November 1943

IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS SS Co # SOULE SALUTE VOL. I, NO. 7 Published Regularly by and for Soule Steel War Workers NOVEMBER, 1943

THE NEW PRIZE WAR WORKER

A new kind of war worker has come into American industry within the past few months. He is heartily welcomed wherever he appears and is now being sought by all of the companies familiar with his significant contributions to morale and production.

This newcomer is eager, cooperative, and devoted to his job with a remarkable intensity of spirit and energy. He knows "what it's all about" and reveals by what he does a deep understanding and appreciation of the ultimate meaning and effect of every little detail. This war is his war and he talks and lives each hour as though its outcome depended almost entirely upon him.

We first heard of this new war worker at the Ford bomber plant. Mr. Sorenson was enthusiastic about him and determined to get as many more like him as possible. It appears that improved conditions automatically attend his presence everywhere.

His example has a stimulating and highly constructive effect upon the attitude of those who come within the sphere of his influence.

Our manpower problems, it has been said, would be largely solved if every war worker realized as this newcomer does how inexorably and intimately his daily effort, (Continued on Page 5)

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY

To be respected as an American . . . live up to the ideals of Americanism. Protect that which you have. Back the boys at the front and at sea by buying War Bonds and Stamps. Help them get their implements of warfare by staying on the job. Think twice before you obey that impulse to stay home from work.

Saturday Jews from Denmark *Photo: Landing Boats Rushed* WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (UP)—The Navy is shunting aside part of its destroyer escort construction program to speed the building of landing boats which will be needed by the thousands for invasions in the European and Pacific areas, it has been revealed.

*Photo: Steel-helmeted Coast Guardsmen . . . Somewhere on the Pacific . . . aboard an invasion lighter, stand ready to repel the enemy. Men of the Coast Guard played an important part in the landing of the Marines on the Solomon Islands. Official U. S. Coast Guard Photograph*

Soule' Salute

SOULE SALUTE

Vol. I No. 7 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 San Francisco Art Carter Art Eichorn Eddie Dugan Paul Hyner Ted Jones Gabe Kureon Charles La Fevre Joe Romero Dorothy Olsen Marion Sheehy George Thomas Portland Torrance Ernest Hoecker A. M. Dowell John Vaile

WATCH OUT! LIVE WIRE! AXIOM!

THEY MET! By Joe Romero

Here's a story that carries a bit of "human interest" for Soule Salute readers . . . especially to those of you who know the principals.

Last year Dick Romero, a former Soule employee, was sent to Africa with the first invasion force. A few months ago his brother, Mervin Ferguson, who also worked at Soule until his induction into the U. S. Army, was sent to Africa. Immediately upon his arrival there he began making inquiry to find out where brother Dick was stationed. He learned that they were far apart and chance of their meeting was slight.

Eventually, through letters from home, Dick was informed that Mervin was in Africa and began a search for him. Meanwhile Mervin was transferred to another camp. Not long ago Dick was talking with an officer in a town not far from his camp, and was amazed to learn that his brother was in the officer's company.

It didn't take him long to hurry to Mervin's camp and locate his brother. Imagine how these two brothers, who hadn't seen each other in over a year, felt on this first meeting! Dick, who went through the Tunisian campaign and was, by the way, cited for bravery, probably had a lot of interesting details to tell Mervin . . . and Mervin had just as interesting news from home to tell Dick.

MAN-OF-THE-MONTH

Photo: FRED TRANKLE of Los Angeles is really an old timer! September marked his twentieth anniversary with Soule Steel Company. He was hired at the Torrance Plant in 1923 and now is in charge of all Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance. He also serves on the Safety Committee and is regarded as one of our most trusted and reliable employees.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that there has been more fire loss in the United States since Pearl Harbor than the English had in London during the Big Blitz?

Did you know that industrial losses in the United States run into millions due to exaggerated "horse play"? This statement was made by F. B. I. Director J. Edgar Hoover.

The Los Angeles Paint and Cleanup Crew . . . (Charlie Lefevre's pets) . . . finish policing and painting landing craft before sending them on their way. Left to right, back row: Peter Haralambou, Pancho Villa Ochoa, Chester Bowman, Rollo Barnett and Joe Earlywine. Front row: Layman Manning, Merlin Rice, Irving Gore, Severino Tolentino and Jim Taylor.

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About Our People

SAN FRANCISCO E. B. McClure of the Sales Department had a very unpleasant experience lately. The door to his garage entrance was broken open and his car stolen. This in spite of the fact that the car doors and the ignition were locked. Efficient work on the part of the Police Department recovered the car. When "Mac" went to get the car he found a door window broken and the ignition switch destroyed. But the worst blow was the loss of his gas ration coupons which he had left in the glove compartment.

those we know of. That colleen in the Navy Inspector's Office, the former Miss Lorraine Kerrigan, is now Mrs. Russell. Sure and it's proud she is to be a Navy wife. "Red" is one of those boys in blue for whom we are building LCM's.

The second marriage report is that of the former Miss Julia Baciocco, of the Purchasing Department. This charming lady is now Mrs. Taylor. Husband Earl Taylor is a member of the Maritime Service . . . one of the lads known as "delivery boys" because they deliver the goods to our forces and Allies.

WHOSIT? What certain shop man has been bringing bouquets of roses to what certain group of girls in what department?

What foreman, a member of the Safety Committee, after leaving a Safety Meeting, was seen grinding and burning without safety glasses?

What Plant Safety Inspector was seen riding the "Jeep" when he knows only authorized persons may do so?

What certain member of Jack Rasor's crew of Iron Workers on the Albers job expects a little bundle of happiness soon?

Photo: The press brake is the machine that bends steel plates that help to make the thingamabobs that work the whatchamacallits that are going to win the war. At the Press Brake, in San Francisco, are, left to right: Val Stepisnik, Robert Bonebero, George Fisber and Roy Fisber.

Islais Creek Yard claims the honor of having the "long and short of it". The "short" is represented by Al Firpo who is five feet five inches, the "long" is represented by Bill Brock, a newcomer who is six feet eight inches tall. Al says that he has to climb a ladder when he wants to give Bill instructions. Bill, on the other hand, claims his height is very useful when he wants to look over crowds at parades, etc. And too, he has the knowledge that people must constantly look up to him.

Buy War Bonds We must not overlook recent marriages that took place around here. At least, not

Frank Cercos, who ran a crane in the shop before going into the Army, writes to us from Fort Knox, Kentucky. Although he is stationed in the Tank Corps, he claims he walks about twice as much as he rides . . . so don't picture him astride a tank. He adds: "Give my regards to all the boys . . . tell them to stick at Soulé . . . it's heaven there."

Buy War Bonds Among the proud fathers in the plant is Bob Behlow, our receiving clerk. Reason? His daughter, Barbara, is now a member of the Waves, in training at an Eastern College.

Buy War Bonds A letter was received from Captain H. J. Johnson who was foreman of the Pre-fab department before he accepted a commission with the U. S. Engineers. The Captain, in acknowledging receipt of the Salute, writes that he has just returned from the Southwest Pacific theatres of War and is now stationed at Geiger Field, Washington.

What the Captain did not write . . . but which we heard from other sources . . . is that he had been wounded while in an action that awarded him a promotion and the Purple Heart Medal.

Congratulations, Captain. And we're happy to know you are up and ready to be at 'em again. Best wishes and good luck. We're proud to know you. (Continued on Page 6)

SAFETY RULES WEREN'T MEANT FOR ME!

YOU CAN DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING RIGHT AT THE PLANT

* Selections are limited this year, and early shoppers will naturally get the best available merchandise. * Manpower demands have reduced store staffs and make impossible the usual practice of putting on extra clerks for Christmas. * Crowds are colossal . . . probably larger now than ever. * Street cars and busses? . . . you know the answer to that one. * Gasoline supply is more restricted. * Deliveries have been cut to two per week to any one district and limited to packages weighing more than five pounds. * Trains jammed with priority war materials cannot handle a greatly increased volume of Christmas mail.

There they are . . . plenty of arguments in favor of doing your Christmas Shopping EARLY this year. And here's an idea on how to do it EASILY. Give War Bonds and Stamps exclusively and the only shopping tour you'll have to take is to the Personnel Office.

There's the gift that will make a hit with everyone on your Christmas list . . . because they really want what that gift represents . . . Peace, Freedom and Security. Remember the prize package under this year's Christmas Tree is a United States War Bond.

Photo: Fedala, French Morocco—U. S. landing barges speed shoreward off Fedala, French Morocco, during landing operations there. Note expressions on the faces of the two men in the foreground. Fedala is about 15 miles north of Casablanca, key French Moroccan city. Official U. S. Navy Photograph

THE GOOD OLD DAYS ### by ART EICHORN

Do you remember when we worked a forty hour week with two days off in a row? Boy, that was a real week-end! You could take a few dollars and take your wife out on Saturday evening . . . and really have a time.

I happened to be over in the sash department a few days ago and in the place where I used to stand and make factory vents now stands a welding shool. There, in the racks gathering dust, were all the stock bars used to construct factory sash.

A few years ago when the eight o'clock whistle blew you would grab a few from this rack, a few from that one. Then you would stack the bars in piles on your table, grab a hammer, and start working like a beaver. You had to beat that old standard. "Standard?" you ask. "What's that?"

Well, you see we had a sort of par to make. If Soulé Steel Company figured a man could make . . . say 20 windows an hour . . . that was par. If you could make 25 you not only beat par, but you made yourself 15 minutes bonus.

Boy, did we fit and hammer and rivet to beat that old bonus standard! We would look at the old clock and wish the darn thing would stop moving so fast. It made it interesting in a lot of ways. You were sort of working for yourself. The more you produced, the more you made.

Pay day was fun then. You would get your check with your regular pay plus the bonus you earned . . . and that was sure easy to take.

In those days, a few years ago, thirty-five or forty bucks had some purchasing power down at the old meat store! Also, your check wasn't loaded with deductions . . . just the old 1%. The checks today are nice to look at before they are sliced up, but I'd rather have them like before when a dollar was a dollar and not forty cents.

So let's roll out the boats and send them loaded to the Axis to get this mess over with so I can go back to the sash and hammer and rivet the heck out of the par on Soulé's golf course.

Buy War Bonds

Homer Taylor, Leaderman in the Los Angeles Warehouse Department says he has no hobbies . . . he just works.

**STAY SAFE OFF-THE-JOB, TOO**

HENRY - SEE IF YOU CAN FIND MY BROOM WHILE YOU'RE DOWN THERE

STAY SAFE OFF THE JOB, TOO

Madame, Henry has already found the broom. Or, rather, it has found him.

Falls in the home can and must be prevented. The procedure is simple: Remove the hazards. Steps cluttered with mops, buckets, brooms or boxes are death traps.

YOUR IDEAS ARE HELPING TO WIN THIS WAR

**AWARD LAUDS SAFETY CO-OPERATION**

The part played by the reduction of accidents in increasing man power conservation is not a one-man role. It represents co-operation of employees and management in insuring safety measures throughout the entire organization . . . and it's playing a big part in winning the battle of production.

That's why we've a right to be proud of the certificate awarded Soule Steel Company by the National Safety Council. The citation reads: "For Service Over and Beyond the Call of Duty" . . . and it praises you and you for recognizing your responsibility in keeping accidents down and production up.

For Service Over and Beyond the Call of Duty

Sure . . . we all have ideas about how the war is to be won . . . but maybe a lot of them never reach beyond the family circle. Every day you have the opportunity of putting some real ideas to work . . . right here where something *is* being done to win the war. What's more, those ideas are subject to a $5 award each. Why not submit yours to the committee?

Here are some ideas that have $5 waiting for them at the San Francisco Personnel Office right now: 741, 742, 750, 760, 761, 762, 775, 777, 781, 907, 909, 1041, 1042, Employee Clock 3006.

The following submitted ideas couldn't be used for various reasons. However, the suggestions received the most careful consideration and are greatly appreciated. Re-

member every usable idea helps the cause —keep trying—better luck next time.

Suggestion No. 739: Hydraulic jacks already used for this purpose. Suggestion No. 746: Good suggestion. However, previously considered and now in effect. Suggestion No. 747: Didn't quite make the grade. Suggestion No. 752: A good idea but impossible to put into effect. Suggestion No. 753: Time required to shrink metal too great. Good though—try again. Suggestion No. 755: Present method seemed more satisfactory to the Committee. Suggestion No. 756: This is already our present method. Suggestion No. 757: Darned good idea but too brief. Please call at Personnel Office. Suggestion No. 763: Production officials considered carefully but couldn't use. Suggestion No. 767: Didn't qualify—only production suggestions are eligible. Suggestion No. 769: Has been tried before and didn't work. Suggestion No. 773: Tool checks already put into use before your suggestion. Suggestion No. 774: Present buckets available for this purpose deemed adequate by Committee. Suggestion No. 776: Production officials considered it impractical. Suggestion No. 778: Ineligible because had no bearing on production. Suggestion No. 811: Your idea is splendid but new equipment had already been

(Continued on page 8) 5

**THE NEW PRIZE WAR WORKER** (Continued from Page 1)

attendance, and results are bound up with our success or failure at the battlefronts.

For this new war worker it is not necessary to conduct rallies or morale campaigns, or continual exhortations. He is on the job regularly and consistently and insists upon giving his utmost. This man as you may have guessed is the soldier returned from the battlefront, honorably discharged because of some injury or condition which does not prevent his employment in a war plant. He doesn't have to be told; he knows and feels the vital importance of every nut and bolt, every hammer blow and revolving wheel in the battle of production. He is the new prize war worker.

"In recognition of its responsibility to its workers and to the nation, and in compliance with the proclamation by the President of the United States, calling on the National Safety Council to intensify its efforts to reduce accidents to Save Manpower for Warpower Soule Steel Company has voluntarily subscribed its fair share of support to the most far-reaching movement ever undertaken to reduce the enormous social and economic losses through accidents in the United States."

Photo: John Regan has been with the Soule Steel Company for the last six years. He is now leaderman in the Davit Department at Los Angeles and expects to be in full operation again soon.

About Our People

*Engrossed in doing the job letter-perfect are Bernhard Dinse, Foreman; Urban Zaversbik, Hans Mubleman and Herman Schumacher.*

Any old phonograph records around the house that you don't want? If so, bring them to work and leave them with the guards at the gate. They will see that they reach Charles Ubigau of the Engineering Department who is active in the American Legion's drive for records for service men. Your old records will be sent to Hollywood where they will be made into new records and sent to service men.

Buy War Bonds

Paul Graham of the Personnel Department and the Soulé Salute staff dropped in to see his draft board recently. They felt his arm, found he was warm and made a date with him for October. Paul had other ideas about the branch in which he wanted to serve, however, and went in to the Recruiting office of the Navy SeaBees. Due to his experience in receiving and checking while in the Sash Factory store room, he got himself a third class Storekeeper's rating. We will all miss Paul's cheery manner and wish him all the luck in the world. Go after that second class rating, Paul.

Buy War Bonds

Syl Selig, our Purchasing Agent, had the misfortune of being in an automobile accident recently. The other car crashed into Syl's car at an intersection, injuring both Syl and his wife and damaging his car. We are glad to report that Syl's injuries were only bruises which laid him up for a day or so. Mrs. Selig, however, suffered shock as well as painful bruises.

Marshall Rivera will not be able to have a swelled head when he is welding. It seems Marshall laid his helmet down by one of the big rolling doors for a moment. One of the men, not seeing the helmet, rolled the door back. The door caught and smashed the helmet to the point where it could no longer be worn. Fortunately Marshall's head was not in the helmet.

Buy War Bonds

An interesting letter was received from E. C. Muschner who worked in the Sash

Factory. He acknowledges receiving the Soulé Salute and writes . . . "I was very much surprised, and sort of a proud chill ran through my veins. — — After working six and a half years there, I felt like part of the shop, still do. — — I've been overseas for better than six months and believe me, I know there is a war on. — — I used to gripe when I worked in the shop, just the same as anyone might. But now I'd just about sell my soul to be back at Soulé. Home was never like this. This experience does teach how wonderful the United States is and how lucky we are to be Americans. — —"

Buy War Bonds

Superstition does not seem to enter the scheme of things at Islais Creek Yard. This is proven by the fact that they have a coal black cat as a mascot. In fact they regard "Blackie" as a bearer of luck. He has apprehended furry saboteurs bent on destruction in the store room. We think "Blackie" should be on the Security Staff.

GOGGLE 'EM, BROTHER, YOU CAN'T GET ANOTHER! WALT TILLEY NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL YOU TOO, SISTER

*Women welders in the San Francisco Plant . . . They are, left to right, Pauline Manuel, first woman welder employed by this plant. (Her husband is a member of Charlie Hoss's crew). Grace Johnson and Ann Krogh.*

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LOS ANGELES

MIND YOUR DIGITS MINDANCE

TORRANCE

We have received word from Arthur Becker, Jesse Johnson and Floyd Ramsey that they really enjoy getting the Soulé Salute. Arthur Becker is up in the Alaskan Zone. Jesse Johnson is over in England with the Air Corps Ground Crew and Floyd Ramsey is laying "eggs" on Hitler for Uncle Sam.

Buy War Bonds

Charlie Ramsey, one of the oldest employees here at the Torrance Plant, underwent a major operation at the Torrance Hospital in September. Charlie is up and around again and we hope to see him back at work soon.

* * *

S. C. McCullough was in to see us again a few days ago. He has been stationed in the East with an Anti Aircraft Company but was transferred back to the West Coast. Mac says it didn't hurt his feelings at all. He looks well and seems to be in A1 shape.

THE EYES HAVE IT

According to figures from the Personnel Department, accident reports show that nearly fifty per cent are for eye trouble due to flashes and foreign matter. Safety goggles are available at the tool room without cost to employees. It would indicate that an ounce of precaution is not being taken in many instances. Foremen are urged to see that welders, grinders and others who might need safety goggles and aren't wearing them should get them and wear them immediately. Remember to look out for your eyes, and they will "look out" for you.

Photo: M RICE 029 Merlin Rice . . . Painter, Cleaner, Baseball Fan, Ex-Boxer and Ex-Wrestler! Merlin is now responsible for painting the engine rooms of the L.C.M.'s and says he is the last man to catch h— if everything is not clean and shipshape.

Photo: J GORDON 4 3 John Gordon is an old timer with a clean record of 13 years with the company! At present he is a fitter and also a shop steward for the local No. 509.

Photo: B WAYT. Ben Wayt has been a Soulé Steel machinist for about three and a half years. Although he has taken up ice skating as a current pastime, it hasn't caused him to lay off from work. Nice skating, Ben.

Photo: WOODFIN. 4 3 Ernie Woodfin rode out of the West into the West, discarded his horse and started to build ships. For 13 months Ernie has been a fitter and claims he still fits well in a saddle. That's where he spends most of his spare time.

Photo: WILLIAMS. Here's a Los Angeles man entitled to take a bow! Not everyone can boast a perfect attendance record for two years running! Horace Williams finds time for several outside activities too. He is layout man on decks of landing craft.

PORTLAND

Paul Weber, Truck driver for the Portland Plant, has just returned from his vacation—minus a "Buck." He says the only horns he saw were hanging on jeeps. As far as he is concerned, he got the exercise and the Army got the deer.

Buy War Bonds

The following appointments have been made on the reportorial staff of the Soulé Salute: John Viale and Ernest Hoecker. We are expecting great things from the news room.

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NEWS FLASH! SAN FRANCISCO PLANT OF SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY IS AWARDED THE NAVY "E". Presentation Ceremonies will take place Friday, November 19, 3:30 p.m. Watch for further announcements.

The Case of the Mangled Wallet

The Los Angeles Plant is experiencing some of the sleuthing methods of Sherlock Holmes in an effort to reinstate the loss of currency and other valuable papers belonging to P. H. Moore.

Moore, while supervising the lowering of a tank lighter into a test tank accidentally dropped his wallet unnoticed into the test tank. Shortly after two Deisel engines were tested by running them for a time up to the usual 1500-100 r.p.m.

Later, men working in the area of the pool noticed particles of currency, identification papers and other of the contents floating on the water and clinging to the asphaltic sides of the tank. As many fragments as possible were gathered and placed into an envelope.

Soulé Steel Company made reimbursement to Mr. Moore because the incident and loss occurred directly in line of work and duty. Now they are solving the problems involved in order for the Treasury Department to replace the currency.

*Photo: Four participants in last month's launching ceremonies of San Francisco's "Spirit of Soulé Steel". Left, Captain L. W. Perkins of the U. S. Coast Guard who was Speaker of the Day. Next, Mrs. Kell and Captain C. O. Kell, Supervisor of Ship Building, 12th Naval District, AND "the Spirit of Soulé Steel."*

If everybody will care enough And everybody will share enough Everybody will have enough

**KITCHEN-DOOR KANTEEN**

MEAT EXTENDERS

Many good dishes may be cooked at night, cooled, put into the refrigerator, and heated for dinner the next evening. Try this on your kitchen range.

DELICIOUS EXTENDER MEAT LOAF

1 1/4 lbs. beef chuck (ground) 1/4 lb. pork (loin end ground) 1/4 cup onions cut fine 1/4 cup catsup 1 cup rolled oats (Quick or Regular uncooked) 1 egg well beaten 1 cup water 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 can vegetable soup

Combine all ingredients in order listed and mix well. Pack firmly into loaf pan. Bake in medium hot oven, 375° F. for one hour. Pour can of vegetable soup over meat loaf either before baking or when re-heating. Serves 8. (Low on Points . . High in Food Value)

San Francisco Child Care Centers Available for Children of Working Mothers

The San Francisco Unified School District is offering opportunities for the day care of children of working mothers at these centers:

NURSERY SCHOOLS: Ages 3 to 5 years. Hours: 7 a. m. to 6 p. m.

Alemany, at Excelsior School. Excelsior Avenue and Paris Street Good Samaritan 1290 Potrero Avenue Chinese 965 Clay Street West Side Court 2501 Sutter Street Sarah B. Cooper School Jones and Lombard Streets

DAY CARE CENTERS: Ages 5 to 15 years. Hours: 7 a. m. to 7 p. m.

John Muir School Webster and Page Streets Glen Park School Bromption Ave. and Bosworth Street Geary School Cook Street near Geary Boulevard Sarah B. Cooper School Jones and Lombard Streets Jefferson School 19th Avenue and Irving Street

Children are given daily health inspection, three feedings a day and supervised rest and play. The cost of this service is 75 cents for each child per day, payable weekly in advance. (4.50 per week). The centers are open six days a week.

If interested in obtaining day care for your child telephone the San Francisco Public Schools, HEmlock 4680 for additional information.

(Continued from page 5) purchased to take care of this. You should win next time with ideas like this. Suggestion No. 1040: Couldn't use. Not a production idea. Try again. Suggestion No. 1056: A darned good idea but against government regulations so couldn't use. Employee Clock No. 5381: This idea had already been tested out and found unworkable.