THE WAITING GAME - PAGE 44

The next day the Pride and Campbell were joined by three other ships, one American, one French, and one British. They knew that the U-boat must surface soon to get air and so they patrolled the area waiting for the opportunity to engage her. Soon all five ships picked up something on their sonar and headed out to the spot. The U-boat appeared but the ships had to be careful about firing for they were in close quarters and could possibly hit one of their own.

The Senegalese reported being hit by a torpedo. Soon many men were reported floating in the sea with lifejackets. It was assumed that they were from the Senegalese but it turned out that she was not damaged quite so badly. As the men were pulled onto ships it turned out that they were the crew of the U-boat. The Germans had shot off their torpedoes and then scuttled their ship, which was now going to settle on the floor of the ocean. 49 Germans including their captain were taken prisoner.

The Menges had lost 31 men, two of which were her officers. She had to be towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard where she was grafted together with the USS Holder DE 401 which had also been hit by torpedoes. Within a relatively short spell the rejuvenated Menges would be back and patrolling along with the Pride.

TORPEDO SIGHTED! - PAGE 36

Full engines ahead! With two torpedoes heading straight for the Pride depth charges were dropped in order to divert the torpedoes from their intended target. A call came out from the port side. A torpedo passed close by but pass it did. But the danger was not over for a German torpedo plane passed over head. The Pride crew reacted by spewing the air with gunfire covering the deck with shell casings until the place disappeared. The threat was over.

For now.

(These reports taken from the Pride Reunion magazines.)

SHIPS HIT! - PAGE 35

The air was filled with lights from bullets, tracers, and torpedoes. The USS Hamilton exploded sending fire and smoke a hundred feet in the air when the ammunition it was carrying exploded. When the Hamilton sunk it took 580 lives with it. Also sunk were the destroyer Landsdale (a radar destroyer that was the eyes and ears of the convoy) with 47 men and the merchant ship Royal Star that stayed afloat until the following day. Other damaged ships were towed to Algiers.

But the fear level for the Pride was just beginning. A transmission came from another DE, “Pride, there are two torpedoes heading in your direction!”

TO BE CONTINUED

SECOND MISSION - PAGE 32

The Pride, together with the Menges (DE 320), the Mosley (DE 321), Newell (DE 322), Falgout (DE 324) and Lowe (DE 325) composed Coast Guard DE division 46. Joined with Navy Division 21 of six ships they formed Task Group 66 led by the cutter Taney. This was the escort for convoy UGS-38 that departed from the United States and headed for the Straight of Gibraltar, arriving on April 18th, 1944. Just West of Algiers the escort was strengthened by 4 vessels equipped with radio jamming equipment: U.S. Destroyer Lansdale, U.S. Minesweepers Speed and Sustain, and Netherlands Flak cruiser Heemskerk.

(from C. R. Peck)

Headge Hoges was written on the back of the picture above.

SEEING THE WORLD - PAGE 25

Can you imagine having the world opened up to you for the first time? It was horrible that war had to be experienced in order for it to happen, but the men were still able to take in parts of the world that they may not otherwise be able to see. Here are some more pictures from Casablanca.

FIRST CONVOY - PAGE 24

For the next twelve months the USS PRIDE escorted badly needed men and materials to the fighting fronts in the Mediterranean area. The first convoy was to Algeria and though there were rough seas with which to contend aboard the not very stable Destroyer Escort (giving many men difficult stomachs) there were no challenges made by German submarines. They docked in Casablanca. They may not encountered any fighting themselves they were witnesses to the destruction wrought by war. These pictures show Casablanca Harbor littered with sunken ships.

A LETTER FROM BROTHER STAN - PAGE 19

TO: Wm. Valencheck
c/o Fleet Post Office
N.Y., N.Y.
U.S.S. Pride (DE 323)

FROM: Sgt. Stan Valencheck
Hdq. 6 11th Tank Bn.
10th A.D. A.P.O. 260
Camp Gordon, GA

Hi “Mate”:

You got me waiting Chuck. What’s up, they got you in jail again or what? If you’ve been out Bill, give ‘em lots a hell for me and you both. I only wish I was there with you. Lots a luck fella.

Well, I’m still here at Gordon Bill and things are going same as usual. Taking things easy lately. Playing quite a bit of ball lately but not running around much due to lack of funds. I don’t know why but for some reason about the last three months I’ve always been broke. Before that I had money all the time. But I’ll straighten that (*) out this pay day. Ain’t it?

I just got a letter from “Oh”, you know, one of those long, long ones. Is that the kind you get? I sure enjoy reading them but I don’t know how the hell they can think of so much to write. Makes me and you look sad, aint it? "Oh" said that they haven’t heard from you in a long time either. Bet Mom worries like hell. You know how she is. I got a swell package from Nell too. Remember how we used to argue with them? Especially you! Now I miss them, don’t you? I even miss you, you (*). Aint it?

One of my buddies was telling me today that they’re now selling old G. I. Motorcycles from 30 to 50 bucks. We don’t have them in our division anymore so they’re selling them. The M.P.’s are the only ones that have them now. If I get a chance I’m gonna get one. Some of them are still in pretty good shape. I used to ride the (*) out of them before. If I get one I’ll take it home and on furlough with me. Make good time that way. I’m not sure yet but I think I’ll get a leave next month. Or in May. I’ll let you know for sure. Hope you can get home at the same time. Think there’s any chance?

Boy the weather down here has really been swell for the past four weeks or so. Up until Sunday anyhow. The sun’s still out. The company went out into the field Mon, but I got a break. I’m staying in garrison as Sgt. of the Guard till they get back which will be about Weds. Boy, we sure spend a lot a time in the field since we've been here at Gordon. We were out for three days last weeks on a big problem. Our platoon fired real H.E. and smoke ammunition over attacking troops. It’s pretty much fun firing the mortar. You ever seen it fired? In the past two weeks I fired 14 rds. of smoke and 10 rds. of H.E. at about 18 bucks a piece. Boy I wish I had all that money.

Well Chuck, guess I’ll be saying so long for now. Hope to hear from you soon. Take it easy.

Your brother,

Stan

FROM VALVES TO VALVES - PAGE 18

This is a press release to the Barberton Herald, the hometown of William Valencheck. The photo credit is U.S. Coast Guard. During his time aboard ship William ran the evaporators mentioned in the last post supplying the ship with salt free water.

From Valves to Valves

Coastguardsman William Valencheck, fireman first class of 393 3rd Street, Barberton, home of Pitcairn Valves is shown operating a valve aboard a destroyer escort convoying supply ships across the Atlantic for the battle of Germany.

SOME PARTING SHOTS OF WAHPETON

A troop train now takes our new graduates to Orange, Texas where they will become the first crew of the new U.S.S. Pride DE 323. But before heading off to Texas here are a couple of pictures left from Wahpeton.

GRADUATION DAY - COMPANY 12 READY TO SHOVE OFF - PAGE 13

The Prairie Schooner announces the graduation of Company 12 and the end of their time at the North Dakota State School of Science.


A newspaper article clipped from the Barberton Herald, William's hometown newpaper, reads:


















WILLIAM VALENCHECK IN COAST GUARD CLASS

GREAT LAKES, Ill., July 29th. - William Valencheck, 22 son of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Valencheck, 393 Thrid Street, Barberton, member of the U. S. Coast Guard, has completed 16 weeks of instruction at the U. S. Naval Training School for machinist's mates at the North Dakota State School of Science Whapeton, N. D., and now awaits assignment to active duty.

The diploma reads, "This certifies that VALENCHECK, William S2c has satisfactorily completed the prescribed course of study at the U. S. NAVAL TRAINING SCHOOL (MACHINIST'S MATE) WAHPETON, NORTH DAKOTA this 17 day of July 1943.

George Fender III, Lt. Comdr. D-V(S) USNR

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.

DEAR MR. & MRS. VALENCHECK - PAGE 9

This letter was sent to the parents of sons selected for further training which did serve Mr. Valencheck very well throughout the rest of his life.

U.S. NAVAL TRAINING SCHOOL
MACHINIST'S MATE
NORTH DAKOTA STATE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
WAHPETON, NORTH DAKOTA

April 6, 1943

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Valencheck:

As you probably know, your son has been selected for advanced training as a Navy man. He has been enrolled at this school for this purpose.

During the sixteen weeks he will be here, he will be given a specialized course of shop instruction and related class instruction which will prepare him to work for an advanced fireman's and machinist's mate's rating.

This letter is to assure you that we are intensely interested in giving him valuable training. Upon successful completion of the course, he will be eligible for promotion in rate and pay. He will have an education in a skill which will increase his value to the Navy and be of great worth to him upon his return to civilian life.

Please feel free to write us for any information you may desire regarding his welfare or his progress in school.

Sincerely yours,
George Fender III
Lieut. Commander, USNR
Commanding Officer

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.

OFF TO ENGINEERING SCHOOL - PAGE 6

Having finished a run on the Ball Brothers it was back to Cleveland for evaluation testing that separated William from some of his boot camp buddies and led him to North Dakota to what he referred to as the Naval Trainings School to learn engineering. As near as we can tell this would be the University of North Dakota School of Engineering and Mines. Here is the picture of the school in the summer of 1942.

In the 1940's the school's enrollment dropped dramatically to about 775 students most of whom were women. "The campus became a virtual military camp, with thousands of military men and women training here."

And down they go!

Harold Nichols sporting an expert swing with a tennis racket is the only man identified in these pictures from the scrap book.

POST CARDS FROM THE GREAT LAKES ABOARD THE BALL BROTHERS - PAGE 5

After boot camp the new recruits were assigned to guard the ship Balls Brothers as it sailed the Great Lakes. The Balls Brothers was a laker ship built by the American Shipbuilding Company in Lorain, Ohio in 1905 and was still sailing the Great Lakes in 1942 when William was assigned to sail aboard and guard it as it made its way up through Lake Erie through Sault Sainte Marie to Duluth, then back to Buffalo, New York, finally ending at a Coast Guard Station. (The ship was scrapped in 1963.)

During this time he sent his sister “Oh” (pictured with him here) three postcards. The first is postmarked Gulliver, Michigan, 21 November 1942. Over the “PLACE STAMP HERE” box in the upper right corner the word “FREE” is written.

From: Wm. Valencheck A.S.
c/o Steamer Ball Bros.
Marine Post Office
Detroit, Mich.

Hi Oh

We are now in Port Island and from here we go to Buffalo. I’ll drop you a card at each port so until then, Adios.

Bill

The second postcard addressed much the same way is post stamped Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, 2 December 1942.

Hi Sis,

Another card for you. The next one you get from me will be big enough to write a short story on it.

I haven’t gotten any letters for two weeks since we haven’t been down to Detroit for that period of time. We should be there Thur.

Bill

The last post card in this set was indeed a long one. In fact it was three feet long. It was postmarked in Buffalo, New York in December of 1942 and addressed to Miss Olga Valencheck.

December 4th, 1942

Hi Sis,

I got your letters today and nine others. The others were mailed last week some time and I couldn’t get them until today.

Here is that card I was telling you about and I think you will need a bigger scrapbook to put this one in.

The last trip we made was the roughest trip I ever went on. When we got to Duluth our boat was covered with ice and you would think it was a floating iceberg. Every wave that came along would cover our deck and almost the pilothouse. When I get home I’ll tell you more about it and about going through Sault Sainte Marie. I think I did mail you a card from there.

We are going to hit Lake Erie now and they say that it is stormy and that a boat and its crew went down.

This is the only letter I got from you so if you mailed one Monday, I didn’t get it.

We had a swell Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, ice cream and pie, and a bottle of beer and cigars and cider too to top it. It was plenty good. (hic burp)

I got a letter from Stan and he gave me all kinds of hell for not writing to him. I guess he forgot that he sent me a card and telling me not to write until he finds out where they send him.

I’ve got a lot to say but I (will) wait until I get home and tell you all about it so until again,

Adios

Bill

THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD FOURTH PLATOON, FAIRPORT STATION - PAGE 4

On the back of the picture dated February - March 1942 are some of the names of the men in this picture.

Row one - 1. Pinkley 2. F. Vinel 3. Bomboti 4. Hanson 5. Morrcillo 6. Bonner 7. Daily, Chief P.O. 8. William Valencheck (None of the other men are listed in this row.)

Row two - 1. (not listed) 2. C. W. Prepelica 3. A. W. Smith 4. Joe Kroll 5. (not listed) 6. C. E. Rhodes (None of the other men are losted in this row.)

Row Three - only the last man is listed in this row. His name is J. Delia