota. be remedied other than by the passage If all the time for gen·eral debate on the Mr. CASE of South Dakota. The gen­ of a bill of this type. Railroad Retirement Act is not taken up tleman from Massachusetts referred to Some questions have been asked about we could dispose of it earlier, but if that the possibility of considering any veto administration of this proposal. I do does not happen, why this is the program messages, should they come. Does the not pretend to know all the details, but up until Friday. We are going· to meet gentleman state ·that he has no informa­ from what I do know it seems to me it on Saturdays from now on. On Satur­ tion at the present time as to whether is reasonable to expect that this will be day, a week from tomorrow, the national­ any are in the offing? the most terrific bookkeeping job ever cemetery bill will be assigned. From now Mr. McCORMACK. I have absolutely attempted by the Federal Government in on, as I see it, we have got to meet on no informaticn. I make no predictions. any of its activities, either in war or Saturdays if we are goi¥ to adjourn I do not want any interpretation placed peacetime, in order to carry out the pro­ somewhere around the middle of July. on anything I have said. I have no visions of this bill. It means in effect If the present bill is disposed of today and knowledge at all. checking- the records of 10,000,000 men·· passed without a roll call, that is all right; Mr. CASE of South Dakota. But if and women who have been in both but if there is to be a roll call there is a any should appear, the calendar that branches of the service. It means taking gentleman's agreement that it will go the gentleman has outlined would be ad­ their· word for a great many things.' over until Tuesday, and any other roll justed to permit the consideration·of the Accurate statistics may not be obtainable call will go over until Tuesday. There veto message, of course. in all instances. It will take literally may be some conference reports. They Mr. McCORMACK. · Yes. thousands of employees to carry out the will always be in order as well as any veto Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Does the provisions of this act and a great length messages, if they come in, which per­ gentleman expect that the membership of time to do it in a decent sort of way. sonally I hope. will be given any notice in advance of the Let me say something about the pro­ Mr. MICHENER. Does the gentleman receipt of the message? visions of various bills which have been meari he hopes a veto message will come Mr. McCORMACK. I am unable to introduced. None of the provisions of or that he hopes no message will come? answer that question, except I think the the original bill on the discharge petition Mr. McCORMACK. My personal views leadership ought to take steps to protect could have been interpreted by any are that I hope the veto will come. the Members. The last day is Wednes­ agency of government to carry out what Mr. MICHENER. May I inquire about day, as I understand. I do not want will be necessary. The bill which has this? I quite agree with the leader that to make any expression, because I have been substituted with the consent of the we hold sessions and get the important no knowledge, and it seems· to me that gentleman from Florida [Mr. RoGERS] work behind us. the Members ought to govern themselves has been carefully worked out by a sub­ Mr. McCORMACK. I have no know­ to be here Tuesday and Wednesday. committee under the chairmanship of ledge of any veto message; I want to be Mr. MICHENER. I do not think the the gentleman from Florida [Mr. SIKES], frank. gentleman ought to be pressed for an from whom you will hear very shortly. Mr. MICHENER. Inasmuch as that is expression if he has no knowlectge about The results of this bill even are unpre­ the view of the leadership, can we have the matter. He has expressed his hopes, dictable. ' It is safe to guess it will cost any assurance that on Wednesday next and we now know what they are, at least $3,000,000,000 and may run as we will do business rather than devote Mr. McCORMACK. I have no knowl­ high as $6,000,000,000. As I say, i see no the day to roll calls? edge about it. way out of the situation but to pass a bill Mr. McCORMACK. Wednesday is Mr. MICHENER. My attention has of some type having to do with this sub­ Calendar Wednesday. I put that down. been called by a Member to the fact that ject. I think it is important that every­ Of course, I have no control over that, the 14th of June is Flag Day. Does that one understand exactly what the situa­ as the gentleman knows. That can only enter into the picture at all? tion is. It comes as a result of a mistake, be dispensed with by unanimous consent Mr. McCORMACK. I suppose that if you want to call it that, on the part of and I have been served with notice that Members who so desire could make ap­ the Military Affairs Committee, and a any unanimous consent request to dis­ propriate speeches on that day, but I mistake on the part of the War Depart­ pense with Calendar Wednesday would think we ought to legislate. ment in that there is an overlapping of be objected to. , Mr. MICHENER. I thank the gentle­ the two benefits for second lieutenants, Mr. MICHENER. I am not asking man. first lieutenants, and captains who re­ that it be dispensed with, but I was ex­ Mr. RANKIN. Is that next Wednes­ ceive both terminal pay and discharge pressing the hope that some of those day? We certainly want to use the pay. committees that have bills on the cal­ American flag. Mr. Chairman, I now yield such time. endar will be called, and will be per­ Mr. McCORMACK. June 14 this as he may desire to the gentleman from mitted to dispose of legislation other year falls on a Friday. Michigan [Mr. MICHENER]. than that one particular bill which is Mr. RANKIN. Let me say to the gen­ Mr. MICHENER. Mr. Chairman, I causing all the trouble. If nothing is to tlemen on the other side who are inquir­ take this time to ask what the program be gained by the call of Calendar ing about our fight on the FEPC that next week will be. · Wednesday other than roll calls, I hope those of us who are fighting that com- 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6487 munistic legislation are not trying to em­ resentatives of the Army and the Navy this bill. This estimate is further borne barrass any Member of Congress, but that considerable difficulty would be met out by the fact that the personnel of the we are going to every legitimate length with in the administration of any of the Navy is approximately one-half that of possible to keep it from going on the bills which had been introduced. Con­ the Army. statute books. You may call it a fili­ sequently, your subcommittee, working ·Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, will buster if you want to, but we are simply with representatives o.f the legal de­ the gentleman yield? walking in the path of those great men partment of the War Department and of Mr. SIKES. I yield to my friend. who have fought such vicious measures the Navy Department and with our own Mr. CARNAHAN. Is there any esti­ in the past. We are simply trying to save legislative counsel, drew up a bill which mate of the percentage of Army person­ this country from the baneful effects of it is felt is administratively sound and nel who will receive this pay? There such vicious, communistic legislation as which, if properly handled, will correct seems to be an opinion over the country the so-called FEPC bill. this inequality which now exists between that perhaps everyone is going to receive Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I the officer and the enlisted man. In rec­ some pay as a result of this bill. Cer­ yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from ognition of the work done by my dis­ tainly some of them have used up all of Florida [Mr. SIKES]. tinguished colleague the gentleman from their leave. Mr. SIKES. Mr. Chairman, since 1874 Florida [Mr. RoGERS], who has been a Mr. SIKES. Some of the men, of there has been on the statute books leg­ leader in the fight to make possible ter­ course, have used up all of their leave, islation which gave discretion to the Sec­ minal-leave payments to enlisted men, but I think the gentleman will find that retary of War to grant terminal leave to the bill which he introduced was used percentage is rather .small and that most officers. , That leave was not mandatory. as a basis for discussion, and the bill of the men, because of war conditions It was not a statutory right of officers of which comes to you today-H. R. 4051- and because many of them were over­ the Army, but it was left within the dis­ carries his name. The subcommittee seas, have not used all of their leave. A cretion of the Secretary of War to grant proposes to strike out everything after greater percentage of the members of terminal leave to officers if he saw fit. the enacting clause and write in a new the armed forces will have some pay At a matter of policy it has been custo­ bill, the bill which the subcommittee coming to them under this bill. mary for officers to receive terminal leave wrote after exhaustive study, with the Mr. CARNAHAN. I thank the gentle­ through most of the time since that pe­ help of the legal representatives of the man. I am glad to have that informa­ riod. An officer could accumulate 2 ¥2 Army and Navy and our own legislative tion. days leave per month to a total of 120 counsel. I would like to briefly discuss Mr. SIKES. Getting back to the dis­ days, representing a 4-year maximum that bill. cussion of the bill-we used September period of leave accumulation. Mr. DONDERO. Mr. Chairman, will 8, 1939, as the effective starting date of Mr. BULWINKLE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield for a question at this the bill. That is the date on which the the gentleman yield? · point? · first naval reservists were called up. We Mr. SIKES. I yield to the gentleman Mr. SIKES. I am glad to yield to the set up 2¥2 days per month for actual from North Carolina. distinguished gentleman. time served, and provided for a maximum Mr. BULWINKLE. May I say to the Mr. DONDERO. I have examined the of 120 days terminal leave, less the actual gentleman that it was not customary report and I do not find any estimate of leave that each man received. That is during World War I. No terminal leave what this bill will cost the country: the basis on which the officers are given was granted. Mr. SIKES. I will be glad to touch terminal leave and we are trying to make Mr. SIKES. Such has been my under­ on that. I think it is something that the this measure correspond as nearly as standing. Now to get back t,o my discus­ House is vitally interested in. It is very possible to the regulations followed for sion. Enlisted men have been commonly difficult -even in the hearings to find a the officers. Now let us consider section considered as having earned a 30-day satisfactory estimate of the actual cost 2. Because of a number of conditions leave each year, but this right was not of the bill. There are so many consider­ which were brought out in the hearings, protected by statute, and if not received ations that enter into this matter and it was considered desirable to make lump­ the leave was not cumulative. No pay it is so difficult to determine how much sum payments upon discharge for men was allowed for the enlisted man's 30 leave the average enlisted man has al­ presently in the services. Each man re­ .days' leave if that leave was not granted. ready had and how much terminal leave ceives a lump-sum payment for his ter­ A number of us here have long real­ he would be entitled to, that a great minal leave when he is discharged. That ized that this situation has caused a lot many estimates have been made. These payment includes base and longevity al­ of dissent and a lot of dissatisfaction on range all the way from a billion and a lowance and actual monetary allowance the part of the enlisted men in the armed half dollars to $8,000,000,000. It has for quarters and subsistence which the services. It is an inequality which has been found that the average length of individual was receiving immediately caused enlisted men to feel that they are service is 28 months. Most of the en­ prior to discharge. being unfairly discriminated against and listed men have received some furlough I would like to point out that most en­ that they are victims of unwarranted time. Cost of terminal leave for officers listed men do not actually receive mone­ class distinction. It is a condition which cannot properly be counted in the cost tary allowance for quarters and subsist­ ·should not exist. Consequently, some of of this measure, because they receive ter­ ence. Instead of receiving a monetary us have felt that legislation should be minal leave pay anyway. But I have allowance they are given quarters and enacted giving enlisted men as nearly as here a letter from the War Department subsistence. But, in any event, we give to possible the same consideration in the addressed to me, dated March 13, and every enlisted man a minimum of 70 matter of terminal leave pay as has been signed by Brig. Gen. Ira ·swift, of the cents per day, in addition to his base and shown to omcers. War Department General Staff. He longevity pay, which is the monetary Approximately 20 bills on this subject states, "The War Department estimates allowance give to officers for their sub­ were introduced and referred to the that the December 11, 1945, draft," and sistence. House Committee on Military Affairs, that is the draft which we propose for Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Mr. and referred by that committee to a enactment today, "above-mentioned will, Chairman, will the gentleman yield? subcommittee for hearing. It was my if enacted, result in a cost to the Govern­ Mr. SIKES. I yield. , privilege to serve as chairman of the ment of approximately $2,000,000,000 for Mr. JOHNSON of Oklahoma. Is that subcommittee. . Hearings were held on Army personnel." This is higher than a ·the same monetary subsistence pay that this subject in December of 1945, at cost estimate previously made to the was given to officers? which appeared the sponsors of the va­ subcommittee by General Swift during Mr. SIKES. That is the same as an rious biUs as well as representatives of the hearings, but it represents a more de­ officer now receives. the Army and of the Navy. At that tailed study by the War Department. Section 3 describes the rights of the time representatives of both the Army We do not have a similar statement survivors of the members of the armed and the Navy stated that they had no for the Navy personnel, but from state­ forces who died before receiving their objection to legislation providing termi­ ments made to the subcommittee from terminal-leave pay. 'nal-leave pay for enlisted men, but they my personal investigations, but it is my Mr. WADSWORTH. Mr. Chairman, pointed to the difficulties connected with belief that the cost for the Navy will be will the gentleman yield? its administration and to the cost of the about $1,000,000,000, thus making a total Mr. SIKES. I yield to my distin­ legislation.. It was also stated by rep- cost of approximately .$3,000,000,000 for gUished colleague from New York, M88 ·coNGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 Mr. WADSWORTH. Is it contem­ War or Navy Department may pay direct such short circuit; but none was sug­ plated that a member of the family of simply upon affidavit? gested. It was understood and · agreed the deceased shall make application? Mr. SIKES. I believe the gentleman's that the logical methoc1 would be for Mr. SHillS. It is. understanding is correct. the record to be consulte-d and the actual Mr. WADSWORTH. Would it pe in Mr. KEARNEY. No judicial proceed- . days to be determined. the form of an affidavit? ings are necessary at all? · Mr. LECOMPTE. Mr. Chairman, will Mr. SIKES. I believe that such would Mr. SIKES. That would be my inter­ the gentleman yield? be the case, althougJ;l the bill is rather pretation. Now I want to discuss section Mr. SIKES. I yield. flexible in permitting the Secretaries of 5 (c); this is something in which I think Mr. LECOMPTE. The records in every War and Navy to issue· regulations the Members of the House will be very case will show just exactly the number necessary for its administ.ration. much interested, because it touches upon of days a man served and how much Mr. WADSWORTH. Could the gen­ the matter of records and the difficulty furlough he.has had, will they not? tleman inform the Committee as to of administering this act. It is under­ Mr. SIKES. That is correct. what sort of affidavit a minor child stood, if it is necessary for the War De­ Mr. LECOMPTE. There will be no dif­ could make? partment to single out and study every ficulty in knowing how many days a man Mr. SIKES. I think the gentleman one of these records of service of the served in this country, how many days will find that this feature is fully covered 12,000,000 or more enlisted men, a very he served overseas, and how much fur­ a little further on in the bill. I suggest great problem is going to be presented lough he has had. that the gentleman study section 5

Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I be treated any differently than an officer TERMINAL LEAVE PAY-A DEBT THE UNITED yield the gentleman one additional min- in this respect. This is due to the lack STATES OF AMERICA OWES, THE GI ute. · of legislative authority to permit unused Mr. MUNDT. Mr. Chairman, as one of Mr. SIKES. Let me summarize by portion of furloughs to accumulate to the the early supporters of legislation to pro­ stating that we have attempted to write credit of the enlisted man as in the case vide terminal-leave pay for our enlisted a simple, comprehensive measure which of an otlicer. Consequently, there is no personnel, it gives me real gratification will correct a serious inequality which provision whereby an enlisted man may to support this legislation today with we believe has been done to enlisted per­ enjoy or be paid for unused leave upon both my voice and my vote. H. R. 4051 sonnel. We believe that the proposed discharge or relief from active duty. may not be a perfect piece of legislation legislation meets every situation which · The bill now under consideration will but it is a definite effort to make avail­ will arise and that it will permit the correct this unfair discrimination be­ able to the enlisted personnel the oppor­ sound, prompt administration of the tween officers and enlisted men. It ex­ tunities for terminal-leave pay which problem of terminal-leave pay for en­ tends t9 the enlisted man a similar privi­ have already been available to officers. listed men. As nearly as possible, we lege as now enjoyed by an officer upon This legislation demonstrates that Con­ have placed it on the same plane as the his separation from service. The bill is gress recognizes the debt the country regulations under which terminal leave exceedingly meritorious and is entitled owes its enlisted personnel in this re­ is now allowed for officers. We feel that to the favorable consideration of the gard as a result of the fact that they were enlisted personnel are entitled to all that House. I trust that it will receive the denied leave in so many instances where is granted to them under the terms of support that it is justly entitled to re­ their services were badly needed during this measure. · ceive. wartime. Our enlisted men and women I should like to point out that this leg­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, served cheerfully under those emergency islation has the active support of the I yield such time as he may desire to the conditions-they are now entitled to the American Legion and of the Veterans of gentleman from Kansas [Mr. REES]. same considerations in matters of term­ Foreign Wars. It has enjoyed strong Mr. REES of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I inal leave as have been in vogue for our support from the press throughout the shall support this legislation granting officers. Nation. Those of us who have worked to terminal leave pay to enlisted personnel I am one of those, Mr. Chairman, who bring it to the floor are gratified at the in our armed forces. It is the only fair believes this legislation to provide recog­ response which it has received here, and and equitable thing to do, especially in nition of our enlisted personnel is long I hope that it will pass without a dis­ view of the fact that our Government overdue. I was one of the Members of senting vote. has long since approved the policy of al­ Congress who signed the discharge peti­ Mr. DURHAM. Mr. Chairman, will the lowing officers accumulated leave pay tion which forced committee action on gentleman yield? upon being relieved from duty. Since this bill. I shall always be one of those Mr. SIKES. I yield to my distin­ this Government has seen fit to continue who insists that in the benefits and priv­ guished friend from North Carolina. to pay salaries of officers in the armed ileges to be extended to our service men Mr. DURHAM. I wish to congratulate forces for a period of 2 or 3 months or and women in the future it is imperative the gentleman on this bill. He has done more, in accordance with their term of that we give equitable and €qual consid­ a lot of hard work on it. service, and who received salaries all the eration to the enlisted personnel as well When our committee considered the way from $3,000 to $8,000 per year, it as to officers. estimates, does the gentleman recall the would seem rather small not to grant as We must never permit a military caste estimate given of how much had already much as $100 .or $200 for enlisted men system to develop in this country in such been paid out to officers? who did not have a chance for a fur­ a manner that one set of equities pre­ Mr. SIKES. An approximation of this lough and who served for pay as low as vails for the officers and a different and figure is shown in the hearings. I do not $50 per month. less acceptable set of equities prevails have them before me at the moment. This bill will permit the enlisted man for our enlisted personnel. Favorable ac­ The CHAIRMAN. The time of the to receive pay in lieu of the leave to tion on this legislation now before us will gentleman from Florida has again ex­ which he was entitled and it will be on help to demonstrate that Congress rec­ pired. the basis of the amount of money he ognizes that the men and women of every ·Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, received while on active duty. The bill branch and rank of our services are en­ I yield such time as he may desire to the does provide that he will receive this titled to equal justice and similar equities. gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. WoL- money as a lump-sum payment when dis­ It has been argued by some that this VERTON]. ' charged. The bill should pass and the legislation will cost a great deal of money Mr. WOLVERTON of New Jersey. Mr. obligation in favor of enlisted men should and that it consequently should be de­ Chairman, I am in favor of the adoption be fulfilled. feated. The first portion of that argu­ of the pending bill providing terminal­ I realize this is an additional expense ment may be factual, Mr. Chairman, but leave pay to enlisted personnel of the against our Government, but the Gov­ its conclusion is certainly fallacious. It armed services. ernment has already approved the ex­ is admittedly true this legislation will cost Under existing law, officers of the Army penditure of millions of dollars for of­ a sizable sum, but we must remember are entiled to 1 month's leave of absence ficers in some cases at the rate of several that wars do not come cheap. Remem­ a ~·ear without deduction of pay or allow­ hundred dollars per month. These of­ bering this, Mr. Chairman, we must also ance-s and may accumulate unused por­ ficers received good-sized salaries while · rededicate ourselves to the proposition tions of such leave not to exceed a total they were in service. This, then, is only that this great Republic of ours cannot of 4 months. simple justice to which enlisted personnel and should not expect the individual en­ The law providing for such payments are entitled. listed men to shoulder handicaps simply to officers was enacted in 1874, and Let me suggest, too, that the additional because to give him justice may some­ amended in 1876. It has been ,the policy expenditure under this measure can times become expensive. of the War Department to permit officers The enlisted personnel is entitled to to take advantage of accumulated leave easily be saved by practicing just a little upon discharge from active duty. Thus, economy in the departments of govern­ this terminal leave pay-whether it costs an officer although relieved from active ment. Funds expended for a few thou­ Uncle Sam a sizable sum of money or duty, actually remains upon the Govern­ sand unnecessary an·d surplus employees not. We must keep faith with those to ment pay roll for a period of time equiva­ in our Government, would more than off­ whom we owe this obligation. A Nation which glibly tosses off the billion-dollar lent to the a~ount of leave which has ac­ set the expenditure required under this cumulated to his credit. There has not legislation. As I have already stated this balances due it on lend-lease and which been nor is there now any objection to . is an act of justice on the part of Con­ freely proposes to loan additional billions this policy. It is right and just. gress and should be approved. of uncollectible dollars to foreign coun­ However, there is no law that extends Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, tries is certainly in no position to short- . a similar right or privilege to enlisted I yield such time as he may require to the change its own soldiers and sailors or to personnel. This is neither right nor just. gentleman from South Dakota [Mr. plead poverty as an excuse for not treat­ The enlisted man or woman should not MUNDT]. ing its enlisted personnel with the same XCII--409 6490 Cd:NGRESSIONAL RECORD~HbUSE J"UNE 7 consideration it has extended to its of- ing a lawyer to construe it. Generally ~ood job that he has performed. This ficers. '\ when bills are brought on this floor there Congress cannot countenance such a pol­ Let us pass this legislation by an over­ are technical portions which require a icy as that. whelming vote and let us find other great deal of study in order to under­ Now, let us get down to the cost. Some places in our governmental activities stand them, but this bill happily does not Members seem to be disturbed because where we can effect economies; surely require any such procedure or study. this will cost $2,000,000,000, but, Mr. there is a plethora of such opportunities I am for this bill not because I object Chairman, when a principle is involved for ' legitimate economy available. The to the ofllcers having been allowed ter­ are we going to let money considerations common-sense mandate of putting first minal leave, nor do I feel that the ofllcers swerve us away from justice, equity, and things first commands that we act with­ were given a present. If they have ter­ equality? No. out further delay in approving this legis­ minal leave coming they should have ter­ Mr. ABERNETHY. Mr. Chairman, lation to make terminal leave pay avail­ minal pay. On the other hand, I feel will the gentleman yield? able to our enlisted personnel. Congress that the greatest national defense we can Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I yield to the has already deferred action too long on look forward to is to ·get the enlisted men gentleman from Mississippi. this important corrective. to feel that they have received a square Mr. ABERNETHY. Well, the cost is We are going to need strong and sturdy deal, that they have been treated on an only about half as much as the proposed military establishments for a long time equality with the officers as far as termi­ British loan, is it not? to come in this uncertain and uncoopera­ nal leave is concerned. For these rea­ Mr. ROGERS of Florida. Yes. tive world of ours-one way to maintain sons I feel that the pending bill should Mr. ABERNETHY. And this is a much the morale and to build the strength of pass, as it will, because I realize that more worthy proposition. WJlile on my our security forces is to give convincing every Member on this floor appreciates feet, I desire to congratulate the dis­ proof by our vote on this measure that the justice of it. tinguished gentleman from Florida on Congress recognizes the rights of the Na­ I am especially for this bill because I his persistent and untiring efforts in be­ tion's enlisted personnel. Let us demon­ believe that the greatest part of our na­ half of this bill which I am glad to strate that Congress proposes to make tional defense consists of the human support. sure that a privileged officers' class with part, the me11 who do the fighting and Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I think it is special benefits and equities does not de-· the dying-the enlisted men. They are much more worthy, and right here I velop in this Republip to operate dis­ the ones that see the real hardships. want to say, I appreciate very much the criminatory regulations against the rank They are the ones that take the full brunt remarks of my colleague the gentleman and' file who always have and who al­ not only of a battle but of living in fox from Mississippi [Mr. ABERNETHY }, and ways will comprise the great bulk of our holes. Their loss ana suffering as a I want to take this opportunity to pub­ fighting forces. The legitimate author­ whole is greater than that of officers. licly thank him for his active support ity which goes with position and rank is This legislation has been too long and the very fine work he has done on one thing but we must not permit un­ neglected. It should have been passed behalf of my bill, H. R. 4051, he being necessary discriminations which are re­ months ago. The returning veterans one of the signers of the petition to bring pugnant in a country dedicated to the were entitled to it. the bill on the floor of the House for principle that all men are created equal. The CHAIRMAN. The time of the consideration. Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ gentleman from North Dakota has ex­ And, Mr. Chairman, may I talte time man, I yield such time as he may desire pired. here to thank each and every one who to the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I signed the discharge petition, and par­ LECOMPTE]. yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from ticularly express my deep appreciation Mr. LECOMPTE. Mr. Chairman, Florida [Mr. ROGERS]. to the gentleman from Georgia, M. C. this bill appears to be both just and fair Mr. ROGERS of Florida. Mr. Chair­ TARVER, the gentleman from Oklahoma, to the enlisted men in comparison with man, H. R. 4051 is one bill that is just, VICTOR WICKERSHAM, the gentleman from the terminal leave that officers have been equitable, and honest. I sometimes have Texas, LINDLEY BECKWORTH, the gentle­ given. I am heartily in favor of this a doubt in my mind as to the merit of man from Oklahoma, LYLE BoREN, and bill, since it appears to be nothing more certain·legislation that comes before this the gentleman from Tennessee, HAROLD nor less than plain justice toward the House and upon which I vote, but may EARTHMAN, who were very active in their enlisted men who served so valiantly for I tell the membership of the committee cooperation and assistance in securing our country. that this is one bill about which there is the required nu!Dber of signatures on the Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ not one scintilla of doubt in my mind discharge petition. man, I yield such time as he may desire that the Congress should pass. Mr. RIVERS. There is at least some to the gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Why do I say that? I say that for the security behind it, too. CARLSON]. reason that commissioned officers do re­ Mr. ROGERS of Florida. There is no Mr. CARLSON. Mr. Chairman, many ceive terminal leave, and I want to pay question about that. But I cannot see veterans have written me urging ap­ tribute to the commissioned officers. I any objection when you consider the job proval of the terminal-leave pay bill. hate to see certain Members of the House that these boys have done. Do you know I am glad that the House is taking get up and refer to commissioned om.cers what this Congress did last year? In the final action on this legislation, which re­ as brass hats. They were the men who first instance, we appropriated some $58,- moves an inequity among the men who went to the front for us when we needed 000,000,000 more than we used because saw military service. them. But those men enjoy and are en­ of the fact that these boys did a good I was one of the original 218 signers joying terminal leave. That was pro­ job. The first rescission bill that was of the petition recommending early vided them by law in 1874, amended in passed by this Congress canceled out action. This legislation removes a dis­ 1876. This gives leave of absence to of­ appropriations we had made of $52,000,- crimination that has caused much feel­ ficers for a period of 30 days a year 000,000, and in the second rescission bill ing between men who served in the en­ which may not be deducted from their we canceled out $6,000,000,000. listed ranks and the ofllcers. It is my pay and allowances. If they do not take Now let us consider the cost. hope that the bill will get early action up all of their accumulated leave when Mr. BUFFETT. Mr. Chairman, will in the Senate. they are discharged from the service the gentleman yield? Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ they are put on the Government pay roll Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I yield to the man, I yield such time as he may desire for that time which they did not enjoy gentleman from Nebraska. to the gentleman from North Dakota in leave given them by law. Mr. BUFFETT. I wanted to inquire [Mr. LEMKE]. What happens to the enlisted men, the about the cost of this project. Is the $2,- Mr. LEMKE. Mr. Chairman, I am in men fighting in the Pacific and in Europe 000,000,000 figure the estimate of the favor of this bill and I want to congratu­ along with commissioned ofllcers? When Bureau of the Budget or the War Depart­ late the committee on the kind of bill they are discharged together, where is ment, or who made that estimate? I they have brought in here for our cqn­ yoUr discrimination? The ofllcer gets Mr. ROGERS of Flori$ia. The evidence sideration. It can be understood and ~ttP!P.al lJ!ave and the corporal or the that was taken before the subcommittee read by any ordinary ~rson without ask- tsf1vate only gets a "handshake" fo-r a .contained no estimate from the Bureau 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6491 of the Budget, and what General Swift Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I presume parents, may receive this pay. It is dif­ said was a mere guess. He figured it that they will be started immediately ficult for me to understand just how they would be around $2,000,000,000. He said upon the filing of the applications. They would make an application in such form it was a mere guess. He figured that the have 1 year in which to come in and to as to be persuasive. enlisted man served an average of 28 file their claims. Mr. ROGERS of Florida. That would months up to September 1, 1945. Mr. JUDD. Then this would be the be done by affidavit or by the furnishing Mr. BUFFETT. Is that for the Army procedure: The man would make his of some proof that would convince the alone or for the entire armed services? application, whereupon the War De­ Army or the Navy that the person to Mr. ROGERS of Florida. He was partment or the Navy Department would whom they were paying the money was speaking for the Army. look up his record, and between the two entitled to it. Mr. BUFFETT. Is there any estimate they would set the sum to be paid. Mr. BROOKS. If the gentleman will for the Navy? Mr. ROGERS of Florida. That is yield, may I say that the War Depart­ Mr. ROGERS of Florida. Not so far true. This bill provides that they shall ment now is authorized to pay certain as I know. There are no estimates here. make a sworn statement, giving the claims up to $1,000 without going into As I say, it is a guess, because they do number of days' leave that each has used court. They are handling those matters not know the amount of leave that has during his term of service l.n the armed satisfactorily, and thus far, as far as I been taken. forces. You know that the men that know, there has been no complaint of Mr. SIKES. Mr. Chairman, will the went out and sacrificed their time and the way they have been handled. I as­ gentleman yield? fought for their country, to preserve sume these payments, which will largely Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I yield to the freedom and the American way of life, run less than $1,000, will be handled the gentleman from Florida. when they come in and make a state­ same way. Mr. SIKES. May I say to the gentle­ ment, will not perjure their souls to get a Mr. ROGERS of Florida. In conclu­ man, as I stated. a few minutes ago, the few dollars of terminal-leave pay. They sion, may I say that this bill now being War Department has estimated that the will make a statement that is true and discussed has the support and recom- cost of this legislation to the War De­ one reflecting facts. There may be a . mendation of the majority of the mem­ partment would be $2,000,000,000. I have few instances where discrepancies may bership of this House since 218 Members that in writing. I do not have a similar show up, but you can trust the enlisted signed the discharge petition, and in ad­ statement in writing from the Navy, but man, and when he makes a statement dition thereto has the full support and the best estimate I have been able to ob­ he will make a true statement to the approval of the Military Affairs Commit­ tain from talking with people in the best of his ability, and if he has not tee which should insure the speedy pas­ Navy Department is that their cost will used up his unearned leave, then this sage of this long overdue right of the run slightly less than $1,000,000,000. The Government owes it to him, and this enlisted personnel of the armed forces. Bureau of the Budget made an estimate. Congress ought to see that it is paid to Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, They said that as far as they were able him. I yield such time as he may desire to the to determine that the total cost of this Mr. WADSWORTH. It is my purpose gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. AucH­ legislation would be somewhere between in asking this question to develop fur­ INCLoss]. two and five billion dollars. But tne esti­ ther the reply that I received from the Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Chairman, mates I have given you from my research other gentleman who addressed us a mo­ I am very glad that this bill has finally indicate that the cost would be about ment ago on one of the problems of reached the :floor and is being considered $3,000,000,000; perhaps a little less. administration. I note, for example, on by the Congress, because it rectifies what Mr. WADSWORTH. Mr. Chairman, page 5, in paragraph (b) of section 5, I believe to be an injustice to the men will the gentleman yield? the Secretary of War and the Secretary who have borne the brunt of the fighting Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I yield to the of the Navy may appoint a representa­ during the last war. This is a practical gentleman from New York. tive of a minor member of the forces or step in breaking down that caste system Mr. WADSWORTH. May I ask if a representative of a member suffering in the armed forces which has placed of­ those estimates include the cost of ad­ from mental disability to act for him ficers and men on a different level when ministration? without the intervention of any judicial they should be considered solely as Mr. SIKES. Yes. proceedings. Does the gentleman think American citizens as well as soldiers. Mr. ROGERS of Florida. That is my that is a wise provision? I never could see why an enlisted man understanding. Mr; ROGERS of Florida. I think that should not receive terminal leave pay as . Mr. WADSWORTH. Then the cost of is wise in that it would cost so much to readily as an officer. Any man who re­ administration must have been fairly appoint a guardian or go through what­ ceives an honorable discharge from the estimated. ever legal proceedings there might be; armed forces is entitled also to receive Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I think so. it would eat up everything the enlisted all the rights and privileges which may Mr. WADSWORTH. That is as to the man had coming to him. I think that is have been accumulated during his serv­ number of clerical assistants. I am just a good provision. ice and there should be no distinction asking for information. Mr. WADSWORTH. I am wondering whatsoever. Mr. ROGERS of Florida. That is the how the Secretary of War or the Secre­ I have heard some statements made information I have. Irrespective of that, tary of the Navy can reliably appoint that this measure will cost a considerable I do not think this Congress should fail such persons. What will he know about sum of money and that statement is to do the just and equitable thing by the them? probably correct, but if our Government men who have won this war because it Mr. ROGERS of Florida. It is possible is prepared to pay money to one class of might cost some two or three billion dol­ under authority of this law. We say he soldiers why shouldn't it be ready to pay lars. Because of their splendid work, as can do it. money to another class of soldiers? I said, we have passed rescission bills that Mr. WADSWORTH. If the appoint­ They both served their country; they saved this country $58,000,000,000. It is ment of such persons, who really are both risked their lives; they are both just. It is honest, and I do not think that acting in the capacity of a guardian, is entitled to recognition. a single Member of this Congress has any protected by judicial proceedings, you I do not want anyone to think that I other idea than to grant terminal pay will see that everything is done honestly. am an advocate of indiscriminate spend­ leave to the enlisted men on the same Mr. ROGERS of Florida. We hope ing of public funds, because I am not. basis and terms as granted to commis­ there will not be any cases like that, but It is essential that the Government's sioned officers. We believe in equality of if there are, then I think this provision Budget be balanced without further de­ treatment for services rendered. will take care of the situation. lay if we are to avoid ruinous inflation, Mr. JUDD. Mr. Chairman, will the Mr. WADSWORTH. May I pursue my and the first step in balancing the Budget gentleman yield? question by saying that I assume some should be the elimination of many of Mr. ROGERS of Florida. I yield to the similar machinery may be employed with the Government agencies which are gentleman from Minnesota. respect to the member of a family of a sprawling all over Washington, and in Mr. JUDD. Can the gentleman give deceased soldier. The bill provides on many instances making it difficult for us any idea as to about when these pay.. page 4 that a surviving spouse or a child businessmen to carry on. I am not lulled ·ments will start being made?. · or children or, if they do not exist, the to sleep or hoodwinked by the many 6492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD--HOUSE JUNE 7 . promises which are made by people high It is unnecessary to call attention to justice demands that we do likewise for in the executive branch of the Govern~ the vital contribution to victory of the enlisted men. I approve this legislation. ment concerning the consolidation and rank and file of servicemen in World War Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, elimination of Government agencies. · II. Many of these unsung heroes served I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman .from Experience shows that agencies which for years in combat areas without any California [Mr. JOHNSON]. are presumably eliminated are really opportunity for a furlough. To dis­ Mr. JOHNSON of California. Mr, merely absorbed by another department charge them without compensation for Chairman, to me this is a very simple _of the Government under a different furlough time while in the same breath proposition. The Army officers received name. reimbursing commissioned personnel for terminal-leave pay up to 120 days accu­ I believe that the American public is accrued leave is an injustice that is alien mulated leave. There is some question rapidly becoming wise to this method to the American sense of fair play. as to whether or not that was proper, but which has been so successfully used in We. are making an effort to correct the I understand it goes back to a statute the past by the New Deal administration present inequitable situation by the en­ enacted back in the seventies, and un­ to keep itself in oflice with the votes of actment of H. R. 4051, which will credit doubtedly those payments were legal, be­ the individuals on the public pay roll. the men in the ranks with 2% days for cause they have been approved by the I hope this bill will pass unanimously, every month spent in active service and auditing branch of the Army and by the and by so doing let our veterans know deducting any furlough time actually Comptroller General. This matter was r that we appreciate their gallant services taken. The remainder or unused fur­ first called to my attention by my son, and that we are determined in a prac­ lough' time wiU be compensated for in who was an enlisted man in the Army and tical way to eliminate a caste system in the same manner that commissioned per­ later became an officer. He pointed out our armed forces which has become sonnel is accorded terminal-leave pay. to me that, if officers were entitled to scandalous. · · Many of us have received letters from terminal-leave pay, which they were get­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, overseas complaining of the arrogant at­ ting upon separation from the Army, the I yield such time as he may desire to the titude of commissioned oflicers and es- sirollle justice required that enlisted men gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. . pecially in the closing days of the war obtain the same benefits . BRUMBAUGH]. · and since VJ -day when replacements I want to compliment the committee Mr. BRUMBAUGH. Mr. Chairman, were sent to relieve commissioned per­ that drew up this bill. It is a very com­ since I am included among the number sonnel. Battle-scarred veterans protest plicated problem. With these millions of Members who have introduced bills in the cockiness of many officers who never · and millions of records scattered all over Congress authorizing terminal leave pay saw combat but who were sent overseas the world, it is very hard to work out a to enlisted personnel in our armed forces, after the fighting ceased as relief oflicers. plan whereby we are assured that the I am in hearty accord with the pro­ It is adding insult to injury to have Government will pay to each man only visions of H. R. 4051 and urge enactment combat veterans realize that all officers what he is entitled to. After reviewing of this legislation. at home or abroad enjoy the privileges all of the bills, they finally determined Returning veterans have been bitter in of terminal-leave pay while they as en­ that the only way to handle the matter their denunciation of the caste system listed men have sweated it out in battle was to allow each claimant to set out ex­ that exists in the Army and Navy and zones for months and years without any actly what terminal leave he had accu­ which has been a factor in lowering the possibility of securing a furlough. mulated during his service. In my opin.. morale of enlisted personnel. So pro­ It should not require any stretch of the ion, that simple method of procedure nounced has the criticism been that pub­ imagination to reach a conclusion that will not be abused. These men know lic attention has been focused on the terminal-leav-e pay for enlisted men is what leave they had. They know that subject the past several months. justified and I hope we will lose little time the 72-hour leaves of enlisted men are One of the glaring examples of class in giving H. R. 4051 our hearty a:p.d not taken out of the time in computing distinction is the result of the existing unanimous approval with the provision their annual-leave allowance. I am posi­ policy of restricting terminal leave pay that discharged servicemen may have tive that in 99 percent of the cases they to commissioned personnel. For ex- · the period of 1 year in which to file a will only ask for what they are rightfully ample, under Army regulations a leave claim. entitled to have. Boiled down to its very credit of 1 month per year with full pay · Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ simplest elements, this is merely a matter and allowances accrue to each officer on main, I yield such time as he may desire to prevent discrimination. There has active duty up to a maximum of 120 to the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. been a great deal of criticism of the Army days. As a result a great many officers because of what has been called discrimi­ have to their credit upon separation from RIZLEY.] nation. By paying these enlisted men service a sufficient number of days to al­ Mr. RIZLEY. Mr. Chairman, I shall, terminal leave, that discrimination will low them to receive as high as $1,600 for of course, support the pending bill which be avoided and eliminated. seeks to do equity to the enlisted men by terminal leave pay depending upon Mr. RE~S of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, whether they are single or married. In awarding them terminal-leave pay. will the gentleman yield? addition, recent legislation enables an Several months ago-in fact, October Mr. JOHNSON of California. I yield. oflicer to accept civilian employment 29, 1945-I introduced a bill for the same Mr. REES of Kansas. Can the gentle­ while on terminal leave. In countless in­ purpose (H. R. 4515) . It may be, as has man estimate about what the average stances officers have received promotions been suggested by some, that it will in­ serviceman will receive under this act? in rank prior to separation from active volve much additional work by the War Mr. JOHNSON of California. No; I service which increases the pay and al­ Department, in order to enable them to cannot. We did not get any estimates of lowances of terminal leave. When you accurately determine the amount of ter­ the average. We got an estimate of the realize tbe fact that there are thousands minal leave due the veterans. Be that as over-all amount. You can appreciate of ofiicers enjoying these privileges who it may, that is not the fault of the vet­ that with men continually going into the never left the confines of the United eran. The mistake was rp.ade- when the Army and continually going out it is very States during the entire period of the enlisted man was not included with the hard to strike an accurate average. war it is not difficult to understand the officers as eligible for terminal leave. Mr. REES of Kansas. I thought the reason why enlisted men feel they are This bill should have, and I am sure it gentleman might have some figures on it. the victims of gross discrimination. will have, the vote of every Member of Mr. JOHNSON of California. I am By comparison· enlisted personnel this House. sorry I cannot help the gentleman. · under Army regulations may be granted Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, Mr. MARTIN. Mr. Chairman, will the furloughs if such action does not inter­ I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from gentleman yield? fere with the needs of the service. A New York [Mr. BucK]. Mr. JOHNSON of California. I yield furlough may be denied an enlisted man Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, because to the gentleman from Iowa. as a means of discipline. In no event, someone granted terminal leave to offi.­ Mr. MARTIN. At one point in the will leave accrue to the benefit of any cers without giving proper consideration record one of the Army offi.cials esti­ enlisted Ir'an. When he receives his dis­ to the collateral consequences, we are mated that those in the service on Sep­ charge it is immaterial whether he had a again ca1led upon to spend several billion tember 1, 1945, had an average of 28 furlough or not, regardless of the length· dollars of the taxpayer's money; but hav-­ months' service. That is the only thing of service. ing favored officers in that matter, plain we have in the record which gives you 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6493 an indication of what the average man his constituents who twice have elected 30 days a year, or 2'h days a month; but would receive. him a Member of this House by majori­ this· was given at the discretion of the Mr. DONDERO. Mr. Chairman, will ties unprecedented in his District. Secretary of War. the gentleman yield for a question? The CHAIRMAN. The time of the Now, during the First World War, you Mr. JOHNSON of California. I yield gentleman from California has expired. did not have the same situation that you to the distinguished gentleman from . Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I had prevailing in the Second World War. Michigan. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from I was in the First World War and went Mr. DONDERO. If the enlisted man Georgia [Mr. TARVER]. across and stayed many months. Offi­ has an average of 28 months' service, Mr. TARVER. Mr. Chairman, I con­ cers received furloughs. They were in then how much will that amount to per ceive that debate is not essential to the a position, even during the course of the month? It may be possible to arrive at passage of this measure. war, to receive furloughs, and a great the figures that way. To accord equal treatment to enlisted many furloughs were granted. There­ Mr. JOHNSON of California. It would personnel and officers is so just that no fore, this situation did not arise and the be 28 times 2 Yz . which would be 70 days good argument can be advanced against officers were not given terminal leave. that he would be entitled to. He would it. How much it will cost is not soma­ Many of the enlisted men also received be entitled to 70 days' pay in addition to terial as whether it is right. A nation furloughs and leaves. I was an en­ his regular pay on the day of his separa­ which spent hundreds of billions to win listed man and received leaves in the tion. the war can spend a couple of billions First World War. But in this World Mr. DONDERO. Can the gentleman more to do justice to those who fought War you had an entirely different sit­ roughly estimate what that might mean the war. It can do it much better than uation. In the first place, World War to each individual enlisted man? it can lend more than 4 billions addi­ II was much longer in duration. Mr. JOHNSON of California. I can.: tional to Great Britain. In the second place, it was fought over not do that because there are so many He that talceth not care of his own is the four corners of the globe. A man different grades from private all the way worse than an infidel. fighting down in Guadalcanal did not up to the highest sergeant. want a furlough. There was no place Mr. NORBLAD. The gentleman has I believe that few votes will be cast for him to go, whether he was an officer failed to deduct the leave that they might against this. The time when the assist­ or an enlisted man. He could stay there have had. Therefore, it would not come ance of Members of this House in con­ 2 years and not want and not obtain a to the 70 days' average based on the nection with this measure was needed leave. If he had been a civil-service gentleman's figures. was when the comittee had failed to re­ employee at Guadalcanal or anywhere Mr. JOHNSON of California. That is port the bill and it was necessary for the else, his time would have accumulated true. Most of the enlisted men did not gentleman from Florida [Mr. RoGERS] to for his leave and he would have had it have any leave overseas. The gentle­ file a discharge petition in order to bring coming to him when he left the service. man from Oregon, who is an ex-Army it to this floor. My name is number But because that young man was an en­ man and has a very fine military record, :five on that discharge petition. I do listed man in the Army and served 2 makes the point that there is deductible not believe that the interests of the ex­ years at Guadalcanal and came back from the 70 days I mentioned the amount servicemen require that there should be after 4 or 4% years of service in the Pa­ of the leave that a man had as an en­ any extended debate on this proposition cific without any furlough having been listed man. In many cases they had no at this time. All that was necessary in granted to him, he is denied terminal­ leave. In some cases where they did order to secure the· passage of legislation leave pay. On the other hand, an offi­ work in the continental United States, of the fairness of that which is now cer, under the same circumstances, gets they had the complete 30 days each year. pending, was to be able to bring it to his terminal leave accumulated up to 4 I pointed out before that the Army does the floor of this House, where it now is months. That is 120 days. . not count as deductible the 72-hour and where it will be, of course, over­ Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. leaves which they frequently grant the whelmingly enacted. Chairman, will the gentleman yield? enlisted men. But the over-all cost of The CHAIRMAN. The time of the Mr. BROOKS. In just a moment. As this program will re about $3,000,000,000. gentleman from Georgia [Mr. TARVER] early as 1942 I introduced a resolution in I think the way to look at it is that it is has expired. this House providing for a system of de­ simply part of the cost of war. It will Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I mobilization which was suggested by the eliminate that feeling of discrimination yield 10 minute to the gentleman from resolution to the Army and the Navy. which we think was practiced on the en­ Louisiana [Mr. BROOKS]. In the course of the consideration of si'm­ listed man, by the giving of terminal Mr. BROOKS. Mr. Chairman, in spite ilar matters' I suggeseed 90 days' ter­ leave pay to the officers. of the fact that the subject matter of this minalleave for every enlisted man going Mr. BENNETT of Missouri. Mr. bill is very simple, there seems to be a out of service as provided by my resolu­ Chairman, will the gentleman yield? great deal of misunderstanding with ref­ tion. My idea then was to give him 90 Mr. JOHNSON of California. I yield. erence to some of the technical features days during wh!ch he could go back to Mr. BENNETT of Missouri. I want to of the bill. Frankly, sometimes I won.:. his home and his family, get reestab­ compliment the gentleman from Cali­ der if there is not some effort on the part lished, set up again in business, and re­ fornia and the Military Affairs Commit­ of some who are going along with the new his connections so there would not tee of which he is a member, for support bill, to feel a little overcritical about the be such a sudden transition from several of this bill providing terminal leave pay matter of paying these people the re­ years in service back to home and ci­ for the GI the same as the officer now mainder of what is still due them, and vilian life. At that time Congress chose enjoys. I introduced H. R. 4518 on Oc­ if there is not a tendency on the part of to enact differently. We enacted the tober 29, 1945, to accomplish the identi­ some to. put obstacles there and make the mustering-out pay bill. That bill was cal purposes of the measure we have administration of the measure appear in­ originally designed to cover enlisted pending and which will pass the House surmountable and the cost of the meas­ men, but during the course of .our work today. ure appear unsupportabl.e so that we will on that particular question the fact was Mr. JOHNSON of California. Yes. not belatedly perform an act of simple developed that the second lieutenant re­ The gentleman from Missouri [Mr. justice on the floor of the House of Rep­ ceived at that time only $1,500 a year, BENNETT J, was one of the pioneers in the resentatives. that is $125 a month, and some of our movement to get equal rights for the The matter of furloughs and leaves in enlisted men were receiving practically GI and the officer. Speaking as a vet­ the Army is not a new matter. It is an as much, if not more in certain. cases, eran myself, and as a member of the age-old matter. It is as old as the Army than the second ~ lieutenant was receiv­ Military Affairs Committee, I want to itself. But before the war furloughs for ing. It seemed therefore, unfair to some take this opportunity to state that the enlisted men were on the basis of merit·, who studied the matter, that the second record of the gentleman from Missouri in more or less, and they 'were worked out lieutenant receiving the same amount, Congress is not surpassed by that of any under regulations so that every enlisted or perhaps less in certain cases, would man in public or private life in se·rvice man would have at least a 30-day fur­ not be given mustering-out pay and yet and friendship shown to the-serviceman, lough each year. Under an act of 1884 the enlisted man would receive up to veteran and his dependents. I am sure officers were given the right to accumu­ $300 mustering-out pay. Congress ac­ this fact is known a·nd appreciated ·by late furloughs equal to the same amount, cordingly changed the original act and 6494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 said that company grade officers should married another girl whom he had met the soldier, and "Nhich is apart from also receive the mustering-out pay up to at an Army exchange or something of the question of any annual furlough. $300 total. That then placed us in this that sort. She was a hostess or some­ During the war just ended, officers position when we came to consider the thing. The next day his insurance was discharged were granted a 3 months' terminal pay of enlisted men: We found, changed to his second wife. Ten days terminal leave. Now, by the passage of Mr. Chairman, as a matter of fact, that later he was killed in an airplane crash.. this bill, men and women of the various 80 percent of the offi-cers were receiving The result is that for something over a enlisted grades will be granted terminal mustering-out pay as well as were all year those two children under 5 years of leave-which is right and proper-and enlisted men. The officers therefore age have received nothing from their corrects any injustice heretofore ex­ were not only getting mustering-out pay, father's insurance. The insurance went isting. but th~y were getting accumulated term­ entirely to the second wife. Within a I was happy to sign the discharge inal leave, and that caused an unfair short time after the husband had crashed petition on this bill and will be pleased discrimination against the enlisted man. she remarried again and she is still draw­ to cast my vote for the passage of the Your committee therefore set to work to ing all the money. bill. draft this bill and present it to you. Mr. BROOKS. Of course, you do Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ I served on the subcommittee under have those hardship cases and they are man, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman the chairmanship of the gentleman from sometimes very complicated, but gener­ from Illinois [Mr. 'tlURSELLJ. Florida [Mr. Srn:Esl. We developed ally speaking, the subcommittee followed Mr. VURSELL. Mr. Chairman, I favor hearings on the matter. We reported in the provisions of the Allotment Act which this terminal-leave bill. I think it is an due course a terminal leave bill to the the gentleman will admit has worked effort to do simple justice to the en­ full committee. The gentleman from fairly well. listed men along the same lines that Florida [Mr. RoGERS] appeared before Mr. CASE of South Dakota. No; the have been afforded the officers. I realize the committee and made his ideas Allotment Act permits a division between that it will cost considerable and I real­ known. In the meantime, the distin­ the second widow and dependent chil­ ize that the national debt is very high guished gentleman from Florida [Mr. dren. I am wondering if we should not today. I have voted, consistently with RoGERs] filed the discharge petition on provide that this money shall be payable many other Members of the House for the Speaker's desk and brought this mat­ in equal division as between the spouse rigid economy in the conduct of the af­ ter to the :fioor of the House. He has and surviving children. fairs of om· Government and I think this done a real service to the enlisted man. Mr. BROOKS. Under our law in Lou­ - is the first time that I have lent myself I believe a matter involving this much isiana perhaps that is the way it would to the expenditure of a large amount money should be the subject· of careful work out normally. On the other hand, of money that could possibly be avoided. thought and attention, and it has been I call attention to the fact that the Sec­ I believe, however, that the men who the subject of careful thought and at­ retary of War and the Secretary of the went out and fought and saved this coun­ tention by the Military Affairs Commit­ Navy have authority to establish rules so try for us are entitled to this considera­ tee of the House of Representatives. It long as they are not in contravention of tion at the hands of the Congress. is before you today and I think it should the act. I have always felt that this great, rich be passed. As I said before, it is an act Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Well, that country of ours, if its business affairs of simple justice. would be a contravention of the specific were properly conducted by the repre­ Some may say that the administrative provisions of the bill. sentatives of the people in Congress and features are impossible, but I say that if Mr. Chairman, as I stated originally, I by those in the executive departments, we . lay down the same rule for the en­ introduced a terminal-leave resolution could always afford to do justice to all listed men that we do for the officers, al­ as far back as 1942 in this Congress. I our people, not only the soldiers who de­ low the enlisted men to follow the same sat with the subcommittee in the con­ fend our country but by ways of pen­ procedure the officers follow, then ac­ sideration of this matter, considering sions to the older people as well. But cording to the testimony given us only this bill and many other bills having a the thing that disturbs me is the fact about 3,500 people will be needed by the similar purpose in view. I helped perfect that we Members of Congress who are Army to administer the act and get the a subcommittee bill and offered the com­ called upon today to vote this amount payments out in due course. mittee bill. as my own. It was . intro­ of money against the Treasury of the Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. duced by me, and I am glad to say that Government so often are voted down in Ch.airman, will the gentleman yield? this bill was used to amend the bill of our attempt to economize when we are Mr. BROOKS. I yield. , the gentleman from Florida [Mr. cons'dering governmental affairs. Mr. CASE of South Dakota. In view RoGERS], with his consent and is before Let me suggest to you how we can ef­ of the fact that I signed the discharge you today. I hope it will pass unani­ feet some economies which we should petition and otherwise indicated my in­ mously. have effected before now, and if we had terest in this legislation, if now I raise Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, we would have this money lai'd up now a question as to the phraseology of the I yield such time as he may desire to the to pay these soldiers who so richly de­ bill I hope my efforts will not be mis­ gentleman from New York [Mr. serve it. If you of the majority will vote judged and I be charged with obstruct­ KEARNEY]. with us we can take a million people off ing its passage. Mr. KEARNEY. Mr. Chairman, I fa­ the Federal pay roll and save three or Mr. BROOKS. I am sure the gentle­ vor the passage of H. R. 4051 feeling as I four billion dollars a year. I am not man is not in any way obstructing its do that, in a measure, justice is being alone in saying that. Senator BYRD, of passage. done to men and women of the various the other body of Congress, has given Mr. CASE of South Dakota. I would enlisted grades. utterance to a statement like that time like, however, to raise a question in re­ For years-as a matter of record since and time again. I notice in the papers gard to payment to the surviving bene­ the year 1874-officers of the.Army have this morning that Henry Wallace has ficiary in case the soldier is dead and I been entitled to 1 month's leave of ab­ wasted something like $500,000 in ex­ invite the gentleman's attention to the sence a year without any deduction of perimenting with UNRRA in connection language on page 4, providing for pay­ his pay or allowance and with a total with the shipment of food to foreign ment, which reads as follows: accumulation of such leave up to a full countries. Day after day waste comes To such member's surviving spouse, 1f any; 4 months. - This accumulated time to the United States Government that and 1f such member leaves no surviving could be and was used in many cases ·could be prevented by the executive de­ spouse; then in equal shares to such D;lem­ at the-time of an officer's separation from partment and by the majority of the ber's child or children, if any. the service. With reference to the en­ votes of this Congress. I raise the question whether or not listed personnel there was no law per­ I am willing to vote for this money to­ that will do justice where the veteran di­ taining to such· a matter, although it day for these soldiers because I think it vorces his wife, remarries and leaves chil­ was the policy for commanding officers is justly coming to them. But I warn dren by the first wife. I have in mind a to give to the enlisted personnel serving the Members of the House who have not specific C-~ se of a veteran who divorced within their command a 30-day fur­ been so economy minded as some of us, his wife, leaving two small children, both lough each year. This is not to be con­ that it is not too late now to begin to stop under 5 years of age. Two days later he fused with any week-end pass granted the raids on the Federal Treasury. I am 194-s CONGRESSIONAL RECORD--HOUSE reminded that next week we will be called members of the armed forces killed in I want to compliment the gentleman to vote upon a $3,750,000,000 loan to Great action or who have subsequently died. from Florida [Mr. RoGERs] for the in· Britain. How much we admire the great There are also provisions to take care of telligent fight th.

ing and handling of this important leg­ Mr. ROBERTSON of. North Dakota. lump-sum paym.ent upon discharge. This islation. Mr. Chairman, I feel this bill should pass, latter provision is necessary in view of the It has been my privilege to explain the I propose to vote for it. I signed the fact that the Army of the United States matter in radio speeches on a number of already had been demobilized and a great discharge petition; it places the enlisted majority of its personnel discharged. Sec­ occasions and the gentleman from Flor­ man on the same basis as an officer with tion 1 of the bill, as amended, grants to ida [Mr. Rm>ERS] joined in one of these respect to leave. enlisted personnel leave at the rate of 30 days speeches. I also signed the petition to It is but a matter of simple jus'tice. per year and provides for the accumulation bring the bill up. From the sentiment I Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, of unufled leave not to exceed 120 days. Sec­ have sensed on the House today it ap­ I yield such time as he may desire to the tion 2 provides for the payment upon dis­ pears that it will pass overwhelmingly gentleman from Oregon [Mr. ANGELL]. charge for this accumulated leave. and I feel it should. It will correct a dis­ Mr. ANGELL. Mr. Chairman, I am Section 3 of the bill, as amended, makes crimination against the enlisted man, provision for payment to the enlisted man's glad that we are now considering H. R. survivors in the case of his death after dis­ and the sooner we pass it the better we 4051 which is a bill to grant to enlisted charge but before receiving payment for ac­ will feel about it. personnel of the armed forces certain· cumulated leave to which he is entitled. I would like to urge my colleagues to benefits in lieu of accumulated leave, Sections 4 and 5 of the bm, as amended, vote for the bill and trust that we may sometimes referred to as terminal leave. make provisions for the administration of be able to pass it by unanimous vote. I signed the petition to bring this bilf to the act. Special attention is invited to the The CHAIRMAN. The time of the the floor and feel that we have delayed provis:on of section 5 (c) which authorizes gentleman from Texas has expired. too long in taking it up for consideration. the Secretary of War and Secretary of the Navy to accept sworn statements from ap­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ It should have been passed before the plicants for the benefits provided in sections man, I yield the gentleman from Texas termination of the war. On March 1, 1 and 2 as a basis for payment. This provi­ one additional minute. 1946, I introduced H. R. 5642, granting sion is deemed to be necessary in view of the Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, I to enlisted personnel of the armed forces fact that neither the War Department nor the yield such time as he may desire to the benefits in lieu of accumulated leave, and Navy Department have complete records of gentleman from Washington [Mr. CoF­ I have been urging that steps be taken to the leave or furlough granted enlisted per­ . FEE]. enact legislation to accomplish this pur­ sonnel during the present war . Mr. COFFEE. Mr. Chairman, I con­ pose since that time. Section 6 of the bill, as amended, limits accumulated leave in future wars or periods gratulate the committee for its action Under the present legislation and reg­ of national emergency for both officers and in reporting this bill. I am very much ulations, officers are entitled to, and have enlisted men to 30 days. · It should be noted in favor of it. been receiving, terminal leave whereas that this provi:;ion does not affect members Mr. Chairman, I warmly favor the the enlisted men have not. There is no of the military forces at the present time, nor enactment of H. R. 4051. It renders be­ sound reason why this distinction should officers and men of the military forces dur­ lated justice to the honorably dis­ be made. The enlisted man has to bear ing future time of peace. charged GI in the matter of terminal the brunt of the actual fighting and his Section 7 of the bill, as amended, contains certain definitions believed to be necessary leave. I congratulate the Military Af­ :financial remuneration is low, and there for the proper interprepation and adminis­ fairs Committee on fostering and spon­ is no just reason why he should not re­ tration of the proposed act. soring this measure. ceive benefits on equality with officers. I have persistently been advocating While it is true that a large sum of Mr. Chairman, I trust that this bill will that our enlisted personnel be treated money will be involved with the enact­ receive the unanimous vote of the House equitably. I could never understand ment of this legislation and it will re­ and will likewise be passed at an early why commissioned officers were singled quire a great deal of clerical work and date by the Senate and approved by the out for special treatment. Since· there, bookkeeping to adjust the millions of President so that it may become effective. heretofore, has been . no legislative au­ small accounts, nevertheless that should Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, thority for vouchsafing to enlisted per­ not be a valid argument against dealing I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from sonnel credit for unused leave, and the justly with the enlisted men. The fol­ Kansas [Mr. SCRIVNER]. same has not accumulated to his bene­ lowing brief excerpt from the report of Mr. SCRIVNER. Mr. Chairman, · at fit, now we will place officers and men the Military Affairs Committee, accom­ frequent intervals on and off this floor alike with respect to leave except that panying the bill, is explanatory of its pro­ I have expressed my approval of terminal the bill also provides for a cash lump­ visions: furlough pay for enlisted men as an em­ sum payment upon discharge. Under the provisions of the act of May 8, inently fair adjustment; however, as a The enactment of this measure evi­ 1874 (18 Stat. 43), as amended by the act of matter of principle, I did not sign the dences the desire of Congress to· render July 29, 1876 (19 Stat. 102; 10 U. S. ·C. 842), petition inasmuch as I do not believe that justice arid fair play to all in the uni­ officers of the Army are entitled to 1 month's is the way to bring about well-considered leave of absence a year without deduction of legislation. formed armed services. pay or allowances and may accumulate un­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ used portions of such leave not to exceed a There can be no denial that it is in man, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman total of 4 months. some ways inflationary and with that from Delaware [Mr. TRAYNOR]. It has long been the policy of the War De­ thought in mind I would like to address Mr. TRAYNOR. Mr. Chairman, it is partment to permit officers to take advantage one question to the chairman ·of the sub­ a great privilege for me to appear here in of accumulated leave upon relief from active committee, namely, Why was the time favor of this bill. Having served 7 years duty. As the consequence of the law and. this limitation for applications confined· to a policy, an officer, although relieved from ac­ period of 1 year, for, as I view it, if it in the armed forces of this country, I tive duty, actually remains upon the Gov­ think I know a little bit about the mili­ ernment pay roll for a period of time equiva- ·were made a longer period of time it tary service. I served in the Spanish­ 'lent to the amount of leave which has ac­ would give these men a backlog and pos­ American War, 18 months in the :first cumulated to his credit. ·sibly lessen the inflationary impact of World War, and I volunteered for the There is no law on the subject of leave or this legislation. recent war and was turned down because furlough for enlisted pen:onnel. As a matter · !<.1:r. SIKES. Mr. Chairman, I will be they thought I was too old. However, I of policy, the War Department has author­ glad to answer the gentleman's question. ized enlisted personnel not to exceed 30 days' · am not too old to :fight. furlough annually. Because of the lack .. of The matter of length of time in which This is legislation that should have ·specific legislative authority, however, un­ this terminal leave pay program might been brought on the floor for considera­ used portions of such furlough do not ac­ be disposed of was discussed at length in tion a long time ago. I never sought a cumulate to the credit of the enlisted man the hearings. Representatives of the commission, in fact turn·ed down com­ as is the case of an officer. · Consequently, War and Navy Departments state that missions. I am a friend of the enlisted there is no provision whereby an enlisted they felt a time less than 1 year would man, and I think it is about time we do man may enjoy or be paid for unused leave make it very difficult for them to admin­ something for him. upon discharge or relief from active duty. ister the program satisfactorily and they The bill under consideration, with the stated also that more than 1 year would Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ ~mendment recommended by your commit­ . man, I yield such time as he may desire tee, places the enlisted man on exactly the . be unnecessary, since most of the people to the gentleman from North Dakota · same basis as an officer with respect to -leave who have terminal leave pay comin;; [Mr. ROBERTSON]. with exception tha,t it also provides-for a cash would want. to make application for it 6504 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 immediately after they became eligible allowed 1 month's leave for each· year during his war service, if he was in the to receive such pay. They stated that and he receives full pay and allowances Army and has already been discharged, to keep a separate organization in effect for this month. He is permitted to ac­ he must make application within 1 year for a long period of time after the great cumulate leave until it amounts to as from the date of the passage of this act, bulk of the claims have been disposed of much as 4 months and for which he re­ to the Secretary of War. would be unnecessary and cumbersome. ceives full pay and allowances. That If he was in any other branch of the They felt a period of 1 year would be a means that if he should serve 4 years he armed forces he must make application satisfactory period for an organization would be entitled to 1 month's leave or to the Secretary of War within 1 year to be in operation. for each year and if he does or does not from the date of the passage of this act Mr. SCRIVNER. I do not intend to use his leave, he would be placed on in­ provided, of course, he has already been offer an amendment to increase the time, active duty for 4 months before his final discharged. In the event that there is but it would appear to me that "if the discharge and receive pay and allow­ pending a controversy of the character time were longer it might give these men ances for the 4 months just the same as of his discharge, he will have.a longer an added backlog, inasmuch as if there if he were on active duty. period in which to make the application is unemployment they are now protected This is a privilege that has only been for this accumulated furlough pay and under the unemployment provisions of granted to officers. Congress has never allowances. the Servicemen's Readjustment Act. passed any law on the subject of fur­ LET US BE JUST TO OUR OWN This would give them a backlog in case lough for enlisted personneL The War of future unforeseen difficulties. Department, under its policy, has au­ During the war tens of thousands of The CHAIRMAN. The time of the thorized leave or furloughs for enlisted those in our armed forces of the enlisted gentleman from Kansas has expired. personnel not to exceed 30 days of fur­ personnel because of emergencies con­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, lough annually. The enlisted personnel stantly arising and especially in the I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from differ, however, with officers in this re­ foreign service were unable to take ad­ Michigan [Mr. SHAFER]. spect. They cannot accumulate fur­ vantage of their 30-day furlough due Mr. SHAFER. Mr. -Chairman, I ask lough as do the officers. If the enlisted them under the policy and regulations unanimous consent to speak out of order. personnel do not use their 30 days of of the War Department. They were kept · The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection furlough or any part thereof they receive on active duty but received no additional to the request of the gentleman from no additional pay for such unused fur­ compensation for this extra service and, Michigan? lough or accumulated leave. furthermore, those of the enlisted per­ sonnel received very small compensation There was no objection. INEQUITABLE AND UNJUST Mr. SHAFER. Mr. Chairman, I see by compared to what they could have and For many years enlisted personnel would have received for less arduous and the papers that Harold E. Stassen, the have pointed out that this is a discrimi­ only announced candidate for the Re­ much less dangerous service in civilian nation against the enlisted personnel life and much less than those who re­ publican nomination for President in and in favor of the officers, that this pol­ 1S48, is out in Nebraska dabbling in the mained at home did receive. It is true icy is inequitable and unjust. The bill that this bill will cost the taxpayers con­ Republican primary. before us undertakes to eliminate this Every one of us can recall that a re­ siderable money. The people of this Na­ discrimination and to place the enlisted tion must fully realize that wars are ex­ cent President of the United States tried personnel on the same footing as officers to purge his own party. He was able to pensive and we should always be ready in the way of accumulated furlough or and willing to do justice as far as possible succeed in only one instance, although leave and pay therefor. Under this he tried very hard and used all the pres":" to our defenders. One American citizen bill any member of the enlisted person­ is just as much obligated to render as tige and enormous power of his office to nel of our Armed Forces who fail€4 to purge a number of Senators and Repre­ much service as he may be able to render use all or any part of his furlough dur­ as another. We have been giving away sentatives. ing his service in time of war on and But in all our American history, so far with lavish hands billions to aid the peo­ after September 8, 1939, is entitled to re­ ple of other nations. Many people in as I have been able to determine, Harold ceive pay for all his accumulated or un­ E. Stassen is the first man who ever tried this country are insisting that we lend used furlough on the basis of 2¥2 days billions to Great Britain and other coun­ to purge from a political party an elected · for each month or 30 days for each year official even before he was sure that he tries when we must borrow the money at the time of his discharge and at the in order to make these loans and which had the nomination. same rate of pay and allowances that It would seem to me and to many other loans we are reasonably certain will he was receiving at the time of his dis­ never be repaid. political observers that if Mr. Stassen charge and there shall be included in his wants to be the nominee of a party, par­ I feel that we must first be just to our lum~-sum payment, in addition to the own defenders before we are· generous to ticularly the Republican Party, he ought base pay and longevity pay, a monetary to be making friends among the people other nations. It cannot be said that we allowance computed at not less than 70 have not already been. very generous to ·in that party who have won elections cents per day. But like the officers, the instead of . going around the country our allies. We have spent more than enlisted personnel cannot accumulate $400,000,000,000 to help win the war and alienating people. Perhaps he ought to more than 120 days. read Dale carnegie's book, How To Win hundreds of thousands of our finest Let us assume that he had 48 months young men have given their lives and Friends and Influence People. of service. He would be entitled to 120 Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ nearly a million others are broken in man, I yield such time as he may d_esire days of furlough. Now if he used no body, health, and mind. Let us first take part of this furlough time he would re­ care of our own. to the gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. ceive pay and allowances on the basis RcBsiONJ. There cannot be any extra pay or al­ Mr. . ROBSION of· Kentucky. l\4r. of 120 days at the time of his discharge. lowance for more than 30 days of ac­ Chairman, I arise in support of H. R. This would be in addition to the pay and cumulated furlough in any war in which 4051, as amended, and reported favor­ allowances due him at the time of his the United States may be engaged after ably by the Committee on Military Af­ discharge. But if he should use 60 days termination of the present war and 6 fairs of the House which grants to en­ of his furlough, then in that event he months thereafter, or .any emergency listed personnel of our armed forces cer­ would receive this extra pay and allow­ ·thereafter declared by the President or tain benefits in lieu of accumulated ances at the time of his discharge for .the Congress. leave. .no more than 60 days. If he used all of · Members of the armed forces means Under the provisions of the act of .this furlough except 10 days during his any member of the Army or Navy of the May 8, 1874, as amended by the act of war service he would receive the extra United States, the United States Marine July 29, 1886, officers of the Army are pay and allowances for no more tban 10 Corps, the United States Coast Guard, entitled to 1 month's leave of absence days, or for only such portion of his un­ ·or any of their respective components. a year without any deduction of pay or used furlough time, but in no event could This accumulated furlough does not ap- allowances and such officers may ac­ he receive extra pay and allowances for . ply where the enlisted person is absent cumulate unused portions of such leave more than 120 days in all. from duty without leave, over stays his not to exceed a total of 4 months. In In order to secure this extra pay and leave during confinement as .a result of other words, each and every officer is allowances for unused furlough time sentence by court martial or service pur- 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6505 suant to enlistment or reenlistment after ever, because of the absence of specific want more· of war. We want a peace June 1, 1945, in the regular military es­ legislative authority, the unused por­ which will continue throughout the tablishment or after February 1, 1945, tions of such furlough do not accumu­ coming years. In this joint effort to in the regular naval establishment and late to the credit of the enlisted man, but ·establish peace-to concentrate upon serves after 6 months after the date of the unused portion of furloughs did, un­ reconversion in our own country-to face the termination of the present ·war as der the law, accumulate in the cases of the tremendous obligations that are ·proclaimed by the President or by con­ the officers. This proposed legislation is ahead of us-we will go forward volun­ current resolution by the Congress. No intended to give to the enlisted personnel tarily, marching hand in hand, to that one can receive pay unless his discharge the same rights, and the same privileges, ultimate end. or release from active duty was under which have been exercised, under exist­ And, lastly, every American wants to honorable conditions or if he accepted ing law, by the officers. do equal justice to every man who wore an appointment as an ofiicer or to officer Mr. Chairman, this measure will the uniform-and that means that we rank. merely grant the same rights and privi­ want to treat the enlisted men and the BENEFITS EXEMPT F ROM TAXATION AND leges to the enlisted men which have officers alike. There must be no dis­ ATTACHMENT -long been enjoyed by the officers. I am crimination between them. They, to­ This additional furlough pay and al­ in complete accord with that policy, and gether, have won this late war, and they, lowance is exempt from taxation and is I am in complete accord with the pro­ together, with every other American· will also exempt from claims of creditors, in­ visions of this bill. This grants the lend their aid to the winning of the peace. cluding any claim of the United States equitable rights to our boys, who have Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, and is not subject to attachment, levy or participated in the late World War, re­ I yield such time as he may desire to the seizure by or under any legal or equitable gardless of whether they are enlisted gentleman from Indiana [Mr. GILLIE). process whatsoever either before or after men or officers. The enlisted men have Mr. GILLIE. Mr. Chairman, I signed receipt by the payee. done their full part-this fact -is known the petition .to bring the terminal-leave to all. Wars cannot be won with officers bill before the House because it is needed WIFE, CHILD, PARENTS alone. Our wars are either won or lost to correct an obvious injustice, and I In case of death of the person entitled by the boys in the squad, the platoon, think it should have the full support of to receive these benefits, they shall be and the company. They are the fellows every Member of this body. I would like paid to the person entitled to receive who receive and accept orders, and they to see it approved without a dissenting them in the following order: First. To are the fellows who go forward-facing vote in simple justice to the men who the wife; second, to the child; third, to the foe-the withering fire-they are the fought the war for us and kept the in­ the parents, if there be no wife or child. boys who face the charge and who repel vaders from our shores. Child includes a legitimate child, a the enemy. It requires both officers and Some objection has been raised to the child legally adopted, a stepchild, if such enlisted men in time of war-and these, cost of this bill. Various estimates have stepchild was at the time of the death of all, have done their full part in this war. been made in this connection, but $3,- the former member of the armed forces They· have won the victory. Now we 000,000,000 is mentioned most frequently. . a member of the deceased's household. have the opportunity to make the offi­ I think it is most appropriate that we are It also includes an illegitimate child if a cers and the enlisted men equal under considering this bill at a time when we former military member of the armed this bill, with respect to their terminal are being asked to approve a gift of $3,- forr.es has been judiciously ordered or leave. We cannot fail to exercise our 750,000,000 to Great Britain. I know of decreed to contribute to such child's sup- responsibilities in this regard, and we no better way that we could use this _port or has been judiciously decreed to cannot respond more generously than money than to give it to our own Amer­ be the putative father of such child; or the great service and sacrifice of our ican boys. has acknowledged under oath in writing soldiers impel. I think it also is appropriate that we • that he is the father of such child. Mr. Chairman, all of us recognize that are discussing this measure M a time Parent includes a person to whom the we are facing serious days in our coun­ when interest is centered on correcting former member of the armed forces at try.· Every American citizen feels the the evils of our military-caste system. the time of his death stood in loco paren:. great weight of responsibility upon us. Congress has the opportunity today to tis for not less than 12 months prior to ·while I introduced a measure, H. R. make a concrete contribution in this di­ the date of his death. A parent aLso in­ 4849, upon this same subject-but my rection. By extending to enlisted men cludes father, mother, grandfather, bill is still in committee-yet I have no the privilege that officers now have to grandmother, stepfather, and step­ particular pride in the authorship of the accumulate leave and be reimbursed for mot..her, and father and mother through measure. I will give the pending bill my it, we will be able to cut down the gulf adoption, and persons who for a period full support-the same as if I had pre­ which has too long existed between the of not less than 1 year prior to the death sented this measure for consideration by . brass hats and the GI's. of the former member of the armed the House. However, the bill which I Frankly, Mr. Chairman, I believe that forces, stood in loco parentis to such introduced contains this provision in a matter of good faith is involved. Our former member. section 2, which is as follows: boys deserve a fair deal and they are to Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chair­ SEC. 2. All enlisted personnel and non­ looking to their Congress give it them. man, I yield such time as he may desire commissioned officers shall be granted the Let us end this discrimination now and to the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. same terminal leave which is now allowed forever by acting favorably, without de­ SPRINGER). ·to commissioned officers. lay, on H. R. 4051. Mr. SPRINGER. Mr. Chairman, this Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, ·bill, which is called the terminal pay bill Therefore, I am in complete accord I yield such time as he may desire to the for enlisted men, is now before the House with the bill presently before the House. gentleman from Ohio [Mr. WEICHEL]. for debate and action. The measure is It contains the very same provision which Mr. WEICHEL. Mr. Chairman, I have H. R. 4051, and I wish to state, at the was contained in the bill I introduced supported this legislation from the be­ very outset, that I signed the discharge several months ago, and which is still ginning covering terminal leave pay for . petition to bring this legislation before in the Committee on Military Affairs. enlisted men, signed the discharge peti­ _the House for debate and vote. This Mr. Chairman, we have won the war. tion, and I believe it should be enactea. measure is intended to give to the GI's We now have the problem ahead of us There is no reason why the War and Navy the same rights with regard to terminal to win the peace. We can win the peace Departments should have paid these sums leave, or furlough leave, which has been by every American-soldiers and civilians to the commissioned ranks to the preju­ extended to officers of our Army. At alike-working to the end that harmony dice of the enlisted men. The enactment the present time there is no law which prevails in our own country, and of this legislation is in no way a gratuity gives the same terminal leave, or fur- .. throughout the world. I am confident but is justly due the enlisted men for Iough leave, to the enlisted personnel as every soldier, and former soldier, of the the prejudicial treatment given them by that which is given to officers. The War late war wants to go forward with every the War and Navy Departments and I ·Department has, as a matter of policy, other American in the accomplishment believe it should be passed in both Houses granted not exceeding a 30-day furlough of peace-and that peace must be a last­ without opposition and signed by the to' the enlisted personnel annually. How­ ing and a permanent peace. We do not President. XCII-410 CONGRESSIONAL ·RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, the Committee on Naval Affairs, presided minalleave will be granted the men who I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from over by that outstanding leader from fought in the conflict. Terminal leave Pennsylvania [Mr. FENTON]. .Georgia, Hon. CARL VINSON, we have dis­ will be a part of the rights of the enlisted Mr. FENTON. Mr. Chairman, as a cussed this matter time and time again. men in our postwar armed forces. I am member of the subcommittee of the Com­ Mr.· VINSON was one of the first to intro­ proud, indeed, to have had a part, along mittee on Military Affairs which had un­ duce legislation on the subject of termi­ with you, in this unquestionably right der consideration this bill, I was in favor nal leave for personnel of the Navy. endeavor which will guarantee equality of it. I subsequently signed the petition. This was introduced in September 1945 .to all. I have discussed this matter with I earnestly hope that the bill will be and he has been untiring in his efforts to our distinguished majority leader, that passed. see this legislation brought before this sterling gentleman from Massachusetts, 1 During our hearings many bills were distinguished body, He has worked with­ the Honorable JoHN W. McCoRMACK, who presented to us, all having the same ob­ out ceasing for equal opportunity and has fought tirelessly to bring this legisla­ jectives as House bill 4051. The apparent just treatment of the enlisted men in our tion to the floor of the House. injustice to the enlisted personnel of our armed forces. We knew that the Com­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, armed forces has been recognized and it mittee on Military Affairs had jurisdic­ I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from is my desire that it be corrected-equal tion and therefore we did not try to en­ Mississippi [Mr. COLE]. treatment should be afforded all those croach upon the jurisdiction of that Mr. COLE of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, . who did so grand a job during the war splendid committee. The Military Af­ when I first learned that terminal-leave and it is my hope that H. R. 4051 will be fairs Committee today is to be congratu­ ·pay was being paid to officers and not to ·unanimously adopted. lated for making it possible for us to vote enlisted men I set out to do something Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, on this legislation. I know that no one about it. Upon learning that my col .. I yield such time as he may desire to the is going to vote against it. In the future league the gentleman from Florida [Mr. gentleman from Ohio [Mr. McCOWEN]. there are certain factors which we will RoGERS] had prepared and introduced Mr. McCOWEN. Mr. Chairman, I am have to meet for the welfare of the serv­ this bill I supported his bill and signed very much in favor of this bill. I signed icemen. When this bill becomes law, we the discharge petition to bring this leg­ .the petition. This bill, H. R. 4051, a bill will not need selective service. islation to the floor. I am wholeheart­ .to grant to enlisted personnel of the The world will long remember the ex­ edly in favor of it. I hope it will pass armed forces certain benefits in lieu of ploits of the gallant sons of our Nation on without a dissenting vote. accumulated leave, has my wholehearted ·the sea, above the sea, beneath the sea, I understand an attempt will be made approval. above ·land and on land in the war just to get a roll-call vote on this legislation. - Officers of the armed forces of the ended. They asked no quarter-they I have not heard anyone this afternoon United States are allowed to accumulate gave no quarter in the fight for freedom. voice any opposition to this bill. Of leave of absence at the rate of 2% days Through sunshine and rain, through heat course, we would all like to be recorded .per month, not to exceed 120 days, and and through cold, they carried the ban­ as being in favor of it, but if a record .to receive compensation for the number ner of right so that all oppressed peoples vote is demanded it will delay the legisla­ of days due them upon separation from throughout the world might be free. ·tion just that much longer as I under- the service. I know of no reason why These boys have returned and are re­ .stand an agreement has been made be­ enlisted personnel should not receive turning to the Nation for which they tween the majority and minority lead- these same benefits. The needs of these fought. Yes, returning amidst the plau­ ers that there will be no roll-call vote men are certainly as great as those of dits of a grateful people, reading their until next Tuesday. I should like very . officer personnel. The fact cannot be glory-and Mr. Chairman, it is glory­ much to see the bill passed this after­ disputed that enlisted and officer person- in the Nation's eyes. Fresh from victory noon and sent to the Senate in order nel did share in performing the job that unprecedented and unparalleled since. that it may become law at the earliest had to be done. Let them then share too manhood's flower first shed its fragrance possible date. . in the benefits. on a new world. Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, The War Department has been author­ Today, many of these men have been I yield myself the balance of my time. izing enlisted personnel not to exceed 30 .returned to their civilian pursuits. To­ Mr. Chairman, the bill we are con .. days' furlough anually. Since there is morrow, many men will likewise find sidering today has come from a wide no legislative authority for this unused their places in fields of endeavor of their demand throughout the country as portion of such furlough, it has not been own choosing. evidenced by the numerous letters and accumulating to the credit of enlisted Today, the law of the land gives ter­ petitions we have all received from our men as in the case of officers. Because minal leave pay only to officer personnel. constituents and from servicemen and of this fact, no provision exists by which Enlisted personnel are denied this provi­ ex-servicemen everywhere, and from an enlisted man may be paid for unused sion of law. Mr. Chairman, this is a their friends. The veterans of World leave upon discharge or release from caste system, pure and simple, undeniable War I, through the Legion and the VFW, active dut y. The bill under considera­ and undebatable. This is inconsistent, have voiced their great support of this tion, as amended, provides for a cash Mr. Speaker, with the philosophy which measure. lump sum for payment upon discharge. made this Nation great. This is incon­ The Committee on Military Affairs This latter provision is necessary, in view sistent with the fundamental concept of acted in deference to that great demand .of the fact that the Army of the United the inscription on the Supreme Court and brought out the bill we have here States has been demobilized and a great edifice: "Equal justice under law." under consideration. I had the privilege majority of its personnel has been dis­ This is a wrong which has perpetuated of serving on the subcommittee that had charged. I am pleased that this bill pro­ itself and a wrong which has been forci­ jurisdiction of the bilL and that held the vides for a cash lump sum payment to bly brought to the attention of this Na­ original hearings on it. We studied the those who have been discharged. There tion only on account of the-tremendous bill fully and quite carefully, and at the are other provisions in this bill that make sizes of our armed forces during the end of our study and work on the bill it a desirable piece of legislation. recent conflict. the subcommittee reported the bill I shall not go into further detail in · No member in either branch of the unanimously to the full Committee on regard to this bill, because it seems un­ Congress can plead ignorance of this Military Affairs, recommending its adop­ necessary to do so, in view of the fact existing and manifest injustice. The de­ tion. Later a petition came before the that very little, if any, opposition to it cision is to be made here today by each House signed by a majority of the Mem­ seems to exist. I hope tlie bill will be passed unanimously. of us in our branch on whether or not bers of the House. The Committee on .we shall right this wrong. There is a Military Affairs then took action, r~­ Mr. MARTIN of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, proposal to invest billions in foriegn na­ porting the bill, and it was placed on I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from · ·the calendar for consideration. South Carolina [Mr. RIVERS]. tions of the world by way of so-called loans without security. We, today, have The bill, H. R. 4051, which is officially RECOGNITION LONG OVERDUE an ·opportunity to invest in the men who designated as the Enlisted Men's Termi­ Mr. RIVERS. Mr. Chairman, this leg­ saved our Nation. The answer will be nal Leave Pay Act, is one of the most islation is long overdue. In the great unmistakable. The House of Representa­ important bills to come before Congress committee in which I have membership, tives will this day right this wrong. Ter- during my service in ·congress. Bills 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6501 covering the matter of terminal-leave amount of work in computing the allow­ records I refer tcr-which is an interminable job. · pay for enlisted' men have been intro­ ances for most of the service men and • • • • • duced by several Members of Congress · women. If a man had had all of his leave, if you and all of these bills were assigned to Section 5 (c) provides that the Secre­ adopt a formula he would get the same ben­ the Military Affairs Committee by the tary of War and the Secretary of the efit as the average man, but in order to de­ Speaker and to Subcommittee No. 8 by Navy shall make such regulations as may termine for each and every one of these the chairman of the Military Affairs be necessary effectively to carry out the men exactly what he had, you would have Committee. This subcommittee; under provisions of this act, and this section to search his record-and, as I say, that is a the chairmanship of the gentleman from then makes a very important provision very big job--and I believe the largeness of Florida, Hon. ROBERT F. SIKES, has held the job would justify the establishment of that such regulations may authorize pay­ a formula. It would have the added effect of brief hearings and many additional ses­ ments under this act to be made ori the giving the men their money much more sions for the study of the bills assigned basis of sworn statements of the material quickly, and it would prevent endless dis- , to the subcommittee on this subject. facts contained in certificates executed putes and a:rguments about the matter. Out of these studies and sessions, the by applicants therefor. This section also subcommittee developed the bill which provides th;tt the deCisions of the Sec­ If any amendments are offered to this is before you today for consideration. retary of War and the Secretary of the bill and I suggest that full and careful This bill received the unanimous support Navy and of the designees of. each of consideration be given to any amend­ of those members of the subcommittee them shall be final and not subject to ment that has for its purpose the simpli­ who were present at the time the bill review by any court or by n.ny officer of fication of administration to the end that was reported back to the Committee on . the United States. You will note that our ex-service men and women be en­ Military Affairs and the bill was later this section does not absolve an indi­ abled to secure their terminal leave pay approved by the Committee on Military vidual ex-service man or woman from as quickly as possible after they submit Affairs and reported to the House Cal­ legal responsibility for any false state­ their application. endar for your consideration. ments sworn to; and, in my judgment, In closing I express the hope also that There have been many questions most applicants will submit their appli­ the Secretary of War and Secretary of raised regarding this proposed legisla­ cations without such statement unless Navy in writing their regulations make tion, especially regarding the total cost they are absolutely certain of the ac­ the submission of application for term­ of such legislation to the Government curacy of their statements. These appli­ inal leave pay as easy and as accessible and also the matter of the difficulty of cations will then necessarily be for­ to the applicants as possible. My per­ its administration. So far as the cost warded to the War Department and Navy sonal recollection of the experiences we is ·concerned, I firmly believe that the ·Department officials having jurisdiction had in collecting and submitting appli­ cost must be charged up to the cost of of the records that must be examined be­ cations for the bonus for World War I the prosecution of World War n, and fore final determination of the amount veterans is still very real and if it had not even though· the cost is very high, simple to which the applicant is entitled. You been for the easy accessibility of the ap­ justice to the enlisted men of the armed will note from the hearings that these plication forms and the generous con­ forces calls for the passage of this legis­ records are very bulky and the work of tribution of time by the leaders of our lation and the· payment of the pay and examining them will be a .tremendous ex-service organizations the job of sub­ allowances provided therein to the en­ job. The Army records are located in St. mitting those applications would have listed men who served in the armed Louis and the Navy records are located in been almost impossible. There are about forces of our Nation in World War II. Washington and Philadelphia. Most un­ three times as many veterans of World War II as there were veterans of World ESTIMATED COST fortunately, these records are neither · War I and the length of service and con­ In regard to ·the estimated cost of this ·complete nor absolutely accurate, and many questions will arise as to the exact ·Sequent complications as to leave earned bill, you will find on page 47 of the and leave claimed during active service hearings a brief discussion of the esti­ fairness or justice of allowances com­ puted on these records. will call for very careful planning and mated cost. In that discussion the fig­ very generous assistance by community ures given are based on 3 months' fur­ You will note that the Director of the leaders throughout our country if we are lough for each enlisted man who served Budget makes the following statemen~: to get this job of paying terminal leave in the armed forces in World War II. As I understand it, the records of the War pay and allowances done quickly and sat­ This does not mean that each man and Navy Departments as to the amount of isfactorily. would be paid 3 months' terminal-leave leave or furlough received and used by each enlisted man are quite incomplete and that The CHAIRMAN. All time has ex­ pay. It is only an estimate of what pired. the cost would be if the average ter­ the establishment and use of such records, as minal leave were 90 days, and in that contemplated by the bill, would represent an The Clerk will read the bill for amend­ undertaking of great magnitude over a long ment. discussion you will find that the total period of time. amount of pay and allowances for ter­ The Clerk read as follows: minal leaves for enlisted men would be You will note also that General Swift Be it enacted, etc., That (a} effective as of $4,879,000,000. You will find in that dis­ in discussing this matter before the sub­ December 7, 1941, each enlisted member of cussion also the estimate that the aver­ committee makes the following state­ the armed forces of the United States shall ment: be considered, for the purposes of this act, age length of service of all enlisted men &.s being entitled to leave at the rate of 2lf2 serving in the armed forces September It would be more helpful if they could be days for each month during the war-service 1, 1945, was 28 months, so by their esti­ made so::-_'le specific sum. The amount of period. Such leave, less the leave actually mate of December 1945 the estimated leave is usually determined if you specify received and used prier to discharge or re­ cost will be slightly less than the above that he shall have accrued leave at the lease from active duty in such armed forces, figure. A later estimate submitted by rate of 2lf2 days per month, and that is the may be accumulated, and each individual en­ equivalent of 30 days per year for such titled thereto under this act shall be entitled the War Department to the chairman of period of time as he has been· in the service, the subcommittee the gentleman from upon discharge or release from active duty from a certain date, subject to a maximum to receive, in a lump sum, pay and allow­ Florida [Mr. SIKES] reduces the Army of 120 days, or whatever factor that you ances covering such accumulated leave. part from $3,330,000,000 to $2,000,000,000. gentlemen take. Then you can get from (b) Tp.e pay and allowances referred to in ADMINISTRATION OF PAYMENT FOR TERMINAL the machine record cards a figure which will subsection (a} shall be computed at the rate LEAVE show the amount of the man's service and of the pay and allowances which the indi­ The subcommittee in drafting this leg­ the grade he held when discharged. Know­ vidual was receiving immediately prior to islation undertook to simplify the mat­ ing that, if he accrues leave at a given rate discharge or release from active duty. of 2lf2 days per month, or whatever number (c) In the case of enlisted personnel dis­ ter of administration in· many ways. of days is specified in the act, it is easy charged or released fr.om active duty prior to Section II provides for the flat-rate pay­ enough to determine what leave he is entitled the date of enactment of this act such lump ment of 70 cents per day for the mone­ to. Then if you are going to subtract from sum payment shall be made only if applica­ tary allowance for quarters and sub­ that the number of days' leave which he has tion therefor is made within 90 days after sistence for all cases where the individ­ had and, as I say, nearly every soldier has • the date of enactment of this act. In the ual was not actually receiving a different had some lel;l.ve--it means that you go into case of an individual discharged or released . rate immediately prior to his discharge. a very serious thing, because you have to go from active duty in the Army such applica­ This provision will save a tremendous back into all of this pile of records-service tion shall be made to the Secretary of War, 6508 CONGRESSIONAL RECO·RD-·HOUSE JUNE 7 and in the case of an individual discharged any legal or equitable ·process whatever father of such child; or has acknowledged or released from active duty in any other ·either before or after receipt by the payee. under oath in writing that he is the father branch of the armed forces application shall "{b) The Secretary of War, the Secretary of such child; and be made to the Secretary of the Navy. of the Navy, or such subordinate officers as " ( 5) a person to whom the former mem­ (d) For purposes of the operation of this they may designate, are authorized ( 1) to ber of. the armed forces at the time of death act with respect to any particular individual make direct payments to survivors over 17 stood in loco parentis and so stood for not the term "war-service period" means the years of age, and (2) to select a proper per­ less than 12 months prior to the date of period beginning with the date of commence­ son or persons to whom lump-sum payments death. ment of such individual's active service in may be made for the use and benefit of a "(f) ··Parent' includes father and mother, the armed forces of the United States, or former member of the armed forces or a sur­ grandfather and grandmother, stepfather and December 7, 1941, whichever is later, and vivor thereof without the necessity of ap­ stepmother, father and mother through ending 6 months after the date of the termi­ pointment by judicial proceedings of a legal adoption, and persons who, for a period of nation of hostilities in the present war, as representative of any such member or sur­ not less than 1 year prior to the death of proclaimed by the President, or the date of vivor. when, in the opinion of such Secretary the former membar of the armed forces, stood such individual's discharge or release from or designee, the interests of a person under in loco parentis to such former: member: active duty, whichever is earlier. . 17 years of age so justify or such member Provided, That not more than two parents or survivor is suffering from ~ mental dis­ may receive a lump-sum paymen't under this With the following committee amend­ ability sufficient to make direct payment not act and preference shall be given to the par­ ment: in the best interests of such member or ent or parents, not exceeding two, who actu­ Strike out all after the enacting clause and survivor. Payments made under the pro­ ally exercised parental relationship at the insert the following: visions of this subsection shall constitute a time of or most nearly prior to the date of "That effective as of September 8, 1939, complete discharge of the obligation of the the death of the former member of the each individual who serves as an enlisted United States under this act. The provi­ armed forces. member of the armed forces of the United sions of this subsection shall not apply when "SEc. 8. This act may be cited as the St ates shall be considered, for the purposes a legal guardian or committee has been 'Enlisted Men's Terminal Leave Pay Act'." of this act, as being entitled to leave or fur­ judicially appointed for any such member Mr. THOMASON (interrupting the lough at the rate of 2 Y:z days for each month or survivor, except as to any payment made of active service during the war-service pe­ prior to the receipt of notice of appointment. reading of the bill). Mr. Chairman, I riod. Such leave or furlough, less the total "(c) The Secretary of War and the Secre­ am sure every Member present has read leave or furlough chargeable under applicable tary of the Navy each shall make such regu­ this bill. I -ask unanimous consent that regulations and actually received and used lations as may be necessary effectively to the further .reading of the bill be dis- prior to discharge, may be accumulated in carry out the provisions of this act, and such . pe'nsed with, with the understanding, of an amount not to exceed 120 days, and each regulations may authorize payments under course, that amendments may be offered individual entitled thereto under this act this act to be made on the ba,sis of sworn to any point in the bill. shall be entitled upon discharge to receive, statements of the material !acts contained in a lump sum, pay and allowances computed in certificates executed by applicants there­ The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection at the rate provided in section 2 for each day for. The decisions of the Secretary of War, to the request of the gentleman from of such accumulat ed leave or furlough. of the Secretary of the Navy, and of the Texas? "SEC. 2. The pay and allow_ances referred designees of each of them shall be final and There was no objection. to in the first section shall be computed at not subject to review by_ any court or bY Mr. SPAR:Eq\{AN. Mr. Chairman, I the rate of. the base and longevity pay and any officer of·the United ·States. · move to strike out the last word. monetary rJlowances for quarters and su'Q­ "SEc. 6. In any war in which the United Mr. Chairman, I take this time for the sistence which the individual was receiving States may be engaged subsequent to the immediately prior to discharge, but in any termination of the present war and 6 months purpose of saying just a few words about case there shall be included in the lump-sum thereafter, or in any emergency thereafter the bill. I did not speak on it in general payment in addition to the base and lon­ declared by the President or by the Con­ debate. I was on the subcommittee that gevity pay a monetary allowance computed gress, ordinary leave shall not be allowed to studied this bill under the chairmanship at not less than 70 cents per day. . accum,late for any member of the armed of the gentleman from Florida [Mr. "SEC. 3. If any former member of the armed forces for more than 30 days, nor shall any SIKES], and later the gentleman from forces dies after discharge and before receiv­ payment be made in lieu of ieave. Louisiana [Mr. . BROOKS] during the time ing such lump-sum payment it shall be pay­ "SEc. 7. As used in this act the term­ that the gentleman from Florida [Mr. able, on application therefor, to such mem­ "(a) 'Member of the armed forces' means ber's survivors as follows: To such member's any member of the Army or Navy of the SIKES] was out of the city. I know some­ surviving spouse, if any; and if such member United States, the United States Marine thing of the work that went into the leaves no surviving spouse, then in equal Corps, the United States Coast Guard, or preparation of this legislation and some shares to ruch member's child or children, any of their respective components. of the complications we went into. if any; and if such member leaves no surviv­ "(b) 'Active service during the war-service A good many people have at different ing spouse or chilcl or children, then in equal period' in the case of any individual means times made remarks somewhat critical of shares to such member's surviving parents, ' all periods of active service as an enlisted the Committee on Military Affairs for if any. If there is no such survivor no such member of. the armed forces after September lump:..sum payment shall be payable under 8, 1939, except periods of (1) absence from ­ not having reported the bill out. It was this act. duty without leave, (2) absence over leave, no simple matter. Our subcommittee re­ "SEc. 4. (a) In the case of any individual (3) confinement as the result of a sentence wrote the bill after very careful study discharged prior to the date of enactment of a court martial, (4) service pursuant to and reported it to the full committee. of this act, such lump-sum payment shall enlistment or reenlistment after June 1, 1945, While it is true that the discharge be made only if application therefor is ·made in the Regular Military Establishment or petition was fully signed before the Com­ within 1 year after the date of enactment after February 1, 1945, in the Regular Naval mittee on Military Affairs reported the of this act. Establishment, and (5) service after 6 months "(b) In -~ he case of any individual whose . after the date of the termination of the bill out, I do not think that meant the record is corrected to show discharge or re­ present war as proclaimed by the President committee would not have taken action lease from active duty under honorable con­ or by the Congress by concurrent resolu­ because it certainly was intended to re­ ditions, such lump-sum payment shall be tion. port the bill out. I think every member made only if application therefor is made "(c) 'Discharge', except as used in section of the committee recognized the inequity within 1 year after the date of enactment of 4 (b) , mean& ( 1) discharge or release from of the practice that had been indulged this act or after the date on which such active duty under honorable conditions, or in of paying terminal leave to officers record is corrected, Whichever date is the (2) appointment as an officer or to officer and not paying it to enlisted men. I later. rank. "(c) In the case of an individual dis­ "(d) 'Spouse' means a lawful wife or hus- am not so sure that had this matter been charged from the Army, such application band. before us at the time we reported the shall be made to the Secretary of. War; and, "(e) 'Child' includes­ legislation providing for mustering-out in the case of an individual discharged from "(!) a legitimate child; pay that it would not have been taken any other branch of the armed forces, appli­ "(2) a child legally adopted; into consideration in connection with cation thall be made to the Secretary of the "(3) a stepchild, if, at the time of death that. · Navy. of the former member of the armed forces, My own view is that in time of peace "SEc. 5. {a) Lump-sum payments due or such stepchild was a member of the de­ to become due under this act shall not be cea5>ad's household; all of our men in the armed services are assignable, and any such payments shall be " (4) an illegitimate child, but in the case entitled to furlough and entitl~d to leave, exempt ·from taxation, shall be exempt fron;L of a former male member of the armed forces but in time of war the men in our armed claims of creditors, including any claim of ' only if he has been judicially ordered or de­ services are not entitled as a matter of the United States, and shall not be subject , creed to contribute to such child's support; right to have leave or furlough. They to attachment, levy, or seizure by or under has been judicially decreed to be the putative are entitled to it if the conditions are 1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD·- .HOUSE 6509 such that they can be spared, but not Mr. CASE of South Dakota. I have authorizes the Secretary of War or the as a matter of right, so that it could be also submitted it to the gentleman from Secretary of Navy or such subordinate accumulated. I believe it was the feel­ Iowa [Mr. MARTIN], who indicated his officers as they may designate to appoint ing of the committee generally that that approval. representatives of survivors of veterans was true. For that reason, in this bill Mr. COLE of Missouri. Mr. Chair­ or of veterans suffering a mental disa­ we inserted a new section, section 6 on man, will the gentleman yield? bility, without any judicial proceedings, page 6, to provide that in any war sub­ Mr. CASE of South Dakota. I yield. it strikes me we may be opening the door sequent to this war terminal leave or Mr. COLE of Missouri. There is just to a racket. There will be hundreds and ordinary leave would not be allowed to one point, which, it occurs to me, should hundreds of thousands of these cases. accumulate for more than 30 days-so be clearly established. Suppose you have Many thousands of them may be cases that the man would have something to both a surviving spouse and minor chil­ in which a survivor or mental disability draw on in the event it were possible to dren. Would those children have to be case is involved. I fear that some unde­ give him leave--but in no event would paid through the office of the probate sirable people will manage to get them­ money payment be given 'in lieu of leave. court and a guardian if you divide the selves appointed as agents or representa- · · We want to prevent this from occurring money? tives. It is to be noted that the para­ in any subsequent war or subsequent Mr. CASE of South Dakota. I am glad graph goes on to provide that after such emergency. Personally, I believe that is the gentleman raises that point. My a representative is appointed the money a good provision. I think the War De­ answer is "No." As the gentleman is shall be given to that representative in partment made a mistake when they aware, in another section the bill pro­ a lump sum. I think we would better started paying officers terminal leave vides that in case of children under 17, take what steps we can to prevent a during this war. If something was the Secretary of V/ar may select the racket growing up. My amendment needed to help them get adjusted in proper person to whom payments would makes it a misdemeanor, suitably pun­ civilian life, then we ought to have taken be made without requiring the appoint­ ished, for any representative appointed care of it by mustering-out pay. ment of a legal representative. That in by either the Secretary of War or the Mr. BRYSON. Mr. Chairman, will the most cases, of course, would be the Secretary of the Navy, or by his subordi­ gentleman yield? spouse. But not if she were an improper nate officers under the provisions of this Mr. SPARKMAN. I yield. person to receive funds in behalf of the paragraph, to accept any fees. Mr. BRYSON. Does that restriction children, which is the reason for the Mr. NORBLAD. Mr. Chairman, will or limitation apply to officers as well as amendment. The case I cited in my ear­ the gentleman yield? men? lier colloquy with the gentleman from Mr. WADSWORTH. I yield. Mr. SPARKMAN. It applies to of­ Louisiana was where the veteran had Mr. NORBLAD. Does not the gentle­ fleers as well as men. As a matter of divorced the mother or the children and man feel if someone should be appointed fact, until this bill becomes law, enlisted remarried. His spouse, under the defini­ by a court as agent or administrator, he men do not have leave as a matter of tions in the bill, would be the second · should give an adequate bond for the right. The officers do have that right woman. In such a case I would expect funds that will pass through his hands, under that old statute and within the the Secretary to name the actual mother so that he will be accountable for it? discretion of the Secretary of War. of the children rather than their father's Mr. WADSWORTH. I did not attempt He has issued a regulation giving it to second wife. In fact, it is to make that to rewrite this entire paragraph (b). I them. By this bill we give a certain possible that I have offered the amend­ suppose it could be said that the sum amount of leave to the enlisted man as ment. paid to a representative of a survivor a matter of right so far as service in This is in harmony with the succeed­ or a veteran suffering from a mental the present war is concerned. By sec­ ing clause in the bill, which specifically disability will be comparatively small. It tion 6 we take it away from the enlisted proVides for dividing equally the amount may be only $50, or $60, or $70. But what men and officers alike in time of war payable when it falls to the veteran's I dread is that one.of these fellows will hereafter. We recognize the inequity parents, and thereby takes care of the canvass a town and get a lot of people to that has existed during this war and are situation wher-e an estrangement exists say, "You represent me before the War doing our best by this bill to straighten between them. I seek to take care of Department or the Navy Department it out. Then we say in effect to the War those situations where an abnormal sit­ and I will split with you." Department if we ever get into another uation exists, as between the dependent My amendment makes that a misde­ war or another emergency, "Do not minor children· of a deceased veteran and meanor. make the same mistake again." That the one who is the veteran's spouse at Mr. BROOKS. Mr. Chairman, I have is the situation we are up against. I the time of his death. no objection to the amendment. think it is fair and equitable to give these Under the language of the bill with­ The CHAIRMAN. The question is on men the same terminal leave that officers out this amendment, if the veteran is re­ the amendment. get. That is all this bill does. married and has left minor children bY The amendment was agreed to. The CHAIRMAN. The time of the an earlier marriage, the spouse at the Mr. FULTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer gentleman from Alabama has expired. time of the veteran's death would get a.n amendment. Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. the entire amount. The children by the The Clerk read as follows: Chairman, I offer an ~mE.ndment, which earlier marriage would be out in the cold. Amendment offered by Mr. FULTON: Page 6. is at the Clerk's de=.>k. My amendment simply insures an equal line 12, after the last sentence insert "There The Clerk read as follows: division for the spouse and each of the shall be ·no difference under the provisions o! Amendment offered by Mr. CASE of South children as defined in the bill. this act or the regulations thereunder in the Dakota: On page 4, lines 3 to 5, after the method of computation of the amounts pay­ The CHAIRMAN. The question is on able hereunder between officers and enlisted colon in line 3 strike out "To such member's agreeing to the amendment. surviving spouse, if any; and if such member men nor between the several branches of the leaves no surviving spouse, then in equal The amendment was agreed to. armed services." Mr. WADSWORTH. Mr. Chairman, I shares to such member's child or children, Mr. FULTON. Mr. Chairman, it will 1f any;" and insert "To such member's sur­ offer an amendment. The Clerk read as follows: be noticed that under the provisions of viving spouse and children, if any, in equal this act there is no specific caution that shares." . Amendment offered by Mr. WADSWORTH: the Secretary of War and the Secretary Mr. CASE of South Dakota. Mr. Page 6, line 2, after the period, insert "Pro­ vided, That no fee, commission, or charge of the Navy must treat everyone alike, Chairman, this is an amendment which shall be demanded or accepted by any repre­ as between officers and enlisted men; and I have discussed with several members sentative of a veteran or survivor appointed there is no separate statement that the of the committee, including the gentle­ tn accordance with the provisions of this various branches of the service, that is, man from Louisiana [Mr. BROOKS] and paragraph, and the exaction or acceptance the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. SIKES], of any such fee, commission, or charge shall the Coast Guard, the WAC, and the and as far as I know it is agreeable to be deemed a misdemeanor, punishable by a WAVES should all be treated alike, and them. fine of not exceeding $500 or imprisonment the regulations that are set up under this Mr. BROOKS. Mr. Chairman, as far not exceeding 6 months, or both." act by the Secretary of War and the Sec­ as I am concerned, I have no objection Mr. WADSWORTH. Mr. Chairman, retary of the Navy should be construed to it. reading paragraph (b) on page 5, which accordingly. '6510 CQNGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE JUNE 7 I feel it is necessary that we affirma­ vitally needed raw materials. In order The Clerk read as follows: tively and specifically say that we want to meet the demands of war they even Amendment offered by Mr. FoLGER: On page that done and that if one person in the constructed a fourth lock, named after 4, line 8, after the word "any" strike out Army receives a payment somebody in Gen. Douglas MacArthur. I am proud of the period and insert the following: "or if the Navy cannot crab for the rest of his the twin Soos and all of their citizens none sucb., then to the minor brothers and days: "Well, I did not get paid because because of their invaluable effort to our sisters pro rata and in keeping with the the Army regulations were different from war victory. Those locks at the Soo provisions of Section 5, subsection (b) of the Navy,'' or if somebody in the WAC even in peacetime-in our normal 8- this act." gets a payment, somebody in the Coast month navigation season-pass more Mr. FOLGER. Mr. Chairman, I am Guard might· not get it. We want the tonnage than goes through all the six hopeful, if the committee will give atten-· act to require that each service must other greatest series of locks and canals tion to this matter, that the amendment have all its regulations conform to each in the entire world in 12 months, and will be accepted. I hesitated a little bit o ·~her in the various branches of the I include in that the Panama, Suez, Kiel, about including in the term "parents" a services. Weiland, and Erie Canals. Had the Ger­ stepfather and stepmother, but I forego This amendment will also obtain the mans or the .Japanese succeeded in that, knowing that there are two sides to result that as between officers and en­ knocking out our Soo Locks, the entire that question. But in the event there is listed men there can be no regulations Allied war effort might well have col­ neither a fathe·r nor mother nor a step­ set up for officers that do not apply to lapsed. father nor stepmother, but a soldier has enlisted men. . Now, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.,.a.bustling , died who is entitled to this pay for leave, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- . city of 12,000 people; has a high school, . if he has min.or brothers and sisters that ance of my time. and in that high school they have a cboir money ought to go to them. They have Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. and a swing band. Throughout the 'war neither father nor mother, they have Chairman, I move to strike out. the last they not only afforded much entertain­ neither stepfather nor stepmother. They word and ask unanimous consent to ment to the troops at the expanded F.ort -are minor:s, and I believe this provision proceed out of order. Brady Military District who were guard­ should be included. The language is left:. · The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection ing the locks, but also in. public appear- . "If there.is.no.such survivor no such lump,. to the request of the gentleman from ances succeeded.·ln- selling., over $3'00,000 . sum payment·shall be payable under this Michigan? worth of war bonds. Today they have act." There was no objection. stopped off in Washington en route to I can conceive of small children whose Mr. BRADLEY of Michigan. Mr. Atlantic City, where they have been in­ brother or brothers have given their lives Chairman, early .in the winter of 1940, vited to sing for 2 days before the Kiwanis in the war, whose fathers and mothers over a year before we entered the war, International Convention.· are also dead. To say that they should several Norwegian fishermen who were This noon this excellent choir and not get the benefit of this seems to me to hiding out from the conquering Nazi swing band, under the capable direction be an oversight. hordes were amazed to see the Nazis go­ of their instructor, Mr._Earl Thomas, had . I submit it to the gentlemen on both ing through a full-dress aerial-bombing the pleasure and privilege of serenading sides for their consideration. rehearsal, in o.ne of their snow-covered General Eisenhower and being personally Mr. BROOKS. Mr'. Chairman, I rise valleys. They noticed some strange de­ greeted by him. They rendered a con­ in opposition to· the amendment offered signs had been outlined in that valley, cert in the Pentagon court· before an by the ·gentleman from North Carolina. and Nazi bombers were making periodic audience of high-ranking Army person­ . Mr. Chairman, if we were dealing with bombing runs over them from various nel and some 20,000 War D3partment tremendous sums of money such as there angles. The Norwegians made a rough employees. They were most enthusias­ are in these la.rge estates, I think it might sketch of the bombing target and by some tically received, and to my knowledge be well for the Congress to go far afield means got it into the hands of the British theirs is the first high school group to and take care of distant relatives and to Intelligence. The British Intelligence have ever serenaded the general at The take care of all equities regardless of how was baffled as to the meaning of the tar­ Pentagon. complicated they may be; but in this in­ get but in turn got it into the hands of an This evening they are going to give a stance we are dealing with small sums of air attache in the American Embassy in concert both at the Naval Medical Center money, much of which will not exceed London. He immediately identified it as at Bethesda and at Walter Reed General $50 or $60, and in other cases running up the great lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Hospital, and then later sing the Star­ to $200 or $300. In considering the mat­ in my district, and our sister city of Spangled Banner at Griffith Stadium as ter the committee felt it should follow Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. the guest of Mr. Clark Griffith. more or less the provisions of the Allot­ It was obvious that the Nazis intended Tomorrow, Saturday morning, they merit Act in reference to the designation eventually to bomb these locks. Had have been invited to entertain the of these payments. Therefore the com­ they done so successfully, we might well patients at Mount Alto Hospital and mittee felt that we should not compli­ not have won this last war. That was perform for the sound and color cameras cate this thing too much. Your book­ admittedly America.'s No. 1 air target, on the hospital lawn for a full-length keeping expense is already going to be and the Germans knew it just as well motion picture to be released to the very heavy, and if we allow them to com­ as the Japanese, who had been con­ Nation at a later date by the Veterans' plicate the situation further, we may get sidering the possibilities of nonstop sui­ Administration, entitled "Veterans' Ad­ into trouble. cide flights from Japan itself for the ministration Reports to the Nation." The CHAIRMAN. The question is on purpose of knocking out the locks at At 11:~0 they will broadcast for 30 min­ the amendment offered by the gentleman Sault Ste. Marie. Therefore, it became utes over radio station WWDC a salute from North Carolina [Mr. FOLGER]. during the war the most heavily forti­ .to President Truman; and on Sunday The amendment was rejected. fied spot in North America. Now I know morning they will sing at the Foundry Mr. WHITTINGTON. Mr. Chairman, you wonder why? The answer is sim­ Methodist Church service. I move to strike out the last word. ple. Ninety percent of our Nation's iron It is a great pleasure for me to greet Mr. Chairman, notwithstanding the ore is mined- in the Lake Superior re­ them here today, and I think if you will fact that the act of May 8, 1874, as gion. Lake Superior is 18 feet above the look around you will see some of them amended by the act of July 29, 1876, pro­ levels of Lakes Huron and Michigan. in the gallery. viding for accumulated leave for officers, Therefore 90 percent of the Nation's iron Mr. THOMASON. Mr. Chairman, the has been in force, the fact remains that ore production all through the war, as subcommittee handling this bill finds the act has not been used and was not it must in peacetime, had to pass through nothing objectionable in the amend­ used as best we can determine from the these locks at the Soo, to say nothing of ment; so, as far as we are concerned, it hearings and the debate until we reached millions and millions of bushels of grain is all right for the committee to accept it. the period of. the present World War II, from the great Midwest, and to say noth­ The CHAIRMAN. The question is on and for the first time in war or peace ing of the thousands upon thousands of the amendment offered by the gentle­ officers have been given up to 4 months tons of coal and limestone that have to man from Pennsylvania [Mr. Fui.ToNJ. terminal leave in World War II. In or­ flow upward through the locks. The The amendment was agreed to. der to prevent discrimination as between Soo did i ~ s part during the past war in Mr. FOLGE~ . .Mr. Chairman, I offer officers and enlisted men, no matter the maintaining that uninterrupted flow of an amendment. cost of this bill, it seems there is nothing 1946 CONG.RESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE 6511 for the Congress to do e?{cept to remove the interest of discipline changes had to The CHAIRMAN. The question is on t~at discrimination and to provide for be made of course. No one would suggest the-committee amendment as amended. the payment of terminal leave for the now that all of those practices of a more The committee amendment as amend­ enlisted men, inasmuch as by the regu­ democratic period in the Army be ed was agreed to. lations of the Army, under the accumu­ adopted; nevertheless, I am impressed The CHAIRMAN. Under the ru1e, the lated leave system, as authorized by a by the comments of enlisted men upon Committee rises. law of 1884, such leave has been provided the practices of certain officers which Accordingly the Committee rose; and for officers. . are out of line with this great military the Speaker having resumed the chair, The Army is responsible for the pay tradition. I think it is fair to say that Mr. THOMAS of Texas, Chairman of the of terminal leave to officers in World the War Department has been under­ Committee of the Whole House on the War II, and under the statute of 1876, as taking through constructive measures to State of the Union, reported that that amended by the statute of 1878, and un­ eliminate all of these frictions, and to the Committee having had under COI\sidera­ der a law passed in 1884 for officers, the extent that legislation is necessary Con­ tion the bill

H. R. 4904. An act !or the relief of Cleo D. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY any one time; to the Committee on Ways Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Cherry; and Means. H. R. 4905. An act for the relief of Nina E. On Wednes-day, June 12, 1946, Sub­ By Mr. HAND: Schmidt; committee No. 1 of the Committee on the H. R. 6700. A bill to increase the number H. R. 4915. An act for the relief of Irving Judiciary will hold a hearing on the bill of authorized a.viation stations operated by · W. Learned;