July 1943

SOULE SALUTE

VOL. 1, NO. 3 Published Regularly by and for Soule Steel War Workers JULY, 1943

Heroes of the Pacific Speak for Soule Navy Rally

By Jorge's Orgibet

Heroes of the Pacific war thrilled and inspired San Francisco plant workers at the Navy Rally, June 4, when they told of the magnificent job Soule invasion craft are doing on widespread battlefronts.

"You're giving us the stuff to win this war." "You're doing a fine job—don't let down." "Because we have guys like you back of us, we'll win." "Stick to your guns—we'll stick to ours."

Those were the sentiments of the Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard men who have used these invasion boats in the Southwest Pacific. They told of Guadalcanal landings, of coastal patrols, of the Coral Sea, and how Jap subs have been sunk by depth (Continued on Page 3, Column 1)

*Above: San Francisco plant workers listen to Navy Signalman Jack Warner as he tells of the sinking of the Lexington, which he survived. Referring to the gallant ship as the "Grand Old Lady," Signalman Warner made more than one listener wipe away a tear.*

Dust the Mystical Dream Book

Portland reports a feature this time that's guaranteed to make your heart do a triple flip, and come up beating stronger and prouder than ever. It is a story about Alexander Borho—and we'll let Portland tell it: (You'll find Mr. Borho's picture on Page Six).

"He has three sons in the Army Air Corps and one in the Navy Air Force.

"His oldest son is in North Africa, and went through the Tunisian Campaign as a (Continued on Page 7, Column 2)

*Right: Ted Kovacevic points out to Navy guests what the boys of the home front are doing. Reading left to right—Kovacevic, Coast Guard Machinist Mate Reginald Tiller, Lt. (jg) Doris Yetter, Navy Signalman Jack Warner, Corp. George Arm, U. S. Marine Corps and Kenny Becknell.*

Soule' Salute

**SOULE SALUTE** Vol. I No. 3 Published Regularly by and for Soule 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 Art Carter Eddie Dugan Ted Jones Charles La Fevre Dorothy Olsen Margie Petersen George Thomas

San Francisco Kenny Becknell Nellie Buchan Ed Eschenauer Paul Hyner Jorges Orgibet Charles Reuser

Portland James Moody La Voice (Buck) Portwood

Torrance Joe Romera A. M. Dowell

NEW ASSOCIATE EDITORS

The San Francisco Editor is very happy to announce the appointment of Jorges Orgibet of the pre-fab shop and Paul Hyner of the lighter department as Associate Editors. Both men are experienced in journalistic work and we feel very fortunate that we are able to add them to our staff.

Orgibet, in addition to having been editor of several publications, was publicity man for several of the "movie" stars.

Hyner was on the staff of his high school paper and later contributed articles to the peninsular paper.

S'cuse It Pulease!

We did it again! On the large picture inside of June 1st issue—the one with the entire shop crew, the caption states "for delivery to the Builders' Yard."

This should have been "for delivery for trial runs and acceptance by the Navy." We put on the dunce cap for this one.

IN OUR CAFETERIA

New Worker: (from the sticks) "I'd like a dollar dinner, please." Counter Lady: "Yes, sir. On white or rye bread, sir?"

* * *

Mrs.: "This cheese is full of holes." Mr.: "It needs all the fresh air it can get."

Man of the Month

Photo: H. A. "Hal" BRISTOL U. S. Navy Inspector, Portland Plant

This month we fire off a salvo for "Hal" Bristol, at the Portland Plant. "Hal" is U. S. Navy Inspector and rates a toot from the *Salute* for the very nice compliment he has paid the boys, who are putting out the work there. Here is what he had to say:

"The building of YCK Barges at the Soule Steel Plant in Portland, Oregon, has been done in complete accordance with Navy specifications. It is a real pleasure to work with an organization giving such co-operation."

We know the little woman will be glad to sew the buttons back on when they pop off from praise such as this.

LOS ANGELES SEES INVASION FILM

A short while ago the entire shop and office force of Los Angeles were given the opportunity of seeing a motion picture showing actual scenes occurring during the invasion and occupation of a tropical island.

Besides giving the boys some idea of what is expected and accomplished by a task force, the picture emphasized the extreme care that must be exercised by the home forces to see that no defective material or parts be permitted to reach the Armed Forces.

The picture gave the boys a real lift and made them more determined than ever to —"Git thar fustest, with the mostest—of the bestest."

Staying Home Today? By Val Normile

Noticing at times, the number of men in front of the Personnel Office getting their time cards after an absence and reading in the newspapers about that word, "Absenteeism" used quite frequently these days, I thought I'd try to get some statistics covering that subject as regards our Plant. I got the statistics all right and they sure were astounding. So much so, that I felt all you men in the Plant would be as surprised as I was when you would see them and thought this would be a good way of setting them before you.

The average daily number of employees absent during the month of May was twenty! Going further, I found the above figures meant the absentee man-hours lost during the month of May came to 5172 hours. Boiling it all down, means that enough man-hours were lost in this Plant during May to almost complete a Lighter, so badly needed by our Armed Forces.

The early part of June we had a Navy Rally, at which time we heard Navy men, a Marine, and a Navy Nurse tell in a modest way some of the "Hell" of war. Their stories of privations, dangers, and other phases of warfare that removes all of its glamour should have awakened every bit of decency within us and urged us to think twice before we became an "Absentee."

Are we doing our part to help those fellows who are giving their lives or arms, or legs, or eyesight, or going through "Hell"? It certainly doesn't look like it, after seeing the figures I quoted. Maybe it requires a bombing or a few mangled remains of some neighborhood kid or maybe some one near to us placed on exhibition to make us realize we are in a war. Let's think twice before we stay home and only do so when it becomes *really* necessary.

Welcome to Soule'

The hand of welcome and friendship is extended to Benjamin Martin, Specialist (O) First Class of the U. S. Navy. "Ben" is Navy inspector of Lighters and is the fellow in Navy Blues we see around the San Francisco plant. He hardly "rates" an introduction, however, as he at one time was employed in the sash factory of Soule Steel. Several years ago Ben became affiliated with Basalt Rock Company, eventually becoming a civilian Navy inspector. He later joined the Navy as an inspector with the rank of specialist and in the course of time was assigned to duty in our plant.

Soule' Salute

Heroes of Pacific (Continued from Page 1)

bombs from these lighters. They described the seaworthiness, versatility, and ruggedness of the craft. And they brought first-hand accounts from the battlefronts.

Lee Soule, general superintendent, opened the program by introducing Lt. Commander M. C. Atkinson, the navy program director. Atkinson keyed the rally's twofold purpose—to thank Soule workers for the fine job they are doing, and to bring before them heroes of the South Pacific who have used the invasion craft being built here.

Navy Signalman Jack Warner, who served with Admiral Halsey and who survived the sinking of the U. S. S. Lexington, told of the Coral Sea battles. He stated, "Fighting is no fun, although we ought to tell you about it." And he did. "But remember, your job here is important. You are the most important link. You're doing a swell job. Keep it up—and thanks from the Navy."

Coast Guard Machinist Mate Reginald Tiller, who piloted an invasion craft at Guadalcanal, told how they were used on sub patrol duty. One of the boats, he said, depth bombed and sank a Jap sub, and in so doing had its own bottom blown out. The crew was saved.

Below: Anyone who sees this picture and doesn't bust a button just hasn't any pride. Yep, that's our boys landing at Massacre Bay in Attu, and brother, they mean business. Look at the boats bringing more men and equipment. Any of them look familiar? Thought so. (AP wire photo—Bill Irwin thinks these are LA boats—how about SF?)

One of the highlights of the program was the appearance of Lt. (j.g.) Doris Yetter, one of the four navy nurses recently returned to this country after spending six months in a Japanese prison camp. Stationed at Guam, she was captured two days after Pearl Harbor and taken to the prison in Japan a month later. Telling of prison horrors and of the "brutal enemy," she declared, "I wish I could speed victory to bring freedom to those American prisoners who are still in Japan."

Warning that everybody in and out of uniform must be actively engaged in the war effort, she said, "We are against a cruel and brutal enemy, and it will be a long, hard war. We must all redouble our efforts. Don't let down!"

Corp. George Arm, the fifth Marine to land on Guadalcanal, told of the battle of Bloody Knoll there. He described the important role the invasion barges played in the Guadalcanal victory. "We have a lot of work to do," Arm declared, "I'm proud of labor. You're doing a fine job. We'll win because we won't fail each other."

Kenneth Becknell, labor representative on the Labor-Management committee and layerout in the lighter department, speaking for Soule workers, replied that although the boys have done a good job in the past, they fully intend to do even a better job in the future.

Photo: Above: Write your own title. It is Eddie Dugan, of the Los Angeles plant, (left below) telling Elmo Clark how to unload a truck.

The rally was held from 12 until 12:30 p. m. in the main gate yard. Especially erected for the affair was a beautifully decorated stage whose theme-piece was a huge Victory V.

Prior to the rally the honor guests toured the plant and talked with workers in all departments. Luncheon was served to the party following the rally in the Cafeteria with Lee Soule acting as host to the visiting notables. The rally was covered by reporters and photographers from The San Francisco News, The Chronicle, and by the editors of Western Construction News and Western Industry.

Photo: Above: "Good work!" says Lt. Doris Yetter to Bill Garlick, left, and Victor Hansen, right, as the trio pause for a moment to chat as the visitors go through the San Francisco plant.

Photo: Below: Ted Kovacevic and Machinist Mate Reginald Tiller find something in common in their interest in the production and operation of naval craft. "You're doing a great job," commended Tiller.

Photo: Above: Keep it up? "You bet we will!" signals Frank Menges who is "wishing" up a crane load to operator Angelo Pardini who was high and outside for this picture.

Shop where dies and jigs for the shop are made. At the nd watching the operation is Foreman Earl Pingrey.

*Photo: Below: Interest in what Marine Corp. George Arm has to say is reflected in the faces of his listeners. Said Arm of his cospeakers, Coast Guardsman Tiller and Navyman Warner: "I could pay these men no greater compliment than to say they would make good Marines."*

*Photo: Above: Navy Signalman Jack Warner just spied the ladies as this picture was taken. But, from what we hear, the ladies spied him first. Several ladies had "patriotic palpitations" when the red-beaded speaker glanced their way. Navyman Warner stands before the "mike" on the stage especially constructed for the rally. Flanking him are visitors and plant officials.*

s," nny ers rp. Lt. ith

*Photo: Right: Here is a picture so vividly described by the visitors—invasion craft in action with United States Rangers' gun-crew aboard. The picture was taken along the African coast line a short distance from Oran, Algeria. Do you recognize the boat? L.A.? S.F.?*

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Soule' Salute ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

GIVE and TAKE

Three men fell on their faces in the sand and as the prospector helped them up he heard one gasp, "I ... must ... push ... on." "I've been in the Mojave desert for thirty years," said the prospector, "and I've never seen such a sight." After he had revived them, the three men told him their story, which he sent on to us for publication in this issue: "We're welders—we took the street car out Potrero Street to Army Street, got off at the red Soule sign, and followed the arrow. That was a week ago, and we've been hiking ever since."

* * *

Note to First Aid Department—Have smelling salts close to candy vending machine 'cause someday someone is going to drop in a nickel a full day and a half after the candy vendor has been there and may get a bar of candy. Blooey! He'll faint.

* * *

EXTRA - SOULE SALUTE ### GOES TO COLLEGE

A letter received from the Stanford University Libraries reads in part — "Will you kindly place my name on your mailing list to receive two copies of each issue beginning with No. 1. One of these is wanted for our Hoover Library and the other I wish to send to the Yale University Library. Both files will be bound and preserved as a part of the history of our times."— (Signed) Dr. Nathan van Patten, director. Soule Salute feels highly honored that it will become a part of the history of these times at such great institutions of learning as Stanford and Yale.

* * *

NO. 50 OUT ON TIME!

This is not the calm remark of a train dispatcher but the momentous announcement is that the fiftieth landing craft, which is No. 10 of Vol. 2, of the Los Angeles program, has been delivered to the Navy right smack dab on schedule. Congratulations to all those who made this possible.

Worker: (looking at coffee) "I don't want this coffee, it looks like mud." Counter Lady: (smiling sweetly) "What do you expect, it was just ground."

* * *

Vacationist: "Any big men born here?" Native: "Nope. Not very progressive around here, best we kin do is babies. Different in the city I s'pose."

Get Your "Welding-Art" Degree at Soule'

*By Arthur F. Eichorn*

Because of the critical shortage of manpower in the Bay Area, the San Francisco plant is following the method of training unskilled men in the art of welding, which has been adopted by the local ship-building yards.

A welding school has been set up in the shop. It consists of eight booths, which handle two four-hour shifts. Each student attends school four hours a day, spending the remainder of his time at a regular job. When he has mastered the fundamentals of welding he is sent to work in one of the various departments in the shop as a tacker. Then he is given the Navy welding test; having passed this, he is considered a certified welder and receives $1.20 per hour.

It has been found that only two out of ten men lack the ability to learn this trade. An average of only sixty hours' training is required before the student is capable of handling a tacker's job. During his training period, he is taught the proper method of welding in all positions, how to adjust his welding machine, and all safety precautions.

All equipment used during the course is supplied by the company.

The school is under the supervision of Gabe Kureon, who is doing a fine job of teaching.

IT COULD HAPPEN HERE

Visitor: (in Defense Plant) "Look at that youngster, the one with the cropped hair, the cigarette and trousers on. It's hard to tell whether it's a boy or a girl." War Worker: "She's a girl and she's my daughter." Visitor: "My dear sir, do forgive me. I would never have been so outspoken if I had known you were her father." War Worker: "I'm not her father, I'm her mother!"

* * *

Here's a conversation overheard at one of the local blood banks: A young man, after donating his blood, was recuperating under the influence of a strong, black cup of coffee and a cigarette and remarked to his neighbor: "No one can say that I am unpatriotic now that I have given a pint of blood." A young nurse who happened to be passing by overheard his remark, and very bitingly retorted: "Yes, Bud, but remember you gave yours the easy way."

Photo: ALEXANDER BORHO *Father of three sons in the Army Air Corps and one in the Naval Air Force.*

"VITAL STATISTICS"

Jim Moody, of the Portland Plant, is passing out cigars. The new "deduction" was born on June 13th, and her name is Carol Nedra.

* * *

Another event in Los Angeles—Mr. and Mrs. James Evans' 6 1/2-pound daughter, arrived on May 16th. Jim—Eddie Cantor is still two up on you.

Suggestion Boxes

Mr. N. E. Dawson has announced the appointment of a committee to pass upon all suggestions received in the Los Angeles plant.

This committee consists of R. W. Reno, chairman; V. E. Simhauser and K. H. Downs, representing management; George Stricker and Philip Kreile, representing shop.

Latest information is that practically all the boxes in each plant are installed. However, as there have been no committee meetings as yet, we have nothing to report. There will be some results for you in the next issue.

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Soule' Salute

About Our People (Continued from Page 8)

to enter the Armed Service. We hope he sends in some news items. Good luck to you, Lewis.

* * *

A good authority informs us that Walter Christie, who was manager of the Fabrication Department before he became a First Lieutenant in the Army, is now a Major. And our informant said that his informant said that Walt was a darn good Major. Congratulations, Walt!

* * *

The Navy sure can pick them. That was proven when Louis Pagan, a field iron worker, went up for induction into the Service. They saw this specimen of good looking, husky manhood, and said, "Tag, you're it." He understands that he is to be sent to Farragut in Idaho, where a former coworker, Andy Rasmussen, is located. Luck from us, Louis.

TORRANCE

While we have been reading this issue we have been thinking of a phrase which goes "From little acorns great oaks grow" and so are wondering if the "Soule Salute" will grow just in the same manner as Soule Steel has grown.

* * *

Torrance says that they have received both of the former issues of this newspaper and think it is really fine. Quote—"We have been wondering if we could not have a photo of the gentleman who put the Soule in the Soule Salute—namely Mr. E. L. Soule—in one of the issues in the near future."—Unquote.

* * *

If Dick Entwisle, down L. A. way, will take salt and put it on the snails and gophers, we will gamble that he will get rid of them.

* * *

We, of the Torrance Plant, feel that we have something to be proud about these days for we received an announcement from Luke's Field, Arizona, of the graduation of Floyd Ramsey to Pilot with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

We think highly of Floyd and know that he got his commission the hard way. Floyd was inducted into the Armed Forces and in a very short time was made a sergeant. He then joined the Air Corps and started off again at the bottom of the rank as a cadet. But, knowing him as we do, we never had any doubt as to his ability and knew he would go through okay. Here's congratulations and best wishes to 2nd Lieutenant Ramsey.

Charles Ramsey, who is one of the oldest employees of the Torrance Plant, is Floyd's dad.

* * *

We had a visit at Torrance the other day from Mr. S. C. McCullough. Mac, as he is known to the boys in the plant, has been State Inspector for years, but resigned in March to enter the service of Uncle Sam.

Mac is 1st Lieutenant in an anti-aircraft battery and at present is stationed in San Diego. He served as 2nd Lieutenant in World War I.

He writes that he is feeling fine but has lost some weight (which we think is good for him) ; wishes to be remembered to all his friends up at the Main Office. Well, here is wishing Mac all the luck in the world, from all of us.

Dust the Mystical Dream Book (Continued from Page 1)

bombardier. Borho tells the following story which occurred while his oldest son was still in training in this country.

"Mr. Borho had a vivid dream in which he saw his son fall out of a plane during a practice flight. The next day he read about the crash of a training plane from the same field at which his son was stationed. All members of the crew were killed. While waiting for official notice of his son's death, he received a letter from his son telling him that he had had orders to go up in the fatal plane but at the last minute was transferred to another plane."

J.A. KOEHL NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

STAY SAFE OFF THE JOB, TOO!

Smoking in bed is fun, if you like it. Your troubles seem far away when you see them through a fog of blue smoke as you lie back in comfort.

But every cigarette or cigar or pipeful you smoke in bed carries the chance of death. In the first place, you are relaxed and ready for a sock in the jaw from Old Man Sleep.

Unwatched and out of control, fire can gut your home, cause the death or injury of members of your family, and kill you.

Can, did we say? Did kill and injure thousands of people last year—and the year before that.

If you're a smoker, watch both the smokes and the matches, and don't smoke in bed!

Photo: Above: Showing a lay-out crew in the Pre-fabricating section. The men in the picture, from left to right, are: Al Williams, Al Firpo, J. Hackley, A. J. Terry, and Paul Slowik.

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Soule' Salute

ABOUT OUR PEOPLE

LOS ANGELES

Bill Kingsbury, Captain Corps Engineers, who is stationed at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, has written us. During the recent floods he took his regiment up to Eastern Arkansas and worked on "Ole Man River."

* * *

The first man to be drafted into the U. S. Army from the Los Angeles plant was Edward Rice. He was inducted into the service in September, 1941, and was later sent to Officer's Training School, where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. We would like to "salute" him if anyone knows his present address.

PORTLAND

We notice from an article in the May Salute that Rena is buying Defense Stamps these days. We, at Portland, have been wondering if the Defense Stamp business suffered a slump during Herman's recent visit to Portland.

* * *

When the "Big Boss, himself" recently visited in Portland, our Florence, who presides over the Warehouse Office, made the following remark, "I was frozen to my chair. I couldn't have gotten out of it if my life had depended on it." Cheer up, Florence, we all get stage fright once in a while.

* * *

Mel Bush, who gave up engineering at the Portland plant to help Uncle Sam with the Sea Bees, dropped in at the Portland office with his family. Latest known address is: Camp Peary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

* * *

Dick Tritz and Lionel Odom have left the Portland plant to join the Navy and Army, respectively.

* * *

Jack Tuomy, another engineer from the Portland plant, is now an Ensign in the Navy, stationed at the U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. He came to Portland for a visit before returning to Annapolis as an instructor.

SAN FRANCISCO

Bill Knafla, chief guard at S. F., claims that his fire-arm is a "hoss" pistol he raised from a Colt.

* * *

Andy Rasmussen, who was one of Jack Rasor's steel carriers and now a Navy "boot" at Camp Petersen, has been contacted to send on cartoons and sketches of camp experiences.

* * *

"Sil" Selig, our busy purchasing agent, who, in his leisure hours is a Captain of the San Bruno Fire Department, and Chief of the Soule Fire Brigade, should get the fire-man's medal for bravery. Recently a big fire destroyed a house and nine lives were imperiled. "Sil" made the rescue! But on checking up we find it was a play-house in a back yard and lives saved was a cat.

* * *

The roving reporter, while looking for news found some maintenance department men soldering a gas tank. He didn't stay around to "cover" it. P.S.—It didn't happen.

* * *

Herbert Lange, that talented actor of juvenile parts, who is employed in the engineering department is (in the words of Winchell), "infanticipating." Certainly we mean Herbie AND his wife, dope.

* * *

We have had father and son combinations, but now we have a father-daughter combination. We believe this is the first in the history of this office. Father is Cecil Rouse, of the Expanded Metal Department, and daughter is Maurine.

* * *

Any one wishing a day in the rolling hills of Napa can have same by applying to Miss Viola Pauley, the feminine member of the purchasing agent trio. Her 400-acre ranch is open to all and she says she will provide free eats — AND plenty of work.

* * *

"Tiny" Scheiler, the guy that gets the stuff in after it has been bought, or in formal terms "Expeditor" had an anxious day recently. One morning as his parents were enroute to their place of business, their cab had a collision and both parents were painfully injured. True to his title, "Tiny" got busy and is "expediting" them to recovery.

* * *

We are happy to welcome back to our organization, Esther Keller, who apparently missed us enough to want to come back to the accounting department at San Francisco.

* * *

Emma Kochart, one of the charming ladies of the payroll department at San Francisco, was pleasantly surprised when her associates observed her birthday anniversary with a cake. She admits to twenty-five summers.

* * *

A letter was received from Air Cadet Roy Williams, who is training at Santa Ana, to be one of those "Birds" to clear out Tokyo. Telling of his experience, Roy mentions that he had to go on M.M., and went on to explain that it meant Mess Management. (Editor's Note—we used to call it K.P.) He is champing at the bit to get to Santa Monica. Food at the Base is good—and from his own knowledge the coffee is not tampered with!

* * *

"Burn 'Em Up" John Bellina, now in training with the "Sea Bees" at Camp Peary, Va., recently made a visit to Richmond. While there, he did some fancy singing and as a result won first prize, which was a phone call home. Unfortunately no one was there, so the call was not completed. Now Mother Bellina won't leave the house because she knows John will win another prize and she wants to be there to say "Hello."

* * *

Among the Navy boys who have paid us recent visits are Roy Hargrave, who is a Storekeeper at Treasure Island; Jack Littleton, a Pharmacist Mate at the same place, and L. Steiger, who is a Sea Bee. Steiger ran across Dick Ross, who was one of Charlie Hoss' men. Also met Charlie Lee, who at one time was in the sash factory. If anyone has Charlie's address, please give it to the Editor for mailing file.

* * *

Lewis Halpin, one of the engineers, left (Continued on Page 7, Column 1)

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