Evening star., 1940-05-13
.se
School Cadets
In Competitive
Drills Today
Seret. Robert Curtis
Of Anocosti1 Wins
Non-Com Award

uNOU.SOW AWOTO
The sharp bark Of military COM
mands rang through Grimth Sta
dium and blue-clad cadets skidded
across the sun-baked outfield turf
as company competitives-the final
event in the cadet calendar-today
opened a two-day performance.
AS the first units went into action
at 8 am, weather conditions were
ideal. A cool breeze swept through
the stadium and a warm sun beat
down on the marching youths.
Almost without exception, the
drill routines went off favorably, the
only casualties being a number of
torn trousers as the cadets slid
into their positions in an extended
order attack on the scoreboard.
Sergt. Curtis Wins Honor.
Despite the good weather only a
small crowd was on hand to watch
the first contestants perform but
others struggled in in time to
watch Sergt. Robert Curtis of Ana
costa win the noh-commissioned
officers competition for the best
drilled man in the brigade. This
was the first honor to be taken by
the Anacostia unit, which was
formed only two years ago and has
not yet reached regimental status.
Serpt. Homer Miller of MeKinlev
took second and Sergt. Norman
Henry of Central third. Each high
school was represented by its ace
non-com.
The real excitement was, as
usual, in the left field corner of the
bleachers where the companies
formed preparatory to taking the
field. A machine-gun fire of patter
and friendly advice cracked about
as they did bit of last-minute
brushing up and watched their
predecessors in action.
II shudder to think Of us doing
that right oblique," commented one
white-faced cadet.
boy, I shudder at everything we
do" replied his companion.
"You fellows, don't forget to
weave" called a captain by way of
warning, land I don't mean knit
one pearl two"
The water boy-the fellow who
goes around wetting gloved hands
so that rifles won't slip-was in de-
mand everywhere at once and a
sergeant reminded: For Pete's sake
don't forget the dress is right"
Even supporters in the stands put
in their advice. sS
Fix that joker's hat" called
boy from the stands.
saw, I got it on right" beefed the
maligned cadet.
Principals on Hand.
Principal Norman j. Wilson Of
Woodrow Wilson was on hand as the
drills opened with his units and
wandered through the ranks BRUSH
ing of uniforms and offering en-
couragement. Principal John Paul
Collins of Anacostia was there. too,
as one of his two companies went
through its PAGES.
The Western High units, which
have ben sweeping all before them
in the drill competitions thus far.
were critically eyed by everybody,
and unofficial observers commented
on crack performances by Company
G and Company H. The latter unit
took first place last year.
The only change in the field ar
rangements this year over previous
practice was the placing Of the first
aid tent in the center field corner
instead of in the right field corner.
This was done to allow more space
for the drill movements.
Judges of the units are First 1t.
John d. Lawlor and Second Its.
Thaddeus Dulin and Louis Moore.
Eight companies paraded during the
morning session and eight others
during the afternoon.
Review Tomorrow.
Remaining units, including one
company from each high school,
saved for the final day will close
the drills tomorrow before passing
in review for Col. Frederic G. Kel-
lond, inspection of1lcer for the Sd
Corps Area.
The drills are under the direc-
ton of Col. Wallace M. Craigie, pro-
fessor of military science and tactics
in the white high schools, and Capt.
Paul L. Doerr, his assistants.
Rewards to the victor are the
diamond studded Allison Nailor
Medal to the captain of the win
ming company, ribbons to the COM
pany and a nag to the guide SER
geant. Second third place units
receive ribbons and cup goes to
the school whose companies have
the best average. These will be
made when the winners are an
nounced tomorrow.
Other Awards.
Other awards to be made later at
the schools will include copy Of
the Allison Nailor medal to the win
ming captain from the Central Lions
Club; a saber to the captain from
the Junior Board Of Commerce;
medal to the first sergeant Of the
winning company from Bunker Hill
Post No. 81 of the American Legion;
a medal to the drum major of the
winning band, and medals to the
distinguished non-commissioned Of
f1cers of the brigade.
NAf AZ