Koepang is going down to the wire. A new Jap transport force is apparently headed down from Balikpapan. At least 2 Jap carriers (probably 3) are loitering about 350 W of Timor cutting off resupply and reinforcement from Oz. Big Jap raids are pounding 251 Brig and the airfield....but....substantial RN and USN naval forces (carriers adn fast BB's) have been released from the Milne Bay landings and are headed for Timor....will they get there in time? Will they be enough?
****************Office of Gen Kenney, SWPac Air Boss, Aug 7, 1942**************
Gen Kenney: Colonel, tell me about S. Sgt. Minderbinder at 11th AAF dentention center. You wouldn't believe the inquiries this chap is generating.
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: Sir; the man has worked wonders. He is a model prisoner. What had previously been a purposeles collection of deserters, murderers, thieves, sociopaths and drunks has become a disciplined, motivated workforce. They are turning out 3,000 license plates a day. There is a big sign at the camp entrance that says "Work Makes You Free". There are 412 prisoners in the camp, and, to a man, they all have a 5% interest in the new company. They are going public in a week or so. The camp commandant has a 20% share. They could all be rich. 11th AAF has had to order 50 extra copies of the Wall Street Journal with the new demand. Morale is fantatastic! It is really something to see.
Gen Kenney: Col., may I ask, what do you think is the purpose of the 11th AAF Detnetion Center?
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: Rehabilitation, sir?
Gen Kenney: No Col. The US Army doesn't need to rehabilitate wayward soldiers. We have a draft. The purpose of the 11th AAF Detention Center is DETERRENCE, Col.! How would it be if our men in New Guinea found out that the 11th AAF prisoners were the new scions of industry? What do you think that would do for motivation? Christ, Col., we are fighting for Democracy not Capitalism. I want him back at his unit pronto.
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: But sir, there is an order from Mr. J. Edgar Hoover.
Gen Kenney:: <obviously annoyed> Col., what color is Mr. Hoover's uniform?
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: Sir, I don't believe he wears a uniform.
Gen Kenney:: That is correct, Col. And how many stars does he have on his shoulder?
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: Why, none sir.
Gen Kenney:: You are again correct, Col. Do you have any other questions?
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: None sir.
Gen Kenney:: Good. Get him out of there. I dont care how you do it. Just get him out of there. You are excused.
Lt. Col. Turgidosn: Yes sir. <turns to leave>
Gen Kenney:: Ah, Col. I will be out next week. I'll be doing some sport fishing off Queensland.
i believe you and he worked together at a SAC base after the war, no?[:D][:D]
Ah yes, typing error on "Turgidson". I did meet Turgidson once at a SAC "Meat and Greet Bar-B-Q" in Omaha. Gregarious fellow, he is. Bit of a blow hard, though. I remember mistaking his "date" for his daughter, terribly embarrassing for me although the two of them had a grand laugh at my expense over the matter.
I believe you may be mistaking him with Gen. Ripper, who is quite an odd bird.
i believe you and he worked together at a SAC base after the war, no?[:D][:D]
Ah yes, typing error on "Turgidson". I did meet Turgidson once at a SAC "Meat and Greet Bar-B-Q" in Omaha. Gregarious fellow, he is. Bit of a blow hard, though. I remember mistaking his "date" for his daughter, terribly embarrassing for me although the two of them had a grand laugh at my expense over the matter.
I believe you may be mistaking him with Gen. Ripper, who is quite an odd bird.
Right you are! Old Buck T. was dating "Miss Foreign Affairs" (his secretary.) General Ripper had the fixation with "Purity of Essence".
The Allied carriers close on Koepang but the Jap. carriers retreat to the Banda Sea. 4 possibilities:
1) They saw us coming and chose not to fight today
2) They are returning to Kendari to refuel and get Av Gas
3) We have a security leak [:)]
4) They hope to engage us at longer range
