The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-08-05

It's been a long, long trail for
Billy Mitchell.
1t started back in the l920's when
,e said that there would be war in
he air in the future and America
should prepare for it.
Brig. Gen. William CBiAyO
Mitchell. then head Of the Army
Air Service. criticized the Army
high command for refusing 10 rec
,gnize the importance OF aviation
n future wars. He said the Army
should take steps to build up its
air service to meet the future.
Billy" was court martialed for
lis forecast in an interview with
,ewspapermen in San Antonio, Tex.
lie was relieved OF command and
placed on the inactive list. But
while he lost his stars he didn't
ose his convictions. He resigned
rom the Army altogether and re-
ired to private life.
His. .life's trail ended in 1885.
But there was another trail-the
rail OF a record.
Because Of it, Billy" hasn't
been forgotten. There is war in
the air, just like he yisioned.
BILLY" hadn't just been quick
forded. And people are thinking
about that.
You hear about Billy" Mitchell
hese days as America hastens to
meet the very menace he foresaw.
He was right and he was probably
better soldier than those who
broke him.
= Sen. Clark CD Mo, has a bill
bending that would amend "Billy's"
record to read Major General
instead OF Colonel. The sena.
or calls for congressional approval
II the change in "Billy's" record to
posthumously give him back at
east one thing he gave up for his
convictions.
Il think that's the very least
Congress could do for a man like
Billy Mitchell" Clark says.
Sen. McCarran Cd New. de-
:lares that III there was a prophet
If the air from a standpoint OF
iefense 1t was BILLY" Mitchell"
He, too, hopes for speedy enact
nent OF a measure OF recognition.
There are many others, too, who
want TO see "Billy's" record
amended in recognition OF his far.
seeing ideas OF years ago. They
Know what It would have meant to
Billy.
Gen. Mitchell died Of a broken
ieart," Clark says.
"Billy's" record lies somewhere
n War Department file. Some
lay, perhaps. someone will take 1t
tut and make a change where It
'eads colonel.
And when that is done Il would
,e a good plan to review some OF
he other records from the stand
Joint OF merit. There is said to
20 a lot OF dead timber in the
Army and Navy. There certainly
f. las been plenty OF narrow Wis
oned laundering and delay. The
blame rests with politicians as
veil as high ranking Army and
Navy men. Because we were not
It war there was little said, but
Tow that American men and WON.
IN face action, 1t is imperative
hat they should see intelligent
, preparations Of equipment.
There has been some military
iousecleaning Of late There will
probably be more. 1t should con.
.inue till decorations on an officers
inform are made TO stand for the
efficiency and intelligence that his
-ank should represent. Men al
iome find ways TO get rid OF in.
competent superiors in industry.
Certainly where their lives are at
stake, as in service. they should
not be subjected to the dictates Of
Incompetent officers. Regardless
,f whether we get into the war
me important accomplishment will
De the awakening Of personnel and
. consequent improvement Of equip.
nent and military methods.