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Soule' Salute
MY PALS
*By MARION SHEEHY*
It was with regrets that we said goodbye to Sible Fletcher . . . but we have it on good authority that she will be back with us again about the middle of March.—
When Ray Severson eats in the Cafeteria it means that Marie (of the Cafeteria) loses eighteen points and a bottle of Catsup. Ray has his own idea of how food should be seasoned and it is quite a sight to see him prepare it to suit his taste.—
In case you don't realize the importance of staying on the job, ask yourself if you like the American way of living with its creed of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." If you do, stay on the job so that we can back the boys in service to keep it that way.—
LCM "transoms" are being turned out in great quantities these days. A great deal of credit for this production goes to Ethel Amorin. who is lightning fast and seems to take great delight in burning up the rod.—
The radio and stage has Frank Sinatra. Soulé Steel has "Swoon Tune" Gallagher. This lad with his melodious Irish voice "out-Sinatrasi" Frankie.—
Pat Iorio (Cornell's right-hand-man) can compete with Lou Rivera when it comes to being a "Jig Man." This is proven by the results shown around his department.
ABOUT OUR PEOPLE
SAN FRANCISCO
The management wants folks to feel at home . . . so it's all right with them if those people who eat their lunches in the shop and throw lunch leavings and papers on the floor do the same sort of thing at home. (Nice, long, furry rats are such nice playmates!)
* * *
"Red" Duffy, who moves LCM's to the creek, was recently struck on the head by a piece of timber. He did not feel any ill effects at the time, but a few days later he was suffering from severe headaches caused by concussion. A few days away from the job . . . and Red returned as "peppy" as ever.
* * *
The hand of welcome is extended to Dolores McKirney, the new switchboard operator. We like your pleasant smile, Dolores.
* * *
Congratulations to our Associate Editors for some very good articles. Here's hoping we get many more like them.
Remember, folks, you too can be an Associate Editor. If you have an article you feel your fellow employees might appreciate or enjoy reading, just give it to Bill Knafa, the guard at the main gate or to one of the listed Associate Editors.
* * *
Girls' hearts fluttered when a handsome Army Air Corps First Lieutenant walked into the office recently. The insignia of West Point Military Academy was above his bars.—He was DICK NOAH, who was assistant purchasing agent at Soulé. He is now a flying instructor at West Point.
Dick, who was making a cross country training flight, kept us entertained with tales of experiences with student flyers and his work. And then—he dashed off to buy a ring. Yes, girls, an engagement ring. Congratulations, Dick. Your fiancee is getting a "swell fella".
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PROMOTED
It was with much pleasure that we read of the temporary promotion of W. E. Christie, 23 El Verano, Orinda, from Major to Lieutenant Colonel.
"Walt" was in charge of sales for the Fabricating Department here when he left us to become a First Lieutenant in Coast Artillery. His rapid rise to his present rank is no surprise to us. We knew "Walt" had the stuff to get him there! Congratulations, Walter.
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DOINGS OF THE STORK
It's another girl for the William Mahoneys. Mother and daughter are doing fine. Congratulations, Bill . . . but remember that Eddie Cantor is three ahead of you.
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AN OLD TIMER
Among the many "old timers" in the San Francisco plant is Barney Fabbri, who is 62 years young. Barney has been with the company for thirty years and is one of the most active men in the Reinforcing Department. Although a 1500 - pound boom once dropped on him—and a few weeks later he was hit by a lumber carrier, Barney is still on the job, carrying on as well as ever!
What is your secret, Barney? Do you take sips from some hidden "Fountain of Youth"?
*(Continued on page 4)*
Photo: *TED TUDOR—Another old timer with Soulé. Ted is Boss of the Los Angeles Machine Shop and is responsible for all machine work on the L.C.M.'s.*
Photo: *GEORGE STRICKER, Los Angeles, Leaderman on Framing of L.C.M.'s and one of the key men on the production line. George has been with us since the start of our present program and while he does a spot of gardening at home, he concentrates on getting Landing Craft started on their way.*
TRACK MEET
*By ART EICHORN*
Would you be interested in seeing some fine track events without too much trouble? They include the famous Soulé hundred-yard-dash and the equally famous Soulé steeplechase.
These events take place Monday through Saturday at the San Francisco plant. Time —12:30 sharp.
The hundred-yard-dash starts from the lighter assembly line to the cafeteria steps. The steeplechase is for those more daring young people who have decided that it is quicker to jump over obstacles confronted by taking the short cut through Kenny's department.
No one has taken it upon himself to put one clock on these two events, but I dare say some astounding sort of record will be found to exist.
"LEST WE FORGET"
No "E" is permanent, neither in the Navy nor in industry. The records of each company are reviewed every six months by both the Army and Navy boards for production awards. If the boards find that a company has not succeeded in upholding the standards of the Army-Navy Production Award, the award will be withdrawn.
For each six month period that the award is renewed, a white service star is added to the "E" flag.
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ABOUT OUR PEOPLE
LOS ANGELES
*Photo: LOUIS LAZAROVITZ remarked that had he known he was going to have his picture taken, he would have shaved. He is a leaderman fabricating L.C.M's and likes his fishing.*
NEWS ITEM FROM E. V. DURLING'S COLUMN (L. A. Examiner, Feb. 10, 1944):
*"Serving food for food's sake."* That is the slogan of Jack E. E. Davis, Western restaurant owner. Wonder what E. E. in the middle of Jack's name stands for. Probably Elmer Egbert."
The above quoted news item is of very special significance to Soulé employees at Los Angeles, inasmuch as Jack E. E. Davis is the operator of our new cafeteria at Los Angeles. Mr. Davis came to us very highly recommended, but we had no idea he was "famous" enough to rate mention in a nationally syndicated column.
He certainly lives up to his slogan at the Soulé cafeteria. The food is good and nicely served; the atmosphere is cheerful, and the building beautiful. Ken Downs, Project Manager, supervised construction and the purchase of equipment.
Incidentally, the new facility was initiated Monday, February 7th, with a turkey dinner—thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Those of us who have been around here for years probably appreciate the new addition most—and can hardly believe yet that it is true.
*Photo: MAX HARMS — Boss Welderman and originator of the expression, "Get me some more good welders." Max has other troubles, too — a farm in Nebraska, pink slips (for his car), and cigars. However, Max is bearing up under it.*
*Photo: ALBERT SCHILLINGER has been a steady loyal worker in the shop for about a year and a half. He is now a fitter on L.C.M's and is also an amateur gardener during his spare time.*
SAN FRANCISCO
*(Continued from page 3)*
YSD CALLING
By PETER F. CULCASI
CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH . . . to CLARENCE FIX . . . our swell boss . . . who recently got a severe siege of the "FLU" . . . now back on the job after more than a week's illness.
O.K., NOW . . . AL JOHNSON, the Navy Inspector, who met with an unfortunate auto accident just before XMAS . . . Fractured his collar bone and other minor injuries. . . . We missed you, Al.
FLATBUSH JOHNNY RYAN informs us that his sister finally nabbed . . . a Second Lieutenant. THE FIRST ONE GOT AWAY.
JAMES BAILY is now able to smile again—his little boy has returned home from the hospital—a victim of pneumonia three times—we sincerely hope it was the charm.
FRANK CERDA TELLS ME he smokes cigars—without bands—because he likes a—quiet smoke.—I know, corny!
DID YOU KNOW:
that A. PAPINI—the shipfitter—is giving FIRPO accordion lessons?????
that A. POPES—used to was a school teacher?????
that M. TRAVERS — used to was a Texas cowpuncher?????
He: I can't see what keeps you girls from freezing.
She: You're not supposed to!
We point with pride . . . to PETER MARTINELLI . . . who studies until late in the evenings . . . and welds YSD boats in the daytime. . . . Yep! he's . . . going to LAW school.
To CARL HAGQUIST . . . recently saddened by the death of his sister . . . goes our sincerest sympathy. . . .
Al (the wildcat) Firpo was telling us the other day that his parents were in "the IRON and STEEL" business . . . his mother did the IRONING . . . his father . . . the STEALING. . . .
All you new readers of this column . . . don't forget to read this issue of the "SALUTE" thoroughly. It will probably answer all the questions you wanted to know about our boats and may possibly convince you that we're really building something.
You lucky people up there at the PLANT—where it's nice and dry—and warm—and cozy.—But
*Photo: A load of sub-assemblies at the Port who built them. These men all received by the San Francisco Plant*
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*Photo: be Portland Plant . . . and the men re-entitled to a share of the credit Plant for the construction of LCM's.*
here at the Creek—knee-deep in mud—freezing half the time—and not so cozy—Of course W.E. were chosen for this outdoor work and will certainly like it this coming summer.
This MAY be the month! — yes, sir!—when the results of the Creek's gang efforts will have materialized. — I mean of course — the LAUNCHING of the first YSD boat—we hope!
Our apologies to Charley LEY —who felt that he should have been in last issue's "foremen's picture"—we think so, too—WAREHOUSE LEADERMAN.
I just found out a way to keep fish from smelling — just cut off their noses.—
What certain gentleman is seen pouring a secret concoction of fluid in his gas tank each evening —NOT COMMONLY KNOWN AS GASOLINE??????
**DON'T BE AN ACCIDENTEE!**
US OLD TIMERS NEVER GET HURT-IT'S THEM NEW GUYS YA GOTTA WATCH!
THE LATEST DOPE
NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
PORTLAND
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Gullickson announced the arrival of a 3½-pound exemption, Carol Ann, on Friday, January 21st, 1944. The boys in the shop extended their congratulations in the form of a substantial donation of wampum.
The "Men of the Hour" in the Portland Plant are "Freddie" Schaad, "Fergy" Ferguson and "Rod" Newman, who contributed to an early victory by purchasing that EXTRA bond in honor of the Fourth War Loan drive. Freddie, Fergy and Rod, our hats off to you.
Paul Weber has been putting in his spare time working on his new home. It is nearing completion and he expects to have it ready to move into in the very near future.
The Infantile Paralysis fund, under the careful management of Florence Viale, is growing into a husky child. We notice numerous greenbacks scattered among the smaller coins.
We wish to salute Melvin Bowman, who proved himself a good loser. It really pays to be a good loser, doesn't it, Melvin?
We offer condolences to Jimmy Crepeau in his hour of sorrow. Our ad in the last issue went unanswered and Jimmy's New Year's Resolution fell by the wayside. Don't give up hope, Jimmy, science may yet find a way of bringing life back to dead resolutions.
'SCUSE, PLEASE
We are now satisfied that the captions appearing under pictures in the Salute are read. This we learned from repercussions heard about an identification which appeared under a picture of YSD Yard "Brass Hats" in the February issue.
Paul Slowick was listed as Assistant Superintendent. It should have read "Assistant to THE Superintendent." We don't know whether this error was caused by shortage of type or an inadvertency. Anyway we say "'Scuse, please." and hope there are no hard feelings. —Fred Kappleman
190238
TED JONES SOULE STEEL CO., 6300 KILBURN AVE., LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
LT. EDWARD A. RICE U.S.S. ARIZONA, F P D NEW YORK, N.Y. JANUARY 16, 1944
RECEIVED AT V-MAIL STATION JAN 21 1944
DEAR TED AND GANG,
THANKS KINDLY FOR THE COPIES OF THE "SOULE SALUTE" WHICH I HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED. THEY WERE VERY MUCH ENJOYED. I WAS AGREEABLY SURPRISED TO SEE ONE OF MY LETTERS PRINTED IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE. GAVE ME QUITE A GLOW TO THINK THAT YOU CONSIDERED IT WORTH PUBLISHING.
SINCE I WROTE THAT LETTER WE HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AMERICAN INVASION OF CENTRAL ITALY, NAMELY SALERNO BAY. I IMAGINE YOU HAVE READ SOME OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THAT "LITTLE" SHOW. COMPARED TO IT, SICILY WAS A SUNDAY-SCHOOL PICNIC (WITHOUT ANTS!). STILL I WAS PROUD OF THE CHANCE TO TAKE PART IN IT, ESPECIALLY AS I WAS ON DUTY ABOARD GENERAL MARK CLARK'S HEAD-QUARTERS SHIP, AND HAD A GRAND-STAND VIEW OF IT ALL. AGAIN, YOUR LANDING CRAFT STOLE THE SHOW WITH THEIR GRAND PERFORMANCE. SUCH AN AMBITIONOUS OPERATION WOULD NOT BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THEM. SOULE SHOULD BE VERY PROUD TO HAVE HAD A HAND IN CONTRIBUTING SO KNIGHTLY TOWARD THE FINAL VICTORY.
AT PRESENT WE ARE STATIONED IN "MERrie OLDE ENGLAND", ENJOYING SUCH SITS OF CIVILIZATION AS SCOTCH WHISKEY AND WOMEN WHO SPEAK OUR LANGUAGE. NEED I SAY MORE? I PRESUME THAT WE SHALL SOON BE MAKING HEAD-LINES AGAIN SO KEEP TUNED IN!
HOPING TO BE ABLE TO DROP AROUND AND SAY HELLO BEFORE TOO LONG I REMAIN, (E.A. RICE)
V---MAIL
SINCERELY YOURS, LT. EDDIE RICE
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INVASION NAVY
*Photo: AMPHIBS "SHOW THEIR TEETH"—Lined up along the docks of a North African port, a flotilla of LST's ingest a mammoth menu of vehicles, supplies and men . . . which they will disgorge on enemy shores. OFFICIAL U. S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH*
Sicily and Italy, the Aleutians, and the Solomon Islands were invaded by a Navy which did not even exist on a drawing board two years ago when the Jap attack on Pearl Harbor put Uncle Sam in the invasion business.
Landing craft, the little ships which carry troops and tanks up on the beaches, are something new. Most of them were built by men and women who had never built a rowboat, much less a warship. When they go into action, they often are manned by crews who never saw the ocean until the war had begun.
This is a war of invasion. Wherever the forces of the United Nations must go to carry out their task of foiling the world-grabbing plans of the Axis, they must conquer hostile shores in the face of the enemy.
It was different in World War I. The Allies then had a great beach-head in Europe. Troops could land in France at big ports, safe from attack. They could go ashore and rest before moving to the front.
In this war, our troops must go ashore fighting. They must land where they can and wrest their bases, their harbors, and their supply depots from the enemy.
For this kind of war we have invented an invasion Navy, a fleet of baby warships that can sail right up among the enemy. They come in shooting, they land troops, they pull out in a hurry and come back with supplies, ammunition, gasoline, and guns to keep the invasion moving.
That was the pattern laid down in Africa last year with the first big-scale invasion. It is the pattern that has been followed in the South Pacific, in the Aleutians, in Sicily and Italy. It is the pattern that will be followed again, in places not yet known except among the high command whose orders will pick the next destination of the invasion navy.
"You come up on the beach and shoot your way ashore," is the way admirals and generals, seamen and soldiers, describe a landing-craft attack. It's pretty much the same whether the landing is made in the jungles of the Solomons or on the margins of the Mediterranean.
Paratroopers landed from barges in the face of grenades, mortar blasts, and machine-gun bullets at Bougainville. Soldiers swarmed up the beach at Gela, Sicily, against concentrated enemy fire, while Coast Guardsmen hauled damaged landing craft out of the water and repaired them to make another trip.
More than 3,000 surface vessels of all kinds, from battleships to motor torpedo boats and landing barges, took part in the invasion of Sicily, and nearly half of them flew the stars and stripes. It was the biggest invasion fleet in the whole history of warfare.
The invasion navy has converged on Axis coasts from scores of U. S. shipyards, some of them improvised in vacant lots, under tents, and on farmland along the inland waterways. The task of building and arming landing barges has been one of the biggest and swiftest feats of the war effort.
Men and women, trained almost overnight, made these ves-
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