Evening star., 1945-11-20

I'VE are proud to count you, sir, as
a life member of our Abilene
(Kans) Post"
Gen. Eisenhower broke into
broad grin as the medal was pinned
to his tunic.
Responding, Gen. Eisenhower
said, 1T seems almost Unnecessary
for me to attempt to describe my
satisfaction in receiving the Dis
tinguished Service Award from the
largest group of American veterans"
"If my three and a half years
commanding on foreign soil has
done anything for me, it is to in
tensify the undying love that I, and
they (his mem, hold for this coun-
try" he said.
II like to think you are using me
as a medium to honor 100000
American soldiers who did their best
for you and America in Europe"
He said that personally it was a
great satisfaction for him that the
meeting was in Chicago, a Midwest
metropolis. because L am plains
man myself and because his first
Army command was with the old
7th and 9th Illinois Regiment.
The general was almost overcome
with emotion when he referred to
his wife and the fact she was i'm
proving. IF she hadn't been l
couldn't have come" he said, SIM
ply. He brushed away tear with
his hand.
Greeted by Gen. Bradley.
Gen. Omar N. Bradley former
commander of the 18th Army
Group in Europe and now veterans
administrator. warmly greeted Gen.
Eisenhower. his former commander,
on the platform.
Gen. Eisenhower taking place
on the platform after the medal
presentation, earlier in the DAY in
a news conference strongly favored
the merger of the Army and Navy
departments.
Just before the presentation to
Gen, Eisenhower, Comdr. Scheiber-
ling read what he described as an
important telegram" from Presi-
dent Truman.
1t said:
1T has come to my attention that
some doubt has arisen among dele
gates to the American Legion con-
ventions with respect TO my views
on a universal training program.
My message to Congress sets forth
my views on this subject. l hope
that the Legion will not think
there has been any departure there
from"
The President has recommended
q one-year universal military train
ing program. question under con-
vention debate but favored in prin-
ciple by the Legion since its found
ing.
Gen. Koenig Present.
1t. Gen. Joseph Pierre Koenig,
commander in chief of the French
zone of occupied Germany and for
merly one of Gen. Eisenhower's
top Allied commanders. greeted
Gems. Eisenhower and Bradley and
paid high tribute to Gen. Eisen-
hover.
He then presented the French Le-
gion of Honor to Comdr. Scheiber-
ling, complete with the two-cheek
kiss which de declined to repeat for
the photographers.
Emphasis on the Army took the
convention play away from the Navy
in the third day of the four-day
convention.
Admirals Ernest J. King and Ches-
ter w. Nimitz, along with John L.
Sullivan. Assistant Secretary of the
Navy. gave heavy weight in the first
two days to the Navy opposition to
proposed merger of the Army and
Navy Departments. Gen. Elsen-
hover and 1t. Gen. James H. Doo-
little tomorrow. presumably. will
present Army concurrence in the
plan.
EinSOn Addresses Legion.
Before Gen. Eisenhower's appear
ance at today's session the conven-
ton heard an address by Secretary
of the Treasury Vinson.
Mr.. Vinson said the United States
must do these three things to avoid
another World War:
Remain powerful, support inter
national discussion to keep the
peace and provide leadership for
world prosperity.
He asserted:
1--WE cannot follow the short
sighted policy of reclining in our
easy chairs and wallowing in the
luxury of the war is over If we
do that. we shall suddenly learn
that we are enjoying only the
brea thing spell before the next war"
DI uL