Evening star., 1946-05-03
Letters to The Star
inexperienced Officers Blamed
For Caste Complaints

For Caste Complaints
To the Editor of The Star:
The apparent policy in the appoint
ment of officers in the Regular Army Is
worthy OF comment in that emphasis
is placed more on physical fitness than
on courage and initiative as shown by
records in combat and decorations. ]
have been told that decorations and
combat experience count for nothing
but that perfect physical specimen
Is placed first on the list.
There are many one-armed officers
In foreign armies but such a thing
would be impossible in the American
Army. A good appearance seems to be
the first essential in the United States
Army. I have in mind combat in
fantry lieutenant with the Silver Star
and the Croix de Guerre whose chances
Of becoming a Regular Army officer
are very slim because he was hit in the
arm and his grip is a little weak.
Something ought to be done to bring
the Regular Army boards to the real
ization that courage and experience
are good things for an officer to have
even in times Of peace. Most of the
complaining about caste system" in
the Army Is because OF inexperienced
officers who do not realize their respon-
sibilities and have never been in COM
bat. DISIILUSIONED.
Arlinston Debate Continued
To tho Editor of The Star:
Taking exception to those critics OF
the splendid article by Nelson Shepard,
published in Sundays Star. in which
he brings to public notice just another
reason for turning the spotlight of
truth on our military caste system, I
am writing in hope that both he and
The Star will continue their efforts to
obtain truly democratic military de-
partment for a truly democratic Ma
ton.
AS an enlisted man who served with
an infantry division during World War
II and as q veteran who has held
numerous Offices in veteran organiza-
tions since, I especially wish to chal-
lenge the statement made in his letter
to The Star by "A U. s. Colonel" that
the winning Of the last war, like all
OF our other wars, was due to the lead
ership Of its officers. For the fve mil
lion enlisted men of World War I and
the IL million who served in World
War II, would like to suggest that
the one contributing factor in the win
ming OF every var in which this Nation
has engaged is the "guts" displayed by
her fighting sons, be they officers or
enlisted men.
Also, I would direct Mr. Shepard to
the United Nations Service Center,
across from the Union Station, where
a sign over the basement entrance
reads: Enlisted Personnel" This same
entrance before the war, when the
building served as hotel, read ::
"Tradesmen and Servants Entrance"
EX-BUCK PRIVATE.
To the Editor of The Star:
Your article in last Sundays Star
concerning the "caste system" in ma
tional cemeteries was little surprising
to me, as it is common knowledge to
veterans, and have never heard much
criticism OF the system. The gripes
you have received are interesting and
in some cases illustrate the spirit which
probably initiated the system. The
colonel says Army leaders win the war
and are therefore entitled to larger
space to rest in, in the cemetery.
Would he classify a lieutenant who
fought the battle of the Pentagon, be-
hind shiny desk, as more Of leader
than any good first sergeant who led
his men in combat?
My father was a Civil War veteran,
am Spanish War veteran. and my
son was an MN lfc in the Navy, all
OF lis enlisted, and no brass in the
family. will be satisfied to be buried
in a single grave. The size of the
monument is not important, the stand
ard marker is good enough for any
fighting soldier or veteran.
A MAD ETAvIRP.
To the Editor. of The Star:
Many a former enlisted man and
ofhcer saluted your story Of the caste
system perpetuated even in death at
Arlington Cemetery.
I'm sure no CT who gave his life
thought much about the continuation
Of the Ofncers' Club after he took his
leave from life. He thought less about
the size Of the marker on his grave
However, those who remain feel that
the sacrifice of the beloved ones who
died for their country was equivalent
to the sacrifices made by their officer
colleagues. If tombstone is any meas
urement Of sacrifice, many of the en-
listed men buried in Arlington should
have larger stones than are now found
there-and, Of course, the same holds
true for some officers. Since tomb
stone does refect-whether we will it
or not-some of the esteem in which
we hold these heroes and the measure
of their sacrifice, say you are right.
think relatives of enlisted men buried
in military cemeteries should have the
same right as relatives of oficers-to
pay for and erect as large monument
foH nf, ",