OUR LAST SAIL ON THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER - PAGE 12

This is the last issue of the Prairie Schooner that we have as it is almost good bye to North Dakota State School of Science for Company 12 and hello Texas. Here are a couple of stories from the 16 July 1943 edition.

NAVY TAKES FIRST CHINESE FOR SUB COMBAT DUTY.

Fong On Git, better known to his shipmates in New London and Wahpeton as Daniel Fong, graduated from the basic course at the Navy Submarine Base, New London, Conn., several weeks ago with a standing of sixth in a class of several hundred.

Danny graduated from the Machinist Mate School here at Wahpeton on April 17 and was sent to Submarine Base instruction before entering combat duty with the U. S. Navy Submarine Force. He is believed to be the first Chinese ever to be accepted for submarine combat duty in the United States Navy.

According to word received from New London after completion of his basic course at that school, he had been an exceptional student – attaining a grade of 3.78 – a perfect grade is 4.0.

As a result of his high standing (and being the) first Chinese to serve on American submarines, the Mayor of Chinatown in New York and several other Chinese dignitaries feted him at a dinner and presented him with a wristwatch. At the dinner, Danny had difficulty handling his chopsticks because he had not used them for so long.

Fong was born in Kwantung Province, China, the son of Noon Fong, an American citizen. While a boy, he went to a Catholic mission school and learned English and Chinese. When he was seven years old he and his father left two younger brothers and his mother to come to San Francisco.

He went to public schools and was graduated from Galileo High School in June, 1942. In August, he reached his seventeenth birthday and two months later joined the Navy. Upon completion of his “boots” he spent four months here at Wahpeton (. . .)

In direct contrast to his barracks which houses 200 men, Fong has a suite to himself in the Hotel Ambassador in New York for his stay there.

A NOTE OF FAREWELL TO COMPANY 12

Precision and exactness as to machining has been the keynote of all of your training for the past four months at this (facility). With this intense training you have reached a full realization of the paramount necessity of perfection in the proper repair and maintenance of all types of machines. This training in precision and exactness you can apply to yourselves as men and perfect yourselves in your military duties so that you will be just as dependable and efficient as the machinery which you have been learning to keep in perfect working order.

There is a degree of tolerance in machining that you keep to a minimum. Learn to keep within that degree of tolerance in yourselves.

I want to congratulate you upon being a very fine company also to thank you for the cooperation that you have given the school officials and your officers. May you carry that same spirit to your future places of duty.

The very best of luck to each of you.

GEORGE FENDER, III
Lt. Comdr., D-V (S) USNR,
Commanding Officer

NEWS AND VIEWS AROUND THE BARRACKS

SECTION “P”
By Lawrence Moise

In last week’s SCHOONER, there was a little mistake about who made Company 12 the best-looking Company on the drill field every Saturday. I think it was mostly due to Sam Kerr, our Company Leader. All of the Coast Guard seem to have done pretty well as Company Leaders and Section Leaders. Lots of luck to a swell bunch of guys.

SECTION “A”
By Alfred A. Buss

We are glad to express our congratulations to Company 12 on their coming graduation, and wish them very good luck.

(…)

The highly lauded Ship’s Company didn’t bother Sections A and B in the least. They remembered Farragut’s motto: “Damn the Torpedoes – Full Speed Ahead!” After the second inning Ship’s Company was getting plenty seasick.

The highlight of the game was when the much publicized Ship’s Company got their first three batters on base, but lo and behold, their 22-caliber rifles started to shoot blanks and their runners died on base.

Nivens showed them what a 16-inch gun was like when he hit a long line drive over the left fielder’s head. Incidentally, he was still chasing the ball when Niven’s crossed home plate.

OUT OF THE G.I. CAN

Saw a comment the other day that the figures on the rapidly increasing number of divorces would indicate that America is still the land of the free. True enough, but the large number of marriages indicate that it is also the home of the brave.

ADMIRAL MORSELL, DIST. SUPPLY OFFICER VISITS STATION

By Arnold E. Simonton, Yic

Admiral Everett Morsell, who just this week received notification that he had been nominated by the President for appointment to the rank of Rear Admiral, made a short visit to the Naval Training Station Wednesday afternoon. While here, he made a hasty but thorough inspection of the Supply Department while several other officers who accompanied him delved into the problems of the educational program followed here and also as to the success of our War Bond Drive.

The pilot of the Lockheed Lodestar plane, Lt. O. O. Keifer, literally brought the big plane in on a prayer.

Approaching the field from the east, he was forced to use the short runway for landing. He found it necessary to use full flaps and to set the plane down immediately after clearing the telephone poles and wires just across the highway from the field, His landing was a beautiful three-point, attesting to the skill of the man at the wheel.


At 3:45 p.m. the huge plane the largest that has yet landed on the local field, roared down the grass-covered runway, lifted easily into the air and winged towards Kansas City, bringing to a close the first visit by an Admiral to this station.

(SECTION “E” by J. E. De Vito)

Mr. Ness did quite a business on his famous “Hotel Register” last Wednesday in Shop Knowledge by marking all the fellows who were on the self appointed “Admiral’s Reception Committee.”

According to the boys, it was worth losing a few points to see an Admiral land on the station. After all, they don’t come here every day.

PICTORIAL REVIEW OF ADM. MORSELL’S VISIT TO WAHPETON TRAINING SCHOOL

DRESS INSPECTION! - PAGE 11

Some notes from the last issue of the Prairie Schooner.

OUT OF THE G. I. CAN

In the parlor there were three -

She, the table lamp, and he.

Two is company, there is no doubt

So the table lamp went out!

Suzie: "With all the good men in the armed services, it's pretty hard looking for a husband these days."

Que: "Just the same, if I were you, I'd leave the husbands alone and look for a single man."

TRAINEES RECEIVE SWIMMING INSTRUCTION FROM CHIEF BIDWELL

In accordance with the navy's policy that every sailor shall be a swimming man, the Wahpeton swimming pool at Chahinkapa Park is being used exclusively by the men stationed at the U.S. Naval Training School (MM), Wahpeton, N. D., each weekday morning. Expert instruction in the art of swimming is being given by Chief Bidwell and it is expected that every non-swimmer will soon be able to pass the Navy Standard Swimming Test.

In order to pass the Navy swimming test, each sailor must swim 50 yards.

ATTENTION

Men, here's a real bargain! Here's a chance to save five cents every time you go swimming during liberty! If you will stop in at the Ship's Service Store before going on liberty, you can purchase a swimming tickets for only TEN CENTS. THAT'S A SAVINGS OF ONE WHOLE NICKLE. If you wait until you get to the pool, it'll cost you fifteen cents.

DISAPPOINTING ABOARD THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER - PAGE 10

The 2 July 1943 edition of “The Prairie Schooner” has the single world, “disappointing” scribbled across the top of it. Could that be in reference to the lead story?

IVAN LEROY MOFFETT, Flc, OF CO. 4 ONE OF 18 SURVIVORS OF TORPEDOED TANKER, VISITS TRAINING STATION.

Francis Patrick Sullivan, Who Was Also a Member of Co. 4, Was One of 28 Men to Go Down With the Ship

One of eighteen survivors of a ship sunk by a Jap submarine, Ivan LeRoy Moffett, Flc, paid a short visit to the Station Wednesday afternoon while on leave en route to his home in Ohio.

Moffett, a member of the former fourth company, was sent to Bremerton, Washington in October, 1942 along with Francis Patrick Sullivan. These two men were assigned to a tanker.

For months, everything went smoothly when suddenly one evening the routine was shattered by the intrusion and resultant explosion of a torpedo. Not a man had seen the submarine nor the slight wake of the speeding missile. The torpedo struck amidships and in just fifteen minutes after the explosion, the seas was again as calm and peaceful as it had been before hell broke loose. Of a crew of 46 only 18 men are today alive to relate the details of horrible aftermath to that dastardly attack. Sullivan was one of those men who made the supreme sacrifice in this second “war for democracy.”

Moffett and 17 other men, clad in life jackets, managed to get over the side of the ship before it settled in its watery grave. Forming a circle arm-in-arm, the men floated in that freezing water for 7 hours before being picked up by a destroyer, which deposited the battered survivors ashore. Moffett’s only injuries were a wrenched arm and great nervousness resulting from the ordeal.

In the sinking, Moffett lost all personal belongings. When the ship docked, he found it necessary to borrow a pair of trousers and a dress jumper and hat from a buddy in the Navy. With this borrowed outfit on his back and ten dollars in his pocket, which his captain had loaned him when he was granted a leave, he set out for home in Magnetic Springs, Ohio. Because that ten dollars was his only money, he was forced to hitchhike, and he did exactly that – using the ten dollars for good. In fifteen days his leave will end and he will return to await assignment to another ship. He’s going back – back to take an active part in the battle for freedom.

BLOG NOTE: You may recognize the name of the author of the next article from the last addition of The Prairie Schooner. Also, hold the news of the strikers in contrast with the letter William’s sister N. sent him about the striker in Barberton.

INDEPEDENCE DAY?

By En, Adna M. LeCount

July 4, 1776 Jefferson boldly brought before a group of foreseeing men the Declaration of Independence for the signatures. The second paragraph of this document says: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” With this creed before them, our forebears fought and won the American Revolution.

Today we are in the midst of world battle to uphold these same truths, which to our forebears seemed “self-evident.” Before we were fighting on nation wide fronts; today we are fighting on worldwide fronts. Before, we were faced with very little economic backing; today, we are backed by the greatest economic structure in the world. Before, democracy had not been tried by these people; today we have had one hundred and sixty-seven years of democratic living to show that government by the people does bring about the greatest good to the greatest number. We have advanced so much economically, socially, and politically that surly we must win.

And yet, some of our strongest and most vital industries are being weakened by striking workers – the steel and coal industries. In several areas we are cursed with race riots, which are a strict reversal of our belief that all men are created equal. Some workers in defense industries are slacking on the job, taking unnecessary days off. Food shortages are appearing everywhere. Internal rumblings of discontent are slowing us down, crippling us. On the fighting fronts, however, our men continue to fight bravely with the equipment and supplies they have at hand.

We should each examine ourselves and ask: “Am I doing my part”? “Is there anything I can do to make the part of the fighting men easier”? “Am I wholeheartedly helping this fight for our ‘self-evident’ truths”? If the answer is “yes,” then there is true cause for celebration. If the answer is “no,” think back to our forebears, to our nation’s tradition, to our whole history! You’ll find that you do not want to answer to be “no.” Will you do something about it?

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND THE BARRACKS

Section “P”
By Harold Nichols

Well, it looks like Sections M and N are pretty quiet now. Could it be that 14-12 defeat handed them by Section O and P in softball?

It seems we have a few “60-minute” men in our section. One being our great baseball catcher, “California” Moise while another is our pet, “Joker” Valencheck. Val has played so many tricks on the boys that they think he stay awake nights thinking them up.

Section “E”
By J. E. DeVito

Fyda and Stanish must really have something on the ball. Last weekend they went to Fergus Falls and returned Sunday with not only a couple of nice looking “Playmates” but driving a ’41 Packard. Not bad, boys.

“I don’t mind when a sailor loses his hat to get a girl but when he loses both his hat and the girl I have no respect for him.” These were the words of Co. Adjutant A. R. Johnson after escorting Benson, Wierson, and Hovel back to the base, when they lost their hats while talking to some girls on liberty last week.

When the fire whistle blows, drop everything and get to your fire post. A good example of this is G. Stole of Section 5 who was resting comfortably in his bunk when the alarm wounded during a recent Fire Drill. Within a matter of seconds he was at his post with a blanket around his waist and ready for action.

THE “SCUTTLEBUTT”

Brown evidently goes for the intellegencia. Hear tell he’s now squiring a little school marm from Great Bend and also hear tell she thinks he’s the berries.

Looks like Mr. Whitehouse started something when he got that convict hair cut. Brown, Gall, Selid, Younger, Kwansy, Tilly and Parrett have followed suit. Tilly’s evidently wasn’t too well received for ‘tis rumored there’ll be no more “butches” in Sick Bay. It was rumored that a certain Lt. (jg) would have his head shaved if a certain Yeoman 1st class would get a butch. Guess they’ll both keep their hair.

MORE NEWS FROM SCHOOL - PAGE 8

Highlights from 18 June 1943 Volume II, No.2

YEOMAN DOROTHY ASKEW VISITS OLD HAUNTS WHILE HOME ON LEAVE

When Dorothy Askew, Y3c, WAVES, former secretary to Mr. Riley, walked into the office last Monday, everyone thought she was one of those WAVES whom, according to rumor, we were supposed to get months ago. However, she soon revealed that she was home on a nine-day leave.

Yeoman Askew is at present stationed Washington, D. C. Although she is not too fond of Washington, D. C. and its over-crowded conditions, she says, “The WAVES is a wonderful organization.” For those who are not “in the know” the correct translation of the letters WAVES is Women Accepted for Voluntary Enlisted Service.

FIRST MEMBERS OF “WAVES” TO REPORT FOR DUTY MONDAY

Monday, June 21, will be a genuine “red-letter” day in the history of the U. S. Naval Training School at Wahpeton, N. D. On that date, Ensign Adna M. LeCount, W-V (S) USNR will make her appearance on our station as Assistant Disbursing Officer. Miss Lecount will have the distinction of being the first member of the WAVES to be assigned to active duty in the State of North Dakota.

For many months “scuttlebutt” was prevalent to the effect that we were going to be invaded by members of the Women Accepted for Voluntary Enlistment Services, but it is only now that the Bureau of Naval Personnel has seen fit to actually send us a member of the fair sex as Ensign Hughes’ assistant.

Ensign LeCount has just completed her training at the Naval Supply Corps School, Graduate School of Business Administration at Harvard University, Boston, Mass.

OUT OF THE MAIL BAG

The Editor of the PRARIE SCHOONER:

Just a little note from those two wandering pharmacist Mates to let you know that haven’t forgotten the old school back in Wahpeton. Last time we received mail I received a copy of the SCHOONER from some kindly soul back there and it made me feel very good to read all the news and gossip; just like being home. Honestly, though, I keep every copy and reread them several times, so keep them coming.

Our sea duty so far has been just swell. Neither one of us has gotten sea-sick so it goes to show that we had some good training on the good ship “Wahpeton.” Our duties aboard ship are very similar to those at Wahpeton but we did have an exciting thing happen. Baker and I both assisted in an operation out at sea. It was an emergency appendectomy and a pretty ticklish job. However, everything went smoothly and the patient is up and about now. Otherwise our life is routine but if keeps us pretty busy.

Chow is good aboard ship and for recreation we go topside and work out with the punching bag and rowing machine. We have movies every night and aside from the above-mentioned things that is the extent of our recreation.

(.)

Well that’s about all there is to tell so I’ll close.

Regards,
KERMIT L. FRIEDMAN, PhM1c
c/o Fleet Postmaster,
San Francisco, Calif.

SECTION “F”
By R. C. Jones

First of all the fellows say they can hardly wait until the softball tournament gets into full swing. They feel confident that will go pretty far toward the finals. Now if we can win just one game before this is published, this write-up won’t look so foolish.

Many of the boys have acquired some new nicknames since being in camp. Section Leader Mulready is widely known as “Chief” in his section, although some still insist he should be called “Wolf”. Then there is “On the Hour, Every Hour” Pederson. We took a vote whether or not we should call a certain fellow, “Rabbit”. Twenty-nine fellows voted we should and Recknagel said we shouldn’t so Recknagel will be known as “Rabbit” Recknagel from now on.

OUT OF THE G.I CAN

Note to Trainees: Without crowding the Emily Post field of endeavor, it can be mentioned that one way of showing your Navy savvy is to take off your hat in theaters and restaurants. Only green hands think they can wear their hats anyplace.

The type of boatswain’s pipe now in use in the Navy is reputed to have been designed by King Henry VIII when he was Prince of Wales. The pipe itself dates back to the days of the Crusades when it was used as a signal for attack.

For every woman who makes a fool out of a man, there are a hundred who make a man out of a fool.

THE “SCUTTLEBUTT”

Well, the men in Sick Bay have finally taken Simonton’s name off his bed there. They decided he looks so healthy since his marriage that he’ll cause them no more trouble.

THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER - PAGE 7

“The Prairie Schooner” was “An Occasional Log of United States Naval Training School Operating at North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton”. It was mailed home to “B-town” with a circle around the paragraph that mentioned Valencheck’s name.

In Volume one, number 24 dated 15 May 1943 it is reported that, “Cooper’s Band Jives for Formal Dance in Gym.”

Our newest company, the 13th, was welcomed aboard at a formal dance held in the gym on Wednesday, May 5. The local gals donned their finest long dresses to come out and jump with this newest group of hep-cats (and some of the old ones).

Bunky Cooper’s band of collegiate musicians from Moorhead State Teacher’s College furnished the jive, and jive it was because they left their music in Moorhead and had to jam most of the pieces to cover the parts they forgot. Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that little secret because most of the rug-cutting jitterbugs didn’t seem to know the difference.

Lt. Comdr. Fender and nearly all the other officers attached to the school were present with their wives to help make this a gala occasion. The dance was sponsored by the local USO with the smiling “Mrs. K” right there to greet her boys. Each departing company pays tribute to the fine work she is doing in making their liberty periods more enjoyable. Dances like this are just another contribution of the USO toward the welfare of the armed forces.

OUT OF THE G. I. CAN:

Big Sailor (Paul): “Thay myster, than you tell me the time?
Little Sailor (Carter): (No response.)
Big Sailor: “Thay, I asked you the tyme.”
Little Sailor: (Still no response.)
So as Big Sailor walked away a bystander asked Little Sailor why he hadn’t answered, his reply being – “Thhink I wanted a punth in the moth?”

Joe Yardbird answered the phone in his Norfolk apartment, He said: “I don’t know. Call the weather bureau,” and hung up.
“Who was that?” asked his wife.
“Some sailor, I guess. He wanted to know if the coast was clear.”

THE SCUTTLEBUTT

It has been noted lately that “Chief Chef” Holtz can cook something other than ham or beef.

That little bird who gives out with the correct dope has it that Gil Landis and Simonton are going to take the long trek on the same day come June: Why not make it the same church and have a race down the aisle?

We’re going to miss the Cook and Baker Strikers in the chow hall. So long mates, keep Tex out of trouble and don’t let Ossie get another “heinie.”

SECTION P

The boys from Section “P” and some of the boys from Section “O” wish to thank all those who made it possible for us to have the new head up in the penthouse of Barracks 1. It’s very convenient for all.

We don’t want to seem unreasonable but the tables that were “extracted” from the recreation hall are getting worn pretty well and we would appreciate a few “new” ones. How about it? Very subtle aren’t we?

Well, the boys of Section “P” are getting along fine and are saying that North Dakota has California beat completely for screwy weather except Seaman Volk who is a native “farmer” of N. Dak.

Everyone was certainly surprised to hear that Coastguardsman Valencheck is attending church supper at Wahpeton next Sunday. I wonder what the attraction could be? Maybe a little something called “Corky.”

Congratulations, Mr. Whitehouse and Mr. Davis, on your promotions as we feel that you both deserve them.