August 1943

SOULE IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS SS CO SALUTE VOL. I, NO. 4 Published Regularly by and for Soule Steel War Workers AUGUST, 1943

SOULÉ WORKERS RECEIVE CONGRATULATIONS FROM NAVY DEPARTMENT

From the Navy Department, Office of the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, U. S. Navy, San Francisco, the Company has received a welcome letter. Our pride was so great that we want to let all Soule workers in on it. Captain C. O. Kell, USN, Supervisor of Shipbuilding for the 12th Naval District, sent us this message from the Bureau of Ships: "The contractors building LCM (3) lighters in this area are outstanding above all builders of the same product, insofar that they are ahead of their contract schedules in deliveries and the quality of their product is definitely superior." The letter in full appears on page three.

Although it seemed at times that Captain Kell expected what we thought to be double our production capacity, thanks to his assistance, cooperation, and direction, the impossible has in many cases been accomplished.

In our experience with him we have found him a man who knows what he wants and gets it done. It's results he's after—not excuses.

Your kind words, and those from the Bureau of Ships, Captain Kell, are appreciated. And we can only say "Thank You" for your help in making this progress possible.

Photo: R. C. GILLETTE ### Henry Gillette Henry F. Gillette had the distinction of having his name drawn as the first sponsor of a YCK Cargo Lighter. Henry, an arc welder, has been with us since November, 1942, and chose the name of his son, Robert C. Gillette, to be displayed on the lighter.

Robert C. enlisted in the Navy in December, 1942, as an electrician's mate and has just completed a training course at the Iowa State College. He is now beginning a 16-week training period in navigation.

Another son, Harold, is with the C. B.s at Providence, Rhode Island.

A three-gun "salute" to Henry for his contributions to the war effort.

Message to the Axis from Los Angeles Men from the Los Angeles plant are sending their personal greetings to our enemies as a result of a recent drawing here which gave the winners the privilege of naming a YCK Cargo Lighter.

This issue of the Salute carries pictures of the first seven luck-breakers in the contest, together with their ship, in the order in which they were drawn. Their stories also appear.

The first two pictures of the series begin on the first page and the remainder continue throughout the paper.

There are more to come, so look for this spot of interest in the next Salute.

Photo: BEN PAPE ### Ben Pape Ben Pape was the second man chosen to sponsor a YCK. Ben's choice of a name for his craft was "Crimson Giant." But, since it doesn't fit with the Navy's color scheme he decided to use his own.

Ben's extra-curricular activity is gardening and he is very proud of his "Crimson Giant" radishes.

He has been with us for over a year now as a pipe fitter.

George Black George Black stopped welding for a minute to have his picture taken beside the YCK on which he was working.

While George chose his wife's name to go on this boat, his fingerprints and "mark" are all over it. He has been welding at the L. A. plant for over a year now and spends his spare time hunting and fishing.

(Picture on Page 2, Column 3)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Soule' Salute ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

SOULE SALUTE Vol. I No. 4 Published Regularly by and for Soulé Steel War Workers

Staff: Managing Editor . . . George Cobb Los Angeles Editor . . . Bill Irwin Portland Editor . . . . . Les Poole San Francisco Editor, Fred Kappelman

Associate Editors: Los Angeles San Francisco Art Carter Kenny Becknell Eddie Dugan Nellie Buchan Ted Jones Ed Eschenauer Charles La Fevre Paul Hyner Dorothy Olsen Jorges Orgibet Margie Petersen Charles Reuser George Thomas Joe Romera Portland Torrance James Moody A. M. Dowell La Voice (Buck) Portwood

EDITORIAL Every publication is supposed to have editorials. And that being the case—here goes. At least we can endeavor to pull one out of the recesses of our minds for this issue. But please remember, readers, that the experience of your editors in the newspaper business has been limited mainly to the delivery of papers in the afternoon after school was out. And that was a few years ago!

We won't try to analyze any overwhelming economic problems — our object is to keep building and improving our organization here at Soulé. If you have any constructive ideas that you would like to express, why don't you send them to be printed in this column? They would be welcomed.

The associate editors are the men who are responsible for the news which is published concerning the men in your plant. If you think some subject deserves treatment, keep reminding them until you see it published.

The associate editorships of the Salute will rotate among the men and women in our various plants. If you wish to contribute to the success of this publication be sure to contact the associate editor of your plant and tell him what's on your mind.

From time to time the above listing of the editorial staff will be included with an issue so that you will know who the members of the staff are at that particular time.

The Salute is for you. The things you want to read about, the stories you consider news, the items you want printed, all determine the policy of the Salute. It's

for each of you to share with every other employee of Soulé Steel. It's your privilege to help your editors make it interesting.— Your Editors.

Man-of-the-Month

30-Year Man In this issue we salute Guiseppe Fabbri as the Man-of-the-Month. Joe, as we call him, came to work for the Edw. L. Soulé Company on August 6th, 1913, when the company was one year old and was located on a 50 by 100 foot piece of property on Natoma Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. When the Company moved to 7th and Irwin Streets, Joe went along and became a shear man and twister. That was in the days when twisted reinforcing bars still were being used. Then on to Potrero and Division Streets where Joe was a bar and stirrup bender. In 1923 he was given the job of making up cutting lists for the shear men, a job he has had since then.

Joe was born in Italy and came to this country in 1912, becoming an American citizen in 1927, and as he expresses it: "It's the best job I ever do." Recently he has had the pleasure of acting as sponsor for the citizenship of one of his fellow workers, Joe Parodi.

Fabbri is married and has three children. Andrew, the only son, and Rose, one of two daughters, are also in the Soulé Steel Company family. The eldest daughter, Mary, is married and has made Joe a grandfather.

A POEM (This poem was written by a soldier on Bataan at dusk. The next morning at 9:28, he was killed by shell-fire) "And if our lines should sag and break Because of things you failed to make; That extra tank, that ship, that plane For which we waited all in vain; Will you then come to take the blame? For we, not you, must pay the cost Of battles you, not we, have lost."

MEL BLACK 6 5 4 3 2 1 (Story on Page 1, Column 3)

Lando Allee Lando Allee has been with us since last September and at the present is working on the night shift as a helper.

He got himself all cleaned up and came down to the plant one morning to have his picture taken beside his YCK.

LANDO ALLEE

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Soule' Salute ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

HOLD THAT LINE

George Stricker, L. E., and George Blankenship, L. T., are doing a two-man huddle on the deck of a YCK.

Blankenship must have been smiling—and just didn't want anyone to see him doing that.

Sport Star from Soule'

Most of you old timers will recall the Soule Steel championship softball team of the 1938 and 1939 seasons. You will also remember one of the pitchers who helped us win the city pennant in 1939. Ted Jones, who managed our teams, received a copy of the Camp Barkeley News (Texas), and the following article appeared on the sport page of the June 18th issue.

Quote—“He is Tony Valenti, Co. A, 59th BN, trainee who has been on the mound for the battalion outfit in most of its games. He hurled for the Soule Steel team in Los Angeles which was the runner-up for the city championship in 1938 and pennant winner the following year. This is notable, since Los Angeles' softball leagues run into the hundreds of teams above the thousand mark. He rates the Soule team as the finest aggregation of his long career on the softball diamond. In their march to the Los Angeles circuits' title, they snapped the 34-game win streak of the noted Negro Club, grand all-stars and now a 4 to 3, 16-inning contest from the Elster Hardwares in the title play-off.”—End quote.

We wish continued success for Tony in his softball career, and also for the more serious present business of laying them in the groove for Uncle Sam, his new manager.

Photo: It's farewell to C. L. "Pop" Grainger, of Los Angeles, who has been with Soule Steel Company for 20 years. "Pop" has accepted an appointment with Wm. J. Burke & Co. Good luck Pop—you'll surely be missed here.

Grainger Leaves Los Angeles Plant

C. W. Grainger, better known to all of us here in the Los Angeles plant as "Pop" (Continued on Page 5, Column 1)

ADDRESS: SUPERVISOR OF SHIPBUILDING, U. S. NAVY BETHLEHEM STEEL COMPANY 20TH AND ILLINOIS STREETS SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA AND REFER TO NO. L4-3(30828)S

NAVY DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR OF SHIPBUILDING, U. S. NAVY SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 10 July 1943 hh

To: Soule Steel Co.

Subj: Contractor's performance in delivery of LCM(3) - Bureau's acknowledgement of

1. The Supervisor was most gratified to be informed by the Bureau of Ships in a recent telephone conversation that the contractors building LCM(3) lighters in this area are outstanding above all builders of the same product, insofar that they are ahead of their contract schedules in deliveries and the quality of their product is definitely superior.

2. The Supervisor is glad to pass this commendation along to the contractors with his congratulations and expression of appreciation of the splendid work which has been accomplished in this program.

C. O. KELL

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Soule' Salute

Photo: R. L. Burton

R. L. Burton is the welder in his family although he chose the name of his wife for his YCK.

When Burton is not welding it's a safe bet that he's down by the ocean fishing.

San Francisco Suggestion Box

We asked you to submit your ideas to the Suggestion Box—and here are the ones which were turned in to date, July 3, as given to the San Francisco Salute editor by Mr. H. P. Livingston, chairman of the committee.

No. 701, protection coating for electric light bulbs, $5.00 award.

No. 702, idea and design o. k., however, the present method preferred by the Suggestion Committee.

No. 708, special tools required in working area. Platform and boxes on carriages are not practical.

No. 709, $5.00 award now being paid for all suggestions used. You evidently misunderstood the statement.

No. 710, bulletin board will be moved, idea hit the "jack-pot" and calls for a $5.00 award.

No. 711, suggestion now being investigated by the production committee and announcement of decision will be at a later date.

No. 721, Suggestion Committee considering your suggestion for change in shift hours; announcement later.

No. 722, talk to your foreman on this matter since it is part of his duties in supervision.

No. 1004, Being investigated by the Committee and announcement will be made later.

The personnel of the San Francisco Suggestion Committee is as follows: H. P. Livingston, chairman; Lee Soule, co-chairman; A. E. Ralston and B. Smirnoff, representing management; and Ted Kovacevic and Kenneth Becknell, representing labor.

"Organization"

Anonymous

"Organization," according to Webster, is "the executive structure and personnel of management." No company can function or grow unless satisfactory organization is maintained.

We, of Soulé Steel Company, should keep in mind that each employee has a job of his own to do—a job for which he is expressly suited. This job cannot be performed with any result if the individual is more interested in what Tom, Dick and Harry is doing than in seeing that his own job is done well.

Each person should do his own job, help others constructively wherever possible, and not spend his time reporting faults of others. Anyone may make mistakes—no one is infallible.

If the above idea is followed, an organization of personnel and management can build a company which can compete against all situations. Without such teamwork, the entire body of organization will be destroyed.

Photo: Howard Farber

Howard Farber, machinist helper, has been sent to the sticks . . . for the past several weeks Howard has been running a power saw on the north side of the middle "forty."

He says he is a bowler and promises to line up a team.

Photo: Melvin Horner

Melvin Horner has been busy the last 10 months installing Diesel engines in the L.C.M. Craft. He is now getting all set for the next batch.

Melvin named his YCK for his wife. At home he is busy raising chickens.

Los Angeles Suggestion Box

By Rob't W. Reno, Chairman

Los Angeles shop men are showing an increasing interest in submitting suggestions to the Management-Shop Committee.

Mr. Max Harms received the first cash award of five dollars for his idea of wearing hard hats in the shop. It's an idea which has already proved its merit. About a dozen new suggestions have been turned in and await action by the Committee at its next meeting. More are wanted; just drop them into the box.

The kind of idea most likely to be adopted and result in a cash award is one that relates to shop operations, methods and processes; time-saving and increasing efficiency. Ideas should be fundamental rather than being concerned with only one piece of material or one particular job.

Soule Salute

Photo: Salute to Andrew "Andy" Mayer, overhead crane operator at the Portland Plant. He has been with Soule Steel Company since November, 1930.

Grainger Leaves Los Angeles Plant (Continued from Page 3, Column 3)

said farewell to his corner office and has associated himself with Wm. J. Burke and Company.

Pop was one of the old guard, and as Chief Engineer of the reinforcing steel department he has guided the destiny of that department for about 20 years. Pop's leaving is a distinct loss and needless to say, everyone wishes him success in his new venture.

Veterans of the Portland Plant

Andy Mayer and Fred Schaad are two veterans of the Portland Plant. They started with the Soule Steel Company soon after the plant started operations in July of 1929.

Fred Schaad came to work with Soule Steel that July placing reinforcing steel. He continued in this work, occasionally helping out in the shop until he became Outside Superintendent.

When we started building Barges for the Navy, Fred went to work inside as foreman on the swing shift.

He lives with his wife and four children about 25 miles from Portland on a small farm, doing his farming during the day and working in the shop at night.

Andrew "Andy" Mayer, runner-up to Fred, came to work in the Portland Plant in November, 1930, as laborer and has been a steady employee. He is now operator of the overhead crane in the Plant.

Andy lives with his wife in a small home on a half acre east of town. He calls it his Victory Garden.

It takes men like these to build an up-and-coming organization.

Charley Sez **By Charles Reuser

The Editor tells me that he is putting a picture in the Salute that shows the Plate Shear and one that has me by the Flame Cutter. Those pictures will show that the Merchant Bar Department or as some fellows call it, the "Steel Jobbing Department," is still a-going. During these trying times we have kept our doors open, so to speak, and we're a good source of supply to the various shipyards, shops and industrials engaged in the war effort.

The Sales Office talks about "CMP" and I guess it has its good points because we have a fine stock of bars, structurals, plates, and hot rolled sheets. That means that we will be able to fill the orders of our trade friends.

Photo: Another Salute to Fred Schaad. He has been a part of Soule Steel since very soon after the Portland Plant began operations in July, 1929.

Garden Corner By Bill Irwin

The YCKs (Yardbirds Calloused Knees) are heading up well in the middle forty. What was once just a parking lot has now become a busy spot with YCKs and sprouts shooting up all over the place.

These YCKs are heavy feeders, require a lot of attention, grow best in heavy soil, and will mature in either sun or shade. No cultivation is necessary and very little water is needed during their development. However, after they are transplanted they require oceans of it.

They are started from slips (of paper, and gobs of it), are very sturdy, and resist all types of usual garden pests, insects or birds. Even though this sounds as if it should be duck-soup and a very easy product to raise, the 1943 class of gardeners should not attempt such an ambitious project in their own back yards.

Jap gardeners don't know anything about this crop yet, but they will learn—and it won't be the easy way.

Photo: On the Plate Shear from left to right are Abel Romero, Tony Shustoff, and "Andy" Fabbri.

Photo: In this photo you see a Pantograph Burner. Holding the template is Charles Reuser. The operator is John Boetto.

* * * * * * * Soule' Salute * * * * * * *

Kitchen Door Kanteen

"The Kitchen Door Kanteen"

Open the kitchen door this morning and come into our Kitchen Door Kanteen where savory things are happenin'. We opened the Kanteen for you women and girls who work at Soulé, and for you wives and mothers at home. We know what you're up against with rationing puzzles and lunch pail woes. So won't you come into the Kanteen and tell us what you'd like to find in it?

Your men are defenders of the home front. They travel on their stomachs and their stomachs travel on the food you give them. To help you over that case of "lunch pail ponderers," we are giving you a pattern to follow which will lend variety and healthful punch to the lunch pail.

Your lunch should give your war worker 1/3 of his daily food needs. 1000 to 1500 calories (the energy units by which food is measured) should go into this lunch. Always include the following:

2 sandwiches with fillings of meat, cheese, egg, peanut butter. (1 whole wheat and 1 enriched white bread).

1 piece of fruit—orange, apple, grapefruit, fruit salad mixed.

Vegetable—either as carrot strips, lettuce leaves, or mixed into the sandwiches.

1/2 to 1 pint milk.

Dessert — cake, pie, pudding (custard, etc.).

Hot soup or hot coffee may be included in thermos, if desired.

(Continued from Column 2)

But actually, to one person alone, can come the supreme satisfaction of knowing that he has won the undying love of a welder. That fortunate person is known as the chipper, so-called because he chips. Should you be a chipper, lucky boy, the first thing you do is to locate a welder in a hold, preferably a small one, in fact, preferably a small hold and a small welder. Adjourning to the outside of the hold, using a tape measure if necessary, calculate about where the welder's head is situated. Then apply your chipping gun to a point about where his ear should be. Press hard. He'll love you, really. When the soft, pulsating sound of the gun reaches him, he will glow. For you see, he knows then that someone besides himself is working.

Follow the sage advice given above and it will help. You will have, shall we say, an interesting career. And by the way, I have a cousin who sells life insurance, and I think you might be wise, that is to say, it would be a splendid idea—well drop around—I have some of his cards—

WHAT MAKES WELDERS WELDERS?

By Paul Hyner, welder, San Francisco Plant

An army of young people, all over the nation, have begun making their way into the war industries. Soulé Steel Company, together with all war plants, welcomes this young blood into its midst.

This is, perhaps, an opportune time to offer a few words of advice to our 'teen agers. Many of these innocents are getting a glimpse of the mechanics of war for the first time. For a while they won't have the faintest idea what it's all about. So let's take up a few subjects which may prove puzzling to them.

Firstly, the personnel (that's those guys walking around all over the place) and we will start by considering that rare species of wildlife, the welder.

The welder, obviously, is one who welds. Now, at the first startled glance, young friends, you may be perplexed at the queer contraption the welder has attached to his head, giving him the appearance of an ancient knight. Forget what you may have heard about this being a form of protection. Nothing of the sort. You see, welders at large, are a shy, unassuming lot. They crave some form of privacy in which to pursue their art, some little space away from it all. Hence, the little box around their heads.

During the lunch hour and before work, stay near the welders, absorbing all. From their sparkling conversation you will learn much. What fun, to hear them say "Lousy —should have used reverse polarity—ran a nice bead on the other side—Some so and so stole my stinger —better make a downpass first—I don't like to be catty, but have you seen his vertical ?"

Remember, arc welding is modern mechanical science's greatest contribution to our coming victory. So help the welder whenever possible. Here are some tips. There are three ways in which you can endear yourself. Firstly, if the welder is in a hold in a boat, and you know he has an electric light cord plugged in, pull his plug out and insert yours. He will just love it. Inching down the narrow hold, squeezing through a manhole, is exercise you see, and he loves exercise. When he finally emerges he will doubtless wear an expression on his face. He is happy. Exercise, you know.

Secondly, make sure the welder never trips over loose pieces of steel scattered on the floor. Sometimes a whole long string of these pieces will be lying where the welder is working. Clear them away. You may discover that these pieces are tacked to each other. Get your little hammer and chisel and break them loose. Nice work.

(Continued in Column 1)

Photo: **Congratulations, Gustav**

This is Gustav "Gus" Koriath, welder "extra-ordinary," who hasn't missed a day since starting to work at the Portland Plant last March 30th. The word "absentee" is missing from his vocabulary.

Gus glories in tough jobs — such as welding inside water-tight compartments.

MY BADGE

There's not a single day goes by That I, where none can see, Will gaze upon my badge and cry, "Ye Gods, is that thing me?" My looks ain't good, my looks ain't bad, But that's another story. If I were pictured as I am I'd have no cause for worry. But as it is, I'm quite a sight— They sure gave me the works. The things they do, it just ain't right, Those picture-taking jerks. The head's too long, the nose too big, I seem to have a fever, My hair's all wrong, just like a wig, I look more like a beaver. Now if that camera did you right, And you are quite contented; Just think of us who curse the night That darned thing was invented.

—The Milcor Mike.

* * * Soule' Salute * * *

ABOUT OUR PEOPLE (Continued from Page 8)

In these days of lighter building as well as other Naval Craft much of the light has been moved away from our field men who are also doing work that is vital to the war effort. Jack Rasor and his gang are doing their part in the construction of Military installations at Hunters Point, Oakland Naval Depot, Mare Island and other places. They are determined not to be put in the "Forgotten Man" class. Don't worry fellows, Jack Rasor keeps you in the picture. But seriously, how about one of you writing an article for the *Salute*?

TORRANCE

Mr. S. C. McCullough, better known as MAC, formerly STATE INSPECTOR, called us up the other day from Los Angeles. Mac is going to Carolina and did not have time to make the rounds, so would like to be remembered to all his friends at Soule.

* * *

We had a letter from Art Becker in reply to his receipt of the *Salute*. He says "The mountain scenery on this place, somewhere in the Northwest Pacific, is beautiful." He has gained 20 pounds in the "Fisherman's Paradise." And he wonders if anyone has heard from Joe Hornbach. Thinks we are doing a grand job and that the boys are certainly in need of all the support we can give them.

* * *

Floyd Ramsey was in to see us a few weeks ago prior to leaving for active duty. We hear now that he is in Scotland.

* * *

James W. Dowell who has been employed at the Torrance plant as a watchman for the past few years while going to

school was commissioned on June 9th as an Ensign in the Navy and at present is in New York at a Radar School for a month's training.

* * *

A. M. Dowell Jr., an older brother to James, and also a former employee, has made Pharm M 2/c and is now being transferred from San Diego, where he has been stationed for a year, to Seattle to take a six months' course in Lab work.

* * *

Sergeant Jesse Johnson has been at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, but is now back at Stinsons Field, San Antonio, Texas. We understand he is about to take on a little wedded bliss. Good luck, Jesse.

* * *

We will repeat again that we wish all the Boys in the Service the best of luck.

GIVE and TAKE

Some one had light fingers and helped themselves to an electric lantern from Fire Station Three at the S. F. Plant. And some person or persons unknown used the length of rope from the same station. Might as well mention that a reducing coupling has not been seen around its usual haunts. (Fire Station No. 3). DON'T take equipment from fire stations, except in case of FIRE. The maintenance department has all the necessary rope, lanterns, hose, etc., you need for utility purposes.

Story from Portland

"When Johnny Comes Marching Home."

This picture is Florence Viale and her "Johnny" who has just returned after nine months at Pearl Harbor with "Contractors, Pacific Naval Air Bases" repairing the damage done on December 7th.

Florence "rules the roost" in the shop office and Johnny is now a machine operator on the day shift.

You may guess from the smile on Florence's face that the most important moment in her life was when Johnny came home.

Incidentally, she is still waiting for the shirt that Herman bet that Johnny would not come back home.

Here's to Jack!

Jack Tuomy, who dropped in to say "hello" as he passed through Portland on his way to "Frisco," says he asked for sea duty aboard a destroyer and expects to be on the high seas soon.

He modestly admits that he is due for a promotion in the very near future.

Bon Voyage, Jack!

STAY SAFE OFF-THE-JOB, TOO

MAMA!! POP'S PLAYING WITH MY TOY!

*Photo: And why shouldn't they smile? Theirs is the love story you'll read in the next column.*

“Pop” isn’t performing a parlor trick—he’s trying to land without breaking his neck.

Half of the 30,500 home accident deaths last year were caused by falls. Like many home accidents, falls are often the fault of somebody other than the victim.

Children must be taught to pick up playthings when they are through with them. Adults can set an example by leaving nothing around, particularly on stairs and steps, that might cause someone to fall.

Falls are caused by grease or liquids on floors, soap in bathtubs, icy walks, broken steps, porches without handrails, dark hallways, makeshift ladders, unanchored rugs and cluttered or poorly lighted stairs.

Home accidents represent a shameful human waste—and you can help reduce this toll by making sure that neither you nor members of your family are injured or killed from YOUR carelessness. This is the patriotic duty of every member of every family.

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Soule' Salute

ABOUT OUR PEOPLE

LOS ANGELES

It was a bundle of boy—9 lbs. and 4 oz.—July 15th, for Mr. and Mrs. George Anderson. George is a welder and when his ship comes in we will tell you the sprout's name. As usual, the father is doing nicely.

PORTLAND

Walter Greene, welder on the swing shift, whistles while he works these days. The reason? Twin boys born on June 29th. Walt passed out twin cigars in honor of the event and then the swing shift presented a box to him with all good wishes.

* * *

Jim Moody seems to be somewhat of a soothsayer. He told Walt he hoped Mrs. Greene had twins. So if any of you fellows are on the outs with Jim, be careful or he may change your entire future for you.

SAN FRANCISCO

A mailing list for the Soule Salute is being made up of those who have left Soule Steel Company to enter the various branches of the service. The editor would appreciate getting names so no one will be overlooked.

* * *

Even in war training Soule employees stick together. Word comes to us that at Camp Peary, Virginia, Lieutenant Al Lowe and Chief Petty Officer Dick Ross are in the same regiment while Johnny Bellina is in the same camp. We all remember Lt. Al as our Sales Manager and Dick was one of Charlie Hoss's henchmen, while "Burn 'em up" Johnny was that artist with the burner tools.

* * *

The Soule Salute salutes a man of proven honesty. This man is George Kirk who returned to its owner a wallet containing $217. The wallet was discovered by George on the floor of the men's dressing room. Upon examining it, he found that it contained the money and papers and photos identifying it as belonging to Barney Fabbri. Not even knowing he had lost it, Barney was overjoyed to get it back. George was rewarded by Barney, who sure can lead old man Diogenes to the Honest Man.

* * *

Also a salute to Mrs. Meada Cestari, that pleasant lady who presides over the cash box in the Cafeteria. She recently became a Four Time Blood Donor. And thinks nothing of it. She also has her daughter going to the Blood Bank.

"Red" Duffy, that skillful operator of the cherry picker is a good guy to know. He recently bought a cottage on the Russian River. You all know that that is the vacation country par excellence in these parts. Charlie Hoss said "all are invited." (Editor's Note: You notice, Red, we did not say where on the Russian River.)

* * *

(Mrs.) Jean Bramwell, who had been our PBX operator found it necessary to say good-bye to us. During her reign at the switchboard keys her friendliness and pleasant disposition made many friends for her and we're sorry to have her leave us. We hope that the new little arrival will be what you and Vern are wishing for, Jean.

* * *

(Mrs.) Marie Cushing has succeeded Mrs. Bramwell at the switchboard and we all know that all join us in welcoming her to the Soule Family. Mrs. Cushing hails from "Joisey" and she has confided to us that the mosquitoes there are so big that they carry grindstones on their back to sharpen their beaks.

* * *

Julia Baciocco, we are informed, is having the old wedding bells tuned up to play for her wedding to a "grand fellow" in the Merchant Marine.

* * *

That handsome officer visiting "Con" Mihalakis recently was none other than Lieutenant Agis I. Mihalakis, the "Sheik" of the Family. The Lieutenant is a former Soule-ite. He left us to enter the Army; going to Officers' School, he came out a "Shavetail." One of the local evening papers recently had quite an article about him. It referred to his feats on the wrestling mat and his flair for writing. Just shows that we never know what celebrity we may be working with.

* * *

Open letter to Charles Katleba —"Your notice of change of address was received and if you receive this copy of the Salute you will note that the change has been made. Thanks for sending it. We would appreciate it if all Soule service men would advise us of changes in address. (Signed) The Editor." For the information of any one wanting it we give you readers the new address — Charles Katleba, NTS Diesel, Naval Armory, Detroit, Michigan.

* * *

"AXIS HAS INVASION JITTERS."

So read the papers recently. Paul Graham of the Sash Shipping Dept. also had the Invasion Jitters. And we mean he had them bad. At 7:40 a.m. Saturday, July 10th, the Graham family had an Infantry Invasion. A slow lumbering Bomber type Stork 1943 dropped an eight-pound six-ounce, wildly yelling paratrooper right smack bang on the Grahams. A heavy rescue squad, after great difficulty, restored Paul to normalcy. Mother and Son are doing well and soon Paul will show you pictures of his "future President."

* * *

"Gabe" Kureon, that big "guy" in the Welders Brigade, would have been a big man if he hadn't smoked when he was little. Incidentally, Gabe is pretty proficient at sketching and who knows, maybe some day he will make sketches of people around the plant.

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A recent visitor to the San Francisco Plant was Stanley Soule who is home for a visit before going to Camp Davis, North Carolina, for specialized training. Stanley entered the Army as a private and we are pleased to see that he now has First Lieutenant's bars. We extend our congratulations, Stanley.

Mr. Soule tells us that his other son in the service, Private Howard Soule, is in Company "A" of the 756 Railway Shop Battalion which is stationed at Camp Mil-lard, Bucyrus, Ohio. What's this we hear about railways in the Army? We thought the Army traveled on its stomach.

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A letter was received from Air Cadet John Herzog, and he is now stationed at Minter Field, Bakersfield. He writes that he has been receiving the Salute—but late, due to his change of address. Also tells us that he passed Primary O.K. and came out with one crackup to his credit—washed the plane completely, but didn't get a scratch. In about 3 weeks he is due for advance training where he will apply for four motor heavy bombardment.

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Vic Abel stopped in to see the boys. He is sporting a P.F.C. hash mark. Vic is the fellow who made those posters you see around the plant, those of the Jap (Boooo) with the big teeth. Maybe he will make some pen and ink sketches for the Salute.

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We Editors have been wond'ring how you folks are reacting to our attempts at journalism. The Salute being a bit late in reaching you, we found out that you are all waiting for its appearance. That to us is an indication of interest and while that interest shows we will bear down harder and try to make it more interesting from month to month. (Continued on Page 7, Column 1)

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