"HELLO RAILSPLITTER"

Attached herewith is a copy of the Fifth Annual Convention of
the Railsplitters Society held at the Jung Hotel, New Orleans, La.,
on the 28th and 29th of August 1950.

If you were not among those present we feel sure this resume will
bring you up-to-date with the Society and its progress. If you were
among those present we feel sure this resume will bring back memories
of a good time enjoyed with the best of people — RAILSPLITTERS.

We feel sure the Sixth Annual Convention of the Railsplitters,
to be held at the Statler Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio, 27-29 August 1951,
will be the most outstanding of all Railsplitter Conventions if each
and everyone of us will make it a point to attend if it is at all
possible to do so. Plans are shaping up for this Convention and from
all appearances should be a huge success.

So should we say with true Railsplitter feeling "On to Cleveland
during the 27th, 28th and 29th of August 1951".

FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
RAILSPLITTERS SOCIETY
84th INFANTRY DIVISION
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

28-29 AUGUST 1950

28th AUGUST

The Fifth Annual Convention of the Railsplitters Society was called to order at 1400 hours, 28 August 1950, at the Jung Hotel, New Orleans, La., by Mr. Frank Pennington, Vice-President, acting in the absence of President Colonel Charles E. Hoy, who was not able to attend due to pressure of business in Washington.

MR. PENNINGTON: I would like to ask Father Krusling to lead the Invocation.

FATHER KRUSLING: Lead the Railsplitters in the Invocation.

MR. PENNINGTON: Welcomed all members to the Fifth Annual Convention and stated that the welcome was in the name of all officers and the Executive Committee. He explained the convention as a reunion of Railsplitters and sincerely wished that everyone would enter into the spirit of the situation and to really enjoy themselves. He stated the functions of the Society are carried on primarily by one man, the Executive-Secretary and Treasurer. He gave great credit to Lt. Col. Cline J. Lampkin for his magnificent handling of the position and his unfailing devotion to the job. He then called upon Lt. Col. Lampkin to give a report of the status of the Society and also to report upon the 4th Annual Convention of the Rail-splitters Society.

LT. COL. LAMPKIN: Reported the following re the 4th Annual Convention held at the Congress Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. He stated that they had a small but successful convention based on the same overall criteria as the present one. The following agenda of the 4th Annual Convention was presented by Col. Lampkin:

144 members attended.

Monday - Registration, business meeting and beer-bust.

Tuesday - Committee Meetings and Dinner Dance.

Wednesday - Business meeting and banquet.

Following Officers took office:

President - Colonel Charles E. Hoy

Vice-Pres.- Frank Pennington

Secretary - John Thom

Chaplain ---Father Krusling

Following members elected to Exoc-Committee for three years.

William Mull
John Venturella
Colonel O. F. Danielson, Ret.
(Huntsberger nominated for 1 year to replace Pennington)

Total cost of the 4th Annual Convention was $2,293.79.
Income for the convention was $2,410.00, leaving a net profit of $116.21 or approximately $0.80 per person attending.
Colonel Lampkin further stated that this was the first convention that actually paid for itself. He also noted that the additional expenditures to the individual were a major part of the Society's concern - hotel rooms, PA system, use of committee rooms, etc.

Following were principal policy changes which had taken place.

1. Election of Society Chaplain placed on a one-year basis.

2. All honorary offices were struck from the records with the exception of the Lifetime Honorary President, Major General A. R. Bolling, Maritime Commander. General Bolling was appointed to the post of Lifetime President at the 3rd Annual Convention in New York City in 1948.

Financial Report as of 31 December 1949:

Cash on Hand $1,620.53
Liabilities $ 786.67

Financial Report as of 1 August 1950:

Cash on hand $1,076.25
Liabilities $ 786.67
Balance $ 289.58

This balance compares with a balance of $46.27 as of 1 Aug. 1949 not taking into consideration the personal loans outstanding as of that date.

Colonel Lampkin stated he received the books in 1948 with a $1,200 debit and a bank balance of $1.61 in the red. The loans were made by members of the Washington and Philadelphia chapters so a mailing could be made in 1948. No one was meant to be slighted but the fact that Washington and Philadelphia were nearby and could be contacted without any additional expense was the only reason they were approached and not the society as a whole.

Colonel Lampkin continued with the statement that the office of the Executive-Secretary was now set up on a firm basis in Washington and promised increased publications for the coming year with the idea of broadening the scope to bring in many former active members and to get new members through these publications. Circulation is approximately 14,000 known members.

MR. PENNINGTON: Thanked Colonel Lampkin for his report and called upon Mr. William Mull, Ohio, a member of the Executive Committee, to read a letter from President Colonel Charles E. Hoy.

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(4)
25 August 1950

Dear Railsplitters:

It is with regret that I take this method of saying hello.

It is my misfortune not to be with you and to have the pleasure of
renewing my many friendships. It so happens that our convention coin-
cides with some important work, and it is impossible to be with you at
this time. I know you understand that I should like nothing better than
to be with the Railsplitters in New Orleans.

We hear of many seemingly impossible things being done these days,
such as, splitting atoms. I know we are convinced that the only thing
that can never be split are the Railsplitters. To break off the com-
radeship developed in the 84th Division is an impossibility. The friend-
ships developed, and our experiences together in Germany and the "Bulge",
congented us into a solid block, which no person on earth can ever put
asunder.

Throughout the past year, I have been conscious of the honor of
being the President of the Railsplitters Society. I should like to take
this opportunity to thank you for having afforded me the privilege of
serving as your President. I extend congratulations and best wishes for
success to the new officers whom you will select at our convention.

May I say again that I am sorry that I have to miss being with you.
Having attended our other conventions, I know what I am missing. I wish
you good luck.

MR. PENNINGTON: Referred to the local New Orleans Chapter and stated it had been formed since the 4th Annual Convention through the enthusiasm of the New Orleans Railsplitters. He stated that the members of the New Orleans Chapter were quite willing to be called upon at anytime to be guides on trips around the city or to give any pertinent information desired. He then called upon Mr. Nat Sheets of the New Orleans Chapter for a few words.

MR. SHEETS: At the last convention I promised you air-conditioning and now that you are here you can see that the promise has been carried out. I have a list of "Art Galleries" in New Orleans and will furnish them upon request. I don't suppose you will need them but if so just ask. There are also plenty of exhibits of all kinds to be found if you will just turn your heads as you go through the French Quarter. New Orleans is like a city of movie in which it is stated that a man who cannot be amused just can't be amused. I welcome all Railsplitters to New Orleans and we as a Chapter hope you enjoy this Convention as much if not more than any in the past.

MR. PENNINGTON: Called upon Mr. Mull to read a letter from Major General A. R. Bolling, Lifetime Honorary President.

MR. MULL: Stated before he read the letter, "Thanks a lot, Mr. Pennington, for giving me the privilege and honor of reading this letter from General Bolling when I feel was tops and always will be tops for my money". The following letter was then read:

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23 August 1950

RAILSPLITTERS:

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I cannot be with you at our
Fifth Annual Reunion. I have just been given a new assignment which pre-
vents me from leaving Washington during the present emergency. I can assure
you, though not there in person, my thoughts will be with you as they have
been since the day I took command of the Railsplitters.

As you know, our troops are now heavily engaged in Korea and it is
indeed gratifying to learn from that area that we have Railsplitters in all
ranks and doing the same excellent job in Korea that they did in our action
in Europe. John Church is commanding the 24th Division and I can assure you
he has carried on the fine tradition of the 84th. Many others, too numerous
to mention, have distinguished themselves on the field of battle.

As we reflect, we remember our intensive training, our sudden call to
port and our rapid move into combat. In the 130 consecutive days of combat,
you indicated by your spirit, loyalty and courage that as a team you were
second to none. We thought, as we met our Allies on the Elbe, that we had
aided in ending all wars for some time to come. Those of us who have
participated in combat "hate war" but, when it is forced upon us, again
American youth will rise to the occasion and, as we have always done, finish
in first place - there is no second place in war.

The true friendships and comradeships made on the field of battle can
never be severed and I am most pleased to learn that you have gathered once
again to renew those friendships, and I ask that you continue to keep our
Railsplitters together through the years with that same spirit and loyalty
that you showed while we were together as a unit.

Again, I regret that I cannot join with you during this reunion and my
best wishes can only be extended in this manner. I merely repeat "I am, as
you should be, proud to be a Railsplitter".

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MR. PENNINGTON: Asked if there was any old business to be taken up but received no replies from the Floor.

He then stated that under new business was the election of the various committees. These committees would be selected at this meeting and will function tomorrow morning and report at the Tuesday afternoon business meeting the results of their different meetings. Following committees to be elected:

Nominating Committee

Auditing Committee

Convention Site Committee

Motion was entertained by chair for nominating committee of five members. This committee will in turn at their meeting tomorrow morning nominate a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Chaplain and three members of the Executive Committee. They may nominate one or more for each office. First man nominated today will serve as Chairman of the Committee and make the report.

MR. WINSETT: I nominate Larry Newby, Calif.

MR. MICKLES: I second that motion.

LA.
MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Larry Newby be nominated a member of the Nominating Committee. Will those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. RULE: I nominate Mr. Sheets, La.

MR. THOMASON: I second the motion.

LA.
MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Sheets be nominated a member of the Nominating Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye" (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. GRILIN: I nominate Mr. Glasscock, Ala.

KY.
MR. HORNE: I second the motion.

LA.
MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Glasscock be nominated a member of the Nominating Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye" (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. NEWBY: I nominate Mr. Mull, Ohio

CALIF.
MR. CASHIO: I second that motion.

LA.
MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Mull be nominated a member of the Nominating Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye" (Unanimous vote followed).

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MR. GLASSCOCK: I nominate Mr. Grimm, Ky.
ALA.

MR. MEADE, LA: I second the motion.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Grimm be nominated a member of the Nominating Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye" (Unanimous vote followed).

Are there any other nominations. It is not required that more than five members be on the Nominating Committee but there may be more.

MR. MULL: I move that the nominations be closed.
CHIO

MR. HORNE: I second that motion
LA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that the nominations for the Nominating Committee be closed. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. PENNINGTON: Nominations for Auditing Committee is now open.

MR. SHEETS: I nominate Mr. Thomason, Okla.
LA.

MR. CUNNINGHAM: I second that motion.
TEXAS

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Thomason be nominated a member of the Auditing Committee. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. CASHIO: I move that members present this year, Mr. Newby and Mr. Sheets, who were on the Auditing Committee last year, again be included on the committee of three this year.

MR. MULL: I second that motion.
CHIO

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Newby and Mr. Sheets be included on the Auditing Committee since they also served last year and were familiar with the books. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed)

Are there any other nominations? It is not required that there be more than three members on the Auditing Committee but more may serve.

MR. MULL: I move that the nominations for Auditing Committee be closed.
CHIO

MR. RULE: I second that motion.
TEA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that the nominations for the Auditing Committee be closed. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

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MR. PENNINGTON: Nominations are now open for members of the Convention Site Committee.

MR. ZUBROD: I nominate Mr. Mickles, La. TEXAS

MR. DELATOUR: I second that motion. LA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Mickles be nominated a member of the Convention Site Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. NULL: I nominate Mr. James Useller, Ohio. OHIO

MR. NEMBY: I second that motion. CALIF.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Useller be nominated a member of the Convention Site Committee. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. THOMASON: I nominate Mr. Kararise, Ky. GA.

MR. SHEETS: I second that motion. LA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Kararise, Ky., be nominated a member of the Convention Site Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. WINSETT: I nominate Mr. Marino, Ohio. OKLA

MR. NULL: I second that motion. OHIO

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Marino be nominated a member of the Convention Site Committee. Will all those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed)

MR. CASHIO: I nominate Mr. Meyers, La. LA.

MR. HORNE: I second that motion. LA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Myers be nominated a member of the Convention Site Committee. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. PENNINGTON: Are there any other nominations? It is not required that more than five members be on the Convention Site Committee but more may be.

MR. ZUBROD: I move that nominations for Convention Site Committee members be closed. TEXAS

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MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that nominations for Convention Site Committee members be closed. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).
Nominations are now open for members of the Minutes Committee.

MR. NICKLES: I nominate Mr. Burton, La.
LA.

MR. THOMSON: I second that motion.
OKLA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Mr. Burton be nominated as a member of the Minutes Committee. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

Mr. USLER: I nominate Major William (Buck) Johnson.
OHIO

MR. WINSETT: I second that motion.
OKLA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Major Johnson be nominated as a member of the Minutes Committee. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. DIBERNARDI: I nominate Dr. Fritz Kraemer, Washington.
OHIO

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that Dr. Fritz Kraemer be nominated as a member of the Minutes Committee. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).
Are there any other nominations for the Minutes Committee. It is not required that there be more than three on this committee but more may serve.

MR. SHEETS: I move that nominations for Minutes Committee be closed.
LA.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that nominations for Minutes Committee be closed. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. PENNINGTON: Committees will meet in following rooms tomorrow morning at 1000 hours:

Nominating Committee - Room A

Convention Site Committee - Room B

Minutes Committee - Room C

Auditing Committee - Colonel Lampkin's suite.

Convention Site Committee was instructed that convention for next year must be at least 500 miles from New Orleans.
Usual procedure has been to offer three sites in the order of preference or just three sites.

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MR. PENNINGTON: Called attention to the beer-bust to be held between 1700-1900 hours in the Tulane Room. Informal type of party and it is hoped that all will join in and have a real good time.

MR. PENNINGTON: Further stated that the Chaplain would be on hand for all and necessary duties.

If no more business is on hand it is requested that a motion be entertained for adjournment of the present meeting.

MR. USILLER: I move that the present meeting be adjourned.
OHIO

MR. MARINO: I second that motion.
OHIO

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that the present meeting be adjourned. All those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

MR. PENNINGTON: Declared meeting adjourned.

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MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that nominations for Chaplain be closed, all those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed).

Members on the Executive Committee with one more year to serve are: Newby, Nicholson, and Phillips. Members with two more years to serve are Mull, Danielson, and Ventrella. Nominations for additional members of Executive-Committee are now open.

MR. DELATOUR: I nominate Mr. Royce, Johnson, Ark. LA.

MR. BURTON: I nominate Mr. Mickles, La. LA.

MR. KAGARISE: I second that motion. KY.

MR. KAGARISE: I nominate Mr. Thomason, Okla. KY.

MAJOR DUNAVANT: I move that nominations for additional members of Executive Committee be closed.

MAJOR JOHNSON: I second the motion. TENN.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that nominations be closed for additional members of the Executive Committee, all those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed). Major Johnson and Major Dunavant passed out the ballots.

MR. PENNINGTON: Father Krusling and Colonel Sowers are appointed by the chair to count the ballots.

MAJOR JOHNSON: I move that the office of Secretary and Chaplain be elected from the floor since only one candidate has been nominated for each of the above two offices.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that the offices of Secretary and Chaplain be elected from the floor, all those in favor signify by saying "Aye". (Unanimous vote followed). Balloting now took place.

MR. PENNINGTON: Meeting is again called to order.

Results of balloting will be announced at the banquet this evening. The chair then instructed the Executive-Secretary to secure a gavel for the outgoing president and present it to him in Washington due to his absence from this Convention.

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MR. PENNINGTON: A meeting of the Executive Committee was held this morning to discuss the procedure of the Society during the past year. We thoroughly agreed that under existing conditions the method of conducting the business of the Society was well done. There is a point that was brought up for discussion which had to do with the job of the Secretary. In the past the office of the Secretary of this Society has been more or less an honorary one with no functions. It was decided that the Secretary should have the duty of promoting correspondence to Chapters and building up membership through that medium. It was also decided that the Secretary should be instructed to correspond with the Executive-Secretary and other officers of the Society. The Secretary has been duly instructed along these lines. In discussing the policy for the coming year the following decision was made. We will make every effort to send out a minimum of two mailings to all known Railsplitters. The first mailing would aim at a drive for members and to inform them of the present organization. The second mailing will be the 1951 Convention Notice. Also, it was decided that additional mailings would be sent to paid-up members, informing them of current happenings of the Society. No other report from the Executive-Committee except motion from floor that Lt. Colonel Lampkin be congratulated upon the excellent handling of his end of a difficult job.

MR. SHEETS:
LA.

I move that the Convention give a rise vote of thanks to Lt. Colonel Lampkin for his excellent work as Executive-Secretary and Treasurer for the past two years.

A large hand was given by all the members upon rising giving
Colonel Lampkin the Convention's thanks with overwhelming
enthusiasm.

MR. NEWBY:
CALIF.

I move that a similar rising vote of thanks be given by the
Convention thanking M/Sgt James Worrall for his assistance
to the Society through the medium of assistant to Colonel
Lampkin.

A rising vote of thanks was extended to Sgt. Worrall by all.

L.R. ZUBROD:
TEXAS

I would like to ask at this time which part of the gavel is
going to be presented to the retiring President - the head or
the handle. All joking aside I wish at this time to ask for
a rising vote of thanks for the acting President, Mr. Penning-
ton, for his excellent handling of the business meetings of
this Convention in the absence of the President, Colonel
Charles Hoy. Also, I would like to say that it is a shame
he isn't a member of the Phillies Baseball Club because they
are a leading contender for the National League Pennant.

The Convention gave a warm vote of thanks to Mr. Pennington.

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MR. PENNINGTON: Asked if there was any additional business to be discussed or brought before the Convention.

CAPTAIN BROWN:
N. J.
I would like to bring up the subject of an agency in Washington which was run and is being run by former officers, possibly still on active duty, relative to their handling the advertising business of the Society.

LT. COL. LAMPKIN: The Society has looked into this organization and have found them to be entirely too expensive and not too reliable in their statements about what they can and will do.

MAJOR JOHNSON:
TENN.
The business manager of the organization referred to above was to be paid $8,000 a year out of the receipts obtained from different organizations for the advertising work. Major Johnson stated he wasn't too sure about the statements reportedly made by the business manager concerning the number of organizations they solicited and obtained contracts with. Also, he was the secretary of a division society and it had gone broke just two days previous to the date of the above information.

Nothing further was done re the organization mentioned above.

MR. PENNINGTON: After a count of the ballots it has been found that there is a tie between Mr. Frederick and Mr. Johnson for the Executive Committee. Another run-off was then held with the same two individuals acting as the keepers of the ballot box and counter of votes.

The meeting was called to order again. Announcement was made that the banquet would be held at 8:00pm this evening in the Tulane Room of the Jung Hotel and asked that all planning on attending be as prompt as possible so as the proceedings would go on as scheduled. He announced that the hotel would provide beer, set-ups and mixed drinks if it was desired but that the management suggested bringing along your own personal bottles and the tax would only be 25¢ per person for this privilege. If there isn't any further business to be brought before the convention a motion for adjournment from the floor would be in order.

MR. HORENE: I move that the present meeting be adjourned.

LA.

LT. COL SOWERS: I second that motion.

N. Y.

MR. PENNINGTON: It has been moved and seconded that the present meeting be adjourned, all those in favor signify by saying "aye". (Unanimous vote followed)

MEETING ADJOURNED.

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BANQUET
FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION.
TULANE ROOM
JUNG HOTEL.

The dinner dance and banquet of the Fifth Annual Convention of the
Railsplitters was held in the Tulane Room of the Jung Hotel at 2000 hours on
the 29th of August 1950. Following is a resume of the banquet proceedings.

MR. PENNINGTON: If you would all please take your proper place for just a few minutes we will have Colonel Sowers give the blessing.

LT. COL. SOWERS: Gave the blessing.
N. Y.

MR. PENNINGTON: If I may have your attention for a few minutes I will be able to take care of the last business of the present convention and give you the results of the balloting. I received the following telegram from Archbishop Rummel of New Orleans:

"Regret absence in Europe prevented previous acknowledgement of your invitation but I am pleased to extend greetings and best wishes to your patriotic organization."

Mr. Pennington then read the following cable from President Charles E. Hoy and at the same time gave the results of the balloting in a very novel way:

"Hello to all Railsplitters. I extend congratulations and best wishes for success to the newly elected officers you have selected to lead us during the coming year: President, Major Wm. R. Johnson; Vice-President, Mat Sheets; Secretary, Frank Pennington; Chaplain, Father Krusling; members of Executive Committee, Navarro Macomb, Wayne Winsett, and Royce Johnson. I hope to see many of you at our next annual reunion at Cleveland, Ohio, and personally renew friendships. Good Luck".

I would like to introduce Mr. Sheets our new Vice-President.

MR. SHEETS: I am just wondering how much the term "Vice" had to do with my getting the honor. Thanks a lot Railsplitters for the honor and I want to thank Mr. Pennington for a fine job.

MR. PENNINGTON: I would now like to introduce the new President, Major Wm. (Buck) Johnson when you all know quite well.

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