Evening star., 1945-06-30
Letters to The Star
Readers Continue Discussion
Of Older Soldier Problem.

To the Editor of The Star:
Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Henry, as
sistant chief of staff, says: Cd It would
be undemocratic not to release the
young men having the required points
before the older men; CD the older
men, being older and having enjoyed
the benefits of a free land longer,
should serve longer
But it would be undemocratic not
to release the men in a fair manner.
1t should be remembered though that
the older men as a rule have not been
given combat duty and consequently
have not been able to pile up points
through special decorations, etc. and
that it will be great deal harder for
men over IS to get jobs after the
war than it will be for men under 30.
Also speaking of being democratic:
If older men have enjoyed the benefits
of freedom longer, then why stop in
Quoting men over 30? They have had
to give up nothing as far as the war
goes. Some of them hastily switched
to war jobs to avoid the draft. Why
not induct these men and release the
older ones to come home and enjoy
the high salaries while they last; why
make the older ones fight the war
and draw the military salary while
they (the ones over 80 still not inducted)
enjoy freedom and draw the high
salaries? Is that democratic?
MARGARET TUCKER.
To the Editor Of The Star:
The testimony OF Gen. Stephen Henry,
given before the House Military Af-
fairs Committee, to the effect that the
release of men over IS would necessitate
the retention of younger soldiers is not
an accurate statement of the facts.
The Armys own estimate calls for a
greater reduction in personnel than
Gen. Henry is willing to admit to the
public. II there is manpower short
age, then why has the Army ceased
to induct men over the age of 20?
Why can't those men between the
ages of 80 and 38 take the places
of the older soldiers who already have
served several years in the Army?
Gen. Henry talks of "the democratic
way to handle discharges. Is it the
democratic way to ignore the wishes
of minority who desire the release
of the older soldiers? 1t seems to
me that this is the dictator's way
AS a matter of fact as a professional
soldier, Gen. Henry is not qualified to
determine what is democratic" and
what is not. The Army with its officer
caste and its restrictions is the most
undemocratic and dictatorial organi-
zation We have in this country today.
Congress decided the qualifications
for induction, and Congress should de-
termine the qualifications for discharge.
large minority including the SOL
diers. their families and numerous or
ganizations have demanded the release
of the older soldiers. Congress should
act to make this possible now,
EVERETT BRAUN.
To the Editor OF The Star:
l do not like to complain. but I feel
that there should be some measure of
fair play in the assignment of men
in the armed services. 1t seems it is
the destiny of a certain number to
serve year after year in the Pacific.
Men of the same background and train
ing are retained on shore stations con-
tinually, regardless of the fact that
they could be replaced by men who
have served at sea and equally are
capable of doing the work that is being
done by the alleged indispensable mem
bers who have nothing to do but grow
fat with lack of responsibility They
have their families, too, and would enjoy
seeing their children grow and share
the comforts of home and all that
represents normal family life. How
about a shakeup to give the other
guys chance? II they are good enough
to do their bit, let them exchange
places with the real veteran and show
them that this is everybody's war.
DISGUSTED.
Differs With Mr.. Underwood.
tn he Editor of The Star.