The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-05-20

ABOUT $40 p. m. Inc 1ueh OF Seh-
eral Cubbison was TO start q wide
thanking movement around by
Spanswsy lake and attack south
west, parallel to the Pacific high
way.
But II wasn't ~ simple rs that.
Armies run ON split second infor-
nation and an intricate communi-
cations system 10 maintained.
Doubly interesting WAS this prob
lem for 1t involved the use Of one
Tacoma police prowl car and sew
eral state patrol cars. all equipped
with radio. In addition. units bad
their standard field telephones.
radios, runners. cavalry messen-
gers and motorcycles.
The law enforcement officers
were pressed into duty by both
Third division headquarters and
the Tacoma cavalry troop whose
mission was counter-reeonnaisance
and 4 screening" mission - for
ward positions to conceal actual
movement from the enemy.
FRIENDLY FIRES"
Detective Harold Thornburg Of
the city police was with the troop
until IL p. m. Thursday night,
keeping In touch with Tscoma's
police radio. which relayed mes
ssges sent from the enemy terri
tory by friendly spies" This data
WAS turned over to the state
patrol radio net with the troop
and flashed direct TO GHQ. Thus
split second reports were available.
State patrol officers working on
the problem were Ed Esteb. Mike
Wayne, Bill Purse, Mr.. Lewis,
radio mechanic for GHQ, and Sgt.
Geer. According to Major Mark
w. Clark, G-2 Third division. the
police net gave gratifying results
and situation maps at headquart-
ers were changed every few min
utes on the basis of the radio re-
ports.
But back TO the battle About
1880 p. M, Third division head
quarters made ready to move into
its new forward position near
Spanaway.
NO LIGHTS
No lights. Grumbling black
blobs Of darkness as heavy trucks
creaking and rumbling through
the night, followed pin pricks OF
flashlights on the ground ahead
Enemy aircraft lowered low for 8
glimpse of the movement, but n
far as was known, the complet,
Photographer and reporter AGAR
lurched across prairie roads to the
new "CP" where all was in resdi'
ness for the main attack, to com,
about =. m.
Slowly, light worked itself owe
the tops of the towering frs sns
what had been dark shadows tool
the forms of rs nm. guns, dough
boys, tanks. all moving forward.
Close contact was kept with Col
r. L. Eiehelberger. commander o
the Soth Infantry in daily life. bu
commander Of the 9th brigade 70
the problem. The 9Th brigade wa
to form the spesrhesd of the at
tack with the s0th and ssth In
fsntry pushing forward towar'
Murray creek across the prairie
back of McChord field.
READY FOR ATTACK
Gen. Cubbison. mild spoken nal
with q friendly, round red face
conferred Informally with his staff
All WAS resdy.
The operator twirled the handl
of the field telephone. giving tn
9th brigade call no answer
Lines had been blasted or cut
The spesrhesd Of the Blue sd
vance was cut off from GHQ.
The general turned TO Ma.
Clark. regularly Ca now function
ing as chief of staff. He told hin
to make personal contact with tn
9th. Maj. Clark and Lieut.. ]. +. r
Seitx. cubbison's aide, set out
Finally they returned.
Yes. Col. Eichelh<rger and hi
brigade were in position swsitini
the generals orders" they re
ported.
ATTACK LAUNCHED
Attack"