The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1946-04-17

Pacific Notebook (No 100. 1t was an ronic twist
that Ernie Pyle when he was killed year ago, should
have Death tap him on the shoulder during minor Pms.
of u military operation, Fate decreed an ant-chmaN
whereby the writer who had survived major campaigns
in Africa and Europe should be killed on tiny dot of land
that was quickly seized from its handful Of defenders
After chroncng the soldiers life in the Acknowledgment
heate Ernie headed for the Pacific to write about the
other services Before he Joined the convoy starting Tor
Okinawa he had travelled Of the mighty ships OF
the Pacific Fleet After Oknawa he told us, he planned
series of columns about the Seabees another about the
of the little pubczed supply fleet and perhaps one
the garrison troops on the islands which were now
far back of the combat zone AS one large part Oh
the Oknawa invasion force assembled at UhthL Ernie
joined the Fifth Regiment, First Marine DIVISION ana
heard the Leahenecks tell of Guadacana, Cape Glou-
cester and Peleliu He wanted to the Marines storm
beach and he seemed to have picked the right outfit
Ernie said AS it happened the Marines didn't have 70
assault the beach ut OknaWa and Ernie went in stand
ing up with the of the boys The Marines were al
most afraid they had let him down, but Ernie was Just
pleased to make an unopposed landing: when the
battle plan sent the Marines north on Oknawa, Ernie
operated from field headquarters OF the Third Amphoous
Corps tipping his columns in tents bomb shelters and RUNS
of houses in native villages Several days before the date
set for major offensive Ernie decided he'd out aboard
ship where he could have shower and some hot food,
and write some columns in advance thereby winning HIM
self time ne could well use later to roam around
gathering material Leaving his other belongings With
Ernie took only small pack as he left Third Amphlo
Corps for command ship anchored Off Sobe Okinawa
The last Of him was when he waved goodbye as
the jeep took him down the dusty road to Sobe He did
his advance columns the ship and was trying to decide
whether to return to shore right away or stay aboard of
another day two when Army officer invited him to
cover in the invasion of tiny lie Shma off the northwest
coast of Okinawa Ernie accepted. The beachhead was
reported when he went ashore but as he had ex
pected for long, Emes number was up. hidden Jap
machine gunner killed him instantly. He lies now in
simple grave Ie Shima that has become almost shrine
to the servicemen whose best interpreter he was
The Town Crer Tells Hear ye, hear We! The
Eastern States Exposition at Springfield will not take place
this fall according reports since Of the structures
occupied by the War Department will not be vacated All
Waterbury and towns between here and Bridgeport
are getting added service from the n w. n H. and Hart
ford r. r. Company in the morning at g. to reach the big
city of New York in about two hours and return of the
same train shortly after p also other train schedules
to help the busy traveller his way. Many rural resi-
dents north east and west Of homaston saw and heard
the plane from Mt Tobe that later crashed resulting in
the tragic death Of exploit Earl j. Bertrand of Thomas
tom and the injury of his companion, also from Thomas
ton Field day coon dog trials are scheduled later hs
h liz Se of be for 'Sv week.
others just the long weekend Many of the side roads
are pretty well buckled after the winter ravages Re-
pair work Is going here and there. April 30 New
London will start observance of its 300h anniversary
at which time they will honor native son. Captain Moses
Rogers who captain Of the first seam-propeled ship
to cross the Atlantic
Professor Quiz. outstanding radio personality,
plans tour of Connecticut but Waterbury is not
of the four communities selected the Of his
battle Of wits New Haven, Bridgeport, Avon and An
sonia receive the nod from the Quiz king He will open
his tour Monday morning. April p. when he attends
City Hall reception Mayor William {. CelentanO is not
expected any questions of political Importance
He will r:ereIy welcome the guest Various civic. social
industrial and municipal organizations have invited him.
On his tour he will also visit and conduct his quiz and
magic show at St. Francis Orphan Asylum. Childrens
Community Center, Jewish Home for Children. U. s.
Veterans Hospital at NewingOn Avon Hospital for the
Blind. Prior TO entering the brOadCasting profession
Prof Quiz circus performer. magician and prac-
ticing physician for eleven He has quzzed over
5000 contestants in his ten years experience