Soldier News continued - 1943

PFC  Robert Knowles Now a Paratrooper

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 28, 1943

Bainbridge can now boast of having a Paratrooper with the graduation of P.F.C. Robert Knowles, of the U.S. Marines, at Hadnot Point, N.C.  In the letter which follows, Pvt Knowles tells of his graduation and training involved to secure his wings.

 

Jan. 22, 1943

Hello Mrs. Knight:

One week and two days ago, I had the biggest thrill of my life as I stood before Colonel Howard of the Parachute Troops at Hadnot Point and received, along with a handshake and congratulations, my wings with the parachute between them.  Those wings that send a man through hours of physical drill, miles of running and weeks of unconceivable training.

 

Yes Mrs. Knight, there have been many books written on Parachute Troops, but none have been written by a Paratrooper himself.  I often wondered why, but after going through those weeks of training, I known now.  For instance, would you believe or imagine a person going through two hours of calisthenics and 12 hours of running every day for a period of four weeks."  No, you couldn't. How could anybody except the ones that have been through it.

 

The platoon that I started out with had 58 men in it to start with and after those weeks had rolled by and we came to that big day, our first jump from a plane, we had chopped 36 of them.  Every one of those 36 were men because they gave everything they had, and when they found it wasn't enough, they would walk quietly into the barracks and slowly pack their sea bags.  Maybe a tear in the corner of their eyes but never a complaint, just that low feeling you get when you fight so hard and then lose.

 

In our sixth week all of those hard, rugged days became appreciated because the opening shocks nor the landing shocks were felt as greatly as they would have been, if we had started jumping while we were still soft.  the first three jumps were the ones that everybody's knees seemed to wobble a little but as we stood waiting for the word, "go." But the last three were big thrills and something that you want to keep doing.  They were like a sudden drop while riding on a roller coaster only about three times greater.  Since I've been stationed at this base, I will be here for about four weeks, I've gone up several times for rides in dive bombers and pursuit ships with pilots who were practicing different maneuvers and stunts but there was no real thrill to it.  Maybe, those who have become paratroopers have had the biggest thrill of all but there is one more that I would like to try, and this is coming home to Bainbridge and seeing my friends again.  Maybe some day.

Sincerely - Bob

Ruth R. Goodman Joins America Red Cross Overseas Service

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 28, 1943

Announcement has been made of the appointment of Miss Ruth R. Goodman to a position with the American Red Cross Overseas Service as a Staff Assistant.  Miss Goodman has resigned from her position as teacher of Home Economics at the Bainbridge Central School, that resignation to take effect on Tuesday, Jan. 26.  Miss Goodman was graduated from the College of Home Economics at Cornell University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, with the class of 1939, and she has taught Home Economics since that time.  She taught in St. Johnsville Public School System before coming to Bainbridge in 1941; and she has studied in the graduate schools of Cornell and Syracuse Universities.  Miss Goodman left Bainbridge on Monday, Jan. 25, to spend some time at her home in Evanston, Ill., prior to her departure for a short training period in Washington, after which time she will serve in one of the Red Cross overseas Clubs for Service Men abroad.  These Clubs are responsible for providing all Red Cross services to the Armed Forces.  Miss Goodman was entertained at a farewell tea by Mrs. Lewis L. Kirkland and Mrs. Merton A. Blanchard, Jr., at Mrs. Kirkland's home on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 24.  Guests at the tea were:  Mrs. Edward Danforth, Miss Jessamine Davis, Miss Janice Pratt, Miss Mabel Smith, and Miss Louise Whitman. 

Virginia Blakeley Enters WAAC Service

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 18, 1943

Miss Virginia Blakeley, daughter of Mr. and Mr. Bryce D. Blakeley, of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], who recently was sworn into the WAAC, has been ordered to report for duty at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., Feb. 23.  Virginia is the first Bainbridge girl to enter the military service, and her many friends wish her the best of luck in her new venture.

Rita Blanchard leaves BCHS Faculty

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 18, 1943

Mrs. Rita Blanchard, fifth grade teacher, left Bainbridge Central School, Friday, Feb. 5, to join her husband, Lieut. Blanchard, in New England.  Mrs. Blanchard, the former Rita Winkler, was a member of Central's faculty for four years.  This past summer, Miss Winkler was married to Mr. Blanchard who immediately left for Officers Training School.  Mrs. Blanchard resumed her duties here as a member of the teaching staff, intending to serve out the entire school year.  Her unexpected resignation followed close upon the heels of her roommate's, Miss Ruth Goodman's, departure.  The fifth grade had a farewell party for their attractive, vivacious teacher and Mrs. Blanchard departed amidst wishes of good luck, and pleasant journey, etc.  Mrs. Blanchard asked Blue and White to extend her farewells by this means.  The time was so short and there were so many last minute preparations to attend to that she was unable to see everyone before leaving.  Mrs. Bradshaw is substituting in the fifth grade until the permanent teacher arrives.