BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

VOL 1, NO. 9

AUGUST 24 1944

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

gy e 1m ■ mF hi $ aw|n m fey jQL fl Imm B ■ Mr 8 B I

AN ARMY SERVICE FORCES INSTALLATION FORT SAM HOUSTON. TEXAS BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

PROTESTANT SERVICES BROOKE Sunday School, Chapel 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship, Chapel 10:00 a.m.

BLUEBONNET Sunday Vespers, Chapel ..... 7:30 p.m. Morning Worship, Recreation Room, BROADCAST Recreation Room, Old Hospital 8:46 a.m. Evening Worship, Recreation Room, AUTHORIZED BY Old Hospital 8.45 p.m. BRIGADIER GEO. C. BEACH Wednesday Vespers, Chapel 7:30 p.m. COMMANDING Rible Study Class, BROOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL Chapel, Wednesday 8:15 p.m. Recreation Room, Old Hospital, Volume I, No. 9 APN-8-21-M Wednesday 5:30 p.m. Religious services are also held every EDITOR Sunday morning at the Medical Department Helen McCoy Enlisted Technicians’ School, in the Assem- Public Relations Representative bly Hall, 11:00 A.M. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mrs. Lucy Maurer Doris Simmons THAT SOUL OF YOURS SPECIAL FEATURE BY: The most important possession anyone Martin Lalor Crimmins, has is the Soul that resides within the U. S. Army, retired body. Just what the Soul is and where it is located neither scientists nor theolo- PHOTOGRAPHY gians know definitely. But, even the most U. S. Army Signal Corps unlearned man in this world realizes that Fort Sam Houston there is something within him that is more than human—that is Divine. REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS With all of this before man though, Colonel Howard L. Landers, many times he does not properly evaluate U. S. Army, retired it. Have you ever tried to consider and 1st Lt. Mary E. Hansen, ANC weigh the value of your Soul? Perhaps 2nd Lt. Margaret Huth, ANC no one can do this due to the limitations 1st Lt. Fern Green, P. T. of the flesh, but there are some things Sgt. J. Gottlieb that we can know about the Soul; first Pvt. Carroll H. Curry that the Soul is eternal. I mean by this Mrs. Mildred Jacobs that the Soul of a man will live as long as and since God is SPORTS God, Himself, eternal, the Soul will live forever. T/Sgt. Thomas I. Burkett The Bible speaks of eternal life ana Pvt. R. C. Guthrie eternal death. The Greek word for eternal Pvt. Carroll H. Curry means the same as the English word The Brooke Bluebonnet Broadcast, compiled eternal: forever and ever. In the second and edited In the Public Relations Office, is pub- place, the Soul can suffer. It often does lished expressly for the patients, military and in this world and the Bible abounds with civilian personnel of Brooke General Hospital. illustrations that predict some will suffer Printed material, photos and cartoons from in world to this publication may be reproduced provided the come. proper credit is given and specific prior permis- Again, the Soul is from God; for God sion has been granted. breathed and man became a living Soul. Therefore, we know that the Soul can not be annihilated. It can be saved or lost; that is, a Soul can be prepared for what God’s book calls Heaven, or it can be pre- THE pared for perdition. The destiny of one’s Soul is in his own hands. CHAPEL Through a special provision of Almighty God, a plan has been made whereby the individual can save his Soul. Through a neglect of God’s provision, the Soul will RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES naturally be lost. Since man has his own Soul to save or lose, it is highly important CATHOLIC MASS that this decision—made with reference to the Soul—be made carefully, prayerfully, Sunday, Chapel -8:00 a.m. Each week day except Wednesday 6:00 p.m. and thoughtfully. Confessions — Saturday (Also before each Mass) - 7:00 p.m Continued on Page 10 BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

/i'lUfadie.'i Qenelal G. Reach, fl>i. COMMANDING BROOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

(Story on Page 4) BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

How Does a Hospital Operate?

answer to many questions tive Officers; the Adjutant; the Chap- EjogW asked about Brooke General lain; the Commanding Detachment jrjswj Hospital and the functions it Medical Department; the Commanding Of- performs, it was thought ad- ficer Detachment of Patients; the Field jgEip? visable that a “breakdown” of Director, American Red Cross; the Hos- the organization under which pital Inspector; the Intelligence Officer; the come the various services would aid in Medical Supply Officer; the Mess Officer; orienting those not familiar with the per- the Post Police Officer; Public Relations formance of a general hospital to visual- Officer; Quartermaster; Registrar; Special ize, so to speak, the vast scope and the Service Officer; Post Training Officer and important work done here for the sake of Post Personnel Officer. humanity. All administrative and professional ser- Under the Professional Services come the vices come under the jurisdiction of the Medical Service; (See story on the Medical Commanding General of the hospital. Service in this issue) the Surgical Service; * * * the Dental Service; the Clinical Laboratory Service; the Roentgenological Service; the BRIG. GEN. GEORGE C. BEACH Out Patient Service and the Nursing Ser- (Picture on Page 3) vice. Geo. C. Beach was born Attached to Brooke General Hospital are in Topeka, Kansas, 28 October 1888, the son the Eighth Service Command’s Central of George Corwin and Laura (Rosseau) Beach. Dental Laboratory and the Eighth Service He received his Doctor of Medicine degree at Command’s Clinical Laboratory both locat- Kansas City University Medical College in ed in the “old” hospital area. 1911, and served his internship at University Hospital from 1911 to 1912. The Commanding General of Brooke is General Beach was assistant Surgeon at the also Commandant of the Medical Depart- Soldiers' Home, Hampton, Virginia from 1912 ment Enlisted Technicians School, a sub- to 1914 and was commissioned a First Lieut- sidiary of the hospital at which are trained enant in the Medical Corps, United States technicians for and general hos- Army in 1914. He graduated from the Army this other Medical School in 1917 and was promoted pitals and for overseas assignments. through grades, receiving his promotion to section added the hos- Brigadier General in 1943. An important to General Beach was awarded the Distinguish- pital the past year, is the Reconditioning ed Service Medal in World War I. He is a Unit, the purpose of which is to return to Fellow of the American College of Physicians, duty, service personnel recovered from member of the American Medical Association, injuries sickness in the best pos- Diplomate American Board Internal Medicine; wounds, or member of the Association of Military Surgeons, sible physical and mental condition through Phi Beta Pi, and honorary member of the Texas the use of planned physical conditioning, Internists Society. and the constructive use of leisure time in * * * educational pursuits designed to effect a The administrative service of Brooke in- greater realization of personal importance cludes the Executive and assistant execu- and to produce a more informed soldier.

INVEST NOW IN YOUR FUTURE . . . BUY MORE WAR SAVINGS BONDS! BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

—Photo by U. S. Army Signal Corps. Calami j)alt*i G. Waadlattd

CHIEF OF MEDICAL SERVICE BROOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

(Story on Page 6) BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST The MEDICAL SERVICE BROOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

HE Medical Service of Brooke conditions, in order to restore the soldier General Hospital has for its to good health as speedily as possible. To chief—Colonel John C. Wood- aid the Medical Staff in this work, the hos- pital not only has a group of outstanding Colonel Woodland was born physicians gathered from the various sec- 6 August 1890 at Crisfield, tions of the nation, highly skilled in their Maryland, the son of A. W. and Sarah particular specialty, but it is equipped with Ellen (Knapp) Woodland. He was educat- the very latest scientific and laboratory ed at the University of Maryland, receiv- instruments and apparatus used in detect- ing his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in ing the more obscure diseases. 1911 and Doctor of Medicine in 1915. Incorporated in the Medical Service are Colonel Woodland has been a member of the following sections: Officers’; Women’s, the Medical Corps, for General Medical, Infectious and Contagious 27 years, having spent 22 years of his army Diseases, Neuropsychiatric, Electrocardio- service on the staff of general hospitals. graphic and Basal Metabolic, Venereal Colonel Woodland began his army career as Diseases, Dermatologic and Pedriatic. a First Lieutenant in 1917, serving in Divi- sion Medical Installation in France and Ger- Under Colonel Woodland’s supervision are many through 1918. He was stationed at 9 chiefs of the various medical Sections the Base Hospital at Coblenz, Germany, for and their assistants. The Assistant Chief two years. Then upon his return to the Unit- of Medical Service is Lieut. Colonel Fred ed States he was stationed at Fitzsimons R. Sloan. The Chief and Assistant Chief General Hospital in Denver, for of the Medical Service, as well as the Chiefs Colorado with three years doing work in tuberculosis. The of Sections are occupied many adminis- following four years were spent at Gorgas trative duties in addition to professional work. This includes the Hospital in Panama, where much of his responsibility super- work was devoted to the treatment of vision of the proper maintenance and clean- tropical diseases. Upon his return to the liness of the wards the proper feeding and United States, he was stationed at the Army clothing of the patients, recreational and and General Hospital at Hot Springs, occupational activities and discipline of the Arkansas for 5 years; 2 years of this time, patients entrusted to their care. Colonel Woodland served as Chief of Gen- The Officers’ Section under the Medical eral Medical years Section, and 3 as Chief Service Ward the main of the Medical comprises 3, in Service there. building of the “new” hospital, and Wards For the past 6 years, Colonel Woodland 20, 28, 29, 30 and 31 at the “old” hospital. has been a member of the Staff of Brooke This gives the Officers’ Section a bed capa- General Hospital, serving the past three city of approximately 100 In addition to years as Chief of the Medical Service. Here this, there are about 20 beds provided for he has done much pioneer work in the here- the care and treatment of the mentally dis- tofore unknown disease called “Bullis turbed officers requiring closer supervision, Fever”, on which a series of articles will chief of this Section is Lieut. Colonel Au- appear in later issues of the Brooke Blue- brey S. McGee. bonnet Broadcast. The Medical Section for Women is locat- Colonel Woodland is a Diplomate of the ed in Ward 12, top .floor of the main build- American Board of Internal Medicine, a ing, where some 22 beds are provided for Fellow of the American College of Physic- their care. In this section are treated the ions, member of the American Medical As- officers of the Army Nurse Corps, Officers sociation and Association of Military Sur- of the Women’s Army Corps and enlisted geons. He is co-author of Acute Encephali- personnel of the Women’s Army Corps. The tis (Journal American Medical Association) Chief of this section is E. V. Swift. October, 1942, and Bullis Fever (Journal of Major Swift is also in charge of the Electro- American Medical Association) August, cardiographic and Basal Metabolic Section, 1943. and acts in a consultant capacity in heart diseases. The function of the Medical Service is to detect and accurately diagnose abnormal The General Medical Section includes two physical and mental conditions to which the wards in the main hospital building, Wards human flesh falls heir, and to institute 8 and 9, and two wards in Annex II, Wards modern and scientific treatment for these Continued on Page 7 BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

52-B and 53-B. Norton W. Voorhies Pedriatic Section, incorporating the chil- is Ward Officer of Ward 8, which ward is dren’s clinic, both located at Annex III. designated primarily for the proper care Children eligible for treatment are de- and treatment of the soldiers suffering from pendents of active or retired military per- heart, blood vessel and kidney diseases. sonnel. Only those children who are too Major R. H. Page is Ward Officer, Ward seriously ill to be cared for in the Out 9, which ward is reserved primarily for the Patient Service are admitted to the hospital. diagnosis, proper care and management of The same medical officer who takes care patients entering the hospital with diseases of the children’s cases in the Out Patient of the stomach and intestinal tract. The Service attends the children in the Pedriatic Chief of the General Medical Section is wards. Lieut. Colonel H. M. Winans, who also serves as consultant for the Medical Ser- vice in professional medical problems. The Infectious and Contagious Disease . . Section, whose chief is Captain Donald J. DID YOU KNOW Wilson, occupy the semi-permanent ward —that the official emblem of the Medical building hospital in the “old” area. The Department is called the Caduceus ? variety of cases treated in this department include the various types of pneumonia, measles, coccidioidomycosis (desert fever), tyhus fever, mumps, cerebrospinal menin- —that the Caduceus was first adopted by gitis, scarlet fever, Bullis Fever, etc. the Medical Department in 1851, although it not become a of the uniform Captain Geo. H. Wegmann is Chief of did part until 1902? the Tuberculosis Section, Ward 35. In this section various types of diseases of the chest are dealt with, such as tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, lung abscess, etc., and has a bed capacity of about 100. Brooke General Hospital has recently been designated as an institution to care for closed ward or disturbed mental cases. Lieut. There several legends as the Colonel James Polka, is of the are to why B. Chief should be appropriate to the Neuropsychiatric Section, which comprises Caduceus Medical Corps. The most common legend be- a large part of the Service. Here, Medical ing that the Caduceus represents the fol- too, are cared for those soldiers who have The the emotional or nervous disturb- lowing: WINGS, fleetness with suffered some which the Medical Department strives ance of a minor nature. The Neuropsy- to exercise in the aid of the sick and Section is splendidly equipped with going to criatric wounded; the the determination the very latest equipment STAFF, mechanical used of the Medical Department reach the in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous to sick even and mental cases. Approximately 400 beds if it has to hobble along with the of a the the are available for the hospitalization of nerv- assistance cane; SERPENTS, wisdom employed the ills and mental cases. in ministering to ous of mankind. The Venereal Disease Section located in The the Medical the main building of the “old” hospital, has Caduceus of Department appeared first in 1851 in the form of a as chief, Elmer F. Ziegler. Here its Captain cloth sleeve insignia worn by much pioneer work has been done in the hospital stewards. It disappeared being re- treatment of cases of this type with the in 1887, placed by the cross of the Geneva Conven- newer sulfonamide drugs and penicillin. tion, the familiar Red Cross, which was taken from the Flag with the colors The Dermatologic Section (disease of the Swiss skin) is under the supervision and control reversed. Officers of the Medical Depart- ment used the letters S.” Old of Major Drury S. Blair. Many cases enter- long “M. in ing this of the Medical Service are English characters within a laurel wreath. section changed last- suffering from skin conditions due to vari- In 1872 they to “M. D.” This Medical ous types of fungus infections, along with ed until 1890, at which time the many who are suffering from the effect Officers started wearing a gold shield of the United States and this was of poisoning by various shrubs and trees. continued The X-ray Service, physical therapy Section, for the next six years. Then came the Cross Convention which lasted until and Allergy Clinic cooperate with the skin of Geneva section in the intelligent investigation and 1902, when the Caduceus, emblem of physic- for more than years, treatment of these patients. ians 2,000 was adopt- ed as the insignia of the Medical Depart- Major James B. Snow, is Chief of the ment. BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST "A War Expert Views the News" By Colonel H. L. Landers, U. S. Army, Retired Military Commentator on Texas Quality Network from Station WOAI, San Antonio, Texas Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

SOUTHERN FRANCE appeared to be the valley of the Durance River, 40 miles north from the Riviera. From the The hands with which the Nazis clutched Durance Valley the American the throat of France been torn from Seventh Army will probably pass into the have Rhone the victim, and are being ground to bloody Valley, and by that strategy acquire pulp under the heels of the Allied of a dominant position over a section of fhe forces Mediterranean invasion. Germany’s grip on France has coast 110 miles long that in- slipped rapidly in the two and a half months cludes Toulon, Marseille, the mouth of the Rhone since beachheads were established in Nor- and Montpellier. The enemy has not mandy. Now that the Allies have made an- yet been able to use effectively the approxi- mate divisions other powerful landing, the Nazis in France five that the German Mar- are becoming the subjugated people. The shal Blaskowitz is supposed to have retain- ease with which weak resistance was brush- ed, for the defense of all of France south ed aside when the American Seventh Army of the Lore River. made landings between Toulon and Cannes, General Sir Henry Maitland the of prisoners Wilson, Al- sullen confession of an lied Mediterranean , the battle of France had said awareness that the purpose of the to drive the already been lost in the north, the complete invasion was enemy from and central France, disorganization of communications behind southern and then make a juncture with the Allied the German and the divisions, patriotic armies marching on Paris. The route of fervor of the French of the forces interior advance of the Seventh Army —all these factors aided bringing probably will in about be up the valley of the Rhone. That path- the collapse of an empire of subjugation, way leads into central where it that had strength only through France, cruelty, connects with the valleys of the Loire and craftiness and false propaganda. Seine, and those valleys form part of the The Allies struck three days ago, with an Great Lowland Plain of Central Europe. assortment of triphibian blows that had be- That immense plain has always determined come standard practice. Commandos hit the much of the conduct of war in Europe. beach at 12:30 a. m., August 15, and mark- Through it the Russians are driving west- ed the landing area for other commandos ward to where lies Berlin; and when the with signal lights. Then the commandos two invasion forces in France have united, clambered up the cliffs and overwhelmed they will drive eastward through this low- the crews of formidable coastal batteries, land to the Rhine. so that could approach the troop transports The landings southern France were jumping-off points with minimum danger. in spectacular only in that most all spectacular The mission of these intrepid raiders, to incidents were lacking. General Wilson had capture all gun positions on of the islands been massing men and material on Corsica Levant and Port was ex- Cros, successfully for months. All plans for the invasion had Seven waves of infantry swept ecuted. to be made on the assumption that there ashore, each 2,000 strong, after bombers was some truth Hitler’s boasts of how installations, warships bomb- in wrecked shore strong the Mediterranean were. arded land paratroopers and defenses batteries, and As it turned out there was only light ground glider-borne infantry landed points dis- at opposition to the landings, and no op- tant from the with the freedom and air beach, position whatsoever. The conclusion must precision of drill. The opposition encounter- be accepted that the defenses were limited, ed in France consisted of elements southern and never intended to serve other of German divisions. About 40 percent inferior, two than to deceive. of the enemy battalions encountered in the assault were composed largely of Russian war prisoners, Czechs and Poles, under Ger- A "SECRET" man officers. Needless to add that their combat efficiency and morale were not high. An Associated Press item said that thousands of Frenchmen and Americans Major General Patch, commanding this knew this invasion was coming and talked invasion force, sent columns north into all openly about it. It was characterized as the mountain roads; his immediate objective “perhaps the worst kept secret of the war.” BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

In Italy there was equal freedom in talking dun, and sending venturesome columns to of an event known to all. My opinion was the gates of Paris. Probably at this moment that Allied censors, complying with instruc- Patton’s forces have reached the Seine tions, did a magnificent job of permitting River, far to the rear of the remnants of the “secret*’ to be blared throughout the the German Seventh Army that succeeded world. In my broadcast of Monday evening- in escaping through the gap between Falaise before the invasion I gave the Allied censor- and Argentan. Remnants of Germany’s ship that credit. I said, in part, that Gen- western front forces will escape across the eral Eisenhower’s headquarters confused the Seine and join the German army guarding German high command, by encouraging the north coast-line of France. correspondents to speculate on a highly censorable situation that was in the mak- THE PRESIDENT ing, and to give information on correlated Correspondents permitted matters. were to Standing on No. 1 gun platform of the say that the threat from the Lore and the year-old cruiser, veteran of 15 that one from battles, the Mediterranean may compel had carried him to Hawaii, the Aleutians, the German Blaskowitz split his 10-divi- to Alaska and then home, President Roosevelt sion defense with the result that he force, addressed workers and guests who would not have sailors, sufficient strength to de- jammed the Puget Sound Navy Yard at fend against a major from either onslaught Bremerton as his ship ended its long direction. concluded my voyage I comments Mon- Saturday afternoon, August 12. Loud-speak- day night with the remark: “Without doubt ers distant about 500 feet froifn the gun the Germans fear an landing amphibious platform, threw the sound back to the will be made soon in southeastern France.” microphones, so that there was a half-second It later that commandos were developed echo on many words when the delivery of landing while I was broadcasting. the speech became impressively slow. PATTON Early in his remarks the President gave hearty thanks to the press and radio for For more than two weeks there had been the security they afforded him when his an awareness of sensational blitzing of travels carried him within the possible Normandy, Brittany and Maine, beyond sphere of enemy activities. anything yet known in warfare. In 1939 the German blitz carried from the frontier to The President said that every warship Warsaw, 200 miles in eight days. One spring- sunk at Pearl Harbor, except the battleship coil alone of the American blitz, that began Arizona, had been raised, rebuilt and re- in the first week of August, carried 150 armed, making of them better fighting ships miles from Avranches to near Brest, in than they had been before. The main bat- four days. Then came a sense of relief tery of the Arizona was removed and set when our guess was confirmed that Patton, up as part of the defenses of the island the world’s master tank strategist and of Oahu, on which are Pearl Harbor and tactician, was back in action in command Honolulu. of an army. Patton’s command, the Amer- ican Third Army, made near-miraculous The news released August 10 that the General MacArthur and Admiral gains through its flashing that President, thrusts Nimitz had conferred reached Brest, St. Malo, Lorient, Nazaire in Hawaii from July St. received the United States and Nantes. It made playthings of the 27 to 29, was in with the degree of The German Von Kluge’s reserve divisions. The greatest satisfaction. correspondents supreme Nazi commander in France was President told in Honolulu at his wits end to decide how best to use on July 29 that United States armed forces were going back to the and that his troops yet committed battle. Philippines, not to MacArthur would be of the operation. In the vicinity of Caen and the Orne part River the Germans had assembled most of It can be taken for granted that Admiral Nimitz and Admiral Halsey, commander of their armor. There the British and Canadians the 3rd Fleet, will that his- had been holding the hinge on which Brad- have a part in toric ley’s swinging-gate movement, and later event. Patton’s swirling armored dances, had pivot- In President Roosevelt’s Bremerton talk ed. The Germans made a desperate at- he said that the three days of conferences tempt to disrupt the American corridor be- in Honolulu developed complete accord as tween Normandy and Brittany, by attack- to the best method of defeating Japan. ing toward Avranches. Days of bitter fight- War will be carried into “the home islands ing ensued in the “coffin-corridor,” and the of Japan and to its capital, Tokyo,” the German Seventh Army appeared to be on President declared. War in the air already the point of annihilation. has been canned to Japan several times. Meanwhile Patton engaged in a new whirl- Admiral Nimitz, recently back from an wind offensive, toppling the fortress cities of Chartress, Orleans, Dreux and Chateau- Continued on Page 10 BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

A WAR EXPERT VIEWS THE NEWS THAT SOUL OF YOURS (Continued from Page 9) (Continued from Page 2) inspection trip to Saipan and Guam, dis- One of the means by which mankind can closed that he will move his headquarters think along this line is the Gospel mes- to the Marians. He said of the troops, sage given at the religious service. When both the navy afloat and the combat units one avails himself of the privilege of true ashore in the Marianas: “They are all in worship, he is performing one of the fine spirits and ready to go.” greatest duties that can possibly come into his own life. RUSSIA The religious services in this unit are The offensive power of the German armies available to any and all who wish to come. You are cordially invited. on the eastern front was shattered during the months of terrible warfare around —OLLIE G. MATTHEWS, Stalingrad in 1942 and 1943. At no time Chaplain, Brooke’s Chapel. since have the Germans fought offensively inside of Russia, except for limited ob- PROGRAM jectives. GIVEN BY YOUNG PEOPLE OF Germans have known for a year that in THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH time their forces would be driven from Russia back into the Reich. Angry con- The young people of the First Baptist Church sponsored a program with the as- ferences were held between Hitler and the sistance of Mrs. Marietta Hall, who works Prussian professional leaders of the army with the Special Service Section at Brooke to the speed of the withdrawal from Rus- General Hospital, and the cooperation of sia. A strange balance of effort and eva- Mrs. Amy Marett, a member of the Red Cross Staff, for the paients in Annex II, sion had to be struck between fighting and August 11. The program consisted of many retreating. interesting numbers: A duet by two young In my broadcasts I called attention to the ladies, a skit of Little Red Riding Hood by two Servicemen, violin solos by one of our that although German fact troops were or- Servicemen’s wives, Mrs. Milton Berg, ac- dered by Hitler to “fight or die” at such companied by Corporal Milton Berg. The strong bastions as Minsk, Vilno, Dvinsk, two soloists of the evening were Miss Mary Grodno and Brest-Litovsk, in not a single Francis Bradley and Sergeant W e s 1 e y Whittaker. added feature was the col- instance did the generals in the obey An field ored choir attached to the AAFNS, Army that order. They realized that obedience Air Forces, Hondo, Texas. Refreshments would bring but one ending—death with- were enjoyed. out victory.

The Germans will be able to defend the Mrs. Helen Martinez, Civilian Employee 300-mile wide bottle-neck leading into the at Brooke, after receiving a recent letter Reich between the Baltic Sea and the Car- from her son, fighting with the Marines on pathians with 100 divisions, unless the Rus- the Island of Guam, was inspired to write sians, by aggresive action along the Car- the following poem: pathians, compel the enemy to extend his fighting over a total frontage of 700 miles. DEAR MOM I suggest that the Russian front be fol- lowed closely for its bearing on the fight- I’m sending you these few lines, ing in France. On the bottle-neck front of To let you know that I am fine. 300 miles, Russian would be able to use only I’m on my way to fight the Japs one-third of her strength. Germany could Until we can lay them across our laps. defend that front with 100 divisions, and If I don’t write soon, please don’t forget, send some 50 to 60 divisions from the east- You have a son that doesn’t regret ern front into France. I view the German To give his life for Freedom and Peace. and Russian forces now fighting in the As I read this I can plainly see, Baltic states as cancelling each other. My son so brave in front of me. “Don’t cry Mom, I’ll soon return, I do not expect to see a quick decision But not until this war is won.” on either the eastern or western front. Gex 1- Yes, my son, we’ll finally win, many has enough divisions to fight vicious- God Bless You, ly when the lines of battle become shorter. My courageous Marine! BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

By Pvt. Carroll H. Curry

GENERALITIES are accomplishing their tasks—well, and in the tradition of the Medical Department. This week, we would to like introduce demonstration of the application of the our readers the Surgical Section of our A to Thomas the school. The Surgical Section is one of the Leg Splint is shown in photo below. two largest sections of MDETS and has graduated 3800 surgical technicians since Ma-ior Herman C. Sartorius is the di- Surgical April, rector of the Section. Genial Ma- 1941. jor The mission of this section is to train Sartorius, a fatherly looking gentle- man with a small mustache, is soldiers to become technicians, skilled in military assisting medical officers and nurses in married, and is the father of two girls and two boys. He was educated St. operating rooms of general hospitals, and in at Louis University, and as a was every type of field unit and installation. civilian, in private practice in Garden Kansas. Reports which come to the school from City, Other of the Surgical Section every place where former students are ap- officers plying their knowledge, indicate that they (Continued on Page 12) BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

MDETS NEWS phia. Lew’s specialty is cartooning and cari- work. He once did a three dimen- (Continued on Page 11) cature sional caricature of the Duke of Windsor, staff are: Major Leon Dickerson, Cap- A. using as his medium, a piece of toast and tain Edwin R. Core, Captain Henry Fein- a scrambled egg. Pvt. Hirshman’s work has John F. Delfosse, Lieuten- tuch, Captain appeared in many leading magazines, in- Thaddeus and Lieutenant ant Herbert, An- Bazaar and Look. gela McKay. The non-commissioned officers cluding Life, Harper’s his free time are: S/Sgt. Jesse Hudson, and Cpl. Donaln At present, he is spending Teare with the following Student Instruc- doing caricatures of the school personnel. adjutant, tors: Hubert J. Long, Dale H. Holmes, Here is our own Captain Wil- John F. Flannery, Ralph H. Earnhart, Rob- liam R. Ball, MAC, on the job as always. he as tough as he ert Addington, Carl Willard, David B. Les- But really, fellows, isn’t lie, Eugene C. Pembrook, Irving C. Lown, looks. Jr., Francis L. Plante, Strattis D. Koliopu- * * * lus, George F. Frenno, Clarence L. Wat- Joe Teahan, of the Dental Section, just ers, and Everett Henderson. can’t keep out of trouble in the army. He gave up hoss-back riding after a couple of set backs, but now we hear that he tried ACTIVITIES to ride the “dumb-waiter” at the Central Dental Laboratory. Joe, did you ever try The highlight of our graduation cere- one of these S. A. busses? mony of this month was the address to * * * the students by Col. John C. Woodland, S/Sgt. Grimmer says there is a very MC. He brought us an inspiring message definite reason for his long face lately. following the formal review in his honor. Hmmmm ? The winning company in the review cere- mony was the well-drilled Provisional Com- APOLOGY DEPARTMENT pany “C,” under the command of Major We wish at this point to express our L. A. Dickerson. You really looked fine, more or less sincere apologies to the of- fellows. Music for the review was provided ficers of the school for the many jokes and by the Fort Sam Houston band. (Continued on Page 14) * * * Anyone who saw Robert Macklin’s por- trayal of “The Mad Doctor” in “When the War is Over,” will no doubt be just a, little hesitant about visiting the family doctor after the war. “The Mad Doctor” was a skit propounding the average GI’s impressions of an Ex-Medical Officer. “When the War is Over” was presented Wednesday, August 9, in honor of the graduating class of that day. The show Caricature consisted of three skits concerning ex- of pected post-war difficulties in the lives Wm. R. of ex-soldiers, and various musical special- Ball ties. Once again, the show was highlighted MAC by Frank Wheeler’s famous marimba trio. Adjutant “Frankie” played a galaxy of numbers, MDETS ranging from a low-down version of “Tiger Rag” to his own beautiful arrangement of By “Trees.” Private H4 Lew Congratulations to Barracks 1 for having Hirshman awarded the honor of the best barracks of the week in Company “B”. PERSONALITIES A sad day will soon dawn for the person- nel of the school. Miss Frances “Talla- hassee” Morrison, who is the reason for many “business” trips to headquarters, is leaving. Ah, well—such is life. * * * An interesting personality in our pub- lications section is Pvt. Lew Hirshman, a former commercial artist from Philadel- BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST Rattlesnakes and Their Enemies In The Southwest By COL. M. L. CRIMMINS, U. S. Army, Retired Reprinted from Bulletin of the Antivenin Institute of America, Vol V, No. 2, September 1931 SNAKES have many the rattler is mangled into a shapeless enemies in the southwest mass. among the wild animals in “The javelina or wild ll the Mexican hog ait P country, and found in many parts of Texas and some among domestic also animals. parts of New Mexico, will also kill and LfMsrSSnRfrgJ One of the best informed au- eat them, and so does a chaparal cock.” thorities in our southwest who had traveled one hundred and twenty-five thousand & miles, carrying the mail, staging and over- I have personally seen chickens kill and land freighting, from 1866 to 1880, was eat rattlesnakes. In the summer of 1928 August Santleben. I quote from his book, I was living on the Burr Road on the north A Texas Pioneer, as follows: “Rattlesnakes eastern outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. were found in great numbers in west Texas, One evening I caught a female rattlesnake and they were enemies that had to be guard- as it was sleeping on a brush pile. I caught ed against at all times. Wild turkeys al- the snake by the tail as I had no other ways show a great antipathy to them and means of getting it, and carried it back to never fail to make a deadly and persistent the house and put it in a box. I judged attack until the reptile is destroyed. An from her appearance that she had recently opportunity to witness such conflicts is given birth to some young snakes as it was seldom offered; therefore, I will notice one about the middle of August, when rattle- incident of the kind that came under my snakes would have their young. I was observation.” The story continues: therefore on the alert for young snakes and in a few days four were killed. Each “I road near was traveling t'ne Uvalde had one button only. Two were killed and when I saw a large of wild turkeys in flock eaten by some of my chickens, which an near the open glade highway. I stopped weighed not more than three pounds. Go- when I saw the gobblers had congregated ing out in the chicken yard one morning in a circle, where they seemed be fight- to I saw a Cochin China pullet with a young ing, I perceived but soon they were killing rattlesnake in her beax pursued by the a rattlesnake. One after the other large rest of the and ducks. would spring into chickens muscovy the air in rapid succes- In order that other witnesses might see sion and come down on the reptile, which this unusual performance called to a they struck hard I a blow with one wing, that neighbor and his wife and cook and to might quite a have been heard distance. my wife and so that we would have all the cook, Apparently gobblers took part in six witnesses. By the time they the and they to be arrived fracas, appeared great- the had evidently swallowed the ly excited, but the fed quietly pullet hens in the young rattlesnake, but a Plymouth Rock vicinity and seemed to be to indifferent cockerel had another, and he was being what was on. going pursued like the pullet. My witnesses hav- “I watched them about ten minutes be- ing arrived, I ran the chicken down until fore they observed my presence and became he dropped the snake. It was a young alarmed. After they disappeared in the Texas diamond-back rattler (Crotalus atrox) brush I approached the place and found the about twelve inches long, and it was still snake coiled up and almost dead. Evidently alive. I cut it in three pieces with an the gobblers had been engaged in killing ax and the chickens and muscovy ducks him for some time before I appeared on fought over it greedily until every piece this scene, and if they had not been dis- was swallowed. turbed the victim would have provided a The Chief of the Apicultural Laboratory feast for the whole flock because it is their at San Antonio, H. P. Parks, tells me that custom to eat the snakes, killed in that way. about nine years ago he observed a dom- “Deer are equally prejudiced against rat- estic cat at his laboratory bring young tlesnakes and invariably attack them in rattlesnakes to her kittens, and they would favorable localities. . . The deer springs eat them. He said that since then every from a safe distance into the air with his generation of that cat family does likewise. four feet brought together, and he comes This has been observed by Mr. Parks, his down on the snake with his sharp pointed wife, son and daughter, and employees at hoofs, which cut like a knife. The move- his laboratory. ments are rapid and often repeated until (Continued on Page 14) BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

RATTLESNAKES . . . Physical (Continued from Page 13) A couple of years ago a traveling animal Therapy Briefs exhibit was put in a building at Roswell, New Mexico. The center box had in it a BY 1ST. LT. FERN GREEN badger. The box adjoining it contained some rabbits, and on the other side were PLEASE NOTE: rattlesnakes. The badger gnawed his way out of his box into the box of the rattle- According directive from the War to and killed and ate them. This he Department, the “aide” no longer snakes term did preference the rabbits whose box applies to members of the Physical Therapy in to was equally close and made of the same Corps, they will now be known as Physical they could easily Therapists. material, and have been as killed. ￿ * * El Paso, Texas. BROOKE—NERVE CENTER MDETS NEWS APOLOGIES Brooke General Hospital is a Peripheral (Continued from Page 12) Nerve Injury Center and most patients with wisecracks which have been made about peripheral nerve injuries are treated in the them in our shows. (This apology made to Physical Therapy Clinic. keep the cast off extra, duty.) A recent survey made at Brooke for the Apologies to Captain Kelley for the History of Physical Therapy in World War build-up of his nickname. How did we II, shows a total of 120 such injuries treat- know that the name “Casanova” would ed here in the past 10 months. Of these, 66 stick? have had complete return of voluntary func- In our line-up of the Medical Section tions and 60 have returned to duty. in the last issue of the Bluebonnet, v/e One case in particular, is that of Sgt. made a grave error. We neglected to men- George H. Hilderbrand who has just com- tion a most important member of the staff pleted one full year of daily treatment in —2nd Lt. Laura Little, ANC. Our most P. T. He has made very good progress, has sincere apologies, “Lulubelle.” Since the partial return of function, and is steadily last issue, we have 1st Lt. Clarissa Zins- improving. meyer back with the Medical Section. Sgt. Hilderbrand, while in the Cavalry overseas, was wounded in his right FROM WARD 40—alius arm dui-ing the Tunisian Campaign. For HILL" this, he won the Purple Heart Award. After "SNAKE —By the war, he plans to go into the cattle busi- a member of the “S.U.” ness here Texas. in The patients here in Annex I would * * * like to know if the recent issue of the which appeared in the July 4 h issue of the

WELCOME TO BROOKE . . . B.B.B. which was dedicated to Ward 40 and contained the article on rattlesnakes, Lts. Stella E. Schlereth of Cincinnati, was just a coincidence. One Gilbert Fed- Ohio; and Mary E. Almquist of Columbia, dema was highly insulted because his pic- Missouri, who only recently arrived here. ture did not appear on the same page one the snakes. Gilbert Lt.. Almquist is here for basic training, with of contends that he is the “Mayor of Snake and after which she will go to her station at Hill,” Army-Navy General Hospital, Hot Springs, would appreciate our recognition of the

. . . so ED’S NOTE: No Arkansas. fact there, too! reflection was intended on the inhabitants Lt. Schlereth, who is permanently assign- of Ward 40 in the above mentioned issue, ed to B.G.H., is a graduate of the Physical however, since you mention it . . . Therapy Department of Northwestern Me- * * * dical School in Chicago. She has been a The article on Bill Tucker formerly of Civilian Physical Therapist for the past Ward 4, and more recently of “Snake Hill” three years with the visiting Nurse’s As- 'which appeared in the July 4th issue of the sociation and Children’s Hospital of Cin- B.B.B., is hereby amended. It has been cinnati. said . . . “those who are bashful and shy ...” * * * should be carefully watched Tucker, who used to have the most engaging smile OVER THERE, OVER THERE!! and blush has just been christened “Wild Bill,” by the fellows in his ward, due to Lt. Eleanor Hayes has arrived safely the fact that he now ends all conversa- overseas. She likes it, and writes that all tions with his lady friends, in a long low of us should hurry on over. wolfish whistle. What gives, “W.B.”? BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

NEWS from the Army Nurse Corps

training centers for Cadet Nurses for these young women should be able to contribute greatly to the aid of the regular nursing staff as they are learning to care for the sick and wounded. They will be on duty 48 hours each week 46 hours of which they will do ward work under the supervision of regular members of the A.N.C., learning to correctly care for all types of cases. “This hospital differs in a great respect from other hospitals,” Colonel Blanchfield went on to remark, “in that, in its ex- pansion it has been able to take over build- ings in the near vicinity which were easily adaptable to hospital use. Most of the other hospitals are more closely connected or under one roof. Probably Brooke is a bit more difficult to administrate because the buildings are more widely separated,” she continued, “but nevertheless, an ex- cellent job is being done here.” Colonel Florence E. Blanchfield, ANC Colonel Blanchfield also mentioned the CHIEF OF THE high morale existing in the Army Nurse ARMY NURSE Corps and remarked that Army Nurses ap- CORPS, pear to be very happy in their assignments, WASHINGTON, D. C. whether overseas or on the home front. VISITOR AT BROOKE “Brooke General Hospital is a Basic Train- Colonel Florence E. Blanchfield, Chief of ing Center for all nurses in the Eighth the Army Nurse Corps, with headquarters Service Command. Soldier corpsmen, too, in the Surgeon General’s Department in take their training at Brooke after which Washington, D. C., was a recent visitor to they benefit other general hospitals as well this hospital. This was Colonel Blanchfield’s as fill a need on the front lines overseas,” firstj trip to the Eighth Service Command she concluded. area for the purpose of inspecting the : nursing services. Colonel Blanchfield has already visited CADET NURSES several general and regional hospitals in ENTHUSIASTIC IN the eastern part of Texas and remarked THEIR NEW WORK | particularly on Camp Fannin, which she AT BROOKE I claims “is a most interesting place.” (Pictures on Page 16) Anxious to provide adequate nursing care for casualties, arriving daily from overseas, There are now ten Cadet Nurses taking Colonel Blanchfield realized that a personal special training at Brooke General Hospital inspection would give her a better picture and all are accepting their work most en- of the situation than what could be gained thusiastically. through written reports. Cadet Nurses will round out their train- “Particularly I am impressed with the ing here and when completed will be eligible high morale on the part of overseas pa- for Army Service or for Nursing in Civilian Jtients,” remarked Colonel Blanchfield, “and life. I am greatly pleased with the care the ) nurses in our hospitals are giving them. It is expected that approximately every two weeks will see a new contingent of Cadet “Brooke General Hospital is really for- Nurses arriving at Brooke and a warm wel- jtunate in being designated as one of the come awaiting them all. BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

Right—The first six Cadet Nur- ses reporting for training at Brooke after which they will be eligible for nursing work either in the Ser- vice or in Civilian life, include: Mamie Ehrhardt of Washington, La.; Katherine Hixon of Hatties- burg, Miss.; Elizabeth Wisdom of Okeene, Okla.; Bonnie Fay of Kauf- man, Tex.; Ruth Christ of Crowley, La.; and Mary Frances Williams of Perry, Fla.

The Cadet Nurses in their Classroom, Barracks 6. New Nur- ses Quarters, receiv- ing instruction from First Lieutenant Mary E. Hendrixson, ANC, in charge of the Cadet Nurse training at Brooke.

The Library locat- ed in Barracks 6, New Nurses Quarters, equipped especially for use of the Cadet Nurses, provides ample material for use dur- ing training. BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST BROOKE SPORTS

Edited by Pvt. Randall C. Guthrie Brooke Cagers Home from Mexico City

BROOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL’S BASKETBALL TEAM: Standing left to right: Captain Allcorn, coach, Guthrie, Kraus, Broadway, Guerinsky, Dietz and McGinnis. Seated left to right: Alford, Olsen, Haese, Williard, Hartmann and Fair.

The Brooke General Hospital basketball Captain George L. Allcorn, coach of the team returned to San Antonio last week Brooke General team took a squad of ten ' from Mexico City, a very tired but happy men on the trip, many of whom played i lot. They returned to Brooke sporting only last year with the great Medical Service ione victory in the five game series, played School team which set such a terrific pace with three of the very best basketball in San Antonio basketball last season. teams in Mexico. One of these teams, the From this team Capt. Allcorn had such Transmissiones, Mexican Signal Corps out- stars as Charlie Broadway, towering 6’4” fit, were the champions of Mexico. center, and former Southern Illinois Col- The Brooke team made the trip at the lege star; Barton Olson, sharp shooting I invitation of the Mexican government, and forward from Springfield College, Mass., ■ were the guests of the Mexican Army at and Clifford Fair from Bennington, Vt. the Colegio Militar, the Mexican “West Other returning veterans of last year’s Point.” The team spent fourteen days in team were Carl Willard of Missouri, Ran- Mexico during which time they played one dall Guthrie of Ohio University and Lo- Army team, one Navy and one civilian out- man Suel, Minneapolis, Minn. ij fit. They lost the first four games in the The new men rounding out the Mexico Arena Mexico at Mexico City but won the squad were: Fred “Whitey” Hartman, last game of the series at Puebla against former University of Ky. star, whom San I the champion Transmissiones team. (Continued on Page 18) BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

BROOKE SPORTS the end of the third quarter by one. How- (Continued from Page 17) ever, they managed to pull out in front in the closing minutes by virtue of two Antonio fans will remember as a standout quick baskets and win 48-43. player with the 95th Division team here The final game of the series was played two years ago; Lloyd Dietz, former hurler in Puebla, beautiful Mexican city just 80 for the Philadelphia Phillies, from Beau- miles south of Mexico City, which the boys mont, Texas; Sylvian Guerinsky of San liked very much mainly because it was Antonio and Johnny Alford, of Baylor Uni- several thousand feet lower and they had versity and Beaumont, Tex. no trouble in breathing. With .this as a The squad arrived in Mexico City on stimulant the boys came out with re- the 28th of July, and were greeted by rep- venge in their eye and copped the finale resentatives of the Mexican Government, by a close score of 34-32. Charlie Broad- the Mexican Army Signal Corps and the way finally snapped out of his slump and Mexico City Press Association. pushed 18 points through the meshes to The unusual altitude of “the city” makes lead both teams in the scoring. Lloyd Dietz. it difficult for those not accustomed to it Clifford Fair and Sylvian Guerinsky played to get their breath and this accounts for stellar games at the new guard positions. the contributing factor in the poor show- Dietz was especially outstanding on the ing the boys made in their first three defense. games. However, in the last two contests Returning to Mexico City the next day they rounded into shape and made a very the team finally went out to see the commendable showing. town. They had played five games in a The first game was played at the Mexi- row and were ready for a rest. The Mexi- can Arena against a rough Marina-Scop Army loaned two station wagons with team of the Mexican Navy. The Brooke drivers and during the next three days General team lead throughout the first the team saw almost every historical, edu- three quarters and looked as if they were cational and enjoyable sight in and around going to take the contest, but tired very Mexico City. badly in the fourth stanza and finally came They visited the famous Pyramids, the out on the losing end of a 35-33 count. Bull Fights, the Floating Gardens (Mexi- The BGH team was handicapped in this co’s Venice) and saw at close range the contest by the absence of their coach, two famous volcanic mountains Popoeate- Papt. Allcorn who was unable to attend petal, and Paracutin, plus many other the game. “Whitey” Hartman was easily Mexican beauty spots. the outstanding eager in this game as he All in all it was a wonderful trip which scored 15 points and played a great de- was enjoyed by every one of the team. Al- fensive game. though they won only one game, they left - The next game saw the BGH team Mexico with the assurance of the Mexican tangle with a very good “Cac’norros” civi- officials that they were more than satis- lian outfit also in the Arena Mexico. fied with the showing the Brooke General The “Medics” lost this one by the score of Cagers had made. The boys themselves 42 to 35. Again they played a very good will vouch for the genuine friendliness and first half and led the civilians 20-15 at the hospitality of our southern neighbors, and intermission, but couldn’t hold the pace all hope to return for another visit some and went down fast in the last half. day soon. The third game of the Series started the “main event” of the Medics’ long trip MDETS SPORTIVITIES to Mexico. It was the beginning of the By Pvt. Carrol H. Curry three game series with the champions of As a part of the saiool graduation ex- Mexico, Las Transmissiones. Two of these ercises, Wednesday, 9 August, Col. Warren games were playpd in the Arena Mexico C. Fargo presented the MDETS softball and the last in Puebla, 80 miles south of team with engraved silver softballs, which Mexico City. the team won in the Fort Sam Houston In the first game the “Medics” were off Softball League. The team wishes to thank form in every department and lost 55-36. the Post Special Service Officer for the Sylvian Guerinsky played a terrific back- very appropriate trophies. board game but didn’t have much help Looking over the score book, we see that from his mates. Whitey Hartman again the “Medics” were in fine form on 23 July, tossed in 10 points to lead the “Medics” taking the 3547 Ordnance Maintenance in the scoring department. In the fourth Company for another victory, score—26 to game of the series the U. S. cagers finally 7. Norris Carroll, short stop, was the bat- hit their stride. They fought and battled ting ace with three for four. the Transmissiones throughout the contest The night of 3 August was a bad night to a standstill. The game was tied up al- for the team, when they allowed the PRU most throughout. The Mexican Signal Corps team to beat them 8 to 6. The Medics made lead at the half by two points, and at six errors, while PRU made only one. Hulin BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

MORE BROOKE SHORTS of Hartford, Connecticut were reunited at Brooke General Hospital on July 13th. Pvt. Carlton was the leading batter, with a Trahan relates the story as follows: triple and a double out of four trips to “I looked up from my bed in Ward 5 one the plate. day when a Staff Sergeant walked in and August 8, saw what might be the last stared at me, I stared right back at him—- of the MDETS games for the season. S/Sgt. then all of sudden, it dawned on both of us Curtis Voelkel, who has pitched nearly all that we knew each other. It had been a games this year, pitched a no hit game long time since we’d been together, and against the 304 Signal Corps team. This we were mighty glad to meet again. was his first no-hitter of this season, score “When I was first inducted into the army 1 to 0. Not only did Voelkel pitch a no I was sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. hit game—he got two doubles, one scoring That’s where I met Sgt. Dobrutsky, who was the winning run. then a corporal. We became very good friends. Louis was attached to Company MDETS PLACE SECOND C, 169th Infantry, 43rd. Division and after IN COMMAND MEET 13 weeks of Basic Training, he went back to his own Company, “G” and I was trans- ferred an Anti-Tank On the 27, and 29th of July, Fort to Company. For the 28, six Sam Houston was host to the big 8th following months of our stay in Missis- saw a of Service Command Swimming Meet held sippi, we lot each other. From there we went at Salado Pool, in which 18 Camps were to Fort Ord, California for represented from 5 states. a while, where we still kept in touch with each other Fort Sam was conspicuous by the lack of and finally, the time came entries in Men’s Division. Had it to go overseas. For the first 8 months we the not again been for two men from the Medical De- were together; after that, we went partment Enlisted into action on the front and saw each other Technicians School, only Brooke General Hospital, there would not once. “Ever since we were wonder- have been a single entry from Sam then, both Fort ing what had happened Houston. Brooke’s entries were Major Al- to the other until we here at Brooke. bert E. Rath, MC and Pfc. Walter j. Wor- met Sgt. Dobrutsky is rell, Student Instructor. attached to the Medical Detachment and I’m now The female contingent supplied by the a patient in Ward 40. I’ve seen Louis several since that local WACs made a fine showing by win- times first meeting, great to ning the Women’s by good and it’s a feeling talk over old times Division a together.” score over Camp Swift, who placed second. Major Rath swam the 50-yd. free stroke * * * and placed second in the finale by swim- ming a brilliant race to nose out second “What do you know!” Private Trahan place. White of Arkansas won in the ex- further remarks, “On July 23rd what I do ceptionally apt time of 24:5. Maj. Rath but run into another buddy of mine, this was a former aquatic star at Wooster time, at Annex II. He is Sgt. Barney Claw- College, Ohio, and held the 50-yd. free son of Kenton, Ohio, and was in Company style record there. E, 148th Infantry, 37th. Division. Pvt. Worrell, formerly of Redwood City, “We first met in the same hospital at California and coach of Water Polo and New Hebrides—that was in August of 1943, Swimming at the high school there, took then on July 23rd, almost a year later, he a second in the 200-yd. free style against walked up to me and grabbed my hand and a tough field. asked me how I was doing. At first I didn’t The really outstanding feature of the recognize him, then I remembered and we meet was the 68 points amassed by Camp had a long talk about where we’d been and Barkeley. The vast majority of these points what we had done since we last saw each were made by two men who turned in other. Barney was wounded in his left leg stellar performances. They were Lt. Mul- during the Munda Air Field Battle, by a ford and Pvt. Taft, who each scored three piece of shrapned from a hand grenade. individual firsts and swam on three swim- “It is a great pleasure for me to say that ming relays. I have made a lot of friends since I have The meet was a tremendous success and been here in this hospital, but the biggest it is the opinion of those here at Brooke thrill of all is meeting my buddies from that more swim meets should be held in the overseas.” future. • BUDDIES MEET AT BROOKE FROM "SNAKE" HILL AFTER TWO YEARS Calvin Henderson of Ward 40, plans oh opening his OWN Barber Shop after “his Private Ramie Trahan of Mernetau, Louis- duration and six.” He did a beautiful job iana and Staff Sergeant Louis Dobrutsky the other day on Sam McBride! BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST RED CROSS ACTIVITIES AT B.G.H.

GRAY LADY Braunfels and our Hospital Gray Ladies. OF THE MONTH Come join our fun on Wednesday after- noons at Annex II. —By Mrs. J. B. Mann, * * * Pvt. Gray Lady Corps Frank Wheeler’s xylophone trio has been most generous in providing entertain- Now mornings at nine o’clock her car ment for patients at the Annexes and at stops at the entrance to the Red Cross both the “old” and “new” hospitals. We are House. Before the M.P. says, “Sorry you can looking forward to a return visit soon. not stop here,” she hastily unloads a large * * * supply of NEW magazines with the as- Have you had the pleasure of hearing sistance of Myliss or a thoughtful patient Herb Koch at the piano ? He and Mrs. passing by. Then to the already crowded Bearden delighted Ward 5 with popular parking lot where she leaves her car for songs. Herb was with a hospital unit for the day—and it is a full day this charming two years in England, Africa, and Italy. It and capable Gray Lady spends at Brooke is of interest to know that it was the first General Hospital. Some mornings she unit operating in tents. serves coffee (and her’s is always just * m * right) and doughnuts to the many happy If you want to hear a funny story, ask members of the Coffee Club. Other morn- Nicky about the dummy patient, George, ings she hastens to the Wards where she from Ward 40, who visited Ward 4. You’ll is known and loved by so many patients. find Nicky every morning drinking coffee Her list of errands for these men is amaz- at the Red Cross House. ing in its length and variety. Her sweet * * * gentle voice and words of encouragement Mrs. Fain and her group of girls from mean so much to all that are fortunate the Depot served ice cream and cake last enough to know her. Wednesday to the patients on Wards 4 and Afternoons? Well, certainly she is still 5. The snowy white cake had a big “hello” with us. Where? Usually being most help- written across it, and served as the first ful in the midst of a group of patients welcome from the B.G.H. Red Cross to doing Handcraft on the Wards or in the some of the patients who had just arrived O. T. Shop. Back at the Red Cross House that afternoon. around 4:30 about ready to call it a day when she sees some thoughtful person WARD 5 NEWS leaving flowers and being arranged in the kitchen. “Why, if you don’t mind I will We welcomed Pancho back even if it was just help you as I know one or two very sick for a day’s stay to have his cast men on one of these Wards that these flow- changed. ers will mean so much to.” So off she goes He H5 H 1 to the hospital again. How does Camille Judice, Bed 47, have Now for your sixty-fpur dollar question. so much luck at Bingo ? Who is she? Yes, you’ve guessed it. Mrs. * ￿ * Robertson, of course, who gave so happily Jimmy Kaczor has designed some color- 79 Vz hours of her time last month. ful bracelets, not to mention the tedious airplane model now under construction. ANNEX II BINGO * * * Be careful of Bed Reported by Mary Reed Simpson 26, Herman Adams; he is a checker Red Cross Staff Recreation Worker shark. Mrs. Smavely and Mrs. Hilton serve OUTDOOR PARTIES as gracious hostesses at a Bingo party every Wednesday afternoon in the Annex Reported by Mrs. Sue Stanley, II Day Room. Red Cross Hospital Recreation Worker Cooling refreshments consisting of iced One of the most successful parties of the punch and cookies are served in addition month was held on the lawn outside of the to cigarettes and candy. Patients and their Red Cross building Thursday, July 27th. guests participate in the games with much Golf putting, croquet and a watermelon gusto watching their cards eagerly for the feast highlighted the evening. Incidentally, prizes, which are both delightful and useful. PVT. GILBERT FEDDEMA celebrated an They are thoughtfully selected and donated anniversary that evening. He has been a by the Camp and Hospital Council of New patient at Brooke General Hospital for BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

RED CROSS NEWS sophisticated version of one of the local nite clubs. one and exactly year in honor of the occa- Small tables were placed about the floor sion his fellow patients elected him mayor and the orchestra playing of Ward was smooth 40. sophisticated music as the men were invit- * * * ed to their tables. There was at least one lovely lady for Outside entertainment is becoming more every two men, which added to the competing for popular. Patients at the Old Hospital interest in favors, en- and each was marked for joyed a concert by Fort Sam Houston table “Reserved the Red Guest by colored band Wednesday, July 26th. and Cross Only,” various Cokes table cookies were served on the lawn mem- markers. by “The Field bers of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Bed Randolph Cadet Gadgets” under the direction of our own Ser- patients in Wards 34 and 35 were not for- popular geant, Dick the music. Sev- gotten either and refreshments served Foote, supplied were eral specialty acts were including to them also. A similar concert was given spotted, an excellent floor show brought the at the .New Hospital the San Marcos by by Their music kept AAF Navigation School, Sat., July 29th. Cadets. everyone in a gay, breezy mood. * * * Of course, no nite club is complete with- A major outing in which Red Cross out tinkling ice and tid-bits to munch Recreation Workers participated was the throughout the evening, so we were gifted picnic at the Tobin Ranch held Saturday, with very attractive hostesses, who served July 29th for Annex IV men. In addition to the refreshments during the evening. The the excellent program planned by Lt. strains of “Home Sweet Home” came much Fabian, Red Cross provided spot entertain- too quickly and our guests agreed, on leav- ment throughout the evening. Lt. Thomas ing, that the Red Cross Nite Club had made Bearden displayed his talents as a magi- its debut and was here to stay! cian. * * * Evening refreshments were served NEW OVERSEAS PATIENTS, through the courtesy of Bexar Co. Can- PLEASE NOTE: teen Mobile Unit. May we of the Red a * Cross Staff add * * brief note of welcome to the many Being of a democratic nature, the Re- overseas men who are arriving each week? creation staff decided to give the patients We hope when the time comes for you to a voice in the running of the Red Cross leave Brooke General, that you will have building and in naming the type of pro- the same feeling of loyalty and pride for grams desired. A suggestion box has been B.G.H., that we, who know it, have. If you placed on the bulletin board in the lobby. have any requests or suggestions to make Thus far the only requests have been for of our program, we do want to hear from a CDD, 30 day furlough, “girls and more you, so please come in and have a chat with girls.” us real soon! Our recreation rooms are al- Granted that these are all logical re- ways fun—see for yourself! quests, still, there isn’t much that the * * * Red Cross can do about them. We would TO FITZSIMONS G. H. appreciate concrete criticisms or sugges- Last week saw the departure of Miss tions. Do you like coffee in the mornings? Margaret Walter for Fitzsimons General . . . Would you rather have something Hospital in Denver, Colorado, where she will cold ? Are you satisfied with the enter- be Assistant Field Director. Miss Walter’s

tainments ... is there something you sense of humor and outstanding personality would like better? Do you feel at home made her a favorite of the patients, Medical

in the Red Cross building ... is there Staff, and Red Cross Staff. Everyone something we can do to make your stay wishes her oodles of success in her new more pleasant and comfortable? Just jot venture. it down and drop it into the suggestion * * * box. ADDITIONS. . . OUR NITE CLUB We now have a new Office Manager, Miss Geneva Vass and a Case Work Supervisor, By Mrs. Amy Marett Clara Slatton. They are very welcome to Recreation Worker our staff. * * * The Red Cross Nite Club was not just a When is YOUR birthday? myth this month. In addition to the dozens of watermelon lawn parties, picnics and out- The Annex II monthly Birthday Party door festivals, the men arrived on the even- has become a tradition. On the third Mon- ing of August 10th, to find the Red Cross day of each month, the young ladies of the Auditorium transformed into a rather (Continued on Page 24) BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST Reconditioning at Brooke Produces A More Informed Soldier

Why is there a Recondi- tioning Unit at Brooke? What is the purpose of Re- conditioning? These are only two of many questions ask- ed in reference to one of the most important sections in this hospital. In the first place, when a soldier returns from over- seas with wounds or illness, the period of convalescence is sometimes long. Of course some wounds and illnesses are of short duration and soldiers in this class are not retained in the hospital for in the Reconditioning Pro- gram, these soldiers will be better fitted to assume their places in civilian life again. The photos shown reflect the interest displayed by soldiers going through the reconditioning phase at Brooke. In the top picture they are being brought up to date on the war situa- tion; the lower picture shows part of the excellent- ly equipped library at the Reconditioning Unit where the latest books for study as well as the best in maga- zine reading are available. Excellent results of Re- conditioning at Brooke have been noted. First, men have been returned physically fit for full duty; second, read- missions to the hospital have been reduced; third, the per- iod of convalescence has been shortened in many cases; fourth, the necessity reconditioning. But where a patient is con- for sick leave has been largely eliminated fined to his bed or a ward for months, and fifth, morale and fighting spirits of there is naturally some loss of strength our soldiers have definitely been improved. from long confinement. So reconditioning was introduced to pro- Physical training, occupational training, duce a gradual improvement in strength recreation and educational pursuits are and resistance to the point where the patient adapted to the needs of the company to can be discharged from the hospital and which the men are assigned at the Recon- assume, if possible, full military duty with- ditioning Unit. out physical injury to self. Should the sol- dier not be able to return to duty for pos- sible physical handicap, through the orienta- tion and education facilities made available BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST 1 n U U -and the World Laughs with You

Jokes Courtesy of the Orange County Masonic Bulletin

I “Did you get home all right last night, or p-u-t-t?” she asked the instructor. sir?” asked the street conductor of one of “P-u-t-t is correct,” he replied. “P-u-t means his regular passengers. merely to place a thing where you want it. I “Of course. Why do you ask?” P-u-t-t means merely a vain attempt to do the same thing.” I “Well, when you got up and gave the lady your seat last night you were the only two * * * people in the car.” “Are you the judge of reprobates ? ” the * * * lady inquired. “I am the judge of probate,” was the One advantage of a baseball um- I being answer. pire is that you are not bothered all the time by your friends asking for passes. You “Well, that’s what I want, I guess. You haven’t any friends. see, my husband died untested and left several little infidels, and I want to be their * * * executioner!” I A lecturer stopped his discourse suddenly * * * and said to his audience: “There’s no such stepper [thing as a perfect woman. Anybody present A fast often finds it hard to keep who has ever known a perfect woman up with running expenses. stand up.” * * * [ “Those who have ever known a perfect man, stand up.” “I tell you sir, long hair does make a man f One demure male stood up. look intelligent.” I “Did you ever know an absolutely perfect “I disagree. My wife took one off my man?” he was asked. coat this morning, and I looked foolish.” [ “I didn’t know him personally,” replied the little man, “but I have heard a great * * * him. was my deal about He wife’s first “Buy a subscription the Home husband.” to Ladies’ Journal, mister?” * * * “I suppose you’re working your way through college?” funny [ “I had a dream last night and “No, just helping my mother through jchewed the inside out of my pillow.” welding school.” I “Yeah? I suppose you feel sick today?” * * * I “No, just a little down in the mouth.”

* * * Jinks: “That’s a fellow who’s going places.” I The school teacher was taking her first Jenks: “Ambitious, eh?” golfing lesson. “Is the word spelled p-u-t Jinks: “No, his wife’s out of town!”

Brooke General Hospital Invites All Patients to Make Use of the Occupational Therapy Shops

No. 1 is located in Annex I, No. 2 in Annex II and No. 3 at the “old” hospital. Practical articles can be made in your spare time to send home—and there’s no charge for supervision or materials. BROOKE BLUEBONNET BROADCAST

BGH CIVILIAN WORKERS AWARDED SERVICE RIBBONS The following civilians were awarded Have the six-month service ribbon and certificate You Given effective 31 July 1944, for six months or more faithful service with the government: BLOOD Nano N. Whitfield, Helen M. Walker, Mollie Douglas, Thomas E. G. Abbott, Margaret E. Ede, Mauricio Figueroa, Eudocio Garcia, to the Carrie M. Morrison, Kattie A. Onic, Mar- garet W. Ramming, Mary Rau, Emogene F. Scott, Marie Stevenson, Winniefred M. Weir, Milas W. Williams, Rosalio F. Agui- Red Cross Bank? lar, Aline C. Albert, Miriam Bankler, Jua- nita J. Chase, Pablo Contreras, Manuel Dias, Lydia M. Dietz, Jean Gooding, Wil- liam E. Huffstetler, Helen M. Ingram, Clara Jones, Santiago U. Ledesma, Helen G. Martinez, Hope Poole, Viviana Valdez, Pearl Williams, Pauleen M. Carvajal, Ida L. Brittain, Marie Chambers, Anita G. Deni- son, Delton Dunlap, Mary J. Hernandez, Pete A. Hernandez, Chrissie A. Keene, En- The following names make the rique Leopoldo C. Losoya, Mad- Lerma, Jr., “Honor Roll” this time: eline T. Marshall, Pete Orosco, Ernesto D. Ortiz, Gertrude T. Owens, Ascension B. Ruiz, and Osceala S. Stone. Joseph Feldstein, 27 times Martha Kriger, 5 times RED CROSS NEWS (Continued from Page 21) Angeline Talton, 5 times Army San Antonio Service Forces Depot Mary I. Block, 4 times give a party, honoring the men who have birthdays in that particular month. Marie Lehman, 4 times The men are presented a huge birthday cake which elaborately decorated, then is The following have given blood at each of the honorees are presented a gift and take their turn cutting the cake. The the Blood Bank three times: Mary R. remainder of the evening is very informal, Boozikee, Mildred P. Donnelly, Delton with musical numbers and games being the Dunlap, Paula Reynolds, Ascension theme of the evening. Ruiz, Deodora de los Santos, Mrs. Sue Brigadier J. Porter, General A. Command- Stanley and J. ing General of the A.S.F. Depot, has heart- Alfred Ullman. ily endorsed these parties; Mrs. Porter is a frequent visitor in the Day Room.

If you know someone who would make a good recruit for the WAC fill out the form below and mail to the Office of the Commanding General, Brooke General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas

SUGGESTED NAMES FOR W.A.C NAME Address Town and State 'Age Race Married Sinqle : NAME ' Town and State Age Race Married Single