The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1943-09-25
BY EMO p. WATERS JR.


SOMEWHERE IN NEW
GUINEA-The "Stepin Fet-
chit" Of the Southwest Pacific
has none Of the lassitude, nor
apathy Of tho wonderful Hol-
,yWo God character after which II Is
named
On the contrary. Il is fast,
sturdy. versatile and daring crea-
ton and one OF the most important
elements in the military machinery
o. this theatre.
From a sprawling colony OF huge
sirdromes where. scores OF planes
speed down the long runways. II
takes off almost daily in swirl Of
dust for various points in this thea
ire. II takes its place in an air
armada composed OF planes rang
ing in size from toylike Piper cubs
used for reconnaissance 10 the heavy
fearsome Liberator bombers.
The bombers freighted with tons
OF ammunition set forth to spread
destruction and death from miles
in the air. The fighters and dive
bombers. smaller, but no less dead
ly. take wing to engage enemy Graf
In vicious fights. to strafe the enc.
my from well entrenched positions
and 10 dive accurately at japanese
detectives
Drayman OF Skies
But "Stepin Fetchit" has hu-
name. but no less heroic mission. II
is a CAT, draynan Of the skies the
most versatile craft OF the lot.
II is not combat ship. but never
theless flies into the thick OF battle
where II might be dispatched tc
carry important orders, fresh troops
mail or TO evacuate the sick and
wounded.
1t is part OF the aerial lifeline be-
tween isolated outposts and impor
tant bases OF operation far behinc
the lines. II plays hundred diff
ferent roles in as many days. Take
off its huge doors and it becomes |
bully beef bomber" carrying tw'
or three tons OF provisions into ar
area where because II cannot land
drops them TO waiting troops be
low. Or II may be just an ordinar.
cargo plane transporting shipmen
81 supplies or equipment, or trool
transport with detachment OF ar
til,ery or infantrymen. or para
troopers. With slight alterations
becomes a hospital ship. the mos
merciful OF its many importan
roles
Takes Ride To Outpost
Its pilots are men OF courage VIII
operate under fire. They must b
steady, resourceful and conscious c
L,heir responsibility.
"Stepin Fetchit" Is the spearhea
OF the rear echelon. wing!ng its wa
over impossible jungle and noun
tains with men and equipment I
hold and foftify a recently acquire
position.
I took a ride in "Stepin Fetcht
the other day 10 an isolated out
post a short distance from where IN
japanese are operating 1t woul
( De completely shut off from the re:
O., the army, from the rest OF III
world except for radio contac
were IL not for "Stepin Fetchit."
To be sure. "Stepin Fetchit" is M
the only plane dedicated to this In
porative.. even IL less colorfu,. ser,
ice Accompanying us were other
craft OF the same type with name
no less amusing or significant
In the formation were "Geron
no." "Dutchess." Missouri Mule
Smoky joe" "Bobcat," "Aeolg:
and Guinea Gopher" This s,or
might be written about any % the:
ships and scores Of others engage
the same work.
Trip Delayed
When ] arrived 81 the airport
was dark and only the silhouette {
he ship could be seen against u
gradually Tightening sky The NIX
tors had already been warmed U