“...and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ABRAHAM LINCOLN TheThe VVolunteerolunteer JOURNAL OF THE VETERANS OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BRIGADE

Vol. XXII, No. 2 Spring 2000 The Judge Who Indicted Pinochet to Speak at NY Vets Event April 28, 30, page 4 Sergeant Edward Carter Honored, page 2 Boys of Williamsburg, page 6 New Robert Capa Photos Found, page 8 A Monument in B.C., page 12 Sam Walters Photos, page 24 Vets and supporters at the unveiling of the IB monument in British Columbia, Canada, (l-r) Tom Kozar, Rosaleen Ross, Joe Barrett, Dave Smith, Jack Harman, and Arne Knutsen.

We Must Remember! WWee MMustust RemembRemember!er! Honors Fighting Spirit at Bay Area Vets Reunion NNeeww YYororkk AAprprilil 3030

Peter Glazer’s sensational theatrical pre- sentation “We Must Remember!” which headlines the annual New York reunion on April 30, left a crowd of 900 spectators simul- taneously cheering and weeping at the show’s premier performance before Bay Area veter- ans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade on February 27. Based on the writings of Spanish Civil War participants and observers, together with the war’s legendary songs, as well as new Continued on page 5 ERMACK B ICHARD R HOTO BY P The information circulated is on a variety of subjects, Sgt. Edward from requests for details on specific battles or volunteers to questions or comments concerning interpretations of the Carter Civil War and/or works of famous historians. One mem- ber recently went to the trouble of sharing his extensive Honored in bibliography with list members. There was even a recent exchange on the battle-worthiness of the Mosin-Nagant Sacramento rifle, used by many Republican army units, including the XVth Brigade. The only Lincoln vet to There are a few rules governing the use of the discus- receive a Congressional sion site: messages must be signed by the sender and must Medal of Honor, Sgt. relate to some aspect of the Spanish Civil War or to the his- Edward A. Carter, Jr., tory or legacy of the International Brigades. All messages received special recogni- are previewed by the list moderator to ensure that they tion last February when abide by these guidelines. Members may join or leave the the California Military mailing list at their convenience. The names of members, Museum in Sacramento unveiled a special exhibit as available only to the list moderators, are kept strictly confi- part of the celebration of Black History Month. dential. Carter's heroic exploits occurred in 1945 in To participate, simply send a blank e-mail message to: Germany, but because of the army's discriminatory poli- [email protected]. A password will be assigned cies toward African American soldiers, he received only to enable you to read archived messages. Questions can be the Distinguished Service Cross. In 1997, President Bill directed to the list moderator via e-mail at: owner- Clinton moved to remedy that injustice by awarding [email protected]. Carter the Medal of Honor. Carter died in Los Angeles Selected correspondence from the list is reprinted in in 1963 at the age of 47. the Volunteer as Letters to ALBA. See page 3. Besides the racial prejudice he faced in the army, Carter's service in Spain had made him suspect to mili- tary intelligence officers because of the Lincoln Brigade's ties to the Communist Party. Indeed, in 1949, the army rejected his request for reenlistment. That blacklisting, part of the Truman era witchhunting, The Volunteer abruptly ended his military career. Journal of the Carter’s daughter-in-law, Allene Carter, has led a Veterans of the long crusade to have his military record corrected. Abraham Lincoln Brigade an ALBA publication

799 Broadway, Rm 227 JJoinoin thethe DDiscussioniscussion New York, NY 10003 OnlineOnline (212) 674-5552 During the past few months, ALBA’s on-line discus- sion group has had a 20% increase in membership, Editorial Board predominantly due to the interest of Europeans who sub- Peter Carroll • Leonard Levenson scribed to the site. The work of the ALBA members present Fraser Ottanelli • Abe Smorodin at the Madrid Forum on the International Brigades last and Bill Susman November has encouraged many newcomers to partici- pate in the list. Design Production There are currently 190 members, with new sign-ups Richard Bermack every week. This list is the only predominately English Editorial Assistance language discussion group on the subject, although we do Anne Taibleson and Ann Fraser accept and encourage contributions in other languages, mainly Spanish and French. By far the largest proportion Proofreading of members are in the United States, although the Nancy Van Zwalenburg European contingent currently represents 25%, with Spain Submission of Manuscripts the largest contributor, followed closely by the United Please send manuscripts by E-mail or on disk. Kingdom. The “postings,” or contributions, are circulated E-mail: [email protected] as far and wide as Australia, New Zealand and Finland and as close to “home” as Mexico and Canada. 2 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Letters to ALBA BBrriiggaaddiieerr NNeewwss

Dear brothers: By Moe Fishman I am a Puertorican studying the Spanish Civil War for With the dwindling number of International the last four years, as part of a doctoral thesis. In the book Brigade veterans all over the world causing diminished “Un mexicano en la Guerra Civil Española” (“A mexican capacity to function, several organizations have sprung in the Spanish Civil War”) by Néstor Sánchez Hernández, I up consisting of friends (and relatives) of the I.B. There found a photo where the author mentioned that the are currently such organizations in England, Ireland, Lincoln Brigade was composed of americans, cubans and Denmark, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, Russia and puertoricans. In another book, “Voluntarios americanos en France. We are all aware of the Association of Amigos la Guerra Civil Española” (“American volunteers in the de Brigados International/Friends of the International Spanish Civil War”), by Cecil Eby, on page 57, the author Brigade (AABI) in Spain. Ana Perez, its president, mentions that more than a dozen puertoricans were mem- writes that she is in touch with all of these associations. bers of the Cubans Column, “Antonio Guiteras,” of the It occurs to the writer that friends and relatives of the Lincoln Brigade. On page 45 of the last book, the author Abraham Lincoln Brigade should form similar organiza- mentions that all members of the Brigades gave their tions in this country and become ALBA “associates.” names, nationalities, photos, and filled out a questionaire With our membership down and posts of veterans in Albacete, Spain. down to just the New York and Bay Area (San I understand that for all puertoricans it must be an Francisco), the infusion of friends and relatives would honor to know the names, particularities and participa- give us a “shot in the arm.” tions of their brothers in the Spanish Civil War, and if This from Bobby Hall in Chicago: “Last night the possible the photos of them. Chicago Friends of the Lincoln Brigade co- sponsored a [email protected] program at the University of Chicago on the occasion of José Alejandro Ortiz Carrión African-American History Month. The main topic was Langston Hughes and his experiences in Spain. It was attended by a mix of about half students and half com- munity old-timers. There was a lively exchange. We reached some international students and we sold some Response from Christopher Brooks, ALBA Biographical books.” Dictionary. The following is a list of volunteers identified John Kailin of Madison, Wisconsin, tells me that as as Puerto Ricans: a result of large public participation in the successful k-Bauza, Ulyses Pacheo Padre, Antonio effort to erect the monument in that city, such a “friends k-Carbonell Cuevas, Pablo Queipo Sanchez, Pablo and relatives” organization is being formed. Would like Carbonell, Fernando (Puerto Rican?) to hear of interest in such a project in your area. For k-Carbonell Cuevas, Jorge Rivera, Ferdinand more information on how to become an ALBA “associ- Carbonell, Victor A. Sanchez Vasquez, Adolfo ate” drop us a note at 799 Broadway or look us up on Cofresi, Manuel Seno Martinez, Pedro the web at http://www.alba-valb.org Colon Velez, Baudilio Urbina, Cesar While waiting to get into the current Woody Allen Cuesta Enamorado, Jose Usera, Vincent (born in movie, I wandered into the film My Dog Skip. Imagine k-Delgado Delgado, Puerto Rico) my surprise! The father of the young hero of the film Carmelo Yepes Manuel, Victor (actor Kevin Bacon) had lost a leg in the Spanish Civil Delgado, Emilio War. Later in the film someone says, “He should have k-Falu, Natividad I hope this information will gotten a medal.” How about that! Garcia, Angel Ocasio be helpful. I am looking for On December 9, 1999, in New York, our comrade Gotay, Ruben (Montalro) additional information on Martin Balter calls me all excited: “Moe you have to Gravel, Fernandez (uncon- all of these volunteers. The watch Bill Beutel, the commentator on Channel 7, ABC, firmed) material will appear in the tomorrow night at 6 p.m. It’s going to be about me and Iduarte, Andre ALBA Biographical the war in Spain.” I called a number of people even Lopez, Jules Herman Dictionary, though I was a bit skeptical, I admit. Sure enough, k-Martinez, Felipe Christopher Brooks toward the end of the news report, on comes Marty Moll Gonzalez, Fernando [email protected] being interviewed on why he volunteered to fight Moll Gonzalez, Francisco Franco and what he did there, interspersed with shots of the war. Later he told me how it happened. Seems there is a young lady who lives in a house down the street from him in the Bronx. He got to talking to her and Continued on page 10 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 3 Spanish Judge in Pinochet Case Headlines April Events By Peter Carroll

altasar Garzón, the fiercely Spain’s conservative government, led rights groups have vowed to continue independent Spanish magistrate by Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, the case against the former dictator. Bwho defied his own conserva- disavowed Garzón’s proceedings, In approving the release of tive government to bring criminal though Aznar explained to the gov- Pinochet, Britain’s Home Secretary charges against former Chilean dicta- ernment of Chile that he lacked the Jack Straw nevertheless acknowl- tor Augusto Pinochet, will present the legal power to block the arrest warrant. edged the triumph of Judge Garzón’s third annual ALBA-Bill Susman When Garzón’s appeal moved to legal principles. “It is established Lecture on Friday, April 28, at New Britain’s highest court, however, the beyond question the principle that York University’s Law School, a pro- Law Lords of the House of Lords those who commit human rights abus- gram co-sponsored by NYU’s King overturned the initial judgment, rul- es in one country cannot assume they Juan Carlos I of Spain Center. In his ing in November 1998 that Pinochet are safe elsewhere.” This precedent first public visit to the United States, was not immune from international has already led to formal proceedings Señor Garzón will also appear at the law. Then, two weeks later, the Law against Hisene Habre, former presi- ALBA-VALB reunion at the Borough Lords set aside their own ruling, dent of Chad, now living in Senegal, of Manhattan Community College acknowledging that their initial deci- on charges of torture. on Sunday, April 30. sion had been “tainted by the possible “The real reason for doing this is “We are all eager to meet Señor bias of one of its judges” who had an not vengeance,” observed Reed Brody Garzón and to encourage his efforts,” indirect relation with Amnesty of the advocacy group Human Rights remarked VALB national officer Abe International, an organization eager to Watch. Rather, he said, it warns “peo- Smorodin. see Pinochet brought to trial. ple who are there in power now, who The 43-year old Spanish judge cap- While Pinochet remained under haven’t yet committed these crimes, tured international attention in October house arrest near London, the Law ‘Watch Out! Don’t count on getting 1998 when his criminal investigations Lords reconsidered the case in March away with this.’” of human rights violations led him to 1999, finally concluding that Pinochet Judge Garzón’s involvement in issue an arrest warrant for Pinochet does not enjoy immunity for his the Pinochet case began in 1996 when while the former head of state was vis- crimes against humanity, but the same he opened a criminal investigation of iting England for medical treatment. court substantially reduced the num- the disappearance of several Spanish Charging the ex-dictator with ber of crimes for which he could be citizens in Argentina during a period crimes against humanity, including charged. This decision, perhaps the of military rule between 1976 and genocide and terrorism, and involve- most momentous in international crimi- 1983. His research led him to conclude ment in the deaths of over 4000 nal law since World War II, established that the Geneva Conventions and people, Garzón requested the English a clear and potentially wide ranging other international law offer no sanc- government to extradite Pinochet to precedent that heads of states can be tuary for criminals accused of serious Madrid for further interrogation and held accountable for their actions while crimes against humanity and that time trial. The request startled many legal in office and despite any immunity they limits in such cases do not exist. He experts by claiming that new interna- obtain from their own state. soon issued charges against more than tional human rights treaties no longer As the British government pro- 100 Argentine military and police offi- give government leaders immunity ceeded slowly and reluctantly toward cials and issued international arrest from charges involving violations of extradicting Pinochet to Spain, the warrants against 11 senior military human rights. general appealed the decision, arguing officers. One Argentine captain, The government of Chile, in that medical problems made any legal Adolfo Scilingo, now imprisoned for which Pinochet enjoys legal protection proceedings against him unfair. An participating in mass executions and as a senator for life, immediately chal- examination by British doctors sup- torture, offered evidence of an elabo- lenged Garzón’s claims. Two weeks ported Pinochet’s claims to rate network of international after receiving Garzón’s warrant, incompetence. Although other coun- cooperation in such crimes, involving Britain’s High Court ruled that tries, including France, Belgium, and officials of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Pinochet was immune from arrest as a Switzerland, joined Spain in challeng- Brazil, and Paraguay, known as head of state at the time the alleged ing that report, the British government Operation Condor. crimes were committed, but insisted finally freed Pinochet from house Although Judge Garzón’s assidu- that the dictator remain in custody arrest in March 2000 and permitted ous investigations have drawn criticism pending further appeals. Meanwhile, him to return to Chile. There, human Continued on page 7 4 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 BBaayy AArreaea ReunionReunion Continued from page 1 ERMACK B ICHARD R HOTOS BY P Surviving Bay Area vets take the stage

music and poetry, the program traced ing popular memory, a theme that res- and Richard Cloke, and Sophie Smith. the bold and passionate story of politi- onated all day as the northern The 17 living veterans, including visi- cal activism from the 1930s to last California activist community paid tors Maurice Constant from Toronto year’s demonstrations against the homage to the 17 vets who attended and Julia Tello, who as a 16-year-old World Trade Organization in Seattle. the affair. David Smith, Bay Area Post militia volunteer fought with the Members of the vigorous San leader, and Peter Carroll, chair of Thaelman battalion, drew a thunderous Francisco Mime Troupe, led by musi- ALBA, acted as masters of ceremony ovation. The veterans also toasted cal director Bruce Barthol, brought a and reminded the enthusiastic audi- Treasurer Esther “Hon” Brown, who is gripping energy to their roles and ence of the connections between past made music that pulsed through the and present. A letter from the Spanish excited audience. Barthol is bringing a film actor Antonio Banderas, which contingent to New York in April , endorsed the vets’ efforts to raise where they will share billing with vet- money for political causes, served to eran performers Arlo Guthrie, Pete evoke the Lincoln Brigade’s tradition Seeger, and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger. of supporting anti-fascist peoples around the world. Smith and Carroll explained that this year the local post will support at least four major projects: the needy veterans of the International Brigades living in eastern Europe; the Soler Pediatric Hospital in Havana, Cuba, which has an international reputation for its treatment of ailing children; the Esther “Hon” Brown retires as Bay Area School of the Americas Watch, which Post treasurer. has organized protest demonstrations at Fort Benning, Georgia, seeking to stepping down from the world of high Spanish Brigadista Julia Tello (l), who close the military base’s program of finance, with a bouquet of flowers. fought with the Thaelman Battalion, instructing Latin American military Then, as a solo trumpet played the attended with her daughter, Bay Area police in the art of violent interroga- soft slow melody of “Venga Jaleo,” a Associate Victoria Parraga. tions; and Global Exchange, one of the woman’s voice began to speak the organizations involved in protesting famous lines of John Sayles: “One of Spanish Judge Baltazar Garzon will the WTO. the major obstacles in the way of also appear. The Bay Area Post acknowledged human progress, of human under- The stage show stresses the links the death of four members last year, Continued on page 7 between events of the past and the liv- nurse Ruth Davidow, vets Sid Levine THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 5 TThehe BBooyyss ofof WWilliamsburilliamsburgg

By Abe Smorodin here are shelves above my desk in the office at 799 Broadway TTthat have accumulated all the detritus of 30 years of VALB activities. It was an eyesore so I decided to go through all that junk, discard what wasn’t needed and find a proper place for usable material. And that is where I found the accompanying picture. The aging process sharpens one’s long-term memory. And as I looked at that picture, in my mind’s eye, next to the Stone brothers, to Eli Biegelman, and Jerry Weinberg, I saw the others: Saullie Wellman, Lou Gordon, Joe and Leo Gordon. We were the Boys of Williamsburg; no, we were the Young Communists of Williamsburg. I wish I had the talent of a novelist so I could adequately tell their stories. Our hangout was the Y.C.L. club Hy Stone, Eli Biegelman, Joe Stone, Jerry Weinberg, and Sam Stone in a loft on Tompkins Avenue. In this period of rampant unemployment, it ings were held. No excuses accepted. Republic thought, vainly, that the served as a second home for us. Our Well, one Tuesday, being passionate siege could be lifted. Casualties were evenings were usually filled with ani- music lovers, Lou Gordon and I went enormous; within a few hours both mated discussions of world events; to Lewisohn stadium to hear the N.Y. Joe and Sam Stone were killed. Our the evils of social democracy or those Philharmonic and—no kidding—we commissar Steve Nelson had to physi- “Bucharinite traitors” on trial in the were expelled from the League. But at cally restrain Hy from dashing U.S.S.R. Those were the days. the next executive committee meeting towards the Fascist lines. Shortly There was a wrestling mat that I had some appropriate quotes from thereafter Hy was sent home. was mostly used by the Gordon broth- Lenin and our membership was Jerry Weinberg was my best ers, Joe and Leo. They went at it with restored! friend. My son is named for him. We such gusto, so ferocious, it was painful In the early 1930s there was a were rabid Dodger fans, though root- to watch. A few years later Leo Soviet novel called The Little Golden ing for a perennial last place team was Gordon and a Finnish machine-gun Calf by Ilf and Petrov. It is long out of no fun. We’d go to Ebbetts Field, not unit were surrounded in the hills print. It is and remains one of the fun- far from Jerry’s house, and watch our above Caspe in the Aragon. As a run- niest books I ever read. Jack Freeman team, usually lose. There is something ner for the Mac-Paps, I was given the and I read passages from it, almost at to be said for nostalgia. Jerry made it message that the Battalion was retreat- random, and we’d laugh until our through Spain. Comes World War II, ing and that we should get out guts hurt. Jack was killed during a he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, quickly. I couldn’t get to Leo and his quiet day at the front. And he wasn’t where he was a tail-gunner on a B-17. comrades in time, and since then I’ve even reaching for a butterfly. The squadron was based in England, been haunted by that memory. Joe Now, the three Stone brothers. from where it took part in one of the Gordon survived Spain. During Look again at the picture. As far as I great air-raids over Ploesti, Rumania, World War II he was a seaman on a know it is the only image that we have the Nazi’s major source of oil. Jerry’s merchant ship. A Nazi U-boat torpe- of them together. plane was hit and crippled but was doed his ship on the perilous Brunete was the first large-scale able to land safely in neutral Turkey. Murmansk run and all hands were offensive the Republic could wage. This meant that under the Geneva lost. The Ejercito Popular had been built up Convention he was entitled to intern- Back to the Tompkins Avenue to an effective fighting force. The ment and all the perks that went with clubhouse. Tuesdays were sacrosanct. Madrid front had been stabilized and Continued on page 7 That’s when our weekly YCL meet- Brunete was the place where the 6 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Garzón/Justice Continued from page 4

from the governments of those coun- tries, he has emerged with a reputation as an incorruptible, princi- pled magistrate. During the 1980s, he exposed the quasi-official actions of Spain’s police “death squads” that operated against Basque nationalists. His inquiries resulted in the convic- tion of former Socialist Interior Minister Jose Barrionuevo for attacks on Basque separatists. Yet Garzón has also investigated criminal activities involving the Basque separatist orga- nization ETA. His appearance at the ALBA-VALB affairs will focus on the significance of the Pinochet case for limiting the abuses of power in the future. Admission to the Bay Area Reunion ALBA-Bill Susman Lecture is free, Bay Area Reunion thanks to the generous support of our Continued from page 5 benefactors. This year’s lecture is made possible by grants from the Program for standing, is cynicism.” And then a Rosenstein, Archie Brown, Abe Cultural Cooperation Between Spain’s second woman’s voice responds: Osheroff, for instance—was matched Ministry of Culture and United States “What about the guys in the Lincoln by stunning photographic displays. Universities and the Boehm Foundation Brigade?” When the show ended one hour and by the ALBA-Bill Susman Lecture And so the program raced for- later, there was hardly a dry eye in endowment created in 1998. ward, blending the words of authors Oakland’s Calvin Simmons Theater. like Alvah Bessie, Edwin Rolfe, and “Come back next year,” cried David Judge Baltazar Garzón will Pablo Neruda with powerful rendi- Smith to the cheering crowd. “Come tions of “Freiheit,” “Jarama Valley,” back fighting,” added Peter Carroll. present the ALBA-Bill and “Los Cuatro Generales.” The The consensus of the Bay Area Susman Lecture on Friday, stunning contemporary poetry of Post: “The best program ever!” April 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Michele Gibbs, daughter of a vet, read Get ready in New York. April 30, the Tishman Auditorium, by actress Velina Brown, fused magi- 2 p.m. Borough of Manhattan cally with an improvised jazz melody, Community College. For ticket infor- 40 Washington Square while Michael Sullivan’s reading of mation: 212-674-5552. South, New York. Ramon Durem’s poem “Award—To the FBI Man Who Has Followed Me Williamsburg For Twenty Five Years” left the audi- Continued from page 6 ence in stitches. Bruce Barthol’s balladic “Taste of Ashes” now must his rank. Jerry was a staff sergeant. the absolute need for “The Good take its place among the classic songs That did not suit Jerry, the valorous Fight.” We have monuments to our inspired by the Spanish Civil War. anti-fascist, so he left the safety of the dead in Seattle and in Madison, but let Backing the stage performance camp and hiked across North Africa us also remember that for each com- were computerized projections of until he reached some British outfits rade that we lost there is a name, a black and white photographs that chasing Rommel. Jerry was returned face and countless stories. were compiled by filmmaker Judy to his squadron, and on the very next Forgive the excessive “I’s” in this Montell (Forever Activists) and photog- mission his plane was shot down over article. A member of the editorial rapher Richard Bermack. Here the France. There were no survivors. board of The Volunteer urged me to language of war and parades meshed So Sherman was right: “War is overcome my old Bolshevik ways and with strong visual images. And the Hell.” I wish The Volunteer would drop the “we” and the “us” and make litany of celebrated vets, the living more often reflect the reality of that my account more personal. and the dead—Milton Wolff, Gabby terrible experience while reaffirming THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 7 New Spanish Civil War

By agreement with Archivo Histórico del Partido Photos Comunista de España we are not allowed to repor- duce these photos in the web edition of the Attributed Volunteer To Robert Capa By Robert Coale

he Historical Archive of the Spanish Communist Party in TMadrid is about to publish a selection of 100 outstanding yet little known photographs of the Civil War, a small portion of their stock of over 1,680 black and white negatives from the period, including 120 depicting the International Brigades. Over the past year there have been several articles in the Spanish press about the photographs and their possible connection to Robert Capa. Most journalists even go as far as attributing them undoubtedly to the famous war pho- tographer. While the latter claim is a leap of faith, Capa biographer Richard Whelan concedes in his introduction to a recent photo catalogue, Heart of Spain, that some of the contents of the archive could well have been made by that SPAÑA

E photographer. Domingo Malagón, the first director of the archive upon the legalization of the Spanish Communist Party in By agreement with Archivo Histórico 1977, who, incidentally, was himself wounded in the

OMUNISTA DE del Partido Comunista de España we defense of Madrid in 1936, can supply only sketchy infor- C are not allowed to reporduce these mation about the origins of the negatives. “One day, in the photos in the web edition of the late 1970’s, a camarade came to the office and gave me the ARTIDO negatives, but never explained how he got them.” Vicky P Volunteer Ramos, present archival director and editor of the upcom- ing book, refrains from affirming they are the work of Robert Capa. In fact, there is no absolute way to prove such a claim, but she does like to leave a nagging doubt floating ISTORICO DEL

H in the air. She presents you with the circumstantial evi- dence, then you are left to make your own conclusions while examining a collection of exceptional photographs. RCHIVO

A Here are the facts: the photos were taken with a Leica camera. The negatives are 35 mm in unnumbered strips of six frames each. In many cases, the shots correspond to

OPYRIGHT places, times, subject matter, and even angle of identified

C Robert Capa prints. Since there are documented cases of Capa carrying more than one camera while in Spain, could

HOTOS these be negatives from rolls of film that never reached his P 8 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Paris laboratory? Possibly. There are also subjective elements to consider: who else but Capa had the special gift of taking such unique photographs, which capture both the historical and the human element in one frame? Of course, not all of the photographs are masterpieces of photo-journalism. That one magic By agreement with Archivo Histórico del Partido image is not easy to capture. Interest- Comunista de España we are not allowed to repor- ingly, the study of the series of duce these photos in the web edition of the negatives reveals the work of an expert Volunteer photographer and his trial and error process of looking for that special shot. The photograph of the soldier in the tank is the most difficult to date. It is most likely early in the war because the soldier is wearing blue overalls instead of a military uniform, but later than October 1936, when Russian material, such as this T-4 tank, began arriving in Republican Spain. The the clenched fist salute, meaning the smiling worker-turned-tank-driver I.B. band opposite them is most likely contrasts with the monstrous cannon playing “The International”. By agreement with and steel hull encompassing him. The photograph of the soldiers Archivo Histórico del The photograph on page 8 with carrying a banner is from a series Partido Comunista de the soldiers standing at attention has taken in Madrid in November or been mistakenly identified as a photo- December of 1936 during a parade on España we are not graph of the Despedida. Upon close the centrally located Genova Street allowed to reporduce examination, however, certain ele- organized to rally support for the con- these photos in the ments reveal it dates from before the tinued defense of the city. The banner web edition of the spring of 1937, when the Popular is a call for the madrileños to join the Volunteer Army was formed and the closed fist famous Quinto Regimiento. Of special Popular Front salute was replaced by note are the youthful smiles of the sol- the traditional military one. diers in the foreground, the tricolor Furthermore, the IBers in the fore- republican armband worn by the sixth Isn’t that exactly what Robert Capa ground are using the French military man, and the fact that the majority of conveyed over and over again in his style “present arms,” which corre- the soldiers further down the line Spanish Civil War photographs and sponds to the early days of the war carry no rifles, a haunting reminder of what subsequently led to his interna- when each unit adopted the drill man- the shortage of weapons for the tional acclaim? ual most familiar to its officers and defenders of the capital. Barring an unforeseen discovery, men. The flag in the middle includes a Finally, the photograph of the sol- we will never know with certainty French inscription “… to the 10th diers in the snow, my personal who took these remarkable war pho- Battalion of the International favorite. Obviously taken during the tographs, but in the end it does not Brigade.” The fact that the Brigade is Teruel battles, it uniquely illustrates really matter. They were taken during referred to in the singular would seem both the sufferings and the lightheart- tragic times and, thanks to the efforts to indicate an early date. One last but edness of the troops. The snow of nameless Spaniards, have survived exceptional detail is the figure stand- covered landscape and the heavy as visual testimony of those years to ing just behind the civilian wearing a clothing poignantly testify to the bru- help us better understand the struggle tie in the middleground. It is André tal weather conditions. However the of the Second Spanish Republic. Marty, complete with beret and smiles of the cooking detail as they In closing I wish to thank clenched fist. This is evidently a pho- ingeniously slide the pot along the Vicky Ramos for granting special tograph taken on the occasion of an frozen rails portrays like nothing else permission to reproduce the pho- official International Brigade celebra- the human side of the moment. The tographs for this article. tion some time in late winter of 1936 combination of these two elements Robert Coale is currently a Visiting Assistant or early spring of 1937. In addition, makes the difference between an aver- Professor of Spanish at Washington College the civilians attending the ceremony age photograph of frozen soldiers and in Chestertown, Maryland. in the top right corner are also making a magic one that says much more. THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 9 BBrriiggaaddiieerr NNeewwss Democratic Continued from page 3 Socialists interested her in the Spanish Civil War. So much so that Honor she insisted to her partner—they are a unit of news people on ABC—that if he didn’t do a segment on Marty and the Lincoln Vet SCW, she would quit her job. He humored her. Marty gave him a tape of a Canadian Broadcasting System program on Saul Wellman, vet- the war produced a few years back. He used it for back- eran of the Abraham ground and sold it to the powers that be on the program. It Lincoln Brigade, life- ran for two minutes, 18 seconds, and was quite impres- long trade unionist, sive. Way to go Marty! Purple Heart recipient In February, our comrade Milt Felsen addressed a in World War II, and meeting of alumni of Brandeis University living in south- McCarthy-era western Florida. His subject was the SCW and the I.B. 200 Chairman of the attended. A number of copies of his book, The Anti-Warrior, Michigan Communist Party, was one of two people hon- were sold. ored at the Second Annual Frederick Douglass/Eugene From the British I.B. Association newsletter: “A criti- Debs Award Dinner sponsored by the Democratic cal situation developed on the Cordoba front in December, Socialists of America and held last October in Detroit. 1936. Number 1 company of the British Battalion, being “I have always had a feeling I was never alone no mat- formed up at Madrigueras, was sent on Christmas ter where I was,” said Wellman, in receiving the award. “I day,1936, to stop the fascist offensive. In the fighting at was part of a great movement that would move us closer Lopera, 19 gave their lives, among them Ralph Fox, John to a world where the exploitation of man by man would Cornford and Edmund Burke. A ceremony honoring all be eliminated—the movement for socialism.” fallen was held on March 3 at the Marx Memorial Hall. The Bill Fletcher, Jr., assistant to AFL-CIO President John Marx Memorial Library with the I.B. Archives is now open Sweeney, also spoke during the ceremony, as did after extensive modernization.” Horace Small, national director of the DSA. The recur- Juan Maria Gomez Ortiz is a friend of the Lincoln rent theme of their speeches was the need for renewed unity of the left, signs of which are discernible in revital- ized social movements. An invitation Brigade living in Barcelona. Harry Fisher’s book Comrades for posterity so inspired him that he is seeking a Spanish publisher. He also took the initiative to go to Madrigueras, the Spanish The Volunteer invites our readers to consider town where Harry trained, and read three chapters of making a bequest to the Abraham Lincoln Harry’s book in Spanish to about 100 of the inhabitants. Brigade Archives. Gomez writes: “One woman remembered you perfectly. ALBA is a non-profit tax-exempt organization. She said she was part of the group who presented you the Contributions and bequests provide donors with banner that read: ‘Bienvenidos Camaradas Brigadistas.’ significant advantages in planning their estates Her name is Caridad Serrano and I gave her your address for her to write you. An old man said that he knew who and donations. the family was that ‘adopted’ you. They all applauded with For more information, contact energy for a long while after I finished.” Harry Fisher and his Diane Fraher family are planning to visit Madrigueras in May. executive secretary For three years the A.A.B.I (Amigos) in Spain ini- VALB/ALBA tiated campaigns to help some of the vets and 799 Broadway, Rm. 277 widows in Bulgaria and Romania who are in dire New York, NY10003 straits. They are currently running a fund-raising Telephone: dinner in Madrid for this purpose. The Bay Area and 212-598-0968 New York Posts have contributed from funds raised E-mail: at our annual affairs in solidarity with these com- [email protected] rades and will do so again this year.

10 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Arkie Ace Frank Tinker Inducted Into Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame By John Carver Edwards he exploits of the American air- men who flew combat for the TSpanish Republican Air Force are less well known than those of their fellow volunteers. Perhaps this over- sight is due to their limited numbers and, in some cases, possibly to the mercenary nature of their commit- ment. But the fact remains that most of these men acquitted themselves with distinction, and a select few out- classed their fascist adversaries. Outstanding among these was Frank Tinker, who recorded eight aerial vic- tories in Spain in 1937. His

contribution received official recogni- Photo courtesy of Allen Herr Collection tion on November 4, 1999, when he was inducted into the Arkansas Embassy to fly for the embattled On June 2, while flying bomber escort Aviation Hall of Fame in Little Rock. Republic. This new recruit was to near Segovia, he downed a Fiat. Two Born in Louisiana on July 14, 1909, receive $1,500 per month with a weeks later he destroyed a CR32 in his Frank Glasgow Tinker, Jr. never bonus of $1,000 for every fascist air- Mosca fighter (CM-023). On July 12, regarded the Bayou State as his right- plane shot down. he became the first American combat ful home. When his family moved to Tinker arrived in Spain in the first flyer to down a German Arkansas early in his life, the boy week of January 1937. At first the Messerschmitt BF 109. He notched his began his journey through adoles- Republican Air Ministry assigned him next “kill” five days later when he cence and young manhood in to a Breguet XIX bomber outfit. The brought down a second BF 109. His perfectly normal fashion. He pursued next month, realizing his potential, the last victory took place near Brunete on a Huck Finn lifestyle during his free Ministry sent him to a newly-formed July 18, when he downed a Fiat. hours: hunting, fishing, exploring the fighter squadron under the command During the Brunete battle many of woods and wetlands in the area. of Captain Andreas García LaCalle, one Tinker’s old Russian squadron mates At 17 Tinker joined the navy. He of the Republic’s top aces, with 11 vic- were rotated home. With so few veter- won an appointment to the Naval tories to his credit. an combat flyers to lead the Academy in 1929. After graduation During his seven months in Spain inexperienced Soviet replacements, and subsequent flight instruction at Tinker served with LaCalle’s airmen Tinker agreed to command a Pensacola, he was assigned to the new in the battles of Jarama and squadron. He faced no language barri- cruiser San Francisco and piloted Guadalajara, as well as in numerous er aloft as the Polikarpovs lacked Vought O2U float planes from the aerial engagements over the Madrid radio communications and messages warship’s catapults. Unfortunately, front. On March 14, while piloting a were conveyed by hand signals. Tinker’s seafaring career was short- Russian Polikarpov I-15 Chato pursuit In “Night Before Battle,” a cele- lived, as the navy revoked his (CA-056) out of Guadalajara, Tinker brated short story of the Spanish Civil commission after back-to-back brawls destroyed a Fiat during a two-hour War, Ernest Hemingway fictionalized in Long Beach and Honolulu. He flight. Within a week’s time, while fly- Frank Tinker. “Papa” and Tinker had quickly found himself aboard a ing bomber escort, he flamed a similar become friends during Tinker’s time Standard Oil tanker plying the coastal Italian fighter. On patrol over the in Madrid when they realized that they waters of the United States. Bored and Teruel front on April 17, he bagged a had hunted and fished over much of frustrated, 3rd Mate Tinker endured his condor Legion Heinkel He.51. His the same ground in Arkansas. lot until Spain’s newly declared civil next victories occurred after his But finally the strain of daytime war offered him a rare opportunity. assignment to the soviet la bomber escort duty and nocturnal In Mexico City, the Arkansan Escuadrillas de Moscas (I-16s) com- Continued on page 17 signed a contract with the Spanish manded by Captain Ivan A. Lakeev. THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 11 CCanadiansanadians UUnnvveileil ““TThehe

ixty-one years to the day after they returned from the battle- S fields of Spain, the Canadian volunteersS of the MacKenzie- Papineau Battalion of the International Brigades received public acknowledg- ment of their valor and sacrifice with a new bronze monument that was unveiled in Victoria, British Columbia, on February 12, 2000. The unveiling of the “Spirit of the Republic”—a statue that symbolizes the defense of Spain’s democratic gov- ernment against the fascist coup d’etat led by Franco and underwritten by Hitler and Mussolini—fulfilled a three year effort to honor the Canadian vol- unteers. The BC Monument Committee worked with the Association of Veterans and Friends of the MacKenzie-Papineau Battalion and a broad cross-section of individu- Stan Giles, Dr. Reg Saxton, Salman Salzman, Sean McEwen, Tom Kozar, als, unions, the legal profession, Rosaleene Ross, Joe Barrett, Dave Smith, Jack Harman, Arne Knutsen. organizations, and members of the provincial New Democratic Party gov- embarked on a parade, reminiscent of Kozar, who had served with the ernment to raise money and obtain an the march of the International Brigades Lincoln Brigade, his two uncles, Bruce appropriate site for the monument. It down the Diagonal in Barcelona in and Jim Ewen, who had served with all came together in a wonderful cere- October 1938, to the monument site. the MacKenzie Papineau Battalion, mony on the grounds of the The group proceeded through the and his mother, Jean Ewen, who had legislature in Victoria, the capital of main floor of the Parliament Building served with Dr. Norman Bethune in British Columbia. and then outside to the site at the Chinese war against Japan The ceremonies began when 11 Confederation Plaza. Kozar paid homage to the veter- veterans of the International Brigades The contingent included veterans ans of the MacKenzie-Papineau and their families and friends met of the MacKenzie Papineau Battalion, Battalion and the International with the premier of the province, the the Lincoln, British, and Danish Brigades, observing that their partici- Honourable Dan Miller, and then Battalions, and a veteran of the pation in the last great cause was no Spanish Republican Army, who longer unnoticed or unmarked. The arrived at the shrouded monument to new monument will stand as a the cheers and applause of an enthusi- reminder to us all of their selfless astic crowd of some 250 people. The determination to fight and defend the color party placed the flags at the site ideals embodied in the Spanish as a backdrop behind the speakers’ Republic. rostrum. Barrett also read a letter from As Joe Barrett, one of the co-chairs Canada’s vice-regal head of state, Her of the Monument Committee, wel- Excellency Adrienne Clarkson, who comed the veterans, cheers for the expressed regret at being unable to “Volunteers for Liberty” echoed attend the ceremony. It was noted around the prestigious site, located on that Ms. Clarkson had given a per- the legislative precinct. sonal financial donation to the Barrett then introduced Monument Monument Committee in the early Committee Co-chair Tom Kozar, the stages of the project. Jack Harman, sculptor of “The Spirit of son of an IB volunteer. In his remarks, The next speaker, the Honourable the Republic” Kozar referred to his father, John Dan Miller, Premier of the Province of 12 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 SSpirpiritit ofof thethe RepublicRepublic””

BC, noted that the tribute was long overdue, expressing pleasure at the assis- tance given to the Monument Committee by the government in pro- viding the site on the Parliament Building grounds. A letter from His Excellency Jose Cuenca, the Spanish Ambassador in George Heyman, President of the B.C. Ottawa, congratu- lated those Government and Service Employees responsible for the Union monument. Señor Joaquim Ayala, speaking on behalf of the Spanish gov- ernment, expressed his appreciation to the veterans for their efforts in defending the Republic against Franco’s insurrec- tion. Ayala told the crowd that he and his wife were par- ticularly honored to attend the ceremony The Spirit of the Republic because members of Joe Barrett, Master of Ceremonies, co- their families had fought along with time in the last six months with the chair of Monument Committee the International Brigades in the woman shrouded in the flag than with behind the Monument Committee to struggle to defeat fascism. his wife. ensure the project’s success. Heyman The next speaker, Svend Robinson, Jim Sinclair, President of the BC said that the monument will be a his- federal member of Parliament from the Federation of Labour, speaking on torical testament to the volunteers New Democratic Party, brought greet- behalf of more than 400,000 unionized who fought for liberty and democracy ings, congratulations, and thanks from workers in the province, gave thanks in the Spanish Civil War. the caucus of Canada’s social demo- and appreciation to the veterans for Bob Reed, an American member of cratic party. Mr. Robinson vowed that their selfless sacrifice to defend the MacKenzie-Papineau Battalion, rep- the New Democratic Party will contin- democracy. He concluded his remarks resented the Veterans of the Abraham ue to push for full recognition of by reading the poem “To the Inter- Lincoln Brigade and reminded the Canadian volunteers by the govern- national Brigades” by the recently crowd of the two U.S. monuments that ment of Canada. deceased Spanish poet Rafael Alberti. were recently dedicated at the Jack Harman, the sculptor who The next speaker was George University of Washington in Seattle and created the bronze statue “Spirit of the Heyman, president of the BC in Madison, Wisconsin. Republic,” injected some humor in the Government and Service Employees Joe Barrett then brought news proceedings by suggesting that in tak- Union. The BCGEU, more than any from Jules Pavio, President of the ing the commission he had spent more other organization, put its resources Continued on page 15 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 13 The Political From the Archives Cartoons of Albert Chisholm Albert Chisholm, a native of Washington state, was the last sur- viving African American vet when he died two years ago in Seattle. As a teenager, he became one of the first black members of the Marine Cooks and Stewards Union and returned to that line of work after his service in Spain. Recently, however, while reading microfilm copies of the “Moscow Archives,” ALBA archivist Victor Berch discovered another dimension of Chisholm’s career. Prior to going to Spain, Chisholm had drawn political cartoons for an African American newspaper in Seattle, the Northwest

Enterprise. After reaching Spain in 1937, the 22-year-old volunteer glad- ly contributed his work to the International Brigades newsletter, Our Fight. Now, for the first time, we pub- lish two examples of Chisholm’s cartoons, which appeared in October and November 1937.For the time, they were considered politi- cally correct. One cartoon suggests that the fist of the Popular Front would make Hitler shake in his boots. But the anti-fascist’s dream of beer, meat, Camel cigarettes and a beautiful woman evokes a world of simpler pleasures. What would the surgeon-general say today?

14 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Canada Continued from page 13 Veterans and Friends of the and that if she MacKenzie Papineau Battalion, that had to make the the pending national monument in decision to defend Ottawa at the newly constructed the Republic national war museum is expected to again, she would be unveiled within a year. make the same The last speaker, on behalf of the decision she did BC Mac-Paps, was Rosaleene Ross. some 60 years She served with the British Medical ago. Ross, along Unit in Spain, married a Mac-Pap, and with five other returned to make a new home in volunteers, also Canada in 1939. She underlined the served on the BC point that it will always be necessary Monument to confront fascism whenever it arises Committee. Vets march on B.C. capitol

CCNY Faculty Backs Vets Medal The day’s ceremonies climaxed when the premier and three of the vet- On March 16, 2000, a unanimous Class of 1971, Bonnie Nelson, Class erans pulled the strings to release the vote of the City College Faculty of 1972, Renate Bridenthal, Class of ribbons and free the huge republican Senate approved the following reso- 1960, George F. Nelson, Class of flag that was lifted off the sculpture. lution: 1940, John Fisher, Class of 1966, The “Spirit of the Republic” was grad- "Whereas, the City College of Anne Friedman, Class of 1971, John ually revealed to the anticipating New York has a long tradition not Lee Simon, M. Ed., 1969, Elizabeth crowd. The sun broke through the only of preparing students for Starcevic, Class of 1963, Marv thin clouds, casting a shine off the careers and professions, but also of Gettleman, Class of 1957, Irwin sculpture’s newly cast bronze. instilling civic consciousness and Loewenthal, Class of 1952) likewise Applause broke out and the monu- cosmopolitan values, and support recognition of the veterans ment to the MacKenzie-Papineau Whereas, between 1936 and 1938 and their efforts, and Battalion was complete. well over 30 students and staff (see Therefore, be it resolved that the To the sound of many cameras attached list), acting out of altruistic Faculty Senate of the City College of clicking and whirring, veterans and motives, placed their lives and wel- New York requests that the City guests joined together in front of fare in jeopardy to fight fascism in College veterans of the Spanish Civil the monument. Tears in a few eyes Spain, and War be awarded a Presidential signalled the wonderful approval Whereas, on their return, many Medal at Commencement 2000 to and appreciation for the monument of these volunteers, despite being recognize and honor their experi- that marks British Columbian and subjected to harassment, intimida- ence and to commemorate their Canadian volunteers’ participation, tion, and sometimes outright association with the College, and alongside volunteers from 52 other persecution, largely continued to Be it further resolved that countries, in the Last Great Cause. commit themselves to important although the Medal will honor all Veterans who attended the social causes and issues, including the veterans, the actual recipient of Victoria ceremony were: Bob Reed, labor unionization, civil rights, and the medal awarded at Brooke Carmichael, and Bob Ingalls campaigns for peace, and Commencement 2000 shall be a City from Seattle; Dave Smith from the Whereas, it is important that the College alumnus or former student San Francisco Bay Area; Domingo College continue to recognize and selected by the Veterans of the Hernandez fromToronto, Ont; Stan honor its alumni, especially those Abraham Lincoln Brigade." Giles, Arne Knutsen, Frank who succeed not just in the profes- According to CCNY procedures, McElgunn, and Rosaleene Ross sions or business but also in the Chair of the Faculty Senate will fromVancouver, BC; Reg Saxton articulating and struggling for fun- send this resolution to the President from England; and Salman damental values like justice, (who was there for the vote) commu- Saltzman from Israel. opportunity, and equality, and nicating the Senate's desires. The Whereas, College alumni (Sandi President will then decide whether to Cooper, Class of 1957, Bob Nelson, approve the Senate's request.

THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 15 TToo FFeederdericicoo GGararciacia LLororcaca andand LLangstangstonon Hughes:Hughes: SS pp aa ii nn ii ss BB uu rr nn ii nn gg By Cranston Knight II IIII In all the poetry Federico you wrote that you both wrote when the flames about the countryside first began to lick at and the peasants working the hems of the rising curtain in your writings on the theater that would become a civil war about the cafes and you Langston wrote and boulevards as the curtain was consumed you captured Spain in an inferno and the Spanish heart both of you captured in verse and in the echoing of your words in poetic language you spoke of changing times the tragedy of chaos times changing the bells toll and the changing times in the background took the Republic’s cloak of your works from her shoulders while the choir in stole her pride soft verse repeat stripped her of her identity Spain is burning and flung her into the streets burning Spain homeless Spain is burning she weeps burning Spain by guitar light Spain is burning burning Spain the countryside weeps the peasants weep Spain Burns the cafes are empty and the the bombs are falling fires continued on MADRID for three and as the people rush long fiery years. push and pull one another both of you captured in your work humans transformed into screams and sorrow (no one is a coward when bombs are falling) Spain is burning Cranston Knight is a doctoral student in history at Loyola University. He is the editor of Tour of Duty, an anthology of short stories and poetry of Vietnam Veterans. He is a mem- ber of the Chicago Friends of the Lincoln Brigade.

16 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Swiss Government Refuses to Grant Amnesty to “Brigadistas” By Robert Coale A bill aimed at granting official learned. The Swiss government and Swiss Veterans of the International amnesty to International Brigade veter- the Federal Council have rejected a Brigades will be unveiling its first mon- ans and former World War II Resistance bill presented by the left to grant ument in Geneva. The sculpture is the fighters from Switzerland has been amnesty to Swiss volunteers who work of Spanish artist Manuel Torres rejected. The bill was sponsored by defended the Spanish Republic in its and the project received official finan- socialist MP Nils de Dardel. Swiss struggle against the Franquist rebel- cial support from the local council. “brigadistas” were often in worse straits lion sponsored by Hitler and For more information, a recent than other volunteers from western Mussolini. . . . publication on Swiss volunteers, in democratic nations due to their coun- “The Swiss government has just French, is : P. Bavaud and J.M. Beguin, try’s strict interpretation of “neutrality.” committed a veritable affront to histo- Les oublies, Trois Suisses de la guerre Upon return from Spain, as early ry at a time when events we are all too d’Espagne. Yens s/Morges: Editions as 1937, Swiss volunteers were tried well aware of are occurring in Austria. Cabedita, 1998. ISBN 2-88295-219-8. by military tribunals for fighting to “I must vigorously protest this defend democracy in Spain. Their decision. Furthermore, I call upon the crime was “undermining the national French authorities and the public at Tinker defense of Switzerland.” Many served large to react firmly against the deci- Continued from page 11 prison sentences, still others were sion and against those who have taken exiled from their homes to distant it. Mr. Dardel, socialist member of the fascist raids on his airstrip frayed regions of the country where they had Swiss Federal Council, has put it very Tinker’s nerves. One evening, after a no family contacts and often did not well: ‘Switzerland only questions its day of missions totaling more than even speak the local language. The policy during the Second World War five hours of flying, he notified the same treatment was given to those if it is forced to do so through interna- Air Ministry of his intention to resign. who fought to liberate neighboring tional opinion, as occurred in 1996 Upon his arrival in New York City, France from its German invaders a when pressured by the Jewish World Tinker’s passport was confiscated by few years later. Congress concerning holocaust vic- the State Department. In recent years, members of the tims’ funds in Swiss banks.’ A prisoner in his own country, he Swiss parliament have honored both “We wholeheartedly support the returned to Arkansas and wrote a “brigadistas” and resistance members Swiss left in its struggle on behalf of book of his wartime experiences enti- in official declarations, stating that time the “brigadistas.” We call on all demo- tled Some Still Live, which was later and history have vindicated them cratically minded people to react published in the United States, morally and politically. Nevertheless, against the government and the England, and Sweden. Selections from the Association of Support for Swiss Federal Council of Switzerland. They his memoir were also serialized in The Veterans of the International Brigades have obviously not yet accepted the Saturday Evening Post. With this testa- has been striving for an official legal idea put forth by a famous native of ment behind him, Tinker became declaration of amnesty for the twenty- Geneva, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, when bored and wanted to return to Spain. some surviving volunteers who fought he stated: ‘Anything which is untrue His way was blocked, however, in Spain as well as for the families of and which attacks justice in any way because of his earlier violation of U.S. departed veterans. is simply a false illusion.’” neutrality laws. Later he briefly consid- Upon hearing of the refusal, Jean- Readers of The Volunteer can make ered a stint with the Flying Tigers in Claude Lefort, CP member of the their voices heard by participating in China, but instead succumbed to French Parliament and co-chairman of the petition drive sponsored by the depression and alcoholism. On June the French Association of Friends of French association, ACER. Write a let- 13, 1939, he committed suicide. The Combatants in Republican Spain, made ter to the President of Switzerland question as to what this remarkable an official declaration in the Assemblée protesting the decision and urging man and gifted flyer might otherwise Nationale on March 8 condemning the him to intervene on behalf of the have become in life is etched forever Swiss government’s attitude. Lefort is “brigadistas.” Send your letter to: on his tombstone in DeWitt, Arkansas, currently at the forefront of a national Amicale des Combattants en Espagne which asks: “Quien Sabe?” petition drive to press the neighboring Republicaine, 16 Villa Compoint, Paris John Carver Edwards is the Special government to reverse its decision. 75017 France. Projects Archivist at the University of Text of the speech follows: Despite this unfortunate develop- Georgia Libraries “I am outraged, concerned and ment, all is not lost in Switzerland. On saddened by the news I have just May 12 the Association of Support for THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 17 Book Reviews

The Irish and the Spanish the circumstances surrounding his Lehane’s anti-fascist struggle contin- death, despite Paul Burns’ powerfully ued until March 1943, when he was Civil War 1936-39: written eyewitness account, reprinted killed by a Nazi torpedo while Crusades in Conflict by the Lincoln vets in their 1987 book serving in the Norwegian Merchant Our Fight. Navy. So much for Stradling’s sugges- By Robert A. Stradling. Manchester Only regarding Blueshirt Tom tion of Lehane’s lack of “resolution in University Press (distributed in USA by St. Hyde, who was killed in a military combat.” Martin’s), 1999. fiasco caused by his own side, does Another insult is Stradling’s mis- any human personality emerge. And interpretations of my own material. In that is because Tom Hyde’s nephew my published writings I described By Manus O’Riordan and namesake provided his uncle’s Irish comrade Jim Haughey’s faith in ow does one review a book journal to Stradling. But nephew Tom Catholicism as “poignant,” a state- when the subject matter turns knew of the conflicts of the situation ment Stradling translates into Hout to be not at all what it in Spain, so much so that he asked me “pathetic.” He also omits an important seems? Robert A. Stradling’s subtitle, to convey his hearty congratulations letter I wrote to Carl Geiser, which Crusades in Conflict, is very mislead- to my father and his fellow later appeared in print, where I fur- ing. The Spanish Civil War, he argues, International Brigadistas when the ther described Haughey’s steadfast was not a conflict between fascism Spanish Parliament unanimously bravery as a prisoner: “Haughey had and democracy, but between granted them Spanish citizenship. “A been thoroughly educated by his Catholicism and Communism. well deserved honour!” said Tom experience and was so convinced of Crusades in Conflict is an uneven Hyde’s nephew. the justice of that cause (the Spanish account of Irish participation through- Though Stradling protects many a Civil War) that he courageously stood out the Spanish conflict. Most of the character witness on the fascist side, up as a ‘rojo’ before his fascist captors book is devoted to the 700 Irishmen he freely commits character assassina- and endured an almost fatal beating who followed the Irish-fascist leader tion of anti-fascists. Specifically, he from a pick axe.” And like his fellow O’Duffy to Spain and then left after sets aside the requirements of serious Irishman Michael Lehane, Haughey five months with just a handful of research and accepts hearsay as fact. continued to prove his anti-fascist val- casualties. In contrast, the story and For instance, Stradling chooses to rely our after the end of the Spanish Civil the whole-hearted commitment and on the racial stereotyping of the flight- War. In June 1941 he volunteered for sacrifice of the 200 Irishmen who left of-fancy fictional account in William the Canadian Air Force and was killed their country to defend the Spanish Herrick’s novel Hermanos and ignores in a plane crash two years later. His Republic against fascism is relegated the significant amount of documenta- name is engraved in Canada’s World to little more than “appendix” status. tion available on the Irish anti-fascist War II Book of Remembrance. Stradling’s slant is apparent, start- volunteers. Stradling’s account of the Irish in ing from his dedication: “For the Stradling’s bias appears clearly the Spanish Civil War pays tribute to Fallen: Tom Hyde, Midleton-Jarama; in his failure to mention the reasons those Irishmen who were on the side Gabriel Lee, Tralee-Jarama; and Mick for the repatriation of anti-fascist vol- of Franco, plain and simple. The final Kelly, Ballinasloe-Brunete; and all unteer Michael Lehane after the verdict, however, lies with the those Irishmen who died for their ide- battle of Brunete. By this omission, Spanish people themselves, who com- als in Spain.” Which ideals? Of the Stradling implies that Lehane was pelled the Spanish Parliament three men he honors two, Hyde and sent home because he lacked “resolu- unanimously to confer the right of Lee, fought on the fascist side. The tion in combat.” If he had bothered Spanish citizenship on the inclusion of Mick Kelly is a patroniz- to check the International Brigade International Brigadistas for coming to ing and nauseating attempt by Archives in London, Stradling easily the defense of Spain’s democratic Stradling to minimize his own pro-fas- would have discovered that Lehane institutions. The obvious cannot be cist bias. And surely the Lincoln Vets had been wounded in combat. ignored by Stradling or any of his sup- will be outraged by Stradling’s inclu- Lehane recovered and re-enlisted. porters, past and present, and that is, sion of their comrade Kelly alongside Wounded again in July 1938, he was thankfully, our saving grace. their common foes. While there are a carried to safety by my father, few brief references to Kelly in Michael O’Riordan, who was Stradling’s text, there is nothing about wounded in battle the next day.

18 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 ALBA BOOKS, VIDEOS AND POSTERS

BOOKS ABOUT THE LINCOLN BRIGADE Forever Activists Madrid 1937 — a film by Judith Montell (VCR) $35 Letters from the Spanish Civil War You Are History, You Are Legend ed. by Nelson & Hendricks (cloth) $35 a film by Judith Montell (VCR) $25 Another Hill POSTERS by Milton Wolff (cloth) $25 Two Spanish Civil War posters (Madrid Lion and Our Fight— Victoria) are available at $10 plus postage, and thanks Writings by Veterans of the to Eva and Mark Fasanella, copies of five of Ralph Abraham Lincoln Brigade: Fasanella’s posters are available ($20 each, plus Spain 1936-1939 postage). They are: Subway Riders (1960); Family ed. by Alvah Bessie & Albert Prago (pbk) $15 Supper (1972); The Great Strike, Lawrence, 1912 The Anti-Warrior (1978); The Daily News Strike (1993); South Bronx by Milton Felsen (pbk) $15 Rebirth (1995). Trees Become Torches, These books and tapes are available at the indicated Selected Poems prices from: by Edwin Rolfe (pbk) $10 Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Collected Poems of Edwin Rolfe (pbk) $21 799 Broadway, R. 227 From Mississippi to Madrid New York, NY 10003-5552 by James Yates (pbk) $15 Tel: (212) 674-5552 Spain, the Unfinished Revolution Shipping cost: $2 per copy of book, album or tape. by Arthur Landis (cloth) $25 Make checks payable to ALBA. Prisoners of the Good Fight by Carl Geiser (pbk) $15 Spain’s Cause Was Mine by Hank Rubin (cloth) $29 (pbk) $15 WWee CCannotannot PPararkk onon Comrades by Harry Fisher (cloth) $25 BBothoth SSidesides (pbk) $12 In England, the Reading International Brigades Odyssey of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Memorial Committee has published We by Peter Carroll (pbk) $15 Cannot Park on Both Sides, an account of Remembering Spain: Reading's volunteers in the Spanish Civil War. Hemingway’s VALB Eulogy At least five Reading men served with the by Ernest Hemingway, Cary Nelson British Battalion, with other volunteers serving and Milton Wolff (audio tape & pamphlet) $15 in medical units. Three men were killed. Prison of Women The book features background details on by Tomasa Cuevas $15 the volunteers, accounts of fund raising and EXHIBIT CATALOGS support in Reading, and first-hand accounts of Shouts from the Wall, a poster album Jarama, Brunete and the Ebro, as well as an ed. by Cary Nelson (pbk) $16 account from inside a POW camp. The text The Aura of the Cause, a photo album includes letters and material from the local ed. by Cary Nelson (pbk) $25 press. If you would like details, please contact me: VIDEOS Mike Cooper at [email protected] The Good Fight a film by Sills/Dore/Bruckner (VCR) $35

THE VOLUNTEER, Winter 2000 19 Added to Memory’s Roster

John L. Simon to riveting passages of wartime reporting. Here are some of the entries Reflecting on his years in the from the Ebro campaign of 1938: International Brigades half a century July 28: At night we all stopped; later, John Leopold Simon wrote a everybody went to sleep. All of sud- simple testimonial: “Spain constituted den shots, panic—no one knows yet a moment in the life of an intellectual what happened. Wounded were Lt. when the sempiternal struggle Eladio Paula, commander of 4th Co., between thought and action enjoyed a Milton Robertson, first aid man of respite. Reflection and volition came same, some others light, and a Spanish to an accord; there was one place in boy of whom I didn’t know till next the world to be, one side on one bat- morning (who died). Peace again. tlefield. Rarely had the issues been so Morning we moved on—and then clear or the assemblage of volunteers they let me know about the wounded so universal. I have never found since Spanish fellow. We tended to him— what I had there: a purpose that I had Vallbrena and I—I caught up with the been seeking . . . Spain gave to me, not battalion. More moving. Positions I to Spain.” taken near Vilella. In the afternoon, He was born in Philadelphia in many wounded. No way to get them 1913, graduating from Gratz High out, except sending them by stretcher School in 1930 and from the University bearers toward Fatarella. A truck of Pennsylvania in 1933. He entered brought food in the afternoon, evacu- Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical ating wounded, but failed to return at Dr. John Simon in uniform, Spain College the following year, but left in night. Wounded in a little grove, cov- his third year—in February 1937—to ered by trees. About thirty at once, torn out by shrapnel, managed to ride; join the International Brigades. It was lying on hay. Including Capt. Lamb, we were able to give him morphine not until he arrived in Spain that he commander of 1st Co . . . Work all first, but with difficulty because of announced his medical training, but night trying to get them out. danger of using flashlights. Gale he was not, after all a doctor. He was Mendelsohn shot in head; will die, called for morphine for ages before we but a 24-year-old medical student. So probably. Milton Gale wounded in were able to give it to him. There was he was assigned to be a first-aid man abdomen—in agony; sent him toward panic when the bullets whizzed near- on the front lines. Fatarella by stretcher. A little sleep in by . . . There was a fascist attack all There he would remain for much post of command on hay; when I along the line with artillery. We of the war. As Edwin Rolfe would woke up it was light, tho not yet sun- thought hell had broken loose. write in The Lincoln Battalion (1939), rise. Ghastly. Many wounded still left When Simon returned to the U.S. Simon “had been a front-line doctor, up on the hill with Gayle . . . . late in 1938 he took up his formal with the rank of captain, for a longer July 29: . . . the picture, day before medical training again, receiving his period than any other medical man in yesterday in the afternoon, of the M.D. degree in 1940. He interned in Spain. The men respected him for his wounded lying under the fig tree, neurology at Kings County Hospital courage and competence under fire.” looking up hungrily at the ripe figs in Brooklyn, then became a resident in That was where, for all practical pur- overhead, far out of reach. As if they psychiatry at the New York State poses, he completed his medical symbolized a united free Spain, to Psychiatric Institute and Hospital. A training. After some months of treat- these hungry, thirsty, wounded men . residency in neurology followed at ing major and minor wounds with . . These were the worst days for evac- New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital in bullets whistling over his head, he uation that I have ever experienced, 1943 and a residency in psychiatry at was granted an honorary medical except for the retreat in March. The Bellevue Hospital in 1944. From 1944 degree by his Spanish comrades. And afternoon and evening of the 27th I to 1954 he taught both neurology and so he was “Doc Simon” to all the had about 30 wounded with no way psychiatry at New York University American volunteers, those whose of evacuating. Plane overhead. No Hospital, meanwhile maintaining a lives he saved and those who were house. Some food, water. But had to private psychiatric practice. He pub- beyond saving. put them in hay to free stretchers for lished widely in scientific journals for Simon kept a series of detailed more wounded. Schutt tried vainly to 30 years. medical diaries in Spain. They range ride on a mule to get out. José Continued on page 21 from prosaic lists of people he treated Martinez García, a chunk of his arm 20 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 Added to Memory’s Roster

Meanwhile he was writing exten- 1961 to 1974 before returning to pri- pany commander Paul Burns was sively in his personal journals about a vate practice in New York City. His badly wounded. While at his machine subject he was passionately interested medical/legal publications in these gun position, Sam saw that Paul was in for much of his adult life—the rela- years often took up social issues, unable to move because of his wound. tionship between Marxism and including his long essay on “The The enemy machine gun and rifle fire psychoanalysis. Like many progres- Virginity Cult in the Civil and was very heavy, but Sam crawled sive analysts, he believed Criminal Law of Puerto Rico.” about 30 yards over to Paul and got psychoanalysis could never cure its Like so many civil war veterans, him to safety. And I remember Sam on patients unless it addressed the social Simon lived his life on the left, champi- the first day of the Brunete offensive, sources of illness. For Simon that oning progressive movements in his July 6th, feeding his machine gun as meant addressing the class structure chosen career. He died on December 20, the Americans began their attack on and its attendant inequities. In the late 1999. At the time of his death he was the fascist position at Villanueva de la 1940s he wrote and edited Psychiatric working on an autobiography. He is Canada. Sam saw Oliver Law, our Newsletter to help those in psychiatry survived by his former wife, Ruth B. black commander, wave the contribute toward the working class Simon, by his wife Myrtle, and by six Americans over the top, with Law’s struggle against capitalism. The children—three daughters and three runner Jerry Weinberg near him. Sam newsletter attracted the attention of sons. Two of Simon’s sons were named the FBI, which kept a file on it and after vets who lost their lives in Spain, conducted surveillance of Simon. British commissar Wally Tapsall and The next few years saw him active American commander Bob Merriman. in the struggle to aid those of his Simon had 13 grandchildren. Lincoln Battalion comrades and others —Cary Nelson who were victims of the McCarthy-era witch hunts. In 1952 he was Chairman of the Committee to Defend Lincoln SAM WALTERS Veterans. Some of our readers may Sam Walters and I had something remember receiving letters about in common, besides fighting against imprisoned Lincoln vet Steve Nelson fascism in Spain. We both spent most co-signed by John Simon and Moe of our youth in orphan homes. Sam Fishman. That year he was also listed had an older brother, Al, whom he as a sponsor on the stationary of the always tried to emulate. When Al told Committee to Secure Justice in the Sam that he was joining the Rosenberg Case. Simon’s archives International Brigades in Spain, Sam include carbon copies of the letters he decided that he would go too. Sam, Al sent about these and other causes, and I left the United States on among them those of staff physicians February 20,1937, on the Ile de France. being fired for political reasons. There Some weeks later, after spending time is also one original letter, returned in France and then making our way Sam Walters manning a machine gun because the federal prison authorities over the Pyrenees, we found ourselves at Brunete, July 1937 refused to deliver it: a birthday greet- in Spain. Sadly, Al was killed early on, ing to John Gates. in a battle at the Aragon when the grabbed his camera just for an instant A few years later Simon headed Lincolns captured Quinto. I remember and got a snapshot of Commander south, first to East Louisiana State how devastated Sam was when he Law leading a predominantly white Hospital in Jackson, Louisiana (1956- learned of his brother’s death. Sam battalion into battle—the first time 1958), and then to the State Psychiatric himself was wounded in the next bat- such an event ever took place in Hospital in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico tle at Belchite. American history. Sam rushed back to (1958-1964). While in Puerto Rico Several things stand out in my his machine gun, not realizing what Simon was repeatedly struck by the mind about Sam in Spain. Sam was a an important moment of history he legal impediments to delivering medi- machine gunner, but he always had had captured. Law lived that day, but cal care. His response was to earn a his camera with him, even in battle. I was killed three days later, the same law degree by studying at night; he remember the dramatic picture he day that Sam saved Paul Burns’ life. received his L.L.B. from the University took of the burial of Jack Shirai, with a Sam’s photo of the first black com- of Puerto Rico in 1972. He also taught group of downcast American com- mander leading white American at the University of Puerto Rico in San rades looking on. I remember the 9th Continued on page 22 Juan from 1958-1959 and again from of July at Mosquito Ridge, when com- THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000 1999 21 Added to Memory’s Roster

Walters Washington, D.C. with dozens of no cure for it. Sam died in Cuba and Continued from page 21 young activists, he organized a jail- will be greatly missed. house teach-in, telling them about the troops lives on. (Amazingly, it was 55 Spanish Civil War and the Lincoln —Harry Fisher years later that Sam’s comrade, Tibby Brigade. The young people were fasci- Brooks, came across those precious nated and asked many questions. negatives and had them developed.) Surprisingly, the guards in the jail, When Sam returned to the States, most of them black, also showed he joined the VALB and spent decades tremendous interest, took part in the as an activist. He worked for civil discussions, and also asked many Other Recent Deaths rights and protested the war in questions. Vietnam. Together with Tibby, he was About a year ago, Tibby noticed Arthur Munday especially active in the attempt to get that Sam was beginning to lose a new trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal. Sam weight. Together they visited dozens Sam Schiff worked with the Committee in of doctors and clinics, but no one Solidarity with the People of El seemed to know what was wrong. Salvador (CISPES) and was arrested Finally, Tibby took Sam to Cuba. many times at demonstrations. Once, There they learned that Sam had a while spending eight hours in jail in very rare disease and that there was

ALBA’S TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS SHOUTS FROM THE AURA OF THE CAUSE

THE WALL ALBA’s photographic exhibit,The Medford Carbondale Aura of the Cause, has been shown at October 12-Dec 10, 2000 the Puffin Room in New York City, Tufts University Gallery March 15-May 15, 2000 the University of California-San Aidekman Art Center The University Museum Diego, the Salvador Dali Museum in 40 R Talbot Ave Southern Illinois University St. Petersburg, FL, the Fonda Del Medford, MA 02155 Carbondale, IL Sol Visual Center in Washington, 617 627-3505 Medford DC, and the University of Illinois. This exhibit, curated by Professor October 12-Dec 10, 2000 For further information about The Cary Nelson of the University of Tufts University Gallery Aura of the Cause exhibit, and its Illinois, consists of hundreds of pho- Aidekman Art Center companion exhibit Shouts From The tographs of the Lincoln Brigaders, 40 R Talbot Ave Wall, posters from the Spanish other international volunteers and Medford, MA 02155 Civil War, contact ALBA’s execu- their Spanish comrades, in training 617 627-3505 tive secretary, Diane Fraher, and at rest, among the Spanish vil- 212-598-0968. Both exhibits are Riverside, California lages, and in battle. available for museum and art March 15, 2001-April 30, 2001 Detroit gallery showings. Sweeney Art Gallery April1-May 31, 2000 University of California David Adamany Library Riverside CA 92521 Wayne State University For information contact Anthony Wayne Drive Katherine Warren 909-787-3755 Detroit, MI 48202 313 577-6138 BRING THESE EXHIBITS TO YOUR LOCALITY Contact Diane Fraher, ALBA executive secretary: 212-598-0968; Fax: 212-529-4603

22 THE VOLUNTEER, Winter 2000 Contributions

Mark Alper in memory of Arthur Munday, $50 Murray Berg in memory of Bob Taylor, $50 Michael & Lena Baum in memory of Dave Reiss, $25 Tibby Brooks in memory of Sam Walters, $200 Norah Chase in memory of Sam Schiff, $40 Roz Hendrickson, $10 Faye and Hy Hollander in memory of Harry Wilkes, $25 Jiri Horsky in memory of Sam Walters, $25 Edith Howard Newman in memory of Jack Shulman, $50 Dr. Milton Ingerman in memory of Mannie Lanser, $100 Leslie Kish in memory of Clement Markert, $100 Dr. Louis Kroll in memory of Zachary Stadt, $50 Marta LaRock in memory of Arthur Munday, $50 Jane Larson in memory of Walter Togwel (British veteran), $50 Matti Mattson, $25 Nancy Mikelsons in memory of Rose and Bill Rubin and in honor of Dr. Edward Barsky, $100 Mo Mishida, $25 Alan Jay Rom in memory of Sam Schiff, $100 Esther and Phillip Rom in memory of Sam Schiff, $25 Rose Silverman & sons in memory of Max Silverman, $25 Kate Simon in memory of John L. Simon, M.D., $25 Martin Sramek, $50 Peter Stone, $25 Edna and Lou Zucker in memory of Danny Haskell, $50

Join us in a cause that will never die ver two decades ago four veterans afterward. ALBA has established the enclose a $25 check (or larger amount) of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade— OBill Susman, Leonard Lamb, Oscar George Watt Memorial prizes for the best made out to ALBA and send it to us. It will Hunter and Morris Brier — created a new college and graduate school essays on insure that those of you who are not veter- organization: ALBA, the Abraham Lincoln these subjects, and has designed a widely- ans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, or Brigade Archives, bringing in a group of used Spanish Civil War high school and family members of a veteran, will continue scholars interested in the Spanish Civil college curriculum. to receive The Volunteer, and will enjoy War and the International Brigades. In the coming months and years other benefits of Associate status. From the outset, one of ALBA’s main ALBA will greatly expand its activity. To Fill out this coupon and send it to the tasks was to help manage and expand the do so effectively ALBA must have your address indicated below. Spanish Civil War archive housed at support. Please fill out the coupon below, Brandeis University in Waltham, ❑ Massachusetts. Explicit in this undertaking Yes, I wish to become an ALBA Associate, and I enclose a check for $25 were the educational goals of preserving, made out to ALBA. Please send me The Volunteer. disseminating and transmitting to future ❑ I would also like to receive a list of books, pamphlets and videos available generations the history and lessons of the at discount. Spanish Civil War and of the International ❑ Iwould like to have ALBA’s poster exhibit, Shouts from the Wall, in my Brigades. locality. Please send information. To carry out these goals ALBA, in col- ❑ I would like to have ALBA’s photo exhibit, The Aura of the Cause, in my laboration with VALB, publishes The locality. Please send information. Volunteer. ALBA also collaborates on the production of books, films and videos, Name ______maintains a website at www.alba-valb.org, helps send exhibitions of photographs, Address ______documents and artwork throughout the United States and Canada, and organizes City______State ______Zip______conferences and seminars on the Spanish ❑ ❑ Civil War and on the role of the I enclose an additional donation of ______. I wish do not wish to International Brigades in that conflict, and have this donation acknowledged in The Volunteer. Please mail to: ALBA, 799 Broadway, Room 227, New York, NY 10003 website: WWW.ALBA-VALB.org

THE VOLUNTEER, Fall 1999 23 TThehe CCivilivil WWarar inin SSpainpain

AA VieVieww frfromom thethe RRanksanks Photographs by Sam Walters

These photos are from Walters’ memorial/exhibit at the Brecht Forum. Many of these photos, taken during the Spanish Civil War, had been badly damaged. They were restored by Diane Greene Lent. Sam Walters, see page 21

ALBA-VALB NY Events April 28, 30 see page 4 B.C. Monument see page12

The Volunteer c/o Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade NON-PROFIT 799 Broadway, Rm. 227 U.S. POSTAGE New York, NY 10003 PAID PERMIT NO. 280 SHIRLEY, N.Y. 11967

24 THE VOLUNTEER, Spring 2000