After my R&R, my return to MAAF resumed in the sign painting shop. I was busy with signs for the airfields and for orders from Eng. units. I met all types of GI’s, Officers and non-coms. In the month of October, I was promoted to Corporal and I joined the Non-com’s club. I became acquainted with Syd Fields, who had worked for the N.Y. Daily Mirror as a journalist. He was part of the PR staff directed by Tex McCrary, who has been editor of the Mirror and now headed the PR staff for Gen. Ira Eaker.
When Syd learned of my experience in Photography, he asked me if I would be be willing to transfer into the 902nd Photo Unit that served Eaker’s Air force and publicity. “Wow”, I said, “Is it possible?”. And it was done. In November, 1944, I transferred to this fully equipped photo unit.
I cannot forget this memorable scene. When I walked into the new (for me) facility, a fully equipped darkroom, a section of enlargers and an editing department for trimming and correcting prints and especially the smell of chemicals , I felt like I was in heaven. But most of all the image that remains in my mind were the photos that were displayed in the entry room. The walls were covered by 16×20 photos of Jinx Falkenberg, a famous model, who had been on a USO trip in Egypt. I asked Syd, who escorted me into the facility, “What’s this all about”. He replied ” She’s Tex’s girl friend”. Well she was really gorgeous. I can still see the photos now. After the war Tex and Jinx became a famous radio show, reporting on newsy topics.
I need to depart from the WWII story, because the creation of my blog began with the obituary I saw in the N.Y.Times. In July, 2003, her death was recorded at age 92. This notice triggered my memory bank and induced me to follow the obituary column and write the memories that crop up when I read about a person who had been a part of my experience, be it family, work, school or entertainment. I mentioned to my grandson Joey that I started a book, which I titled “In Memoriam”, in 2003 and now it is full. Joey then suggested that I open a blog. So here it is. I hope I can work faster. Time is running out. But I will try to get to family matters, when I return from the war. Love to all my readers.
The Ernie Pyle bridge constructed by engineers to cross the Rhne River.