Thirty Seventh National Report Disabled American Veterans 1957

85th Congress, 2d Session House Document No. 307

Thirty-seventh National Report
Disabled American Veterans

1957

January 16. 1958. Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and
ordered to be printed, with illustrations

UNITED STATES

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1958

PUBLIC LAW NO. 249, 77TH CONGRESS

Resolved &# the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That hereafter the proceedings of the national
encampments of the Grand Army of the Republic, the United Spanish War
Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the American
Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Disabled American
Veterans of the World War, respectively, shall be printed annually, with ac-
companying illustrations, as separate House documents of the session of Congress
to which they may be submitted.

Approved September 18, 1941.
ii

CONTENTS

Morning session, Monday, August 19, 1957:

Call to order, Assistant National Adjutant John Feighner 1

Invocation, National Chaplain Joseph Pickett 1

Colors posted 1

National anthem ..:_ 1

Address of welcome, Convention Chairman Frank Williams 2

Remarks of welcome, Mr. Lester Miller. 2

Introductions 3

Remarks of welcome, Mr. Emil Fasolino 3

Remarks of welcome, Dr. George Wildridge 4

Remarks of welcome, Mr. Chester Kowal 4

Presentation of State flags 7

Introduction of National Commander Joseph F. Burke 7

Address, Congressman Olin E. Teague 8

Address, Mr. Harvey V. Higley 12

Presentation by Junior Vice Commander H. L. Davidson.^. 19

Introduction of Mrs. Helen Ishmael, national commander, DAV Aux-
iliary 20

Remarks, Mr. Roy Johnson, American Red Cross 21

Presentation of DAV Mother of the Year, Mrs. Adeline Ekenstedt. 23

Introductions 24

Remarks, National Adjutant Vivian D. Corbly 27

Adjournment 29

Afternoon session, Monday, August 19, 1957:

Call to order 30

Invocation, National Chaplian Pickett 30

Report of director of claims, Cicero Hogan 31

Report of assistant director of claims, Chester Cash__ 56

Report of national service officer, John N. Egense __ 60

Report of national insurance officer, Robert F. Dove 61

Report of national service officer, Donald H. Dunn 66

Report of national service officer, military and naval affairs, Arthur M.

Gottschalk (read by Mr. George Seal) _ 68

Action to accept reports and refer to proper convention committees-. 73

Report of employment director, John Burris 74

Action to accept report and refer to proper convention committees 80

Announcements 80

Prize drawing 80

Closing prayer, department chaplain, Tennessee, Knox Holley 81

Recess > i 81

Memorial service, Monday, August 19, 1957:

Call to order, Assistant National Adjutant John Feighner -. 81

Musical selection, The Lost Chord, Arthur Sullivan, New York Naval

Base Band 81

Invocation, Rabbi Harry Bevis 81

Musical selection, The Lord's Prayer, Miss Florence Metzler 82

Address, Rev. Rudolph Liesinger, Chaplain, United States Veterans'

Administration Hospital, Buffalo, N, Y 82

Musical selection, Panis Angelicus, Franck, New York Naval Base

Band 84

Tableau 84

Benediction, National Chaplain Joseph Pickett 84

Taps 84

in

IV CONTENTS

Morning session, Tuesday, August 20, 1957: Page

Call to order 84

Colors posted 84

Invocation, National Chaplain Joseph Pickett 84

Address, Dr. W. S. Middleton 85

Presentation of award to Mrs. Grace Dunn 90

Remarks, Mr. Sumner Whittier 91

Report of director of legislation, Maj. Onaer Clark 93

Action to receive report and refer to proper convention committees _ _ .99

Remarks, Past National Commander Milton Colin 99

Remarks, Mr. Bruce Stubblefield 100

Remarks, Mr. Robert Salyers 101

Remarks, Hon. Marion Williamson ', 102

Remarks, Mr. Harold Russell , 103

Remarks, Mr. Marshall Miller 105

Remarks, National Adjutant Corbly 105

Remarks, Capt. F. J. L. Woodcock 106

Report of finance committee, Chairman Frank Buono 108

Financial statement 111

Presentation by Department of Kentucky, Ed, Gafford 115

Presentation by Department of Tennessee, Herman Burton 115

Appointment of committees 117

Prize drawing , 121

Closing prayer I 122

Morning session, Wednesday, August 21, 1957:

Call to order. Senior Vice Commander Paul Frederick 122

Colprs posted 122

Invocation, National Chaplain Joseph Pickett 122

Reports:

DAV Service Foundation, President Miles Draper 123

National Commander, DAV Auxiliary, Mrs. Helen Ishmael 132

Credentials committee (preliminary) , Chairman Franklin Thayer _ 133

Confirmation of election of trustee of DAV Service Foundation 134

Introduction of new president, DAV Service Foundation, Mr. John

Golob 134

Introduction Imperial Van Order of Trench Rats 135

Remarks, Mr. George Johnson 136

Report of National Commander Joseph F. Burke 137

Presentation to Commander Burke, by Mrs. Noyes, representative.

GAR 150

Presentation to Commander Burke, Mr. Paul Schwesig, department

commander, West Virginia 150

Remarks, National Convention Chairman Frank Williams 151

Presentation to Police Athletic League of Buffalo 152

Response, Lt. Neil O'Donnell IIIII"I~ 152

Presentation to Councilman Meyer J. Abgott 1 1 1 1 1 1 153

Response, Councilman Meyer J. Abgott 1 1 1 1 " 153

Remarks, Mr. Lloyd Milliman, grand voiture, Department of~Ne~w

York 153

Remarks, National Adjutant Vivian D. Corblv 1 *tt

Showing of DAV film ."IIII""" __"I"II"I" 154

Presentation of Miss DAV of 1957, Miss Marilyn Lee Weddalll. " " 155

Showing of Air Force film 156

Prize drawing _ __ " ^Q

Closing prayer, National Chaplain Joseph Pickett -~_I_II"II"II"I~ 156

Recess _ -j^g

Morning session, Thursday, August 22, 1957:"

Call to order, First Junior Vice Commander A. T. Heitala _ 157

Invocation, National Chaplain Joseph Pickett 157

Telegrams of greeting "111 III""II""II 157

Report: Employment and civil service, Chairman Robert~Gon~z~alez _ . 159

Remarks Mr. Sidney Siller, representing Jewish War Veterans__ 167

iteport: Constitution and bylaws, Chairman Leo DeLapp _ " 168
Remarks on Stanford University Hospital eye bank, Mr. Leo~De~Lapp "
Remarks, Wm. F. Hawkins **~

CONTENTS V

Morning session Continued

Reports: Page

Ritual committee, Secretary Elmer Baldwin 170

Housing committee, Secretary La Verne Sellers 176

Legislation, Chairman Henry Rivlin 177

National defense committee, Chairman Alex J. Simon 180

Auxiliary committee, "Chairman Ira Einhorn 181

Americanism committee, Harold Knapp 181

Credentials committee (preliminary), Chairman Franklin Thayer. 185
Address, Rev. Sidney E. Lambert, O. B. E., president, War Amputa-
tions of Canada 185

Response, National Adjutant Vivian D. Corbly 190

Remarks, Allan D. Piper, War Amputations of Canada 191

Response, National Commander Burke 192

Remarks, Mr. Alex J. Simon (H. R. 52) 194

Response to inquiry, National Judge Advocate Hoffmann 196

Presentation of Fourth District membership trophy to Department

of Maryland 196

Prize drawing ' 196

Closing prayer, Comrade Hassell Thigpen 196

Recess 197

Morning session, Friday, August 23, 1957:

Call to order, National Commander Burke 197

Invocation, National Chaplain Pickett 197

Appointment of sergeant at arms 197

Report of committee on commendations and condolences, Chairman

Perry Dye 197

Introduction 200

Address, Mr. Louis A. Gough, past national commander, American

Legion , 201

Address, Mr. Austin Healey, California rehabilitation committee 205

Introduction 205

Remarks, Col. Bill Shirley 206

Committee reports:

Rehabilitation, claims, and insurance, Chairman Bernard

Southard 207

Medical treatment and hospitalization, Secretary Una Wetherby.. 228

Finance and dues, Chairman Howard Watts 233

Recess 253

Afternoon session, Friday, August 23, 1957 :

Call to order, First Junior Vice Commander Hietala 254

Invocation, National Chaplain Pickett 254

Final report of the credentials committee, Chairman Franklin Thayer. 254
Report of the constitution and bylaws committee, Chairman Leo

DeLapp 254

Introduction of Sweetheart of Blind Veterans, Miss Ellen Fielding 258

Presentation to DAV Service Foundation, Mr. Kenneth Slagle 259

Report of the committee on time and place, Chairman Joseph Harold. 260

Appointment of judges and tellers 269

Roll call 269

Introduction of newly elected commander, DAV Auxiliary, Mrs.

Viola Hoffmann . 296

Remarks, Mrs. Viola Hoffmann 296

Introduction of newly elected chaplain, DAV Auxiliary, Mrs. Lucille

McCarthy 297

Appointment of judges and tellers of election 297

Appeal of national executive committee ruling on Huntington Park-

Southgate Chapter grievance 297

Nominations and election of national commander 303

Remarks, Commander-Elect Paul Frederick 310

Membership trophy award 310

Installation of officers 311

Adjournment 311

LETTER OF SUBMITTAL

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS,
Cincinnati, Ohio, November IS, 1957.

Hon. SAM BAYBURN,

Speaker, Home of Representatives,

Washington,D.v.

DEAR SIR : As business manager of the Disabled American Veterans,
and as secretary of its national convention, I certify as to the authen-
ticity of the reports and the proceedings of our national gathering,
held in Buffalof N. Y, August 19 through 23 1957 and submit , them
to you through the office of this organization located in Washington,
D C., pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 249, 77th Congress,
approved September 18, 1941, to be printed as a House document m
accordance with the authorization of such Public Law 249.

The enclosed national convention proceedings include the report ol
the proceedings of the Disabled American Veterans for its last pre-
ceding annual year, ending December 31, _1956, mcluduig full and
complete report of its receipts and expenditures, as required by the
provisions of section 9, Public Law 668, approved July 15, 1942.
Eespectfully submitted. VIVXAN D. CORBLT,

National Adjutant,

NATIONAL OFFICERS

1957-58

National Commander
PAUL E. FREDERICK, JR.

Senior Vice Commander
H. L. DAVIDSON

First Junior Vice Commander
HARRY WENTWORTH

Second Junior Vice Commander
PAUL HARMON

Third junior Vice Commander
HOWARD H. FAIRBANKS

GORDON N. MCDONALD

National Judge Advocate

SYLVESTER HOFFMANN

National Chaplain
RABBI Louis PARRIS

Past National Commander
JOSEPH F. BURKE

National Executive Committee

First District : JEROME P. TROY
Second District : JAMES SCHNEIDER
Third District : MARVIN SILVER
Fourth District : ALBERT 0. ALLEN
Fifth District : ALBERT CUERVO
Sixth District : JOHN A. BROWN, Sr.
Seventh District : EDWARD A. GAFFORD
Eighth District : CASMIR ZABIK
Ninth District : BELL H. FRIBLEY
Tenth District : WM. GORDON HUGHES
Eleventh District : ELOYGONZALES
Twelfth District : LEO C. DE LAPP, Sr.
Thirteenth District : WAYNE L. SHEIRBON
Fourteenth District : HAROLD L. GOODWIN

Blind Veterans National Chapter
CLOUD H. BRYAN

National Director of Claims
CICERO F. HOGAN

National Director of Employment
JOHN W. BURRIS

National Director of Legislation
O. W. CLARK

National Finance Committee
DAVID B. WILLIAMS, Chairman
BONIFACE R. MAILE
FLOYD L. MING
ROBERT F. Me FARLAND
PAUL E. FREDERICK, Jr.
vm

PAUL E. FREDERICK, JR.

NATIONAL COMMANDER, 1957-58

JOSEPH F. BURKE
NATIONAL COMMANDER, 1955-57

NATIONAL OFFICERS
1956-57

National Commander
JOSEPH F. BURKE

Senior Vice Commander
PAUL FREDERICK

First Junior Vice Commander
ARVO T. HIETALA

Second Junior Vice Commander
HARRY WENTWORTH

Third Junior Vice Commander
H. L. DAVIDSON

Fourth Junior Vice Commander
DAVID B. WILLIAMS

National Judge Advocate
SYLVESTER HOFFMANN

National Chaplain

REV. Jos. C. PICKETT

Past National Commander

MAJ. GEN. MELVIN J. MAAS

National Executive Committee
First District : ARMAND F. PLAISANCE
Second District : FREDERICK RUNDBAKEN
Third District : GEORGE L. BECK
Fourth District : ROBERT DOVE
Fifth District: EUGENE D. CALDWELL
Sixth District : J. 0. BROOM
Seventh District : HARLEY WARD
Eighth District : MATTHEW J. WEREL
Ninth District : PAUL A. HARMON
Tenth District: CLARENCE QUIGLEY
Eleventh District : TRACY ASTLE
Twelth District : ELMER ALLMEROTH
Thirteenth District : RUSSEL ROCK
Fourteenth District: CHARLES M. STEESB

Blind Veterans National Chapter
A. M. DRISCOLL

National Director of Claims

CICERO F. HOGAN
National Director of Employment

JOHN W. BURRIS

National Director of Legislation

O. W. CLARK

National Finance Committee
FRANCIS BUONO, Chairman
BONIFACE R. MAILE
FLOYD MING
ROBERT J. Me FARLAND
JOSEPH F. BURKE

PAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS

1921-22. Robert S. Marx, Ohio.

1922-23. 0. Hamilton Cook, New York (deceased 1935).

1928-24. James A. McFarland, Georgia (deceased 1936).

1924r-25. Frank J. Irwin, New York (deceased 1942).

1925-26. John W. Mahan, Montana (deceased 1947) .

1926-27. John V. Clinnin, Illinois (deceased 1955).

1927-28. William E. Tate, Georgia ( deceased 1949 ) .

1928-29. MillardW. Rice, Minnesota.

1929-30. William J. Murphy, Calif ornia (deceased 1931).

1930-31. Herman H. Weimer, Illinois (deceased 1955).

1931-32. E. Claude Babcock, District of Columbia.

1932-33. William Conley, Calif ornia (deceased 1941).

1933-34. Joe W. McQueen, Missouri.

1934-35. Volney P. Mooney, Jr., California (deceased 1945) .

1935-36. Marvin A. Harlan, Texas.

1936-37. M. Froome, Barbour, Ohio.

1937-38. Maple T. Harl, Colorado (deceased 1957) .

1938-39. Owen A. Galvin, Minnesota (deceased 1956).

1939-40. Lewis J. Murphy, Indiana.

1940-41. Vincent E. Schoeck, Michigan.

August 16, 1941-August 15, 1943. Maj. Laurence R. Melton, Texas

August 15, 1943-September 20, 1943. William J. Dodd, New Jersey.

1943-^4. James L. Monnahan, Minnesota.

1944r-45. Milton D. Cohn, Buffalo, N. Y.

1945-46. Dow V, Walker, Newport, Oreg. (deceased 1947).

1946-47. Lloyd F. Oleson, Ventura, Calif.

1947-48. John L. Golob, Hibbing, Minn.

1948-49. Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright, San Antonio, Tex. (deceased 1953)

1949-50. David M. Brown, Akron, Ohio. *

1950-51. Boniface R. Maile, Detroit, Mich.

1951-52. Ewing W.Mays, Little Rock, Ark.

1952-53. Floyd L. Ming, Bakersfield, Calif.

1953-54. Howard W. Watts, Indianapolis, Ind.

1954r-55. Alfred L. English, Shelbyville, Tenn.

, .

i a^~^* ^ a3 ' ^ ^ el l in J * Maas ( retired ^MC) Maryland.
1956-57. Joseph F. Burke, Bayonne, N J

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 36TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, HELD AT BUFFALO, N. Y.,
AUGUST 19-24, 1957

The convention program of the 36th Annual Convention of ^t
Disabled American Veterans began with the commander's reception,
which took place in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Statler, Buffalo,
N. Y., on Sunday evening, August 18, 1957.

The joint opening session of the 36th Annual Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans
Auxiliary was held in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Statler, Buffalo,
N. Y., at 10 a, m., Monday, August 19, 1957.

A concert by the United States Naval Base Band, New York, under
the direction of Warrant Officer D. W. Stauffer, preceded the call to
order by Assistant National Adjutant John Feighner.

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. Officer of the Day, stand
ready to present the colors.

In accordance with the provisions of our Federal charter, and the
constitution and bylaws of the Disabled American Veterans, I, John E.
Feighner, assistant national adjutant, declare the 36th annual con-
vention of this organization now in session.

It is my privilege to present to you the national chaplain of our
organization, the Reverend Joseph C. Pickett, of New Orleans, La.

National Chaplain, will you give the invocation?

National Chaplain PICKETT. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is
Thy name in all the earth. In the name of our Saviour who said that
men should at all times pray with faith in Thee, and never faint, we
assemble in Thy presence knowing Thy promise that if we draw near
to Thee, Thou wilt draw near to us.

In Thee we live and move and have our being. Thou dost answer
bef ore even we call, doing more than we can ask or even think, accord-
ing to Thy promise. We assemble in the Name that is above every
other name, confessing Him as best we know how, as Lord of our lives.
As He shows scars received for us, may we know why. As those of
us wear scars of battle may it be in His spirit, too.

Bless all of us here today and all of our proceedings as we acknowl-
edge Thee in all our ways, asking that Thou direct our affairs. We
ask these and all other needed blessings in His name and His righteous-
ness which is ours through faith in Him, always giving Thee thanks
for Thy guidance and Thy leadership. We pray together* Amen.

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. Officer of the Day, Louis
Neubeck, present the colors.

( The colors posted and the national anthem was sung.)

A ssistant National Adjutant FEIGHNEK. The music tHs morninghas
been furnished by the New York Naval Base Band, Warrant Officer
Donald W. StaufEer, directing.

1

2 TTHRTY-SEVEnSITH: ]STATIOlN"AIi REPORT

Prior to the presentation of the State colors, in order to give them
sufficient time it is my privilege at this time to call this convention
to order.

It is. also my privilege and pleasure to introduce to you a comrade
who has devoted many, many years effort, work, and time in behalf of
disabled veterans and in behalf of the Disabled American Veterans
organization, one of its early founders and pioneers. For introduc-
tions I wish to present to this convention, chairman of the convention,
Frank Williams, of Bu ft alo, N. T. [Applause.]

Convention Chairman FRANK J. WIIJLIAMS. Thank you, Jack, for
those kind words.

I have accomplished my mission, mission accomplished. It has
been a dream of my life, and I mean of course since World War I, call
it my early life if you like, or my later life, that it would be possible
to gather into our city of Buffalo, delegates fighting the cause of our
comrades and their families to a national convention. And that is why
I say, "mission accomplished." We welcome you to this great city
and trust that in your deliberations with the help of God, and also
in your moments of entertainment and relaxation, that you will have
a week well spent and a highlight in your life for this year as it is
in mine.

I could go on telling you many, many things that have happened in
the 36 years in Buffalo since I was your first department commander
in 1921 and 1922. But you can read about that in your program if
you desire. So we will get to the business of introducing, which I am
privileged to do, our guests on the platform at this time.

Like every organization that tries to recognize their brother organi-
zations I would like at this time to introduce to yon the current com-
mander, on the county level, Donald Griffin, the County Commander
of the American Legion. [Applause.]

I would next like to introduce to you representing the County of
Erie, Mr. Lester Miller, Board of Supervisors of the County of Erie.
[Applause.]

Would you like to say a word, Mr. Miller, just a minute ?
Mr. LESTER MILLER (Board of Supervisors, Erie County). Mr.
Chairman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen of the conven-
tion. It is always a pleasure to play the role of host when the guests
are as gracious and notable as you are. Metropolitan Buffalo which
comprises a great part of the county of Erie is a very important part
of our Nation. Erie County is 13th in population among all the coun-
ties, some 1,500, of the Nation. It has a population greater than 12 of
the States of the United States. It has varied industries and varied
people and we all live together in harmony.

We are not unmindful of what you ladies and gentlemen have done
individually in the past on a most heroic scale, nor are we unmindful
of what you have been doing and will continue to do as a national
organization, collectively.

We are very proud that you have chosen Buffalo and Erie County
for your 36th national convention. We hope that your stay here will
be a very pleasant one, and we hope that when you leave it will always
have an important niche in your memory. We trust you will want to
return. Thank you. [Applause.]

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAN O

Convention Chairman WILLIAMS. They may not all be on the plat-
form but they have all been extended an invitation, and I will go
through the list as I have it in front of me.

I would like to introduce to you a man that has assisted me in work-
ing hours and after working hours, day in and day out, to make this
convention a success in all its facets. The fact of the matter is, I don't
know what I would have done without him, and I have probably
imposed on the national headquarters when I have used him through
the day which I have been careful not to do, when he was occupied in
his service work. You know I was a service officer once, a volunteer
service officer, for this organization away back in the early 1920's and
later on, of course, for other organizations, but that is the work that
is so near and dear to my heart. To me it exemplifies what this organ-
ization stands for, and I would like Jim Zoghibe to stand up and let's
give him a round of applause for his efforts in not only helping this
convention committee, but in all the work that he is doing day and
night in the service office here in Buffalo and surrounding western
New York, of which he is in charge. Jim, stand up and take a bow.
[Applause.]

I wanted him to say something, but he absolutely refuses to talk.

Frank Page, the department service officer for the Veterans of For-
eign Wars. Frank, take a bow. [Applause.]

C3_ __*-.. . j* . -m -n * f** 1 Ty-T-

Leo Sweeney, the director of the Buffalo, N. Y., district, New York
State Employment Service. Mr. Sweeney. [Applause.]

I would now like to introduce the representative of the regional vice
commander of the World War I Veterans Association, Mr. Martin, to
take a bow for that organization. [Applause.]

Now we have our own department commander of New York State,
Emil Fasolino, who has traveled from one end of the State to the other
to get here. Emil will have 2 minutes to greet you to this convention.

New York State Commander EMIL FASOLINO. As commander of
the Department of New York of Disabled American Veterans, it is my
privilege to extend a hearty welcome to all my comrades from all over
the States to the 36th national convention here in Buffalo. It is a
great honor knowing you have selected New York State to hold this
convention, and especially at a time when so many important results
of the important work of the DAY hinges on the outcome of this
convention.

I know that you will have a fine time here in Buffalo because it is a
real convention city. We have been here before, and with Frank
Williams the head and his fine staff, they have planned a very, very
nice convention, and we wish you a very, very pleasant stay here in
Buffalo.

Thank you. [Applause.]

Convention Chairman WTT.T.TAMS. Thank you.

We have a service officer in the regional office of the AMVETS and
he is doing a splendid -job, Peter Cavaretta, of the AMVETS. Serv-
ice officer. [Applause.]

We have a county organization of our DAV, we have officers in
the city hall, you are all invited to go over there and visit that office
and look put on the lake and see this beautiful surrounding country
and adjoining Canada from our office window, I would like to

4 THIRTY-SIBTVEOSTTH ISTATIOOSTAL. REiPORT

introduce to you now Dr. George Wildridge, our county commander
of the DAV, to say a few remarks.

Erie County Commander WILDEIDGE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
National Commander Burke, distinguished guests, delegates, and
alternates to this convention, and the Auxiliary convention, ladies and
gentleman all : It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of Erie County
Committee of the Disabled American Veterans, to welcome you to
the city of Buffalo. May you be wise in your deliberations, sound
in your judgment, and may unity and harmony prevail so that
naught but good will come out of this convention. We also wish for
you a most pleasant and most hospitable stay in Buffalo and its
environs, and upon your departure from this city may you carry
with you fond memories of this, the 36th national convention which
was held here in the city of Buffalo, N. Y. Thank you very much.
[Applause.]

Convention Chairman WILLIAMS. We have in this State here, like
California and other States, the division of veterans affairs, State of
New York, who work very closely with our accredited service officers
in all veteran organizations.

I would like to introduce to you at this time Col. Marshall Rudolph,
who has this area including 14 States for the division of veterans
affairs. Colonel Rudolph. [Applause.]

One of the gentlemen that I was to introduce is no less than our
own Milton (John, past national commander, who is the honorary
chairman, so named by our convention committee, for this affair.
He is in a room in the hotel. Later on you might have the privilege
of seeing him around but I want you to know that down through the
years I have had the pleasure of knowing Milt, working with him and
he is still with us, pitching for this organization in any way that
he can. You will see him later.

Bob Glasser, our sheriff, is not present but he also is helping us
tremendously in the convention.

I think now that I have covered all the representatives of the
organization down to the point where, of course, I am very proud
and privileged to introduce to you a member of our organization for
many years since his service in World War II. He is now the con-
troller of the city of Buffalo ajnd if you had come here next year
maybe he would have greeted you as the mayor of the city of Buffalo.
Chet Kowal is remarkable in many ways. Because he has helped
us on this convention committee as chairman of finance. We have
used his office and his staff. He has sat with us many hours dis-
cussing details and arrangements. But this morning he comes to you
to greet you for the city of Buffalo and welcome you in everv wav
that he sees fit. Chet, it is all yours.

Mr. GHESTER KOWAL (representing city of Buffalo). Comrade
Fraids:, ISTational Commander Burke, officers, the Auxiliary, and mv
feUow comrades: Comrade Frank, first I would be remiss I should
say, if I didn't express my thinks for the very gracious manner in
which you have introduced me on this occasion. And after the very
&2^^5 WaS S ? he ? e b ? * h * P T r ^ious speakers and making
S^fhL? a * Possible I can't help but feel like the Irishman on I
dying bed f or ^ whom the family had sent for a priest to hear confes-
sion and administer the last rites. And after the priest had heard
the confession he turned to Pat and said, "Now, Pat, are you prepared

DISABLED AMERICAN , VETE'KAOSPS! 5

in tLe manner in which, you should be prepared to meet your maker ?
Have you made a good confession ? "

And Pat turned to the priest and said, "I certainly did, Father."

He said, "In that case, are you ready to renounce the devil and
all he stands for?"

Pat thought a minute and then said, "As much as I'd like to do that,
Father, at a time like this I am hardly in a position to antagonize
anybody."

My comrade Frank said he will limit everyone to 2 minutes but he
will give me 4. I hope I can do the kind of job I should do on this
occasion within that time 2 and I think I will because I am happy to
be in the fellowship of this great convention. It is always a pleasure
to see old friends and make new ones, men and women whose concept
of loyalty and patriotism have been refined through their experience
on a battlefield.

I feel especially highly honored today in having the privilege of
officially welcoming to the city of Buffalo my fellow members of the
Disabled American Veterans who have come from all over the coun-
try to the City of Good Neighbors for this 36th national convention,
and I would like to have you know that the word "welcome" for those
of us who come from the City of Good Neighbors has a special and
significant meaning and that we would like to have you feel that I
am conveying to you the special and individual greetings of all of
our citizens on this occasion.

I am sure that we are going to have one of our finest conventions
and I am sure that Comrade Frank Williams is looking forward to
that. Our business sessions are going to be and must be fruitful and
we are going to accomplish many good things on behalf of our com-
rades in accordance with our long established belief and our reliance
upon the basic American principles that human values come first,
that we are not going to be hoodwinked by those who only give lip
service to principle. We, unfortunately, are in such a position that
we cannot. We are an organization of action ; and, to keep faith with
the disabled, the widow, and the orphan who are victims of war, we
must in good conscience try, and keep trying, to translate principles
into living and breathing reality. In other words, to make democracy
work by preventing any impairment of the time-honored compensa-
tion due the defenders of our Nation in time of war. And in that
endeavor undoubtedly we will encounter opposition from certain
selfish interests, and we did when we openly prevented the dismem-
berment of the Veterans' Administration, when we are now trying to
battle down some proposals of the Bradley Commission which would
weaken and eventually do away perhaps with certain types of pen-
sions which were started on this glorious soil of this Nation not 100
years ago, not 200 years ago, but it may be of interest to you to know
that it was started 300 years ago by*the colonists of Virginia and
Plymouth. And 181 years ago the first Federal enactment was made
by the Continental Congress and 155 years ago pensions were pro-
vided for peacetime soldiers. The proponents for the abolition or
reduction of these benefits are just as vocal today as the day when they
first proposed them. We must, therefore, gird ourselves in battle for
them again as we will do something by which to advance the welfare
of our comrades who through no fault of their own, . and service of
our Nation, find themselves on the lower rungs of the economic ladder.

6 TBDOEtTY-SlEVEOSTTH: NATIONAL ROBfPORT

Moreover, I predict that we are also going to have a fine, pleasant,
and enjoyable time. I want to assure you that the officials of the
city of Buffalo have made every effort, with the cooperation of the
committee, to make that possible.

Our organization has well justified its existence during the past 36
years by its support of worthwhile laws and legislation, as well as
humanitarian ideas that have been of great benefit to those who have
been wounded in battle in defense of our country on battlefields
throughout the world. These benefits are not charity. These veter-
ans have earned those benefits. In fact, those benefits should be en-
larged and 1 hope that will be possible through our annual meetings.
Our comrades are entitled to nothing but the best of care and treat-
ment and surely this is but a small recognition of the great sacrifices
they made for all of our people, sacrifices that in many instances will
continue for the rest of their lives.

I am confident that we will continue to foster the ideals of security
for our disabled comrades and I am equally confident that a grateful
people will continue to recognize this great debt of gratitude that our
Nation owes to these brave men and women who have helped to build
this country to its present eminent position in the nations of the
world. Some of us who are more fortunate than others in fighting
our Nation's wars may find it difficult to match the willingness and
spirit with which our disabled veterans served in battle conditions.

I want to assure you that the people of the city of Buffalo are
extremely proud to be able to play host to you on this occasion and
I think you will find vivid evidence of that in the editorials of our
local newspapers. It is our hope and my hope both as your comrade
and as a city official that you will take away with you memories from
your visit here as we shall cherish the memory of our deliberations
here in the city of Buffalo on this occasion. Good luck to you and
God bless you all.

Convention Chairman WILLIAMS. I would just like to say this,
that I came on the platform without my hat but I am properly at-
tired now and this is my department service hat that I am wearing
and the only reason I don't wear it is because I do have trouble with
a headache from the cap.

Now I will return the gavel to the national assistant adjutant,
Jack Feighner. Thank you, Jack.

Officer Of The Day NEXJBECIB:. Comrade Commander, I have the
honor of announcing the arrival of Congressman Olin Teague from
Texas.

National Assistant Adjutant FEIGHNER. The officer of the day will
escort Congressman Teague to the platform.

(Congressman Teague was escorted to the platform.)

National Assistant Adjutant FEIGBCNTSK. A year ago at San An-
tonio, one of the vice commanders received a very important assi<m-
ment. He was to contact all the States of the Union and to imje
them to urge their delegation to present their State flags to the na-
lonal headquarters, the flags to be used at national conventions and
displayed at each national convention on the rostrum I have the
pleasure today of introducing to you that vice commander, who will

" "a- 1

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 7

Third Junior Vice Commander H. L. DAVIDSON-. Thank you. Com-
rade Feighner.

My comrades, we started this flag program in San Antonio, it
looked good and as it went along it looked better. We have heard
from most States, we have heard from a lot of States that have con-
firmed their flags that are not here. According to our record we are
going to call the States that are here, and have them present them
now. A little later when other flags come in we want them on the
rostrum, too.

So as I call the names of the States, and I will call them two at
a time, if they will come forward I will appreciate it.

(Presentation and posting of State flags by State commanders.)

National Assistant Adjutant FEIGHOTJR. "We are indeed grateful
to the New York Naval Base Band and to its director, Donald W.
Stauffer. At this time we will excuse them. They will be with us
at the afternoon session and also in the memorial services this eve-
ning. [Applause.]

It is my happy pleasure to now present to you the man that has
been traveling throughout the country this year representing Dis-
abled American Veterans. He has done an outstanding job. You
have seen him in action and we are now having the pleasure of seeing
him in action before the entire body, your national commander,
Joseph F. Burke.

(The convention rose to applaud National Commander Burke.}

National Commander BURKE. I have always told you fellows a
gentleman should never make a lady stand in the presence of a
bachelor.

Good morning. In the interest of time, and due to the fact that
there is somebody on this platform in whom we in the DAV have
personal pride because he is a member of our organization, and
an affection because he is the type that he is, I am going to introduce
our keynote speaker this morning. I may take a little time because
I have something to say to you as regards this man.

Some years ago when I was a fledging vice commander, with the
ambitions every disabled veteran has of being a national commander,
I was in Washington and I went to this Congressman's office. It
wasn't very hard to secure an appointment. I got into his inner
sanctum very easily. He was very approachable, and in talking to
him I think that we sort of sensed a belief in each other, in disabled
veterans, and the cause we represented because he told me something
that I have taken full advantage of. He said, "If you ever need
advice or counsel, if you need a friend, call me."

Last year this same Congressman was castigated at times through-
out this country as not being really a friend of the veteran. Well,
he is not only a friend of the veteran but he is an extremely great
friend of the disabled veteran. He proved his affection and loyalty
time and time again. I make no bones about the fact that I must
have called him 50 times this year when I was in difficulty in the
Navy situation, when we were in difficulty with H. ~R. 52. I sought
his counsel and guidance. He gave it to me freely. He gave his
help, he secured the appointments for us in the Navy situation.
He has done everything we in the disabled veterans have ever asked
a Congressman to do.

20331 58 2

8 THTRTT-SiEVElNTH NATIONAL R'EiFORT

He is a life member of this organization. He is the one man in*
tliis country who knew what to do at this session of Congress when
everyone said you couldn't pass H. R. 52 in an off-election year.
That only when Congressmen are running for office do they pass
this type of legislation. He had more confidence in his own Con-
gress than the people in the United States making those sort of
remarks have, because he said he would pass it. And to him and
Harry Byrd, who also has been accused of not being a friend of
the disabled veterans, this convention owes, in their names, a rising
vote of applause and confidence for one of the finest Congressmen,
one of the greatest gentlemen I have ever met, and to our friend and
your friend from Texas, the Honorable Olin E. Teague, chairman
of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and to Senator Harry
Byrd, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
(The convention rose to applaud.)
Congressman OUCN E. TEAGTJE. Thank you, Joe.

Joe said I was the keynote speaker. I didn't come out here to
make a speech. I came out here to give you people a report from
the Congress as far as veterans' affairs is concerned. We need a
much better understanding between those of us who are trying to
represent you in Washington, and the veterans over the country.
If we had had better understanding last year there would have been
approximately $170 million dollars go into the pockets of the dis-
abled this year instead of our sitting here now waiting for the bill
to be signed.

It has been a great pleasure to work with Joe Burke. I have wished
that every disabled veteran could come to our committee in Washing-
ton, could come to my office and see and know what we try to do as
far as veterans are concerned. It is very easy to be a demagog in
Washington to all veterans. It isn't as easy to put first things first
and try to get those things passed before you do other things.

Joe said that I was castigated a lot in a number of parts of the
country last year and that is true. It is not easy to represent veterans
in Washington. You have no idea what a lot of people will do. They
will call your home and talk disrespectfully to your wife, your chil-
dren, and other things. If they understood more what was going on
I am sure they wouldn't do that.

I think that Joe probably has a better understanding of what hap-
pens as far as veteran legislation than any national commander of
any organization. Joe has worked harder than any national com-
mander of any veterans' organization and I think I know. Joe hasn't
taken the easy road. He has taken the road that he thought was the
right road and the way to get something accomplished.

H. B. 52 has not been signed. I talked to the White House just
before I came down from my room and there is no report on it, but
I have every confidence that it will be signed.

Speaking of castigation and displeasure with people, I want to say
a word about a man that is here and that you will hear from later.
A man that I actually have no reason to say anything for or against
except for the fact that I think it is right, in fact, I know it is^ight,
and because some of my own good friends in Texas don't feel toward

vS 1 ^ J % - d ' ha ^ ^ r ' . Haj ^ ev Higley, our Administrator of
Veterans' Affairs. Mr. Higley is a Republican, I am a Democrat, but

DISABLED AMERICAN VESPEHANB 9

speaking as a grassroot member of DAV and not as chairman of the
V eterans' Affairs Committee and yet knowing, I think, as much about
what Harvey Higley does as far as veterans are concerned as anyone
outside of his official family in the VA, I would say that he is a darn
good Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. [Applause.]

I know P. D. Jackson. I think a lot of P. D. Jackson. I have a
Lot of respect for him. If P. D. Jackson knew Harvey Higley the
way I know Harvey Higley he wouldn't have had any part of the
resolution that came out of Dallas, Tex. Harvey Higley is not his
own boss. He has a boss above him and I know the fight that Harvey
Higley has put up for disabled veterans to keep hospital beds open
and do many, many other things when there was all kinds of pressure
coming from another direction to do differently. At the moment
there are many hospital beds closed not because Harvey Higley wants
them closed but because somebody above him wants them closed. Aixd
I am speaking specifically of the Bureau of the Budget which, inci-
dentally, is the biggest problem as far as veterans are concerned in
the United States today.

We have every type of thinking in Washington as far as veterans
are concerned. We have those who believe that a man that came home
and wasn't severely injured in some way is entitled to nothing. We
have others at the other extreme who believe that the veterans should
have the whole world with a fence around it. The truth of the matter
is that there is a certain amount of money that can go into the budget
and there is an approximate amount that is going to go for veterans'
benefits and a lot must be done in behalf of disabled veterans to see
that the money goes where it should go. I opposed a general pension
bill last year. I will oppose one this year and I will oppose one every
year from now on until I know that the disabled are taken care of in
the way they should be taken care of.

Now, our committee in Washington is a very busy committee. If
any of you come to Washington at any time I hope that you will take
time to come by our committee, come by our office, and see what we
are trying to do as far as veterans are concerned. We have passed a
number of bills this year. Some of them will become law and some
of them won't. We have passed a bill which will raise the salaries of
our medical personnel in our hospitals because we know that we are
losing doctors and medical personnel all over the country. There are
a lot of people that would like to close many of our veteran hospitals.
There are a lot of ways of closing the hospitals. If you get rid of all
the doctors you won't have a hospital. We know our Veterans* Ad-
ministration personnel at the moment are underpaid.

Probably I shouldn't tell this either, but Harvey Higley had to
oppose that bill, yet I know that in his own mind, his own heart, he
agreed with me and thought it would pass. But he was told by people
above, who look at much of our program from a strictly monetary
standpoint, that he should oppose that bill.

We passed a bill which would give $47 for each loss of a limb in-
stead of for all of them. That bill is in the Senate Finance Committee
and I am not sure that it will get out.

We passed a bill, H. R. 1264, which was a bill which would pay a
man immediately upon his going into a tuberculosis hospital. We
have had a lot of trouble with people with tuberculosis leaving hos-

1Q TmRTY-SiEVEOSTTII nSTATTOaSTAL R'EIPORT

pitals before they 'should, and in the majority of cases it was because
of financial troubles at home.

We have passed H. R. 6358 and that has been reported out of the
Senate Finance Committee and I think will become law. It is a bill
that redefines widow and will help a number of our widows.

We passed a bill that consolidated all the veterans' laws into one
law. That bill has taken 2 or 3 years of work to get it ready for the
House, and your own DAV people in Washington have played a big
part in rewriting all those laws.

We passed H. R. 4602, a housing bill, which has also passed the
Senate and which I am sure will become law and should build approxi-
mately 40,000 veteran houses in the rural areas and small towns of our
country. We made a survey of every county in the United States this
year as to the number of veterans there, as to how many had had a
chance to get a home, and we found that in the rural areas practically
no veteran had had a chance to get a home.

We have continually combed the veteran laws to find where money
was going that it was really never intended that it should go in that
way. We passed a bill this year which said that a man who goes to
prison that his pension will go either to his family or will go back to
the Treasury, one or the other.

We had a bill on the floor which said that a man who dies, who is
incompetent, that his estate that came from the Government would
go back to the Treasury. That bill was recommitted to our com-
mittee. We are reworking it and will probably bring it back with
some changes.

Our veteran population is so large that any time you do anything
that pertains to all the veterans it runs into a terrific amount of
money. There are some $560 million or $650 million, I have forgot-
ten which, in this guardianship fund that we were taking a look at.
That is money for children and money for incompetents. It was
our belief that probably $100 million of that would come back to the
Treasury instead of going to an estate or to distant relatives or to
someone that it was never intended that the money should go to.

Now, for next year. Our next major piece of legislation, and I
think we will pass it next year, is a bill that will equalize all the
widow benefits. I am sure all this group here knows that the Span-
ish-American widows, the World War I and World War II and
Korean widows are all different and our first big job, as far as legis-
lation is concerned, is to equalize widow benefits. [Applause.] I
have forgotten what that bill would cost the first year but as I remem-
ber it runs close to a hundred million dollars.

Something else we have been doing this year and which has been
one of the most perplexing problems to me that I have had and that
is fund raising in the name of Disabled Veterans. There is all over
this country unscrupulous people who raise money and contend they
are doing it to get money to help some disabled veteran and maybe a
few cents out of a dollar may go to help veterans. In many cases
none of it goes. Yet when we try to do something about that we.
bump into the DAV, we bump into the organizations that are doin
a good job of it and if any publicity gets out; if anything is said,
then it hurts your fund-raising activities. But this problem has got-
ten so big that it has reached the point that something must be done.
One group, on their own, in the last, oh, I think 14 months, have raised

DISABLE!* AMERICAN' VETE'RAiN 11

something over $2 million and we are not sure that the money has
been used in the way that it should be used. We have got many other
groups that raise money and don't use the money in the way it should
be used, but this next year we are going to try to do something con-
structive toward stopping groups contending they are representing
disabled veterans when actually they are trying to make money for
themselves.

I think that probably the finest thing that we can do for any veteran,
is to provide a good hospital for him when he is sick and can't afford
to pay for his hospitalization. We have had a terrific fight the last
10 years over our hospitals. As you know the Hoover Commission
came put and recommended closing many of them and, of course, the
American Medical Association has fought our hospital program all
the way through. I think that at the moment we are in good shape
as far as hospitals are concerned except for the Bureau of the Budget.
This coming January we will have a bill which we are working on
now, or a resolution, that we expect to pass Congress which will tell
the Bureau of the Budget to keep their hands off that hospital pro-
gram. [Applause.] They take an attitude that Congress passed laws
which said we will take care of the service connected. If there were
beds left over the non-service-connected could be taken care of. There-
fore, if they can close take Buffalo for example, with approximately
a thousand beds if they could close 500 and still have 500 left to take
care of the service-connected they contend they are doing what is right
and what Congress intended. I don't think that is true and I think
we can clarify it for them next year so that they will understand it
very clearly.

It is a great pleasure to be here. As I said before we need more
understanding between you people and those of us who try to repre-
sent you in Washington. As I am sure all of you know a bill passes
the House of Representatives and then it must pass the Senate and
then if there are any changes there must a conference to work out
those changes. Just before I left my office I got a letter from some
boy in Tennessee. He said, "I just read in the paper where the bill
passed the Senate then it passed the House and it went back to the
House. What are you people doing, just passing the buck? Why
don't you people get busy and pass the bill ?"

Good luck to all of you. If there is ever any way that I can help
you or the committee can help you, if there is anything you want to
know, anything we can do, just let us know. Thank you very much.

(The convention rose to applaud Congressman Teague.)

National Commander BTERKE. I can only say that I regret the Con-
gressman's disability, but I sure am glad he is a life member of this
organization.

I am going to ask this convention to do something, not for me, but
because it is right. We have committees which take care of our prob-
lems, wherever they may be, in Washington or anywhere else, ana then
we bring those problems to the floor and we debate them and then we
pass a resolution which becomes a mandate of a convention. But that
is our job.

We also have a duty. We have a duty to our guests. We invite
people because of what they represent. The next gentleman is repre-
senting the President of the United States as well as his own official
capacity. I am going to ask you delegates to think very carefully.

12 TmRTY-siEVENTH: NATIONAL. REPORT?

I can't make you do anything you don't want to, but think very care-
fully of your obligations according to our constitution, that we respect
the Federal agencies and try to work as closely with them as we can.

I will ask the sergeant at arms to bring in the head of the Veterans'
Administration, the Veterans' Administrator, Mr. Harvey Higley.

(The convention rose to applaud as Mr. Higley was escorted to the
platform.)

Mr. HARVEY V. HIGHLY (Administrator, Veterans' Affairs). Thank
you, Joe, for your invitation to be here today.

Congressman Teague and distinguished guests, ladies and gentle-
men, and delegates and friends of this convention, I am sorry that
the situation seems to have made it necessary for Joe to ask you not
to throw any ripe tomatoes.

"We have a wonderful personnel in VA. A lot of them are here ;
you will see many of them. I hope you will talk with them as you
usually do. If you don't find in them, each one of them, every one
of them, a man who is dedicated to do his job for veterans, I will be
thoroughly and totally surprised.

I certainly appreciate the kind words from Congressman Teague.
I think commendation from him is about the highest compliment you
can have in veterans' work. "Tiger" Teague is tough and don't you
mistake that. He will not stand for anything that he thinks is not
100 percent O. K. But he also is an absolute square shooter and when
you can deal with a man that handles matters in that fashion, of
course you make considerable progress.

I, too, have enjoyed working with Joe this year. As usual, in the
fall, after a convention, we have a little luncheon over there at the
central office for the commander plus whoever he brings with the heads
of the three divisions of the Veterans' Administration. We sit around
and talk things over. As so often is the case, the commander is a
man that we have not particularly known, so he gets acquainted. He
knows who is who and who is running the Veterans' Administra-
tion as far as central office is concerned and we think it has paid ter-
rific dividends inasmuch as throughout the year the commander or
anybody associated with the organization can call up and firsthand,
find out what it is all about. And Joe has been very cooperative in
coming directly to me when there was a problem that he didn't under-
stand or else he thought was wrong.

MI *kt sa y> * don't know how your politics work here, but there
will be a new commander, and whoever he may be I would like to ask
him now if he will reserve a date at a convenient time and come and
break bread with us and we will discuss any and all subjects and try
to make next year as good as we possibly can and as good as we have
nad. it with Joe Burke.

I just spent the morning out at the regional office. I shook hands
with every person that works for us there, some 225 or 235. We have
a mighty fine office here. This afternoon and this noon I go to the
]*2?3 1 T where , * wl11 also meet the people. I can't tell you how
thrilled I am to be part of an organization that has those kind of

ng * WiU V Uch f r them right down to the

^ P articula T 1 y S lad that my part of convention pro-

oum *& 0pe ^ n| l d l y ' That , IVe ot y ur attention ^ile
you still are fresh and not after a week of committee and other meet-

DISABLED AMEKECAN" VETERAN 13

ings. Because what I have to say today is of paramount importance
to you and to me.

Today I'm going to confine myself to only three subjects, each one
of which concerns disabled veterans especially. Sequentially the sub-
jects will be: (1) Ability versus disability; (2) the review of dis-
ability claims ; and (3) the VA rating schedule.

First, what is ability and what is disability? To me ability is
having the skill to accomplish a job regardless of the odds against
Disability is the lack of knowle ~

you. Disability is the lack of knowledge or physical prowess to
accomplish that job.

Physical impairment does not connote disability. That is a key
statement there. Physical impairment does not connote disability.
I guess Mel Maas will be the best man in the world to prove that
statement to be a fact. The greatest guy that I have known in a great
many years.

In fact, there are some with so-called disabilities who are more
capable at certain jobs than are those with all their physical power.
Yet there are still employers, even in this age of enlightenment, who
will not hire disabled veterans because, in their minds, they see only
the physical impairment.

In the disabled veteran they see only an object of charity, an object
of pity, a mendicant. That might have been true 20 years ago, but
science has routed that fogey notion today. Yet some employers will
not hire the handicapped the amputee, the heart cases, the arrested
TB, the blind, and the paraplegic.

To many employers these cases represent a person who cannot work,
even though the facts time and again have proved otherwise.

And even among those who would be willing to give a seriously
disabled veteran a job, we hear objections like this, rooted in hand-
me-down cliches : "But he can't put in a full 40-hour week."

So what, my friends ? So what ? You measure ability not by the
number of hours a man is able to work, but by what he does during
those hours. I'm sure there are plenty of veterans with disabilities
preventing them from working a full 40 hours a week who would
prove excellent, conscientious ^employees, if given jobs on a reduced
workweek of 20 hours^ or whatever number of hours their physical
conditions would permit.

About a year ago, the Veterans' Administration published a study
of jobs held by totally blinded veterans. It showed that they were
not confined to certain fringe jobs, as some would have you believe.
Instead, they were at work everywhere, in the professions, the trades,
business, agriculture, industry. What's more, they had their share of
success. For them, lack of sight had not meant lack of achievement,
or lack of hope.

We have just prepared another study, published only last week,
describing the occupations held by paraplegics, veterans paralyzed
from the waist down, confined to wheelchairs lor the rest of their lives.

I hope that this study will help to counteract the stupid notion that
a wheelchair means shut-in living, away from the mainstream of life.

The study proves that it just isn't so. Let me give you a preview :
One paralyzed veteran owns the only hospital in this town. Aside
from keeping his institution running, and conducting a polio clinic on
the side, he also is chief surgeon, performing operations from his
wheelchair.

14: THIRTY-SEVE-NTH NATIONAL REPORT

Another is a playground director, organizing play activities that
have kept hundreds of young folks off the city streets.

Still another is a minister who preaches sermons from his wheel-
chair.

The paralysis of still another has affected his voice as well as his
limbs, so that he can speak only in a whisper. Yet he trained to be a
lawyer, and argues cases in a courtroom kept so quiet that his whisper
can be heard.

The veterans have shown plenty of business acumen, too. One of
them invested in oil wells and struck it rich. With his profits he
opened a skating rink, golf driving range, ice cream store, and auto-
mobile accessory business. And he manages all four from his wheel-
chair.

THese two studies, plus the work experience of countless other dis-
abled veterans, proves beyond any doubt how deadly outmoded ideas
can be. Such nonsense not only can perpetuate, but it can magnify
injustice. In the case of disabled veterans, the injustice too often has
been the deprivation of one of America's basic rights, the right of
opportunity.

So much for No. 1.

Misunderstanding is not confined to employers by any means.
There has been considerable misunderstanding as to why the present
review of compensation claims is being conducted. I want to outline
briefly the sequence of events which led to this review and to the
principles involved.

Early in 1954, I appeared before a subcommittee of the House of
Representatives in connection with the fiscal 1955 VA budget. Dur-
ing that hearing, one committee member read a recent report of the
General Accounting Office.

I presume you know the Accounting Office is to check any and all
expenditures made by the Government. They have the last word on
any expenditure and they report directly to Congress. The General
Accounting Office had reviewed 1,000 compensation cases and had
found more than 200 errors, according to their report, most of which
had been made during the hectic period shortly after World War II
when inexperienced, overworked staffs had to make decisions without
sufficient evidence. Two hundred out of a thousand. True, that
would be 20 percent.

We carefully reviewed this report and concluded that an immedi-
ate sampling of cases should be made to see if these errors had been
made in other regional offices.

The results were startling. Errors, varied in nature, were found
Numerous cases had been established as static with no reexamination
scheduled when the very nature of the disability would indicate that
it should improve through the normal course of time.

In some cases larger benefits should have been awarded. In others,
tne grant of benefit was clearly and unmistakably in error

Two questions arose in my mind. "Is it right to deny increased
payments to a veteran who is entitled to it?" Obviously the answer
is no*

nU6 Payments to those not ^titled?" Again, the

BISlABL,ET> AMERICAN 1 VETEUA-NISI 15

It was clear to me that a thorough review was necessary and un-
avoidable but the next question was, "Who will conduct this review?"

The General Accounting Office.

^ I didn't think they should. I believed our VA-trained adjudica-
tion employees were better equipped for the job and had a fuller
understanding of the philosophy of benefits and claims. So, in De-
cember 1954:, I directed the regional offices to review all claims of vet-
erans under 55 years of age and where entitlement was based on World
War II or peacetime service.

And let me digress for a moment to say that nearly 3 years later,
on May 28, 1957, at a meeting of the major veteran organizations at
which DAV was represented, it was concluded that a comprehensive
review made by experienced VA personnel, was preferable to a spot
checking of cases by less qualified persons from some other agency.

Printed instructions were sent to our field offices reemphasizing long-
existing policies in the adjudication of claims. There has been no
change in policy with respect to entitlement to service connection
under this review. These instructions were restated in December
1954, October 1955, and April 1956, and only last week I reiterated this
to all adjudicators.

The basic principles emphasized in these instructions were:

1. The benefit of a reasonable doubt is invariable to be resolved in
favor of the veteran.

2. No benefits will be taken from any veteran unless it is shown
that the grant of such benefit was clearly and unmistakably in error.

3. All adjudication actions must reflect the generous intent of the
law and be effected with human understanding.

I want to make it very clear that these principles have been, are
now, and will continue to be applied in this review.

What do we hope to accomplish ?

We want to make certain that veterans are receiving the full bene-
fits to which they are entitled but, on the other hand, we expect to
discontinue benefits to those who clearly and unmistakably are not
entitled to them.

What have been the results to date ?

The errors found have not been as extensive as originally feared.
Nearly 93 percent of the cases reviewed needed no change whatever.
They were O. K.

In many cases the reexaminations have resulted in increased
monthly payments and many of the errors found have resulted not
only in increased current payments but also in rather large retro-
active adjustments.

Of course z some errors were found which resulted in the reduction
of or even discontinuance of payments and, human nature being what
it is, I suppose it is only natural and expected that emphasis would
be placed on these cases. But if these cases were clearly in error,
I can't see where there is any other choice.

What is the long-range result of this review ? I firmly believe that
it will dignify the entire claims program. We must always remember
that regardless of widespread recognition of our Nation's obligation
to ^ disabled veterans, there have been, and always will be, critics of
this program.

16 THIRTT-SEVEOSTTH: NATIONAL REPORT

The correction of errors will definitely solidify the program and
will eliminate very impressive ammunition for these self-appointed
critics.

And there, my friends, you have the essence of the claims-review
program.

I want to digress from this just a minute. There is always a field,
of course, where opinion is divided and very often it is in a field where
maybe it is a little difficult to make a decision. Of all the VA people
out at this office this morning- 1 talked to every member of the board
out there, have 4 boards, talked to every 1 of them quite a discussion
along different lines. You know it seems to me that every man I
know in VA would like to find a claim in favor of a veteran if he can.
Now I know that there are those who feel otherwise. They seem to

ft the idea that we are trying to deny something. That is not true,
lon't suppose we will ever arrive at the time that the man is think-
ing like us because when you get into the world of opinion, naturally
there is bound to be differences.

Let me give you a typical example of the difference of opinion
where it almost takes a Solomon to decide a thing. A Congressman
brought in a case the other day that had been through the Board of
Veterans' Appeals and it came to me, I have the last shot and by
the time they get to me they are usually good.

Now in this particular case, the man had a spinal puncture anes-
thesia in the service for an appendectomy. That was in 1945, t be-
lieve, and about 1950, about 5 years later, he developed something
that has a very long name, I am not sure what it is, but what it
means is that the covering of the spinal column is injured in such a
way and there is a deterioration that sets in which eventually becomes
transverse myelitis and that is where you practically have developed
into paralysis from the waist down. It is most serious.

Well, this was 5 years later when this attack came on that started
and now the claim was that that started from the spinal puncture in
service.

Well, we had all the best doctors we have go over that, and our
neurologists and they came up with the decision that no, it couldn't
possibly have resulted from a spinal puncture because that would nec-
essarily have developed much sooner, that 5 years was totally out of
all reason. But, in looking over this claim, there was a letter in
there from, I don't know the gentleman's name, but he was one of
the anesthesiologists you are good if you can say that at Mayo's.
Well now Mayo s have good men as you know and there was another
doctor who was very good. Now they gave it as their opinion, not
having anything except the bare facts to go on, they gave as their
opinion that this 5-year span did not make it impossible and then they
went through the medical history. And there isn't enough of this
to be sure, but most of the medical history would indicate 5 vears
would be too long a time.

Tv>r N? T - th l at j is *e way this thing arrived, that is the main element.
My job is to decide it. Not being a medical man I must rely on medical
men for testimony I tell you what we did. This seems to be satis-
* y everybody concerned. I suggested to this Congressman we
S^H& h ^ b / tween ? TO are going to pick out at least three
SJjEr ^specialists we can find m the country and probably neurolo-
gists who have nothing whatever to do with VA. They don't have

DISlABLED AMEKECAiN 1 VBTE'RAiNH 17

' connection 'with us, nor do they have with either this Congressman
inybody else, and we are going to turn the whole file right over to
m. They will have in their possession everything there is.
iome people might complain, it might cost us a thousand dollars
aaore to do this. But we feel that if that outside group who are
cialists come in and say, "We think it well could have happened,"

benefit of the doubt belongs to the veteran, it is O. K. with me.
inkly, I'll be kind of tickled. But on the other hand, if they
roborate the other findings I will consider that that must be the best
wer to come up. I just wanted to tell you that. I don't want you
r to get the idea that this is slapdash. I think we do try our best
^ive our best thought to these claims.

J" ow let's move on to the third subject, the review of the rating sched-
. Ever since I assumed the duties of Administrator, more than 4
,rs ago, I have been told by individuals within and outside VA that
ny codes in this rating schedule did not reflect current medical
L rating thinking.

^Tow, as you know, I am charged by law with making changes in the
edule from time to time as experience indicates. Having con-
ced myself that some revision was needed, I decided to go about it
is orderly a fashion as possible.

rirst of all, the Department of Veterans' Benefits freed the rating
edule board of any duties not directly associated with the schedule,
so, the Department of Medicine and Surgery has assigned profes-
nal personnel to this full-time task. And Bill Driver, who is also
e, tells me this morning that Nevill Joyner, who is on this full-
ie work, working right along on that, has not only been on an adju-
ation board but he has been on a rating schedule board for about
or 11 years. So it means that these are men that know what it is
about. This means that we have extremely well-qualified prof es-
nal men devoting full time to this document which represents the
y heart of the disability rating program for veterans.
we began on the premise that the schedule would be changed body
item by body system. There are 10 systems and within those 10
stems you have individual codes. .A^cl that an entire system
>uld be published with any needed revision as a unit.
Later, when it became possible to change the form of the schedule
>m a bound book to a looseleaf edition, a step which I understand
3 met with universal approval by schedule users, we abandoned the
>a of bringing out a whole body system at a time; instead, we are
w making individual code amendments.
A.f ter each code change can be coordinated and justified^ they will

issued individually. The looseleaf edition makes this method
ich more satisfactory.

[ decided that proposed changes would be furnished you and the
ler veterans' organizations, for comment, because I was convinced
it the long experience of service officers in the rating field would
d immeasurably to the validity of the schedule. I still feel that
iy.

The comments received so far will be extremely useful and I hope
u will continue to give us the benefit of your experience. I assure
u I will approve no change unless I am absolutely convinced of its

DJS.ABLE'D AMEHICAlSr VE-TEBAOSP-SI 19

changed. So you see I hope I give you the picture that being con-
cerned, you people are working with the schedule, you know all about
it, nothing is going to be done that you don't know all about and I
don't see why if we can improve the schedule after being in operation
about 12 years it is high time to be doing it.

Gentlemen and ladies, that just about concludes the three points
that I had in mind. Thank you for your courtesy. Glad to be here.
(The convention rose to applaud Mr. Higley,)

National Commander BTJRKE. I thank the convention. I want you
all to understand Mr. Higley has spoken and spoken very well about
his particular situation. This is still a democratic convention. We
will take our resolutions about the rehabilitation. We will take the
names of the veterans people, and they are going to sit down with the
rehabilitation committee and answer their questions. Our own people,
Captain Hogan and the service officers, will be there. And out of
that will come the resolutions. I and nobody else cares what comes
out of that ; we are going to do it in a democratic fashion, those of you
who have something to say about it, and we are going to give fair and
equal representation to the Veterans' Administration. And out of it
we are going to pass a resolution.

Now, I have been asked, I had a long-distance call before, "What is
the matter with the national adjutant? Are you mad at him; is he
mad at you ? It is the first convention in 33 years he didn't open up."
We had a very capable man open it up ; Jack Feighner Knew the
whole flag program inside out. Also, he is not down there because he
is mad, situation being, can't talk. He is down there because he is
heartbroken. The Cincinnati Reds are in fifth place. They lost a
game yesterday. I need him; I don't know what comes next. The
national commander is now ordering the national adjutant back on
the platform.

Now we want you to stay here for a while. Because of the fact
that Mr. Teague and Mr. Higley are busy we put them on first be-
cause our program is running late. I have these national officers of
the Ladies' Auxiliary, who have worked very hard, to be presented
to you for introductions. I have the men that have assisted me so
much during the year. And if you will bear with us a few more
minutes we will do that and see what else we can do this morning
before we adjourn until this afternoon. So remain seated please,
at this time.

At this time I would like for a presentation to present to you the
second junior vice commander, Buster Davidson.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Thanks, Joe, for the pro-
motion.

My comrades, you know different companies make researches.
Tissue people make researches. There is a small bottling company
that started in Atlanta that made a research, and after 3 years of
work they found out that their No. 1 user is a member of our organi-
zation.

At this time I would like to make a small presentation. I'd like to
ask the adjutant, Mr. Vivian Cqrbly, to come up here with me.
Mr. Corbly, a couple of small-business men in Atlanta have a little
bottling works down there and they are the people that made this
research and they found out that although you drink them like they
don't want you to drink them, you drink them hot, they would like

20 THIBTY-SiEIVE!NTH NATIONAL REPORT

to give you a little token of their appreciation for the profit you
have given them. At this time I'd like to present you this very
heavy Coca Cola cooler so we can keep Howard Watts and your
other friends from running down the hall and getting you a Coca
Cola every 5 minutes. [Applause.]
National Adjutant CORBLY. Thank you very much.

National Commander BURKE. For the edification of the third junior
vice commander, Mr. Corbly drinks Coca Cola. He gets in New
Jersey, he drinks bourbon. .

Now I have a pleasant duty. I am a bachelor. Bonnie Maile
accuses me of advertising the fact. Perhaps I do, but I am very
fond of women just the same. And I have got a bevy of beauties up
here this morning. I don't want their husbands to know that I am
on speaking acquaintance with them as much as I am, so, rather than
introducing them by calling them, "Hi, sweetie," I am going to have
the national commander, that very gracious lady, Mrs. Helen Ishmael
of the Ladies' Auxiliary, to introduce her group.

(The convention rose to applaud Mrs. Ishmael.)

National Commander Mrs. HELEN ISHMAEL (Ladies' Auxiliary).
Commander Joe, national officers, delegates, and all my many friends
of the DAV, my most sincere warm greeting to you at this conven-
tion, I hope you are all going to enjoy it. We hope our women will
try to attend all the meetings. Our program this year has been in-
creased. Among the group of women, I have been blessed with a
very fine group of national officers and at this time I should like to
present them to you.

My national senior vice commander is a girl from California. I
am sure many, many of you know her, Vi Hoffmann. [Applause.]

My first national junior vice commander is from Minnesota,
Jeanette Peterson. [Applause.]

My second national junior vice commander is from the State of
Texas and she happened to serve as the convention chairman last
year, but is not able to be with us here. I wish she were ; Peggy Cole.

Our third junior vice commander is from Alabama ; Estelle Mor-
row. [Applause.]

And from Massachusetts, my fourth national junior vice commander,
Eileen Heilly. [Applause.]

My national chaplain is from Iowa; Ann Day. [Applause.]

National judge advocate, Adelaide Irwin, from California. [Ap-
plause.]

All of you know the national adjutant, Ann Weber, from Colo-
rado, and love her, I am sure. She had to leave on account of some
business she had. to take care of.

And the assistant national adjutant is Olive Plus from Colo-
rado. [Applause.]

Thank you very much. [Applause.]

National Commander BURKE. Thank you, Helen.

There has been a little fellow running around the last couple of
days giving out cigarettes. I think he is one of the finest public re-
lations men I have ever met. Not because he is a life member of our
organization in Astoria Chapter, but because he does represent his
concern to the utmost of his ability. He can do a lot and has done a
lot for disabled veterans. He is on television constantly for Liggett &
Myers, Chesterfield, you have seen him with Russ Hodges, those of

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAOSRS 21

you who live in the East. He is a good guy and he has come to this
convention with a lot of loot and he has given it out indiscriminately.
He hasn't given me anything. I have been here 2 days ; he has given

*- ,. ^-iyelse. Heismyfrie * " " - ., - ~

lidn't change his name
. get it out. My good :
Mr. Peter J. Petropoulos. [Applause.]

Delegates, after the next speaker and a few introductions, we want
you to stay because we want to put the national adjutant back to work.
As you know we are going to have our committees this morning and.
our district meeting. Don't anybody leave j ust yet.

I have the pleasure of introducing one final speaker this morning.
He knows who it is because I am looking at him. I have seen dedi-
cated men in their profession. I have seen people who have been
friendly to the DAV many times, we have had them here this morn-
ing, we will have them here this afternoon, and every day. But
when you want something, he wants something, he calls us, tell us
what he needs and because his organization and himself have been
so good to the disabled veterans I don't know that we have refused
them anything. At the same time when we want anything we know
who to call.

He happens to be from Buffalo, it has been his home many years
before he went down to Washington. He is one of the finer people
in the field and I want to call to this platform for the purpose of talk-
ing to this convention, my good friend, been here for many years,
Roy Johnson of the Red Cross. [Applause.]

Mr. ROT E. JOHN-SON (American Red Cross) . Thank you, Joe.

I think most of you know that usually I try to take a spot in the
program when it is not crowded. For one thing they can call on me
at any time to be a filler, and for another I know about how much
you can absorb. And so today I thought that I was going to stay in
the background. You had two excellent keynote speakers, you
learned a lot.

I think you will remember perhaps at Miami when I corrected our
national adjutant after he introduced me as a life member and I said
that I had always maintained an annual membership because that
gave me the right, if the DAV conducted itself in such a way that I
didn't feel that I wanted to continue to be associated with it, to de-
clare myself and disassociate myself. And I said at Miami that I
had heard all the uproar in New York State and was sorry for it
because I was a New York Stater, but I was very proud to say I was
renewing my membership to the DAV. And you gave me again this
morning the opportunity to say that I am renewing my annual mem-
bership in the DAV by your conduct in spite of some of the threats
that had been heard. You conducted yourself as real DAV'ers.

I want to add just a word to what Congressman Teague said. I
think most of you know I have worked with the Veterans' Adminis-
tration always on the other side of the table, always on your side of
the table, down through these years for some 30-odd, and I have found
them as Harvey Higley told you this morning he has found them,
trying to do an honest job.

I have talked to your service officers as they went through the
training school of the American "University in Washington. I talked
to every class. I started out talking once to each class and after

22 THIRTY-SiEV'EQSrTH: NATIONAL KEOPOUT

about 3 of them they asked that I come for 2 sessions with them and
that was because I talked their talk, and they knew it, about doing
claims work. And I told them that one thing I wanted to impress
on them most that their job as service officers was to see that the dis-
abled veteran got what he was entitled to. Not perhaps what he
wanted but what he was entitled to. And so long as we stuck to that
and we tried to see that the disabled veterans always got everything
they were entitled to and we did not seek constantly to get them more
than they were entitled to, the disabled veteran would get rights and
justice.

I am proud to say your DAV service officers have worked that way
and I know they are going to continue to because through their ex-
perience they have found mat it is right. And so you, as an organi-
zation, with your resolutions, must always remember that you are
seeking what is right.

Now you have got to do more than that. It is fine to pass a resolu-
tion in this convention and send it down to Congress to let them know
where you stand, but Congress has to reflect the opinion of the Ameri-
can people. That is what they are there for. And so you have got to
interpret your resolutions and your needs and your desires to all of the
American people and not just to Congressmen, and I say that is where
all of the veterans' organizations have failed to do a complete job.
You have got to go out and explain to the people of this country a
thing that they still don't understand and that is the compensation
for disabled veterans is exactly the same as compensation for a dis-
abled workman that you call workmen's compensation, except I think
the disabled veteran is one hell of a lot more entitled to it.

The American people just have not been given the true picture of
compensation for service-connected disabilities and we contribute to
that constantly by talking of pensions instead of compensation and I
say we must always make that point very clear. Compensation,
whether it be workmen's compensation or servicemen's disability
compensation, is something that has been earned. It is not a gift.
It is not a gratuity. It is not a pension.

Now I didn't intend to spout off like this, Joe, but yoii asked for it.
You brought me into a crowded program and I felt that I should
speak my piece and I think you all know that I will continue to speak
my piece whenever you give me an opportunity.

I hope that here in my hometown you will have one of the best con-
ventions ever and one of the most profitable from the standpoint of the
disabled American veteran.

Thank you. [Applause.]

National Commander BTJKKE. Boy, you are always glad to speak
your piece and we appreciate it. But that reminds me of something.
Now down in Washington there is something going on that has us
worried and the guy who minds the store for us isn't there. He is
here. I want him to go back to Washington. I wanted him to stay
this afternoon if he could, but he is worried about the store. But at
this time, so he can get back and protect our interests, I want this con-
vention to excuse Congressman Teague of Texas so he can get back
there and mind the store.

(The audience rose to applaud Congressman Teague as he left the
convention.)

AMERICAN 1 VETERANS' 23

National Commander BTJRKE. Will the Washington delegation
bring forward the DAV Mother of the Year, please?

(The convention rose to applaud as the .DAV Mother of the Year
was escorted to the platform.)

National Commander BURKE. The Chair is going to yield to one of
the what he is always called throughout the country the most dedi-
cated group of people ever to serve an organization. The Chair is
going to yiel.d the privilege, which he doesn't like to do too much, to
the representative from Seattle, Wash., one of those national service
officers of ours. Perry Dye.

National Service Officer DYE. Thank you, Commander Burke. Dis-
tinguished gjuests, my comrades, and ladies of this 36th annual con-
vention, it is my distinct pleasure to bring to you this National
Mother of the Year, this grand lady from our State of Washington,
who, incidentally, is also a member of the Disabled American Vet-
erans Auxiliary. She is Adeline Ekenstedt, mother of 12 children, 8
of them living. She lost her husband some 20-odd years ago and
raised this wonderful family and today, in her own right, and in her
great heart and humbleness, she, to us who know her best and who
have watched her work and the inspiration that she has had in our .'
Pacific Northwest country, this little woman who is the very soul^of
humbleness and sweetness, has administrative and executive ability
beyond any thinking possibility. She is able to muster help, finances,,
and material and puts on great affairs for as many as 1,000 to 1,500
veterans in our hospitals throughout the country and her efforts are
continuous. She has gone into the field of little children's baskets and
so on. It is my great pleasure to introduce to you this wonderful
lady, "Mom" Ekenstedt of the Department of Washington, your na-
tional choice as Mother of the Year.

Mrs. ADELINE EKENSTEDT (mother of the year). Commander
Burke, I am very, very happy to be here. I have sure had a good time.
May I say something about my parties at the State institutions ?

I put on these parties, one a month, at the several veterans' hospitals
in our State, and in most instances we run a party for from 300 to as
great as 1,500 participants. . m

Myself and those working with me have been fortunate in getting
an abundance of help, both financial and material, f rpm the radio sta-
tions, television stations, and many fraternal and civic organizations.
They always like to help and are always willing to help, and to know
and see where it goes I take a lot of people each time with me to the
hospital, different people, and you always get the help the next time.
The patient shares in the joy.

We received at one time a gift from a bakery concern of 1,500 cup-
cakes, and 1,500 slices of ice cream from another manufacturer. We
served 1,500 at that particular time, veteran and nonveteran. We
served in the hall ; we served at three tuberculosis wards. I feel more
sorry for them because they are isolated.

At our Christmas party, we had a present for every patient, a pair
of socks, a shirt, some handkerchiefs, some writing material, a book,
or something that became his personal property.

We have entertainment each time. I go once a month and have a
party. I had one last Saturday, so I have to go back and have it at
the other hospital when I get home. I love to go to the hospital and

20331 58 3

24 TBDCRTT-SEVEOSTrB: ]ST ATI COST AL, REPORT

give to them a little break. At that; State hospital where I went so
many years nobody went there and gave a party before. It seems
that quite a few have started there on a smaller scale, which I am
very happy about.

I would like to visit your hospital here in Buffalo as I just love to go
to those places. I have kind of a soft spot in my heart for them. We
are lucky, all of us, not to have to be in a hospital, so let us pitch in
together on that wonderful work for all the hospitals and for all the
veterans, which I am very thankful for. These are truly the forgotten
men and women who are in our nerve and mental hospitals.

I am very grateful to the Disabled American Veterans for selecting
me as your mother of the year, and I am sure it will not only inspire
me to further effort, but will encourage many other fine women of the
country to use some of their time and abilities in this direction.
[Applause.]

National Commander BURKE. We will just express our thanks to
the DAV mother of the year and Perry Dye for presenting her.

Now, there is something I have to do, because I want to do it. I
have this year, in my opinion, one of the best staffs a national com-
mander ever had. I am not going to take too much time extolling
their virtues, because they are apparent to anybody who knows of their
sincere interest in the DAV, but for bows, and because they deserve it,
I'd like to introduce at this time, Senior Vice Commander Paul
Frederick.

Our first junior vice commander, Ted Hietala, Boise, Idaho,
The next guy has been around a long time. You all know him,
second junior vice commander, Harry Wentworth, of California.

That sweet- voiced siren of the South, a man I love to hear talk but
can't imitate well enough to try, the third junior vice commander j
"Buster" Davidson.

The only Republican judge I would ever dare appear before I am
like the national adjutant, we are Democrats but the only one I
would ever take a chance because he is a good disabled veteran. If
you get in his court no disabled veteran is ever fmed ; so we would be
safe. I'd like to present to you Judge David B. Williams, comrade of
Massachusetts.

The next man, I found out for the first time, was prejudiced. It
took me a long time to find it out. I don't believe it yet but finally
after all these years he is not permitted to sit on a case in our national
executive committee because somebody thinks he might be prejudiced.
I can't believe it but I 'd like you all to take a good look at, again, as
you have for so many years, that very fine estimable dispenser of
jurisprudence, Sylvester Hoffmann.

Next is a more serious note, the disabled veterans have always be-
lieved in the creed that all good Americans do, if you haven't got God
on your side you are never going to get anywhere' And the man who
talks to God for us, Rev. Joseph C. Pickett, our National Chaplain.
I don't know if our friend is here this morning, I hope he is, I
haven't been able to see him too much but I succeeded him in office-
The only thing I will ever say about that, and he loves to hear me say
it, is contrary to the national adjutant's opinion, it only takes an ex-
Army sergeant to succeed a Marine Corps major general.

And if he is not here I am going to feel badly, but I still want you
all to loiow, those of you who haven't seen him, that the past national

DJSiABLE'D AMERICAN VETERANS 25

commander, Melvin J". Maas, of Chevy Chase, McL, is with us at this
convention.

I don't know how many are here but from the first district the na-
tional executive cormnitteeman, Armand Plaisance.

Taking the place of Fred Kundbaken, a good friend in this con-
vention and a good friend of mine for years, from the second district
acting as national executive committeeman, Jimmy Snyder.

Another substitute, in the place of George Beck, from Pittsburgh,
Mr. Constantine, third district.

The next, the man who tried to take the convention to Hawaii 4=
year ago, and the national adjutant has been "chewing" certain
people, me, ever since for not letting it get there, the chairman of that
particular convention in Milwaukee of the time and place committee,
now a fourth district national executive committeeman. Bob Dove.

From Concord, N". C., and the fifth district, Gene Caldwell.

The next, from the sixth district and though many of you have
heard it, before this convention is over I am going to tell the story
how I was introduced in Mississippi one night by this same gentleman.
From the sixth district the national executive committeeman, J. C.
Broome.

From the seventh district, from Fort Wayne, Ind., Harley Ward.

From the eighth district, La Crosse, Wis., ,Matt Werel.

From Omaha, Nebr., the ninth district, Paul Harmon.

From Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Clarence Quigley.

From the eleventh district, from Salt Lake City, Utah, the reason
I added the Utah is because I am afraid of this fellow. He is the
one guy tells me every time he sees me, "If they don't get a service
officer in Utah." They have gotten one finally, Tracy Astle.

From the twelfth district from Long Beach, their belief of paradise
is not confined to all California, I have befen. in his home town, very
beautiful, Elmer Allmeroth, from the twelfth district from Long
Beach, Calif.

From Idaho Falls, Idaho, from the 13th district, Russell Eock.

From Harrison, Ark., in the 14th district, Charley Steese.

The man who claims he can always see you as well as hear you, and
I sometimes think he has an instinct which belongs to the blind as he
does know who is around at all times although we know he can't see
a thing, our good friend from the Blind Veterans, the National Execu-
tive Committeeman, Paddy Driscoll.

Oh yes; and I take the greatest of pleasure in introducing that see-
ing-eye dog that takes care of Paddy, Melody.

The national director of claims who will be heard from in this con-
vention, and how. The Honorable Cicero Hogan.

The national director of employment who stood like a rock in that
Navy situation and torpedoed certain people's ships for me, John
Burris.

The fine legislative representative of ours who has workd very hard
this year and we hope to see the fruits of his efforts if that bill gets
signed, Omer W. Clark, our national director of legislation.

And his assistant, one of the finest leg men I have ever had the
pleasure to meet. He moves so fast and so often you can't keep up
with him. He does a good job up on that hill, Elmer Freudenberger.

The chairman of the finance committee who will be. heard from
during this convention, Francis R. Buono, Bay side, KT. Y.

26 THIRTY-SEIVJEINTH: NATIONAL REPORT

The next pulled the dirtiest trick that was ever pulled on a national
convention, something I will never forget nor will they ever let me
forget either, but still and all he is a friend of mine and a friend of
vours, he works very hard, but he will never get me back to Bay City.
1 might go to Detroit to see him, Bonnie Maile of Detroit, Mich.

My protection if I get in any fights, see him, he will fight you for
me anyway, he is a good protector because when he stands up you
take a look at the size of him, you will know why nobody ever fools
with me, as past national commander, a good advisor, a good friend,
Floyd Ming of Bakersfield, Calif.

And a hardworking member of that finance committee and responsi-
ble for the very lovely time that Captain Hogaii and I had in St.
Louis, a hard worker, good railroader, Bob McFarland of St.
Louis, Mo.

Another wing* like me, he is going to get in trouble if he doesn't keep
it in his pocket, but a wonderful boy and a past national commander
in his own right, Howard Watts.

Another past national commander, in the back of the room hiding,
but he will be heard from too, during this convention, from Minnesota,
John Golob.

Alongside of him, a guy who doesn't say much but when he says
something it is listened to and appreciated, I know, I have worked
with him. National service officer, a past national commander, "Mon-
nie" Monnahan, from Minneapolis.

A man who is responsible for a great deal of help to your national
commander ; he went out of his way this year to give me some aid and
assistance, he is frankly responsible for selling us the idea of having
the commander's column, although it has been a lot of extr^i work for,
me and my writers, the honorable executive secretary of the founda-
tion, past national commander, from Minnesota, living in Washing-
ton, Milla-rd Rice.

I don't know where he is, the only man who ever killed a national
commander and the national commander is still living. I still hear
his words echoing through that hall in Dallas when I was introduced
when ^ he got up there and was carried away with his oratory ancl I
was listening to him wondering where he learned to say such nice
things about me, but he did glowingly praise me that night, "And
there," he said, "there he is, our national commander, mortally wound-
ed. 55 .Lew Murphy.

And now a man who is sick, I know we all wish for him a speedy
recovery, a man who has been past national commander, from this
section, worked many years but now working as an assistant manager
in Brooklyn, KT. Y., Milt Cohn of Buffalo, N. Y. S

My own chief of staff of my own State, a man who has helped me
along the road to what I consider the finest job a disabled veteran
could ever have, Maurice Sweeney, of Cedar Grove, N J
. The reason why he is my chief of staff is that 30 years he has worked
m a mental institution, and everybody figured he could take care of a
nut lilce me.

And now I'd like to present, because I don't know if there are any
other national commanders here, but he knows them all better than I

^ SV 61 ? g d ^ end ' a man who ha s dedicated his life to the
duahled veterans which I will have more to say about, but in or de?

DISABLED AME'RICAIST VETDETRAOSRS 27

to get the business over as quickly as possible because he has already
whispered, "You are talking too much," I want to present to this con-
vention for the first time this morning the man whose heart is broken
over the Cincinnati Redlegs but is going to try to recover his voice,
Vivian D. Corbly, the national adjutant of the DAV.

The man who has my left ear, Corbly, tells me I forgot something.
From Detroit, Mich., Joe Tabor of Detroit, Mich. Did I forget any-
body else?

I didn't know this gentleman's name or I would have said some-
thing much earlier, they tell me he is on the platform now, been a ter-
rific liaison man in the Department of Defense for the DAV for many
years, maybe we shouldn't say those things publicly but he has been a
good friend of this organization, and proven it on many occasions,
United States Navy, Lieutenant Watkins.

Lt. Comdr. JAMES WATKINS. I noticed he called me Lieuten-
ant Watkins. When I left here 3 years ago I was Lieutenant Wat-
kins. Since that time I have been promoted and I have just returned
from a tour in the Mediterranean back to the Department of Defense.
It is a pleasure to be here again and I'd like to extend greetings to you
from the Department of Defense. Thank you.

National Commander BURKE. I forgot something else. I don't
like to let them go because they are going to go over and run the DAV
but I have to excuse the Ladies Auxiliary because they have business
of their own. Thank you, Helen, for coming over.

I think he is ready to talk now, finally. The national adjutant.

National Adjutant VIVIAN- D. CORBLY. While our ladies are leav-
ing, will all the rest of the delegates, the male contingent, move forward
and take therb seats, get up close so we can all be together. Let's get
settled and get out of here for lunch.

I want to make an observation which I trust will be stated in a man-
ner that will encourage all of you to lend the best of your efforts during
the remaining hours and the remaining days of this convention to the
machinery, to the program, of this, our 36th annual gathering. It has
been my privilege for 32 years to appear before a convention of this
organization as its secretary. During that time I have been privi-
leged to serve with 33 outstanding leaders in the field of veterandom,
outstanding citizens, outstanding individuals, good pals and good
friends, the national commanders of the DAV.

Each and everyone of them have left the imprint of their efforts
and their accomplishments upon the fine history of this organization.
However, none of them, have excelled the efforts and put more into the
job than the man under whom you are serving at the present time,
Joe Burke .

He has given everything that he has to the job that you elevated
him to last year. In some of his efforts he has not been entirely suc-
cessful. In all projects failure goes along with success. But in the
Navy episode as an individual he defeated the Navy of the United
States. Only the Marine Corps had been able to do that before. And
in my humble judgment from the limited position that I have in
the field of legislation I believe that Joe Burke, as an individual had
more to do than any other person with the ultimate passage of H. R.
52. He is the first national commander in my knowledge who was
ever able to secure a promise of an affirmative nature from Senator

28 "TBCIR'TY-SiEVENTH: XATIOOSTAL REPORT

Byrd, of Virginia, with respect to paying compensation to disabled
veterans.

Let us add to the applause and the appreciation that we have for
Joe, our every effort in this convention to let him ^finish his year in
the next 4% days with a greater and greater pride in you, the people
he is associated with and the people for whom he has labored.

Come to our meetings on schedule, stay in the hall and be a party
to all of our deliberations. Those of you who are fortunate or unfor-
tunate .enough to get committee assignments, attend your meetings
regularly, study the proposals that come before you, give them intelli-
gent considered consideration. In an outfit like this we always must
have divergency of viewpoint. In the disabled veteran field I have
found that it is utterly impossible, in any gathering of more than
five disabled veterans, to get a complete meeting of minds until after
the second quart has been disposed of.

We are a democratic organization, a cross section of the Nation
that we live in, the Nation we love, the Nation that is the spark of
freedom in the world. We enjoy the privileges of freedom of thought
and freedom of talk oid under the rules which you people have
adopted down through the past some 30 years, we operate the machin-
ery of this convention. If Joe is in the chair, or anyone else he desig-
nates to take over the chair, please remember he is merely the medium
of conducting your affairs. Joe and all of those he puts up here will
be fair^men. They will give you every opportunity to express your
viewpoints in so long as you conform to your own rules. If you don't
believe in your rules you are privileged at a later meeting to change
those rules, but if you don't change the rules, please stick to the rules.

All of us up here on the topside are here merely to help you, not to
direct you, not to stampede you.

In reverse, however, we are not up here to be stampeded. I don't
know how many resolutions you have but they go into the hundreds
and they cover a multitude of subjects. We are still operating under
our Federal charter and as a result of action taken by successive na-
tional executive committees, we are not permitted to give considera-
tion without unanimous consent to any proposals of any type that are
not specifically pertinent to the welfare of disabled veterans and their
dependents other than, of course, Americanism and defense. It is the
job of the committee to weed out the extraneous material that comes
before you. Under our rules, through a coordinating committee, the
resolutions that are presented to us are distributed to the 15 committees
of the convention, the committees of the convention give consideration
to those resolutions. They adopt, by majority action, those that they
feel should be sent to the national convention for confirmation In
instances where a convention committee does not see fit to report
verbally to the floor, after the committee has been discharged, the
proponent of any resolution which was not recommended by the com-
mittee may be brought to the floor for discussion and action by the
proponent of the resolution. The committees are used merelv to
expedite the proceedings of a convention.

I would like to see this Buffalo convention set a record. I would
frfcfn^ 6 ? ?U g - le ^.apti^ity of the organization insofar as

the convention is concerned with such a spirit that before 6 o'clock

AMERICAN- VETERANS 29

tonight you will have returned to the adjutant or members of his staff,
complete reports with respect to your selections for the 15 committees.

Now under pur setup each district, as soon as I am through spouting
off, will meet in caucus. The meeting of each caucus will be presided
over by the national executive committeemaii that you elected last
year. He will preside while you elect a permanent chairman of the
caucus. Then you will elect a permanent secretary of your caucus.
Then you will select or elect the members that your district desires
to serve you on the 15 convention committees.

You have to give all States in your district an opportunity to be
represented on the convention committees. One chapter cannot form
all the representation unless it is your desire that the leadership of
that chapter represents you.

If you come to a discussion which requires a vote to get a decision,
you vote in your caucus in exactly the same manner as you vote on
the floor of the convention. The chapters represented give you the
same number of votes that you will find on the record of membership
and the record of votes you will find in your convention package.

Once the committees are formed we will post the personnel of those
committees and designate a chairman for the committees. We will
designate a place and time for meeting. We will assign advisers to
each committee. In those committees you will then be privileged to
elect your own chairman and your own secretary. The resolutions
for your consideration will be returned to you by the coordination
committee. When you have taken partial or complete action on the
resolutions you will return your action and the resolutions to the co-
ordinating committee. 1 Then the coordinating committee will clear
with the platform as to the schedule of your report and through the
coordinating committee you will be advised when you should come to
the platform to present either your partial or your final report.

A committee is privileged to call before it anybody that they desire
to testify or comment upon the subject matter before it. All of the
staff of the Washington office and all of the staff of the national head-
quarters are admonished to give their time if you wish to call them
before you for questioning.

A committee may originate resolutions. If you find you have 15
resolutions dealing with the same subjects and not 1 of the 15 meets
your entire approval, you can consolidate all of the 15 in 1 resolution
and report it as your action on the entire 15. You can originate a
resolution that is not even presented to you but you cannot accept a
resolution from anybody and give consideration to it unless it comes
through the coordination committee.

We schedule so as to have a permanent file record of all resolutions
that come before us, a file that is maintained in both the Washington
and national headquarters office and checked in the archives which
we keep in those two places.

If there are no questions with reference to this particular meeting
we will proceed to assign places in this hall and the adjacent territory.
(Assignment of meeting places.)

National Adjutant CORBI/T. With permission of the Chair, we will
recess until 2 : 30 this afternoon. It is now 1 : 05.

(Whereupon, at 1 : 05 p. m., the sesssion was recessed until 2 : 30
p. m. of the same day.)

30 TBDCRTT-SOB^'ENTEC NATIOQSTALi B'EiPORT

AFTERNOON SESSION
Monday, August 19, 1957

The first business session of the 36th Annual Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans convened in the grand ballroom of the
Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N. Y., Monday afternoon, August 19, 1957.
National Commander Burke called the meeting to order at 2 : 30 p. m.
National Commander BURKE. The convention will be in order.
At this time I think we need to be led in guidance by the chaplain.
National Chaplain PICKETT. O Lord, as Thou hast promised to
come and abide with those who ask, we ask in humility, through
faith, knowing that Thou wilt do more than we can ask or even think,
according to Thy power that worketh in us. Again we ask Thy guid-
ance and strength in the proceedings of this day and through those
that follow, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

National Commander BTJRKE. I am going to turn the chair over,
I haven't eaten yet, and I am going to get a sandwich, and I am look-
ing for someone to turn the chair over to.

National Adjutant CORBL.Y. Comrade Commander, I think that is
a pretty weak alibi. He has had 2 hours to get a sandwich. This
morning he decided to take a poke at me because my beloved Reds
are going downhill. I want to tell him right now, and tell you, that
the feeds are still in Cincinnati even though they are in fourth place.
We just got the word that the executive committee of the ownership
of the New York Giants have signed a contract and they are leaving
New York City for the west coast. That's what's the matter with
Joe.

National Commander BTJRKE. The Chair is at a loss for words.
I'd like to present to you one of our staff who will introduce our
good friend, Captain Hogan, for the purpose of the report and intro-
ductions. Ted, will you take the chair, please ?

First Junior Vice Commander ARVO T. HTETALA. At this time I'd
like to introduce and ask "Cap" Hogan to come to the microphone
for his talk.

Capt. CICERO F. HOGAN-. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to have
the privilege of introducing the officials of Mr. Higley's staff who
are in attendance at this convention and who will attend all of the
service officers' conferences held each morning. These are the gentle-
men who do the work in the Veterans' Administration.
Mr. R. H. Stone, Chief Benefits Director.

Mr. J. W. Stancil, rnew Chairman, Board of Veterans Appeals.
Dr. J. H. Smith, Deputy Director for Planning.
James A. Parke, Chief , voluntary Service Division.
W. J. Driver, Director of Compensation and Pension Service.
Mr. Don Knapp, Assistant Director of Legislation, Office of the
General Counsel.

And Dr. Neville Joyner, Chief of the Bating Schedule Board.
I appreciate the courage that these gentlemen have sitting up on
the platform when I am going to give my report, but I want to say
that we deal with them daily and they are f airmmded gentlemen
and while we don't always agree on everything, they do know that
the Disabled American Veterans are trying to do what we think is
best for the disabled veteran. Just as they feel they are tryino- to
do the same thing. to

3>I&ABLET> AMERICAN VETERAiNlS 31

more than appreciate the manner in which your national com-
ider described the situation this morning when Mr. Higley was
ig introduced because I know a lot were apprehensive that prob-
y the DAV would get a bad name, and we would get a bad name
re go to such lengths as indulging in personalities in any of our
erences over the problem of the rehabilitation of the veteran.

TTJAL REPORT OF CICERO P. HOGAN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CLAIMS

rational Director of Claims HOGAN. National Commander Burke,
ional officers, and my comrades of the Disabled American Veterans,
3 again my privilege to report to you on the activities of our na-
lal service and rehabilitation program. In my opinion this is the
st important and vital activity in the DAV. This is said without
acting adversely on our legislative program or our employment
ision. Both are indeed important and necessary. They all tie in
ether ; but the claims service and the work of your national service
;ers, on duty in all the regional offices across the country, is our
jor program. Should anything happen to your claims service,
re is little left to justify our existence.

Vntiile I am enthusiastic over the work performance of your national
rice officers wherever assigned, I am deeply depressed over the fact
t I must report again that there has been a reduction in force due
resignations, retirement, and death. Our number is now down to

during the past year we lost by death three valuable national service
sers, Mr. Theodore Corrado of Phoenix, Ariz., but for years in Mil-
ikee; Mr. John O. Goelz of the Cincinnati regional office; and Mr.
:hur Muchow of the Sioux Falls, S. Dak., office. Eight men re-
Lied to seek employment elsewhere and Mr. Sydney J. Allen retired
2>r 27 years as a rehabilitation and national service officer of the
.V. The services of these men cannot be replaced. The vacancies
ated by these resignations and deaths have not been filled, except in
instance. I am confident that in most instances none of these men
Lild have tendered their resignations except for a desire to increase
ir incomes. I am hoping further resignations can be avoided and
an only urge each department to find ways and means of supjole-
titing the salaries of their national service officers. We are getting
resignations from those departments that do augment the salaries
their service officers. Not all of them are so-called rich States
ler. An upsurge in membership would help ; an increase in Ident-
Cag returns, which is wholly possible, would give national an op-
t unity to effect raises where they are earned.

f ever a disabled veteran drawing compensation needed the DAV,
3 now. If ever there was a need for our rehabilitation and claims
pice, with its trained and experienced national service officers, it
low and the immediate future. Don't let the passage of H. E. 52
D law fool anyone. A generous Congress has recognized the need
an increase in compensation. A not so generous Bureau of the
dget is undoubtedly urging the Veterans' Administration to find
ys and means of reducing compensation costs. For example, the
derate increase offered by H. K. 52 will mean little if the carefully
nned revision of the rating schedule brings about reductions ; yes,
n marked reductions in awards. Remember the complaint of the

32 TmRTY-SEVENTH: NATOOBSTAI^ R'EOPORT

Bureau of the Budget is to the effect that, "Our compensation payments
to service-disabled veterans now total nearly $1.5 billion annually
and in general are adequate," which simply means that, if increases
are ordered by Congress, ratings must be reduced so that the total
amount expended for compensation does not exceed $1.5 billion. All
the assurances given us by officials of the Veterans' Administration
that they are not being influenced by pressure from the Budget Bureau
or that the revision of the rating schedule is not in accordance with
the recommendations of the Bradley Commission are difficult to
accept after reading Director Brundage's letter of June 27, 1957.

We have been advised that the proposed revision of the schedule is,
as we know, a time-consuming project. We have been further assured
that the Director of Claims will, from time to time, be advised of
proposed changes and that the Director or his designee will be given
opportunity to register any protest to a proposed change or, better
still, may submit constructive material intended to improve the
schedule.

I mention all of this in order to impress upon this convention the
importance of our keeping 'constantly alert and in touch with any
revision of the rating schedule.

As already stated, it is folly to spend the time and effort to secure
increases in compensation through legislative action only to allow
such hoped-for increases to trickle away through our failure to keep
an ever-watchful guard on the schedule for rating disabilities.

Recognizing the importance of the task before us, Commander
Burke appointed the following national service officers to serve on the
DAV rating schedule committee : Chester A. Cash, chairman, Wash-
ington, D. C.; Bernard Southard, Cincinnati, Ohio; Jack F. Feighner,
Louisville, Ky. ; James L. Monnahan, St. Paul, Minn. ; Thomas Mc-
Elwain, Philadlephia, Pa. ; Rosario J. Aloisio, Hartford, Conn. ; Ed-
ward J. Kelleher, Washiiigotn, D. C.; Cicero H. Hogan, ex officio.
Washington, D. C.

This committee met at the call of the chairman and an excellent
report has been prepared as a result of this meeting. I am sure Mr.
Cash will give you full details in his report to this convention.

As director and as an ex officio member of the committee, please let
me assure you that Commander Burke made a wise choice in naming
the members of this committee. The work is extremely technical ; not
aU service officers, even good ones, have a comprehensive knowledge
of the subject of rating schedules. It requires constant study and
research and your committee will be meeting with picked men of the
Veterans' Administration sitting in a like capacity. Not all of the
national service officers whom we recognize, from their correspond-
ence, as haying an astute knowledge of rating procedure are on this
committee but all have shown a willingness to cooperate with the
DAV am SUre ' markedlv strengthen its value to the

A matter which has taken up a great deal of time and interest of
your national service officers, not only in the Washington office but
throughout the country, is the review of all World Wai ? II compensa-
tion and pension cases, first ordered by Mr. Ralph Stone, then Deputy
Administrator, on April 2, 1954, and further extended by Mr. Stone
m his letter of December 14 5 1954. This activity is now commonly
known as the December 14, 1954, review. imomy

DISABLED AME'RICAIST VETEEA-NB 33

Recently I Issued a bulletin to all national service officers giving our
story of the review. It lias created considerable controversy and my
associates and I feel that I should incorporate this information in this
report in order that it will become a matter of official record.

The DAV for a long time stood alone in its criticism of this review
or rather of the manner in which it was being conducted. May I sug-
gest that you read national's first open attack on the review in the
report to the convention of my assistant, Chester A. Cash, now appear-
ing on page 61 of the published minutes of our San Antonio national
convention.

We next expressed our views on the Higley Review as we first
called it in the Semimonthly issues of September 27 and October 11,
1956. Remember, these were the views of the DAV as expressed in
letters we received from national service officers from various parts
of the country and from our very close contact with the situation here
in Washington.

Mr. Cash, Mr. George Seal, and the writer had an opportunity to
present ourselves in protest over the conduct of the review to high of-
ficials of the VA and certainly took advantage of the opportunity of
expressing our objections, and presenting our reasons for our ob-
jections, to the adjudication officers assembled in Washington the
last week of November 1956. This story was given you in my bulletin
of December 7, 1956.

Later on we began to receive very disturbing reports from the field
with regard to the pressure methods being used by supervisors from
what we thought was central office. The first complaints contained
very serious charges of .threats being made to boards as to what to
expect if they failed to show greater activity in conducting the review
and produced a greater number of severences and reductions. Where
previous results proved unsatisfactory to central office, a re-review
"was ordered. These alarming reports came from, very dependable and
trustworthy service officers who pledged us to secrecy lest the infor-
mation be traced back to the VA employees in the respective offices
and reprisals and retribution follow. We were assured by central
office officials that such claims or charges were without foundation and
moreover that these supervisors, or musclemen, came from area offices
and not from central office.

We presented all this material to Commander Burke who was in-
tensely interested in this activity of the VA and, at his suggestion, the
directors of the three other veteran organizations were invited to a
meeting for a discussion of the December 14, 1954, review -with the
hope that concerted action might modify or bring to an end some of
the most objectionable phases of the review. This meeting was held
at our national service headquarters in Washington and attended by
the directors of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
AM VETS and members of their staffs and field director of the Amer-
ican Hed Cross. The DAV was represented by the writer, Mr. Cash,
and Mr. Seal.

As the host organization, we led off with the reasons why the meet-
ing was called and expressed the hope that joint action of all four
organizations might correct the flagrant misapplication of existing
laws and regulations as well as put a stop to the domineering, unethi-
cal, and abusive methods w being used by supervisors under instructions
either from central office or area offices. Each organization entered the
discussion, but I was surprised to hear one director state that he knew

34 TmRTY-SJEVENTH: 3STATIOQSTAL R'EGPORT

of 110 objection from the field nor had he heard any criticism from, his
organization. My immediate reaction following the discussion, and it
may not be important, was that the DAV stood pretty much alone
in ite criticism, of a very critical situation. Either some of the organi-
zations' leaders were unaware of the seriousness of what this review
was doing to thousands of service-connected disabled or, for reasons
known best to themselves, did not care to enter the controversy. At
the close, however, it was agreed that all should report on the meeting
to their respective organizations and, if all were in agreement, that we
arrange for a further meeting before Chief Benefits Director Ralph
Stone and members of his staff.

The meeting before Ralph Stone was delayed because of prior com-
mitments (State conventions, etc.), of several who wished to attend
but was called for July 9. Representatives of the American Legion,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans,
led by their respective claims directors, met at 10 a. m. July 9 for a
"bull" session as to how each group wanted to present his "case." We
were hardly in agreement on all counts but we knew what to expect in
the afternoon, session. Following a recess for lunch as the guests of
the American Legion, we met in Mr, Ralph Stone's office at 2 o'clock.
Mr. Stone presented the members of his staff and representatives of
the Administrator. who remained during the entire afternoon session.

As the bulletin was intended for the national service officers and
national officers of the DAV and, in the interest of accuracy as well as
brevity, I will confine myself to the remarks or presentation made by
me and my assistants, Mr. Cash, Mr. Seal, and Mr. Kelleher who
were present at the meeting. It should be remembered that this meet-
ing resulted from the interest of the DAV in a situation which was
rapidly developing into a general deterioration of the adjudicative
division and to the damage of many seriously disabled service-con-
nected veterans. Further, that we sought to arouse the interest -of the
other chartered veterans' organizations in the hope that a united
stand or protest of all might prove immediately effective in correcting
a sitution that was becoming deplorable.

No notes were taken at the meeting of the speeches made or the testi-
mony offered so, again in the interest of accuracy, let me quote from
material received from the field and which we read at the hearing
A reliable and dependable national service officer had written me"
as follows : '

On my return home I found a team of 3 adjudication officials assigned here for
3 weeks to check on the work of this office. I do not personally know anv of this
group, but I understand they are adjudication officers or assistants from other
stations. I do know that they have put the pressure on our local people, and
the method includes memorandums on individual cases and group discussions
with all rating personnel. The instructions are now so drastic that even the V^
?i ar rri f and depressed because of the unfair action they must takt
evaluating a claim. I know of one case (In which we do not hold power of
n^VS" ^ ppr J ed * * Board <> f Appeals on March 27, 195?, or 1
ago, and the Board complied with the decision of increasing the ratin-

d En^V^^J? S ? rap t ? le ratin and make the evaluation on a different
?J5i o^ered by the Appeals Board. They are ordered to terminate service

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 35

This was met by explosive remarks of one official to the effect that
this was a lot of lies and that the VA employees who talked like that
to a national service officer were liars and loafers and ought to be fired.
I then quoted from another letter from a national service officer
reporting on his office, which stated :

Conditions in the field are getting worse day by day and I believe we have the
opportunity now to take some action that may be beneficial to all of our disabled.
The review of claims by the regional ofiices is not satisfactory to the officials in
Washington and pressure is being exerted in no uncertain terms. I have a most
reliable report to the effect that certain ofiices have been instructed to begin
the review under the letter of December 14, 1954, from the beginning. These
ofiices include Detroit, Huntington, and St. Paul. Those responsible at Cleveland
are very much concerned that they will soon receive the same instructions. I
fully realize that such statements as this cannot be proved and will be categori-
cally denied by the VA, but nevertheless that's that. The inspection team repre-
senting the central office making visits to the field really put on the pressure.
They have a method of grading the adjudication service similar to the method
used in school. The evaluation runs from the low of unsatisfactory to the scale
of outstanding. I do know that a certain office was just given a very bad report
with the Boards rating as unsatisfactory ; I presume they will all be recalled for
summer school. The Boards are now in the position of being in constant alarm
as you know there is no definite pattern or consistency of instruction on how to
rate a case. They only understand that they have certain quotas to meet by way
of severing service connections and reducing ratings, but at the same time they
must pay an occasional claim. It is, indeed a bad situation.

This didn't set well with Mr. Stone either who made more very un-
compulimentary remarks about certain individuals in field offices and
stated they just didn't want to take orders and do things the right
way Mr. Stone's way, I suppose.

We explained how we were unable to disclose the source, of our
information for fear the VA employees, many of them with fine out-
standing' records and years of service, would suffer reprisals. We
assured Mr. Stone and his staff that we had not asked for these letters
and that we knew nothing of what was going on until long-distance
calls and letters, such as I read into the record, began coming into the
office.

On Mr. Stone's insistence that all of these charges were baseless, I
then, read to him a letter sent to a national service officer by a legal
member of a rating board who had tendered his resignation to the VA
and decided to retire on disability. Remember again, this letter caniR
to me unsolicited and with a request that it should not be publicized
for fear it might affect the amount of his disability retirement. Really,
one wonders what is going on in the VA or what country we are in.
The brief letter states:

After having heard the results of the adjudication officers' conference in
Washington it is nay candid opinion that I wouldn't want to work in this
organization any longer as a man who is unwilling to sacrifice his personal
convictions of fair play to the carrying out of a word-of -mouth, unwritten policy
to rob the veterans of benefits already given them under previous administrations
will be in continual hot water. Therefore, I am filing my application for dis-
ability retirement today. Consequently, I will not carry further the hearing at
this time. I want to thank you for your kindness and I do appreciate what you
and the other boys have offered to do for me.

I frankly told Mr. Stone that never in my 25 years in this work and
close association with the VA had I ever seen such a commimication.
Certainly no one can doubt this "legal member's" sincerity. He is
neither a liar nor a bum in my book. Could it be he was just too fair
to the veteran ? Draw your own conclusions.

36 THn^TY-StEVENTH JSTATIOQSTAL REPORT

"We are gravely disturbed over these reports coining from widely
separated parts of the country. What may we expect of boards,
supposedly sitting in a judicial capacity as qualified and honorable
gentlemen, sworn to carry out their duties according to the law and
the evidence, exercising the same wisdom and judicial fairness we
expect of our Federal judges but who, in fact, are being intimidated,
threatened, and bulldozed into conforming to the wishes of their
superiors in central office who hold their jobs and careers in their
hands? Should this continue, judicial review may not only be de-
sired, it will be a necessity.

And then, we got down to the crux of the matter and our main
objection to the December 14, 1954, review ; and, that is the severance
of service connection on the ground that a "clear and unmistakable
error" had been committed. As stated before, the DAV had grown
up to understand the sanctity and uphold the permanency of a service
connection once granted and now we are witnessing the severence of
service-connected awards with complete abandon of the law, the
regulations, the instructions, and the oft reiterated directives of
administrators. Because of its applicability in so many cases where
service connection of long standing had been severed under the re-
view, we quoted at length from a brief just presented to the Board
of Veterans' Appeals.

The main issue presenting itself is what is meant by "clear and un-
mistakable error" as defined by the Veterans' Administration. There
are other issues, equitable issues, which have been wholly ignored.
Certainly the intent of the law to give special consideration to the man
who has experienced extensive combat service against an enemy of the
United States seems to be entirely disregarded. Another issue which
is before us as a result of the review now being made by order of the
Administrator is, how certain and how sure is any decision made by
any authorized Board of the Veterans' Administration, for it appears
that the work and decisions of years, by supposedly authorized agents
of the Veterans' Administration, acting under the law as passed by
the Congress of the United States and under accepted instructions and
announced policy of the Veterans' Administration, may be subse-
quently reversed and cast into the discard by new agents and officials
who are placed in authority and who, without any attempt to change
either law or the regulations, assume the right and authority to decide
that previous decisions made, if you please, by constituted and author-
ized agencies of the Government were in error, chiefly because they
didn't agree with them or perhaps for other more hidden reasons.

Did the boards of original jurisdiction acting in these cases 10, 12,
or 13 years ago actually commit error? Or, were they carrying out
instructions of those in authority? (Each one of you should read the
all-station service letter of January 20, 1944, issued by General Frank
T. Hines, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs.) This outstanding
document opens with the following paragraph :

A review of the November reports discloses that the field offices as a whole do
not have n uniform understanding of the liberal provisions of section 9 (a)
and (b) , Public L,aw 144, 78th Congress.

and closes with the last paragraph reading :

he a T 1S a V6ry b rf i? iS6St f P rinci r> les **ich govern all rating determina-
tions. If these are not followed and the ratings are too strict, the work will
accumulate and further reviews will be required. You are requested to see to it

AME'RICAJN" VETETlAiNTS QT

O/

they are understood and that instructions 1, section 9 (a) and (b) Public
78th Congress is carefully reviewed and discussed in the light of the above!

Ve are taking the time to stress this directive because the main issue
nost of these severed cases is that a "clear and unmistakable error"
L been made. Who made the error ? The rating boards or Gen-
L Hines ? We are being led to believe that the gentlemen ordering
L conducting the review are of the opinion that the real error is
Dlic Law 144, 78th Congress. Why doesn't the Veterans' Ad-
listration tell Congress or the General Accounting Office that in-
id of taking it out on the helpless claimant ? *

n the majority of cases these decisions breaking service connection
L to which we object, must stand or fall on an honest legal interpre-
.on, honestly applied, of what is a "clear and unmistakable error "
3 regulations say it means "obvious or manifest." An accepted au-
rity states :

That is obvious presents itself to everyone ; it is seen at the first glance and
ipposed to that which is abstruse. What is evident is seen forcibly' and
res no hesitation on the mind; it is opposed to that which is dubious* mani
is a greater degree of the evident ; it strikes on the understanding it is
ssed to that which is dark. (Crabb's English Synonyines. Central Ed)

There is a moral obligation in reviewing these cases which cannot
overlooked. To deny service connection 8, 10, or 12 years after
vice connection was awarded is not only contrary to the intent of

law and the oft quoted regulations of the Veterans' Administra-
i which hold that due consideration be extended to the defined
I consistently applied policy of the VA to administer the law under
road and liberal interpretation consistent with the facts shown in
h case but does, in our opinion, amount to an immoral act. This
y seem strong language but it isn't as strong or as offensive as the

of denying service connection and depriving a seriously disabled
eran of his only means of sustenance. Many of these decisions are
''oid of equity and mercy. No civil court in the land would allow
rivate corporation to get away with it. The law of estoppel would
iveiit it.

Ve insist there was no "clear and unmistakable error" made in these
es when they were originally awarded or when they were confirmed
1 continued down through the years. In each instance, the orio-i-

Board acted under ^existing laws and regulations emphasized by
ectives of the Administrator or others in high authority.
There is no change or modification of the law. There is no change in
i regulations which guided and controlled authorized boards which
ed on these cases. Indeed the only change in these cases is that when
;t rated these claimants were America's heralded heroes of the worst
r in history. And now, after 10 or 12 years, they are what? Just
tims of a school of thought that wants to sacrifice them on the altar
economy as clear and unmistakable errors.

Hemember the review is being conducted to correct errors: clear
1 unmistakable errors. In some 18 months, the DAV alone has won
ir 40 favorable decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals, restor-
; service connections which had been severed as a result of the re^
w. Who is making errors now ? It is apparent, all too apparent,
it this review and the manner in which it is being conducted is
ating more errors, yes; tragic errors, in too many instances and
destroying the morale of the entire adjudicative division.

38 THIRTY-SiWEINTH jSTATTOINAL REPORT

No one has satisfactorily explained to us how it is possible that the
men now conducting the review are better equipped to rate cases than
the boards of yesteryear. They certainly are not infallible. They
make errors too. Ask the Board of Appeals.

The DAV feels that we just cannot, in good conscience, sit idly by
and allow this review to continue without protest. If we do we are
breaking faith with the men and women whose rights under the law
we are pledged to uphold. We believe that this review will be justified
if we are assured that not one single veteran be deprived of benefits
to which he is justly entitled under the law and regulations. We insist
that when a Board proposes to break service connection that the vet-
eran and his representative be fully advised and that the Veterans'
Administration Ibe charged with the full responsibility of rendering
the claimant every assistance possible toward securing evidence, at
this late date, which the VA believes is necessary to maintain service
connection under any reasonable theory as provided in regulations.
Let them immediately discontinue the practice of breaking service
connection after the veteran's death and then writing the widow a
curt letter charging her with the responsibility of redeveloping her
husband's case on which he had drawn compensation during his
lifetime.

So this is just another picture of the work of your national service
officers.

Submitted by me and as a part of this report, I am appending a
correct and accurate recapitulation of the work of all DAV service
offices, staffed by national service officers and covering the fiscal year
closing June 30, 1957.

The^ grand total of monetary benefits secured should impress any-
one with the importance of the work of the DAV national service
officers.

This year we have enjoyed the full support of our national com-
mander and the entire national executive committee. I hope we will
be as fortunate during the coming year. It is well to remember that
we function as officials of, and as spokesmen for, the national orcran-
ization. We can succeed in our work only with the support and back-
ing of the entire organization. Working as individuals, the result of
our total efforts would be negligible.

This has been a trying year and I am afraid I did not paint a very
cheerful outlook for the future. The work of the national service
officers grows more difficult and their need more important. Let us
keep them in the DAV and let us keep them working for the DAV
They are top valuable to lose. The DAV trained them. Why should
other organizations profit by their training, their knowledge and their
experience ? te

During the past year we have worked in close harmony with the Di-
rector of Legislation Omer W. Clark and the Director of Employ-
ment John W. Burns and Elmer Freudenberger, Major Claris a We
assistant.

I wish to publicly express my sincere appreciation for the loyal sup-
port of my assistant (Jhester A. Cash and for his tireless efforts ex-
pended in an effort to improve our entire service pro-am Mr Cas\
has proven to be .a most capable and efficient servke oSr' whose per
sonahty readily invites and holds the complete support and coi"* P
of those with whom he is associated. I sure hope the D \V wil
his services for a long, long time. It will certainly be my

DJSlABLETV AMERICAN VETEEAiNlS

39

dation that he be retained as chairman of the rating schedule com-
mittee.

I am deeply grateful for the full and complete support of all of my
associates in the Washington office. The claims division has enjoyed
complete 'harmony and had we not lost the help of some very valuable
secretarial assistance our year would have been far more productive.
I am indeed fortunate in. that I still have the help and assistance of my
most efficient executive secretary, Mrs. Georgia Fahey, who has been
with the Washington office for more years than she will allow me to
tell you. May the DA.V retain her valued services for many years to
come.

Grand recapitulation of national service officers' reports., July 1, 1956, through

June 30, 1957

Service connection 4, 209

Increased compensation 17, 780

Attendant's allowance 231

Nonservice pension 7, 562

Death compensation 4, 755

Insurance benefits 969

Burial allowance . 1, 568

Public Law 16 benefits 1, 577

Public Law 346 benefits 1, 921

Retirement , , 71

Total monthly increases . $2, 471, 906. 16

Total retroactive payments $13, 574, 525. 90

Full amount $16, 046, 432. O6

VA claims files reviewed 264, 209

Appearances before rating agencies 121, 035

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June 30, 1957

PHILADELPHIA, PA., DISTRICT OFFICE

Death compensation (in- Full amount $293, 747. 14

eluding death pen- VA claims files reviewed 1, 388
sion) 439 Appearances before rat-
Insurance beriefits 262 ing agencies 191

Total monthly increases- $42, 917, 73
Total retroactive pay-
ments $250, 829. 41

DENVER, COLO., DISTBICT OFFICE x

Death compensation (in- Total monthly increases $24, 537. 43

eluding death pen- Total retroactive pay-

slcm) 517 ments $209, 723. 57

Insurance benefits 100 Full amount $234, 261. OO

Burial allowance 31

MONTGOMERY, ALA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection 42 Total monthly in-
Increased compensa- creases $73,873.72

tion 572 Total retroactive pay-
Attendants allowance 1 ments $107, 753. 68

Nonserviee pension . 87 Full amount $181,627.40

Death compensation (in- VA claims files re-
eluding death pen- viewed 2,511

sion) 43 Appearances before rat-
Insurance benefits 7 ing agencies 401

Burial allowance 44

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

550) 63

1 Files reviewed and appearances before rating agencies included in Denver, Colo.,
regional office report.

20331 58 4

40

THIRTY-SEVENTH: NATLOGSTAL RESPORT

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June 30, 1957 Con.

PHOENIX, ART?!., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death p e n-

sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894) .

45

238

1
90

72

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

LITTLE BOOK, ABK..

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion :

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death p e n-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

LOS ANGELES,

Service connection

Increased compensation.

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance-^

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894 )

SAN FRANCISCO,

Service connection

Increased compensation-

Nouservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894) ,

36

199

2

73

23

1
1

CALIF,

284
96:'
425

46C

42

195

113

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

BEGIONAL OFFICE

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount ; _-

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$29,328.45

$116, 032. 63
$145, 361. 08

3, 378
2,462

$15, 166. 00

$44, 793. 79
$59, 959. 79

3, 000

,, REGIONAL OFFICE

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550) 352

Total monthly increases- $183, 256. 18

Total retroactive pay-
ments $980, 980. 75

Full amount $1, 164, 236. 93

VA claims files re-
viewed 9, 263

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies 6, 407

CALIF., REGIONAL OFFICE

134

514
197

92

44
61

92

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat
ing agencies

Service connection

Increased compensation-

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits I

Burial allowance:

Public 16 benefits (in-
chiding Public Law
894)

DENVER, COLO., REGIONAL OFFICE

54

384

385
19

101

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases^
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount I_

VA claims files "rel

viewed

Appearances before rat
ing agencies

319
$85, 783. 88

$492, 441. 69
$378, 225. 57

7,162
2,616

10
$62, 002. 91

$267, 640. 64
$329, 643. 55

3,678

1,856

DISABLED 1 AMERICAN 1 VETEBA3M1S

41

Recapitulation of service activities, July l t 1956, through June SO, 1957 Con.

ECABTFORD, CONN., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Z>eath compensation
(including death pen-
sion )

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

61

320

3

60

22

7
43

$42, 552. 96

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases .

Total retroactive pay-
ments $105, 612. 52

Full amount $148,165.48

VA claims files re-
viewed 4, 525

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies 2, 618

WILMINGTON, DEL., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation,
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

12

66

10

12

1
5

Total monthly
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

in-
$5, 575. 78

re-

$28, 814. 12
$34, 389. 90

1, 092

189

WASHINGTON, D. C. APPEALS

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion )

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894 )

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
530).

200

385

9
16

21
6

1

Total monthly
creases

Total retroactive
ments

Full amount

VA claims files
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

in-
pay-

re-

$20, 550. 19

$378, 746. 25

$399, 298. 44

4,553
4,553

3
4

MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS

Total favorable decisions (retired pay; correction of military and

naval records; correction of discharges)

Appearances before review boards

Total monthly increases

Total retroactive payments

WASHINGTON, D. O. INSURANCE

71
262

$7, 791. 35
$338, 176. 79

231

Insurance benefits

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

894)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments $1, 070, 697. 90

4
$1, 603. 56

Full amount $1, 072, 301. 46

VA claims files re-
viewed 1, 716

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies 226

42

THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL R'EOPORT

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, tlirouyh J-itne 30, 19o7 Con.

WASHINGTON, D. C. MUNITIONS

11

254
39

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion ) - 384

Burial allowance 51

Full amount $958, 143. 48

Total monthly increases. $27, 338. 49

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$930, 804. 99
$958, 143. 48

1, oOO
1, 249

WASHINGTON, I). C. VETERANS' BENEFITS OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion 1

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

44

189
71

Total monthly increases, $20. 645. 21

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims tiles re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies _

$129, 364. 82
$150, 010. 03

3, 439

545

MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS

Total favorable deci-
sions (retired pay;
correction of military
and naval records ;
correction of dis-
charges)

71

Appearances before re-
view boards

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

262
$7, 791. 35

$338, 176. 79

ST. PETEBSBUBG, FLA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compen-
sation

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

D e a jt h compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

396
2

164

15
56

14

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

V A claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

ATLANTA, GA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compen-
sation

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits ,

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

49

159
96

50
10

34

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

157
$54, 674. 35

$299, 074. 89
$358, 749. 24

4,347
4,044

30
$28, 404. 17

$215, 785. 53
$244, 189. 70

6,650

2,883-

DIStABLE:i> AMERICAN VETERANS

43

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, tlirougU June SO, 1957 Con.

HONOLULU, T. H., REGIONAL OFFICE

33

$4,065.90

Service connection ,.

Increased compen-
sation

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Bnrial allowance

108

1

16

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

V A claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-

ing agencies

BOISE, IDAHO, BEGIONAL OFFICE

$21, 322. 19
$25, 388. 09

694
348

Service connection

Increased compen-
sation- ________..

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

49

106
5

78

26

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550) i

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount *.

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$14, 599. 55

$42, 662. 85
$57, 262. 40

1,057
669

CHICAGO, ILL., BEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance^-

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen^

sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

95

470

14

20S

31

3

23

3

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

YA claims files re-
viewed ,

Appearances before rat-
' ing agencies

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation.

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

DES

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

87

256

2

263

58

2

16

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

-Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

MOINES, IOWA, REGIONAL OFFICE

41 Public 346 benefits (in-
379 eluding Public Law

14 55O)_

126 Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments 1

24 Full amount

4 VA claims files re-
6 viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

12

1
$79, 393. 14

$339, 050. 73
$418,443.87

5,916
628

$32, 962. 56

$177, 740. 90
$210, 703. 46

2,570

1,427

$61, 960. 80

$126, 906. 51
$188, 867. 31

4,251
2, 393

44

TmRTT-SIEVENTH NATIONAL E'EIPOB-T

Recapitulation of service activities, July l t 1956, through June 30, 1957 Con.

WICHITA, KANS., KEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation.

Nonservice pension

Death compensation ( in-
cluding death pen-
sion) -

insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

27

102
41

34
2
9

22

Public 346 benefits in-
eluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments.. .

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

LOUIS VTLT.n, XY., BEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation.

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion) .j .

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

96
473
279

89
10
65

Total monthly increases
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

NEW OBLEANB, LA., BEGIONAL OFFICE!

Service connection

Increased compensation.

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion ) __..._

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

894)

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

47
82
57

21
28

16

2

Total monthly increases
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

9

$15, 087. 88

$62, 519. 26

$77, 607. 14

1,100
348

$38, 604. 60

$223, 097. 78
$261, 702. 38

6,640

4,438

$17, 077. 46

$49, 182. 00
$66, 259. 46

2,084
430

SHEEVEPOBT, LA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection 5

Increased compensation. 18

Attendants allowance 1

Nonservice pension 7

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

550) 4

Total monthly increases. $1, 710. 65

pay-

Total retroactive
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

TOGUS, MAINE, BEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection.

Increased compensation.

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

20

102

41

14
3

14

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$4, 284. 54
$5, 995. 19

603
193

$15, 104. 94

$82, 179. 43
$97,284.37

960
121

DISABLED AMERICAN 1 VETEHAiNS

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June SO, 1957 Coa

BALTIMORE, MD., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits in-
cluding Public Law
894)

16

168

44

15

5

13

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearance before rat-
ing agencies -

$11,432.35

$67,913.71
$79, 346. 06

2,906
144

BOSTON, MASS., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion )

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

408

733

14

158

40

9

34

Total monthly increases. $109, 241, 31

Total retroactive pay-
ments $312, 342. 92

Full amount $421, 584. 23

VA claims files review-
ed 19,005

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies 6,137

DETROIT, MICH., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection
Increased compensa-

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

290

884

8

649

71
16

88

Total monthly in-

creases -------------- $99, 230. 27

Total retroactive pay-

ments ______________ $976, 374. 69

Full amount ___________ $1, 075, 601 96

VA claims files re-

viewed ______________ 24, 458

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

(FORT SPELLING) ST.

Service connection

Increased compensa-

tion _.. - -

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits .

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

PACT, MINW., REGIONAL OFFICE*

16 Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

Total monthly in-

209
4

358

42
41

23

Total retroactive
ments

pay-

Full amount

VA claims files
viewed

re-

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

9,260

46
$34,968.09

$262,940.11
$297,908.20

2,283
1,186

a This report includes the activities of the St. Paul district office as *weU as the regional
office.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEBANS

47

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June SO, 1957 Con.

LINCOLN, NEBR., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants aUowance

Neiaservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion )

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

Service connection

Increased compensation.

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

56

141

1

33

23

S
8

35

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount Ll_

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

RENO, NEV., REGIONAL OFFICE

18

1
11

Total monthly increases-

Total retroactive
ments

Full amount

VA claims files
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

pay-

re-

28
$17, 490. 57

$104, 574. 15
$122, 064. 72

1,444
917

$2,280.52

$25, 024. 43
$27, 304. 55

214
71

MANCHESTER, N. H., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion )

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-

. eluding Public Law

894)

25

111

10

32

29
17
18

Total monthly increases.

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$12,335.82

$130, 369. 32
5. 14

2,703

804

NEWARK, N. J., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894).

127

757

182

67

9

40

141

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed ,

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

88
$100, 159. 14

$320, 646. 94
$420, 806. 08

7,596
3,284

48

THIRTY-SJEVEOSTTH NATIONAL R'EOPORT

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June SO, 195f Con.

TS, MEX-, REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
eluding Public Law
894)

ALBANY, 1ST

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

77
354

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

61

9.
130

Total monthly in-
creases - - .

$50, 207. 48

Total retroactive pay-
ments

$176, 819, 97

39

Full amount

$227, 027. 45

15

VA claims files re-
viewed

3,247

45

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

1, 597

Y., I

59

1EGIONAL OFFICE

Total monthly in-
creases

$19, 383. 31

102
9P>

Total retroactive pay-
ments

$65, 874. 17

Full amn-nnt^ ,, ;,

$85, 257. 48

43

VA claims files re-
viewed -

3,516

23

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies __

1,987

3

BBOOKLYN, IT. Y., EEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-

tion -

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

4JL

296
9

22

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments -

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies..

BUFFALO, N. Y., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-

tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

39

336

1
125

18
7

55

Total monthly i n-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

39
$29, 531. 00

$316, 536. 17
$346, 067. 17

3,291
1,552

$31, 308. 65

$126, 280. 37

$157,589.02

2,678
1,718

DISABLED AMERICAN V'ETEKANS

49

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June SO, 1951 Con.

NEW YORK CITY, N. Y., REGIONAL OFFCE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion 1

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

84

623

1

112

10

7

17

$57, 769. 41

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments $272, 785. 60

Full amount $330. 555. 01

V A claims files re-
viewed 6, 366

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies 3,930

SYRACUSE, N. Y., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased com p e n s a-

tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

39

164

3

38

33

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

WINSTON-SALEM, K. O., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased com p e n s a-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

67

263
73

25

2

33

10

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

FARGO, N. DAK., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased com p e n s a-

tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

23

106

8
18

4
11

18

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases ---

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

V A claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

32

$14, 906. 34

$61, 075. 85
$75,982.19

2,316
803

96
$46, 564. 01

$158, 487. 13
5,051.14

3,017
2,025

28
$13, 177. 63

$34,500.82
$47, 678. 45

852
290

50

ISTATTOflSTAL REPORT

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, throuffJi June 30, 1957

CINCINNATI, OHIO (NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF AND REGIONAL OFFI

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

219

509
575

156
70

68

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-

$91,

ments
Full amount-
VA claims

viewed-

files

$359,
$451,
re-

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

CLEVELAND, OHIO, REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

894)

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendance allowance

N<mservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

102

715
417

149
84

41

50

OKLA., REGIONAL OFFICE

in-

Total monthly

creases $80,

Total retroactive pay-
ments $350,

Full amount $431,

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

26

248

8

150

56

1
10

91

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550) ________________

Total monthly in-

creases ------ _ ___ : ____

Total retroactive pay-

ments ---------------

Full amount ----------- $176,

VA claims files re-

viewed --------------

Appearances before rat-

ing agencies _________

$42,
$133,

PORTLAND, OREG., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

37

201

1

92

41
9

12

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$17,

$59,;

$77,;

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

51

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June 30, 1957 Con.

PHILADELPHIA PA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection,

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-

. eluding Public Law

894)

348

14

129

32
5

14

56

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

80
$43,692.71

$186,462.80
$230, 155. 51

4, 056

1,825

PITTSBURGH, PA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion) .

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

54

349

5

118

43

6

35

42

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount .

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

9

$41, 699. 63

$206, 174. 18
$247,873.81

3,863
1,426

WILKES-BABHE, -PA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation^

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits ,.-

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

49
260
100

24

9

30

Public 346 benefits (In-
. eluding Public . Law

'

; Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive , pay-

,,;inents _______________

Ijiiill amount --------- _

YA claims files re-
; viewed ____________ ,

Appearances before rat-

: ling agencies ---------

PROVIDENCE, . B. I., REGIQNA&,. OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-.

sion)

Burial allowance.

15

52

2

34

13
12

Total monthly increases. $7, 699. 76

To.tal retroactive 'pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-

, viewed -

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

13
$37, 592. 14

$128, 448. 01
$166, 040. 15

4,539
5,005

$33, 435, 51
$41, 135. 27

2,800
1,160

52

THIRTY-SEVENTH NATTOONTAL REPORT

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June 30, 1951 Con.

COLUMBIA, S. 0., BEGIOBTAL OFFICE

Service connection .
Increased compensation,

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894),

42

152

40

7

1

18

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases.

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VAJ claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies-

5
$29, 434. 07

$43, 741. 16
$73, 175. 23

1,889
127

SIOUX FALLS, S. DAK., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension : .

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

18

65
23

30

Total monthly

creases

Total retroactive

ments

Full amount

VA claims files

viewed.

in-

$7, 874. 95

pay-

re-

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies^:

$34 f 547. 44
$42, 422. 39

549

NASHVTT.LE, TENN., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

N6nseittrice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)... -.-.-__.__

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)..

64

237

5

211

28

4

15

19

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments-

Full amount -

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

DALLAS, TEX., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

38

217

9

130

79
10
22

Total monthly
creases

Total retroactive
ments

Full amount

VA claims files
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

in-

pay-

re-

$29,044,30

$142, 034. 98
$171, 079. 28

3,886
1,876

$26, 840. 41

$136, 569. 81
$163, 410. 22

2,925
2,005

BISABLE'D- AMERICAN VETERANS

53

itulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June 30, JL951 Con.

HOUSTON", TEX., REGIONAL OFFICE

connection
a. seel compen-

35

209
SI

34
1
3

27
LTTBBOCK:, TEX., i
26

88
1
25

7
1
17

9

J? ANTONIO, TEX
15

114
42

7
3

1

26

WACO, TEX., BE
19

SO
6

66

30

1
10

16

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

ice pension
>mpensation (in-
g death pen-

Total monthly in-
creases
Total retroactive pay-
ments

20 benefits
allowance

Full amount
VA claims files re-
viewed

L6 benefits (in-
g Public Law

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

connection
used compen-

ats allowance
ice pension
unpensation (in-
g death, pen-

2e benefits

iEGIONAL OFFICE

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)
Total monthly in-
creases
Total retroactive va.y-

TT'6 T ltS

"Byiii amount _.. .
V A claims files re-
viewed

allowance -

L6 benefits (in-
g Public Law

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

., BEGIOSTAI, OFFICE

Total monthly in-
creases ^

8A

connection

a sed compen-

Total retroactive pay-
ments .
Full amount .__
VA claims files re-
vie^yed

ice pension
>mpensation (In-
g death pen-

ce benefits
Ilowance
16 benefits (in-
tg Public Law

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies...

.GIONAI, OFFICE

Total monthly in-
creases - .

connection

sd com p e n s a-

Total retroactive pay-
ments _..._..__

TT^l] ftmoil^t ^ umi

ats allowance
ice pension
>mpensation (in-
.g death p e n-

V A claims files r e-
viewed -

Appearances before rat-

tilg agfmrn*iK ._ ^

ce benefits

Ilowance

L6 benefits (in-
:g Public Law

83
$50, 340. 28

$156, 171. 77
$206, 512. 05

2,060
252

$S, 562. 35

$48, 701. 85
$57, 264. 20

2,001
17O

$10, 584. 45

$45, 251. 23
$55, 835. 68

1,221
51

$12, 574. 71

$40, 105. 23
$52, 679. 94

642
323

54

NATIONAL REfFOUT

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1, 1956, through June SO, 1957 Con.

SALT LAKE CITT, UTAH, REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased com p e n s a-

tion_

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death p e n-

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

26

198

7

36

18
5
2

52

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly in-
creases

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount '.

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies ,

$19,732.28

$61,888.87
$81, 621. 15

903

WHITE BIVEB JUNCTION, VT., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased com p e n s a-
tion

Attendants allowance
Nonservice pension ^
Death compensation (in-
cluding death p e n-

sion)

Insurance benefits -.

Burial allowance

S

35

2
13

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments .

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

727

$3, 832. 06

$9, 722. 95
$13, 555. 01

566

81

KOANOKE, VA., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection _

Increased compensa-
tion __

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension *

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion) .

Burial allowance-

Public 16 benefits '(in-
cluding Public Law
894)

. 19

ISO'
11
36

43

Public 346 -.benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
-550)

Total monthly increas-
es :

Total retroactive pay-
ments '.

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed -

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies ;

SEATTLE, WASH., BEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension-;

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894),

94

297

7

205

149
10
20

55

Public. 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increas-
es

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies.

17-
$15, 595. 98

$51,932.87
$67, 528. 85

1,770
667

63

$52, 069. 08

$226, 500. 28
$278, 569. 36

3,803
1,598

DISABLED 1 AMERICAN VETERANS

55

Recapitulation of service activities, July 1 9 1956, -through June SO, 1&57 Con.

HUNTINGTON, W. VA., BEGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensa-
tion

Nonservice pension

Death compensation
(including death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
894)

54

135
52

15

5

21

30

4
$49,669.26

Public 346 benefits (in-

cluding Public Law

550) ________________

Total monthly increas-

es ___________________

Total retroactive pay-

ments _______________ $84, 248. 21

Full amount ___________ $133, 917. 47

VA claims files re-

viewed ______________ 3, 805

Appearances before rat-

ing agencies _________ 1,446

MILWAUKEE, WIS., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-
Attendants allowance

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

Burial allowance

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

43
296

10
107

65

4

23

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

Total monthly increases.

Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA olaims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

19
$35, 782., 95

$153, 411. 66
$189, 194. 61

1,931

CHEYENNE, WYO., REGIONAL OFFICE

Service connection

Increased compensation-

Nonservice pension.

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion) ~

Public 16 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law

894 )

Public 346 benefits (in-
cluding Public Law
550)

3

23
10

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments , :

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies ,

$3,287.79

$7,288.52
$10, 576. 31

3.54
162

F. A. HO WABD MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., REGIONAL

Service connection

Increased compensation-

Nonservice pension

Death compensation (in-
cluding death pen-
sion)

Insurance benefits

9
31

40

15
2

Total monthly increases-
Total retroactive pay-
ments

Full amount

VA claims files re-
viewed

Appearances before rat-
ing agencies

$6,348.()8

$20,502,80
$26, 850. 88

589
518

56 THIBTT-^BWESNTH NATTOOSTAL REPORT

My report will be followed by the reports of my assistant, Mr. Cash ;
Mr. Dove of our insurance division ; and Mr. Dunn of the Munitions
Buildings ; and I will ask Mr. Seal to read the report ; and Mr. Egense
of our field section; and I will ask Mr. Seal to read the report of Mr.
Gottschalk on Military Affairs.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank every man and woman
in this room who are loyal and active members of the DAV. Your
very presence here shows that you do appreciate the seriousness of the
work we are in and your value to the person or persons who may be
far more disabled than you are if, in some instances, such a thing is
possible. Again, I thank you all.

[The convention rose to applaud Captain Hogan.]

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Thank you, Captain Ho-
gan. At this time would you come and introduce your assistants to
the delegation ?

Captain HOGAN. I would like to introduce to you the gentleman that
I just spoke! about in dossing my report, Mr. Chester Cash of the
Washington office. He has been with the DAV for over 11 years now
and for a long time served in the field section of the Washington office.
He has been in my office for the past 4 or 5 years and has been my assist-
ant in the past 3 years. He is, in my opinion, as much of an expert on
rating problems as his predecessor, Quintus Camp.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON (Chapter No. 11, Dallas, Tex.). If a mo-
tion is in order I thought that we might vote on them more intelligently
if we take each one of them separately.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Speaking on a point of order, this is a
composite report made up of five departments of the director of claims
office. When the five reports are in then a motion is in order to accept
and refer the report of the director of claims and his associates to the
proper committees of the convention, and at that time whoever is
recognized can express his appreciation and acceptance with appre-
ciation and so forth.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Thank you, Mr. Corbly.

Mr. Cash ?

REPORT OP CHESTER A. CASH, ASSISTANT NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CLAIMS

National Director of Claims CASH. National Commander Burke
and delegates to the 1957 national convention, I appreciate this op-
portunity to appear before all of you again this year and present my
report as part of the report of the national director of claims, Cicero
F. Hogan. '

A 8 -*? 16 assistant national director of claims, I work very closely
with Mr. Hogan and assist him in the regulation and direction of the
largest national service program of any of the veterans organizations.
1 am very proud and consider it an honor to be associated with Mr
iogan as I personally consider him as the one man in veteran affairs
in this country who has done more than any other one person in
advancing and furthering the cause of disabled everywhere While
dlrectOT "

do T not always permit him to deal" directly
f ? lle ? to inter est himself in individual profcx-
?- nd hls , ca P able leadership in Washington has been a source
tion and encouragement to us all.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETE'BAiNIS 57

This report also includes the accomplishments of my associate, Mr.
George H. Seal, who works with me and whose assistance has helped
to -make this a most successful year, insofar as winning claims is con-
cerned. In this report I use the word "we" to indicate both the work
of Mr. Seal and myself. Mr. Seal has proved to be a most valuable
associate and his tenacity and dedication should be acknowledged to
you all.

The most important function of this office is the processing and
handling of all administrative reviews, that is, special claims arising
in our field offices which present special rating problems or where there
is involved errors in adjudicative practice or violation of scheduler,
or regulatory, provisions in rating claims. At, the request of the.
national service officer,, these difficult cases are called into Washington '
for our own review and then are presentee! to the Veterans' Adminis-
tration central office for decision. In addition, the director has dele-
gated to this office the responsibility of review of all claims referred
to central office in which service connection has been broken as the
result of the review of claims ordered by the Deputy Administrator's
letter of December 14, 1954:. This office also provides advisory in-
formation to national service officers and others in the interpretation
and. application of the many laws and regulations and 1945 rating
schedule criteria. We also have the responsibility of handling and
replying to the countless communications that come into national
headquarters regarding veteran's loan and education programs, bene-
fit programs, and hospital and medical programs of the Veterans'
Administration.

! This past year has been an important and eventful one for all dis-
abled veterans. I would like to highlight for you my observations of
some of the most important developments in the claims and rehabilita-
tion areas and report to you the accomplishments of this office in the
summarization of our year's work.

ADMINISTRATIVE EJUV1EWS

You will readily recognize that it is virtually impossible for any
agency as large as the Veterans' Administration to make completely
correct and uniform rating decisions all over the country. There are
bound to be mistakes made, chiefly as the result of misunderstanding
of certain laws, regulations or policies of the Veterans' Administration
on the part of the Rating Board. There are presently in effect over
1,000 laws affecting veterans' benefits and a multitude of Veterans'
Administration regulations and instructions that every rating agency
must know and apply to every case. Many times the law is erron- ;
epusly applied or plain errors of rating procedure occur. The na-
tional service officer, in his everyday practice before the Rating Board,
must be able to recognize errors and make verbal or written requests
for correction. More often than not, the Bating Board may be will-
ing to make such corrections, however, where there is a failure to do
so, the national service officer may then request his national service
headquarters in Washington, D. C. to seek further review; of the
case in central office. It must be remembered that higher review of a
rating decision may be had by two distinct means, by administrative
review and by appeal. The Board of Veterans' Appeals is con-
stituted to resolve cases wherein there are involved questions of fact

Kemanded 7

Pending our review 29

Pending decision 9

58 THIRTY-SiEVEtNTH NATIOINAL. R'EOPORT

and law or where there is disagreement over the weight of the evidence
or evaluation of a disability. The administrative boards have au-
thority to correct procedural and technical errors and to standardize
rating decisions in accordance with consistently defined policies. We
do not present all cases called in for our review, but we carefully re-
view and screen out those which do not fully qtialif y for such review.
In the past year we called into Washington 267 such cases for re-
view. Of this number, we presented for administrative review, 127.
The following is a breakdown of our success in this program.

Called for review 267

Presented 127

Allowed 62

Denied 49

These results reveal the advantage and actual value of having the
DAV represent the interests of every disabled veteran. Every case
in which DAV holds power of attorney is checked and reviewed care-
fully to assure our claimants full protection and entitlement under
all laws and regulations. Every veteran seeking the help of the DAV
knows that there is a coordinated effort on our part to fully represent
his interests at all stages of adjudication including review at the orig-
inal board, central office, at the Appeals Board. Monetary gains and
recoveries achieved as the result of the above are not reported here
since they are reported by the national service officer submitting the
case for review.

THE DAV RATING SCHEDULE COMMITTEE

This year, as the result of a resolution passed at the last national
convention, the national commander appointed a rating schedule com-
mittee on which I had the pleasure of serving, as chairman. This
committee, composed of national service officers from various sections
of the country 3 included : Bernard Southard, Cincinnati, Oliio; Jack
Feighner, Louisville, Ky. ; James L. Monnahan, Minneapolis, Minn. ;
Thomas McElwain, Philadelphia, Pa.; Rosario Aloisio, Hartford,
Conn.; Edward F. Kelleher, Washington, D. C. ; Cicero F. Hogan,
Washington, D. C.

We met in Washington, D. C. the full week of April 8 through 12,
1957, with orders not only to study and recommend revisions to the
1945 schedule but also to prepare a rebuttal to those recommendations
of the Bradley Commission which were thought to be inimical to the
best interests of disabled veterans. I can think of no better time to
release this report than at this convention and copies of it will be made
available to all who are interested in it. I am hopeful that it can
be published in its entirety in our DAV semimonthly. I intend to
distribute it to all members of Congress and to all administrative offi-
cials in the Veterans' Administration. I am sure you will find the
report of the DAV rating schedule committee revealing and informa-
tive and in many respects, prophetic. We have attempted through
this work to alert all disabled veterans of the importance of the rating
schedule and to suggest to the Veterans' Administration ways and
means of improving it according to our experience. I therefore sub-
mit it as part of my report and request that it be a part of this con-
vention proceedings.

It is known that the Veterans' Administration is and has been for
sometime conducting a very special study of the current schedule.

UISlABLEl> AMERICAN VETERANS 59

We cannot imagine why such, a special study has become so neces-
sary at, this time or why special efforts are now being taken to de-
velop the ideas and opinions of doctors and others to bring the sched-
ule up^to so-called modern medical standards. We can only guess
that this is being done because the Bradley Commission recommended
that it should be done. Ever since it was issued the schedule has
been the subject of study and over 80 distinct changes have been
made to conform to experience gained over the years. If we are to
draw any conclusions from the medical opinions furnished the Brad-
ley Commission in response to their questionnaire to the doctors, it
must be that no definite medical principles are revealed since there
is no agreement on anything. We are not unaware that the Bradley
Commission showed extreme interest in the schedule and suggested
many ways in which it could be changed and rewritten.

Recently the Veterans' Administration released a draft of pro-
posed changes to the schedule and a copy of the proposed changes
was furnished the director with the promise that before such changes
were actually put into effect we would be given an opportunity to
appear : before the Veterans' Administration rating authorities to
offer any comment and argument we so desired. We shall certainly
do this but only after we have had sufficient time to study and analyze
these far-reaching proposed changes by submitting such proposals
to our entire national service staff at this convention for their reaction.
Remember that most of these proposed changes have not yet been
coordinated through the Veterans' Administration and are now only
in a proposed stage. Admittedly some of the proposed changes will
be to the benefit of some disabled veterans; however, we note tjaat
most of the ^proposed downgrading of percentage ratings appeax in
the musculoskeletal system which includes residuals of gunshot
wounds and static muscle injuries. The schedule has always con-
tained certain rules for rating muscle injuries since it was always dif r
ficult to completely visualize the passage of a high-explosive missile
through ;a muscle group and thus difficult to arrive at a correct per-
centage rating. It is now proposed that these rules be scrapped in
favor of a system of evaluating and rating muscle injuries on the
basis of the residual disability demonstrated by objective examina-
tion. There, are other proposed changes upon which we could com-
ment at this time, however, since this draft of changes is only in the
formulative stage, no purpose would be served by relating all of the
proposals in this report. It goes without saying that at this time we
are far from convinced that many of the proposed reductions in per-
centage rating are justified on any reasonable basis. We recognize
too that the Congress of the United States brought into being the
rating schedule but has left to the discretion of the Administrator to
prescribe rates for disability in accordance with experience. It is
our hope and our urging that the Administrator will not permit in-
discriminate and unwarranted changes in the schedule which would
cause loss of compensation based merely on so-called modern medical
thinking. A through-and-through .gunshot wound or a poker spine
is just as disabling now as it was 10 years ago and no amount of
modern hypothesis can change this fact. Our only alternative to in-
discreet tampering with the schedule will be to urge the Congress
to freeze the schedule against any further reduction in rates.

60 TEnRTY-SlMVEDSTTH: ^ATXOOSTAL R'EKPORT

, Your rating schedule committee has also advanced rebuttal argu-
ment to many of the drastic proposals of the Bradley Commission
which would revolutionize the traditional, long-established principles

d schedular evaluation of war-incurred dis^

governing the granting and

abilities. The committee^ went on record as unalterably opposed to sev-

eral major recommendations which would

1. create a plan which would remove all of the 10-percent and 20-
percent cases from the compensation rolls through a short-term settle-
ment plan;

2. end all the legal presumptions for chronic disabilities and substi-
tute in place thereof a system where service connection would be
established on the facts and diagnosis ;

B. terminate all statutory awards for especially severe types of dis-
abilities and integrate them into some elaborate schedule with other
type of disabilities.

In addition your rating schedule committee has recommended sev-
eral important revisions to the schedule which we think necessary
according to our experience. It will be noted, however, that many
of our recommended changes are at complete variance with some of
those changes proposed by the Veterans' Administration.

I urge each and every one of you to read and study the rating sched-
ule committee report and to familiarize yourselves with the DAV's
answer to all of the vicious attempts to weaken the present program
of benefits to our war disabled. It has been a good, sound workable
program and still is.

This report would not be complete without an acknowledgement of
appreciation for the support and cooperation of every national service
officer throughout the country. Also I would like to commend to you
the efforts and interest that National Commander Burke has shown
i!n the claims and rehabilitation service. In the past year he has
worked untiringly to bring about a more militant atmosphere in our
fight for the objectives of the DAV.

Captain HOGA^T. I would now like to introduce National Service
Uflicer John N. Egense, field section, a charter member of the DAV
and an employee of the national since 1929. Mr. Egense. '

National Appeals Officer JOHN- 1ST. EGENSE. National Commander
5urke, delegates to the 1957 convention, I appreciate this opportunitv
to appear before this convention and to submit to you, at the request
of the director of claims as part of his report, the report of the activi-
ties of the men in my office operating in your behalf before the Board
o Veterans' Appeals at central office, Washington, D C

0^ C ed ^T ^ e n f ? r a ^?. u 1 inber of years are National Service
Officers Edward J. Kellehe^Nick Kezar, Raymond Hooper, and Mar-
tin Holly all veterans of World War II. I consider tlie^e men ex-
perts m their knowledge of veterans' laws and, by their training

3SSSS^o^^

"Sfta SS tS

e " S has been a hard year on

the letter of li^SS * Hi ^ ^. C - e l S f / he DAV are f amiliar with
TOW TT I)ec t? aber 14 > 1954, which ordered a review of all World
War II or peacetime veterans receiving benefits under the age of 55

DISABLED AMERICAN VBTETlAfNS 61

years. When you take into consideration that, as a result of this re-
view, service connection was severed in 5,480 cases, and we received
quite a number of these cases on appeal, you can plainly see why I say
this was a hard year.

Mr. Hogan has been very helpful in appearing with us before the
Board from time to time and sometimes these sessions have been
stormy. We deeply appreciate the help of Captain Hogan and you
can be sure that he and the other men in the Washington office are
trying to do a good job.

I hope you will now bear with me while I render my report.

Claims files reviewed 4, 554

Appearances before appeal board 4, 542

Appeals remanded _ ..._ 371

Appeals withdrawn _ _.__ ___.._-...____ - _______._. 7

Decisions still pending 702

Appeals denied 3, 453

Personal contacts 275

Correspondence received 300

Correspondence answered 449

Members obtained 4

ALLOWED

Service connected allowed 206

Increased compensation 423

Attendance allowance 4

Nonservice pension 27

Death compensation _ 24

National service life insurance 4

Public Law 16 training 3

Public Law 346 training 2

Public Law 550 training 7

Public Law 182 4

Public Law 702 house 1

Public Law 187 automobile 2

Medical reimbursement 5

Dental . , 2

Total cases allowed ___...___________ ,_.._____.. 714

Increased monthly benefits $20, 515. 19

Retroactive benefits 368, 966. 25

Total 378, 746. 75

Captain HOGAN. I would now like to introduce Mr. Robert Dove,
our national insurance officer, for his report.

REPORT Or ROBERT F. DOVE, NATIONAL INSURANCE OFFICER

National Insurance Officer DOVE. National Commander Burke and
delegates to the 1957 convention, this is a report of my activities as
national insurance officer of the office of the national director of claims,
and submitted at his request and as a part of his report*

The past year has not been too productive or important insofar as
the Government insurance program is concerned. There has been no
legislation by Congress nor have there been any hearings held by the
Senate or House committees with regard to Government insurance.
As most of you realize, the Servicemen's and Veterans' Survivor
Benefits Act was passed prior to our last convention. This act
abolished servicemen's indemnity on and after December 31, 1956, so
that in the future all persons entering service will no longer be pro-

(32- TBGCRTY-SEfVEGSTTBC ^ATIOOSPAL. R'EIFORT

tected by any form of insurance or indemnity. The act did cp
the right of service personnel, discharged by reason of disabil
apply for insurance protection. Due to this change in the philc
of our Government to provide insurance protection to service p
nel'and the right of veterans to apply for new insurance or ir
cases reinstate lapsed insurance, it becomes more important tha
for those of you who are fortunate enough to have been issued G<
ment insurance to do everything within your power to continu<
insurance. You should pay your premiums promptly and if yoi
not converted you should seriously consider doing so. That
course, providing you have the financial means. You should k
mind the fact that most of you are suffering from rather sevei
abilities and, if you fail to pay the premiums and your policy 1
there would be the question as to whether you could meet heal
quirements in order to reinstate your insurance. A coiisicl
amount of time spent by my office and the offices of the other na
service officers has been in representing the disabled veteran :
attempt to reinstate his insurance. So I again implore you, be s
pay your premiums promptly or, better still, if in receipt of
pensation, liave your premiums deducted from your compensat
: Since our last convention there has been a change in the office <
Chief Insurance Director for the Department of Insurance,
year I informed you that Mr. James A. Finnegan, Jr., had ret
Mr. Charles G. Beck who retired on January 31, 1956. Mr. I
gan resigned on December 18, 1956, and on January 22, 195^
Sumner G. Whittier was appointed to replace Mr. Finnegan as
Insurance Director for the Department of Insurance. We trus
Whittier will be able to "wear" better in Government service
his predecessor and we also hope that there will be no drastic cl
in policy of the Insurance Department, particularly in its han
of cases of the disabled American veterans. We know that
Whittier will be advised and counseled by individuals who
already proved their principles. We, of course, refer to Mr. G-
McGrurn, Director of Insurance Claims Service, Mr. Ralph D<
Director, Insurance Accounts Service, and Mr. J. T. Willett Dir
of Underwriting Service. I might also mention that Mr F
Ortrardi retired as Insurance Counsel on June 1, 1957, after 40 -
o -Federal -service. Mr. Oliver Clay, his associate, is now actii
Insurance Counsel and we feel certain he will receive the officia
pomtment in the near future.

I do not know how many of you realize it, but the Insurance
partment of the Veterans 5 Administration is the largest ordinarv
insurance company in the world today. We believe a brief mei
of the magnitude of the Veterans' Administration administers

, anC ?r ?F am ^,? te S st you Ambers. Th4 following fi
were officially reported for May 1, 1957 : te fe

. United States Government life insurance 370,005 policies in jj
in the amount of $1,613,017,602, including 20,097 5-yea? level pStr

W^l/w C1 T S lued ' at $127,992,520. This insurance P hSd
World War I veterans for the most part.

National service life insurance 5,426,016 participating: policic
force in the amount of $35,598,254,712, including 3,261, 20 ft^vear
premium term policies with face amount of $25,060,993,000. T

DISABLED AMERICAN VETETtAWB '63

policies were issued to veterans of service between inclusive dates -of
October 8, 1940, and April 24, 1951. In addition, nonparticipating
national service life insurance was issued to veterans of service be-
tween October 8, 1940, and September 2, 1945, for whom good health
provisions were waived because of service-connected disabilities.
There were in force 7,303 such policies in the amount of $39,980,516,
including 3,760 term policies in the amount of $23,837,000.

National service life insurance issued on a nonparticipating term
basis only to veterans discharged on or after April 25, 1951 ; veterans
special term insurance 728,684 policies in the amount of $6*661, 414,-
000. Service disabled veterans insurance 26,109 policies in the
amount of $228,428,593, including 14,781 term policies in the amount
of $137,695,500.

You will see from the above that there are 6,558,117 policies of all
types for a total amount of insurance of $44,141,095,423. Another in-
teresting fact, brought out by the above figures, is that only 5 percent
of the World War I veterans carrying United States Government life
insurance have continued their insurance on the term plan, whereas
60 percent of the World War II veterans carrying national service
life insurance still continue their insurance 011 a term plan. The
above indicates to us that apparently the World War II veteran has
not learned the unfortunate lesson experienced by his World War I
comrade in not having converted his insurance at an earlier age.
Eecently, in handling a claim for a World War I veteran for total
and permanent disability benefits under his United States Government
life insurance, I noted the following which caused me great concern.
This veteran has a $5,000 5-year convertible term policy which .was
effective July 1, 1927, at the age of 53 with a monthly premium. of
$7.65. He continued to renew this policy each 5 years, as he was re-
quired to do, at an increase in the monthly rate each time, until
recently on the last renewal which occurred on July 1, 1957,. when,
at the .age of 83, his monthly premium had increased to the.astouncj-
ing. amount of $103.25. I totaled the premiums that he had paid over
the. past 30 years and found that for this $5,000 policy he had paid t.e
Government $9,759. Now, I know what most of your reactions will
be to this and that is, "Oh, I'll never live that long." However,, I am
sure that this veteran was of the same opinion. So, I implore, each
and everyone of you, who can afford the additional premiums that
would be required, to convert your insurance now while you are' at a
young age so that you may not have to pay the Government more
than the amount of the protection furnished. , , :

We wish to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the
assistance and cooperation which we have received from Mr,.Hogan
in our .problems with the Insurance Department of the Veterans' Ad-
ministration. Mr. Hogan is vitally interested in the veterans' insur-
ance problem and is always available when problems arise from our
duties. The DAV should indeed consider itself very fortunate in
having as its national director of claims a gentleman who is, dedicated
to the cause of the Disabled American Veterans. .. ."

We are leaving the report concerning insurance legislation to Maj.
Omer W. Clark who, as our director of legislation, will cover the sub-
ject in his annual report. We have worked very closely with Major
Clark and his able assistant, Mr. Elmer Freudenberger, during the

g4 THIRTY-SIEVEOSTTH: NATIONAL RE I PORT

past.year on proposed bills to correct certain inequities in the insurance
program..

We are still quite concerned over two serious problems in connection
with insurance issued to World War I and Korean veterans. The
first problem is in connection with World War I insurance and concerns
those disabled veterans who reinstated their insurance under section
304 of the World War Veterans Act of 1924, as amended. Back in
1949, at the Cleveland convention, I informed members as follows :
During tlie past year many policyholders of United States Government Life

-Insurance have received form letters from the Veterans' Administration notify-
ing them that they were indebted to the Veterans' Administration due to a lien
having been placed on their policy. To many this came as an utter surprise for
they had forgotten that more than 20 years previously, in order to reinstate
their policies, it was necessary for them to pay back all premiums in arrears
from the date of lapse to the date of reinstatement. This is what is known as
section 304 lien as provided in the World War Veterans' Act of 1924. This sec-
tion sets forth that a disabled veteran, unable to meet certain requirements of
good health, could have his insurance reinstated providing that all premium
payments from date of lapse to date of reinstatement, plus interest compounded
at 5 percent annually, be paid. If the insured was unable to pay this amount
of money in cash, he was permitted to place a lien for the amount of premiums,
plus interest, against his policy. Down through the years, for what reason we
are unable to determine, the Veterans' Administration failed to keep the policy-
holders advised as to the existing lien and the ever increasing amount of lien
due to the 5 percent interest compounded annually. Not until 1948 did they
finally make a survey of these accounts and notify the polieyholders of the exist-

J ing liens. This action on the part of the Veterans' Administration caused con-
siderable confusion and consternation upon the part of the polieyholders and
to your national insurance officer.

After our 1949 convention we attempted to secure remedial legisla-
tion to correct the above problem. However we, as well as other vet-
erans' organizations, were unable to convince Congress of the necessity
of legislation to correct this most unjust problem. We still believe
that there is a need for legislation and have presented for the con-
sideration of this convention a resolution which we believe will afford
relief: to these unfortunate comrades.

The other problem with which we are concerned pertains to Korean
veterans who were discharged from their period of Korean service
due to a mental disorder, particularly those found to be incompetent.
As most of you know, Public Law 23, 82d Congress, section 620, pro-
vided-that veterans discharged with a service-incurred disability were
entitled to apply for national service life insurance within 1 year
from the date it was first determined that their disability was due to
service. In the majority of cases veterans entitled under this section
have applied and been issued the insurance without any trouble. How-
ever, those who were discharged as incompetent could not apply be-
cause of their inconrpetency and, in a great many cases, had no one
to act in their behalf As you no doubt realize, an incompetent must
have a guardian or fiduciary to act in his behalf and, in the majority
of cases which we have handled, we have found that guardians or
fiduciaries were not appointed until "the one year in which they were
entitled to apply for this insurance had expired. At last year's con-
vention we had a resolution concerning this problem submitted to the
convention and adopted. As a result our legislative department had
a bill prepared, H. R. 8709, which is now pending before the Congress
In the event there are no hearings held on this bill this year, I have
the assurance of Major Clark's office that an all-out effort will be made

D:IStABLEI> AMERICAN VETERANS 65

ext session of Congress to have hearings held on this bill and
3 hope that Congress will correct this most unfortunate situa-

pear in my report to the convention, I brought to your attention
Durance death claims would in the future be handled in the
1 offices. We were quite concerned as to whether VA personnel
nal offices could properly handle a program in which they had
ious experience or training. We dispatched a bulletin to our
1 service officers in the regional offices noting our concern and
them on notice of what to expect and how our office, as well
rien in the district offices, could be of assistance to them. We
complaint from our national service officers in the field this
air so, therefore, must assume that insurance death claims are
andled properly.

statistical report for the past year will include the reports of
7 on insurance claims from the regional offices as well as the
offices. It is quite possible, due to the newness in the handling
ranee claims in the regional office, that some of our national
officers have failed to report some insurance claims.

e claims bandied by field offices . 711

:e claims handled by central office 1 225

>tal number of claims __ __ _. . 936

:e benefits in field offices (Deatn & W. P.) $1, 982, 601. 4O

?e benefits in central office (Death, TV. P. & P&T) - 1, 07O, 699. 87

D tal 3, 053, 301. 27

*ases allowed 7

iases remanded 7

?ases denied. _.. .... ._._.. .. . 41

jases pending 13

otal appeal cases : , 68

trative reviews allowed 8

trative reviews denied 1O

trative reviews pending 1 2

otal review cases 2O

ng the past year our office has received 1,618 pieces of mail and

have sent out 1,024 letters. We also were able to secure seven
Is or new annual memberships.

>nclusion, I take this opportunity to thank all of our national
officers in the regional offices and district offices for their splen-
>peration in working with this office on problems relating to the
i policyholder. We are indeed fortunate in having such loyal
dicated persons defending the rights of the disabled American
i.

,ain HOG AN. I would now like to introduce to you a man who
can over the entire benefit office downtown since the reorgani-

of the veterans organization. There is more stuff coming
h Washington than many of us believe. National service offv-
nald H. Dunn.

66 THIRTY- SEVENTH NATIOOSPAL:

REPORT OP NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER DONALD H. DUNN, VETERANS BENE-
FIT OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C.

National Service Officer DUNN. Thank you, Mr. Hogan.

Officials of the Veterans' Administration, national commander, and
delegates to the Disabled American Veterans Convention, the Dis-
abled American Veterans, veterans benefits office in Washington, D. C.,
from July 1, 1956 until June 30, 1957 has been carrying on with a
further reduced personnel and a somewhat lessened case load, but
with a continuing receipt of a rather comparatively large amount of
correspondence. This report includes activities and statistical sum-
mary of this office, including the following types of cases :

(1J The cases of those who served prior to July 16, 1903.

(2) Cases of residents of the United States Soldiers 5 Home.

(3) Cases of disabled veterans residing outside the continental
limits of the United States.

(4) Cases in which an applicant's entitlement to pension un-
der the General Law, act of 1862, including amendments thereto,
are involved.

(5) Those cases in which veterans' rights have been forfeited
under any act, with the exception of a veteran who might have
entitlement because of service subsequent to the date of com-
mission of the act on which forfeiture was based.

(6) Cases concerning the claims of all veterans of the Army of
the Commonwealth of the Philippines, including alleged or recog-
nized guerrillas, who do not reside within the Philippine Islands.

(7) Cases concerning the claims of veterans who may have en-
titlement pursuant to special acts of Congress.

(8) Cases concerning the claims o veterans for specially
adapted housing.

(9) Cases before the Central Committee 011 Waivers and For-
feitures. This includes cases in which the overpayment is in
excess of $800; forfeitures of rights, and those in which the na-
tional service officer in the field or the veteran has requested
an administrative review concerning an overpayment.

(10) Cases concerning claims of the dependents of deceased
veterans who served as our allies in the Philippines. . <

(11) Death cases which are transferred to veterans benefits
office for action in K insurance and which involve death compen-
sation and pension ratings made while veterans benefits office has
jurisdiction.

(12) Cases before the Central Committee on Waivers and
Compromises, whose purpose is to compromise on indebtedness
on GI loans.

? n Au g ust 7 > 1956 5 circular 23 was issued for decentralization of all
T ^P 1 ?^ 66 cases to the field; however, action was withheld and
after further study interim issue DA-7 was issued October 5, 1956
Decentralization began October 18, 1956, and was completed January

regional office in that State.

The foregoing presented tremendous problems for master locator
ana this oiiice as we have received many inquiries regarding prefer-

I>ISlABLEI> AMERICAN VETETR'AiNIS 67

tters, compensation checks and medical evidence on behalf of
ats whose cases were not here. Each of our offices was notified
date of transfer, but complications developed because of ship-
nd processing, and the claimants appeared not to know of the
r date of shipment. Much of this could have been prevented
sh claimant been notified of the transfer of his file and the new
n. There -were instances when we gave the man in the field
>rmation because it -was a physical impossibility for master lo-

furnish us up-to-date information regarding many VA em-
cases. Answers to your many inquiries as to location of case
e often delayed because we are not furnished enough inf orma-

identify the case. The furnishing of the date of birth and/or
Lumber will usually do the trick.

^pril 9, 1956, TWX was issued decentralizing certain death
rom St. P?iul and Philadelphia district offices to regional offices
r e June 11, 1956, which provided many complications,
long after the beginning of this decentralization we began re-
$ much correspondence about these death cases as apparently the
ats were not notified of the transfer. The checks were held up
3 of the transfer and changes of address came in. Here again
locator gave us incorrect information which we relayed to the
This is no criticism of master locator, but, again, this would
ve occurred had the claimant been advised of the transfer of
3 file to a new location. It gives the VA the appearance that
knows what it is doing. Perhaps someone was trying to save
but .to me it was being penny wise and pound foolish.
; get back to service to the veteran and his dependents, abiding
laws of Congress and complying with the VA's own regula-
md stop this "anything to save a dollar." We think our vet-
,re more important than this. There may be another day when
L be needed.

s before the central committee on waivers and forfeitures
le as claimants in receipt of part III pension benefits still neg-
report income exceeding $1,400 if single or $2,700 if married,
stance, if you start receiving income which averaged over a 12-
period -would exceed the income limitation, this must be im-
ely reported to the VA. If you are receiving additional bene-
dependents you must report a change of marital status, even
are divorced one day and remarry the next. When you receive
'A check, do not assume the VA is correct and cash it. If you
Dr if you think, you are not entitled to the amount on the cli^ck,
ould immediately return it to the VA as you may be held re-
>lfe. This committee deals with all types of cases of overpayment
VA to claimants and the forfeiture of rights because of sub-

1 of fraudulent statements or other false evidence.

VA has been in such a hurry to sever service connection that
rstand a year's backlog has accumulated and these cases are

in Veterans' Benefits Office. If a case file has left the regional
or central office or the Veterans' Benefits Office, a pretty sure
that severance of service connection has been proposed. We
:ain no information, cannot represent or defend the claimant

we submit a 2-22, power of attorney, or submit medical evi-
the case is then expedited to the severance board and service
bion will be severed much, much quicker. I can. unconditionallv

68 THJJEtTT-SJ^IVEONTEC TSTATICXNAL R'E'PORT

assure you we can always expedite severance and I believe this is the
most unjust act ever perpetrated upon America's defenders. A vet-
eran cannot have the opportunity of defending himself, face his ac-
cusers, or even know he is accused until he is convicted. It makes no
difference whether you ever had a pain in the back or toe or whether
you ever said you did, if a remark to this effect is in your file, sever-
lance is in the offing. A criminal doesn't have to answer anyone if
he thinks it will be used against him but a veteran doesn't have this
privilege because he gave his health and now that the war is over pay-
ment for his war disabilities is considered a gratuity.

Through many years a grateful Government has passed laws to pro-
vide certain benefits to wartime veterans and their dependents and
the Veterans' Administration has promulgated and interpreted its
own regulations for the same purpose. All of a sudden these same
laws and regulations are used to deny benefits. Why ? There is only
one answer and that is ^To save a dollar at the expense of the vet-
eran." The war is over.

During the past year 8,068 pieces of correspondence have been re-
ceived in this office which necessitated the attention of each individual
in the office, in spite of the fact that we have been handicapped by the
lack of personnel. Mrs. Joyce Corbin transferred to national head-
quarters, 1701 18th Street NW., December 11, 1956, and Mrs. Dolores
Beauchamp resigned March 18, 1957, to accept employment at a higher
salary. On April 22, 1957, Mrs. Alva Holm retired from the VA
claims service and began her duties as secretary. We are fortunate to
obtain the services of someone so capable. Miss Audrey Delong con-
tinues as the mail and file clerk and very capably goes about her many
duties, other than just filing. There has been a full schedule every-
day of the past year with complications and the many and varied
duties we have been called upon to perform were accomplished only
through the willingness and efforts of Mrs. Corbin, Mrs. Beauchamp,
Miss Delong, and Mrs. Holm.

Service connection ', 11

Increased compensation 254

Nonservice pension 17

Death compensation 3 ~ _ 403

Memberships III II_ 45

Burial allowance 51

"VA files reviewed ~ ~ i 500

Appearances before rating agencies I i] 249

Total monthly increases -------------------------------- _____ $27 333 49

Total retroactive payments ______________________________________ 930] 804! 99

Full amount ---------------------------------------------- 953^ ^43^ 43

Captain HOGAN. Gentlemen, I have one more report from a mem-
ber of my staff. I will have George Seal read the report of Arthur
M. Gottschalk, national service officer, military and naval affairs.
-o ? 2 ia y_?. ei ^ e 2 :lber for many years this report was given by David
-Fogoloff. Me left the employment of the DAV and is now an em-
ployee of the Veterans' Administration.

ANNUAL SERVICE REPORT OF ARTETDR M. GOTTSCHALK, NATIONAL SERVICE
OFFICER, MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS

^T ad ? EORGE SB ,AL (reading). National Commander Burke,
delegates to the convention, ladies and gentlemen, this is a rmnrt of

DISABLED AMEH-ICAN" VETER'A-NTS 69

the activities of the military and naval affairs section of the office of
the national director of claims, Mr. Cicero F. Ho^an, for the period
July 1, 1956, through June 30, 1957.

Before launching into the body of my report, I would like to pav
tribute to David Pogoloff, my associate for the past 5 years, and a
national service officer for the Disabled American Veterans for 12
years. Dave has resigned from the organization and is now an em-
ployee of the Veterans' Administration. His resignation has dis-
solved a close association from which this section will be slow to
recover. I am sure that the membership joins me in wishing him
the success he certainly deserves in his new endeavor.

The scope of the work handled by this section, in general, com-
prises appearances before military and civilian boards of the Army.
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

More specifically, each branch of the Armed Forces maintains
boards of jurisdiction as follows :

1. Discharge review boards established by section 301, Public Law
346, 78th Congress.

2. Retirement review boards established by section 302, Public Law
346, 78th Congress.

3. Correction boards established by section 207, Public Law 601,
79th Congress, amended by Public Law 220, 82d Congress.

4. The Navy and Marine Corps also permit the appearance of
counsel before the Physical Disability Appeal Board on Career Com-
pensation Act cases.

In addition to preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims before
the above-cited boards, this section also prepares and prosecutes claims
for retroactive retired pay through the General Accounting Office.

Disability retirement cases continue to make the greatest demands
on our time. They are growing more complex with each year. This
is due largely to precedent decisions handed down by the United States
Court of Claims and decisions rendered by the Comptroller General.

For example, until recently the Department of Defense maintained
that an individual was not eligible for disability retirement under the
Career Compensation Act of 1949 if he was found to be incapacitated
for active duty by reason of a disability incurred during World War II
in any instance where there had been a break in service unless it could
be proven that the last tour of duty had unmistakably aggravated
the condition.

During the past year the Comptroller General decided that this
interpretation was erroneous as the Career Compensation Act did not
impose a condition requiring uninterrupted military service for award-
i ng disability retirement under the act.

The erroneous interpretation of this statute by the Department of
Defense has resulted in the denial of disability retired pay to many
servicemen and officers in the approximately 7 years that it was in
effect. The big problem now is to trp and reach these people in order
that they reopen their cases and obtain the benefits that are due them
under the lafW.

Another major duty of this section is to furnish suitable replies to
the thousands of letters that come in from the national service officers
in the field, department and chapter officers, and the public in general.
The nature of this correspondence covers all phases of military and
naval a.ffairs.

70 . TOEHRTY-SiEfVEnSPTH NATIONAL. REPORT

Most of our cases, as has been true for the past several years, are
those under consideration by the various correction boards. Last year
we found it necessary to berate the Army Board for Correction of
Military Records. Since November 1956, however, after a conference
with the Assistant Secretary of the Army, the situation has improved.
We still do not feel that the Department of the Army maintains a
Correction Board that measures up to its counterparts in other
branches of the Department of Defense, but just so long as we believe
that there is a continued effort toward improvement, we do not intend
to renew our criticism through the medium of our annual report unless
we find that all other means fail.

Before leaving this subject, the membership undoubtedly will be
interested in a recent decision reached by the United States Court of
Claims in the case of Francis J. Proper. In its decision the court,
in effect, scolded the Secretary of the Army for viewing the recom-
mendation of the Correction Board as being solely advisory in nature,
leaving him free to accept or ignore it as he saw fit. In the cited case
the Secretary rejected the favorable findings of the Correction Board
in favor of an adverse recommendation made by a retired army officer
acting as a consultant. The court stated in part with regard to this
action,; ,

Such an interpretation of section 207 makes the words "acting through boards
of civilian officers or employees" superfluous. Neither the act itself nor its
legislative history warrants such an interpretation. Since the errors or in-
justices which might require correction were originally made by the military,
Congress made it manifest that the correction of those errors and injustices was
to be in the hands of civilians.

This decision was read with great gratification, because it hit
squarely at one of the points of our criticism last year and more than
justified the position we took at that time.

^We* are hopeful that this same decision may ultimately lead to a
discontinuance of the practice of referring disability cases to mili-
tary doctors for advisory medical opinions. We have always alleged
that this practice defeats the purpose of section 207, because in the
final analysis the Board, although it is composed of civilians, is per-
sua<fed to a great degree by the medical thinking of the military.

To . overcome this we continue to urge that the Department of De-
fense maintain a staff of civilian medical consultants in the various
branches of medicine upon whom all of the correction boards may call
for. the Advisory medical opinions they admittedly require. Whether
Q-Jfryt ^is action is ever taken remains to be seen. We fear that it
will only come about after the court sees fit to take the military to task
lor'this practice.

-; Tliere has not been any marked change with regard to the Retire-
ment Review Boards. Once again we find that the Department of
^ e /^ 1 S? T l the ), east Alined to dispense justice. We attribute this
to (1) the^Board's reluctance to relate and interpret the disabilities
Si "?- ! 2 ' ^ *- aw and P licies in e ^ect during World War II. It is
<mr "belief that instead^they allow current retirement policies stem-
ming rom the Career Compensation Act of 1949 to color fheir think-

> xL We ^ are 5?i! ln c Ced ' ? iat in tlle minds of at least certain mem-
r^L the.Board, the fact that there is a lar^e retroactive retirement

W^'^f- Whl< ? 1 1]L accrue from favorable action on their part
acts as a deterrent. These same individuals fail to realize

IXLSiABLE'D AMERICAN VETEKiANS 71

justice been served at the time these officers had been separated from
active duty, they would have been drawing retired pay over the years.
Actually, the Government has had the use of this money without in-
terest charges which in our minds makes the position of those opposed
to the payment of retroactive pay completely untenable.

It is believed that the failure to fully serve the ends of justice
may, and probably is, attributable to the failure of furnishing the
Board members with a proper indoctrination as to (1) their exact
function and, (2) a thorough understanding of the law, regulations,
and policies in eff ect at the time the applicants were separated.

Finally, it may well be said that the whole matter appears to boil
down to the application of a wrong philosophy. We strongly suspect
that these cases are approached with the attitude of how they may be
denied rather than is there a basis for allowing them. This approach,
in our opinion, is contrary to the intent of Congress when it enacted
section 302, Public Law 346, 78th Congress. If the Congress was not
interested in offering relief, the act would never have been enacted into
law. This was intended to be beneficial legislation, and, as such,
should be administered in a broad sense and certainly not as stringently
as is the current vogue.

In the report of last year, the problem of the young man who had
received any other than honorable discharge was discussed and we
expressed our deep concern. During the past 12 months a Special
Subcommittee on Military Discharges was appointed in Congress with
Congressman Clyde Doyle, of California, as chairman. Congressman
Doyle has been both interested and active on this subject for several
years and is well suited to the task.

The problem however, as we see it, is not one that can be overcome
easily by legislation, and it would appear that the committee found
this out. After extensive study a bill was finally drafted which, in
effect, makes it mandatory that the boards of jurisdiction consider
the postservice conduct of the applicant in determining whether or
not a discharge should b changed.

We fail to see in what way the recipient would benefit if this bill
should ever be enacted into law. Insofar as we can determine, it
would merely constitute a change in the title of the discharge, because
one cannot escape the fact that it would still be a discharge under
other than honorable conditions and the stigma would still remain.

The committee felt that effective relief would lie in the fact that in
the eyes of the general public this type of discharge, while it would
not alter the fact that the military service was somewhat less than
honorable, it would establish that the applicant's conduct after service
was exemplary. In other words, it appears that the committee is
trying to create a class of citizens who will be labeled as poor soldiers,
but good civilians. As a purely practical matter, we do not believe
that this type of legislation would satisfy anyone, least of all the
aggrieved veteran.

The committee's study of this entire subject has not been without
its salutary effects, however. It appears that in the future a man
seeking to reenlist in order to redeem his record will stand a much
better chance of doing so, and in the case of the Air Force, at least,
the fellow with "two left feet" will no longer run the risk of getting
an unfavorable type of discharge simply because he is inept. This

20331 5 6

72

THIRTY -SEVENTH NATICWSrAL REOPORT

type of individual now receives an honorable discharge by reason of

associated with tins problem for quite a number

of years, it is believed that the existing situation is one ^ at ^ JJ^J
be remedied by administrative action from within the Department of
Defense itself . With this in mind, we recommend the following:

1 When after entrance into active duty it becomes manitest that
a boy is going to become a disciplinary problem, he should be returned
to his home with a certificate showing an incomplete tour ot duty.
It should be made clear to him that this action is taken because his
record shows that he has not as yet matured sufficiently to conduct
himself as a man, and his military obligation to his country is being
postponed until he grows up. This procedure would permit the in-
dividual. as a civilian, time enough to review his behavior in the
military and learn that it would be to his advantage upon reentermg
service to make the necessary adjustment. If, upon reaching the age
of 21, he had not attempted to reenlist, then his induction would become
mandatory. . . . ,

2 The commanding officers of each major unit in the Army and
Navy should be charged with the responsibility of maintaining lists
showing the sources from which unfavorable types of discharges
emanate. In this way, it could then be traced to the commanding
officer at the lowest echelon responsible for these actions and he could
then be asked to account for it. This recommendation is made because
it has been our observation that not all officers have the same quality
of leadership and those with the least ability are the ones most prone
to bestow unfavorable discharges. Certainly, the individual should
not be punished because his superior lacks the ability to handle men.

A statistical summary of the cases handled and the monetary benefits
obtained is attached to this report.

In conclusion, I want to express my thanks to the staff members
at' national service headquarters, to our service officers in the field, and
to the people in my immediate office. Without their constant assist-
ance and cooperation, the work of this office could not be carried on.

Annual service report of Arthur M. Gottschalk, 1956-67

Hearings

Allowed

Denied

Fending

Army:
1 Board for corrftotion of military records ..^ -,_,-, ^ T ^

37

15

7

15

2. D isability review board,

14

4

9

1

3- Discharge review board _

59

10

46

3

AirjF.ojree:,
1* 'TBxJard for correction of military records - -

13

10

1

' 2

- 2. Disability review board

2

2

3 ~nig<hftrp^ V6^i6W linprd

37

2

35

4. Physical disability appeal board _ _ _ _

1

1

Navy:

1. Board for correction of naval records

40

21

8

11

2 Retiring review board

7

* 2

* 3

2

3 Discharge review board

50

3

40

7

Marine Corps:
1. Physical disability appeal board

2

, 1

1

Totals. _ .

262

71

150

41

i Referrals.

NOTE. Referral-type cases are those referred by the Navy Correction Board to the Navy Retiring
Review Board for an advisory medical opinion.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 73

REPORT SUMMARY

arings

owed

nied

iding --------------------------------------------------- 41

forms 149 submitted ________________________________________ 118

(Applications to Correction Board (all services) ; 27 were
granted formal hearings ; 24 were denied formal hearings ; 67
are in a pending status. )

tal monthly retired pay ------------------------ --- $7,791.35

bal annual retired pay _______________________________________ $93,496.20

:al retroactive retired pay (excluding GAO claims) ----------- 299,452.02

rerance pay (one case) --------------------------- . ----------- S'^SJ

;al mustering-out pay -------------------------------------- 3, 4OO. OO

rld War I bonus, adjusted compensation (one case) ------------ 1,936.00

leral Accounting Office claims (retroactive retired pay) -------- 38, 724. 77

Grand total of benefits obtained __________________________ $440,659.39

Captain HOGAHT. Mr. Commander, this closes the report of the di-
itor of claims.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. You have just heard the
>ort of the director of claims and his assistants. At this time a
>tion is in order to accept these reports.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON (Chapter No. 11, Dallas, Tex.). We just
aid the report of our director of claims. The only thing he needs
w is to use a few cuss words and pound the desk and he will be like
was in 1938 and 1944. He gave us one of the outstanding reports
, have had in a long time. This outfit is not generally blessed with
,ders like "Cap" Hogan. What I am thankful for, he has the edu-
:ion and intestinal fortitude to tell and diplomatically speak for
The only difference between him and me, I would only use two

[ move this report be accepted along with his outstanding associates
d they be referred to the proper convention committees,
Comrade FRANK: T. GARRETT (Chapter No. 1, Cincinnati, Ohio),
cond the motion. , m ^ __ ^

Comrade LEWIS MxnuraY (Chapter No. 75, Dallas, Tex.) . Mr. Com-
inder, at a closed meeting of all the national service officers this
>rning, Captain Hogan opened up his heart and poured out his
il to us We learned when we came to this convention nrst hand,
>m him, some of the things that have been transpiring behind the
>nes in this organization. There were no members of the Veterans
[ministration present and there were only service officers there. W e
vays invite the Veterans' Administration, year after year, to our
bherino-s. We are glad to have them. We differ with them, too,
d it islio crime to differ with them. A smart man once said when
o or more men work aU the time together and they always agree,
s a dead cinch they are not all necessary. m

fLt the conclusion of this meeting this morning it was pointed out
it Captain Hogan had been under a great deal of Pressure Some
it from the outside and, yes, I am sorry to say we have got timid
ils in this organization, some of it was from the inside, asking Him
either tone town or delete parts of his report. H S* n *P^^
like he always has, as a lawyer, as a true leader, and a man who
,nds on principles, and who will not betray the interests of the
sabled veterans.

74 THIRTY- SOSfVENTiH NATTODN'AL REPORT

I want to say to you delegates to this convention that we are faced
in this convention with bigger and greater problems than we had
back in 1933 in the face of the Economy Act and I was there. I want
to say to you at the end of that conference this morning that a resolur
tion was passed voicing full confidence in the leadership of Captain
Hogan and his fine staff and that every man in that room stood and
cheered him to the ceiling and I am here this afternoon, having been
selected by the other national service officers, to make an amendment
to this motion, and I want to ask the delegates to this convention to
give a full and complete expression of confidence to Capt. Cicero F.
Hogan and Chester Cash and the complete staff of the Washington
office who represents all of us. I thank you.

Comrade KENNETH K. McMtiKRY (Chapter No. 1, Houston, Tex.).
Second.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON. I will accept the amendment to my mo-
tion.

Comrade KJSTOX HOLLEY (Chapter No. 43, Shelby ville, Tenn.). I
would like to add one thing to the beautiful oratory. If Mr. Hogan
should enter the cuss words into this report, as chaplain of that fair
State of Tennessee I would like to and I would feel honored to pray
for him if he uttered words so desired.

(The convention rose to applaud Captain Hogaii, and the motion
was carried unanimously.)

First Junior Vice Commander Hietala. At this time, I know the
day is drawing to a close fast but we have two more reports and at
the time I would like to call on John Burris, our director of employ-
ment, for his annual report to the convention. John Burris.

ANNUAL REPORT OF JOHN W. BURRIS, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT

National Director of Employment BURRIS. National Commander
Burke and delegates to the 1956 Rational Convention of the Disabled
American Veterans, it is rather difficult to realize that another year
has passed since we made our last report of our stewardship. As we
grow older ,we become increasingly conscious of the old adage, "tempus
f ugit. You younger comrades perhaps feel that the years go by
sapwly,.but a few years from now you will feel like your national
director of employment.

But there is one group, regardless of age, for whom time always
seems to stand still the unemployed. If only those of us who are
employed would try to realize what it is like to be able and willing
to work and not procure it, we , would offer some suggestions to help
solve some of the many problems of these unemployed disabled vete
ans, thus fulfilling one of the basic aims and obligations which each of
us took when we became members of the D A V
^^^ S f tion 1S * e !7 im P^ ta ^> Irat **ore than anything else, the

^Tfn!f a rZ| ran T ntS ^ 3 one that he > al *ough handicapped",
can qualify for, and one that has a -future. '

f ^ f aCti( ? U * realize that we have enjoyed another
ly full employment throughout the Nation, and that

f il % reaS ^? I h ? ' more locaj <&M>tere have not fol-
u S h>n a Ce ^ nd ?pP m ^ d Chapter employment- officers, sending
us their names and mailing addresses to our Washington headquarters
and to your department employment officers. It was reassuS^ to

DISABLED AMERICAN VBTEB'AiNIS 75

note that all departments appointed such officers this past year, and we
take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them who sub-
mitted to us a report of their accomplishments.

When we have knowledge that a disabled veteran is unemployed
our first act should be to see that he is properly registered for work
with the nearest State employment service office. He should take
with him proof of his military service and his claim number, as it is
often necessary to get a physical-capacity appraisal from the Vet-
erans' Administration before referral to a job is made. Now, it is
not enough just to register, the card should be kept active until a
job is secured. This means a visit at least every 30 days to his local
employment office to insure that the card remains in the active file.

You may wonder why the help of the DAV is necessary in view of
the many and varied services provided veterans. Each and every
employed disabled veteran can, and should be, an employment repre-
sentative for every unemployed member. In your own place of em-
ployment you will hear of job openings that could be filled by disabled
veterans. v Bring this information to the attention of the local vet-
erans' employment representative. He will make contact with the
employer and refer to him disabled veterans who meet the skills
required for the job, and who are physically able to do the work.

We have tried in every conceivable way during the past year to
inform the general public and particularly the unemployed disabled
veteran, that the DAV does not maintain a job placement service but
that we work very closely with the United States and State employ-
ment services and the various veterans 5 Federal employment repre-
sentatives in the 11 United States civil service regions. Unfortu-
nately,) there have been some TV and. radio spot announcements car-
ried, over some stations in the country that infer, or at least give the
=falsie impression, that the DAV does maintain such a placement
service. We sincerely hope that each of you will make every effort
to correct such misinformation should you ever hear such announce-
ments made on any radio or TV program. Such misinformation, in
far too many instances, does more harm than good and is a hindrance
in signing up the disabled veteran as a member of the DAV after he
lands a job.

, . We take this opportunity to acknowledge and express our most
sincere appreciation to another fine national commander, Joseph IT.
Bttrke, who has given the employment division his wholehearted co-
operation during the past year. He has fully demonstrated that he
is ; as much interested in our employment program as was his distin-
guished predecessor, Maj. Gen. Melvin J. Maas.

: Perhaps most of you have already read in a recent issue of the
DAV Semimonthly the story of the fight which Commander Burke
had with the Navy Department as a result of its nationwide action in
downgrading scores of civilian disabled veteran employees at various
naval ? air stations precisely because of their service-connected dis-
abilities, as was clearly stated in the notices received by those so
affected. The commander lost no time in filing a protest with the
White House and certain key Members of the Congress, after which
several meetings were held with high Navy officials. We were suc-
cessful in getting the Navy to stop the downgrading pending further
study of the situation, and finally we were advised, in writing, that the
entire program had been scrapped and that those so downgraded

76 THIRTY-SBVEfNTOEC NATIONAL REPORT

would be promoted. We hope that this circumstance will tend to
deter other Federal agencies from embarking on a similar program
in the future. . _

In fact the Air Force has recently announced a new Air Keserve
technician plan that will vitally affect both its military and civilian
employees at many of its installations, but we have been assured by
both the Air Force and the United States Civil Service Commission
that those employees who decline or who are not eligible for Reserve
membership will be reassigned at the same or higher grade to non-
Air Force Reserve technician position in the same geographic area
as jobs become available to which they may be moved with (1) no re :
ductions in force; (2) no demotions; (3) no required transfers to
other geographic areas.

Federal employees whose Classification Act jobs are downgraded
through no fault of their own after 2 years of satisfactory service in
the job may now appeal to the Civil Service Commission if their
agency rules they are not eligible for the salary retention benefits of
Public Law 594 and reduces their pay rate. This does not apply r
however, to blue-collar wage-board employees, and the latter were the
ones who were affected in the Navy action. Legislation is pending
that would correct such a situation, if enacted.

With regard to Federal employment, we are happy to report more
progress in accordance with statistics recently issued by the Civil
Service Commission as of December 31, 1956. This is the first count
of veterans since 1954. During the intervening years, the number
of veterans has increased by more than 100,000, while nonveterans
have decreased by more than 60,000.

As of December 31, 1956, Uncle Sam had 2,404,045 employees,
1,204,950 of whom had veteran preference, or 51 percent. Of these,.
219,252 disabled veterans or 18 percent were employed, and 20,635
wives, widows, and mothers or 2 percent, all of whom enjoy 10-point
preference. Of the 2,404,045 employees men numbered 1,828;1S3) of
whom 1,157,832 or 64 percent are veterans, and women numbered
575,912, of whom 47,118 or 8 percent are veterans. It has been con-
servatively estimated that approximately 18 percent of our veteran
population have disabilities, though in many instances not presently
compensable, so we feel that we have been getting a better "shake" in
^Federal employment in the past 2 years.

On many occasions we have received complaints from disabled
veteran Federal employees that they are not given proper recognition
in the way of promotions. The latest statistics show that veterans,
as a whole, were promoted at a higher rate than nonveterans, the vet-
eran promotion rate being 23 per thousand employees, and the non-
veteran rate being 20 per thousand employees.

Many of you may wonder why we devote so much of this report
to the subject of Federal employment. Well, when we consider that
we have 219,252 disabled veterans employed by Uncle Sam as of
December 31 last year, and we can boast of a paidup membership
of slightly less than 200,000 this fiscal year, you can readily under-
stand why. m What a fertile field for new membership. The DAV
can. point with pride to the efforts which have been put forth to not
only enact the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as amended, but to
preserve, protect, and defend the best interests of such disabled vet-
eran employees, and there just isn't any good reason under the sun

DISABLE'D AME'RICAlSr VETEB'AiNlS 77

7 all of these eligibles should not be fully informed of these facts

rthe growing need for them to stop being "free riders" and get in

pitch in the months ahead.

>nce again we express our deep appreciation to our national com-
ider and our national adjutant for making it possible for us to
md the annual Interstate Conference of Employment Security
mcies, which held another most interesting and profitable meeting
l^ps Angeles last October. If from only the standpoint of better
die relations, we feel that it is highly desirable that we meet with
se leaders in employment security once each year to discuss mutual
blems and get better acquainted. We have enjoyed another year of
>ndid cooperation with the veterans' committee of the interstate
f erence and sat in on some interesting meetings of that committee
IVashington early this spring. We appreciate very much the fine
ice and counsel which is always offered by Comrade Marion Wil-
ason, a member of that committee, who for many years has attended

national conventions and worked closely with our committee on
>loyment and civil service.

iTe also wish to thank the national commander and national adju-
t for permitting us to attend a national conference of veterans'
^loyment representatives in Detroit last April. It is always profit-
i to attend such conferences and become better acquainted with these
te VEH's, on whom we depend day in and day out to assist us in
sing hard-to-place disabled veterans who appeal to Washington

such assistance. We thank every one of them for their fine co-
ration this past year. This goes for Ed Omohundro, Chief of the
S, and his able assistants in the Washington office, including Elmer
Tebo.

VTi.en we mention the Veterans' Employment Service we are re-
ided of the continued splendid cooperation, advice and counsel
ich "we received the past year from Bruce Stubblefield, Chief of the
;erans' Federal Counseling Service Staff of the United States {Civil
Vice Commission, his able assistants in central office and the various
trans' Federal employment representatives in all of the regional
;es.

?he same thing is true insofar as Robert K. Salyers, Director of the
:eau of Veterans' Heemployment Rights, his central office staff and
various field representatives is concerned.

Ve continue to work very closely with the President's Committee
Employment of the Physically Handicapped and particularly its
abled Veterans Subcommittee. We were happy to note that the
nmittee has suggested that the Governor's committees in the
ious States establish such disabled veteran subcommittees. The
lual essay contest among the Nation's high-school pupils in the
h. and 12th grades was bigger and better than ever this year and,
e again, we feel that the small amount of money expended each
r to make this contest possible is worth many times its monetary
lie in focusing the attention of not only such contest participants^

their teachers and parents, on the employment problem of our
idicapped. We are pleased to note that more and more State de-
tments are sponsoring such contests each year. We also again
nowledge, with many thanks, the contribution of the DAV Service
mdation in making possible the distribution of calendar cards to

Nation's employers calling attention to the advisability of em-

78 TBODRTY-SQEZVENTH NATlOQKrAL. REPORT

ploying disabled veterans. This is also true with regard to the blotters
that were again distributed through the Veterans' Employment
Service, for which we continue to be grateful.

"No doubt many of you have had an opportunity to read a copy of
a resolution that was adopted by the President's Committee recently
that stated clearly they have no connection whatsoever with the so-
called National Association of Veterans' Employment Councils nor
do they endorse such organization. This is the outfit that has been
sending out thousands of unordered ball point pens and copies of the
Lord's Prayer throughout the country, purportedly for the purpose
of promoting the employment of disabled veterans through NAVEC.
We have asked our department and chapter employment officers and
the State veterans' employment representatives to report to us any
specific instances where disabled veterans have secured gainful em-
ployment through ETAVEC other than those whom they employed
within the outfit to mail out these pens, but to date the response has
been negligible. We will greatly appreciate it if any member of the
DAV has such knowledge, now or in the future, that he promptly
notify the Washington headquarters. We hope that this convention
will adopt a resolution making it crystal clear to the American public
that this outfit has no connection whatsoever with the DAV nor do
we endorse it.

While thus far we have been unsuccessful in getting affirmative leg-
islative action on several pieces of legislation that were introduced as
a result of mandates adopted by our 1956 national convention, we are
pleased to report that up to this time no legislation has been enacted
that would weaken the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as amended ;
however, we certainly cannot be lulled to sleep by this fact, as there
is a bill pending at this time, S. 2291, designed to implement the rec-
ommendations of the Hoover Commission that would drastically
amend the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944 as amended and, while
some of the proposals might be considered as desirable insofar as the
compensable disabled veteran is concerned, the operation of such a
law would, in our opinion, tend to make it more difficult for a dis-
abled veteran to get Federal employment in the first place and would
drastically affect the nondisabled veteran. Therefore, in accordance
*a o<?n g -existing mandate, we are forced to oppose enactment

OI

You will recall the many efforts which the DAV put forth, after
the cessation of hostilities in Korea, to have issued an Executive order
which would once again, as was the case after World War II, give the
compensable disabled veteran Federal employee the right to secure
permanent status in his job after one year of satisfactory probation-
ary service after having been appointed from an eligible register. This
^fw J 1D ? a ^ ly accom P lis hed by the issuance of Executive Order
10577, but the cutoff date of December 31, 1957, was set for this pro-
vision to expire. Realizing that there are still thousands of disabled
.Korean veterans still in schools and on-the-job training, many of
whom will want to secure Federal employment, on May 2, 1957, we
requested the Civil Service Commission to secure for us an extension
o this order for an additional period of at least 2 or 3 years This
request is preseatty under consideration. Legislation is also pending
that would amend the Veterans' Preference Act to establish this as
Federal policy for all time to come.

IttSiABLEID AMERICAN VETETCA-NJB 79

With regard to those ex-service men and women who entered the
Armed Forces after January 31, 1955, and who subsequently incurred
service-connected disabilities, we feel that preferential treatment in
employment should be extended by the United States State Employ-
ment Service, as well as an extension of Public Law 894 rehabilitation
benefits to these ex-service people. We hope such resolutions will be
favorably considered by this convention.

As in past years, the DAV has put forth every effort to see that ade-
quate appropriations are provided for the Veterans' Employment
Service, the Bureau of Employment Security, the Bureau of Veterans'
Reemployment Rights, the United States Civil Service Commission
ind its Veterans' Federal Counseling Service staff. This is not always
in easy task in these days of economizing on the Federal scene.

We again thank each and every national service officer for the efforts
bhat they have put forth this past year to assist us in our employment
program, especially those who have, on the local and regional levels, so
ibly handled appeals under the provisions of the Veterans' Preference
A.ct of 1944, as amended. The importance of the proper handling of
such appeals in the various civil-service regions cannot be over-
emphasized because it is on that level, under existing regulations,
inhere the oral hearings are conducted, and when the case has been well
landled on that level it is much easier to get a favorable decision on the
Washington level. We are deeply appreciative as we know full well
;hat many of our offices are understaffed these days and it is very diffi-
;ult, at times, for the national service officer to find sufficient time to
landle civil-service appeals.

As was pointed out by Comrade Chester A. Cash, our able assistant
lational director of claims, in his annual report last year, we feel that
lue to our limited staff it is advisable to not accept claims filed with the
Bureau of Employees' Compensation because of alleged personal in-
ury on the job as a Federal civilian employee. This does not apply,
>f course, in the case of widows of reservists killed in action who are
overed by BEG. Such appeals are handled through the director of
laims.

We cannot close without expressing to Capt. Cicero F. Hogan and
ach and every one of his able assistants, as well as to Maj. Omer W.
31ark and his splendid assistant, Elmer M. Freudenberger, to Vidian
). Corbly, our national adjutant, and his Cincinnati headquarters
taff, and our faithful secretary, Miss Cecilia Brennan, our deep ap-
>reciation for their fine cooperation and support this past year, and to
cores of other comrades in the ranks who have tried to encourage
LS in the dark days through which we are passing.

We are faced with many problems these days, have so many reasons
o be discouraged, but many of our comrades have faced some deadly
nemies on the field of battle and elsewhere over the years, and we
.ope we still have a little fight left to carry on and to retire to private
Lfe every politician who is not willing to preserve our hard-earned
ights and benefits.

We regret that it has been necessary to make such a long report this
[me, but we felt that it was our duty to call these important matters to
our attention.

As Dr. Billy Graham, our great 20th century evangelist, has aptly
aid, in paying tribute to bur disabled veterans last Memorial >ay,
we who have profited so greatly by their sacrifice must not forget the

SO THIRTT-SIE.VE3SFTB: NATIONAL REPORT

debt we owe these noble men who bear wounds that well might have
been our own." May God bless you all.

First JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER HIETAI/A. At this time the Chair
will entertain a motion to accept and refer to the proper committee
the report of John Burris, director of employment.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON. Comrade commander, we are privileged
to hear an outstanding report from Burris and we love him and he
mentiond men like Omohundro and men like him, under him like we
have in Texas, of Kehoe (?) and Stanley Spain ( ? ) , I move this report
be accepted and referred to the respective convention committees.

Comrade JESSE CARL HAUL, (Chapter No. 1, Alabama). Second the
motion.

First JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER HIETALA. Any discussion? All
those in favor?
Those opposed?
So carried.

I will call on our national adjutant for the purpose of an announce-
ment.

National ADJUTANT CORBLTT. We still have not received the caucus
reports of districts Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 14.

Those that are not in, please get them to our office, or Miss McGuire
or myself.

The registration as of 15 minutes ago, is 998. It appears in the
corridors and the convention that we have many more people than that
here so those of you who have not registered, we suggest that you
register. This is quite a bit below a Monday afternoon normally.

Frank Williams would like to tell you about the entertainment pro-
gram for the rest of the day. Chairman Frank Williams.

Convention Chairman WHAJAMS. Comrades, the daylight hours are
<conimg to a close, of course, with our daylight savings about 8 o'clock
However, there is an evening program that is very important to this
convention. One that, of course, takes on a sacred aspect. It is the
memorial service to our deceased comrades. Very many hours have
been spent to put this together. We have prayed over it, we wanted
to show that the delegates will give it the reverence that it requires
It is in this room and the participants, of course, will be the clergy*
along with our National Chaplain.

Your Spends, citizens of Buffalo, are invited to our memorial serv-
ice^aufsaders that are not members of our organization. There will be
some of them here, of course, but very emphatically do I say that you

T S 71 wl * * f i riends t0 5 me in with y u on tha * occasion. J

^ry^c^Co^ld^ ^ announcem ^ ts f OT today. Thank you

National Adjutant DOUBLY. When we recess we will meet in this

b^Z r^ ^ ^ 1 ^^ 111 ^^ ? :3 ,: A** the first OTder ^ business will

our effort ^SrSf M ^K lark ' chairman of the legislative division of

f First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. We will have the award

' EIInd

4? n ? prize drawing was made.)

jToD^m^erJEIiBrALA. We won't retire the colors.

Drrow

DISABLED AMERICAN VETE&ANS 81

National Chaplain PICKETT. I will ask the Tennessee Department
Chaplain Holley to pronounce the benediction.

Rev. KNOX HOLLEY (Tennessee). Our most omnipotent heavenly
Father, creator of the universe, giver of all good things, we again
humbly come to Thee thanking Thee for the fine fellowship, the busi-
ness that we have had here today. We commit these things unto Thy
hands. We thank Thee for the goodness Thou hast shown us in days
gone by, and Lord, we do ask that Thou will be with us as we depart
here tonight. Watch over us, care for us, and may Thy abiding love
be in our hearts at all times. Amen.

(Whereupon, at 5 :30 p. m., the convention was recessed until 9 :30
a. m. the following day.)

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Monday Evening, August 19, 1957

The memorial service of the 36th National Convention of the Dis-
abled American Veterans was held in the grand ballroom, Hotel Stat-
ler, Buffalo, N. Y., at 8 :30 p. m., Monday, August 19, 1957. Assistant
National Adjutant Feighner called the service to order.

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. Ladies and gentlemen, del-
egates to the 36th national convention ; our 36th annual national me-
morial service, "The Lost Chord," by Proctor and Sullivan, New York
Naval Base Band, Warrant Officer D. W. Stauffer, directing.

(The Lost Chord.)

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. We, the living disabled
American veterans, are privileged to come here tonight to pay our
most reverent respects and to honor our dead.

Jn this memorial service of the 36th National Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans on August 19, 1957, in the city of Buf-
falo, N. Y., particularly we wish to remember those of our comrades
who were called to the great beyond since we last met.

Invocation by Rabbi Harry Bevis, Chaplain, United States Veter-
ans' Administration Hospital, Buffalo.

Rabbi HARRY BEVIS. Almighty God, Eternal Ruler of the universe,
Thou art revealed in the heart of man and in nature. Thou art also
manifest in the lives of great men and in the righteousness of na-
tions. Keep our beloved land forever righteous and just, strengthen
the bonds of friendship and fellowship among all the inhabitants of
our land. Plant virtue in every soul and may Thy name hallow every
home and every heart.

Bless those who are gathered here this day in the interests and for
the welfare of our beloved Nation, and in the honored memory of
those who are no longer with us. Endow them with courage and dig-
nity to fulfill their responsibility with justice and dignity. They are
intimately acquainted with the destruction and ravages that follow
all wars. Inspire them to guide our country to remain strong and just
and free so that the call to war and the clash of ^arms shall not re-
sound in our land. And during their deliberations here we pray
Thee, O God, in the words of Thy prophet Isaiah, may the spirit of
the Lord rest upon them; the spirit of wisdom and understanding;
the spirit of counsel and might; the spirit of knowledge and of the
fear of the Lord. Amen.

82 a^BCntTY-fiOEIVENTH: NATIONAL RECPORT

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. The Lord's Prayer, Miss
Florence Metzler, soloist ; Miss Mary Mahoiiey, accompanist. . ./ , ,

(The Lord's Prayer.)

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGBCNER. The address, Rev, Ru-
dolph Liesinger, Chaplain, United States Veterans' Administration
Hospital, Buffalo.

Rev. RUDOLPH LIESINGER. As we members of the Disabled Ameri-
can Veterans assemble here tonight in reverence to honor our. dead,
let each of us be ever conscious of this fact that in the destinies of
men. the silhouettes of our dead go marching on. Because of them
our lives are free. Because of them our Nation lives. It is therefore,
in my mind, decent and in order that we assemble here, members of
many faiths, to take time out of our busy lives to honor the memory
of our war dead and those who have advanced from this life to a
more abundant life during the past year. And to do this not as indi-
viduals in our own particular way but to do it corporately and I
might say we can thank Almighty God that this Nation has been pre-
served that we do have the right to so assemble. . , ; , ;

At this moment, a solemn moment, where those who have saved a
country and keep alive in their minds their comrades, many mirids
recall their friends and their loved ones, that eternal question, "Why ?"
Again that thought is repeated continually. Our faith is repeatedly
put to the test by this question, "Why ?" As we wonder over the ques-
tion of "Why?", we know that it is no mystery to us. We know that
every child that passes through the dark of birth must eventually
make an exit through the portal called death. The date and the, hour
remain unknown. - .

Now this knowledge which many people, of course, like to put way
into the background, is a reality, and personally, I like to think of it
as the one supreme reality of life. It is not distressing, it is not a
morbid thought, and most certainly it should not be terrifying to a
healthy mind. We, of necessity, must accept it as simply one of the
confining limits in which we must live this part of our eternal life,
the temporal life being but a, fraction of the eternal.

Again, at this point there are many people who would have you
believe that the eternal sphere of life begins when this temporal life
ends, but the truth most certainly is that at this very moment, as from,
the moment of birth, we are living in the eternal. ! .'. .

Again I like to think that and especially in caring for the dying
and their loved ones as we look upon birth and death, they have this
in common, they are alike, they are but changes in our mode of living
and death, we believe, is the means, the only way by which we gain
an entrance into a fuller, a more abundant life that is far greater in all
respects than anything we have ever known here on earth. But even
with this faith and even with this knowledge we sorrow. And we
sorrow because of our personal loss, the loss of our loved ones, of our
comrades and of our friends. We sorrow but we do not grieve for
St. Paul said : "For by faith we know with certainty that our times
are in God's hands and as a father loveth a child so God loves us."

It has been well said that God has placed two wonderful lamps in
the hands of man. One is the lamp of hope, which is to lighten our
way through the uncertain future of life. And the other lamp that
(jrod has given is the lamp of memory which leads us back through the
past to scenes and experiences of yesterday. It is by the use of this

IttSABLE'D AMERICAN VETERANS 83

seebhd lamp tonight, this lamp of memory, we again can look into the
races of those whom we have loved and have lost but for a little while.
[ndeed, these have been great gifts that God has given to man. We
ire rich in their possessions and I dare say that life without either
>life : of them would have but little meaning.

Today in this modern world of ours catch phrases are used not only
n selling cigarettes as well as in other things commercial, but often
i^e-hear the words of the play, Julius Caesar, act 3, scene , where
Shakespeare put into the mouth of Mark Anthony when he wrote
;he$e lines for his speech over the mutilated body of Julius Caesar :
'The evil men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their
JOnes." Of course, the evil does live after a man, but the good is not
Buried nor is it forgotten. As I grow older by the grace of God in some
Aspects I grow wiser. I know that nothing is more certain than the
.nfluence of a good and a noble person. It is the memory of that
goodness that inspires the living, as the British say, to carry on and to
follow in their steps in the periods of temptation, and their example
rives us strength to withstand the evil. In periods of doubt their
nemory gives us assurance, in time of sorrow they give us comfort,
ind they give us guidance for they first have gone that way.

It is through the example of others that heroes are born. So I say
TO do not grieve but we sorrow knowing well that death is not the end
>ut the beginning, knowing it is not to oe a tragedy but a reality and
i victory. May the memory of our dead, our war dead, those who
members of this organization who have passed away in the past

fear^ each and every one of them, serve to remind us of that great
;ruth that worthwhile life here and now depends on one thing, it de-
pends on a daring trust in God. And having come to know that great
irttth.,' let us also know that truth which follows, that in the life to
lome, the life to come depends on nothing else than a daring trust
n God.

In closing, a great hymn comes to mind which I believe will aid
>ach of us in comprehending the passage of life through death.

God of the living in whose eyes
tJnveiled Thy whole creation lies,
All souls are Thine. We must not say
That those are dead who pass away.
From this our world of care set free
"We know them living unto Thee.

Released from earthly toil and strife

With Thee is hidden still their life.

Thine are their thoughts, their works, their powers

All Thine. And yet most truly ours.

For well we know wher'er they be,

Our dead are living unto Thee.

Not spilt like water on the ground

Not wrapped in dreamless sleep profound,

Not wandering in unknown despair

Beyond Thy voice, Thine arm, Thy care.

Not left to lie like a f alien tree

Not dead, but living unto Thee.

O breather into man of breath,

O holder of the keys of death,

O giver of the life within,

Save us from death, the death of sin.

The body, soul and spirit be,

Forever living unto Thee. Amen.

84 TIURTY-StEYE!NTH: JSTATIOOtfAL R'EQPORT

("Panis Angelicus" by Cesar Franck; United States Naval Base
Band, New York, Warrant Officer D. W. Stauffer directing.)

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. In the tableau will be the
national commander of the Auxiliary, the national commander of the
DAV, the 14 district committeemen, the 14 district committeewomen,
Staff Sergeant Becker and Sergeant Sweet from the United States
Marines. . .

(As the roll of districts was called, the national executive commit-
teemen of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Disabled Amer-
ican Veterans Auxiliary, placed a flower in a vase in memory of
deceased comrades.)

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. Benediction by Kev. Joseph
C. Pickett, national chaplain, Disabled American Veterans.

National Chaplain PICKETT. O Lord, support us all the day long
of this troublous life, until the dizzy world is hushed, until the fever
of life is over, until the shadows lengthen and our work on earth is
done. In Thy great mercy grant us safe lodging, holy rest, and peace
at last through Christ, our Lord and Saviour in Whose name we pray.
Amen.

(Taps, by Willard Landscheft, national convention bugler, Greater
Buffalo chapter No. 1, N. Y<, Disabled American Veterans.)

TUESDAY MORNING SESSION
August 20, 1957

The second business session of the 36th national convention of the
Disabled American Veterans was held in the grand ballroom of the
Hotel Statler, Buffalo, -M^Y*, at 9: 30 a. m. Tuesday, August 20, 1952;

National Commander BURKE. Will the officer of the day form the
color guard in the rear of the room ?

I am now going to make a statement of earth-shaking importance*
Good morning.

Officer of the day, advance the colors.

(Colors were posted.)

National Commander BUBKE. Officer of the day, retire the color-
guard.

(Color guard retired.)

National Commander BURKE. The chaplain will lead us in divine
guidance and at the same time may be pray for the soul of Earl Sp&n ( -
cer, of Long Beach, who passed away last night.

National Chaplain PICKETT. O Lord, in Whom we live and move
and have our being, in whose hands are the souls of the living and
the dead, we mercifully commend unto Thee the soul of our departed
comrade, asking Thy divine strength and blessings upon his bereaved
family and friends. Comfort and guide us only as Thou can as our
.Father who doeth all things well.

Make us glad according to the years of our affliction, restoring unto
us our wasted days. Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon
us and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work
of our hands establish Thou it, through Christ our Lord we pray in
whom our labor is not in vain according to Thy promise. Amen.

National Commander BURKE. The Chair wishes to point out that
haying been a campaigner for national office for 5 years, he appre-
ciates the need for politicking, but will J. C. Broome get that sixth

D.ISAB:LE.T> AMERICAN- VETERANS 85

district caucus going and send in their committeemen, because we-
can't get the convention going until we get it, and we have a very
important meeting of the rehabilitation committee as soon as we have
all those names.

I had just as bad a night last night as the delegates did. I don't
want too much noise in the background because it affects my hearing.
Besides, we have some very important people on this platform tm&
morning that we need to give our careful consideration. Here again
to speak for the Veterans' Administration is a very capable individual
who, through this past year, although we have not had many private
meetings we have talked on the phone, but to the best of his ability
and facetiously, to the limitations ox the policy of the Veterans'
Administration, Dr. Middleton has tried to do a good job for thetdis-
abled veteran. I am sure that you will appreciate as well as I, that
Dr. Middleton comes here this morning to talk about his specific
branch of the Veterans 5 Administration which is the medical branch,,
so it gives me a great deal of pleasure to present to this convention
the Chief Medical Director of the Veterans' Administration, Dr.
W. S. Middleton.

Dr. W. S. MIDDLE-TON (Chief Medical Director, Veterans' Admin-
istration). Commander Burke, Disabled American Veterans, and
friends, it is indeed a privilege to come before you this morning and
to give you the message of veteran medicine as practiced through the
direction of the Department of Medicine and Surgery. As a matter
of fact, I had a preview of what was going to happen here because I
did come up by plane last evening delayed until 10 : 30, but had made
connection from a holiday on the west coast to enable me to make
this particular engagement. En route Mrs. Middleton turned on- -the
radio. Commander Burke was having an interview as we came across
South Dakota. In the course of that interview by the way, he made
a very good case for your particular organization he cited the fact
that there were 200,000 members, 200,000 disabled American veterans
belonging to this particular organization. Of course, it represents a
broad segment but not as large a segment of the disabled veterans as
we should like to see. But what a force in American life, what a
force in the interests of the disabled American veteran 200,000 mem-
bers of this organization may be.

A vacation or holiday for the Chief Medical Director may have
somewhat of the aspect of the busman's holiday. As a matter of fact,
when I laid out the itinerary from Washington, it was to visit certain
outlying hospital installations. I visited 11. ISTine of these were
so-called peripheral or isolated stations. Ladies and gentlemen, the
isolated stations are isolated only geographically. So far as my
thinking is concerned, they are an integral part and a very important
element in the total program. But we started in Sioux Falls, S. Dak.,
then to Fort Mead, S. Dak., Hot Springs, S. Dak., Sheridan, Wyo.,
and then for a breathing space went through the Grand Tetons and
out to the west coast.

On the west coast, visited Portland, Oreg. ; Vancouver, Wash. ; and
Seattle, Spokane, Wash.; then Fort Harrison in Montana, Boise
pardon me, en route simply looked over Fort Harrison, Mont., and
Miles City, Mont.

I speak of the peripheral hospitals because it is ail important part
of our function to see that the quality of medical care is maintained

g(J TECIRTT-SiEVEKTH NATIONAL. REiPORT

at the highest level in all stations. A certain philosophy would have
satellite hospitals. In my judgment a satellite hospital is to bespeak
a downgrading in staffing and downgrading in medical care. It is
perfectly true we cannot staff all our hospitals in all specialists but
these peripheral hospitals, to the everlasting credit of my prede-
cessors and my associates presently are well staffed in the main. There
are certain points of weakness that we would strengthen but in any
event there is no design on our part to have parent hospitals and
satellites that would have a subsidiary glace in our total planning.

In the first place the peripheral hospital has a mission, geographi-
cally, to a segment of the veterans that will not be reached in medical
centers and accordingly, it will be protected and preserved.

In the second place, a pride. I recall vividly coming back to the
Pacific Conference in Washington the last of July 1945, and a Pacific
Conference that was not too pacific, I might say, and having one of the
high officers and certain general officers of the Army say, "Middleton,
what in the is wrong in the European theater ?"

"What do you mean, 'What is wrong 5 ?" "We have fine medicals
but everyone that comes from there says his hospital is the best hos-
pital, his company is the best company, his platoon, his squadron is
the best squad. What do you mean by it ? "

I said, "If they didn't think they are the best they wouldn't be the
best."

And he said, "You are just as bad about it as they are."

I am just as bad about good medicine in our hospitals as any
member of the staff in those hospitals. I might say that the criticism
that has been directed toward the veteran hospital arouses a certain
resistance on my part, because I was a dean for many years, dean of
medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School. In that particular
connection I am reminded of the comment of President Frank when
I accepted his challenge. He said, "Now, Bill, do you know what is
a dean ?"

I said, "I am sorry. I have been trying to think for 3 days what
a dean is."

He says, "A dean is a chap who is too dumb to teach and too bright
to be president."

Actually, from those years of experience as dean I know the prob-
lems of administration within the medical school. I know that this
particular design of dean's committee affiliation has been a godsend
to the American veteran by reason of the fact that we have at first-
hand the counsel and advice of the leaders of American medicine in all
of the hospitals that are adjacent to the medical centers.

In the total, friends, there are some 84 of our hospitals who profit,
and I mean profit medically speaking in the affiliation with dean's
committees with certainly two medical schools. At this present
moment there are 79,000 veterans in hospitals receiving better care bv
reason or this association.

There will have been aroused in your minds some question as to
SSSftyf^r ^^J?rains. May I say that in this particular
Aspect of the hfeblood in the strengthening of staff, youWer staff

^ ^^ haS be - f J W" d ^ f & P-

tS^^r' ^ Chi6f dical director before Admiral Boono
this particular vision and it has carried into the medical program

BIStABLrETD AME'RICAN 1 VETERANS, 87

a life stream that could not be duplicated by money or other means.
Research programs, and you will admit that we have a responsi-
bility for advancing the frontiers of medicine, and without the oppor-
tunities that are afforded us and hi fact the responsibilities that come
from the care of the sick or disabled American veteran, we would not
see the quality of care given the individual patient and I speak of in-
dividual patients because when I go into a hospital, friends, I have
been in over 145 of our 173 hospitals, I do not go in with white gloves
and look for dust. I go in with a stethoscope and listen to patients.
My old chief, General Hawley, used to say that the only excuse for
the existence of a hospital, and certainly the only excuse for a depart-
ment of medicine and surgery in the Veterans' Administration, is the
care of the sick and disabled veteran. I know of no better way to
judge of the .quality of that care than by going at firsthand to the
bedside of the sick and disabled veteran, reviewing his case record,
going over him carefully, physicially, and determining for myself
at firsthand just what is going on in that particular service. You
cannot do that from the rarified atmosphere of central office and I
assure you I have no Potomac fever. As a matter of fact, friends,
I have said that in an almost unconscious moment that I could smell
a good hospital as soon as I came in the front door and I can smell
a poor hospital at a much longer distance away.

You veterans may well be proud of the services rendered your asso-
ciates in our hospitals. I know there is good medicine abroad and
if there is any question in your mind I want to know it firsthand.
I go to fires at the slightest provocation and there is no fire too small
for me to attend.

In this respect I will particularly direct your attention to one prob-
lem that confronts all of us and I am not speaking personally now
because I feel very young at heart this morning. The aging popula-
tion is one that is particularly concerning medicine at largje in this
.and all countries enlightened to advances in scientific thinking. We
have in our hospital system, 9,600 veterans who may be termed long-
term veterans. You may, in the service organization of your group
and among the service workers and rehabilitation committeemen,
realize that I have resisted the term "intermediate care." Gentlemen,
there is no intermediate care for an American veteran. I believe in
high quality care and I would never countenance the setting up of
separate hospitals for so-called long-term patients.

Now just what is a long-term patient? Long-term patients are
patients who apparently have derived maximum benefit and are not
susceptible of home or community care. There is a policy that we
will defend to the last ditch that no patient or veteran will be dis-
charged f rom our hospitals who does not have provisions in the home
or community for his care. This is not only a humane principle but
it is also a policy to which the American public subscribes completely.
In this relation then, 9,600 veterans either patients or miembers in
domiciliaries have come to the point where there is need for continuing
medical or nursing care and not a prospect very bright for discharge.
Every force within the Veterans' Administration has been directed to-
a study of this problem. In the first place we have said that we will
not have long-term hospitals. There was an experience at Fort
Thomas in this direction which failed miserably.

20331 58 7

gg THXRTY-SEVED>TTH: ^ATIOOSTAL REPORT

In the first place your staff falls off and as soon as staffing decli:
then the care of the veteran deteriorates. We shall not countena]
this particular position. Accordingly, 9,600 veterans scattered amc
our 173 hospitals, 121,000 beds would give something in the neighb
hood of 8 percent. ]STow that figure will increase with, the advanci
years and accordingly it will mean that we shall have a future
which there will be an increasing problem in the care of long-te
patients derived largely from the aging population. I do not thi
this is a problem apart from the American veteran. It affects
entire population of this country. We just happen to be a segnu
of that particular group. But with the individual hospital will
based the responsibility of designing the method of care. It may
in segmentation of these patients into separate wards or a separ
building. Elsewhere it may mean an integration within the act
medical service. In all cases the patient will have complete medi

care.

The chance of rehabilitation has been too optimistically viewed
certain of our staff. When one of our information bulletins ca
out for October with 50 percent in a given hospital in Florida, loi
term patients rehabilitated, I said, "Don't you see what you are ask
for?" And this particular representative said, "Why no, I think t!
is a very good figure."

I said, "It is entirely too optimistic. I am told the populatioi
moving in three directions: Florida, Texas, and California, and
do not want all our veterans in that particular area and what is m<
50 percent is entirely too rosy a figure." So that they reduced cert
other figures and brought it down very perceptibly to about 25 f
cent. Again, friends, this is entirely too high. If in these lo
term patients we have rehabilitation and resocialization so that t]
merely return to home and society of 5 to 8 percent, it will be a g<
figure. So that we will do our level best. There is every effort m
in our committees for discharge and our programs of activities wit
the domiciliaries and these are the forgotten veterans, do not overlc
and in our hospitals to see that every agency now I start with m
ical care, psychiatric care, psychological care, come to the phys:
methods that are available. Occupation, physical therapy, exer<
therapy, everything that can be done to motivate these veterans
that they will wish to get back into society and into their pro
channels of normal living.

A hospital is not the normal existence of any of us. And accc
ingly* ^e must bring into this picture the social forces. The so
forces are exceedingly important in bridging the gap, between t
tective hospital or domiciliary and society.

I am reminded of the fact that they have made certain strides
Great Britain, the Scandinavian countries. In 1954 1 looked over
Scandinavian picture and last year over the British picture and I
convinced they have certain elements in the cottage-type of care
the freedom of movement between the hospital and the home, t
we somewhat lack ; that they have definite designs for crafts that
not well developed in this country; on the small home or the cotts
type of plan.

We return to the flexibility. May I say that one of my partici
objectives in the early future is to see a greater flexibility of me
ment in and out of our hospitals. For example, in one of these B

DISABLED AJVtE'RICAJST VETETliASSrS 89

ish hospitals "while I was talking to the manager, a woman came in
and said, "We are going for a holiday at Brighton. We will be gone
for a fortnight and we wonder whether 'Pop 5 may come in for that
two weeks 5 time."

Immediately the manager said, "Yes, by all means." And turned
to me as she went out and said, "They will be the first to request the
return of the father to the home when they come back from their,
holiday."

Now that movement can only be developed by a more flexible plan
than we have in our admission policy. But look on this, friends, as
a direction of growth and it is my firm conviction that by reason of the
responsibility placed in our hands we have an opportunity for lead-
ership in American medicine that is unequaled in this particular
area just as it was in the case of the tuberculosis veteran and in the
case of the neuropsychiatric veteran. We are not going to fumble-
this particular opportunity, I assure you.

It orings to each and everyone of you a personal responsibility
and I would be remiss if I did not call your attention to the tremen-
dously fine effort of the volunteer service within the Veterans' Ad-
ministration. We have a ratio that is entirely too far on the feminine
side* It is the women of our particular families, it is the devoted
wife, devoted sister, daughter, carrying the load that you and I should
be carrying in our full share. It is perfectly true that the veterans are
exceeding anxious to see these devoted women who give of their services
so abundantly, but it is equally true that they iniss their comrades in
arms who rather sloughed this particular responsibility off on their
womenfolk.

May I close by saying that there is a particularly impressive detail
of this responsibility that I encounter as I go into our hospitals for
the mentally ill. There are literally thousands of veterans who have
seen neither family nor friends for 5, 10 and even 20 years. This is
a circumstance that should certainly impress itself indelibly upon
your thinking and, more important, upon your actions.

It has been a privilege to be with you this morning, and I have
opened my heart for this audience. I am very grateful for your sup-
port of our program. Thank you. [Applause.]

National Commander BURKE. Thank you very much, Dr. Middleton.

I am going to put the senior vice commander in the chair in a few
moments. I have to go out and get that doughnut.

A person will always take a certain amount of pride 2 especially
when ne spells his name with an "E" on the end, of introducing another
Irishman although we were both born in this country. We often say
the world is made up of two kinds of people. Those who are Irish
and those who wish they were. But I have a friend here who, as a
man in his own right, his own employment, is a representative of the
United States Civil Service. He works here in the second region, but
he is more than that. I had the privilege of attending a convention
which is probably the most limited group of veterans in the world
because of their membership requirement. I'd like to introduce to
this convention, and express to him the appreciation for the way his
convention received me in Lakeland, Fla., and showed your national
-commander a wonderful time. I was with some of the greatest
heroes that this country has ever known. From the Congressional
Medal of Honor Society, Thomas J. Kelly.

90 TKT.RTY-SlEVEiNTH: NATIONAL R'EIPORT

(The convention rose to applaud Mr. Kelly* )

National Commander BURKE. Needless to say that is not "Com-
mando" Kelly.

Once upon a time I spoke at a banquet for a department commander
of N"ew York. He is a past department commander of New York now.
But I had the privilege of saying something which I have meant as
regards his person and will always be able to say. One of the kind-
liest, most gentlemanly disabled veterans I ever met is a resident here
of the city of Buffalo. I think that if all of us could expose the same
exterior to the world that Antoine Kimaid does it would be a better
world to live in and I repeat one of the finest gentlemen and disabled
veterans that I have ever met. Antoine.

Comrade ANTOINE KIMAID. Thank you very much. Commander
Burke. As a Buffalonian I would like to extend my very best wishes
and welcome to all the delegates who are attending the national con-
vention here in our beloved city of Buffalo.

My job here at this very minute is to present an award to a very
great lady in our midst, a great lady who has done a wonderful job
for all veterans in our local veteran hospitals and in the city of Buf-
falo.

Mrs. Dunn, once again it is my great pleasure to present to you an
award from the Disabled American Veteran organization. Four years
ago, as the State Commander of the Department of New York, I
presented you an award from our station and today, 4 years later,
it is my great privilege and an honor to present you an award from
the national organization of the DAV. We, in Buffalo, and the State
of New York, know the great work that Mrs. Dunn has done for the
veterans in our hospitals. Those of you who come from far and wide
will witness a show on Friday evening at 8 : 30 in this ballroom, a
show of "Stars of Tomorrow" and you will know that Mrs. Dunn
has always performed a duty and a wonderful job for disabled Amer-
ican veterans in our city.

Mrs. GRACE Dinsrsr. Thank you very, very much, Commander Kim-
aid, and Commander Burke, and Disabled American Veterans. I feel
very humble, very grateful. I shall continue just as long as I am able,
to bring entertainment to both the hospitals and the Army camps
about our community. So without further ado I shall say thank you
so very, very much for this great honor. I shall cherish it forever.
Thank you very much.

National Commander BURKE. The Chair is going to yield for the
purpose of an introduction but he would like to say something about
the next speaker. He is from Massachusetts and now working for the
Veterans' Administration but you are going to be listening for the
next 10 minutes to 2 good Republicans. They are both out of work.
At least this Democrat is still at work. Dave Williams.

Fourth Junior Vice Commander DAVTD B. WILLIAMS. Thank you,
Commander Joe. Distinguished guests, comrades, I approach this
duty, a solemn and yet pleasant duty, with mixed emotions. It is in
a sense with a great deal of sorrow that I make this next introduc-
tion because a year ago at this time I had hoped to present him as the
Orovernor of the Commonwealth of Masschusetts. But then, a^ain,
my sorrow is to a large degree allayed by the fact that the loss to the
Commonwealth at least, as I felt, was a gain to the veterans and par-
ticularly those concerned with VA insurance.

DISlABLED AMEIlICAlSr VETERAN'S, 91

For many years in Massachusetts, it has been my privilege and
pleasure to be intimately associated with the next speaker in the af-
fairs of the Commonwealth of all descriptions and I might say as
floor leader of my party and his party, and one of the two major par-
ties, shall we say, in the country, he at all times was more than con-
siderate of the welfare of veterans generally and particularly of our
interests and the gain to the country and to us here in the DA V by his
ascension, if I may say, to the Directorship of the Division of Insur-
ance in Washington I think will be noted with the passage of time.

I look forward to a pleasant relationship on the part of our overall
organization as we have in the past on a personal level and it gives
me a great deal of pride and pleasure to present to you the former
Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and the present Director of
the Division of Insurance of the Veterans' Administration, Sumner
Whittier.

Mr. STJMNER WHITTIER (VA Director of Insurance Division).
Dave, Commander Burke, all the very distinguished guests on this
platform : There was a professor that was about to take a swim, at
least he was in a bathing suit standing by a pool, and just at that
point an attractive lady walked by and as she did so she slipped and
the camera she was carrying fell into the water. She turned to the
professor and said, "Sir, would you mind getting that camera in the
pool for me?"

He said, "I would be delighted, but I am a little bit puzzled by one
thing. With all these vigorous young men around here why would
you ask an old codger like me to go into the pool for your camera?"
She said, "I am in one of your classes in statistics at the University
and I never saw anybody who can go down deeper, stay down longer,
and come up dryer than you !"

I will express the greetings of the Department of Insurance; L
won't go down too deep, stay down too long, and come up too dry.
When I came to the Veterans' Administration I discovered there
wasn't a single Democrat there. There were only 176,000 people dedi-
cated to the cause of the veterans of this Nation and it is in that spirit
that I come to you. I have hardly heard the words mentioned, Dave,
since I came to Washington.

It certainly is a great privilege and pleasure for me to be at a
DAV convention and incidentally, VA is only DAV backwards, and
discover so many close personal friends like Dave, like Caesar .Don-
naruma, and so many others. .

I attended this morning with "Cap" Hogan the service officers
meeting and believe me, it was lively. As Dr. Middleton, who is
typical of the very dedicated people in VA, said, there are some
nearlv 200,000 disabled veterans who are members of this organiza-
tion but there are 1,200,000 disabled veterans in America, roughly.
There are a potential of a million others who might well be members
of your organization and could they see, as I saw this morning, the
aggressiveness, the interest with which your service officers Bought
the cause of the veterans, fought the cause of all the Cabled veterans
in America, I am sure they would hasten to join. It has been my
verv pleasant privilege in Washington to discover the great enthusi-

92 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

national insurance officer, work in the interests of the disabled vet-
erans. They do a fine and an outstanding job.

As an outsider, as someone who is new to the VA, it has been of
great interest to me to discover the sense of dedication that the people
in the VA have from the very top to the very bottom to work for the
veterans of this Nation. Since I have been the Chief Insurance Di-
rector I have met many of my old friends who are veterans and talked
with them a little bit about insurance and many times I have said,
"Have you kept your insurance?" And I have been staggered by the
number who have not. May I suggest to you this is a good program.
It is a sound program. It is a good insurance policy. Protect, keep
it, see that your policies do not lapse. And may I suggest, too, that
there is one way you can do that. If you now pay on a monthly basis
it certainly would help the Department of Insurance, but in a sense
it would protect you, from the possibility of having your policies
lapse to change it to a quarterly or a semiannual or even an annual
basis.

One other thing. There is one problem that disturbs us very deeply.
There are 20,000 World War I veterans holders of USGLI type of
insurance who have not converted. If you take the term type insur-
ance it goes up every 5 years. Did you see these steps? Only the
early steps are very low and the final steps are extraordinarily high.
When a veteran gets to be 60 or 65 or 75 just when he needs his in-
surance most and when his income is sharply cut by retirement, it
is that point that his insurance, if he has the term type, is highest.

For example at the age of 40 if you have the term type you pay
$9, roughly, per thousand. But if you are 70, you pay $72/ If you
are 85 you pay $313, but if you are 90, and we have 1 veteran who is
91 who is now paying per thousand $652 on his insurance.

Twenty thousand World War I veterans who did not convert.

So that is a problem. But what concerns us even more deeply
is that there are 3% million veterans who are insured from Worlcl
War H who have not yet converted and who are going to be faced
upon their retirement with this tremendous increase. And so I urge
you, if it is financially possible, to convert.

It has been a great delight and a great pleasure for me to have
this opportunity to come to this convention. We shall in the future,
as I know you have and the VA has in the past, we of the Department
of Insurance will work together in a common cause with the veterans
of this Nation. As Abraham Lincoln said, "Let us strive on to finish
the work we are now in, to bind up the Nation's wounds and to care
for many who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and
his orphan," as we do in insurance, "and to do all within our power to
achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace." [Applause.]

Senior Vice Commander Paul Frederick (now presiding) . Thank
you very much, Mr. Whittier for your words.

At this time the Chair would like to bring to the microphone for
the purpose of his annual report, our legislative director, Maj. Omer
Clark. I am sure you will find his report quite informative as to
his work that has been done on the legislative program this year.
te and his assistant, Mr. Freudenberger, have done an excellent job
this past year. His work has certainly borne fruit, and I am sure you
will find in his report the results of this work of him and his staff

.DISABLED AMERICAN" VETEBiAMlS. 93

So at this time I present to you, Maj. Omer Clark, our legislative

director.

REPORT OF OMER TF. CLARK, DIRECTOR OP LEGISLATION"

Director of Legislation CLARK. Commander Burke, officers, dele-
gates, ladies and gentlemen, the national convention of the Disabled
American Veterans, held in San Antonio, Tex., in August 1956,
adopted 105 resolutions. Accomplishment of the proposals contained
in 70 of those resolutions require action by the United States Con-
gress, while the desired results suggested in 35 might be attained by
the administrative action of Government agencies.

Immediately after the receipt of the approved resolutions in the
Washington office, the work of classifying, indexing, mimeographing,
and binding was begun and completed. Conferences were held with
Captain Hogan, Mr. Burris, Mr. Cash, and Mr. Freudenberger. It
was agreed that Mr. Hogan would contact those agencies which had
authority to administratively change the policy, or procedure, so as
to accomplish what was intended by the resolutions falling within his
field of responsibility. Mr. Burns would follow the same line of
approach in the division of employment. Both Captain Hogan and
Mr. Burris have followed through on their respective assignments.
They have kept the office of legislation informed regarding their pro-
grams and their accomplishments. There has been the utmost con-
fidence in each other, and complete cooperation between our respective
divisions.

During the months of November and December 1956, we devoted
much time to the drafting of bills and the selection of Members of
the new Congress to sponsor legislation in which the DAV is inter-
ested. The establishment in the minds of the Members of Congress
the realization that the DAV has created and maintained an enviable
reputation in its efforts to care for the veteran whose disabilities
were incurred in the defense of our country is our most important
task. We look to you to guard our principles in your home com-
munities. By our combined efforts we should be able to convince the
public that our requests are fair and reasonable. This is good public
relations.

Attached is a list showing bills, by subject and number, which have
been introduced in accordance with your mandates. The following
bills have been passed by the House, and/or the House and the Senate.

H. R. 52 (Compensation increase). Passed House May 13, 1957; reported by

Senate Committee on Finance July 18, 1957.
H. R. 53 ( V A codification ) . Now Public Law 85-56.
H. R. 71 (Pension, jailed veterans). Now Public Law 85-24.
H. R. 76 (Statutory awards). Passed House April 1, 1957.
H. R. 358 ( Spanish War widows) . Passed House May 6, 1957.
H. R. 1264 (TB-pension-hospital). Passed House May 6, 1957.
S. 2080 (State bonus not income). Passed Senate May 8, 1957.
S. 1971 (Extend V. R. & B. medical course). Passed Senate July 3, 1957.
H. R. 4602 (Rural G. I. loan bill) . Passed House March 25, 1957.
H. R. 5382 (Survivor benefits). Passed House July 15, 1957.
H. R. 5807 (Missing Persons Act). Passed House May 6, 1957.
H. R. 6070 (Appropriations, independent agencies). Now Public Law 85-69.
H. R. 6191 (Social security offset). Now Public Law 85-109.
H. R. 6523 (War-risk and detention benefits). Now Public Law 85-71.
H. R. 6659 (Housing Act of 1957). Now Public Law 85-104.

94 THIRTY-SiErVEIsTTH XATXOttvTAL R'EiFORT

It was determined that the legislation most needed was an act to
increase compensation payments for service-connected disabilities.
We prepared a bill which was introduced by Congressman Olin
E. Teague of Texas. It was H. R. 51 and, if enacted, it would have
authorized an increase in all compensation payments, including statu-
tory awards and dependency payments to those rated less than 50
percent.

. The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs voted out H. !R. 52,
rather than H. K. 51. That action was taken at a time when all
Members of the Congress were being deluged with demands from
their constituents for a drastic curtailment of Government spending.
It was determined that any effort to secure action on our bill, rather
than H. R. 52, would be playing into the hands of those opposed to
an increase of veterans' benefits and would kill all veterans' legis-
lation during this session of the Congress. All veterans' organiza-
tions united in an effort to secure favorable action on H. K. 52. The
bill was passed by the House without a dissenting vote on May 13,
1957, and finally passed the Senate.

Your national commander made personal calls on leaders in both
the House and the Senate urging favorable action on H. R,. 52. Our
contacts with the chairman and members of the Senate Finance Com-
mittee resulted in favorable action on H. K. 52 by that committee.
This represents a real accomplishment in the face of objections from
the executive departments* As of this writing the measure is stymied
by the debate on civil rights, but the measure has now passed the
Senate, it is on the President's desk, it is awaiting signature and
we are quite confident that he will approve that bill.

Don't let anyone tell you that the provisions of H. It. 52 could have
been broadened, either in committee or on the floor, for that was just
not the case and everyone in the know in politically wise Washington
must surely be convinced that the service- connected veterans fared
well indeed, generally speaking, at the hands of Congress during a.
nonelection year. The struggles we experienced to push H. R. 52
through are still rather painful but if you will read the copy of the
letter attached to each copy of this report, that letter being dated
June 27, 1957, from the Director of the Budget to the chairman of
the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Harry F. Byrd, you will
get an idea of the pressures brought to bear to vitiate, or head off
entirely, the passage of beneficial compensation legislation.

As indicated in my 1956 report, the Bradley Commission recom-
mendations, or at least some of them, are far from dead. Sometimes
during this session we even thought we saw them trying to come in
the back door. It behooves all of us to be constantly vigilant and
to detect, diagnose, and defeat all disruptive moves and unfavor-
able proposals affecting veterans, their widows and children, whether
they be attempted out in the open through a medium of legislation,
or by means of administrative operations of one kind or another,
llie people who would downgrade veterans know some tricks and
are adept at using circuitous methods to accomplish their harmful
purposes, but we, and yon, know many things, too, of defensive na-
ture, and when the occasion warrants I think we veterans' organi-
zations have demonstrated that we can go on the offensive as well.

In that connection, if you will review the record and the report of
the proceedings carried in our own newspaper, the Semimonthly, you

DISABLED AMERICAN" VBTEKiANlS 95

.11 recall that the DAY led the attack on the Bradley Commission
port at the historic series of hearings held by the House Cornmit-
3 on Veterans' Affairs, and that our initial testimony in rebuttal
arked the whole campaign that presented a united veterans 3 organi-
tions front in opposition, to the most destructive aims of the Com-
ission.

H. B. 6191 was reported favorably by the House Committee on Ways
d Means and it carried a section (sec. 2) enabling veterans between
e ages of 50 to 64, inclusive, who are held to be permanently and
tally disabled for social security purposes, and who are in receipt
disability compensation from the Veterans' Administration, to re-
ive the full benefits from both sources, if otherwise in order, without
? set. This provision does not exclude from offset those veterans
jeiving pension benefits from the VA, or those granted retirement
y by the service departments. On the passage of H. B,. 6191 by
3 House it went to the Committee on Finance of the Senate where it
i into difficulty. There was some feeling in that committee that
sn compensation should not be excluded in those cases where the
iial security and VA payments were for the same disability and the
idition had not been aggravated by covered employment. Finally,
i committee reported H. H. 6191 but without section 2, which it
uck out and requested the Social Security Administration to accord
i matter further study and see what could be done to avoid making
ual" payments for the same disability.

5f our legislative representatives, with the support of other inter-

ed organizations, strongly opposed the deletion of section 2, as

ssed by the House, and after the matter had been reconsidered by

> committee, Chairman Byrd made a commendable frank statement

the Senate floor and urged his colleagues to reject the earlier cqm-

ttee report which had stricken section 2 from the bill. This action

s immediately taken by the Senate and then Senator Byrd moved

it section 2 be restored and that H. R. 6191 be passed as thus

ended, making it conform to the House version. This, too, was

omplished in a matter of minutes and the bill then went to the

3sident, who affixed his signature to the new law, Public Law 85-109.

There are numerous bills on a variety of subjects and some of

m DAV measures that have not as yet run the complete legislative

tacle course to emerge with a public law number. In fact, some

Dur cherished bills are still in committee in one House or the other.

e open committee hearings this year have not been as numerous as

isually the case, and some of the most important proposals, includ-

H. R. 52, were decided in committee in executive session. It is

e that the service organizations were given the opportunity to pre-

t their vie\vs in writing, an, of course, through informal contacts

h individual Senate and House Members, but there is something

dno- when extremely important measures are considered finally

iommittee behind closed doors, and persons who are intensely in-

istecl in the outcome, such as the national legislative and other oin-

s of recognized veterans' organizations, are not permitted to appear

>pen hearings and formally present the reasons and arguments in

port of their particular items of proposed legislation. And when

committee is in executive session the members thereof are de-

ped of the often very decided advantages accruing from a ques-

i and answer session, which always follows the formal presenta-

96 TmRTT-HEVENTH JSTATIOCNTAL R'EQPORT

tions at open hearings, and thereby may be influenced in making a
decision that is not tne best possible one based upon the real merits
of the various proposals before them. It must be admitted that we
view the present trend toward executive committee meetings with
considerable skepticism and hope that it is but a passing phase which
will be replaced by the democratic and time-tested procedure of open
hearings where all facets of a given subject can be explored and dis-
cussed by the witnesses and the members of the committee, or subcom-
mittee, having jurisdiction.

Many bills introduced at this session have been analyzed and bills
were prepared by the DAV legislative service, in some instances for
introduction by friendly Members of the Senate and the House, whose
cooperation in this, and other connections in the furtherance of our
legislative programs, is deeply appreciated. It would be unfair to
single out several names for special praise, in view of the vast feeling
of good will displayed toward the DAV by many Members of both
Houses of Congress, even though some of them had to be "sold hard" on
specific proposals, but it does seem very much in order to reiterate
our thanks to Senator Olin Johnston and Representative Olin Teague,
both members of this organization, for their kindness and friendly
cooperation in celebrating the 25th chartered existence of the DAV by
delivering appropriate messages to the Senate and the House in
commemoration.

Senator Charles E. Potter spoke on the floor of the Senate in behalf
of our proposal for a Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Senator
Potter's remarks were very much appreciated and pointed up to the
need for such a committee.

I wish to thank the national commander, the national adjutant,
Capt. Cicero F. Hogan, director of claims, Mr. John W. Burris, di-
rector of employment, and their respective staffs, for the splendid
cooperation, advice and assistance, so freely given to my assistant and
myself whenever we called upon them, and for their initiative in bring-
ing to our attention matters which they believed we should see, and
perhaps concern ourselves with, in the interest of this organization.
In addition to the appreciation which I feel for the outstanding help
given me by Mr. E. M. Freudenberger and Mrs. William E. Tate, I am
grateful to all members of the DA V who responded to our call for help
in our efforts to put across the DAV legislative program during the
past year.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,

BTTEEATT OF THE BUDGET,
Washington, D. C. 9 June 27, 1957.
Hon. ELASEY F. BTTBD,

Chairman, Committee on Finance, United States Senate,
Washington, D. C.

MY BEAR MB. CHAIRMAN : This is in reply to your letter of May 2O, 1957,
requesting the views of the Bureau of the Budget on H. R, 52, to provide Increases
in service-connected disability compensation and to increase dependency
allowances.

This bill raises some important issues of public policy which have been the
subject of intensive study by this administration over a considerable period of
time. On March 5, 1955, the President appointed a Commission on Veterans'
Pensions to study laws and policies pertaining to pension, compensation, and
related nonmedical benefits for veterans and their dependents and to recommend
principles which should govern modernization of these benefits.

In J . Ap ^ il 1956 ' tlie Comrn ission completed an exhaustive review of the tfevelop-
ment and present status of the various programs which assist veterans in their

DISABLED AM*l'RICA]Sr VETBRANB' 97

adjustment to civilian life, provide disability or death compensation to those
cabled in service, or who die from service-connected causes and leave depend-
ts, and assure needy veterans of adequate income for basic necessities.
The Commission's recommendations affect the bulk of our growing veterans'
Dgrams for which the Government is already spending $5 billion yearly, and
srefore concern not only 23 million veterans and their dependents, but all
izens as well. The President directed that the agencies concerned make a most
trough and searching study of its recommendations, and indicated his intention
submitting a message to this session of Congress outlining his recommenda-
n in this field of national policy. However, because of the great scope and
uplexity of the problems involved, the lateness of the session, and the heavy
jislative burdens before the Congress, the President has now concluded it
uld be best to withhold submitting recommendations on the overall aspects of
.s report until the next session.

[n the meantime, the Congress has before it vital legislation in this area on
tich the President has asked me to comment in advance of his general message,
ecifically, H. R. 52, a bill to increase disability compensation rates and de-
idency allowances, is now pending before your committee after passage by the
use. The President has often expressed his determination that service-dis-
led veterans receive sympathetic consideration by the Government. Aceord-
&y, he would favor action that would now give needed and appropriate help
disabled veterans and their dependents without disrupting the development of
sound overall disability compensation structure.

The Commission on Veterans' Pensions emphasized the need for fundamental
provements in our disability compensation system to modernize it and make
equitable. In 1955 the Veterans' Administration began a revision of the
ledule for rating disabilities to assure that it would reflect the current level
medical, economic, and other scientific knowledge. This revision, based on
i existing statutory standard of average impairment of earning capacity, is
w proceeding with the President's approval. He is also directing the
minis tra tor of Veterans* Affairs to develop for submission to Congress a
iedule of supplementary awards which will make equitable provision for such
leconomic factors as loss of physical integrity, social inadaptability, and
)rtened life expectancy. Until completion of . the studies on which these
r isions will be based, it is essential to exercise care in increasing compensation
;es and to avoid changes which may further distort the compensation structure,
r compensation payments to service-disabled veterans now total nearly $1.5
Lion annually and in general are adequate. The need for some increases in
npensation rates is clear, but increases ranging from 10 percent to 30 percent
a first-year cost of $170 million, as proposed in H. R. 52, in our opinion, are
sater than necessary or desirable.

Dwo problems in the disablity compensation area, however, merit immediate
ion. First, in view of the accepted purpose of compensation ; namely to make
for lost or impaired earnings capacity of disabled veterans, it seems apparent
it some relief to the disabled veterans now is necessary in order to maintain
Ir comparative status in our society. Specifically, a moderate increase
;>ears to be warranted in. all veterans' disability compensation rates except the
ser statutory awards to achieve this objective. Dependents* allowances for
abled veterans likewise need to be kept in proper relationship to disability
apensation rates. Service-connected death benefits, however, were thoroughly
jrhauled in the Servicemen's and Veterans' Survivor Benefits Act enacted
t year and are now adequate.

Second, as the President has repeatedly stressed, special consideration should
given to totally disabled veterans. Because the present lOCMpercent disabled
egory encompasses many veterans with disabilities varying greatly in severity,

flat increase proposed by H. R. 52 for all veterans in this group is not justified,
iphasis should be placed on those most in need of help so seriously disabled
to be housebound as a result of their service-connected disability and incapable
supplementing their disability benefits through income from work, yet unable
qualify for the higher statutory awards. This category of disabled veterans
L be identified ; equity demands that they be given compensation to help mate
for their inability to earn outside income. Accordingly, it is suggested that
pecial category be established among the 100-percent disabled, to be called

housebound group, whose basic compensation rate would be raised to $240
nthly.

?he adjustments herein proposed would cost approximately $65 million a
.r. The suggested increases would further evidence our determination to

98

TmRTT-SIEIVKNTH:

REPORT

maintain an equitable and adequate compensation system, so that veterans and
their families will be able, despite their handicaps, to carry forward as self-
reliant citizens.

There are other problems in the field of veterans' benefits which were studied
by the Commission on Veterans' Pensions and which will require action by the
Congress. The non-service-connected pension program, in particular, appears in
need of fundamental revision to bring it up to date. The President will forward
to the Congress at the beginning of its next session his further recommendations
regarding veterans' matters.

Meanwhile, the above proposals for immediate adjustments in the veterans 1
service-connected disability compensation rates are recommended for your
consideration in place of H. R. 52. I am authorized to advise you that the
enactment of H. R. 52 in its present form would not be in accord with the
program of the President.
Sincerely,

PEROIVAL BBTJNDAGE,

Director.

COMPENSATION

1956
Resolution

Nos.

Subjects

BUI Nos.

372

Statutory awards service prior to August 1, 1952

H R 69 H R 2770

374-131

Compensation increases 1 I 1 _ _

H R 51 H R 52 S 39

370-19

Redefinition of widow _1_

S. 535, etc. ' " '
H. R. 3658

244-373

Separate statutory awards

H. R 76 H R 141 EC R

195

Minimum 30 percent POW's

5562.
S. 1994.

270

Minimum 10 percent gas, wounds

H. R. 330 H R 3867

229

Protection, service-connection!

H. R 405 H R" 6716*

295

Presumption, cancer _

H. R 924 etc

293

Presumption, psychoses _ _ _ .

H R 924 etc"

123

Presumption, multiple sclerosis

EC R 924 etc

202

Dependency allowance, all rates _

H R 51, 'H R 404 S 535

PENSION

30

346
211

Exclude widows' commercial insurance as income-rjension

purposes. *
Oppose stoppage of pension where veterans live abroad
Increase pension income limits

H. R. 416, H. R. 5815.

.H. R. 62, H. R. 63. <aliens).
H. R. 122, H. R. 406, H. R.

407, S. 1, S. 40, etc.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION

76

Extension for medical reasons

H R 6426

380

Education children of 100 percent service-connected veterans.

H. R. 5930.

HOSPITAL, MEDICAL, OR DENTAL CARE

285

355

23

384

Recognition of chiropractors by Veterans' Administration

Continuing dental care

VA hospitalization, retired personnel

More domiciliary homes

H. R. 968, H. R. 2178.
H. R. 2172.
H. R. 2174, S. 542.
H. R. 309, H, R. 403, H. R.
2152, S. 1530.

EMPLOYMENT

31
40

Retention credits, disabled veterans, in Government reduc-
tion-in-force programs.
Workmen's compensation premiums, reimbursement to
States.
NOTE. Appropriation bills affecting agencies under
SrJB 8 *? 1 ? 1 ! 1 8u 1 & e . ct I weTe ^ted and assistance rendered as
indicated in obtaining adequate funds

H. R. 7973.
H. R. 7936.

DISABLED AMEKICAK VETERANS

INSURANCE

99

1956

Resolution

Nos.

Subjects

Bill Nos.

312

Insurance time limits, mental cases _,

H. R. 8709.

66

USGLI 60-year age limit

H R 8707.

24
369

For tho'se in service early, increase from $6,000 to $10,000
coverage.
tsTSLI i year extension, etc - _ _

H. R. 8708.
H. R. 4434, etc.

21

"W'fiiveTS remove limitations

H R. 8710.

LOAN GUARANTY

241

Extensions - - -.

H. R. 59, H. R. 1128, H. R.

1917, H. R. 460, H. R. 7840.

CEMETERIES, GRAVE MARKERS

28

Cash in lieu of grave markers - __'_......___

H. R. 7928.

376

Need for more national cernflterfas

H. R. 34, H. R. 1262.

MISCELLANEOUS

368

Status of forces treaties _ - .

H. R. 598, H. R. 8820, H. J.

071

To establish Senate Committee on. Veterans' -A.fEnirs__ _ _____

Res. 149, H. J. Res. 211,
S. J. Res. 40, etc.
S. Res. 23, S. Res. 36. S. Res.

322

Court of Justice, to decide cases denied by VA Board of Vet-
erans' Appeals.

43, S. Res. 86.
H. R. 272 (Judicial Review),
H. R. 834, (Court of
Claims) , H. R. 1006.

Senior Vice Commander PAUL FREDERICK. Thank you very much,
Major Clark, for your report and at this time the Chair will, entertain
a motion that the report be received and referred to the proper na-
tional committee. _ , . '

Comrade JOHN FLORENA (Blind Veterans) . I move that the report
be accepted and referred to the proper convention committee.

Comrade F. T. BIGGS (California Chapter No. 32). Second the
motion.

(The motion was put to a vote and carried.)

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Yesterday .the national com-
mander made an introduction. He presented past national command-
ers and in the introduction of these past national commanders one
was presented in name only due to the fact that he was not with us
yesterday. So today I am going to take the honor of presenting to
you personally for a" few remarks I know he is a very dear friend of
most everyone of you, he is a native of Buffalo, past New York depart-
ment commander, past national commander; he has been in ill health,
but I think he is bouncing back in fine shape, he is certainly glad to
be with us and we are even more pleased to have him with us. At this
time I present to you for a few words, Past National Commander
Milt Cohn. [Applause.]

Past National Commander MTLTOST Com*. Comrades, I know that
you don't want to hear any more speeches, and I would ]ust like to
say that I am glad to see you all here, and glad you are Caving an
opportunity to discuss the problems that beset us and 1 nope that by
the time this convention ends we will have most things settled in a

100 THiRTY-stEVEosrTH: NATIONAL. REEPORT

manner which we want and we will go on fighting for everything
that is right and good for us. After all, if we don't fight for our-
selves, there is nobody going to fight for us. IT",

Now the lines have been drawn. We know exactly what we stand
for and it is just about time that we put a little bit of that old-
fashioned oomph into what we are battling about.

Best of luck to you. It is a pleasure to be up here, it is a pleasure
to be able to be up here and say hello to you all and I want to thank
you very much for extending this opportunity to me.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Thanks a lot, Milt, and you
have the hopes of everyone here for a speedy recovery from your re-
cent illness. . .

Now the Chair will present to you for a few words, he is the Chief,
Veterans' Counseling Service Staff, United States Civil Service Com-
mission, Mr. Bruce Stubblefield.

Mr. BRTJGE STOTBLEFIELD (United States Civil Service Commission).
Thank you, Commander. You know John Burris made my speech
yesterday. I do want to make an announcement, however. First
I would like to say I am sorry Dr. Middleton left. I have a new
project for his medical service. If they just figure out a way for us
old codgers to lose something besides our teeth first I would appreciate
it.

Another project that I want him to consider since they are con-
cerned with the aged, it seems to me that everywhere I go somebody
is concerned about the aged. I don't know whether looking at me
prompts that or not. Biit I tell you one thing, and I will bet you
will agree with me. If he put more comfortable chairs under the
griping tree at the hospitals and homes, he could get all the advice he
needs on improving the medical service.

You have already met my colleague from New York, Tom Kelly.
That should indicate to you the interest of the Commission that I
represent in veterans. The Chairman is a veteran, the new member
from Massachusetts, Commissioner Phillips is a veteran, one World
War I and one World War II. That just about balances it off,
because you have got to have World War II to have energy, and you
have got to have World War I to have experience, and you put the
two together and you have got a pretty good team and we are finding
that out in this veterans 5 business.

I have already arranged for my assistant who is a World War II
man to take over the working detail of our program. He took that
over on the first of this month. He will be visiting with you from
time to time. For the next 2 years I expect to get into the field
and I will be calling on your headquarters in several States. We
need help. The Government needs help in finding competent people
in shortage categories, engineers, scientists, and even stenographers
and typists. We are going to try to set up, with your help, a direct
recruiting program which will reach into the, grassroots of this
country. When the program is completely developed your headquar-
ters, through my good friend, John Burris, will be sending it to you
and as our schedule develops you will be notified by John when I
expect to bei in your State. I noj>e we will deserve and receive your
continued confidence and cooperation. .

It is a pleasure to be here and both iny associate, Tom Kelly, arid
I are available. If any of you have collective or individual problems,

DISABLED AME-RICAlSr VETERANS 101

don't hesitate to buttonhole us anywhere you see us. We won't be
up here. We will be circulating around so that you will have that
opportunity. We are going to work with your convention committee
in every way that we can.

At this time I will say this and close, the veterans population em-
ployed now by the Federal Government, males, has reached close to
62 percent. When you stop to consider that in 19M you had only
14 percent, you realize that the program which your organization
through Bradley and Burris has helped develop has made that pos-
sible, and we are a little bit proud of the record that you have made.

Again, ^may I thank you for myself and the Commission for this
opportunity, and I have also been requested to express the regrets
of General Hershey that he couldn't be here and extend a different
kind of greeting to you than you received some years past.

Thank you very much. [Applause.]

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Thank you very much. Mr.
Stubblefield.

. Now I am going to call our director of employment, John Burris,
to the microphone, for the purpose of two introductions. John?

National Director of Employment BURRIS. Commander, it is my
extreme pleasure to present the Director of the Bureau of Veterans
Reemployment Rights, from Washington, my good friend Bob
Salyers of the Department of Labor. [Applause.]

Mr. HOBERT S ALTERS (Department of Labor, Washington). Com-
mander, Mr. Corbly, John, and comrades, I am always most happy
to be at the convention of the DAV, mainly to extend to you my ap-
preciation and thanks for the wonderful cooperation which your
organization gives to the program which is my responsibility and
particularly the cooperation received from. Major Clark and John
Burris. We keep in close touch through the year from convention to
convention and the^ give us the benefit of their advice and their
support and their assistance and it is greatly appreciated.

I am happy this morning to extend to this organization the greet-
ings of the Secretary of Labor, James P. Mitchell. It was my pleas-
ure some months ago to help arrange for and sit in on an extended
personal conversation between your national commander and the Sec-
retary of Labor. The commander went over the programs and items
in which the DAV was interested. He explained your interest to the
Secretary of Labor and this conference, I am sure my colleagues in
the Department will agree with me, was most helpful to those of us
in the Department who deal with veterans' programs.

I will not take up your valuable time here to go into any exposition
of the reemployment rights program except to say it is moving along.
We have been very successful during the past year in one area par-
ticularly with the cooperation of most of the large railroads through-
out the country and the labor organization on them in getting thou-
sands of seniority adjustments for veterans under the decisions,
seniority adjustments that will be helpful to them not only in ^em-
ployment but the fringe benefits, pensions, and vacations and things
like that. And we appreciate the work in your Department and many
of the State departments.

So thanks for letting me come to meet with you from year to year
and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

102 THIRTY-SIEVENTH RATIONAL REPORT

National Director of -Employment BTJKRIS. Thank you very much,
Bob.

I now give you our old comrade from Atlanta, Ga., the Director
of the Bureau of Employment Security and a member of the Vet-
terans' Subcommittee of the Interstate Commerce, Hon. Marion
Williamson.

Hon. MARION WILUCAMSOK (Bureau of Employment Security).
Thank you, John. Comrade Commander and officers, and fellow
DAV members: It gives me a lot of pleasure this morning to bring
you greetings from those who are engaged in employment security
throughout the Nation in the Federal and State program, especially
from the State administrative officers and the 1,750 local employment
officers. We try to do an effective job. We welcome your suggestions.
We think and know that employment secures and prevents more
mental and physical illness than a whole college of physicians.

I am reminded of something Bruce Stubblefield said a while ago
about a couple that got married back in Georgia. The mother-in-law
came to the son-in-law and said, "Son, I just can't understand it.
You married our daughter, you came from a good family, and now
just as soon as you got married, you start running around with an-
other gal. How do you explain it?"

He says, "Mother, I have learned the difference between dignified
acquiescence and wholehearted cooperation."

I want to thank the DAV for their wholehearted cooperation that
they are giving the employment security program and we want you
to help us make it better.

National Commander BURKE (now presiding)* The next speaker
is too well known to all of you for me to go into his lengthy bior
graphical history of his. abilities as a movie star and his abilities as
a national commander of another veterans' organization, and what he
has done for us as a life member of our organization. And I hap-
pened to mention his name first because I'd like to tell you a true
story. You know your national commander never tells anything but
true stories. But Harold Russell and I were at a [applause] you
know, I wouldn't be surprised, Harold, if a couple of people around
here like you. Harold and I were in a meeting together and being
the type without arms we got rid of the big fellows like Marshall
Miller and others who were around there who couldn't drink as well
as Harold and 1, to be perfectly frank with you, we left a joint in
mid-Manhattan in New York City at 4= o'clock in the morning, and
it .is that section of New York City where 2 patrolmen walk together
on a beat. You are not allowed to have 1 patrolman walk a beat
alone. And as we staggered out to the curb, 2 policemen came alom?
and saw both of us, and looking at our very apparent disabilities,
walked over to us and said to me, "Don't you think you fellows ought
to get out of this section of town at this hour of the morning ?" And
being Irish as I am and with a load on, I turned around to that cop.,
looked him square in the eyes and said, "Sir, officer, let me tell you
something. We only have 1 arm between the 2 of us, and if you are
looking for trouble you are going to get it. "

Whereupon I felt the steel hook pressing on my back, tapping- I
turned around, looked down at Busseil. He looked at me ancl slid,
Wno needs you ?"

DISABLED AME'RTCAlSr VETER'AJSHS 103

Our good friend, disabled veteran, Vice President of the World
Veterans Federation, has visited our convention many times and I
hope that he comes many more times, Harold Russell of Massachusetts.
; [Applause.]

Comrade HAROLD RUSSELL. Who needs you, Commander ?

Commander Burke, officers and fellow DAV'ers : I want to thank
Joe for that very enlightening introduction but the reason we were
in that joint until 5 o'clock in the morning is that each one of us were
trying to duck the check. Finally he picked it up.

I want to thank you for the mention of the movie star business
because something interesting happened a few weeks ago when I came
into New York City by train and the train pulled into Pennsylvania
Station, standing in the aisle waiting for the porters to unload the
baggage, and at that point a lady standing in front of me turned
around and looked at me. She said, "Harold Bussell." She turned
to the little boy, a kid about 5 years old, and said, "Johnny, I want
you to look at a real movie star." Johnny turned around and said,
"Captain Hook. Wait until I tell the kids about this one."

Seriously, though, I do want to take this opportunity to express
my sincere appreciation for once again the opportunity of appearing
before a DAV convention. I also want to thank the membership and
Commander Burke for the outstanding cooperation we have had as
members of the World Veterans Federation together this last year
which I know will continue in the coming years. I sincerely believe
that each year, that these years ahead of us as veterans, as representa-
tives of millions of disabled veterans, are crucial ones. 'I sincerely
believe on the horizon is looming again the old Economy Act. And if
ever the veterans of this Nation need strong representation it is today.
It is u]3on the shoulders of the organized veterans that falls the re-
sponsibility of carrying forth the iburdens that are rightfully ours,
given to us by a great people and to protect the rights of millions
of veterans throughout the Nation.

This is a, crucial year and so it behooves each and every one of us to
do everything in our power as individuals, as members of our organiza-
tion to bring many, many more of the unorganized veterans into the
fold. The war has fast faded from the minds of too many of the
American people. The fact is that there are today almost a hundred
thousand men in our veterans hospitals forgotten largelv in the minds
of the American public. We must every time keep this fact before
them. We must work to build our organization, we must make our
voices heard in our States and in Washington, D. C., because if
they are not heard and if our organizations grow weaker, then we can
say goodbye to the benefits that we have enjoyed.

Yes ; this is a crucial year and this is a year when a great opportu-
nity is presented to all our organized organizations to work together
in harmony and unity. The job is great but we can and will do it. But
we will only do it with the cooperation and the support and the hard
working efforts of all our organized veterans.

I also want to thank the members of our disabled American Vet-
erans for the great support they have given the World Veterans Fed-
eration. As you know, they represent the veteran membership of
35 nations. (5ne hundred and thirty-four organizations of these vari-
ous countries throughout the world represent almost a total member-

20331 58-

DISABLED AMERICAN* VETEBANB 105

V 1 - rf^-. . ~ *""' u*.*.j.u vrj.jj.j.^1 f^O^jCU U-OC7 JLU J.O J--LVJIJ

in order now. That motion of yours will be in order at a later time.
So if you will bear with us we wiU discuss it and give it a time to come
up when we can see what we want to determine. At first blush the
Chair reminds the State former commander of Ohio that the com-
mittee on rehabilitation is fully able to take care of such a meefrin^,
but we will discuss it later because we have other business this morning
that is scheduled. to

Comrade BOBEY. I appreciate the consideration and granting the
privilege. My only interest in the thing is fairness to all.

National Commander BUKKE. The Chair takes extreme pleasure in

spoke about when I introduced Harold, he had to go home early.

At this time I would like to present to you my very good friend,
adviser in many respects as far as the World Veterans Federation is
concerned, because his opinions are something to be used and valued.
I would like to present to you the executive secretary of the World
Veterans Fund, Mr. Marshall Miller.

Mr. MARSHALL MILLER (World Veterans Federation). Commander
Burke, members and guests of DAV, the president of the World
Veterans Fund, Mr. Vaiiderbilt, had hoped to be with you at the con-
vention. Unfortunately, he was detained on the west coast and he
extends his best wishes.

I . would like to talce the oppprtunity to thank you, the officers
and leaders, who have supported the important overseas rehabilitation
work throughout the world of the World Veterans Federation. I
think the American know-how in the field of rehabilitation is most
effective propaganda.

I would like to pay tribute to Commander Burke who has been ex-
tremely helpful to the cause of veterans both in the United States as
well as overseas. We are also appreciative of the work done through
the years by such towers of strength as Vivian Corbly, Bonnie Maile,
and other leaders of your organization.

It is a privilege to appear before you. We thank you for your
courtesy in inviting us. Thank you.

Senor Vice Commander FREDERICK (now presiding) . Thajik you,
Marshall. I might add that both Comrades Harold Russell and Mar-
shall Miller are past national commanders of the American Veterans
of World War II.

National Adjutant CORBLY. This could be stated off the record but
down through the years I have been very, very proud of my associ-
ation with Harold Russell. It also happens that I am affiliated with
some of the organizations that he is affiliated with. Incidentally, he
is a Democrat ; so am I. For the 4 or 5 months following the Demo-
#ratic National Convention held in Chicago, daily we received letters
that read something like this :

We are returning your Ident-O Tags. We don't believe in supporting the
charitable purposes of an organization that permits its national leader to enter
into partisan politics. Whenever you cease to criticize the Republican Party
and the great General Eisenhower we will again contribute to your organization.

106 TmRTY-SEVElNTH: JSTATTOOSTAD REPORT

Of course, in each instance I had to tell them we didn't even know
Harold Russell, that we were a nonpartisan organization.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Will Junior Vice Commander
Judge Williams, come to the microphone for the purpose of an intro-
duction?

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Thank you very much,
Paul. As you can see we are very versatile and very liberal in Massa-
chusetts. We have outstanding Democrats as well as outstanding
Republicans.

Comrades, one of the phenomena of the whole history of the rela-
tionship between men and nations is the imaginary line that stretches
from the State of Maine to Seattle, Wash., separating the United
States from the Dominion of Canada, and a peculiar phenomena of
the imaginary line, known to us as the Canadian border, is that never
a shot has been fired across that line, at any point, in over 150 years.
The only thing which has ever come across that line was bootleg
whiskey during prohibition.

My comrades, we are very much honored to have with us as the
guest of this convention a distinguished citizen of pur good neighbor
on the other side of the falls. He is seated with a distinguished group
of our own comrades here immediately in front of this platform and
I am going to ask those with whom he is immediately associated by
force of circumstances in the long run, but by a happy circumstance
at this time, if they will be kind enough to escort to the platform,
Capt. F. J. L. Woodcock representing the Sir Arthur Pearson Asso-
ciation of the War Blinded of Canada. Their headquarters is in
Toronto. My comrades of the Blind Chapter, would you escort
Commander Woodcock to the platform? And, comrades, will you
arise ?

(The convention rose to applaud.)

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Captain, it is a great
pleasure to welcome you here on behalf of the Disabled American
Veterans of the United States of America, and I notice that you have
selected a comrade from Massachusetts, John Florena to escort you
up here. Would you be good enough to honor us with a few words?

Capt, F. J. L. WOODCOCK (Sir Arthur Pearson Association of the
War Blinded of Canada). One day they are going to invent one of
these things that will find me, you know. " (Kef erring to microphone.)

National Commander, your officers and members of the DAV, I
want to call that initial title of yours the DVA because that is our
Department of Veterans Affairs in Canada and I have a little diffi-
culty remembering DAV. We interpret our Department of Veterans
Affairs (DVA) as "Don't Volunteer Again." [Applause.]

I would at this time like to very sincerely bring you the best wishes
from, I am going to say Disabled Veterans in Canada, although I par-
ticularly represent the War Blinded of Canada. I am also a member
XT w - tl ? t * s . ^ nown as the National Council of Veterans Associations.
JSTow that is a group of nationally organized veterans' bodies, by name
the War Amputations of Canada, whom I understand you are going
to meet on the bridge, you are going to lock hooks or tangle tin legs
or cross crutches at something like 20 paces on Thursday, the para-
plegics, the war pensioners, the Army, Navy, Air Force veterans and
the National Council of Industrial Veterans of Canada, the Hong
-Kxrng Prisoner-of-War Association, and I could go on mentioning a.

mS(ABIJE!I> AMERICAN- VOETERsANB 107

number of them. We all sit together in a council whenever there is a
crisis such as I understand you have before you at this convention, and,
it is unity that counts with us up there, and I know it is with you down
here. So that in all sincerity I bring you greetings from that disabled
group of veterans in Canada.

I would respectfully like to take exception to some of the remarks
made on this platform. One, that a shot has never been fired across
the border in all these years. That is not quite true, fellows. There
is a hell of a lot of poaching going on down in the eastern township.

Mixed emotions I couldn't help but feel. I have mixed emotions,
too. That is another expression from the platform this morning. I
am glad to be here and I considered it quite a privilege over this last 4:
years to have received an invitation from this organization, but un-
fortunately for 3 successive years I was unable to attend on account
of previous commitments abroad and on this continent, and I am sad,
too, that I have to leave this afternoon, and yet glad because they are
a fine bunch of fellows, to attend the BVA convention in Hartford.
Mixed emotions. Dare I tell the old one of the chap watching his new
Cadillac being driven over the edge of the cliff with his mother-in-law
at the wheel ?

And the last but I will say perhaps the most important exception
and I mention exception "with all respect is the exception to the state-
ment that if 1 million disabled veterans in this country could see your
service officers at work, they would flock to join you. Fellows, you
and I know that that is not so. If we have an ounce of intelligence
at all, you know that it is just as true on. this side of the border as it
is on ours, unless the American is an entirely different breed of bucks
than we are, that 20 percent of your eligible membership only are
going to carry the load in any case. It is true, however large or how-
ever small the organization. It is only the workhorses that are going
to do the work. And I have attended a good many conventions and
I hear the enthusiasm, the fire, the ooixiph as it* has been said fron?
the platform put into your deliberations, but there is only one word
of advice that I would give in closing, and that is when you go back
to the various parts of this continent from which you have come that
you carry the same fire and enthusiasm you show before the convention
into your everyday lives, fighting for the other fellow who is not as
well off as you are. Thanks very much. [Applause.]

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Thank you very much,
Captain. I sincerely wish that this organization consisted of the 20
percent of the 4 million eligibles in the United States. We would have
somewhat more than our present 200,000 membership.

We are deeply honored and very grateful to you, Captain, for your
presence on this platform this morning. And those of us in New Eng-
land are specially interested in your remarks concerning the Dominion
because there are more native sons of Canada living in the New Eng-
land States than are now living in Canada and any time that you want
to meet some people from Halifax, just come to Boston. I only say
that because my father was born there.

My comrades, to return to the regular business of the convention,
at this time we shall hear another report of a standing committee. At
this time I present chairman of the national finance committee, past
department commander of the host State of New York, the man who
is in charge of all the prisoners in the State, Frank Buono,

108 TmRTY-SEIVENTH JSTATIOBSTAL REPORT

Finance Committee Chairman FRANCIS B. BTTONO. When he said I
was in charge of all the prisoners in the State, I hope you are not
going to be a captive audience.

This is the report of the national finance committee, of the DAV-
You know the committee is composed of Francis K. Buono, Joseph I\
Burke, Boniface R. Maile, Robert J. McFarland, and Floyd L. Ming.

The national finance committee presents their report to you after
an exceedingly active year of operations, many meetings, and other
sincere effort to fulfill the obligations and the trust imposed on us by
our constitution and bylaws.

It is anticipated that the income budget for the calendar year end>
ing December 31, 1957, will be $2,008,000. This will be derived mainly
from membership returns and Ident-O-Tag proceeds. It is estimated
that expenses and charges will require $1,915,500. The greater por-
tion of this being $760,000 for salaries of field service, and $218,000
for the Washington office, or a total of $978,000 for service.

Your finance committee feels that this report should include the
following areas requiring the action and recommendations of the com_-
mittee:

HIDDEN TBBASHEE SHOW

Pursuant to the approval of the 1955 and 1956 executive commit-
tees and national finance committees, the DAY, in order to augment
its two major sources of income, i. e., membership and Ident-O-Tag;
sponsored a television show known as the H Ldden Treasure show as a
public relations vehicle. The purpose of this venture was to make
possible a better understanding of our service, membership, and
Ident-O-Tag program by the general public. It was incidentally
hoped that the program would oe self -liquidating, by virtue of the
$1 entry fee required of contestants. Such a public relations pro-
gram was deemed necessary to offset the setback suffered as the result
of unfair publicity in 1953. A pilot show was presented over a radio
hookup as part of the entertainment. program of the Des Moines na-
tional convention and later was presented in nearly all of the VA
hospitals. This pilot show had a contest feature with cash prizes.
The format of the Hidden Treasure show and its attendant cash prize
contest was changed. and approved at the San Antonio convention.
Later the United States post office was requested to rule on the mail-
ability of the contest material. The show was produced, filmed, and 1
reviewed by the post office authorities again. They required many
costly and time-consuming changes before it was accepted in March:
of this year.

The show was presented to the general public over 123 television
stations beginning April 5 and ending May 1, 1957. Comments and
reviews indicated that the show provided good entertainment and
presented the DAV story most favorably by the use of three 1-minute
public service commercials. It was the consensus of opinion in the
TV industry, however, that the contest phase of the show was too in-
volved and moved too fast to obtain the necessary number of entrants
who could have made^ the program self-liquidating. Through this
project the DAV and its service programs were presented to millions
of Americans in a factual and favorable light. This was confirmed by
a review of correspondence coming into national headquarters and
an immediate and substantial increase in membership and in Ident-

DISABLED AME'RICAOST VETEIfcAKB 109

O-Tag returns. As a direct result of the Hidden Treasure show, the
DAV story was told on the Duuinger show; Cowtown, USA; and
other network television and radio network programs. Many bene-
fits have been evidenced and it is confidently expected that they will
continue for some time in the future. The Hidden .Treasure show
and other programs were shown more than 250 times on television, and
in addition we have also told the DAV story through guest appear-
ances and spot announcements more than 1,500 times on radio. The
58 television outlets on the ABC network alone, which were additional
to the outlets showing the Hidden Treasure show, would have cost
nearly $75,000 if purchased commercially.

IDENT-O-TAG

Your committee is most happy to report that this year the Ident-o-
Tag picture to date is the best in many years. Experience and econ-
omy has reduced our cost per mailing by 1 cent each, a sizable saving
when you consider a 40-million-piece mailing. Production records
this calendar year exceed any year in Ident-O-Tag history. This
year's work will have been completed by September 15, 1957. During
the 1956 year we more than doubled the net return of 1955 and are
well ahead of our record in our , first 7% months of 1957, but cannot
predict the picture for the next 4% months. Through testing, the
use of new equipment and economy measures we hope to keep even
with the rising costs of the necessary commodity items and new op-
erations will be tried to obtain a greater percentage return as well
as a higher rate of contribution.

It would be well to note that the report of net Ident-O-Tag returns
at the San Antonio convention was $330,000. At this time the net
returns are $800,000, and we contemplate a $1 million return for the
year 1957.

PROPERTY

The finance committee believed that by consolidating national head-
quarters and Ident-O-Tag at 5555 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati, that
we should attempt to dispose of all other properties in Cincinnati.
Therefore, we did sell the land and building at 1216 East McMillan
Street for $90,000 which was $25,000 more than the appraisal company
estimated we could realize. When the highest offer for old headquart-
ers at 1423 East McMillan Street was $350,000, an amount the ap-
praisers said we could expect, the committee refused to sell at that
time, and instructed the national adjutant to develop it as rental
property in order to enhance its sale value. All but 1 room at 142&
East McMillan is now in lease or rent and we are receiving the follow-
ing annual rental income.

Yearly income

20 miscellaneous leases at 1423 East McMillan Street ------------- $ 49, 000. 37

GE lease ____________________________________________________ 85,044. 00-

Cafeteria lease _________________________________________________ 12, 000. 00

Salutaris rent _________________________________________________ 3, 120. OQ-

Total ____________________________ - _______________________ 1 4

Based on the present annual rental income we feel that the national
adjutant has developed 1428 East McMillan to a point where we
should realize well over twice the original appraisal and are attempt-

110 THIRTY-SiEVETsTTH: NATTODSTALi REPORT

ing an early sale. Any proceeds received from the sale of such real
property must be applied toward the retiring of a mortgage held by
the life membership fund.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is the second largest source of DAV income in that
national headquarters receives $1 per capita and $1 service fee for each
member. During the 1956-57 year we reached the largest membership
in DAV history. At the closing of the books on June 30, 1957, we had :

Full paid life members 50, 978

Part paid life members 14, 397

Annual members 131, 375

Total 190,750

We will begin the new year with 62,179 life members 50,179 being
fully paid. We could, if we would, finance all national DAV activi-
ties by increasing our membership from the 3 million who are eligible.
We should have at least 1 million of those eligible on our membership
rolls. *

The finance committee recommends that the annual per capita tax
be raised from $1 to $2,

It is the duty of the national finance committee to supervise the
raising and expenditure of all DAV funds. Our efforts have been
studied and sincere. It is necessary to spend money in order to raise
money and sometimes the best of proposals do not pay dividends.
We have put into effect many administrative economies. Some pro-
posals have been rejected because we were unanimous in our belief
that they were not in the best interests of the DAV and its finance
program. One such proposal was to eliminate our public relations
and publicity department, and another to provide per diem for a
national service officer meeting prior to the call of the convention.

It would have been most difficult for the DAV to operate for the
last several years had it not been for funds requested by the national
finance committee and received from the Disabled American Veterans
Service Foundation. The Service Foundation had been created by
the action of the El Paso national convention for the purpose of rais-
ing such funds for the DAV and appropriating it for the DAV
service needs. Since 1948 we have requested and received $3,240,000
from the Service Foundation, all of which was used during this period
tor JN bO field service and Washington service. As a result of these
requests which were expedient for the operation of the DAV we have
greatly reduced the available funds of the Service Foundation and
cannot expect any appropriations in the future. We must, and will
from this date on, live within our income. We must reduce our ex-
penses, remain dollar conscious, economize in every field of endeavor
and at the same time make our Ident-O-Tag and membership efforts as
productive as possible.

Your national adjutant and national director of claims are presentlv
evaluating the various offices as to their caseload and personnel per
office. We have a staff of some 800 employees working for us in the
field of service, administrative and Went- -Tag. Most of them are
capable, loyal, and conscientious workers who are receiving less money
than their contemporaries in similar pursuits. We suggest that you

S r ^T? mendln ?Li aS haS been done bv Arizona, to change the
semimonthly to a monthly newspaper, abolishing chapter new^ and

D'ISIABLE.T> AMERICAN VETEBANB 111

tures, and restricting it to the publication of legislation, service

1 !DAV policy news.

it is also recommended that departments give consideration to the

nishing of stenographic assistance to NSO offices and the sup-

menting of NSO salaries, as is presently being done by Michigan,

lifornia, Utah, Ohio, St. Louis chapter, and others.

four chairman moves the adoption of this report and its reference

:he national convention committee on finance and dues.

Comrade L. LAMONTAGNE (Department of New Hampshire). I

ve the report be received and referred to the proper convention

omittee, . _

Comrade PETER TAMPAS (Department of Vermont) . Second.

fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. As this matter is rou-

3 at this stage, I shall dispense with the usual formalities and

ept the motion that this report be received and sent to the proper

ivention committees. All in favor, say "Aye."

The motion shall prevail.

TTASHTTNTfi & SELLS REPORT

DISABLED AMERICAN" VETERANS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS REPORT ON
EXAMINATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1966

.ccountants* certificate.

alance sheet, December 31, 1956 (exhibit A).

tatement of income and service expenses for the year ended December 31,

3 (exhibit B).

acome from distribution of Ident-O-Tags (schedule 1).

. , CINCINNATI, OHIO.

ACCOUNTANTS* CERTIFICATE

ISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS : We have examined the balance sheet of na-
al headquarters of Disabled American Veterans as of December 31, 1956,

the related statement of income and service expenses for the year then
ed. Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted audit-
standards, and accordingly included such tests of the accounting records

such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary in the circum-
ices, except that because of the nature of and the relatively small amounts
orally involved in individual collections, PUT examination with respect to
>me was limited to tests of the cash receipts as recorded.
i our opinion, subject to the foregoing explanation as to cash receipts, the
>mpanying balance sheet and the statement of income and service expenses
sent fairly the financial position of national headquarters at December 31,
5, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, in conformity
i generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with
b of the preceding year.
PRIL 19. 1957.

HASKINS & SELLS.

EXHIBIT A. Balance sheet, Dec. 31, 2956

ASSETS

rent assets:

$000, O*l.

Notes " receivable *_ -------------------------- - ----- -T" C.1T7 16 ' T8 ' 01

Accounts receivable (less allowance of $3,500 for doubtful

accounts) ------------------------------------ - ---------- 29 T84 - 5S

Inventories at cost : _,.

Ident-O-Tag (finished tags, material, and supplies, etc.) 395,. 713. 79

Merchandise for sale ---------------------------------- 219, 786. 73

112 THIRTY-SE!VEJN[TB: NATIONAL R'EFORT

EXHIBIT A. Balance sheet, Dec. Sl t 1956 Continued

Investments and other assets :

Notes receivable, noncurrent portion * _____________________ $196, 405. 94

Cash surrender value of life insurance * _____________________ 155, 697. 97

Securities _______________________________________________ 22, 167. 50

Total investments and other assets ___ ___________________ 374, 271. 41

Property, plant, and equipment, at cost : ~

Land and improvements ______ . ______ ______________ 308, 963 08

Buildings. , _______________________________________ _ _____ 3 540* 269* 94

Machinery, equipment, furniture, etc ___________________ 1.1 l, > 234 t > 177*16

Total --------------- :_ --------------------------------- 5, 083, 410 18

Less accumulated depreciation _____________________________ 1 ? 268, 782." 98

Property, plant, and equipment, net ---------------------- 3, 814, 627. 20

Bef erred charges :

Prepaid television contest expenses a _______________ 156 560 IQ

Office supplies, etc _________ _ ___________ _ ^ 26 8R

Prepaid insurance _________ I ---------- & ?25' !~

Prepaid postage _____________ II-IIII 19 ^7? 7

Ofh or --- ------------------------ -"* o<O. UT

Other ----------------------------------------------------- 16, 797. 71

Total deferred charges --------------------------------- - 272,835.29

Total

<3urrent liabilities :
Accounts payable :

5,457,326.01

INABILITIES

Salaries, wages, and commissions

Social-security taxes

Interest --------------------- _

Othe? State and personal -P r Perty aa- 140, 070.

Total current liabilities ~ '

M 7 r 2SS?Jf ^ L p f/ abl ? to life membership fund, 3% percent

7 annual installments commencing in 1MB*JL-^_^_^_ 1,429, 505 41
Deferred credits :

Otter 81 *"* *" *"* SerVlCC fees con cted in advance, etc. ____ 178, 073. 88

1,273.26
Total deferred credits ----------------------------------- - 179. 347. 14

Bobert S. Marx Founders' Fund '

Total. -J-ZZZ""! -8. 885. P48. 76

vw^^^ snssgjg..

^ i ? S8 ^^^^^S^as^, i iSg^ s ies <* tei -

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEKiANS

113

B. Statement of income and service expenses for the year ended Dec.

SI, 1956

Income was received from the following sources :

Distribution of Indento-Tags, less direct coats and expenses

( schedule 1 ) $810, 022. 75

National per capita tax and service fees from members 388, 375. 00

Donations, bequests, rentals, sale of DAV emblems, etc., less

direct costs and expenses 49,158.44

Appropriation from Disabled American Yeterans Service

Foundation 250, 000. 00

Total

1, 497, 556. 19

JBxpenses were incurred for the following services (free service to
all veterans and dependents, maintenance of staff of attorneys
in fact (service officers), located in all Veterans' Administra-
tion offices, and staff of technical specialists in matters of
veteran legislation, civil service, employment, rehabilitation,
compensation, retirement, pensions, appeals, etc., located in
Washington, D. C.) :
Salaries :

Attorneys in fact (service officers) 690,632.89

Assistants, stenographers, etc., for attorneys in fact 246, 794. 57

Legislative director and assistant 17,385.13

Legislative stenographers, etc 5, 133. 50

Employment director 5, 700. 66

Employment stenographers, etc 5, 578. 40

Total 971, 225, 15

Employees' welfare: Hospital care, group life and accident

insurance, retirement plan, etc 77, 653. 40

Social security taxes 24, 933. 00

Expenses of national commander and executive staff : 22, 650. 44

Expenses of national convention 26, 323. 05

Depreciation 17, 654. 86

Other expenses, supplies, postage, travel, taxes, utilities,

maintenance, etc 81,258.57

^Expenses were incurred for the following services continued:

Free service to all veterans and dependents (forward) $1, 221, 698. 47

Special service to members, publication of Disabled American
Veterans Semimonthly newspaper :

Salaries 24, 890. 10

Employees' welfare : Hospital care, group life and acci-

dent insurance, retirement plan, etc : - 1 312. 00

Social security taxes 672. 72

Printing and mailing newspaper 91, 244. 66

Other publication expenses 15, 259. 03

Total 133,378.51

Free service to motorists, cost of lost key returns and special

orders for Ident-O-Tags : ^ ^^ ^

Salaries _ 26 S01 - 57

Employeees' welfare: Hospital care, group life and acci-
dent insurance, retirement plan, etc OT-I Si

Social security taxes .. f j[J- <Ji

Materials and addresses for return of lost keys 9, 107. 40

Total - 39,426.01

AME'RICAJST VETERjANTS 115

kid yourself. You are only wasting time by attempting to argue now
because you know the dues and finance committee is going to pick that
report apart and they are going to report back here. So that is the
way we have done it before and you are all as much aware of it as
lam.

The Chair now recognizes the National Adjutant.

National Adjutant COREL Y. There are several people in the room
representing chapters or departments who have expressed a desire
to make presentations at this time. My^ memory is such that I cannot
recall all of them but I know Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and
maybe others. Will all of those people come to the platform and
at this time we will recognize them for the purpose of their requests.

Ed Gafford, State adjutant of Kentucky.

Comrade E. GAFFORD (Department of Kentucky) .

Thank you, Comrade Adjutant.

1 Distinguished guests, delegates to this convention. In making the
motion, I found that this is the proper place and it is my pleasure on
behalf of Joe Smith of Kentucky and others to present to our National
Commander a token of the appreciation that we have for him for the
job that he has done so well. There was considerable debate among
the Kentucky delegation and the members of the Governor's staff
in Kentucky as to whether or not we would make this presentation
but the debate was whether or not we would make Joe a General
or a Colonel. Since we have no generals, with the exception of our
Governor of Kentucky, Governor Chandler, we have decided we will
have to make Joe a Kentucky Colonel. That will make him eligible
to vote in a Kentucky primary next time, and I believe that we are
iabout tied on Democrats hi Kentucky so I will rectify that by saying
I am a Democrat Joe.

On behalf of the Kentucky delegation and the Governor of the
Commonwealth of Kentucky, it is my pleasure to present to you,
Sargeant Joe, a Colonelship in the Grand Order of the Kentucky
Colonels and while I have the floor, it is also my duty to inform all
Kentucky Colonels that you will report to the Kentucky delegation
headquarters for a brief social moment, for your instructions as to
how to proceed with this convention. Thank you very much, Colonel
Joe.

NationalCommander BURKE. Thank you for this, and I will be
there to get my instructions, you know that.

I only want to say that I have from Georgia other Southern States
somewhat similar to the Kentucky Colonelcy but the only thing that
is worrying me this morning with all these honors that were con-
ferred upon me in the South when I toured it this year, am I going
to get my vote at the southern caucus tonight ?

National Adjutant CORBI/T. Herman Burton, Nashville Chapter,
Tennessee.

Comrade HERMAN BTJRTOST (Chapter No. 3, Nashville, Tenn.) . Com-
rade commander, officers of the national DAV and comrades, for a
number of years prior and after Andrew Jackson was the President of
the United States, he occupied the second floor of a small two-story
building in Nashville, Tenn., as his office. In recent years that office
has been razed. From the huge timbers of cedar in the construction
of that office we made a number of gavels from that timber to be
presented to people of note all over the country.

116 THLBTY-SE-'VEa^TBC NATIOnSTAL R'EDPORT

It is my privilege and pleasure at this time, representing the State of"
Tennessee and the Nashville Chapter No. 3, of which I am proud to be
the commander, to present a gavel made from this timber to our pres-
ent national commander, and I would like to say this, in presenting it
to him, that Andrew Jackson was a Scotch Irishman just like he is.
[Applause.]

National Commander BTJBKE. Thank you very much. This is a
beautiful gavel and it is from the home of a man whom I admire very
much, Andrew Jackson. I must compliment you on the sagacity in
not bringing me a gavel from the home of Abraham Lincoln, because
I am a Democrat.

National Adjutant CORBLY. If you will please bear with me, under
our rules the convention is out of order to give consideration to any
matter that requires debate until that time that the national creden-
tials committee has made its first report. The national credentials
committee has not been appointed. I will announce its appointment at
this time.

When the members of that committee are named, it is requested that
they will go with their chairman to our national headqiiarters office
on the mezzanine floor and get the material there which makes it
possible for them in a very short period of time to prepare the first
reading of the credentials report. Circumstances are such that they
should be in a position to report at tomorrow morning's session. It
will be a partial report but by submitting same the convention will be
in a position to debate matters that are before it. At various times
during the convention the credentials committee will return to make
additional reports. The final report of the credentials committee will
be the call of the roll at the time that the rules of the convention or
the delegates of the convention call for the first rollcalL

Under our rules, resolutions are not in order to come before the con-
vention for the convention's consideration until that time that the
subject matter of the resolution has been reported to the convention
by the proper committee of the convention or that proper committee
o the convention has failed to make a report but has completed its
total report to the convention.

As I stated to you Monday, I would like to repeat again today, the
rules of this convention are your rules. Tou find tKem printed in
the constitution and bylaws books. All of you have been furnished
witn a copy of same in your registration kit. They are your rules and
your regulations and the Chair is merely here for the purpose of ap-
plying your rules and regulations. The rules and the bylaws provide
if you so desire under the circumstances and limitations of the bylaws
provisos for the changing , of any rules that you are not in accord
ESfi * can make that change the minute the credentials commit-

? t^^v*^^***- This con ^ntion is the legisla-
tive body of the DAY. The delegates registered here are the author-
,5 ^ ft s , con ntlo 1 n and please (Ton't, evln though we mate nSSSe
PSld iv aSe * n inter Pret them erroneously. You have
llln g the Corridors is not going to correct our
^*^ make , m ^ take ?' Me?ely ?all the mistake
^^ th

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

117

same right of expression that you have. But we are under the same
limitations that you are. It is a democratic outfit, but we do not
operate like they do in Syria, or like they do in Hungary, and don't
try to interpret that a mistake, any lack of judgment that we may
show up here, is an attempt to stampede, steamroller, or deprive you
of your rights. We only waste time by certain activities of the con-
vention.

All committee caucuses have reported. All of the committees of the
convention have been formed. It is now my duty, as secretary of this
convention, to read to you the personnel of the various convention
committees. At the time that I read the committees, I will read the
individual's name who has been designated as the temporary chair-
man of the committee, and read the name or names of the individuals
who have been assigned as advisers to the committees.

Immediately following recess of this meeting, all of the membership
of all of the committees and all of the advisers are asked to come to
the front of the room that we may discuss with you the procedures
that you are to follow in carrying out the purposes of your convention
activities in the convention.

The credentials committee is the only convention committee that is
appointed by the national commander. The following are the
appointees :

(National Adjutant Corbly read the appointments, as follows:}

Convention committees

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

District

Member

Chapter

1st

Joseph Harold.- . mrnr ^ rr

Massachusetts.

2d

James A. Schneider

New York.

3d

Silvio D'Anella

PATTnpylvnnlft,

4th

E Herrick

Marvland.

fititi-i

William Todd

Georgia.

6th

Arthur Pulliam..-

TenneisseA.

7th

Howard Watts,

TndifliTiE

8th

Michigan.

9th

Robert McFarland

Missouri.

10th

Montana,

llth

Franklin Thayer. chairman

Colorado.

12th

Harry WentWbrth

California.

13th

Russell Rock

Idaho.

14th

P. D. Jackson.,

Texas.

"Blind veterans

Paddy Driscoll

ArlrfmsfUQi

COMMITTEE ON AMERICANISM

1st

Wilfred Barcomb_-

Vermont, No. 5.

2d

New Jersey, No. 41.

3d

Edna Walberg

Pennsylvania. No. 67.

4th

Ellen M. Kelly...

Washington, D. C., No. 4.

5th

John Ambrose

Georgia, No. 46.

6th_ ____

7th

J. R. Kilroy
Frank T. Garrett

Louisiana, No. 5.
Ohio, No. 1.

8th

Douglas McGarrity

Michigan, No. 5.

9th

Joh" Vulna.no

Iowa, No. 20.

10th

Harold Knapp

South Dakota, No. 2.

llth

Colorado, No. 7.

12th

Wilson Roush

Tucson, Ariz.

California, No. 1.

13th

Oswald Crummack .

Washington, No. 2.

14th

Berry Altaian... ,

Texas, No. 37.

David J Peters

.

Judge English adviser -

118

THZRTT-S/EVEOSTTB:

REPORT

Convention committees Continued

COMMITTEE ON COMMENDATIONS AND CONDOLENCES

District

Member

Chapter

1st

Grace L Ulrici -

Massachusetts, No. 16.
Connecticut, No. 12.
Pennsylvania, No. 96.
Washington, D. C. ( No. 9.
North Carolina, No. 9.
Alabama, No. 4.
Ohio, No. 35.
Illinois, No. 25.
Missouri, No. 2.
Minnesota, No. 1.
New Mexico, No. 3.
California, No. 15.
California, No. 17.
Washington, No. 6.
Texas, No. 5.

2d

James Godfrey --- -
Rabbi Louis Parris _._

3

4th

Arnold Key.

5tli

Charles Kutt

6th

Hassell W. Thigpen

7th

Robert McLaugnlin

8th - -

9tti

Dr. F. Jeths ..._

Harvey Livingstone

10th

William ICohlen

llth

Seymour Lefton.

12th

13th

TTflnry Pnydftr, alternate

Perry Dye, chairman

14th

Henry Palmie
Doma R. Roberts

Blind veterans

John "E, Feigner, dvJser u _ _ J ,

COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

1st . _

J. Edward Theriault.

Massachusetts, No. 45.

2d

Joseph <^astelanL_ . ., .,

New York, No. 38

3d

Daniel W. Bloom. -Tr

Pennsylvania No 9

4th

Cecil Sandall

Washington D. C. No 1

5th

Eugene D. Caldwell

North Carolina, No 27.

6th

Arthur O. PuUJam ^ ^-^

Tennessee, No Vo

7th.

Lewis Caton

Indiana N"r> 9

8tb.___

9th - -

L. Sylvester

wrniftTp viiinn t

Michigan, No. 9.
Omaha, No 2

10th

Gordon. Hughes

Montana, No. 10

llth

Warren Smith ^

Colorado ' No 26

12th

Leo de Lapp, chairman...

California No 65

Mildred Fisher, alternate

Arizona No 1

13th

A. T. Hietala _

Idaho No 2

14th

W. E. Macon

Texas "N"o 31

"Rllnrl vA^t-ATis _

, TTATITlftth P. fllftgrlA

Sylvester Hoffman, adviser

Fred Bristol, adviser

COMMITTEE ON D. A. V. AUXILIARY

1st

Ira Einhorn chairman

Rhode Island No 1

2d _. -

Peter Sicardi

3d

Charles Reeves

Pennsylvania No 33

4th

Mary Lotighrey, secretary

5th

Charles Stalberg

Department of Florida.

6th - to -

Robert Floyd

Louisiana No 27

7th i.

Robert C. Mohr

Ohio No 'l

8th

M Rosanski

"Wisconsin N"o 19

9th, __

John Bolen

Missouri No 2

10th. ..

Elliot Hanson

llth

Leonard Fjeldsted

Utah No *1

12th

Clarence Murphy

California* No 39

13th

A. T. Hietala

Idaho No* 2

14th - -.

Joe Ramsey

John Florena, . _-

* .

COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND CIVIL SERVICE PREFERENCE

1st

Laurier La Montagne

Department of New Hampshire.
Connecticut, No. 9.
Pennsylvania, No. 96.
Washington, D. C., No. 9.
Florida, No. 23.
Alabama. No. 53.
Ohio, No. 9.
Wisconsin, No. 1.
St. Louis, No. 1.
North Dakota, No. 1.
Utah, No. 11.
California, No. 135.
California, No. 32.
Idaho, No. 6.
Texas, No. 57.

2d

Jack Barry

3d, _

Marvin Silver

4th

Elmer Jebo, chairman

5th

Robert C Gon'^ales

6th_._

Hazel L. Maulden

7th

Paul Vandemark

8th

H. Fairbanks

9th

Howard TCenkel

10th

Charles F. Wilson

llth__-

James Brusatto

12th

Tjftsll^ "Rnnter

13th

F. T. Riggs, alternate __

Russell H. Rock

14th. _

A. A. Alexander

Blind veterans

Wmia-pri T 1 . Hawkins

John W. Burris, adviser

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

119

AND DUES

National Adjutant CORBLY. In the instance of advisers of this com-
mittee the prerogative of appointing a temporary adviser is not within
the prerogative of the commander. Under the bylaws the members
of the national finance committee are advisers to the committee, and
at least one member of the national finance committee must be in
attendance at all meetings of the convention finance and dues com-
mittee. So that the five advisers are the commander; the chairman
of the committee, Frank Buono.- Bob McFarland: Bonnie Maile of
Detroit; and Floyd Ming of Batersfield, Calif. [Reading:]

Convention committees
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND DUES

District

Member

Chapter

1st

Robert Gosslin _ _

Maine, No. 4.
New York, No. 76.
Pennsylvania, No. 15.
Department of Virginia.
Florida, No. 41.
Tennessee, No. 3.
Indiana, No. 3.
Wisconsin, No. 14.
Des Moines, No. 20.
Minnesota, No. 1.
Utah, No. 9.
California, No. 3.
Hawaii, No. 1.
Washington, No. 23.
Texas, No. 11.

Ud

Nick Cachianes _ _

3d

Silvio D. D'Anella

4th

C. Douglas Miley

5th

John "Welch. _

Qfa _

Thomas Chambless

7th

Howard W. Watts, chairman

8th

Charles Kettle

gth

Harold Ininan

10th

Millard W, Kice

llth

Fred Fielding _

12th

13th

Ah Kee Leong, alternate

Wayne Sheirbon

14th

P. D Jackson

Blind veterans

Felix Chester.. ,

All fi'iQ'iTibers of MFC, advisers

COMMITTEE ON HOUSING

1st

Department of Vermont.

2d

James Barletto

New Jersey, No. 18.

3d

4th

John Solovey
Albert C. Allen

Pennsylvania, No. 102.
Washington, D. O., No. 9.

5th

Coleman Hewett

Georgia, No. 9.

6th

Gaddis Williams, Chairman

Mississippi, No. 2.

7th

Ohio, No. 35.

8th

Michigan, No. 6.

9th

Wayne Kemp

Topeka, No. 3.

nth

Tony r*eIrn<">Tit

Minnesota, No. 2.

llth

Colorado. No. 7.

12th

Herschel Catlin

Arizona, No. 4.

13th

Frank A. Sekins

Idaho, No. 2.

14th

William Sewell

Texas, No. 57.

Blind veteran.^

Dr Roy V Gerken .

John E cense adviser

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

1st

Joseph Del Bonis

Department of Rhode Island.

'2d

Walter Hinkle

New Jersey, No. 10.

3d

Henry Rivlin, chairman

Pennsylvania, No. 22.

4th

J. 0. Montagne -

Washington, D. C., No. 5.

5th

Georgia, No. 1.

6th

Daniel Boone.. -

Tennessee. No. 3.

7th

Gerald M Smitley

Indiana, No. 01.

8th

Wisconsin, No. 1.

9th

Judge Michael Carroll

St. Louis, Mo M No. 1.

10th

John Kalland ,

Minnesota, No. 2.

llth _

12th

Franklin Thayer

William Carson

Arizona, No. 1.

Frank Douglas alternate

California, No. 3. -

13th

Washington, No. 8.

14th

Kenneth Frazier

Oklahoma, No. 12.

Blind veterans

Elmer M. Freudenberger, -dviser

120

TEDGRTY-8EVENTH

REPORT

Convention committees Continued

COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL TREATMENT, HOSPITAL, AND HOSPITALIZATION

District

Member

Chapter

lst.-_
2d
3d.._
4th... -

Una Wetherby _
Carmen Tressito -__
Alvin Regestcr
John E. Kellam

Massachusetts, No. 3.
New Jersey, No. 3.
Pennsylvania, No. 52.
Maryland, No. 1.

TTInrida T^O 4

5th
6th
7th _
8th.__
9th _
10th _
nth

Albert Cuervo -
Herman Burton
Dr. Kenneth Kehrt
Chester Clute -
Arch Hale.
Lillian Tharalson
Georpe Carrey -

Tennessee, No. 3.
Ohio, No. 1.
Michigan, No. 7.
Missouri, No. 2.
Minnesota, No. 1.
Utah, No. 6.

12th _
13th

Manuel Val

Joseph Szczepanski, alternate
James Hudson, chairman

California, No. 141.
Arizona, No, 2.
Oregon, No. 1.

14th _ _

Dr. V. L. Smith

Texas, No. 11.

Chester Cash adviser

COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE

1st

Massachusetts, No. 78.

2d

New Jersey, No. 18.

3d

4th"

L. K. Seaman.

Charles O'Leary, secretary ___

Pennsylvania, No. 47.
Maryland, No. 25.

6th

Henry W. Smith _._ ---

South Carolina, No. 17.

6th

7th

R. S. Fox

Merritt Howard ---

Tennessee, No. 9.
Indiana, No. 1.

8th

Michigan, No. 1.

9th

Paul Redburn -

Kansas, No. 7.

10th

Alex Emily - -

Minnesota. No. 1,

llth

Albert Edwards

Utah, No. 1.

12th

Earl Henry

California, No. 20.

Harley Robinson alternate

California, No. 18.

13th

Richard Fender -,

Idaho, No. 8.

14th

Alex Pfanori, crialnTian , r ._

Texas, No. 4.

Blind veterans

John Florena

Gen Melvin Maas, adviser.

COMMITTEE ON REHABILITATION CLAIMS AND INSURANCE

1st

James Sayre

Massachusetts, No, 44,

2d

Joseph Vecchitto

Connecticut, No. 6.

3d

Curtis Haube

Pennsylvania, No. 4.

4th

James Bisternian

West Virginia, No. 2.

5th ...

Fred Silver _

South Carolina, No. 13.

6th

Jesse C Hall

Alabama No 1

7th

Bernard Southard, chairman

Ohio No. 1.

8th

Scott Shroyer._

Illinois, No. 1.

9th

William Leach, Jr

Missouri, No 1.

10th

John Sloan

Montana, No. 3.

llth

Woolas Macey _ _ _ - _

Utah, No. 6.

12th

Frank G Wood

California No 49

James England, alternate

California, No. 17.

13th
14th

Cicero Hogan

Lewis J. Murphy

Oregon, No. 1.
Texas No 75

Blind veterans

R>nneth P. Slagle

Cicero Hogan, adviser

Chester Cash, adviser

COMMITTEE ON RITUAL

1st

E. Elmer Baldwin

Massachusetts No 100

2d_,._

Anthony Annazone

New Jersey No 1

3d

Francis Jones

Pennsylvania No 72

4th

1. 1. Kurhan

Washington D C No 5

5th

Ferris Mobley

Department of South C&rolin&

6th

R B Ceilings worth

7th

George Hendrickson,

Kentucky No 41

8th

John Lamo i

Illinois No 74*

9th ..

Thomas Morrissey

Missouri No i

10th

A. M. Herriges

llth

Rudolph Heckler

New IVtexico No 3

12th...

Victor Marshall

California N*o 17

Randolph Cooper, alternate.

Arizona, ;No. 1.

DOStABIiE'D- AME'ETCAN VETEKiANB

121

Convention committees Continued
COMMITTEE ON RITUAL Continued

District

Member

Chapter

13th

James X*. Rock . _

Idaho, No. 6

14th

Jn$ Aclftfr, nh*MrTnan_._^_,. . ....

Oklahoma, No. 7.

Blind, veterans

Doma R. Roberts .

Sylvester Hoffman, adviser.
Fred Bristol, adviser.
John E. Feighner, adviser.

COMMITTEE ON TIME AND PLACE

1st -. _ --- -

Joseph R. Harold, chairman

l\assachusetts No 10

2d -

Edward Malone-1

New York No 29 "

3d

Sterling Morelock

Pennsylvania No 8

4th ---

Mary Anne Kennedy. _

Maryland No 3

5th

Wallace Whitley

Department of North Carolina

6th

J. B. Flovd

Tennessee N"o 24

7th

E. A. Gafford.

Kentucky' N"o 6

8th

Nick Isaacson

Illinois No 2

9th ---

Burdette Arth_ .

Missouri No 1

10th_ _ _ - -

John Merthan _ _

Minnesota, No 2

llth - _

Michael Norton.

Colorado No 7

12th

Philip Minn

Hawaii No 1

John Cassara, alternate

California, No. 11.

13th

James L. Rock _

Idaho, No 6

14th

L D Buckingham

Texas No 25

Blind veterans __ _ __

A. M. "Paddy" Driscoll

Vivian D. Corbly, adviser .

National Adjutant CORBLY (continuing).

For the information of some of you who probably were not here
Monday, all of those committees were elected or selected by the dis-
tricts in caucus held here yesterday afternoon. None of them were
appointed by the national commander, except of course the creden-
tials committee. They were all selected as a part of the legislative
maneuvers of our legislative organization. All of the advisers were
appointed by the commander. All of the chairmen were designated
by the national commander, but only as temporary chairmen. The
committee themselves have the privilege, after the temporary chair-
man calls them together, of electing a permanent chairman.

As stated at the start of these announcements I would like to have
particularly all of the chairmen of the committees and as many of
the members of the committees to come forward in the room following
the recess of this meeting so that we can make -arrangements for
giving out of the resolutions to the chairmen, make arrangements for
your organization meetings giving you information as to the proce-
dures to be followed clearing through the coordination committee, and
room assignments.

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS (now presiding) . And
now the assistant national adjutant, Jack Feighner, will proceed with
the drawing.

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. John Florena, past na-
tional executive committeeman of the Blind Veterans Chapter, will
see what he can do about drawing your name.

(Prize drawing.)

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Thank you very much,
Comrade Feighner.

The next session will commence at 9 : 30 a. m. in this hall tomorrow
morning.

122 THIKTY-SJEIVENTH NATIONAL

We will ask our national chaplain, the Reverend Pickett, to lead
us in prayer. . .

National Chaplain PICKETT. We are glad to have Kabbi Louis Par-
ris with us this morning, who will give the benediction.

Rabbi Louis PARRIS (Pennsylvania, No. 96). God of our fathers,
we have come with grateful and hopeful hearts. We are grateful for
the blessings which Thou hast bestowed upon us, and for the friend-
ships and good fellowship symbolized by this convention. We are
hopeful that at this convention and these meetings that we are having,
our decisions may be wise and judicious, leading to successful and
effective accomplishment. We ask this not for self, but in order to
better serve God, country, and comrades. As we leave this session we
pray, O Lord, our God, for Thy blessing upon all and each of us.
Guide our deliberations,prosper us in our work. Amen.

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. The convention stands
in recess until 9 : 30 tomorrow morning.

(Whereupon, at 1 : 25 p. m., the session was recessed until 9 : 30 a. m*
the following day.)

WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION

August 21, 1957

The third business session of the 36th National Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans was held in the grand ballroom of the
Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N". Y., at 9: 30 a. m., Wednesday, August 21,
1957. Senior Vice Commander Paul Frederick called the session to
order.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. The session will come to order.

Officer of the day, advance the colors.

(Colors advanced.)

iSenior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Chaplain Rev. Pickett will
lead us in the invocation.

National Chaplain PICKETT. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,
all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, Come before his pres-
ence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God. It is He that
hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the
sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and
into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His
name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His
truth endureth to all generations. Amen.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. While Commander Burke is
expounding to the auxiliary, I will attempt to get this session rolling
and we will move along for you at a good clip so we will not be
here at too late an hour.

m For the first reoprt to be presented to you this morning, I would
like to call to the microphone for the purpose of presenting his report,
Miles Draper, the president of the Service Foundation who will pre-
sent their annual report.

D-ISlABI/E'D AMERICAN VETERANS 123

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISABLED AMERICAN
VETERANS SERVICE FOUNDATION

Comrade MILES DRAPER (DAV Service Foundation). Comrade
Commander, and comrades of this convention, in accordance with
the terms of the deed of trust between the Disabled American Vet-
erans and the Disabled American Veterans Service Foundation, the
foundation does herewith submit its annual report for the 1956-57
year. A copy of the annual audit prepared by Haskins & Sells,
certified public accountants, is herewith submitted as a part of this
report, and the same will be published in full in an early issue of
the DAV Semimonthly.

At a meeting of the national executive committee of the DAV, held
in San Antonio, Tex., on August 25, 1956, immediately following the
national convention, the following resolution was adopted:

Be it resolvetf,, That the national executive committee of the BAV now af-
firms that the amendment to the deed of trust adopted at the time of the Miami
Beach (1954) convention proceedings in relation to projects shall not apply
to annual or other word puzzle contests of skill which have been cleared by the
Post Office Department, and that, anything to the contrary notwithstanding,
this resolution constitutes an interpretation of said amendment by the national
executive committee of the DAV which, by removing any prior implied limitation
or restriction, authorizes and permits the Disabled American Veterans Service
Foundation in its discretion to plan, finance, sponsor or conduct such word
puzzle contests of skill.

In accordance therewith immediate plans were promulgated for the
starting of another word puzzle contest designated as DAV-O-GRAM
puzzle contest. A delay was incurred in starting the contest due
to the regrettable hospitalization on the part of our executive director.
As a result this contest is still in progress and will not be terminated
until late this year, or possibly the early part of next year, depending
on the number of tie breakers required to break ties for the principal
prizes. In this contest we did not use advertising or extensive direct
mail solicitations, thereby keeping costs to a minimum, but carried on
the contest primarily amongst our former contestants and some mail-
ings to conditioned puzzle-minded persons. At this time it appears
that a small profit may be made from this contest.

Today there are millions of persons throughout the country who
are puzzle-minded, particularly in word and letter puzzles used by
daily newspapers for circulation purposes, and it is our opinion that
if we can stay in this field and maintain contests with small profits,
that sooner or later the cycle will return where we may make large
money as we did some years ago. However, in order to reach that
field it may be necessary for us to sacrifice a portion of our profit in
order to secure adequate financial assistance with the assurance of no
loss on our part.

Our board of trustees will determine at this convention our pro-
gram for the coming year in this respect.

And I want to say that at our meeting it was determined that
during the coming year we would suspend the operation of puzzle
contests. Not to give up the field, but merely to suspend for 1 year.
And at the end ol that time to reevaluate the field as it looks at that
time.

124 THIRTY-SlEVMNTH JSIATlOilSrAIi E'EIPORT

During the year a great deal of the time of our executive director
was consumed in advancing the program of direct gifts and bequests
and the establishment of trusts within the foundation. Our Bridging
the Gap * * * folder has been placed in the hands o innumerable
persons throughout the country with the hope that results may begin
to show in the foreseeable future. The Directory of Lawyers Who
Are Members of the DAY, which also includes a list of the DAV
national service officers, gained widespread distribution with many
DAV attorneys asking to be included in our next edition.

A year ago I reported to you the receipt of a specific bequest of
$45,000 from the estate of Frederick W. Nichol of New York City. I
am happy to tell you that we have received an additional $20,025
under this will. A final payment will probably be made during this
fiscal year.

During the year we received an outright gift of 2T shares of the cap-
ital stock of the G-omord Development Co., Inc., from our executive
director. Our Bridging the Gap * * * folder outlines how such gifts
can be made to the foundation with a tax advantage to the donor.

During the year additional perpetual rehab funds as specifically
set forth in a separate schedule in the annual audit have been estab-
lished with the foundation as trustee, with the income to accrue for
the purpose of perpetuating the DAV's service program within the
State of origin of each such perpetual rehab fund, as explained in
detail in our new Guiding Principles folder, which also includes our
articles of incorporation, constitution and regulations, and our deed of
trust agreement with the DAV. This grassroots idea, originally con-
ceived by Judge John B. McClernan, former DAV national vice com-
mander, from the State of Montana, and heartily encouraged by our
executive director, could well solve the problem of perpetuating the
DAV service officer program.

During the year we have also distributed thousands of reprints of
an extension or remarks made in the Congressional Record on May 29,
1956, by the Honorable Charles E. Bennett, Congresman from Florida,
and a life member of the DAV in Florida, and of an extension of
remarks made in the Congressional Record on July 26, 1956, by the
Honorable Laurence Curtis, Congressman from Massachusetts, and
former national senior vice commander of the DAV and now a member
of the foundation's board of trustees. Upon request to our executive
director, a reasonable supply of these reprints will be made available,
without any cost therefor, to any national service officer, department
or chapter of the DAV. Copies of the three folders that I have
mentioned are also available.

At the last national convention, held in San Antonio, Tex., the
foundation was requested by the national headquarters of the DAV to
make an appropriation to it of $600,000. It was the "lobby rumor 55
that unless the f oundation made this appropriation, three-f ourtlis of
the DAV national service officers would have to be dismissed before
the end of the year ? and the members of our board were severely criti-
cized in San Ajitomo for not immediately granting the request. How-
ever, at a meeting of the board in early October 1956, the board not only
voted to appropriate the $600,000, but authorized an additional
$150,000 for the service program^ in order that other funds of the

D-ISiABLED AMERICAN 1 VETETDA3SHS 125

DAY national headquarters could be made available to finance its
Hidden Treasure TV show and songram contest.

Incidentally, in fulfilling the request of national headquarters for
the said appropriation it was necessary for the foundation to liquidate
Government bonds which it held in order to have available funds,
and in doing so the foundation sustained a loss of $29,763.95 in the
sale of the bonds. Of the appropriation, $250,000 was paid to national
headquarters prior to December 31, 1956, and $500,000 was paid since
that time. The sum of $292,800 was allocated out of our State trust
fund accounts as shown in our audit and the balance of $457,200
out of our general trust account.

As a result of this appropriation our funds were greatly depleted,
and at the close of our fiscal year on June 30, 1957, our audit report
shows net assets of the foundation to be only $189,124.74.

Since 1948 when we employed our full-time executive director
the DAV Service Foundation has appropriated a total of $3,240,000
to the national headquarters of the DAV, with $1,892,800 allocated out
of State trust fund accounts and $1,347,200 out of general trust ac-
counts, for its use exclusively for the maintenance of the DAV's ex-
cellent nationwide rehabilitation services. DAV State departments
which had cooperated as to localized fund-raising projects received
$286,796.07 over that period of time. This means that the DAV,
nationally and locally, received the aggregate sum of $3,526,796.07
during the 1949-57 period.

During the past year the foundation has sufferend a loss on its
board of trustees in the death of DAV Past National Commander
Maple T. Harl, who never waivered through the years in his devotion
to the interests of our organization.

Recently there was submitted to me the resignation as trustee of
Daniel W. Bell, chairman of the board and president of the American
Security & Trust Co., of Washington, D. C., to take effect at the con-
clusion of this convention. In spite of the fact that he was not eligi-
ble to membership in our organization, he has contributed years of
unselfish service in the interest of the Disabled American Veterans.

Your foundation is now at bedrock. What we will be able to ac-
complish in the future will largely depend upon the dedicated service
and ability of our executive director. His entire life has been devoted
to the welfare of this organization. He is a sincere, conscientious pa-
triot who lives and breathes the cause for which the foundation \Y&S
founded. Our board of trustees has utmost confidence in him, which
we know will be shared in by the rank and file members of the Dis-
abled American Veterans.

Our great potentialities can and should be developed in the future,
primarily based upon the persistent cooperation of the DAV, nation-
ally and locally, through frequent publicity in all DAV publications,
bulletins, pertinent letters to the more generous Indent-O-Tag donors
accompanied by Congressional Record reprints and/or "Bridging the
Gap * * *" folders, et cetera. As more and more DAV members and
units establish special perpetual memorial service trusts with the
foundation, and as more individual members designate it as a benefi-
ciary in their insurance policies, and wills, and make more direct do-
nations, more and more social-minded Americans will follow such ex-

126 , 'THIRTY-SEfVENTH NATTOQSFAL KEflPORT

amples of sincere support of the program of extending more much
needed services, through the Disabled American Veterans, to, for, and
by America's disabled defenders.

HASKINS & SELLS,
Baltimore, Md.^ August 1, 1957.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS' SERVICE FOUNDATION,

Washington^ D. 0.

DEAR SIRS : We have examined the financial statements of Disabled'
American Veterans' Service Foundation for the year ended June 30,
1957, listed below:

Balance sheet, June 30, 1957 and 1956, and comparison (exr
Mbit A) :

State trust accounts, by States ( schedule 1 ) .
Perpetual rehabilitation funds (schedule 2) .
Summary of operations Fund-raising projects for the year*

ended June 30, 1957 (exhibit B) .
Summary of funds in trust for the year ended June 30, 1957

(exhibit C).

Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, and accordingly included such tests of the account-
ing records and such other auditing procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances ; as to receipts from fund-raising proj-
ects it was not practicable because of the nature of such receipts to
extend the examination beyond accounting, on a test basis, for the re-
ceipts as recorded in the books of accounts. We have made similar
examinations for the preceding 18 years.

In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and related sum-
maries of operations and of funds in trust present fairly the financial
position of the foundation at June 30, 1957, and the results of its
operations for the year then ended, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with that
of the preceding year.
Yours truly,

HASKTNS & SELLS.,

DISABLED AMERICAN V'ETBRANB

127

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEBANS SERVICE FOUNDATION
EXHIBIT A*. Balance sheet, June SO, 1951 and 1956, and comparison

June 30

Increase
(decrease)

1957

1966

ASSETS

'Cash ._

$90,278.54

$278,905.91
6,525.00
22,500.00
5,844.26

($188,627.37)
(6,525.00)
(22,500.00)
(2,919.26)

AW/mnt receivables. nuzzle contest . ... ..... ...

Amour^ rflceivable &s iflgatee Tinder will . ^

Accrued interest and other account receivable

2,925.00

TJ. S, Government obligations:
Savings bonds, series G (at cost) redemption value
$192,200 (1957) and $572,400 (1956):
Due December 1961

100,000.00
100,000.00
300,000.00
100,000.00
45.87

93,999.36
103,041.92

(100,000.00)

Due January 1962

100,000.00

Due October 1962 -

(300,000.00),

Due January 1963 -

100,000.00
21.52

Savings bonds series F (at redemption value)............

(24.35)

(93,999.36)
(103,041.92)

Treasury bonds 2H percent (at amortized cost) market
value $191,995.31:
Due Sept. 15, 1967-72

Due Pec, 15, 1967-72

Total U S Government obligations

200,021,62

797,087.15

(597,065.63)

'-Other assets:
Service Foundation, Inc. (wholly owned corporation):
Capital stock, 100 shares of $1 par value each at cost...

100.00
3,210.48

1.00

1.00
1.00

100.00
3, 210. 48

1.00

Loring Development Co., Inc. (12,000 shares of capital
stock) and interest in possible future royalty income
from Martin Stationette patents and related rights,
at nominal value -.- - . -

1.00

Gomord Development Co., Inc. (27 shares of capital
stock) at noTniTiftl value

List of pen project donors' names, at nominal value
Total other assets

1.00

3,313.48

3,312.48

LOO

Total

296,538.54

1,114,174.80

(817,636.26)

JUABnJTIES AND FUNDS

'Puzzle contests:

31,960.00
70,060.76
4,471.29

57,370.00
. 68,125.48
3,219.97

(25,410.00)
1,935.28
1,251.32

"Raoflrvft fi\f ftfttitp'jt fnmnlfttion contingencies etc _~-

Other - --

106,492.05

128,715.45

8,671.60
103.75

(22,223.40)

(8, 6n. 60)
818.00

Participation in fund-raising projects, Disabled American

Miscellaneous

921.75

Total

107,413.80

137,490.80

(30,077.00)

iFunds in trust, exhibit C;

82,787.63
91,088.41

11,348.70
3,900.00

223,408.48
375,104.47

13,338.70
2,100.00
362,732.35

(140,620.85)
(284,016,06)

(1,990.00)
1,800.00
(362,732.35)

Special trust accounts:
Irving J Phillipson Rehabilitation Fii^d

PorrioWiol rftTlfl'ftilitfl.tfn'n fllTld^ ScTlftdlllft 2

Funds unallocated to general and State trust accounts

Total funds in trust

189,124.74

976,684.00

(787,559.26)

Total

296, 538. 54

1,114,17480

(817,636.26)

128 THZBTT-SEVIOTH MTOAL REPORT

EXHIBIT B,- Stiwwry 0} owratim- ftm&rafefcv projects /or the yew

ended June 30, '1

Contributions (less $3,517.34 solicitation eipense) ----------------- $24,540.31

8th puzzle contest : Excess of preliminary operating costs

over net entry fees received to June 30, 1957 (contest

entry fees are receivable until July 30, 1957) : Entry

fees, dictionary sales, and related contributions-

net ________________________________________________ $71, 182.38

Prizes and bonuses, maximum $31,960.00

Direct mail solicitation 19, 726. 40

Printing and supplies 8,865.34

Postage and other mailing expenses- 1, 019. 65

Mechanical and art charges... 1,507.43

Processing .... . 5,434.76

Legal fees and technical services 2, 950. 00

Other . 256. 02

71,719.60

Excess of costs since inception

over net entry fees, etc 537. 22

Less costs incurred prior to July 1, 1956. 313. 30

Excess of costs over net entry fees, etc.,

for the year ended June 30, 1957 223.92

Other fund-raising projects: Excess of expenses over
proceeds of $117.06 ^ . 3, 535. go

3,789.72

Net proceeds from fund-raising projects before
unapportioned general expenses . 20, 750. 65

DISABLED AME1HCAH VETEKAN&
EXHIBIT 0. Summary of funds in trust for the year ended Jwie S0 t

129

Total

General
trust
account

State trust
accounts
(schedule 1

Special trust accounts

Funds Tin-

Irving J.
Phillipson
rehabilita-
tion fund

Perpetual
rehabil-
atation
funds
(sched-
ule 2)

allocated
to general
and State j
trust
accounts

Funds in trust, July 1, 1956.
Additions:
Allocation to general trust
account under par. (a)
of sec. 2 of art. VI of the
constitution and regula-
tions as amended..

$976,684.00

$223,408.48
362,732.35

$375,104.47

$13,338.70

$2,100

$362,732.35
(362,732,35)

Funds held in trust pend-
ing formation of State
departments transferred
to State trust accounts,
upon authorization of
board of trustees, since
no State departments
were formed

8,671.60
20,750.65
14,620.65

8,671.60

Net proceeds from fund
raising projects before
unapportioned general
expenses, exhibit B

20, 750. 65

-'14,620.65
(112. 34)

Income from investments
in U. S. Government
obligations and from
savings deposits

Income allowed perpetual
rehabilitation funds

112.34

Amounts received for per-
petual rehabilitation
funds

1,800.00

1,800

Total

1,022,526.90

750,000.00
51,648.21

29,763.95
1,990.00

621. 399. 79

457,200.00
51,648.21

29,763.95

383,888.41
292,800.00

13,338.70

3,900

Deductions:
Appropriations to Dis-
abled American Vet-
erans national head-
quarters under the con-
stitution and regula-
tions (art. VI, par. (6)
of set 1 . 2 and par. (c) of
sec. 3)

General expenses (see
note).

Loss from sale of Invest-
ments in U. S. Govern-
ment obligations

Appropriation from Irv-
ing J. Phillipson reha-
bilitation fund for 1957
calendar cards

1,990.00

-"-"

Total

833,402.16

538,612.16

292,800.00

1,990.00

Funds in trust, June
30, 1957

189,124.74

82,787.63

91,088.41

11,348.70

3,900

NOTE. The general expenses for the year ended June 30, 1957, aggregated $51,648.21 and consisted of
salaries and other compensation, $23,814.36; travel expenses, $9,589.05; office rental, equipment, and supplies,
$2,39199; professional services, $5,877.10; employee welfare (including social security taxes), $6,991.95;
printing, publicity, and postage, $1,014.95; and other expenses, $1,966.81,

130 THIRTY-SOEVEINTH JSTATTODSTAL REPORT

SCHEDULE l.8tate trust accounts, ly States, for the year ended June 30, 1957

Balances
June 30,
1956

Add trans-
fer of funds
which were
held in
trust pend-
ing forma-
ation of
State de-
partments
(see note)

Add trans-
fer of in-
come al-
lowed per-
petual re-
habilita-
tion funds

Deduct
appropria-
tion to DIs
abled
American
Veterans
national
head-
quarters

Balances
June 30,
1957

Alabama

$8, 159. 24

$5 900

*O OKQ t\A

Arizona _

90.01

on m

Arkansas ,

10.51

in *n

California

56, 146 44

47 500

O CtAf AA

Colorado _.

1, 632. 35

1 600

10 9C

Connecticut

6,033 59

6 000

oo en

Delaware.

3.05

$369 95

*300

70 nn

District of Columbia ,

25.35

$1 67

9*7 no

Florida

5, 805. 42

K con

c 40

Georgia

746. 99

700

4.C QQ

Idaho

816 15

8(10

1ft IK

Illinois _

31, 541. 16

25 900

K fidl 1R

Indiana

18, 639 50

Uflftn

7-ftQft Kf\

Iowa

9, 093. 95

9 000

fV> QK

Kansas _

17, 779. 51

6 600

U170 *?1

Kentucky _

2, 378. 71

o q/in

70 7|

Louisiana

4, 378. 36

4, OAft

7Q Ofl

Maine _

4, 174 96

A iAn

*JA_ Oft

Maryland

12 466 51

nn

in nnn

74. Uo

2AKQ K1

Massachusetts

191 04

inn

, 46W, 51

Q1 f\A

Michigan. _.

24,677 55

> nn

t)A Ann

Q(\ KK.

Minnesota..,

23 445 46

A nn

11 inn

80. 55

1O 3K1 Aft

Mississippi

134 65

inn

iZ, ool. 46

QJ Qt

Missouri _

2, 041 85

7 652,24

o Ann

Montana

3, 070. 49

QRft7

AAn

94. 09

IRQ 1ft

Nebraska ,.

8,037.68

ft ^nn

1707 QO

Nevada

30. 15

30.15

New Jersey

168.42
14,933 22

100
id. onn

68.42

nn nn

New Mexico _

67.13

OO.22
on i<>

New York

1, 756 20

i 7nn

North Carolina

10, 071. 64

Q onn

56.20

North Dakota
Ohio,,

Okl&h OTTI ft

583.46
600.18

600
600

1, 871. 64
83.46
.18

Oregon

Pennsylvania...'. _
Rhode Island

6, 056. 15
8,285.76
1,977.94
1(314 62)

6,000
8,200
1,900

56.15
85.76
77.94

South Carolina..
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas ,
Utah
Vermont
Virginia

637.02
851.49
12,685.82
21,585.24
733.89
17.08
22 866 49

600
800
8,300
21,600
700

1 (31 4. 62)
37.02
51.49
4, 385. 82
85.24
33.89
17.08

Washington....
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Territories

7,451.65
109.05
22,338.04
79.34
14.25

649.41

7,800
7,400
100
6,300

600

15, 066. 49
51.65
9.05
16,038.04
79.34
63.66

Total

375,104.47

8,671.60

112.34

292,800

91, 088. 14

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 131

SCHEDULE 2. Perpetual rehabilitation funds, June SO, 1957 and 1956

'

June 30

1957

1966

Butte Chapter No. 6, DAV, Montana

$1,000
1000
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
300
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

$1,000
1,000
100

Department of Montana, DAV _
Auxiliary to Butte Chapter No. 6, DAV, Montana "

Howard E. Merhar, Montana

McCaffery, Roe A Klely, Montana...,

Frank A. Howard and James L,. Mnnnfthun, MiPPflRflta

-.

Oen. Melvln J. Maos, Maryland

Mlllard W. Hlee, Minnesota

Lewis and Clark Chapter No. 3, DAV, Montana

Dr. Francis E. Burgess, District of Columbia

Great Falls Chapter No. 2, DAV, Montana. "

Anaconda Chapter No. 13, DAV, Montana

Bozeman Chapter No. 12, DAV, Montana

,

John Rlchllng, Jr. (Elnar Johnson), Wisconsin

Department of Arkansas, DAV __

Shelby Chapter No. 15, DAV, Montana

Ladies Auxiliary to Shelby Chapter No. IB, DAV, Montana

Miles City Chapter No. 19, DAV, Montana. ~.

*"----

Total . -._ .

3,900

2,100

Comrade DRAPER (continuing) . Mr. Commander. I move you that
this report be received and referred to the appropriate committee.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. You have heard the motion.
Is there a second?

Comrade ARTHUR PULLIAM (Department of Tennessee). Second
the motion.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. You have heard the motion
made and seconded that this report be received by us and sent to
the proper convention committee. All in favor, say aye. Contrary
no. Carried.'

Comrade DRAPER. As you all know, each year the foundation elects
one member to its board of trustees for a term of 5 years, which re-
quires confirmation by the national convention. I understand that
this will have to be deferred until we get a report of the credentials
committee but after that has been done I wish to present our selection
for the board of trustees and urge that you confirm this selection.

Thank you, Mr. Commander.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Thank you, Comrade Draper.
At this time, would the officer of the day check the outer room to see
if the national commander of the Women's Auxiliary is about to pre-
sent herself to us ?

OFFICER OF THE DAY. She is present. Shall I escort her in?

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. I know we all will extend a
very, very warm and gracious welcome and hand as she jofSfe us this
morning.

(The convention rose to applaud Mrs. Helen Ishmael, commander
of the Women's Auxiliary.)

National Commander BURKE (now presiding)*. Each year the na-
tional commander of the DAV is very fortunate in the fact tiiat he
is given a counterpart in the Indies Auxiliary, to help him work out
his term of office. I have been so rewarded. I would like to say of
Helen that there is nothing that we have asked her to do that she
hasn't performed to the best of her ability. She has worked hard in
our interests. A lot of the credit for legislation and other things, if

132 T^HIRTY-SlEfVEDSrTH ntfATTOOSPAli REPORT

we are honest in our hearts, we know that the ladies of our Auxiliary
have a great part to play in its passage.

Therefore, it is my pleasure and privilege to present to you this
morning one o f those gracious, fine, understanding women who^ make
up our Auxiliary and in their good sense was elevated to the job of
national commander at the convention in San Antonio. It gives me
the greatest of pleasure to bring before this convention the national
commander of the Ladies Auxiliary, Mrs. Helen Ishmael.

National Commander Mrs. HEI^^T ISEUMCAEL (DAV Auxiliary).
Thank you, Joe.

National Commander Burke, national officers, and delegates to the
36th Annual Convention of the Disabled American Veterans, it has
been my privilege and my pleasure to serve as national commander of
your Auxiliary this past year. I have traveled thousands of miles
and have been received most graciously by your members and the
members of the auxiliaries, and for all of this I am deeply grateful.

Our entire program this year has been carried on under the capable
leadership of our national officers and the various committee chairmen
and at this time I should like to give you a resume of the work accom-
plished.

During the year I visited 38 VA hospitals, 5 State hospitals, 3 naval
hospitals, spending from 2 to 3 hours at each, learning firsthand of the
work that is being done by our volunteers. Our national VAVS
chairman, Thelma Feighner, has reported 3,994 members gave 77,232
hours of service in VA nospitals and our auxiliaries spent $103,423.65
in these same facilities. Our national hospital chairman, Florence
Green, reports 59.627 hours given, and $163,023.13 spent in non-VA
hospitals. Over $2,000 was spent by our auxiliaries in our program
at Carville, La.

Legislation: Our auxiliaries sponsor no legislation independently
but are ever alert to the legislation sponsored by you, the parent
organization. Our membership is notified through our national leg-
islative chairman when letters should be written to their Senators and
Congressmen. This year, units sent 10,218 letters to their Senators
and Congressmen. The telegrams sent to United States Senators and
Congressmen numbered 345 and 889 personal contacts were made on
legislation.

In our community service our auxiliaries are most concerned with
the well-being and proper development of our communities. This
year our members gave 109,000 hours of volunteer service, and do-
nated over $12,000.

In child welfare we of the Auxiliary stress this phase of our pro-
gram bg^ working with children's groups. We strive to teach them
the ideals of our country and that they have no fear for the future if
they and the others of their generation are faithful to these ideals and
pass them on to succeeding generations. Hours spent by our mem-
bers working on child welfare projects this past year amount to
147,034.^ Money expended amounted to $320,14=6.60.

Americanism: Now, as never before, must we be alert to the dan-
gers that threaten our country. Our auxiliaries are carrying on a
fine Americanism program. Many patriotic programs were held this
past year. Members helped with the classwork of naturalized citi-
zens and our records show that we have increased this part of our
program tremendously.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 133

National Commander Burke, it has been my pleasure to serve with
you. Our paths have not crossed often but when they have, you have
always been most kind and cooperative and I do want you to know
that I appreciate it.

To the national officers, national executive committeemen, service
officers, State officers, and all chapters, my sincere thanks lor your
kindness to me while I served as national commander of your
auxiliary. My best wishes go with you for a new year of great
accomplishment. [Applause.]

National Commander BTJRKE. Will some of you handsome volun-
teers come forward and escort the national president of the Ladies
Auxiliary from the convention?

(Mrs. Ishmael was escorted from the convention.)

National Commander BURKE. And now, so we can get into some of
the business of our convention. I am going to ask that man from
Denver, Colo., with the mustache and that shining gray hair, good
friend of ours for many years, and always been given the difficult job,
it is my pleasure to bring before the convention for a preliminary
report. Franklin Thayer.

Comrade FRANEJLIN- THAYER (chairman, credentials committee).
Thank you, Commander.

This report seems to be one of the necessary evils of the convention.
You have voted long since that no chapter who owes any amount
whatsoever to the national organization will have a right to cast a
vote on the floor of the convention.

There are a number of chapters who _owe various amounts to the
national organization. It is quite possible that no chapter who is
represented here owes any amount, but it is necessary to go through
the entire list of those chapters who owe anything and I am going to
do it as expeditiously as possible. If there is any question about
whether or not your particular chapter has been called, you can see
me or go to headquarters and clear the matter up. If you are here
and you are a delegate and your chapter owes some money to the
national headquarters you better take care of it if you expect to cast
a vote.

I will call these by State numbers and I will omit the name of the
chapter, but call the number of the chapter and the amount of in-
debtedness.

( Preliminary report of credentials committee. )

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK (now presiding) . You have
heard the preliminary reading of the credentials committee. The
Chair will entertain a motion that the preliminary report of this
credentials committee be received as a part of the report so that our
business can be entered into. .

Comrade JAMES NOCERA (Department of Ohio) . I so move.

Comrade W. R. STEPHENS (Commander, Chapter No. 45 Atlanta,
Ga. ) . Would you please place 3 or 4 sergeants at arms in the rear and
stop me and the rest of us from talking so much so that those who
want to hear can hear ?

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. We will be able to take care o

Comrade GEORGE HEOT>RICKSO*T (Kentucky, No. 41). Second the
motion.

THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL, REOPOttT

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. To expedite matters and tt
order that everyone can understand what is going on, we would ap-
preciate those making motions, seconding them, if you would please
step to the microphone and speak right into it, every one wiU hear
what you have to say.

There has been a motion made and seconded that the partial report
of the credentials committee be received as part of the report. All ins
favor, say "aye." Opposed, "no." Carried.

The Chair recognizes Comrade Miles Draper for his remarks.

Comrade MHJES DRAPER. Thank you, Mr. Commander. I guess it is
legal now although you all don't look different to me than you did 5
minutes ago.

As I stated at that time, it is necessary that the convention each year
confirm the election of a trustee of the service foundation which
election is made at the time of the convention. At our meeting on
Sunday we elected as a trustee for a period of 5 years subject to your
approval, the hard working and very fine national commander that we
have had during the past year. We figure if he can work for the
foundation the way he has worked for the DAV it will be a wonderful
thing for our foundation.

I, therefore, Mr. Commander, move that this convention ratify and
approve the selection of Commander Joe Burke as a trustee of the
Service Foundation for a period of 5 years.

Comrade FRANK T. GARRETT (Cincinnati, No. 1). Second the
motion.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. You have heard the motion
and second. Any remarks? All those in favor, signify by saying, :

aye."

Contrary, "no."

Carried.

Comrade DRAPER. Now, Mr. Commander, I wish to perform my last
act as the chairman of your service foundation. I have served as
chairman of the service foundation since the death of Bill Tate in
1949. He was the first chairman of the foundation, and on my trip up
here to this convention I took a short detour and went to Belton, S. C.
where Bill Tate was buried and many of us were there at the time of
his funeral on a very rainy day. I laid some flowers on the grave of
Bill Tate and the headstone which had been placed at Bill Tate's
funeral gives his name, the year of his birth, the year of his death, and
then the words, "National Commander, Disabled American Veterans"
and the year that he served. I gave a little silent prayer to our old
comrade, whom many of us have loved and worked with for so many
years.

Now I4^ibn ? t have to die in office the way he did but at our meeting
the other day the trustees selected as chairman of the foundation a
man whom all of you know. You have respected, you have served
under him over a period of years, and I know he will bring to the
foundation a great deal of spirit, enthusiasm, and effort. And I wish
to now introduce to you the chairman of your service foundation, John
Golob. *

Comrade JOHN GOLOB. Greetings. For your information we have
not let Miles get away from us completely. We want the benefit of
his many years o service and he has been reelected for another period
of years. *

DISABI/JED- AMERICAN VETERANS 135

It is my sincere hope that the majority, most of us, are going to
meet again in 1958 and that the report that you hear at that time
is going to be pleasant.
Thank you. [Applause.]

National Commander BURKE (now presiding) , I want a hand from
this convention. I want a hand for a group o guys that are coming
in here. We may have our differences at times and sometimes we
have our little kidding around, but they work hard in the interests
of the DAV. They are good DAV men.

Will the sergeant of the guard escort the Imperial Van of the
Order of the Trench Bats to the platform ?

(The Imperial Van of the Order of the Trench Rats was escorted
to the platform.)

National Commander BTHUOJ. I am going to introduce to you now
from Pawtucket, R. I., the imperial golden rodent this year, Charley
Gorman, who will introduce the members of his staff.

Imperial Golden Rodent CHARLES V. GORMAST (Trench Rats).
Thank you, Comrade commander.

Comrade commander, comrades, brother rats, ladies, and friends. I
bring you the greetings from the Imperial Council and the Imperial
Van from the National Order of Trench Rats. First of all I thank
God that I am able to be here and thank our comrades, our national
commander, and the national adjutant for all the cooperation and
every consideration that has been extended to the National Order of
Trench Rats and the fine program that has been arranged for us at
this time. Thanks to all the committees and to the help of the mem-
bers of the committee that makes this possible.

We are brothers and our brother's keeper and we are mindful of
our responsibility to their welfare and their best interests. That is
my story, that we may always cling together. God bless you until
we meet again.

My brothers, I have a very urgent issue to give you. Tonight,
Brother Rats, the annual rendezvous will be held at the American
Legion Post 665 Troop 1, at 432 Franklin Avenue, this city. Four
blocks from here at 8 : 00 p. m. sharp. We want you to come, one and
all, Brother Rats.

Now I shall introduce to you personally, each member of the im-
perial van.

Jack L. Link, silver rodent.

Comrade brother Crummack, imperial blue rodent.

Ah Kee Leong, imperial bubonic plague.

Lyle D. Spencer, black plague.

Ivor Willibuy, imperial holy rat.

Maurice Sweeney, imperial bench rat.

Jack Sagray, imperial iron claw.

Earl Merrifield, the imperial red eye gnawer.

Joseph M. Casey , imperial historic rat.

I would also like to introduce to you two hard-working Rats for
the DAV and that is your national commander, Joe Burke, and also
your national adjutant, Vivian D. Corbly.

I don't know why they put me in this spot because I am just a nunky
for the organization but if any of you Rats haven't come to me and
given me your $2 I wish you would do it so I can go home and get a
little rest before tonight.

20331 58 10

136 THJPElTY-SDEIVE'jSrTH: NATTOflSTAl. REPORT

( The Imperial Van withdrew from the platform. )
Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK (now presiding). Joe, at this
time I will introduce to you a member of the Greater Buffalo Chapter
and he is representing the Canadian Legion, at this time and I would
like to present to you, Mr. George Johnson.

Comrade GEORGE JOHN-SON (Buffalo, N. Y.). Comrade commander
and comrades, the commander of the Middle States asked me to come
and bring you his greetings and best wishes for a successful conven-
tion.

The Canadian veterans in this country have a hard road to travel
and we do all we can but it is pretty tough.
Thank you very much.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. At this time we will pause
just a moment while I ask the sergeant-at-arms to request that any
of the comrades who might be seated or standing outside the hall, to
please come into the hall as we are about to receive the report of our
national commander. The least we can do for him is to give him a
few minutes when he has given us 12 full months, so would the ser-
geant-at-arms request that those who are outside in the hall please
enter and be seated.

I have been requested in the past to make very few introductions
to ^any extent so this really is the first time that I have ever had the
privilege and the pleasure and honor of introducing to you a present
national commander. Last year at San Antonio, Tex., I was given
the honor and elevated to the spot of national senior vice commander
and had pledged my full support and cooperation to commander
Burke. As the year progressed and we got further along during Ms
term, my opportunities to meet him became more frequent.

About 4 months ago when the various departments started to have
their conventions our. paths crossed even more often. Beino- in his
company quite often at the start was a little strange probablyto both
of us because rubbing elbows a little from one will rub off on the other
and after about the first trip we made together we really struck up a
good friendship. I might give you a few points how we did get
along. fo

, J* ** ow Joe G an do most everything for himself but you have
detaite time commitments on some of these conventions, you have
to be certain places certain times and to help him pick up a "few min-
utes here and there I would say, "Commander, can I help you?"
He would say, "Well, yes, can you tie a tie i P y

V '-ift? 811 y . OU v th 5 trut ^' y , es ' but nofc when you are stand-

*

ji * . ,-p, ^.vrrxi. JLJ.O VWUJLU. j.j.t> U.UWJ1 ior a couple

01 minutes. I hen when I was home and back on the job I would get

So aboT?^ 7 d Z i?T^ Ce ^ ing the tie with him staildi ^ ^P-
feo about the second or third tune I was with Commander Burke I

got so I could tie his tie standing up and we made better time then

*^3&3SS^Ss:'Z&2*
asp^S^^W^.fis^-Sffiss- 5

I>IStAB3^ET> AMERICAN VHSTET6ANB 137

other information that will come to you, you, without a doubt, will

to you, certainly will give you evidence of everything that I have
said up to this point. So without any further words, it is my honor to
present to you your national commander for this 1956-57 year that
we have just completed. Commander Burke.

(The convention rose to applaud Commander Burke.)

National Commander JOSEPH F. BURKE. On August 24, 1956, at
San Antonio, Tex., there was conferred upon me the greatest honor
any disabled veteran could acquire the honor of being elected na-
tional commander of the Disabled American Veterans.

During the past year I have attempted, to the best of my ability,
to live up to the faith and confidence of that convention. During this
year I have traveled, as much as I could possibly schedule, and made
appearances that would bring me into as many States as time would
permit. This, under any circumstances, is not an easy task. To those
.States I failed to visit during the year, such as Minnesota where I
was invited three times and was unable to appear, I express my keen
regret but there just was not enough time in the day or days in the
week to permit me to visit all departments.

In many respects it has not been an easy year. ^There are frustra-
tions in the job of national commander; there are difficulties which are
not foreseen when one is elevated to the position. The difficulties
which ensue can only be met at the time of their occurrence. There
are no mandates or policies which would give a complete answer so
it rests solely with the individual and those whose advice and counsel
lie seeks. So at this time I will discuss with you some of the main
functions of our organization and try to give as concise a report as
possible, and at the same time point out the impossibility of developing
in a report of this nature every daily occurrence during my term of
^office.

One of the most important activities we have is legislative. I
would like to thank publicly Maj. Omer W. Clark, the national di-
rector of legislation, and his assistant, Elmer M. Freudenberger, for
their close cooperation with your national commander and express to
them my gratitude for their wise counsel and guidance.

The legislative activities of my term of office were many and varied
and were designed to assist and complement in every feasible way
the efforts put forth by the director of legislation and his assistant to
further the DAV legislative program.

On October 5, 1956, your national commander, national director of
legislation, and national director of claims called on the President
at the White House and there went over with the Chief Executive the
legislative objectives of the Disabled American Veterans and pre-
sented him with a complete set of the resolutions adopted at the
San Antonio national convention of August 1956. Between that
convention and the opening of the 85th Congress on January 3, 1957,
<conferences were held, attended by your national commander and
DAV legislative representatives, with certain key figures of the Senate
and House, and arrangements were made to have a DAV compensa-
tion increase bill introduced on the opening day by the chairman of

138 TSnRTY-SKVENTH ISTATIOOSTALi REPORT

the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Representative Olin E.
Teague.

Subsequent to the convening of the new Congress, other conferences
were held from time to time with prominent chairmen and members
of important committees of the Senate and House and steps were
taken to have a companion bill to H. R. 52 introduced in the Senate,
This was done early in the session and that bill became S. 535. On
March 7, 1957, appearances were made by the national commander
and certain national officers, including the director of legislation^
before the House Committee on Veterans 5 Affairs, at which time formal
statements were made and questions discussed and answered on the
subject of VA medical and hospital construction and operations. The
testimony given at that open hearing by the national commander,,
director of legislation, and others was reported in the DAV Semi-
monthly and, of course, is of public record in the publication printed
for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

On March 12, 1957, your national commander, on invitation, made
an appearance before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
and outlined the DAV legislative program for the first session of the
85th Congress. This statement, too, was reported hi the semimonthly
and is included in a committee publication.

It was soon apparent, after Congress convened for this term, that
the only bill that had a chance of passage was one that would involve
Government expenditures substantially less than called for by the
DAV proposals. As the session progressed it became even more evi-
dent that any veterans legislation involving considerable cost would
have an uphill fight to become law. The major recognized veterans*
organizations therefore united behind H. R. 52 and despite its more
modest monetary demands nearly 3 months elapsed after the favorable
committee action before a rule could be obtained from the House Com-
mittee on Rules to bring the measure out for a floor vote. As you
know, the House passed the bill on May 13, 1957, and it was then de-
layed until July 18, 1957, before the Senate Committee on Finance
reported it out.

In connection with that, when we reported it out Senator Harry
Byrd of Virginia kept his^word. Senator Harry Byrd of Virginia
had told me 3 months previous in a conversation, where Major Clark
was present, that that bill would be reported if it passed the House to
the Senate Finance Committee. The bill was reported out of the
House, ^ there were those who told me that Senator Byrd wouldn't
keep his word. Senator Byrd is a man who is economically minded.
Everybody knows that. But he not only kept his word, he introduced
it on the floor of the Senate, supported it, and asked for the other
Senators to support it. So the gentleman from Virginia is not, in
my opinion, antidisabled veteran. [Applause.]

I want to also report to you that that bill has left the Senate floor
and is on the President's desk. We are torn between rumors and re-
ports. A lot of people have assured me that the bill is going to pass,
borne people have told me it might be vetoed. We put in a lot of time,
.a lot of expense, of our chapters, but I think after the session this
morning is over those of you who can reach the telegraph office in the^
name of your State or your delegation had better start sending tele-
grams to the White House to let them know there is a disabled vet-
erans convention in Buffalo. I feel better when we are doing some-

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEESANB 139

thing about it. I don't like sitting still waiting for something to hap-
pen. Maybe those telegrams will tip the balance, I don't know. I
am not happy because it has not been signed by the White House. It
was passed unanimously by the House and the Senate. It is probably
-something that we can be most proud of because this is an off-election
year and we got it through those august bodies. If at this stage of
the game we should lose H. B,. 52 it would be a terrible thing for the
disabled veterans of this country. So we had better get some work
done.

On employment, I cannot praise the national director of employ-
ment, John W. Burris, too highly. As you know, we had some prob-
lems and John always stood fast and firm alongside of me when
things looked blackest.

Early this year we received complaints from many different parts
of the country that many disabled veterans employed in civilian jobs
at various Naval Air Stations were receiving notices of downgrading
; specifically because of the service-connected disabilities. These de-
motions resulted after the Navy had established a new "intermedi-
ate" rating. We promptly dispatched a telegram to the White House,
:after consultation with some congressional leaders and others, re-
questing that the Navy stop the practice of downgrading these dis-
abled veteran employees pending further study of the situation. It
is late enough in the game to tell you something why I was so sure
of Olin Teague being a friend of disabled veterans. When it was
finally brought to my attention in Mobile, Ala., by Grarrett and he
showed me some of the examples of the letters the Navy was writing
to disabled veterans, I called that gentleman long distance. He told
me, "There is only one thing to do, Joe. If you are right this has
been going on for 2 years; give them hell. Send a telegram to the
White House, send a telegram to me, and we'll see what the Navy is
doing."

We did, and Olin Teague told the Navy if they didn't answer the
questions we had to ask they would answer them before a House
committee. They didn't want to come before a House committee so
they listened to your national commander and John Burris. And we
discussed this thing at great length.

We are particularly pleased with this result as it should serve as
a warning to other agencies that might in the future attempt to de-
mote service-connected disabled veterans and other handicapped indi-
viduals purely because of their physical limitations.

Now understand what that means. It is a hard enough job to get
a job when you are a handicapped person. But if the agencies which
are in the Government only oecause it was successfully defended
against active aggression should now feel the disabled veteran has
outlived his usefulness, I couldn't see much hope in this country for
private interests. And that.. was the danger in that situation and I
want to say to you, because I am determined this morning since I
got up at 6 o'clock working in your interests, and I have heard some
comments around the halls that maybe some of you ought to do a
little thinking once in a while.

There were those in this organization, to paraphrase a remark we
made on the floor the other day, there were those high placed in this
organization, and I am talking about levels of State commanders
and so forth, who attempted and called Mr. Corbly on the long-

140 TEciRTY-SEV'Ensrrii KATIOUSTAL, REPORT

distance telephone and communicated with him and said, "Tell your
national commander to lay off." Mr. Corbly told them, "For your
information, my national commander hasn't even consulted me about
it because he doesn't have to. If he is right he is going to do what is
right, and I am not going to change him because in the first place I
don't want to and in the second place if he wasn't right he wouldn't
be doing what he is doing."

The Air Force has recently announced a new Air Reserve technician
plan that will vitally affect both its military and civilian employees
at many of its installations and we have been assured by the Air Force
and the United States Civil Service Commission, after the Navy
incident when they were proposing some things which might have
affected us the same way, but in view of what had been accomplished
by your organization in Washington they now say that those em-
ployees who decline or who are not eligible for Reserve membership
will be reassigned at the same or higher grade to non-Air Force Re-
serve technician positions in the same geographic area as jobs become
available to which they may be moved with (1) no reduction in
force; (2) no demotions; and (3) no required transfers to other geo-
graphic areas. Legislation is now pending that would prevent the
demotion of blue-collar wage-board employees with satisfactory
records, which we hope will receive favorable consideration in the
next session. And get this : As of December 31 last year, Uncle Sam
had a total of 219,252 disabled veteran civilian employees a larger
figure than our DAV membership in good standing as of June 30.
The DAV has, from its inception, fought to preserve, protect, and
defend the best interests of such employees. We played no small
part in the enactment of the Veterans Preference Act of 1944, as
amended, and it is high time that more of these disabled veteran
Federal employees become active members of the DAV. They owe
it to us because we did it for them.

Now let's talk about membership. It's a very important and in-
tegral part of a report such as this. We can all take some measure
of pride in the fact that we increased our membership from a total
of 191,565 as on June 30, 1956, to an alltime high of 196,750 as of
June 30, 1957, a net increase of 5,185. And yet we have to face some
salient facts. These figures only represent a minor percentage of
those eligible to our organization. I have not, nor do I know of any-
one in the DAV, who has anjr solution to the overall problem. That
is, any single individual solution. It is still, in my opinion and those
whose opinions I value, such as Bonnie Maile, whose membership
campaign in Michigan is productive of their winning a membership
award this year, and we have agreed that it boils down to hard work,
individual hard work starting with the member himself, with the
chapter, with the State department, with the national department.

I believe funds should be allotted to conduct a membership cam-
paign by chapters, by State departments, and by the national depart-
ment. Also there should be an expansion of information which
would culminate in a brochure being issued, to be sent out to every
membership chapter and printed in the Semimonthly, on the best
methods for raising our membership. From my point of view, if
all these sound membership ideas are incorporated and made avkil-
able to the interested parties we would take a long step in developing
our membership potential. * ^ ^

DISABLE'D AMERICAN VETERANS 141

This is no easy task. In a small way we have tried to do that this
year, but we haven't even begun to do the job. Again, I must remind
you, as I have in some of the States while on tour, one of our best
sources of revenue is membership. Quickly repeating what I have

" ty I got on a
, the revenue

. go a long way to alleviate any
financial concern we might have now or in the future.

I honestly do not believe that these figures are unapproachable.
There are still cities and towns in this country which have no chapter
and you know as well as I that many of these places could support a
chapter. Many chapters, I am sorry to say, are not doing anything
about developing their membership potential and one of our greatest
problems has always been the 20 to 25 percent loss in annual member-
ships every year. To paraphrase what happens, "They come in the
front door of the chapter and go out the back door," every year. Life
membership, of course, is an answer to this problem. But even if the
members only remain annual members and we were successful in re-
taining them in the DAV, for the information of this convention, be-
lieve it or not, that 500,000 total would have been reached. The
fact of the matter is that of the 2 million or so eligible for our
organization, many of them have in the past, been members of the
DAV. We have just lost them along the way.

Now I want to talk about something we are going to talk about a
little bit later in this convention. And I want to just tell you a few
facts and I am going to use some figures and about three pages because
I want to put before this convention actually what happens with some
of the work of our public relations department, Julian Jackson and
his employees. And I don't care what this convention does because I,
as an individual, only have one vote, but I am going to give you the
report and I want somebody to tell me my figures are wrong or what
I say is wrong because this is what I know has been done.

Everywhere that I have had the privilege of visiting this year the
cooperation from newspapers, and radio and television stations was
excellent. I want to commend the State departments and local chap-
ters for arranging this fine publicity. Through the use of the national
commander's press book distributed by our national publicity depart-
ment, plus the initiative of department and chapter publicity officers
and officials, the recognition obtained for the DAV as a result of the
national commander's visit was outstanding. I say this with all due
modesty because Julian Jackson tells me that the clippings gathered
this past year show more lineage for the DAV than in previous years.
This is a tribute to the prestige of the office of national commander o
your organization, no matter who he may be.

Our publicity program is one of the most effective means we have
of enlarging our membership, increasing our Ident-O-Tag returns,
and bringing to the attention of disabled veterans the services of-
fered by our national service officers.

One phase of this program which has been developed so successfully
through the years by the national publicity department in conjunc-
tion with State and local DAV units is the monthly chapter news
bulletin. It brings to you each month ^new stories, radio and tele-
vision scripts, speeches, special supplements and a multitude of valu-
able suggestions that can help you get local publicity. We know

142 THLrRTY-SEVEOSTTH: NATIONAL REPORT

that those chapters that have an active publicity officer or committee
use these materials and use them well.

For the record, the preparation of the monthly chapter bulletin
takes the time of 2 persons for 1 week and correspondence reaches
4,000 letters a year. Hundreds of letters that we have received from
chapters testify to the value of this much-needed service. Many of
you in this room have written such letters. And, I might remind
you, it's a free service of your national headquarters and is yours
only for the asking.

While I'm on the subject, let me briefly touch on the highlights of
your national publicity department's function a job that is accom-
plished with a limited staff on a very limited budget.

During the past year we continued a program initiated the year be-
fore of sending publicity releases into every State at the time of dis-
tribution of Ident-O-Tags. Where we have an endorsement of a
governor, his message is featured in the statewide news releases. This
is followed by a statement by the department commander. Ident-O-
Tag is also widely publicized in the annual license plate roundup story
which gives the license plate pictxire for the coming year. Our lost
key department gives us a wealth of Ident-O-Tag publicity and your
national publicity department sends news feature items to localities
when there is an imusual story connected with the loss of keys.
Radio and TV disc jockeys receive Ident-O-Tag announcements each
month and they are widely used.

At the entrance to this ballroom you will see a collection of editorial
cartoons that have been drawn and published expressly for the DAV
during this year. Several of these are syndicated cartoons which are
used by hundreds of newspapers. And that is a fact. You can't
kid yourself on that, they are out there. They have been printed in
newspapers throughout this country. Only a few of us have that ter-
rible disability of blindness, the rest of us ought to be able to see
them because they are there. The evidence is out there.

These cartoons have been drawn as contributions to our DAV news-
paper cartoon award which is now in its llth year. Your national
publicity department has arranged through this contest for more than
400 editorial cartoons in behalf of our cause and I need not tell you
how valuable they are.

On the bccasion of Memorial Day and Veterans Day your pub-
licity department distributes a special feature to thousands of news-
papers throughout the country and I know most of you are familiar
with them, judging by the clippings you send into national head-
quarters yourselves. Last Memorial Day the message distributed was
written especially for the DAV by Billy Graham. And that is not
an easy thing to accomplish if Billy Graham doesn't want to do it.
He doesn't lend his name. The reverend doesn't lend his name to
such causes unless he thinks they are right.

I might tell you that next year we are trying to get Bishop Fulton
Sheen and we will get him, and we will get a good message the same
as in past years, and I know you have seen that. If you haven't
seen it, then you just can't read.

Special packets are prepared for State conventions, forget-me-not
campaigns, and promotions of the DAV. Each year a inother-of-
the-year selection brings national publicity to the DAV. This year
the space obtained especially in Seattle was most worthwhile. Your

DISABLE 1> AMERICAN VETERlA]SJlS 143

publicity department works with national radio and television net-
works and national magazines.

This convention, for example, is being saluted by a number of
national television shows such as Chevrolet's Crossroads program.
Queen for a Day, Tic Tac Dough, and the Baseball Game of the
Week. And it is not in here, at the time I didn't know it. Just last
week I was on Don McNeil's Breakfast Club again. This morning
I had three spots on local television. Those things are not too easy
to arrange but they have been arranged. I know. I am the guy you
sent on tour. I know how many television stations I was on and how
many radio stations I taped, and what happened, and I haven't got
that much imagination that I could write the stories every time. I
had to use this publicity medium, these papers that were sent me.
I can't remember all the facts. I have only been a disabled veteran
since 1944. There are fellows in this organization that can give me
cards and spades only because they have 30 years of service in the
organization. But I know what is done. And I am the one making
the report, so don't stop me in the hall and say to me, "Joe, our pub-
licity department doesn't do anything," because I am tired of hearing
it. I am giving you my report now. Bother me about something
else. [Applause.]

Through direct releases, your national publicity department ob-
tains local publicity when your chapter reaches its quota or surpasses
its last year's membership. Hundreds of stories are sent out each
month and they have been well received by the press.

Spot announcements carrying DAV messages are used as a public
service by hundreds of radio and television stations every month.
As far as bur budget permits, slides are sent to television stations and
the Ice Show which was widely acclaimed by television stations last
year is now being seen by employees of industry and is being distri-
buted on loan by libraries and service units. Radio transcriptions also
are distributed as our budget permits.

That is what they do. Now let's come to something which I don't
have last, but because after I finish this I am going to take a little
bit more advantage of you and talk extemporaneously which I do
better anyway. I never was a good reader. But I want to talk to you
now about our service office. And some of the things which are often
bandied around about a convention. I will read you some facts first
and start out by telling you that I know what the national director
of claims does. I know what Cicero is capable of. I know what Chet
Cash can do. I know what all those national service officers can do.
I have been a national officer for 5 years now. I know what we ac-
complish. Nobody needs to tell me at this stage of the game that I
am not for anybody or anyone or any individual. You gave me a
job, I have had to light a fire here and there across the way. There
are service officers in this room who know what I have had to do.
There are people who are aware of what I have had to do. And I
don't mind telling you, contrary to what you sometimes think about
the national adjutant, he likes a little burn once in a while and likes
to be told you want something done, and he goes and does it.

What do you think you elected me for ? Not to do those things s
Of course, I get unpopular in some places, I get unpopular because
I was serious enough to believe that you were serious enough when you
elected me national commander that you wanted me to do a serious

144 THIRTY-SEVENTH: NATIOQSTALI REPORT

job for the disabled veteran and I have tried to do it and I don't care
whose feelings are hurt because if you kill me by Friday my insurance
policy expires and I can't do anything about that anyway. So if you
are going to shoot me, shoot me before Friday.

In my rather extensive travels during the past year, I have had
the privilege and the opportunity to visit about 40 regional offices
or areas where our national service officers^ are on duty;. While al-
ways intensely interested in our rehabilitation and service program,
this year I took advantage in every instance to visit these service
officers at work and at the same time get better acquainted with them
personally and individually.

No one knows better than I that our service program, spearheaded
by our national service officers working in the regional, district, and
central offices of the Veterans' Administration, is the main activity of
the DAV to which we are all dedicated. This service has earned
nothing but praise from those who have benefited by it. This service
has the respect of all of the officials of the Veterans' Administration
who are honestly concerned in the fair and equitable administration of
the laws they are charged to administer. And if they weren't favor-
ably impressed with us, if they didn't want to present their side of
the story because they knew we were correct in our positions, why
do you think we have 15 of the highest officials of the VA in here
starting with the Veterans' Administrator and the Medical Director?

There isn't another organization, and that includes the American
Legion, whether you believe it or not, the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
or the AMVETS, that would get 15 of them at a convention. We
are the ones they worry about, because we have the service officers
all over the country and we hold the powers of attorney. And I
don't care, I have said it at Legion conventions, and VFW conven-
tions, and I will say it again. When somebody keeps telling me that
a service officer isn't doing a good job, isn't handling a claim properly,
and he keeps it up and keeps it up for a day when I am visiting in
some States, I finally turn to him and I honestly say and some of
.you got mad at that and I mean it "If you feel that way about it,
we are not doing a goodjob, give it to somebody else, give it to the
Legion 2 VFW, or AMVETS." I invite them to do it. You know
why I invite them to do it? Because 99 out of 100 times the Legion
or the VFW or the AMVETS has already had the case; so they
brought it to the experts and if the experts can't do anything with it,
it isn't a good claim. [Applause.] Our national service officers de-
serve the complete and continuous support of the entire organization.
Within the past year or so it was being reported that the need for
service officers, and for our rehabilitation service as a whole, was
,gradually lessening. Today I am sure you all agree that the situation
in the Veterans' Administration, together with the powerful forces
attempting to bring about reductions in benefits of the service-
connected disabled, has increased the need to the claimant of the
counseling and service only trained national service officers can render.
Director of Claims Hogan will relate in detail situations which
have arisen and which have, in fact, advanced to a stage where the
entire compensation structure is in real jeopardy. Only the trained
and qualified forces made up of our national service officers, backed
toy an enthusiastic, forceful, and powerful membership, can defeat
-our known enemies.

DIStABLED AMERICAN VEfTEBiANB 145

I want to tell you a few tilings. Maybe you don't understand,
because you make mistakes, you elect a guy to office and then you
think because you have elected him that he is going to forget what
you wanted him to do in the first place. I haven't forgotten. There
are some, because my good friend Kenny Robey and I engaged in
a colloquy on the floor yesterday, said, "What's Joe slipping? Is
he getting on the side of the Veterans' Administration?" I can
never forget the night in San Diego when I was giving a plaque to
a Veterans' Administration official who roundly deserved it, and in
my best manner I got up and praised the gentleman sincerely be-
cause I had been told of the job he had done, and a guy in the back
of the room gets up and says, "What are you trying to do, get an
increase in compensation?"

What am I going to say ? In the first place I total 160 percent in
disabilities and they have to cut 60 of it away before they could even
start to reduce the 100 percent. I don't need to. One of the reasons
I was able to attack Mr. Percival Brundage, Director of the Bureau
of the Budget, very honestly because of what I knew he was doing,
in San Jose when I read it, when he was trying to talk about house-
bound disabled veterans, a word we had never heard before, a word
I don't even like to hear used. When he talked of putting them from
225 to 240 he did it for one reason, he was trying to show us up, he
was trying to point out if we said anything about it we would look
like we were against the seriously disabled. It is an old trick, a child
can anticipate such a trick. At the same time, he was cutting the 10,
20, and 30 percenters practically out of the picture. And they make
up the majority of the disabled in this country and I have told you
before and I will tell you again, I have 100 percent but the 10-percent
guy feels his disability just as much as I do. It aggravates him as
much and perhaps in later years his 10 percent will probably kill him
a lot quicker than my 100 percent will.

And so because I was a seriously disabled veteran and because I
counseled with my friend, Floyd Ming, and asked him what to do.
"Nothing left to do. Give them hell." So I did. All I know, Senator
Byrd ignored Mr. Brundage's letter and passed H. R. 52 and for once
in Washington the Bureau of the Budget was told to pack salt by the
Senate Finance Committee.

Now why this review of claims ? When I started traveling around
the country you came to me and told me many times, Cash had told
me, others, but I didn't realize how bad it was until I traveled the
field and you told me about what the review of claims was doing. I
went back to Washington, I called Cicero in, as I do all the time, or I go
to his office, either way, and sat down and he told me again and again
what it was all about. And he said to me, "Joe, it has reached the
hopeless stage. We have got to do something."

"I will do something."

I reached over and picked up the phone. He said, "What are you
doing?"

I said, "I am calling Harvey Higley."

"You don't do that, Joe, it's not protocol for you to do that."

I said, "To hell with protocol. I want to talk to Higley." I called
him, I arranged for a meeting and Cash and Hogan and I sat down
with them and that didn't work. I went out in the field again and I
returned. Again the same thing came up. So I know some people in

146 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

Washington, I am not ashamed to say that John Holden Is a friend
of mine, he is a former DAY service officer, he works for AMVETS.
I called him. I have met Omar Ketchum of the VFW many times.
I like Omar. I didn't know Kraabel so I had Hogan call. We got
them in our place, we talked to them because we felt we needed friends
on this thing and they sat down and talked about it. And I am going
to tell you something else you didn't know. At the same time, or
before that, we had a rating schedule team coming in and they came
in and they are good men such as Bernie Southard and Monnahan,
old and wise in these matters, and some young, aggressive people like
young Jack Feighner and Aloisio and Tom McElwain from Philadel-
phia and they came in and because they were coming in I got an idea,
my own, pure and simple. I called Ralph Stone again and I saidj
"Look, you have talked to Hogan and Cash and they have talked to
you. What can we do?" So Stone, after some talking, agreed, so
we had the seven field service officers sit down and have a go at the
Veterans' Administration. And they had a darn good go for them-
selves all afternoon one day in Washington, and Monnahan, Southard,,
and Aloisio from the field and the rest of them had the opportunity to
tell what was wrong with the review of claims. I don't think you even
know that unless you ask Bernie or Monny.

So after that was finished, we got that over with, there was a sub-
sequent meeting in the Veterans' Administration Office which Hogan*
has told you about because the others insisted on going over so they
had a meeting between all the service organizations. All this started
in the beginning with one phone call.

Finally, I went to Ohio, one of the last conventions I went to, and
I have a lot of respect for certain of the people in Ohio. Al Daniels,,
others in Ohio, Paul Frederick included, saved this Department of
ours a lot of money because they were smart enough, knew how to
handle themselves enough and had the legal advice of Fred Bristol
to go^down to Ohio and sent me down there because I am Irish, and
O'STeill, the Governor, is Irish, our mothers came from the same
county, and we were smart enough to use that also and we got what we
wanted. So when I went to the convention Governor O'Neill came
there and gave one of the finest DAV speeches given by a Governor
and don't forget, I am a Democrat, and I have a pretty good Governor
in New Jersey by the name of Bob Meyner, I will take my hat off to
Governor O'Neill of Ohio, even though he is a Republican.

So then, Ohio, our largest department seized the ball and they wrote
a resolution and they believe in that resolution and I believe in what
they believe. But I have got to be fair. These Veterans' Administra-
tion officials came here, they were coming to this convention, so what
do you think I'd do with that resolution? I was in Ohio, I didn't
doubletalk. I said to them very frankly, and they will repeat to you
what I said, I said, "I would not enact some of the personalities in
this resolution. It doesn't do any good. But on the things where you
are talking about the review of claims if you are right about it bring
it to the convention because we have tried dickering and negotiating;
with these people and we have got no place. So it is time for a
resolution/ 5

When I got here I didn't now suddenly change my mind about the
review of claims, but you made me a national commander to do a nob
or you, you told me I have to do something. I know there is only one

]>IS(AB:GET> AMERICAN VETERANS 147

way to do something and I don't believe the people who come to me
and say, "Oh, don't even talk to them, it's a waste of time." I believe
the more you talk to them the more you are going to get some place
because if you have any sense you will know about horse trading. You
are not going to stop the review of claims. You know that as well as
I do. It is going to go to 1960 in spite of us. But what you are going
to do is make them so conscious of what they are doing, so careful
of what they are doing that they are going to search each and every
claim very carefully and they are not going to step out of line one bit.
So in effect you win your point because you and I know the one thing
we cannot deny some of those claims were made in error. Because the
service officers in every part of the country have told me so. They
.admit that there was error in some of the claims but not to the extent
that the YA says and not to the extent that the men say that have been
severed. That is your answer. You still are going to face the review
but you are going to make that review slow u|>, slow down and they
are going to be very slow to incur our anger again.

So I want to tell you that is why they were brought here, that is
why they come every year, but that is why they were willing to sit
down in the committees. And you can't lose on the exchange of in-
formation because it is going to get you somewhere.

I want you to know one thing. In your constitution it says we are
to cooperate with Federal agencies. That doesn't mean we are sup-
posed to do what they want us to do. But we are supposed to do what
we do very well in me DAV, if you ever realize it some day, realize
once and for all, that we may be the Veterans' Administration's sever-
est critic but we are also their greatest friend because we know what
we have in the Veterans' Administration. If you didn't have the
Veterans' Administration, would you like to follow the Hoover Com-
mission report and divide the Veterans' Administration up through
about 6 or 7 agencies, so you wouldn't have a Veterans' Administra-
tion ? Where we wouldn't have a central place to go to ? The saine
thing would exist as it is in the Senate today, we have to introduce
legislation in the House where we have a House Veterans' Affairs Com-
mittee because we haven't a Senate committee and you can't go to one
committee chairman, you have to go to a dozen before you find out
where the bill you want is going. That is why the veterans legislation
doesn't get introduced in the Senate because they don't have a veterans'
.affairs committee.

As bad as the VA is, and that may be temporary because the people
whose policies these are, are in office, those people that are as Bad as
they are in your opinion not in mine, you are better off with a central
Veterans' Administration rather than us to go to a Percival Brundage
in the Budget. You know how far we would get there. I am going to
'Cut it out because I am only getting mad at myself.

But I want to tell you about the finance committee report. Just
so nobody misunderstands me, a quick sentence. I place myself fairly
and squarely behind the finance report that was made by the chairman
of the budget and finance committee, Frank Buono, yesterday. I was
=a member of that finance committee and will take equally any censure
the dues and finance committee wants to bestow upon me but they had
better be sure they are right. .

Now I am going to say something in closing and I haven't written
this. I want to tell you something sincerely. I am a Corbly man.

148 THIRTY- SEVBINTH NATIONAL REPORT

I never made any secret of it. I fought the national adjutant in Mil-
waukee one time and I fought him because I was right. I thought a,
national convention belonged in Boston, not in Hawaii. It was the
first time I met him. I met him on subsequent occasions. I never
dreamed after I became NEC that a guy who had fought so much in
the Milwaukee convention to bring a convention to another city when
everybody knew, and he will admit today he wanted to go to Ha waii,
I never thought I'd be elevated to a vice commander's chair, and sub-
sequently each and every year somebody told me that Corbly didn't
trust me and because Corbly didn't trust me I wouldn't go any further^
I went successfully each year through the help of a great many
people that would listen to me and I became your national commander.
Well, I don't know any better way, I don't care, I'd like to stop some
of the rumors some of you presented though I know I can't, because
you are going to say them, repeat them, and talk about them anyway,
out I have known this man over a period of some years now and I
want to tell you something. I haven't known the pleasure of a father
since I was 6 years old when mine died, and Vivian Corbly has acted
like a father to me ever since I have known him. And he has guided
and counseled me and like a child, when I didn't think the old man
was right, I told him so.

And let me tell you something else. Contrary to public opinion
when I went out on DAV policy matters, legislative matters, he never
told me that I should consult him. And if I did ask his advice some-
times when he didn't have a good answer, which is rarely, he would
say to me, "You are the national commander. That's your problem.
I liave to worry about business." And- 1 did so. And he has never
told me how to conduct our affairs when I am in the field or in the
things which are outside the scope of business. Of course, I seek him
out on business matters. Who wouldn't? I am in Cincinnati only 30
days. What do you people think I do ? Go into Cincinnati or Wash-
ington and throw my weight around ? What do you want me to do in
those places? I do my job which is that of the national commander.
If something is wrong I tell the people I think it is wrong, if you
can prove it to me.

^ u have a capable staff, excellent people. I have lived with Mel
Corbly for a year, flown around the country with him. When he is
with me he doesn't worry about what I say. He has confidence in me.
I have a legal friend, Fred Bristol. I have another in California
They don't worry about me. They give me legal advice when I seek it.
Inese people had confidence in me but sometimes in wandering through
these halls you know they didn't elect me you elected me. They
had more confidence in me than you, the people that elected me.
.Everybody has to take the responsibility for electing me because I was
elected unanimously.

I don't care how you figure my year, I think it has been a hard
year and a trying year. I have tried to do everything you have asked
me to do. I am glad it is finished because sometimes I can be bitter
I can be bitter at night in a hotel room when some guy, because I
happen to be in his city, thinks he has a right to come to me and run
somebody down who can't get to that city because he is a hundred
miles away You forget a lot of things in the DAV. You forget
what I think is most important. Next to one other thinff, whicl? I
will mention once more in closing, you forget it says in the book

BISIAB:UET> AMERICAN VETERANS 149

if I can't speak good of my comrade, I will not speak evil of him.
[Applause.]

I don't care what you say about politics in this organization, you
have a right to yours, I think I am a pretty good politician. When
I move into where I think I should move in the interests of what I
think is right, I politick and politick hard so I expect you to for the
causes you espouse. But never will I resort to innuendoes, insinua-
tions, or inferences to gain a political point. Never will I run down
those people who run down me because I say to myself, "You may
be a hundred percent disabled but they are impossibly disabled, be-
cause, poor fellows, their minds are affected.. They have forgotten to
live in the Christian charity of understanding, loyalty, and devotion."
And I am going to tell you what they ought to do and what they
ought to preach and I don't care how the votes come out. I cast
my one vote the way I want to and I will cast it on any issue _ that
comes before the floor. I am not talking about running for national
commander. I am talking about every issue in this convention that
comes before you. Do what you think is right in your hearts but
permit me to do what I think is right, too. Some people have come
and said to me something I didn't like. They aren't intelligent about
it. They say, "Joe, Corbly has your right ear at the platform all the
time, and Hoffman has your left ear." That is true. That is what
they are paid to do. And Sylvester doesn't get angry with you.
Corbly does. But they are paid to do that. You have to have a
parliamentarian. What do you think I know, Roberts Rules of
Order backward and forward? I am just the man in the chair.

I will tell you one thing, Corbly has my right ear and Hoffman has
my left, but my mind is my own and my heart is DAV and I defy
anyone in this room to tell me differently. [Applause.]

So let's politick. Let's fight it out any place we have to. But don't
do it in corridors, because I am tired of it. I had to get up at 6 o'clock
this morning to do television, so I am cranky. And I have been cranky
through this address and I admit it. But I will tell you one thing,
I know what I am going to do when it is over. I hope you do. I have
told you before and it is worth repeating. There is only one real im-
portant phrase in the DAV book that really counts becase it ex-
presses everything about this organization. And just keep it in mind
like I have told you again, and I will tell you again, and I am going
to do when 1 leave here and I hope we all do it together. We have
1 mission, 1 job. Our mission in the Disabled Veterans organiza-
tion is not fulfilled until all our country's wartime disabled, their
widows, and their dependents are adequately cared for. That is
the big job. .

(The covention gave the commander a standing ovation.)
Comrade KENNETH ROBEY (Department of Ohio). Mr, Com-
mander, you cited several times the fact that we had a national com-
mander who has served us 12 months as national commander, not
for the glory of the name but for the idea that it was possible to do
something for the disabled, and their widows and dependents. I
personally have no doubt as to how Commander Burke feels and has
felt this year in regard to our constant battle with the Veterans Ad-
ministration, so it is a great honor to me to move the acceptance of
the national commander's report.

150 TfflRTT-SIEVKNTH NATIONAL* REPORT

of seconding^ the motion?

c. You have heard the motion,
whichTasVeen^econded. Any remarks?

All in favor, say "Aye."

Opposed, "No."

(The motion was put to a te and carried.) a .

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. I feel certain by your expres-
sion following Commander Burke's address you know what 1 meant
in my words of introduction. And I think I might just throw in a
few words of my own, I am of a mind that Joe must be keeping steady
company with a fire-eater because he certainly is letting oft an awtuJ

lot of steam. T , , r

OFFICER OF THE DAT. Comrade Commander, may I present Mrs.
Noyes, past president of the GAE, for the purpose of a presentation*

Mrs. NOYES. My national president of the Women's Eehef Corps,
auxiliary of the GAE, Mrs. Gertrude Edwards of South Dakota,
wanted me to bring to you her greetings for a fine convention and pre-
sent you with a little gift fromner. You know we meet here. As you
go out we come in next week. _

National Commander BTTCKE. Thank you, Sweetie, awfully good to
meet you.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. The Chair will now recognize
the department commander of West Virginia also for the purpose of
presentation. .

Comdrade PAUL D. SCHWESIG (Department of West Virginia).
Commander Burke, I'd like to present you with a road atlas. '

National Commander BURKE. I know what is coming.

Comrade SCHWESIG. Page 30, please. And a briefcase to carry
your important papers in. It was made in the State of West Virginia,
by the Union Carbide & Carbon Co. Thanks a lot for a job well done,
Commander Burke.

National Commander BURKE. Thank you very much, Commander,

, This is a subtle way of telling me, and I deserve it, by telling me to

turn to that page which I know already without opening it, is a map

of West Virginia. That is one of the places I didn't get so they are

giving me a map to show me how to get there.

Comrade WALPRON E. LEONARD (Washington, D. C., Chapter No.
1). In the commander's address he mentioned about worrying the
White House pertaining to H. E. 52. He made such a wonderful
address and it was so inspiring I am just a little afraid that perhaps'
some of us didn't get the point of what the commander said. I have
reasons to tell all of you that I think it would be very advisable, and
I am told that it might be very helpful, and maybe someone else will
want to say something more on this, I 'don't know what the adjutant

DOBABI.ED AMERICAN VETEI&VNB - 151

has in the way of suggestions or the commander might have in the way
of suggestions, that bill has been on Mr. Eisenhower's desk for sev-
eral days. If it is not passed by Tuesday, I was told less than 10 or
15 minutes ago, we will be out of luck.

Now, Mr. Commander, you made that suggestion and it was a good
suggestion. I wondered at the time if it was a good suggestion. I
will tell you now that it was a good suggestion and I don't know what
procedure should be followed but I do know that it is most important
that some plan some way be made and approached perhaps to the
various departments and so forth, to get your telegrams into the White
House in your own language. Perhaps you will want to talk further
on that, Commander.

National Commander BTJRKB. I can add nothing more than the
fact that I know that this is the stage of the game where you have got
to do whatever you can. I do know, my American history tells me,
the President of the United States can only do 1 of 3 things. He can
sign it and make it law, which we hope he will do. He can veto it and
it has to go back to the House and Senate. There isn't much time for
them to do anything. Or he can leave it in his pocket. If within 10
days legislatively, that is by the legislative calendar, he hasn't acted
on the bill and the Congress is still in session, it becomes law auto-
matically without his signature. If, on the other hand, 10 days from
the time it went to him, it stays in his pocket and Congress has ad-
j ourned, it is what is known as a pocket veto.

There just isn't anything you can dp except send a telegram. It
is hard to lobby. You can't get appointments: with Presidents like
you can with Senators because he doesn't have the time. I think
what you ought to do, because it is something I am doing myself, is
pray like hell.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. The Chair recognizes Conven-
tion Chairman Frank Williams, from Buffalo, for the purpose of an
introduction.

Convention Chairman WTT.T.TAMS. Mr. Commander, comrades, there
are highlights in every year that we live. One of them is what I am
about to do. First, let me extend the greetings to the 36th national
convention of the DAV for my national commander of the Legion of
Valor and wish you the very best of everything throughout your life.
And I might say this, that the Legion of Valor is a 67-y ear-old or-
ganization from the Civil War on, I happen to have been the na-
tional commander in 1932, ,

There is no decoration, in my eyes, that is any higher, as I have
said before, than that accolade that you are wearing in so many ways.
However, our Government has seen fit to decorate comrades that in
line of action were singled out for deeds beyond the call of duty.

I happen to hold one of those decorations. There are three. Your
Congressional Medal, your Distinguished Service Cross and your
Navy Cross. But on the platform we have one who is a member of
our organization in Pittsburgh that joins with us in our reunions
each year who holds the highest that this Government can give to
any of our comrades, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and 1 want
to have you know that Sterling Morelock epitomizes the greatest. He
is from World War I.

20331 58 II

152 TOBJRTT-SIWEINTH: JSTATTODSTAIJ REPORT

Comrade CAKD NOTTKE (Michigan, Chapter No. 7). He saved the
life of a Michigan man who is a past department commander of Mich-
igan, Charley Lawton. We of Michigan honor this comrade.
[Applause.]

Convention Chairman WILLIAMS. Moving right along there are a
few more introductions to be made. 1 have just been told that, of
course, here we are trying to instill into the hearts and minds of our
youth through baseball and other activities what this organization
is doing to guide them and prevent them from getting into trouble.

There is no cleaner sport in the world than our baseball and our
county commander has come up here now, after securing trophies to
be given out. George Wildridge has worked hard on this convention
committee, and George, now it is my privilege to introduce you for
that task.

Comrade GEORGE WILDRIDGE. Comrade commander, national offi-
cers, and comrades of the Disabled American Veterans, I beg your
indulgence for just a few moments and on behalf of Greater Buffalo
Chapter No. 1, Department of New York, we wish to thank you for
the privilege of this indulgence.

We, in the city of Buffalo, have an organization known as PAL. It
gets its name from the fact that the first initials, P-A-L represent
Police Athletic League.

It is my privilege as chapter commander of Greater Buffalo No. 1,
to present at this time a certificate of citation to Lt. Neil O'Donnell
of the Buffalo Police Department, director of the PAL in the city of
Buffalo. [Applause.]

This comes as a complete surprise to Lieutenant O'Donnell. You
must admit the youth of Buffalo must look up to the lieutenant. I was
of the opinion that I was a pretty ^ood-sized fellow myself, but when
I get up against the lieutenant I am just a pigmy.

Lieutenant O'Donnell, Greater Buffalo Chapter No. 1 is very happy
to present to you these three trophies to be given to the winners of the
16-year class, this trophy to be presented to the winner of the 14-year
class, and this trophy to be presented to the winner of the 12-year
class of the Police Athletic League baseball champions.

We, of the Greater Buffalo Chapter No. 1, are very proud and very
happy to be a part of the Police Athletic League and in our small and
humble way to instill in the youth of Buffalo the idea of fair play
and good sportsmanship. Neil, it is a pleasure to make this presenta-
tion to you on behalf of Greater Buffalo Chapter No. 1 and through
you, to the Police Athletic League. [Applause.]

Lieutenant O'DONNELL (Police Athletic League, Buffalo). Thank
you very much. If I may j ust thank you, Commander.

Members of the DA V, of course I regard this as a distinct pleasure
and a very high honor. I want to say that I am deeply proud, first
l fi 1 ^^ the recipient of this certificate and also to accept on behalf
of the Police Athletic League these three wonderful trophies. We in
PAL not only regard these as emblematic of the best in PAL baseball
but also the genuine interest of the DAV in the welfare of our youth
1 think you are just as deeply concerned as we are regarding the con-
duct of our youngsters today. We in the PAL here in Buffalo are
going to exercise every possible means that we can to direct the
youngsters into constructive activities to see if we can make better
citizens of tomorrow. We feel that one of the most effective weapons

DISABLED AM-EBICAN VETE'BANS 153

is sports and recreation and we are particularly pleased to have the
PAV share with us in sponsoring our baseball leagues this particular
summer. Thank you very much.

May I on behalf also of the police department, and the PAL, wel-
come you to Buffalo and wish you a successful meeting and a pleasant
stay. Thank you.

Comrade WILDRIDGE. It is also my pleasant duty at this time to
present to one of our city fathers, a veteran in his own right, a member
of my own Legion post, a past commander of his own post, and I believe
somewhere in the State echelon of the Jewish War Veterans a council-
man from the city of Buffalo who is in charge of veterans affairs in
the city council. And on behalf of Greater Buffalo Chapter No. 1
it is my proud privilege to present to him this certificate of merit from
the Disabled American Veterans, Greater Buffalo Chapter No. 1, in
appreciation of meritorious service. This certificate is awarded to
Councilman Meyer J. Abgott this 21st day of August 1957, signed
George B. Wildridge, commander.

Before Mike makes his thank-you speech here we also had ex-
Councilman Russell Leech found it necessary to go back to the City
Hall and conduct his business, and Councilman Abgott is going to
accept this same type of certificate in absentia for Councilman Rus-
sell Leech.

Council METER J. ABGOTT (city of Buffalo). Thank you, Comman-
der Wildridge. National Commander, members of the DAV, I would
like to bring the greetings at this time not only of the legislature of the
city of Buffalo. I have just returned from the national convention of
the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and, on behalf of the
national commander, I wish you a most successful convention.

However, I want to refer to one of the most important things I
think your national commander said a while ago. He brought out
the fact he was a Democrat and someone else was a Republican. I

happen to be of the opposite political faith, but I think it is most
important that you, as veterans, don't forget the importance of elect-
ing other veterans because, believe me, it is the only way you are going
to get support. I know. I have had that difficulty. The sooner you
forget the fact that you are a member of a political party and re-
member that there are people running for office who are veterans
and who are interested in veterans' activities, and get behind them
and support them, the sooner you are going to be able to get the just
deserts for the work that you have done over the years. Thank
you again. [Applause.]

Convention Chairman WILLIAMS. I want to give another welcome
to a comrade that is in the hall, I believe, Grand Chef de Gare of
the Voiture of New York, Lloyd Milliman, who is a life member of
the Greater Buffalo Chapter.

Comrade LLOYD MILLIMAN. Comrade DAV's, it is very nice to be
here. From what I gather, you are having a wonderful convention
and I hope you are having a good time here in Buffalo, N. Y.

I bring you greetings from the Grand Voiture of the State of New
York. Hope to see you around, because I will be here, too. Thank
you. [Applause.]

Convention Chairman WILLIAMS. I want to acknowledge for those
who received baseball tickets and that are attending those games that
the tickets were purchased, 150 of them, by the Nuway Markets for

154 THIBTY-SIEVEN'TII NATIONAL REPORT

the boys in the hospital and our delegates to enjoy the baseball game
at the stadium. _ _

I think that covers all that I want to do, Mr. Commander.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. Thank you, Comrade Wil-
liams.

At this time our national adjutant, Comrade Corbly, has a few
remarks to deliver to you. . .

National Adjutant CORBLY. The programing of a convention is a
rather difficult job. Tomorrow you have a busy day. We have a
lot of work to come before us. We have got scheduled for this morn-
ing a program which will take you another hour and a half. There
is not a bit of use in putting the program on unless our delegates are
going to stay with us. The fair goes on all afternoon and night.
Those who have to take a bus to get there should get the 3 o'clock
bus. The rest of you who have cars can get there any time this
afternoon. The parade is scheduled for around 6 o'clock.

Our committees are working very hard. And we hope to have
reports available for your consideration starting tomorrow morning
and if we can clear our decks of the material we have before us it
will help us on the Thursday and Friday program.

Immediately following the next segment of our program which
will last about 25 minutes, you will be presented with the DAV sweet-
heart of the year. I haven't seen her, but that is the reason that Dave
Williams hasn't been with us most of the morning.

This next convention feature is in a sense a questionnaire. We are
providing an informal visit to national headquarters and presenting
it to you as a medium of communication, which, if liked, might be
used in several endeavors by departments and by chapters through
our national organization. It will be on a screen and it will be neces-
sary for us to have the lights out, we will appreciate it very much
if you give us full attention on this matter. We will then have the
crowning of the Queen and thereafter the Air Corps has furnished us
the first film of a new project the Air Force has with respect to dis-
abled people and their employment. This will be the first public
showing of .the film and if you find that it is entertaining and might
be of interest to your units and your departments, copies of the film
will be available for you, as I understand it, on a loan basis.

All of the pictures taken in this matter were taken at national head-
quarters by Mel Corbly.

(Showing of DAV film.)

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WUJLJAMS. My comrades, a year
ago in San Antonio you may recall a discussion was held on the
proposal to have a national beauty contest or the equivalent.

At a meeting of the NEC held in that city it was approved. It was
our hope at that time to hold a formalized contest here in Buffalo.
It was impossible in view of mechanical difficulties to conduct a formal
contest this year. Since that time, yesterday afternoon, arrangements
have been made for next year to hold a formal contest under the spon-
sorship of the Association of Commanders and Adjutants, It does
require a 48-State operation.

In July a contest was held in the city of Boston in which partici-
pants from many of the Eastern States contested for a Miss DAV
title. Arrangements were made for her to be here in Buffalo. The
judges of this contest were the department commanders of most of

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 155

the States on the eastern seaboard. All of the comrades that you
know. Comrade Bearce of New Jersey, Comrade Stevens of Maine,
and many others, and as a result of their deliberations, among some 44
contestants a winner was selected and the Mimiteman Chapter No.
28, Concord, Mass, where the "shot was fired heard round the world,"
volunteered to /pay the expenses of this girl to Buffalo so that she
might enjoy this convention.

m Yesterday at a meeting of the Commanders and Adjutants Associa-
tion and a very enthusiastic gathering, the association voted unani-
mously to adopt this girl as our Miss DAV of 1957, and to present her
here as such and ask our national commander, Joe Burke, to present
her with the trophy and other insignia significant of that office. Inci-
dentally, the first contest that was held in Massachusetts was under
the direction and sponsorship of. our present national commander,
Joe Burke. This year, unfortunately, Joe had to be elsewhere during
the convention on national business, and our national senior vice com-
mander, Paul Frederick, took charge of the judging and arrange-
ments and we are deeply grateful to Joe for starting us off last year and
for holding the line this year. It has proven to be of tremendous
publicity value to the DAV throughout the East and I think it will,
with this national implication, through the whole country. We are
asking Joe to make the presentation. Will the committee in charge
of Miss DAV please bring her to the platform !

Comrade CAESAR DOINTNARTJMA (department commander of Massa-
chusetts) . I would like to present to you the Massachusetts selection of
Miss DAV for 195Y-58, and Joe, I'd like to ask you if you will be kind
enough to make this presentation.

National Commander BUKKE. With this ring I thee No, that's the
wrong one. I would love to present this CTIJ> because Massachusetts
has selected an outstanding example of feminine pulchritude to bring
to this convention as Miss DAV, Somebody said to me just now,
"Get the table out of the way and you can really see how good she
looks."

It is my pleasure to present to you this national cup of the DAV.

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Our national adjutant
will now place the crown on her head.

(The Queen received the crown.)

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Thank you ,all very
much.

This little lady is Marilyn Lee Weddall, nickname "Penny." Lives
at 118 Montclair Avenue, Roslindale, Mass. Her phone number is
FA 3-6901. She was born in that city 18 years ago. Now I come to
the interesting part. Five feet four, weighs 115 pounds^ measures
38-23-35, She is blond, blue eyed, a student at Tufts University in
Medf ord, Mass. Her talents lie in the vocalist field and her hobbies
are water skiing and horseback riding. She intends to become a
schoolteacher, and there is some possibility she might get married at a
later date.

She has a brother who is in the Army serving at the present time'
in the State of Michigan. She is a member of Chapter 10 Auxiliary
in the city of Boston. Her grandfather was killed in the service of
the United States in the Spanish- American War.

My comrades, it has been a great pleasure and honor for me to make
this presentation not only on behali of the national organization, but

156 THIRTT-SIEiVENTH ^ATTOflSTAIi REPORT

also my State. I hope as a result, this occasion may be repeated on a
much larger scale in the future.

If any of you wish a picture taken with your department com-
mander or the proper representative, to be returned to your local
newspaper for publicity purposes, there are arrangements being made
in the anteroom. Immediately after the close of this session just go
up here in the anteroom and give your name and arrangements will
be made for your department commander or representative to have
your picture taken with the queen and you can return that picture
to your local newspapers as a publicity gimmick. I will guarantee that
99 out of a hundred newspapers will use it and will give you more space
than if you had almost any other type of event.

Incidentally, I come as a lawyer and judge, this was the best thing
in the world for business. I haven't been able to handle it all since
we had the last convention.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Are you all willing to stay with us for
the next hour?

Because of some committee assignments I am going to take this
time to read the announcements. Immediately thereafter John Burris
will have charge of the showing of the Air Force film, and then im-
mediately following that we will have the attendance prizes which this
morning include a very generous donation from the State of Wiscon-
sin, through the Department of Wisconsin, of some great big pieces of
cheese. The lucky boys this morning will get a hunk of good, old
Wisconsin swiss cheese.

(Announcements) .

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. May I have vour
attention?

5 "f 8 / -? kao^i at the fairgrounds this afternoon, shortly after 6 : 00
o clock there will be a parade in which you are all invited to participate.
Arrangements have been made for a color guard to carry the flags
of the Disabled American Veterans in that parade. Also your queen
will be driven in an open car over the course. Each State is cordially
invited and urged if at all possible to bring their State flag with them
and loin in a massing of the colors as a show of strength. We cer-
tainly hope you can join in that massing of the colors. That will be
around 6 : 00 o'clock at the fairgrounds in Hamburg. Thank vou

(Showing of Air Force film.)

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Comrades, this film
that you have just seen will be available for general distribution in
about a month and you will be notified of its availability and the
manner in which it may be obtained.

I doubt if there is any more business for this session

(Prize drawing.)

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Comrades, as there is
no further business of the convention, f ollowing the prayer by the
Reverend Chaplain Pickett, we will stand in recess until 9 : 30 tomor-
row morning. Will you rise, please ?

^^ ti ^l Chaplain PICKETT. May the Lord bless thee, the Lord lift

the light of His countenance upon us, the Lord make His face to shine

P ?S7? S ' or be S racious to us and give us peace. Amen.

(Whereupon at 2 : 00 p. m. ; the convention was recessed until 9 : 30
u. m., of the following day.)

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 157

THURSDAY MORNING SESSION
August 22, 1957

The fourth business session of the 36th National Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans convened in the grand ballroom of the
Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N. Y., at 10 a. m., Thursday, August 22, 1957,
with First Junior Vice Commander Arvo T. Hietala presiding.

First Junior Vice Commander HTETAT.A. Will afi the delegates
please come into the hall ? We are about to start.

The colors have been posted and we will have the invocation by our
national chaplain at this time. Please stand.

National Chaplain PICKETT. We praise Thee, O Lord, for Thy mercy
which is as fresh as the new born day ; for Thy goodness and grace
and favor which we see and feel in our lives, and again we would re-
ceive as Thou art willing to give, more ready to answer than we are to
call. Fulfill the best in each of us today that we have ever thought or
heard of Thee, making Thy word and Thy truth real in our hearts.
Bless and ^comf ort and cure Thy son who suffered an accident and lies
in a hospital. Comfort his family as Thou alone can. Guide and
direct all our proceedings in this day and the days that follow, through
Christ Our Lord. Amen.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. I have some telegrams
here, one addressed to Vivian D. Corbly, national adjutant, Cincin-
nati, Ohio :

Deeply and sincerely regret that I cannot be with all of you at your wonder-
ful convention. You have nay deepest gratitude for your understanding and
kindness throughout the years. You deserve so much for your great accomplish-
ments and the very great part you have played in our great country's history.
Thank you one and all.

(Signed) EDITH: NOTTRSE ROGERS.

Another one addressed to Joseph F. Burke :

3?o the Disabled American Veterans assembled In their national convention,
I send greetings. The sacrifices you made for our country in time of war helped
to secure the freedom of us all. Now in your daily work as citizens you continue
to add skill and spirit to the strength of our Nation in its efforts to secure the
peace of the world. Best wishes for a memorable convention.

(Signed) DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER.

This one to Joseph F. Burke :

May I extend to you and your great organization my best wishes for a happy
and fruitful convention. Commitments made prior to my own election prevent
my personal attendance. Accordingly I have designated Sidney Siller from
New York to represent me and to extend my remarks to your convention. I
offer your successor my complete cooperation in your great work for benefit of
aU veterans.

(Signed) BENJAMIN H. CHASIN,
National Commander, Jewish War Veterans of U. 8. A.

Regret I cannot accept your kind invitation to visit your encampment. I as-
sure you I will be pleased to have any resolution of your convention and will
cooperate in any possible way to compel Veterans' Administration to follow con-
gressional intent in its rating procedures and in connection with aU matters in-
volving veterans* benefits.

(Signed) CARL ALBERT,

Sd District, Oklahoma.

158 THIRTT-SIEVENTB: jsrATroasrAL REPORT

Deeply regret legislative duties prevent my attending your convention. As a
veteran of World War I and as a Member of Congress am truly interested in all
proceedings. Will do all possible to correct any injustice that may occur by rea-
son of current rating procedures in the VA.

(Signed) TOBY MORBIS,

Member of Congress.

Deeply regret that full schedule in the House of Representatives make it im-
possible to accept your kind invitation to attend convention. Assure you of my
keen interest in convention proceedings and all recommendations and resolutions
adopted by your delegates. And will be glad on the DAV's request to seek a
congressional investigation of current rating procedures in the Veterans'
Administration.

(Signed) ED BDMONDSON,

Member of Congress.

VFW National Encampment will prevent me from attending DAV National
Convention in Buffalo, N. Y. Best wishes to my fellow DAV members from
Indiana and for a successful convention.

(Signed) RICHAED L. ROUBEBUSH,
National Senior Vice Commander in Chief,
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Greetings to the delegates at this 36th national convention. Many thanks to
you and John Burris on the downgrading of disabled veterans. May the deliber-
ations this day be in the interest of all disabled veterans throughout America.
May God bless you all.

( Signed ) GERALD A. G ARRETT,
Past Department Commander of Florida.

And the following is a letter to Commander Burke from the presi-
dent of the Japanese Disabled Veterans Association, Gen. Atsushi
Kaba, dated August 18, 1957.

lo? 1 ^ 8 ^ 8 : .i5& 1 !S v E ihe h 2 nor to send yOT1 Olir message with hearty congratu-
lation to the 1957 National Convention of the Disabled American Veterans

On this auspicious occasion, we express our thanks for your warm friendships
shown for us before and after the permission of our association to be a member
of the World Veterans Federation. Both you and us are suffering from war

SmS 6 ? f I? 1 ** we * re rather P rcmd > believing to have dedicated ourselves
willingly to the respective nation.

But in Japan, we have been neglected socially and legally since our surrender
aU *? P rotective facmti * and being regarded wit^indTfferent
moreover, Japan as a member of the democratic side,

the resiuts of * fact

ot

harder and longer than any other peoples do to appeal to our Government and
people to understand our honorable merits and pride wveiurneut ana

Stability of a private life is the first requirement for the true peace We
have endeavored to achieve this aim and will try our best forever believing
USSfiS*?- a^fc *** help as well as the WVF's encouragement wl
S^WTO* f ? gainSt those difficulties mentioned above in coStomSty with
the WVF principles and the doctrines demonstrated by our Premier -Kishi at
your Congress in Washington shortly before. premier j^ism at

We earnestly hope that both of us, situating on both sides of the Pacific

Thank you.

(Signed) A. KABA, President J. JD. V. A.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 159

At this time I want to call on Robert Gonzalez as chairman of the
employment and civil service committee who is ready to give his
report.

Comrade ROBERT GONZAJLEZ (chairman, employment and civil serv-
ice committee) . Thank you. Commander.

Comrades, the convention committee on employment and civil serv-
ice preference received and considered 72 resolutions. The committee
recommends the following action on these resolutions: Rejection of
five resolutions because the subject matter was already accented policy
of the organization, not within the purview of the organization, or
not in the best interests of disabled veterans.

Adoption of 24 resolutions. Now I am going to read the resolution
number, give you the subject matter, the meat of the resolution. There
will be a slight pause, in case anyone wishes to discuss this resolu-
tion. If not we will go on to the next.

RESOLUTION 18

Whereas powerful forces throughout the United States have been consistently
making every effort to weaken, if. not completely destroy veterans 1 preference
in Federal, State, and local employment; and

Whereas while efforts have thus far been unsuccessful as far as the Federal
Government is concerned, yet there has been a weakening of some State laws
in recent years in that respect : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved l>y the Disabled, American Veterans, That we vigorously oppose any
changes in the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as amended, excepting those
which would strengthen such act.

RESOLUTION 32

. Whereas post office departments recruit additional help during peak seasons ;
and

Whereas the Bureau of Employment Security nas authorized that various
State employment services extend preference in referral to disabled veterans
and nondisabled veterans in accordance with the law: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That an recruiting for additional help in peak seasons for the Post
Office Department be conducted through the various State employment services
in order to safeguard the rights of veterans' preference for disabled veterans,
after the eligible registers have been exhausted and before outside recruitment
win be permitted.

RESOLUTION No. 77

Whereas the responsibility for maintaining an effective job-counseling and
employment-placement service for veterans, and special employment assistance
to disabled veterans, is centered in the Veterans Employment Service, and ^

Whereas the Veterans Employment Service is a specialized unit of the United
States Employment Service in the Department of Labor, and is dependent upon
Congress for the continuation of its program of providing the maximum of
employment opportunity for veterans in the field of gainful employment : Now,
therefore be it

Resolved ty the Disabled American Veterans, That we go on record as favor-
ing the passage of adequate appropriations to the Veterans Employment Service
in order that it may carry out its responsibility in providing adequate employ-
ment assistance to veterans.

No. 90

Whereas section 283 of title 18 of the United States Code concerning officers
and employees interested in claims against the Government has recently been
interpreted by the United States Department of Justice as preventing fellow
employees from assisting other employees or former employees in claims against
the Government, and

16Q TBdRTT-SlEVENTBC NATIONAL REPORT

Whereas this recent interpretation has the effect of handicapping veterans
in obtaining voluntary statements and appearances of coworkers in appeals
against adverse action under section 14 of the Veterans' Preference Act as
amended, inasmuch as such voluntary action or help on the part of the co-
worker is considered to be in violation of the statute : therefore be it

Resolved, by the Disabled American Veterans in 1957 Convention Assembled,
That section 283 of title 18 of the United States Code be amended to add on an.
additional paragraph as follows :

"Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent any employee or former employee
from voluntarily assisting another employee or former employee in preparing
or assisting in the prosecution of a claim against the United States."

RESOLUTION No. 128

Whereas Public Law 346, 78th Congress, largely authored and wholeheartedly
supported by the major veterans' organizations of America, provided for an
effective employment counseling and job placement service for veterans of all
wars to the end that they shall have the * 'maximum of job opportunity in the
field of gainful employment," and

Whereas this service, in recent years, has materially enhanced the economic
welfare of veterans and has contributed substantially to their favorable position
in the labor force, and

Whereas there is a continuing need for this service to assist veterans in mak-
ing proper job readjustment when they become unemployed or find it necessary
to change jobs, as is evidenced by the thousands of such veterans who utilize
the facilities of the service throughout the country each month: Therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in annual convention assem-
bled in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19 to 2&, 1957, go on record as urging the National
Congress to appropriate. adequate funds, annually, for the effective administra-
tion of the Employment Security Program including the Veteran Employment
Service and the public employment service system.

RESOLUTION No. 185

Whereas it has been proven on many occasions that the fine and constructive
services performed by the Veterans' Counseling Service staff of the United States
Civil Service Commission have been indispensable in the placing of disabled
veterans in Federal employment, and

Whereas it is a physical impossibility for the DAV to maintain a Federal
placement service, not only in Washington, D. C., but throughout the entire
United States : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans, That we highly commend the
services that have been, and are being rendered by the Veterans' Counseling
Service staff of the United States Civil Service Commission, and we urge the
expansion and strengthening of that staff to assure necessary services, includ-
ing aptitude tests, and that we vigorously oppose any attempt to weaken or
eliminate such service.

RESOLUTION No. 188

Whereas Congress, in its wisdom, enacted Public I/aw 208, which inaugurated
the national apprenticeship program, designed to build an adequately skilled
labor force and to correlate apprenticeship activities on a National, State, and
local basis, and

Whereas Congress also provided that veterans entering apprenticeship train-
ing can participate in the training benefits of the Gl bill and Public Laws 16
and 894, as amended, may obtain while in training the added protection and
advantages provided by such National and State apprenticeship laws and be
assured of being brought to the point of full productivity in the apprenticeship
trade of their choice : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans, That we do unanimously endorse
the national apprenticeship program of the Bureau of Apprenticeship, United
States Department of Labor, as the best-known method of developing skilled
workers and urgently suggest that the field staff of said Bureau be sufficiently
large to guarantee fully the quality and quantity of training needed to meet the
demands of any national emergency.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEBANB
RESOLUTION No. 189

sequent increased disability of such service-disabled veterans rader the present

provisions of operations of the various State workmen's compensation acte^d

Whereas unemployed service-connected disabled veterans frequently become

a burden to themselves, their dependents, their respective commodities and to

l^tlm^foye^ mtry When *"* COUld beC ^ me Valuable ^etsVSem?

Whereas it is highly important to assure to all service-disabled veterans equal
opportunities for suitable employment : Now, therefore be it - eq^ai

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans, Tha't we recommend that all
State departments review their workmen's compensation laws now in existence
with the view of amending such laws in order to protect employers against any
possibility of increased costs through the employment of disabled veterans.

RESOLUTION No. 190

Whereas there are thousands of disabled veterans presently employed by the
Federal Government, and

Whereas the life expectancy of such disabled veterans is considerably less
than that of the nondisabled, and

Whereas the early retirement of employees will provide further job oppor-
tunities for disabled veterans ; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved "by the Disabled, American Veterans, That we go on record as in sup-
port of legislation that would amend the Civil Service Retirement Act to pro-
vide optional retirement at full annuity for all civil service employees at age 55
with 30 years or more of service.

RESOLUTION No. 193

Whereas two basic principles have long been established in the United States ;
namely, the merit system and veterans' preference in Federal employment, and

Whereas, one agency has been charged with the enforcement of both the merit
system and the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944 as amended; namely, the
United States Civil Service Commission, and

Whereas said Commission cannot function and do the job intended for it
unless sufficient funds are available to properly operate : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans, That we go on record as favoring
the continuation of the use of every means at our command to see that adequate
appropriations are supplied by the Federal Government to the end that the
United States Civil Service Commission may function as was intended by present
law, rules, and regulations.

RESOLUTION No. 196

Whereas the average age for World War 1 veterans is approximately 62, and

Whereas these and other unemployed veterans over 45 years of age are
experiencing extreme difficulty in finding jobs for which they are useful, and

Whereas this situation is brought about by the hiring attitude and policy of
many employers who wrongly indicate that age does not permit adaptability in
employment and allegedly slows up the production lines ; and

Whereas it is common knowledge that our mature veterans, through their prior
experience in industry, bring to a new job practical knowledge that only age
itself can accumulate, and

Whereas this unemployment condition is a serious threat to two of our most
available resources, the human being as well as our national economy, and

Whereas public or private employment should afford employment opportunities
to all who are qualified and desire employment if there are suitable jobs avail-
able without imposition of an arbitrary maximum age limit: Now, therefore,
be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans, at their S6th annual convention,
at Buffalo, N. T., August 19-23, 1957, That a national intensified educational

162 THXRTT-SIEVENTH: NATIONAL. REPORT

program be enacted with sufficient fonds to be appropriated by the Congress of
the United States to enable the United States Department of Labor to carry out
the purposes of this program,

RESOLUTION No. 240

Whereas, gainful employment of the physically handicapped is a major objec-
tive of this organization, and , ^ A .

Whereas many handicapped persons are unable to seek full-time employment
because of their disabilities, and , ^ ^. ^ : " '

Whereas many handicapped persons seek part-time employment which they
can adequately perform : Now, therefore be it

Resolved, That part-time employment be promoted within the Federal Govern-
ment employment systems and all industries.

RESOLUTION No. 256

Whereas disabled veterans employed by the Federal Government do not enjoy
any added retention credits over nondisabled veterans in case of reductions in
force : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the delegates to the 1951 Convention of the Di&abled Amerwan
Veterans, That we go on record as favoring the making of further attempts to
enact legislation that would give a sliding scale of additional retention credits
to all compensably disabled veterans in reductions in force, based upon the
degree of disability.

RESOLUTION No. 257

Whereas section 202 of Executive Order 10577 provides that compensably
disabled veterans may acquire competitive status and career tenure upon rec-
ommendation by the employing Federal agency after the 1 year satisfactory
probationary period, and

Whereas such recommendations must be made by the agency prior to January
1, 1958, which means in effect that any compensably disabled veteran appointed
after January 1, 1957, cannot acquire career status immediately after such 1-year
probationary period since it will be impossible for him to have finished such
period before December 31, 1957, and

Whereas H. R. 6552 now pending in the 85th Congress would amend the Veter-
ans Preference Act of 1944 to make such provision mandatory without delimiting
date and applicable to all those compensably service-connected disabled veterans
who may in the future enter Federal employment : Now, therefore, be it

Re&olved by the Delegates to the 1957 Annual Convention of the Disabled Amer-
ican Veterans, That we go on record as favoring the speedy enactment of H. B.
6552 and* in the interim, to put forth every effort to secure an extension to
section 202 of Executive Order 10577.

RESOLUTION No. 258

Whereas it has long been the established policy of the Federal Government
to promote the employment of the physically handicapped, and

Whereas defense spending has greatly increased the need of the Federal
Government to enter into a very large number of contracts with private agen-
cies : Kow, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Delegates to the 1957 Convention of the Disabled American
Veterans, That we go on record as favoring the immediate introduction of
appropriate legislation to provide that all Federal agencies give special consid-
eration to those private agencies which employ the handicapped in awarding
contracts.

RESOLUTION No. 259

Whereas the Universal Military Training and Service Act of 1951 is designed
to assist returning servicemen and women in guaranteeing their reemployment
rights, and

Whereas the Bureau of Veterans' Beemployment Rights, United States De-
partment of Labor, has been designated in the act as the agency to assist veterans
in the full procurement of their reemployment rights: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Delegates to the 1957 National Convention of the Disabled
American Veterans, That we go on record as favoring the employment of every

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEEiANB 163

means at our command to see to it that the Bureau ot Veterans 1 Reemployment
Bights receive such funds as may be necessary to adequately assist ex-servicemen
and women in obtaining their reemployment rights.

RESOLUTION No. 262

Whereas under existing law, rules, and regulations, when a vacancy occurs
in the office of postmaster, an acting postmaster may be appointed, who is not
required to have eligibility through examination, such appointment may be
cfv?i nd !^^ and P St ffiCe D -* -* *e consent of the

Whereas such acting postmaster, so appointed, is required to qualify in sat
open competitive examination in order to become eligible for a regular appoint-
ment, unless he has a status for promotion, and

Whereas there have been numerous instances where, because after conducting
an open, competitive examination for the position the three highest on the
eligible register are all unsatisfactory to the county committee of the majority
political party, the acting postmaster is retained in the job indefinitely; and

Whereas this creates a situation that is neither in accord with the merit
system nor the provisions of the Veterans Preference Act of 1944 as amended-
Therefore be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, go on record as favoring the enactment of
suitable legislation that will limit the tenure of an active postmaster to a period
not to exceed 1 year, with a barrier to reappointment, during which time it
will be mandatory for the Civil Service Commission to conduct an open com-
petitive examination or examinations to secure a list of eligible for permanent
appointment to the position ; and ise it further

Resolved, That only may th tenure of such acting postmaster be extended
beyond the year where it has been impossible to secure a list of eligibles for
the appointment which shall contain the statutory number of at least three
or more names. In such an event the Civil Service Commission shall continue
to hold examinations periodically until such an eligible register is established,
after which it shall be mandatory for the Post Office Department to make a
permanent appointment within 60 days.

RESOLUTION No. 276

Whereas employers throughout the United States have been responding in a
more favorable manner by placing increasing numbers of disabled veterans in
suitable employment since the enactment of Federal legislation providing for
the observance of 1 week each year known as National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week, and

Whereas the continued success of this program has rested, to a very large
degree, on the activities of the President's Committee of the Physically Handi-
capped : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That we heartily endorse and commend the activities incident to
the observance of NEPH Week by the State employment services and particu-
larly the President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped
as well as the governors' and mayors* committees, for their untiring efforts to
outline and promote such activities.

RESOLUTION No. 279

Whereas wartime benefits were terminated by Presidential proclamation after
January 31, 1955, and

Whereas by this action those ex-servicemen and women who entered the
Armed Forces after that date and who subsequently incurred service-connected
disabilities in line of duty are not entitled to preferential treatment in employ-
ment by the United States State Employment and the Veterans' Employment
Service; and

Whereas these disabled ex-servicemen and women are entitled to membership
in the Disabled American Veterans : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That we do hereby recommend that necessary legislation be pre-
sented to the 2nd session of the 85th Congress to provide the preferential treat-
ment to those ex-servicemen and women who entered the Armed Forces after
January 31, 1955, and who incurred service-connected, disabilities after that
date, so long as the Selective Service Act is in full force and effect.

164 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

RESOLUTION No. 318

Whereas it is reported that the Veterans* Administration alleges that they
are unable to obtain medical members or other employees of the Veterans'
Administration Medical Service to report to hospitals in remote areas and man
the same ; and

Whereas it is well known that there are many veterans throughout the United
States that are unable to obtain hospital and medical treatment because of these
hospitals not being properly staffed ; and

Whereas the present methods of operating these hospitals necessitate veterans
having to travel long distances and being away from their families and friends
for long periods of time in order to obtain hospital treatment ; and

Whereas it is felt that if Veterans' Administration hospital employees were
placed under civil service and insured of tenure employment under civil service
laws and regulations that they would be willing to work in any hospital operated
by the Veterans' Administration irrespective of location ; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved 'by the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled, at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, JS7, That we go on record urging our National
Congress, and the Director of the Veterans' Administration Hospitals under
United States Civil Service laws and regulations, to grant them security formerly
granted medical members of the Veterans' Administration and other civil service
employees.

RESOLUTION No. 343

Whereas veterans with service-connected disabilities are, by reason of their
handicapping disabilities, somewhat limited in their selections of suitable jobs
and therefore have greater difficulty in procuring suitable jobs than do able-
bodied persons, inasmuch as they must procure such suitable jobs on a selective
placement or man-job-matching basis, whereby their remaining abilities are
utilized ; and

Whereas notwithstanding the fact that the premium rates on workmen's com-
pensation policies are not determined on the basis of physical condition or age
of employees, but rather on the basis of the experience in the general industry
and subsequently by each particular employer, too many employers are never-
theless fearful that they run the risk of increasing their workmen's compensa-
tion premium costs by their employment of service-connected compensable dis-
abled veterans, whose handicapping disabilities are much more likely to be as-
certained by the average employer than might be the case as to any other person
with a similar handicap, and

Whereas there have, unfortunately, been incidents where handicapped persons
who have become injured on the jobs have thereby become more seriously dis-
abled and therefore entitled to more workmen's compensation benefits over a
longer period of time than might otherwise have been the case as to an able-
bodied employee, which consequently tends to increase the fear in the minds of
too many employers that they do run a risk of increasing their workmen's com-
1>e S^? n P remimn eosts by their employment of handicapped veterans, and
nJvJSStS C0n ;^ eil . sa 1 ? le .^sabled veterans who become further handicapped
SLS^v? n ? e A 3^^ ht J*rfter become greater burdens for the United
S ^t s Veterans Administration, or at least greater burdens for society and

Whereas no employer should be expected to assume the risk of increasing his

S5T ^ MS **** * * servlce-eonnfcted
? n . alvses of United States Veterans' Administration statis-
g ^ Cr V******** ot unemployed service disabled veterans go
proving themselves legally entitled to higher amounts of dis-

wrp a *"* , has been the case as to * hose suitably employed ; and

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS- 165

Resolved ~by the Disabled American Veterans in Annual National Convention
assembled in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-2S, 1957, That we do hereby urge the
President and the Congress of the United States to enact H. R. 7936 into law,
in effect to provide that the United States Veterans' Administration shall periodi-
cally make reimbursement of all workmen's compensation costs paid out by any
State, self -insurer, or private insurance company, by reason of the injury- on
the job of any compensable service-connected disabled veteran, nnder the opera-
tion of any State workmen's compensation law.

RESOLUTION No. 431

Whereas H. B. 6686, now pending in the Congress, would strengthen the
Veterans' Preference Act of 1944 as amended by amending the second proviso
of section 8 of Public iLaw 378, 78th Congress, by striking out the words, "and
shall be made available upon request" and inserting in lieu thereof "and a copy
of which shall be transmitted to the veteran eligibles who have been passed over"
and by further striking the words "upon request therefor" : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved oy the 2957 Disabled American Veterans National Convention
assembled in Buffalo, N. Y., Auffust 19-&S, 1957, That we go on record as heartily
favoring the passage of H. B. 6686 in the next session of the Congress.

BESOLTTTION No. 432

Whereas the Federal Employees Compensation Act, as amended, presently
provides that compensation payable in case of injury or death shall be based upon
the prevailing wage at the inception of such disability ; and

Whereas there are many instances where such disability recurs at some future
time, many years later ; and

Whereas under the existing law such compensation is computed on the basis
of the prevailing wage at the time of the inception of the injury or illness ; and

Whereas enactment of H. B. 472 now pending in the 85th Congress would cor-
rect this inequity by amending the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to
establish an additional wage basis for computing compensation in cases of
recurrence of disability and in cases of death occurring subsequent to such
recurrence : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the SStfi Annual Convention of the Disabled American Veterans,
convening in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-&S, 1957, That we go on record as favoring
the enactment of Til. B. 472 in the 2d session of the 85th Congress.

BESOLUTION No. 363

Whereas many inquiries have been received as to DAV relationship to the
activities of the self -proclaimed National Association of Veterans Employment
Councils (NAVEC) ; and

Whereas the chairman of a Governor's Committee on Employment of the
Physically Handicapped has asserted that "this operation is bad for the cause
of employing the handicapped" ; and

Whereas according to its constitution and bylaws, the alleged purpose of
NAVEC is "to cooperate with, and to assist governmental and private groups
now engaged in the promotion of the employment of the handicapped veteran;
to operate throughout the United States volunteer veteran employment councils
designed to aid, free of charge, the handicapped veteran secure useful and pro-
ductive employment ; to educate the American public generally, and the American
employer specifically, as to the value of the handicapped veteran employee ; to
advance the interest of, and work for the betterment of, all veterans who, by
reason of any cause whatsoever, were, are, or have become handicapped ; and to
promote and arrange for and, in all other ways, obtain suitable employment in
all of its phases and ramifications for such handicapped veterans" ; and

Whereas the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies made
up or State employment agencies charged with the responsibility for operating
special placement services for handicapped veterans, has, through its Veterans*
Affairs Committee, attempted to evaluate the NAVEC program, and

Whereas the June 1956 Beport of its Veterans' Affairs Committee states that
(1) NAVEC's reply to their inquiry shows that NAVEC has no endorse-
ments from the organizations listed. (Organizations listed in the inquiry
were: American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans
of Foreign Wars, National Association of Manufacturers, American Federa-
tion of Labor, President's Committee on Employment of the Physically
Handicapped, and Veterans Employment Service) ;

166 TGBmRTY-SiEfV-EnsrTH: 3STATTOQSTAL. REPORT

(2) News releases mention large sums of money collected but negligible
(NAVEC) activity in the field of service to veterans;

(3) The organization distributed great numbers of ballpoint pens and
Lord's Prayer medals with an appeal for contributions in which they capi-
talize upon public sympathy for handicapped veterans, and

(4) Some prominent people whose names were used in connection with
NAVEO publicity have, for cogent reasons, asked that their names not be
used, and

Whereas the congressionally chartered veterans organizations all deny
that they have any nationally elected or appointed representatives on anv
NAVEC council, and

Whereas the name, National Association of Veterans Employment Councils, in
its District of Columbia charter, gives the impression, falsely, that there is an
actual national association of veterans employment councils consisting of official
representatives of these national veterans organizations, and

Whereas it is probable that most of those Americans who have made dona-
tions to NAVEC have falsely assumed that such donations have enabled substan-
tial numbers of handicapped veterans to secure jobs, and

Whereas the Bureau of Employment Security of the United States Department
of Labor, in a letter to all State employment security agencies and all State
veterans* employment representatives, dated January 2, 1957, informed these
agencies and- representatives that

(1) The Bureau has not had any contact with the National Association
of Veterans Employment Councils (NAVEC) other than a request from its
public information officer to meet with us to obtain our views of its program
and to explore areas of cooperation,

(2) Although the Bureau indicated how a meeting could be arranged
NAVEC did not follow up,

(5) At the request of the Veterans Employment Service, the staff of the
President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped made
a careful review and an analysis of NAVEC's stated programs, based upon
workshop sessions of the first annual workshop and meeting of the organi-
zation held in February 1956.

(4) There seems to be a substantial duplication between the objectives of
NAVEC and the functions ana area of service of the President's Committee
on Employment of the Physically Handicapped,

(5) In view of our relations and the extent of our cooperation with the
President's Coihmittee, the necessity of working with another group in this
area seems questionable unless its functions are integrated with those of
Governor's Committees on Employment of the Physically Handicapped

(6) It is our understanding that NAVEC plans to engage in the actual
placement of handijcapped veterans,

(7) The Bureau has placed a continuing emphasis on the necessity that
specially qualified workers deal with the employment problems of the physi-
cally handicapped, including disabled veterans,

(8) A handicapped person who is improperly placed may be a hazard to
himself and to his fellow workers,

(9) Further, a bad placement can undo years of effort in obtaining the
cooperation of an employer in utilizing the skills of physically handicapped
workers, and

(10) We have no information concerning the plans of NAVEC for hiring
and training personnel capable of performing the specialized services that
are required in a placement program.

Whereas NAVEC is not a member of the President's Committee on Employ-
ment ^ of the Physically Handicapped nor has it been recommended for mem-
bership by any 1 of its more than 350 members, although it has been the demon-
strated desire of the President's Committee to cooperate with all groups public
bjective of f aciutatill S the employment of the physi-

Whereas the Chairman of the President's Committee, Maj. Gen. Melvin J
55?** S ^^ St ^ ted: " We have been extremely successful with volunteer
methods * * * there is no need, in our opinion, to raise funds for the purpose
of finding jobs for veterans, * * * We need more volunteers and more employers
*L?? en , their doors *> <* e Handicapped. * * * This does not involve the neces-

& large S ^? s of money to be raised in tne nai *e of jobs for veterans," and
In^SSSlf S el> , rU ? y 2 ' 19 5 7 ' tlie direct <> r ^ the employment security agency
in Georgia wrote to the executive director of NAVEC in Washington D C and

DiTSABLE'D AMERICAN VETERiANS 167

stated that, "Thus far, I have heard quite a bit about NAVEC's fund-raising
activities but very little about placement services rendered to handicapped vet-
erans by NAVEC," and indicated that "all available information that will be of
assistance to me in making a truly objective evaluation of services rendered the
handicapped veteran by NAVEC will be appreciated," and that as of May 7 1957
the executive director of NAVJEC had not furnished such information, and

Whereas it is believed that NAVEC mass mailings of unordered merchandise
accompanied by appeals for donations are, have been, and will in the future
be, harmful to the DAV as well as to other congressionally chartered veterans*
organizations and their service activities : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the $6th National Convention of the Disabled American Veterans,
assembled in the city of Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1951, That we make clear
to all concerned that the DAV has no affiliation whatsoever with NAVEC, does
not endorse NAVEC, is not cooperating with NAVEC, and has reason to question
the value of NAVEC's actual efforts and abilities to accomplish its proclaimed
purposes "to advance the interest of, and work for the betterment of all veterans,
and to promote and arrange for and, in all ways, obtain suitable employment in
all of its phases and ramifications for such handicapped veterans."

Comrade GONZAUES (continuing) . Mr. Commander, I move the
adoption of the report of the employment and civil service committee.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Do I hear a second ?

Comrade MJLRVIN SILVER (Philadelphia, Pa., Chapter No. 96).
Second the motion.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. The motion, has been made
and seconded to accept the report of the employment and civil service
committee. Is there any discussion ?

Ready for the question? All those in favor, signify by the usual
sign.

Opposed ?

So ordered.

(When put to a vote the motion carried.)

Comrade GOOSTZALES. Mr. Commander, comrades, this won't take but
just a minute. As you know you have already heard in some of the
other reports, the situation that we had existing throughout naval
establishments in the earlier part of this year was a very serious situa-
tion as far as disabled veterans were concerned.

My chapter, Chapter 23, of Florida, was the original chapter to
take this up with your national officers. And I would like to say that
we received the most wholehearted cooperation and support from our
commander, Joe Burke, and our national director of employment,
John Burris. And I would like to move at this time that this group
give a rising vote of thanks to those two comrades for the fine work
that they did on this situation.

(The convention rose GO applaud.)

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Thank you, Comrade
Gonzales. At this time I want to call on the national commander to
introduce a guest.

National Commander BIJTRKE. Good morning. The Chair would
like to bring before this microphone for extending greetings of the
Jewish War Veterans' national commander, who couldn't be here,
Sidney Siller. He is a former department commander of the Disabled
American Veterans of the State of New York.

Comrade SIDNEY SILLER (Jewish War Veterans) . Mr. Commander,
national officers, comrades; as a member of the Disabled American
Veterans it is my privilege to extend to you the greetings of my per-
sonal friend from the State of New York who last Sunday was elected

20331 58 12

16S TmRTT-SiEVEOSTTB: NATIONAL REPORT

to the office of national commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the
United States of America, Commander Ben Chasin, from Brooklyn,
N, Y. Ben called me on the phone and asked me to express to this
convention assembled, his personal greetings and best wishes for the
good health and welfare of the Disabled American Veterans for this
coining year and for the future years to come. He indicated to me
that he would do all in his power to continue the cooperation and har-
mony that existed between both of our great national organizations and
in addition he promised that he would do all in his power to recommend
to his large membership, that if they are eligible for membership in the
10AV and if they are not eligible personally to recruit those who are
for our own organization.

On behalf of Ben Chasin, the national commander of the Jewish
War Veterans I thank all of you and wish you all the best and good
luck.

First Junior Vice Commander HEBTALA. Thank you Comrade Siller,
for those greetings.

At this time I would like to call on the chairman of the constitution
and bylaws committee for the first reading. This will be distributed
and tomorrow we will have the second reading and perhaps the final
reading of that committee's report.

At this time, Comrade Leo DeLapp.

Comrade LEO DELAPP (chairman, constitution and bylaws commit-
tee). This is the first reading, no discussion. Tomorrow the second
reading, then we battle it out.

The constitution and bylaws committee met and considered all the
resolutions presented to it with one which came from the finance com-
mittee. This one was accepted and recommended for adoption on the
floor and we will have the second reading tomorrow.

Create staggered 2-year terms for national executive com-mitteemen.

Article XI, section 6, paragraph 1 (p. 32), is amended to read as follows:

"Paragraph 1. Commencing with the 1958 national convention, and thereafter
during each even numbered year, the delegates from each even numbered national
district, and thereafter during each even numbered year, shall elect a national
executive committeeman,and an alternate, whose term of office shall be for 2 years.
At such convention, the delegates from each odd numbered district shaU elect a
committeeman and an alternate, whose term of office shall be for 1 year and,
thereafter, during each odd numbered year, such delegates shall elect a committee-
man and an alternate whose term of office shall be for 2 years. The National
Blind Veterans Chapter shall elect a committeeman and an alternate at each
convention, whose term of office shall be for 1 year."

Article IX, section 1 (p. 17), is amended by adding to the end thereof- "except
as otherwise provided by article XI, section 6, paragraph 1, of these bylaws."
m It is necessary to make this other change to conform with the change
rn paragraph 1 of section 6.

This is the only one that the committee adopted for recommendation
for your approval on the floor or disapproval and there is one which

XT > o a I ^ norit y Deport, I'll get its number in a second here.

JNo. 438, which is a resolu^n handed to us from the finance and dues
committee to increase the national per capita tax $1, was rejected in our
TOmmittee and the finance and dues committee notified my secretary
that they will make a minority report on it tomorrow. I have to notify
you so that you will have time to think about it and find out about it

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEK/ANiS 169

That also provides, they recommend anyway that that will provide
an increased income on the annual salary of the national service
officers by at least $200 a year.

Owing to the fact that this bylaws committee report was so small I
still have 3 or 4 minutes left. I'd like to talk to you on the eye-bank
program which is becoming national and which we should interest
ourselves with and the slogan as yet has not been made up, but it
looks to me like those who live and see, after death, if they would sign
relinquish papers to those who see could will their eyes after death.
This is not a report of the constitution and bylaws committee. I said
the bylaws was such a small report that I am going to use my remain-
ing time to talk on this eve bank.

We, in California, of the Golden West Life Chapter, the original
3if e chapter, No. 65, got in touch with the Stanford University Hos-
pital eye bank and have the machinery set up whereby all we have to do
is sign in triplicate donation of our eyes after death, give 1 copy to our
doctor, send the other 2 to Stanford University Hospital and as soon
.as you die your doctor has the instructions what to do to take the
eye out and put it in one of these bottles of which he has several, mail
it immediately or send it down by highway patrol or something else
so that someone lying there, someone who is blind and is waiting, has
been alerted first on the program, can immediately within the 48-hour
period have this transplanted to the cornea of their eye and see.

While we brought this up one time in one of the dugouts of the
Trench Rats unknown to me one of our members who was one who had
had a cornea transplant gave us a very fine talk. He had one eye
that was absolutely as far as he was concerned he was blind. After
he got one of these cornea transplants from San Quentin brought by
highway patrol, within a week he was seeing out of both eyes and
forgot he was blind in a month.

I would like to see you different hospital visitors and those who
are in service- officer work get busy on these eye banks back East, get
busy and get it going because the I)AV should be more interested in
this than anything else and we will adopt some kind of slogan like
""We can see after death" through our own corneas by someone we have
favored with our eye.

Thank you.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Thank you, Mr. Chair-
man. Is there any discussion on this eye program ?

Gentlemen, at this time I would like to introduce for a bow, Com-
rade William F. Hawkins, the newly elected commander of the Blind
Veterans Chapter. [Applause.]

Comrade WILLIAM F. HAWKINS (Blind Veterans Chapter). I am
sure glad to be at this convention. I sure enjoyed it and I think it
has been wonderful and, of course, I ain glad of the confidence they
had in me to put me in again. I was acting commander, I wanted
to announce that we are having a luncheon in the United Nations
Restaurant at 1 o'clock, and I wanted all the members of our chapter
to go as my guests to that luncheon and then we are going to have our
dinner this evening at the 40 et 8 at 8 :30. I thank you. [Applause.]

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVTDSON. Thank you, Comrade
Hawkins.

The ritual committee is ready to make their report. Comrade El-
: mer Baldwin, the secretary.

170 TEORTY-SiEIVEasrTH: JSTATIOD^AIj RIMPORT

Comrade ELMER BALDWIN (secretary, ritual committee). Com-
rades, I wish to give you at this time the report of the committee on
ritual. The committee met and voted to accept the following resolu-
tions :

RESOt/UTION NO. 891

Whereas tlie present 9 o'clock ceremony as provided in our national consti-
tution and bylaws ritual provides that all members rise and face the east an<l
salute our dead ; and

"Whereas this ceremony was no doubt written to honor our comrades who
died in Europe in World War I ; and

Whereas the intent of our 9 o'clock ceremony is still good but the practice is
obsolete in that when we face the east, we turn our backs to those who died at
Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Japan, Korea and all the battlefields of the
west : now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the 9 o'clock ceremony be changed to read as follows : "Com-
rades, will you rise, face the American Colors, and stand at attention in devoted
memory of our departed comrades of all wars."

RESOLTJTION No. 400

Whereas the purpose of the DAV is often lost to the individual by his own
personal affairs; and

Whereas the purpose of the DAV is often lost to the chapter by the business
to be taken up at the meetings ; and

Whereas in most cases the purpose of ,the BAV is unknown to the members,
Be it therefore

Resolved, That the preamble to the constitution of the Bisabled American
Veterans be read in unison by all members whether the long or short form of
the opening ceremony is used by the chapter.

RESOLUTION No. 401

^Whereas veterans of all wars from the beginning of our country have made
tremendous sacrifices in behalf of our national colors ; and

Whereas all organizations that display our national colors at their meetings
begin such meetings with the pledge of allegiance to the flag ; and

Whereas the flag plays a major part in every jneeting of the Bisabled Amer-
ican Veterans : Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the pledge of allegiance be incorporated into our opening cere-
mony, to be led by the commander and said in unison by all members and
guests present whether the long-form or the short-form ceremony is used by
the chapter, committee meeting, convention, or wherever the national colors
are displayed or presented.

Those are the recommendations of the committee on the ritual
and I move that they be adopted.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Is there a second to
this !

Comrade GEORGE HENDEICKSON (Kentucky, Chapter No. 41) . Sec-
ond that motion.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Is there any discus-
sion on the motion? Question? All in favor, give the usual sign.

Opposed?

The Chair is in doubt. Will everyone in favor of this motion
stand?

From the floor. What is the motion ?

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON*. That the report be
adopted as read.

National Adjutant CORIMLY. The Chair is merely asking you to
express your decision on the report of the ritual committee. The
chairman of the ritual committee read a report. A motion was made
to adopt. There were some yeses and some noes. The Chair did

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 171

not know what your intention was. He is now asking for those who
are in favor of adopting the report as read to stand.

The motion is to adopt the report. Do you mean you want the
report read again ?

Comrade 1. 1. KTJRHAN (Washington, B. C., Chapter No. 5). Point
of information.

We would lite to know what the change in the 9 o'clock ceremony
was.

National Adjutant COBBLY. Would you like to have the report read
again? We should always be sure of what we are doing. I didn't
hear the report so I don't know what is in it. Let me read it. The
chairman has already read it and generally under our procedures
where there is more than 1 resolution, more than 1 change, more
than 1 provision being read, we assume by your inaction while the
report is being read that you are in favor of the proposed change
or the proposed resolution. In reading this if you do not raise an
objection to each one, we will consider mat you approve of it. Then
when we have completed, you have not voiced objection to any of
them, then a motion will be in order to adopt the entire report. But
at any time during the reading you may voice an objection to any one
particular phase ot the report.

Change in the 9 o'clock ceremony. .

Question. What is it ?

National Adjutant CORBI/T (reading) :

Resolved, That the 9 o'clock ceremony be changed to read as foUows : "Com-
rades, you will rise, face the American colors, and stand at attention in devoted
memory of our departed comrades of aU wars."

No. 400, the preamble of the constitution be read at opening of
meetings.

No." 401, pledge of allegiance be incorporated into opening cere-
monies.

The rest of it doesn't have to be read because the committee rejected
the rest of the resolutions.

Now, when this committee has been discharged, if then it is the desire
of the proponent of any of the proposals which have been rejected to
bring it to your attention for action, they may do it. But the commit-
tee does not report its rejected resolutions. It reports merely the ones
approved.

Now, under our procedures the motion is to adopt the report of the
committee on its favorable action as just now read.

.Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Are there any questions?

Comrade FRANKLIN TECATFER (Colorado^ Chapter No. 7) . I would
like to inquire what the significance of facing the east was at the time
of its adoption. If there was a significance I would object to changing
that part of our particular ritual.

Comrade HENDERSON". As chairman of the ritual committee, I
would like to answer that. The reason that was changed is if someone
asked you now to stand up and face the east each one of you would
turn and say, "Which way is east? Which w.ay is east?" And that
is the reason we changed it.

Comrade THATER. My question with regard to the significance of
facing the east has not been answered. The explanation that was
given did not answer my question with regard to the significance of
facing the east that was adopted and is in our ritual at the present

172 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL. KEtPOKT

time. If he can answer that satisfactorily then I can vote intelligently
upon this proposed change.

Comrade BALDWIN. I will read the resolution :

Whereas the present 9 o'clock ceremony as provided In our national constitu-
tion and bylaws ritual provides that aU members rise and face the east and
salute our dead, and

Whereas this ceremony was no doubt written to honor our comrades who died
In Europe in World War I, and

Whereas the intent of our 9 o'clock ceremony is stiU good but the practice is
obsolete in that when we face the east, we turn our backs to those who died at
Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and all the battlefields of the west:
Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the 9 o'clock ceremony be changed to read as follows : "Com-
rades you will rise, face the American colors, and stand at attention in devoted
memory of our departed comrades of all wars."

[Applause.]

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Past national com-
mander Brown has asked for the floor.

Past National Commander DAVID BROWN. Comrades, as the resolu-
tion was read it was read to incorporate the preamble of the United
States Constitution at each and every meeting. Most of the boys
attending meetings are anxious to have the business that is necessary
to conduct conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible and I, for
one, don't feel as though I want to go to a meeting where there are
10 or 15 boys who have been coming there week in and week out, and
listen to a reading of the Constitution of the United States.

Dr. V. L. SMITH: (Dallas, Tex., chapter No. 11). I am objecting to
the deletion of the words "facing the east.' 3 This comes from the
Old Testament and it is the custom observed by almost everv Prot-
estant denomination, but I am not too sure but that our good Catholic
friends go along and face the east, hoping that the rising sun will so
illuminate our minds that we will be reminded that when our time
comes that we bury facing the east that we might receive the rays of
the rising sun and the morning rays of the sun will illuminate the
place where we are buried.

I don't like to see these things come up. I believe I am as broad-
minded on those things as anybody, -whether he is religious or irre-
ligious that is his right but I don't think we are adding anything but
I do think we are talking away from the ceremony, just as many of us
have thought of the deleting of the word "comrade" because the
damned old Communists took that. Let's leave that in there.

National Adjutant COKBLT. On a point of order and a point of in-
formation. I tried to explain to you people that we are up here to
try to make things easy. This report consists of three recommenda-
tions. When I reread it for the chairman I stated very clearly that
if I read one and you did not disapprove of it we would consider that
it was approved. If you didn't object to any of the three then a
motion would be in order to adopt the report in the whole.

Now we have had discussion on two of the provisions so you have
us rather confused, so let's take the motion that we have before us,
with unanimous consent, oS the floor, and consider each one of the
three proposals separately. Then you will know exactly what you
are voting on. You can reject the ones you want or approve the ones
you want, as you see fit. Does that meet your approval ?

D'ISlABLED AMERICAN VETERANB 173

O. K. We start off. Then, the motion in order at the present time
is to adopt the first recommendation, which refers to the change in
the 9 o'clock ceremony*

Comrade FRANK KAULSEnr (Michigan, chapter No. 5) . I move the
adoption of the resolution.

('There was a second from the floor.)

Assistant National Adjutant JOHN FEIGEDSTER. On the question.
Comrade commander, this may seem like a very small part of our
ceremonial whether we face the colors or whether we face the east.
But in changing our present ritual from facing the east to facing
the national colors you are departing from one of the oldest traditions.
Biblical, religious, fraternal that there is in existence.

A man when he dies is buried so that on the Resurrection Morn
he shall rise with the sun in his face, from the east. We are a military
or semimilitary organization and we are made up of many denomina-
tions and I believe that we are the most democratic organization in
existence insofar as religious tolerance is concerned. But I regret
very much and will regret as long as I live if we depart from one of
the oldest traditions, religious and Biblical, to changing our ritual
from facing the east to facing the colors. [Applause.]

Comrade 1. 1. KTJKHAN (Washington, D. C., Chapter No. 5) . I move
that we retain the ritual, leave our ritual as is.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. The motion is out of
order.

Comrade JOHN H. BOUN (Missouri, Chapter No. 2). I move we
table the previous motion.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. There is a motion to
table resolution number 391 on the change in the 9 o'clock ceremony.
Not debatable. All in favor give the usual sign.

Those opposed, no.

The ayes have it s the motion is tabled.

National Adjutant COKBLX. The second resolution before you pro-
vides that the preamble of the constitution be read at opening of
meetings.

For the Chair I move the adoption of the resolution.

Comrade TEX ROSE (Beverly Hills, Calif., Chapter No. 58) . Second
that motion.

FROM THE FLOOR. Could I ask if they could change that to one
meeting of the session ? Would it be possible to have that read at one
meeting of the session instead of each day ? In other words, it gives
us a little more time to visit rather than have it read each time.

National Adjutant CORBI.Y. Point of information. This proposal
is that the preamble to the constitution be read at the opening of
chapter meetings.

Comrade WM. J. QUIGLET (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 16). Point
of information. I can't see any objection to the reading of the pre-
amble of the constitution at any meeting no matter how many times.
After all, we are a military organization and we live by that preamble.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVH>SON. All in favor of the ques-
tion give the usual sign.

Opposed.

The ayes have it.

(When put to a vote, the motion was carried.)

174 THIRTY-SiEVEiNTH l^ATIOOSrAL REPORT

National Adjutant CORBLY. The third one, No. 401, provides. that
the pledge of allegiance be incorporated into the opening ceremony.
Por the chairman of the committee I move the adoption of that
proposal.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. Is there a second?

Comrade ORVILLE DE VANEY (Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Chapter No. 1).
Second that motion.

Comrade GEORGE N. BEATTY (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 78). I
think that is an insult to a disabled veteran sitting in a meeting to
take a pledge of allegiance.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Point of information. This is not ask-
ing the people to take a pledge of allegiance. It is merely repeating
the pledge of allegiance which every Boy Scout troop repeats at
every one of its meetings. It is a reminder to us as Americans that
we are delighted to every day think of our pledge to our country and
to our flag, our Constitution.

Comrade JOSEPH. V. KACCO (Akron, Ohio, Chapter No. 35). My
name is Joe Bacco, Akron, Ohio. Comrades, I have no objection to
the pledge of allegiance to the flag, but let me tell you one thing. I
was on the ritual committee in San Antonio, Tex., and if you comrades
remember last year we had a Congressional Medal of Honor at the
Democratic convention and he was greatly criticized for leaving
out one word. You may have your commanders trained, your State
officers, your department, your nationals, who can pledge allegiance
to the flag good, but always bear in mind and remember that you are
not always going to have your commanders and your department
commanders and nationals at these meetings. You are going to have
to rely on other people who don't know how to pledge allegiance to
the flag.

You may have guests there and you may be greatly criticized. It
is in the ritual, if they want to pledge allegiance they can do so.

Comrade LAURIER LA MONTAGNE (New Hampshire, Chapter No.
8) . I am the department commander of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair-
man, and delegates, I certainly believe that everywhere we have the
pledge of allegiance and when we go ahead and repeat every word
of the pledge of allegiance certainly it goes into the mind of each
and every one of us who are American citizens.

I want to say one more thing. How many of you here today can
remember every word wherever you come to sing the national anthem ?
I will tell you there isn't too many of us here and we are all veterans
and certainly the pledge of allegiance should be respected by every
American, whether he is a veteran or not.

. Comrade PATO SOHWESIG (Department Commander of West Vir-
ginia). You all are striving for membership. Eight? I think that the
American pledge of allegiance at a meeting would help your member-
ship in your local organization much more if you would pass this
motion. Thank you. ^

^! (Washington, D. C., Chapter No. 1).

Of all the resolutions that I have ever heard none would better not
be debated than this resolution. I move the question on the resolu-
tion.

Third Jimior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. The motion on the floor is
to adopt. There is a motion on the floor. All in favor of the motion
give the usual sign.

D-ISiABLED AMERICA^ VETE'EAHSTS . 175

Opposed, "no."

The "ayes" have it.

(When put to a vote, the motion carried.)

National Adjutant CORBLY. We have some 14 more committee re-
ports and unless we can settle down, understand ourselves, j>ay strict
attention to the reading of the various proposals we are going to be
here until Sunday night. I stepped into the picture up here merely
for the purpose of demonstrating to the incoming chairmen of the
rest of the committees the method of procedure, so that all of you
would understand. If a committee comes before you with more than
one proposal in its report, we will consider, unless you object to the
procedure, that when the first proposal or resolution is read we will
consider it adopted unless you interpose an objection at that time.

Then they will go to the next resolution. You will give it delibera-
tion and if you do not raise an objection to it we will consider it passed.
In any instance, of course, if you raise an objection we will debate the
issue and then vote as to the one that you are discussing so that when
at last the chairman has completed his report, you will have in all
probability rejected 8 of 10 resolutions. Then the motion will be to
adopt the report as amended by the floor so if these were 10 you would
be adopting the 7 you did not oppose and you would be rejecting the
3 that you had rejected.

I have the floor as a delegate to the convention for the purpose of
making a motion. My motion is to express the name is Corbly, the
chapter is Cincinnati, Chapter No. 1.

Comrade JACK. FEIGBOSTEK (Louisville, Ky., Chapter No. 6). Parlia-
mentary inquiry, please. At the risk of incurring the wrath of the
whole convention, since the chairman accepted to move^the previous
questions and revoted on that, the motion to accept the original motion
was not voted on and another motion is not in order.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON". We will put the motion
in order.

Comrade CBOEtrsTOPEDER REILKT (New York, Chapter No. 10). Point
of order. I do not believe the chairman accepted the second that the
motion had been made and seconded to approve. However, not having
been accepted the original motion was voted on.

National Adjutant CORBLY. You are correct. That was the way I
understand the procedure. The Chair stated the motion is to adopt
the report of the committee. And that is what you voted on.

Now I am submitting another motion. That the committee on ritual
be discharged with a vote of thanks.

Comrade Jon:$r FLORESTA (Blind Veterans Chapter) . Second that
motion.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON-. All in favor, give the

usual sign.

Opposed?

(When put to a vote, the motion carried.)

National Adjutant CORBLY. Comrade Commander, the same fel-
low, same name of Corbly, same chapter, Cincinnati No.;l. I move
you, sir, that the committee on employment and civil service be given
a vote of thanks and be discharged. _

Comrade L.AJJOET (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I will now sec-
ond the motion.

176 THIRTY-SOEIVEOSTTB: NATIONAL REPORT

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVIDSON. All in favor of the
motion, give the usual sign.

Opposed ?

( When put to a vote, the motion carried.)

DELEGATE (Detroit, Mich., Chapter No. 5). I would suggest to the
commander that when a question is called from the floor that we are
merely asking that a vote be taken on the motion. They are not asking
for discussion on the motion, so when we say question on the motion
we want the vote to be taken. I'd like to make that clear.

Third Junior Vice Commander DAVTDSOKT. Comrade Sellers will now
make his report on the housing committee.

Comrade LA VERNE SELLERS (secretary, housing committee) . After
that last go around I am afraid to get up here.

I have ibeen requested by Gaddis Williams, chairman of the hous-
ing committee, to deliver the following report in his behalf. The
committee was given eight resolutions for considerations. Two of
these resolutions did not fall under the jurisdiction of the housing
committee. Three resolutions have become obsolete before the Buffalo
convention. One of the resolutions was a State or a chapter problem.

The remaining two resolutions from the State of New York and New
Jersey were similar.

RESOLUTION No. 436

Whereas existing policy and regulations of the United States Public Housing
Authority requires that all local Federal public-housing authorities must con-
sider compensation received by disabled veterans as income and fix a higher
rent accordingly, due to receipt by any disabled veteran of disability compen-
sation ; and

Whereas compensation of disabled veterans is not considered an income under
Federal income-tax laws, but is exempted from income taxes ; and

Whereas such policy and regulations of said United States Public Housing
Authority are particularly unfortunate and injurious as compensation levels
increase because the greater the disability and compensation, the greater the
rent burden on the disabled veteran who can least afford same: Now, there-
fore, be it

Resolved 'by the Disabled Americ.au, Veterans assembled, m national conven-
tion at Buffalo, N. 7., August 19-28, 1951, That

^ (1) The National Disabled American Veterans legislative chairman peti-
tion the United States Congress to authorize and direct the United States
Public Housing Authority to henceforth exclude compensation of disabled
veterans from income when computing and fixing rents of disabled veterans
in public housing, and to henceforth provide that

(2) A disabled veteran who must live entirely on his compensation be
charged only the minimum rent provided in the United States public-hous-
ing regulations.

Comrade Chairman, I move the adoption of this resolution.
Comrade HAROUO WHITE (Buffalo, N. Y. 5 Chapter No. 112). Sec-
ond the motion.

* ,7^ ir d Junior vice Commander DAVIDSON. Are there any questions?
All in favor, say "aye." H

Opposed ?

(When put to a vote the motion carried.)

National Commander BTJRKE (now presiding) . A motion is in order
to discharge the committee with thanks.

Comrade FHANK KATTLSKY (Detroit, Mich., Chapter No. 5). I
make a motion that the committee be discharged with thanks.

Comrade JOHOST FEIGHNER (Washington, D. C., Chapter Nh. 1).
Second.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEItAISKS 177

(When put to a vote the motion carried. )

National Commander BURKE. Can we simmer down a little bit and
perhaps when we know we are going to speak on a subject, get near
that microphone.

The Chair now introduces Henry Bivlin, the chairman of the legis-
lative committee, to make his final report.

Comrade HENJRT HIVLIN- (legislation committee). Comrade Com-
mander, and delegates to this national convention : The following is
a report of the legislative committee. I will read the number of each
resolution and the recommendations of the committee for your con-
sideration.

RESOLUTION No. 105

Whereas for many years last past the progress of veterans' legislation in the
Congress of the United States has been hindered and obstructed by the lack of
a permanent and separate committed for veterans' affairs in the Senate of the
United States ; and

Whereas the confusion resulting therefrom has been prejudicial to the welfare
and advancement of much beneficial veterans' legislation : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved*, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, urge our Senators and Bepresentatives to
support the creation of a separate standing committee in the Senate of the
United States for the consideration of all legislation dealing primarily with
veterans' affairs.

No. 147

Whereas grave markers are .now- furnished by the Government for graves of
deceased veterans and former members of the Armed Forces ; and

Whereas certain cemeteries do not approve the markers furnished by the
Government : Therefore be it

Resolved, That the convention of the Disabled American Veterans go on rec-
ord favoring the passage of legislation which will give the next of kin of a
deceased veteran or former memtfoer of the Armed Forces who becomes deceased,
the right to choose between the acceptance of a Government veterans' grave
marker, or a cash allowance to be applied toward the purchase and erection of
a memorial chosen by the next of kin.

RESOLTTTKHSr NO. 439

Whereas the Disabled American Veterans as an organization devoted to the
welfare of the war disabled, their widows and orphans, is opposed to any prefer-
ential type of legislative consideration placing bills for the relief of the service-
connected veterans on a secondary or subordinate basis to pension bills for
the non-service-connected veterans, as is now the case through the channels
provided by rule No. 11 of the Rules of the House of Bepresentatives, and

Whereas the present discrimination undoubtedly stems from the fact that
the Congress, some yeara ago, enacted a law defining the terms "compensation?'
and "pension" with no corresponding eh&nge made in rule 11 : Now, therefore,
be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans at their national convention
assembled, August 19-23, 1957, at Buffalo, N. Y., oppose the present prefer-
ential treatment in enabling pension bills to channel from the House Committee
on Veterans* Affairs to the floor of the House to the disadvantage of compen-
sation bills which must be referred to the House Committee on Rules after
approval by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs ; be it further

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled
direct the national director of legislation to take such action as is necessary and
may be within his power to insure that proposed compensation legislation Is
removed from its present unfavorable status, as described above, and that legis-
lation equalization be effected by a change in the rules, at the earliest practicable

date.

RESOI/UTION No. 440

Whereas certain bills in both Houses of the Congress were considered by
committees in executive (closed) sessions and the representatives of the recog-
nized service organizations and other interested groups and individuals were

178 THIBTT-SBSVESNTH NATIONAL REPORT

thus deprived of the opportunity of appearing at a formal hearing and of making:
and submitting for the record their views and statements, and

Whereas there seems to he during this 1st session of the 85th Congress a
decided trend to dispose of important veterans' legislation in committee through
the executive or closed meeting procedure which prevents the members of the
committee from developing additional facts through the valuable question-and-
answer sessions that always f ollow the formal representations at open hearings r
Now, therefore, be it , ... ,_ _.

Resolved T>y the Disabled American Veterans in national convention assembled
at Buffalo, N. F., August 19-23, 1957, That this organization deplore the trend!
toward executive (closed) sessions on the part of congressional committees con-
sidering veterans' proposed legislation and that the Disabled American veterans
through the national director of legislation bring this resolution to the attention
of the chairmen of the respective committees and urge that open hearings be
scheduled at all times, whenever possible, for the purpose of enabling interested
groups and persons to appear and through our democratic processes give their
testimony, announce their preferences as to various items of pending veterans'
legislation and to offer their reasons for their positions in these matters,

RESOLUTION No. 441

Whereas the legislative committee of the Disabled American Veterans has
received several resolutions for consideration of the need for national cemeteries
in specific areas : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans at their national convention
assembled August 19-ZS, 1957, at Buffalo, N. Y. t That we request the House Com-
mittee on Veterans* Affairs, through the national director of legislation, to make
a continuing survey of the need of additional national cemeteries for the burial
of deceased war veterans.

No. 442

Whereas there is now held in the Treasury of the United States many millions
of dollars, which large sum was formerly the property of citizens of former
enemy countries but which became vested as the result of agreements reached
with our allies and with such former enemy governments, and

Whereas . under the agreements mentioned above the United States waived
reparations and assumed title to these moneys, and

Whereas strong forces are at work to induce the Government of the United
States to turn back to the former enemy owners the moneys now vested in our
Government, despite the agreements entered into with their governments under
which said government promised to reimburse the former enemy subjects : Now,
therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in National Convention As-
sembled at Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-2$, 1957, That this organization oppose
the efforts being made to return the vested moneys, as stated above, and
that the Disabled American Veterans strongly urge that the moneys referred to
herein and as made available to the United States under The Trading With the
Enemy Act, be utilized in a noble cause of great benefit to our own people ;
namely, the education of the children of veterans as provided in pending legis-
lation now before the Congress. Such a program under such circumstances
will not place a burden of cost upon our own Nation but will be financed by
subjects or citizens of former enemy nations that caused death and havoc
throughout the world.

The following resolutions are recommended 'by the legislative com-
mittee to be referred to the national headquarters for administrative
policy: Resolution No. 305, dealing with congressional charter of the
Military Order of the Purple Heart ; Resolution No. 394, dealing with
the endorsement of statehood for-- -

National Adjutant CORBLT. Comrade Commander, what was the
proposal with reference to the Purple Heart?

Comrade RIVLHST. That this be referred to the administration for
policy action rather than legislative action.

^ The resolution, No. 305, is asking for the granting of a congres-
sional charter to the Order of the Purple Heart.

D'JSABIJBD AMEMCAtt VETB3BAMB 179

And No. 394: deals with the granting of statehood for Hawaii. We
recommend these he given to the administration for policy action.
The following resolution is recommended to be referred to the na-
tional executive committee for further study and authority and power
for action. "No. 348 deals with certain moneys which is in the treas-
ury pertaining to profits out of canteens in various services. This
was presented by Millard Rice. We felt it needed much more study
and therefore recommended that this resolution be turned over to the
national executive committee for further study and with full power
to act.

The committee wishes to express to Major Clark, his assistant Mr.
Freudenberger, our appreciation for their able counsel and advice
they have given to the legislative committee and by motion duly made
.and seconded and carried that the regort of the legislative director be
accepted and approved by the legislative committee.

The chairman of this committee at this time wishes to express
thanks and appreciation to all the members of the legislative commit-
tee for their splendid work. The committee is composed of Joseph
Del Bonis, Walter Hinkle, Henry Rivlin, J. O. Montagne, Marion
Williamson, Daniel Boone, Gerald M. Smitley, John Eichling, Judge
Michael Carroll, John Kalland, Franklin Thayer, William Carson,
Perry E. Dye, Kenneth Frazier, and Dr. Roy V. Gerken.

This completes the report of the legislative committee and we, the
undersigned members, aproved and signed the report.
I move for the adoption of the report.

Comrade F. T. RIGGS (California, Chapter No. 32). Second the
motion.

National Commander BTJKKE. Motion made and seconded.
Comrade I. I. KTJRHAN (Washington, D. C., Chapter No. 5). I
would like to know among all the resolutions whether or not there
have been resolutions re j ected.

Comrade RIVUOS-. The committee did go through all the resolu-
tions and some of the resolutions were rejected. Some of the resolu-
tions were replaced by resolutions arising out of the committee by
reason of duplication.

National Commander BUKKE. On the question. All those in favor ?
All those opposed ?

The ayes have it, the motion is carried.
(When put to a vote, the motion carried.)

Comrade F^ORESTA (Blind Veterans' Chapter). Comrade Com-
mander, I move that the committee be discharged and given a rousing
vote of appreciation. In the 5 years that I have attended DAV con-
ventions I have never heard such a concise, intelligent, complete, and
significant report. [Applause.]

Comrade L. J. DIDIER (Fort Wayne, Ind., Chapter No. 1) . I second
that motion. _

National Commander BUKKE. Motion has been made and seconded
to discharge the committee with thanks. All in favor. [Applause.]

(When put to a vote the motion carried.)

National Commander BTHHOI. From the State of Texas the Chair
is pleased to bring before the convention, former National Senior Vice
Commander Alex Simon, to report for the committee on national de-
fense.

180 THIRTT-SlEfV'EasrTEC JSTATTOOSrAL REPORT

Comrade ALEX J. SIMON (committee pn national defense). I am
very happy while everybody is calm and quiet and in a good humor
to present the final report of the committee on national defense.

There were 4 resolutions that came before the committee on na-
tional defense. Resolutions Nos. 22, 76, and 380 all dealing with sub-
versive activities. These were consolidated into one resolution and is
hereby reported favorably by your committee as Committee Resolu-
tion No. 4M.

RESOLUTION No. 434

Whereas the Disabled American Veterans, more than any other organization,
knows from actual experiences the disastrous results of each and every war that
our country has taken part in ; and

Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States recently reversed a previous
ruling pertaining to the investigation and conviction of certain Communists;
and

Whereas apparently the Constitution of the United States does not provide the
protection for our loyal citizens that it provides for members of the Communist
Party; and

Whereas it is the feeling of our membership that the purpose of the Commu*
nist Party in the United States is the forcible overthrow of our form of Govern-
ment ; and .

Whereas the present laws of our land do not protect our country from the
infiltration of Communists or the identification of same; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, in national convention of the Disabled American Veterans,
hereby commend the efforts of the various investigating committees exposing
subversive activities and earnestly request the Congress of the United States to
appropriate generous funds for the courageous campaign of our legislators
and their staffs ; and be it further

^Resolved, That we go on record as encouraging the Congress of the United
States to enact laws to prevent any further- infiltration or to propose a consti-
tutional amendment that will protect our country from such subversive influ-
ences ; and be it further

Resolved, That Congress enact legislation to prevent the opening of FBI files
in any subversive cases.

RESOLUTION- No. 435

Be it resolved, That this 36th National Convention of the Disabled American
Veterans urgently requests the State Department and the President of the
United States to exert every effort to bring about the immediate liberation of
all Americans presently held as prisoners by the Chinese Communists.

Resolution No. 435 arose from the State of Georgia.

Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the report of the committee
on national defense.

Comrade THOMAS Q. ADAMS (Washington, D. C., Chapter No. 16).
Second the motion.

National Commander BURKE. Any discussion on the question?
Hearing none, all those in faVor?

All those opposed ?

The "ayes" have it and so ordered.

(When put to vote the motion carried.)

Comrade LEO W. LALLEY (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I move
the committee be discharged with a vote of thanks.

Comrade HARRY J. ANDERSON (New Orleans, La., Chapter No. 27).
Second the motion.

(When put to a vote the motion carried. )

National Commander BTTRKE. From Rhode Island I bring to this
convention for the report of the Auxiliary committee, Ira Einhorn.
m Comrade IRA EINHORN. (committee on DAV auxiliaries). Na-
tional Commander, delegates :

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 181

RESOLUTION No. 445

Whereas there were no resolutions submitted to the Disabled American
Veterans Auxiliary committee, and .** -.

Whereas the committee feels that the Ladies Auxiliary is a necessary and
integral part of our organization, and

Whereas in some cases there is not a close working relationship between the
parent organization and the Ladies Auxiliary, and

Whereas it is felt that if it were not for the Ladies Auxiliary, many worth-
while projects and activities would not have been accomplished : Now, therefore,
be it

Resolved, That this committee wishes to commend the Ladies Auxiliary for
their outstanding contribution and assistance during the fiscal year 1956-57 and
that since they are an indispensable part of our organization, that this com-
mittee recommends that the close contact be kept with the Auxiliary by the use
of a liaison officer to work with the Auxiliary or some other means which could
be worked out locally to further improve our objectives to help our disabled
comrades.

We of the committee move the adoption of this resolution.

Comrade PETER MCDONALD (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 17). Sec-
ond the motion.

National Commander BURKE. On the question, all in favor, say
aye.

Opposed ?

The "ayes" have it.

(When put to a vote the motion carried.)

Comrade DONALD H. DUNN- (Washington, D. C., Chapter No.,1).
Move that the committee be dismissed with thanks.

Comrade OTJ.TF, TENSTANT (Washington, D. C., No. 1). Second the
motion.

National Commander BTTKKE. All in favor?

Opposed ?

Carried.

( When put to a vote the motion carried. )

National Commander BTJRKE. The Chair would like to point out
to the chairman of the Auxiliary committee, that since we don't send
in any resolutions about the Auxiliary we do so because they must be
doing a good job anyway.

The Chair introduces at this time, to make a report on Americanism,
Harold Knapp.

Comrade HAROLD G. EJSTAPP (Americanism committee) :

RESOLUTION No. 107

Whereas we must have national unity in order to protect the United States
from without and preserve our valued heritage ; and

Whereas disunity existed during the times immediately before the dastardly
attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 ; and

Whereas the attack on Pearl Harbor brought about complete unity among our
peoples, thereby assuring victory to our Armed Forces ; and

Whereas observance of the day is deemed necessary to keep our people in con-
stant alertness to preserve our way of life ; and

Whereas continued observance of Pearl Harbor Day as such connotes doubt as
to the real meaning of the observance, namely, the actual attack or the resultant
victory of the United States and her allies ; and

Whereas observance of that day as suggested in this resolution will bear a
special significance and emphasize the .importance of unity among us as a
Nation : Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the convention herein assembled, unanimously adopt this reso-
lution and in order to carry out the import of this resolution to its final realiza-

182 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL. REPORT

tion, this convention mandates the legislative officer of the Disabled American
Veterans to exert every effort and ability, through channels, to have enacted into
law by the Congress of the United States the intent of this resolution.

RESOLUTION No. 131

Be it resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans take the necessary steps
to effect the issuance next year of a United States postage stamp to commemo-
rate the founding of our great organization in the year of 1920; and be it
further

Resolved, That the first issue of these stamps be sold in Atlanta, Ga., origin
of this resolution. [Applause. ]

RESOLUTION No. 379

Whereas it was jointly announced in the public press by the commanding
general, 6th United States Army, commander, 4th Air Force, and the com-
mander, Western Sea Frontier, that the policy of rendering religious rites by
military chaplains to veterans interred in national cemeteries will be discon-
tinued, and

Whereas, throughout the history of our Nation, military chaplains of the vari-
ous faiths have rendered religious rites as part of the military honors accorded
veterans interred in national cemeteries, and

Whereas this has been an honored tradition valued and cherished by those
in sorrow who have laid loved ones to rest in cemeteries set aside by Congress
for veterans who have honorably served bur Nation, and

Whereas if the newly proposed policy is permitted to remain in effect, the
loved ones of deceased veterans will be denied a very cherished and desired help
that can be rendered by the chaplains of the Armed Forces, and

Whereas this policy change is not only accepted with great concern by the
Disabled American Veterans, but it will also be viewed with alarm by the rela-
tives of deceased veterans and all citizens of a grateful Nation : Now, therefore,
be it

Resolved, ty the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo* N. r., August 19 to &8, 19-57, That we strongly oppose this policy change
and urge the Secretary of Defense and the Congress of the United States to
continue with the honored tradition, cherished by those in sorrow who have laid
loved ones to rest in cemeteries set aside by Congress, for our comrades who
served our Nation honorably in time of war.

RESOLUTION No. 369

Whereas citizens of these United States serve in the Armed Forces throughout
the world in order to maintain these democratic principles upon which this
Government of ours is founded, and certain rights are inherent in that citizen-
ship as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, and

Whereas it is apparent that these rights are being abrogated by our Govern-
ment in its relations with foreign countries through agreements surrendering
its citizens to foreign courts for trial ; and

Whereas such action is contrary to the rights of a citizen while serving his
country, to be judged by the laws of his own government : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled
thereby demands that the sovereign rights of all citizens of the United States of
America, while serving in the Armed Forces on foreign soils, be maintained
according to the Constitution and laws of our country ; and that no citizen serving
in such military duty be tried by the courts of any foreign country for alleged
crimes committed in that country while on military duty ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Government of the United States shall at no time abandon
or surrender the rights of its citizens through treaty, agreement, or otherwise
with any foreign government.

RESOLUTION No. 356

nT W1 l?5 eas durin S 1 ^53-54, the Schumann-Heink Chapter No. 2, Kansas City,
Mo^ did promote the display of Old Glory from all homes ; and

Whereas this promotion was spearheaded by the Kansas City Star-Times,
ttie leading daily newspaper of the Middle West, plus Intercity News ; and the

D-ISlAJBUED AMERICAN VETEIfcANB 183

Independence Examiner, and many other papers in Kansas City and St. Louis
area, with good results ; and

Wnereas the Kansas City chapter presented a resolution requesting each chapter
in the United States to promote this project in their own way ; and

Whereas this resolution was officially adopted at otir 1954 convention and
published in the convention report and the Bemi-Monthly : Therefore be it

Resolved, That the Semi-Monthly, each issue during the 1957-58 year, remind
the chapters of their obligation, to either sell flags or influence their merchants to
display, advertise, and sell flags for home display on legal and national holidays.

RESOLUTION No. 70

Whereas November 11 of each year, formerly known as Armistice Day, and now
known as Veterans' Day, has been set aside as a legal national holiday by
Congress to pay tribute to those men who paid the supreme sacrifice in World
War I, World War II, and the Korean conflict ; and

Whereas many mercantile establishments, retail stores, and specialty shops
whose executives and owners are forgetting those soldiers in armed services that
made the supreme sacrifice so that they may live to carry on their business, open
their places of business : Therefore belt

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled, go
on record as favoring the application of the Sunday law so that Veterans
Day, November 11, may be properly observed.

I move the adoption of the report of this committee.

Comrade GEORGE SCBDRUINER (Cincinnati, Chapter No. 1). Second

the motion. _ _ >,% '

Comrade M.K.WnxiAMS (Nebraska, Chapter No. 7).
What is the procedure from the chair on resolutions which we are
in agreement with but we believe we have submitted one which has
covered the same subj ect more thoroughly ? .

National Commander BTJEKE. You don't say you don't like any

re Comra^WmLjAMS. I referred to 369 which we are 100 percent
behind in Nebraska. However, we submitted 13 identical resolutions
covering the same subject matter, except we also asked that our Orov-
ernment investigate military servicemen who had already been tried
and are in prison to see if their sentences were just and if not, that
action be equally taken upon those personnel already cared for by our
foreign allies in a bad way and as such we believe our resolution is more
compete and still contains the subject matter of No 369 Therefore I
wondered whether or not we would have an opportunity to propose a
substitution of the Nebraska resolution which was issued or presented
rather, to national in 13 separate resolutions. .

National Adjutant CORBLY. Comrade commander, point of order.
Under our rules the subject being discussed at the pre ^t time is not
in order until this committee report has been accepted and the com-
mittee has been discharged. At that time then discussion on the other
resolution is in order by the proponent of the resolution

Comrade WILLIAMS, Member from Cincinnati, I didnt ask to dis-
cu?s ^e rLcSn. I originallv asked for .a P^t of information.
In making that point of request lor inform ation I. had t o add the ad
Hitin-nal remarks which are now referred to as discussion, inereiore,
?4ould SS? to belonsTrued as not out of order but still seeking a pornt

f National Adjutant COKBI^. Under my point of information you are
entitled to your proposals and arguments and discussion after dis-
charge of this committee only.

20331 58 18

184 TBTOTY-SIEVENTH: JSTATTOtttfALi RllPORT

National Commander BTJRKE. All those in favor say aye.

Opposed ?

So ordered.

(When put to a vote the motion carried. )

DELEGATE (Department of Wisconsin) . I move that the committee's
report be adopted and the committee discharged with thanks.

Comrade HARRY ANDERSON (New Orleans, Chapter No. 27) . Second
the motion.

(When put to a vote the motion carried. )

Comrade WILLIAMS. Mr. Commander, am I now in order ?

National Commander BURKE. The Chair recognizes the delegate.

Comrade WILLIAMS. To save time I will not repeat what I pre-
viously requested. However, I would like to have the resolution from
Nebraska covering all the subjects of resolution 369, presented to the
convention. I so move.

Comrade LEO LALLEY (Boston, Chapter No. 10) . Out of courtesy
to the member from Nebraska, I will second the motion.

National Commander BURKE. A motion has been made and duly
seconded. Any discussion on the motion ?

All those in favor say aye.

All opposed no ?

The Chair is unable to determine a division. All those in favor
say aye.

All opposed ?

The ayes have it, the motion is carried*

Will the delegate now read the resolution from Nebraska ?

Comrade WILLIAMS. It causes me great embarrassment, Mr. Com-
mander, we have submitted the identical resolution to the national
convention, 13 chapter resolutions. I have about 150 copies but I
fail to have them on me. However, I am quite sure that your com-
mittee chairman has 18 resolutions properly prepared, three copies
double spaced.

Assistant National Adjutant JOHN FEIGIINEE. Comrade Comman-
der, I have the pleasure of presenting Col. Sidney Lambert and Allan
Piper of the Canadian War Amps.

(The convention rose to applaud the visitors as they were escorted
to the rostrum.)

National Commander BURKE. Give us the sense of that resolution.

Comrade WILLIAMS. We are merely pointing out that beside the
original resolution that was adopted, that we asked Congress to in-
clude in the legislation that the case of other Americans who have been
tried and sentenced by foreign courts be reactivated to determine
whether proper justice had been made.

National Commander BUHKE. You are asking those cases be re-
viewed. You are making that in the form of a motion ?

DELEGATE ( Washington, D. C., Chapter No. 1) . Second the motion.

National Commander BTJRKE. Motion has been moved and seconded
that a resolution be passed favoring the review of cases where Ameri-
can servicemen have been tried by foreign courts, and sentenced. Any
questions ?

All those in favor, say "Aye."

Opposed, "No."

The ayes have.it. The motion is carried.

MSlABI^ED AMERICAN VBHEEH&ANB 185

I want to say before we have the next report we are going to have
one of the finest speakers that will ever address this convention. I
am going to ask those near the door to ask those who are outside to
come in and be seated and while we are doing that we will ask
Franklin Thayer to give another preliminary credentials report.

Comrade FRANKLIN THAYER (chairman, credentials committee).
This is going to be very short unless somebody is going to insist on me
reading the whole list again.

Since the last report there have been two chapters who have paid
their amounts due to national headquarters, Rhode Island No. 10
and Vermont Chapter No. 15. Now you will recall that when I made
my initial partial report there were a great many chapters who are
indebted to national headquarters. You were advised at that time
that if your chapter was indebted and if you were a delegate that you
would not be given the privilege of voting until that indebtedness was
cleared up. That is true, and if there is any question about your
chapter standing, see me immediately after the session and I will check
with you and clear, and show you whether or not your chapter is in
debt. There will be a final report before election.

Comrade LEO LAKLEY (Boston, Chapter No. 10). I may be wrong,
but it is my understanding if the indebtedness is for Forget-Me-Nots
it will not stop a chapter trom voting at this convention. Am I right
or wrong ?

National Commander BURKE. I will get an opinion. We will take
the question up later, Leo. We are looking it up.

The Chair at this time is pleased to bring before this convention
one of the outstanding figures in Canadian veterandom. He has
spoken numerous times at the request of Disabled American Veteran
chapters such as Cincinnati on Armistice Day. He is a man who has
been the Dominion president of the Canadian War Amputations con-
secutively since World War I. He is a man who at all times is full of
the understanding and the wisdom that somehow or other seems to
come to those who have been severely disabled. They learn how to
live and act the part much better, I believe, as human beings because
they have learned what suffering means and have resolved, as a result,
to help our comrades. We have many people in the DAV the same
way. And so at this time, because of his outstanding citizenship, the
affection in which we hold him, I am asking this convention to rise
when I introduce him for the purpose of talking to this convention,
Lt. Col. Rev. Sidney E. Lambert, O. B. E., president of the Canadian
War Amputations.

( The convention rose to applaud. )

Lt. Col. Rev. SIDNET E. LAMBERT (Canadian War Amputations).
My dear friend, your commander, my very distinguished comrade of
other days, Vivian Corbly, members of your executive committee, and
comrades of the Disabled American Veterans, I brought this morning
with me the head of our Key-Tag Service, Allan Piper, He is a
young veteran of the Second War. He is a double amputation and
one of the smartest veterans on the continent of America. Isn't that
saying something for him ? I want you to meet Allan.

( The convention rose to applaud. ) .,-,,".

When I get a string of medals like him, I think I will be a hero.

136 THIRTYnSlElVESNrCH: nSTATIOBSTAXi REPORT

And so again I come to your convention. And I have been a number
of times and had loads of fun. I think, Mr. Commander, you have
invited me to every convention and to come at my age, and you know
I am getting on, I tell you how to get a raise in pension. First of all,
be a Canadian, and then come to the United States of America, have
your pension check sent here and you get 5 percent extra. [Applause.]

Another way is to get on in years like I have done, and become 70
years of age and then you receive $46 per month extra for being an
old veteran. So if you want to come to a good country and get a big
pension, come to Canada.

But the greatest thing of all in our organization, we call them the
Fragments over there, they were originally the Fragments of France
in the First World War, organized in 1919 and they organized into
this Fragments group, the War Amputations of Canada. They were
first of all the Amputations Association of the Great War and they
wear the gold badge on the lapel and it has A. A. on it. Now you
know what A. A. represents, don't you? A dear old lady came up
to the padre one day and said, "I am so glad to see you with the A. A.
badge, to give up the drinking habit and join Alcoholics Anonymous."
And by the way, it isn't untrue of some us either.

But the little badge means a great deal. In any city almost in
Canada all you have to do is jump on the buses, no charge ; jump on
the streetcars, no charge; get a free license for your car, no charge;
get the tax exemption from your gasoline extra, send in at the end of
the month how much you used and you get a rebate for the tax. You
see you have to do something to keep the organization going.

But let me tell you one thing and Vivian, I want to tell you, I have
brought with me an appreciation plaque to this organization. We
meant to do this a long time ago. Come on up a minute, Mr. Burke,
with him, because you two are to hear this and this is headed, "The
War Amputations of Canada :"

In appreciation of the services rendered to the War Amputations of Canada
this plaque is presented to our comrades of the Disabled American Veterans at
their national convention held in ^Buffalo, N. T., August 1957.

It is signed by Hubert S. Baxter, the honorary Dominion secretary,
and Sidney Lambert, the Dominion president. Now isn't that a nice
thing for you fellows to have. . See ? [Applause.]

This plaque was made by one of the greatest firms in the city of
Toronto that make these lovely plaques and who do you think they
are? The Key-Tag Service of the War Amputations of Canada.
They make these things and that is who made that, made by our own
comrades in our own workshojp.

We do almost anything in our own workshop. We not only issue
key tags and tags like yours, but we make all sorts of things. Fact of
the matter, we just had an order the other day for all the ribbons for
the Canadian National Exhibition, all the rosettes and the ribbons
that they hang on the cows and ponies and calves and all the rest of it,
made by the Key-Tag Service of the War Amputations of Canada.
W e are in business, and no tax either.

I just wanted to tell you a few things about us because we are ever-
lastingly grateful to the Disabled American Veterans because it was
you who gave to us, without any question, our key tags. Y ou came
to Toronto and offered us the facilities of your office, of your mechanics,
and they introduced the key tag service into Canada and it is a huge

AMERICAN" VETERANS 187

success. The fact of the matter, we have so much money in otir key-
tag funds that we don't know what to do with it. Can you imagine ?
They don't know what to do with the funds. We issue the branches
a few thousand dollars and they write back and say, "What will we
do with it?" I know what you would do if you ever had that oppor-
tunity in some of your branches, wouldn't you ? That is what they dp
with us and we are exceedingly thankful and the reason Allan and 1
came today is to say a great big thank you to your organization.

Now, Vivian, you will be glad to hear that, won't you, and be sure
and tell Koolish, too. Because he came up years ago and that is why
the War Amputations of Canada is a success. Our great job is your
job. Your job as Disabled American Veterans is ever to stand guard
over the disabled exservicemen, women and children of this country,
to care for widows and for orphans, and to give the disabled veterans
of this country the same opportunity in life as they would have had
had they not been disabled. And more than that. Don't be afraid
to talk to Senators about it. Don't be afraid to talk to the public?
about it. You know it is so easy to criticize a group of fellows like
that, isn't it ? You know they can always find some flaws in the or-
ganization. "What have you done with your funds ?" The hell with
them. Why do they want to know what we have done with our funds ?
Let's take care, as we always do, and keep our names and our heads
very high, for after all there would be no Canada, there would be nq
United States of America, there wouldn't be any freedom in this-
world at all were it not for the sacrifice of men like you and .those
comrades whom you honor here, who gave their lives in the service of
this country. That is the story.

Our indebtedness to the country and to the world and to the cause
of peace has already been paid. The thing that people must do for
us is to see that the pathway for these who are disabled for all those
thousands of comrades who never again will have the same opportu-
nity, for those who day upon day in the quietude of their homes, in
the quietude of whose life, are still fighting the battles of the first
Great War, in Normandy and France and Flanders, still continuing
the battle in hospital and in home and they know they are going to lose,
you see. They know they are going to lose.

I tell you, I lived for-40 years as the Padre in the hospital with
them. I know what I am talking about. How day by day these fel-
lows have difficulty in keeping their spirits high and this organiza-
tion of their disabled comrades have to see to it with a]l the prowess
that they possess. Be undaunted. Don't get fed up with these peo-
ple. Just maintain the standard that you have set and see to it that"
adequate and proper pensions and provisions shall be made for all
those who have served and sacrificed in their country's call, that is our
business. That is our business.

It is nice to bring you the greetings of the War Amputations.
Wonderful group of fellows. I wish we could have brought all. our
executives with us. We have a wonderful executive group. " They
stay with us, you know. I was going to say to your commander, I
was going to say to him you know we only have had one commander
in our organization. When they organized in 1920 as a Dominion
group they chose this particular humble Padre. I had been a private
soldier for 5 years. You have to be a private soldier to know what
the soldiers are like. And the things they taught me I have never

188 TTBOaECTT-^l^ESNTH: KATIpOSTAL REPORT

forgotten, some of them I wish I could. But I have never forgotten
the things these fellows taught me. And so all the years from 1920
to this convention of ours which is going to be held at the end of
September, the first week in October, and I hope your commander
and your adjutant will be there with us in Victoria, British Columbia,
one of the most beautiful spots that there is on the continent of Amer-
ica, and we invite you to come and meet us there in Victoria and all
the years since 1920 they have reelected me as their Dominion president.
I tell you to last that long, fellows, you have to be good.

And another thing, vou have to be fair; and, another thing, you
have to be a good speaker. And another thing is that you have got
to be courageous. Now most of us have learned to be courageous in
other days* I never wear my medals, but it takes half the day to
shine them up. I don't know how long Allan took to shine his, but
he has three more than I have. They got more in the Second War
than we did in the First. There is one thing about mine. I have
a gold one here, you don't have to shine it. That is pure gold and
it is the Order ot the British Empire and you only get that they
come up with the pork and beans in the rations really, it is only given
to the first one they meet.

So, after all the years together we have tried to maintain the stand-
ard of the disabled ex-serviceman of the country in which we live
and God only knows there are so manjr who are indebted to you.
There are thousands who are receiving gifts and pensions today be-
cause of the success of your organization at headquarters and in your
own branch, and I congratulate you all most heartily, and it is an in-
spiration to be with you. Don't give it up, stick to the bitter end
as long as they will have you. Stay with it. The old veterans, yes,
and the youngveterans, too. I am so glad to see so many nice young
ones there. We have some lovely young amputees, and one day I
am going to give one of them the presidency of the organization.
He has got to be as good as I am. He has to have the pep that I have,
and then he has to have the courage. He has to be able to talk to
I wa$ going to say the president, but we haven't got a president. Some-
times I wish we had, but .we haven't,

Wouldn't you love it if we came over to this side of the border and
ruled out the border and said, "This is Canada and the United States
together ?" But we are never very far apart. All they said to us when
we canae along the line was, "We are going to have a group of ours,
you are going to meet us and come to Canada." This imaginary line,
it is the only country in the world that has an imaginary line and
not a gun all the way along, not a gun. And so we, as comrades, live in
peace together, Canada and the United States of America. We are
proud of you. We are just as big as you, you always talk about the
big United States. You ought to talk about the bigness of Canada
because our acreage is bigger than yours is and underneath the ground
up there, in the northern part of the country there is everything the
world needs. If these Russians could only have guts enough to come
over and take us, they can have all the uranium that there is in tlie
world.

But they are behind the Iron Curtain. Old Fritzy in Germany
tried it and see what he got. And Hitler tried it and you know what
he got. And they can't do that. You stay behind the Iron Curtain

D'ISiABLED AMETHCA3ST VETERANS 189

and do what you darned well like, but don't come across our line
is all.

And so on this very happy occasion, and I must conclude, on this
very happy occasion when we bring to you very cordially the greet-
ings of the War Amputations of Canada I remember one young fel-
low who was in the hospital with us for many years with a tremen-
dous disability. He was never able to feed himself, he was never
able to get out of bed, but his head was screwed on right and the
nurses used to come and turn over the pages of the book and he used
to read. And I used to go along with him and I would say a prayer
for him sometimes, I love to say a prayer for somebody, there is
something in this organization you can do when you can't give them
anything else, you can always pray for them. My prayer list is a
tremendous list. I don't forget people. This young fellow I was
going by his bed one day and he said, "Padre, I have a poem in my
mind. Would you write it down for me?" So I took down my
pencil and wrote down this. He said, "I am going to call it The Ode
to The Serious Illness." He is gone now, to Heaven, and this is what
he said :

Did you every stop to think

What the end of your life will be

When your breath stops

And your heart pops,

And your eyes no longer see ?

In comes the doctor and sounds your heart
And says, "He's dead,
So carry him out
For we need the bed."

In conies the orderly
And its you he grabs,
And its you he puts
On a cold, cold slab.

In comes the undertaker
With a beautiful box,
A carcass suit
And a pair of sox.

They put you in
The old black hack.
You go for a ride,
But you don't come back*

They put you down
In the deep, dark hole
And the padre says,
"God rest his soul."

Then up you go to the Pearly Gates

Where Peter sits in grand estate.

And Peter says in a voice so sad,

"You can't come here, you've been too bad."

So down you go.
And in a tick,
You are face to face
With the Old Nick.

You don't like him

And so you try to bluff,

He says, "You can't come here,

You are too darn tough."

190 "TKIRTY-S'EyElNTH: NATIONAL* REPORT

So, boys, take heed
And yon get ready.
Cut out the rough stuff
And be more steady.

Or when you leave this world of woe
You'll be all dressed up and no place to go.

The same man, just before he died I saw him again, and he was
an English chap. He came from a place called Norwich in England
and before the end came he said to me, "I have another poem." And!
this is what he gave to me and with this I conclude.

I am just an ordinary bloke

Without much education,

But at times I like to think

About the problems of the Nation.

We hear a lot of grumbling
About our legislators,
But most of all, it seems to me
From foreign agitators.

They boast of Adolph Hitler,
Mussolini and Stalin, too.
And they tell us of the wonders
That communism can do.

If everything's so rosy
In their homes across the sea,
Why do they live in America
Is a thing that puzzles me.

There's a good old-fashioned saying
As true as the stars above :
Love the land you live in,
Or live in the land you love.

[Applause.]

National Adjutant CORBLY. One of the great privileges of being
your national adjutant has been my acquaintanceship and friendship
with the good padre. He gave you, in his rousing talk, a hunk of my
own philosophy. When A. L..Koolish and myself presented to our
national executive committee a proposal that we give the War Ampu-
tations of Canada our Ideiito-Tag item, little did we dream that they
would develop a product of the disabled of the United States to the
extent that it would make them overflush in Canada. They took an
American idea, conceived by an American disabled veteran organiza-
tion, into the Dominion of Canada, and through the amputation
organization of their nation and with the assistance of the people
of their Dominion developed it far beyond our fondest expectations
or realizations.

In Canada, the padre has had the absolute cooperation of all of the
members of his association ever since the year 1 in 1920 when he
became its first and alltime president. And because they gave him
and the key-tag operation such outstanding cooperation, and because
the citizens of his nation responded so willingly, they receive a 42-
percent return on their mailing while we receive a 16-percent return
from our mailing.

We can take a number of pages out of the books of experience of
our brother Canadian organization. We are very happy to have the
privilege of having them with us and this afternoon when we meet
with 30 or more of their other members at the Brock Hotel after we

D-ISlABLJED- AMERICAN VETERANS 191

leave the Peace, Bridge, I want all of you to become personally
acquainted with them.

It was some several years ago when we migrated to a national con-
vention by way of Niagara .Falls in the days when prohibition was
.king and the king was reigning in Canada. This outfit took us into
Toronto and wined us and dined us as prohibited people could not
.be wined, or dined at home. We will never forget their hospitality
on that occasion.

We accept their invitation to be with them at their national con-
vention this year. The national commander will attend in British
Columbia, and if I am a good boy I hope he will bring me with "him.

I like a bit of his philosophy, I am not TO years old and I haven't
been with you as an employee since 1920 but I have quite a stretch
in and I think I am just as good as he thinks he is good. And I
think I have got courage. And I know I can talk, and I am sure I
am going to be with you for quite awhile. At least until that time
that a young man can be found and trained with the same courage,
with the same abilities, to take over the job at hand.

Padre, and your outfit, we appreciate your attendance. I assumed
the prerogative to respond because bur national commander had been
called out of the room to answer an important telephone call with
reference to H. K. 52.

We want to present to you and hope he will talk with us because
we had the pleasure of a visit from him at national headquarters
just very, very recently, the comrade of the padre, Allan D. Piper,
director of the key -tag of the War Amputations of Canada.

(The convention rose to applaud.)

Mr. ALLAN D. PIPER (War Amputations of Canada). Thank you.
National Commander, executive officers of the Disabled American
Veterans, all. It is indeed a wonderful pleasure to be here with you
on this occasion. You know when the padre was speaking I thought
of a story I'd like to tell on him. He mentioned the fact that he
liked to say a prayer for someone. Ajid I know that that is the gospel
truth, because on one occasion he was taking a stroll in the evening
along a country road in England when he came on a truckdriver who
couldn't start his truck. And the convoy had left him some time ago.
In the meantime he had spent many long minutes trying to get his
truck to go. The air was blue, needless to say. And the padre came
up to him and said, "What's the matter, my good man ?"

He said, "I can't get this blankety-blank truck started, Padre."

And he said, "Well, have you tried everything ? "

He said, "Everything, Padre."

He said, "I am sure you haven't said a prayer."

And the truckdriver looked at the padre and said, "Well, by Jove,
I haven't."

The Padre said, "Look, let's kneel down in the road and sav a little
prayer." So they did. "JSTow," the Padre said, "you get up into that
truck and see what happens." So the driver did and he climbed up
into the cab, he turned on the ignition key, stepped on the starter
and, lo and behold, the truck motor burst into life and he disappeared
down the road. And as he did 5 the Padre stood out in the middle of
the road with his hands on his hips watchinff the truck disappear
and you could hear him mutter under his breath, "Well, I'll be
damned."

192 TmRTY-SMVEOSmi NATIONAL, R'EPORT

The Padre also spoke of courage. I think that he is one man to us
indeed, anyway in the War Amputations of Canada, who exemplifies
the word. A man who has been our dominion president ever since
we have been organized since during the First War. It is a wonder-
ful accomplishment. I don't know where he gets his stamina. He
rke of the War II amputations, the young War II man. Well, I
i't know as we are so young. We have had World War II and a
half in the meantime, and I think they are the young veterans. I
don't know of anyone amongst us who is ever going to take his place.
I don't think anyone can. 1 think you will agree with me. To us, as
I say, he exemplifies the word "courage."

Speaking of courage I would like to digress for a moment if I may,
to mention one particular individual of your organization who, to me,
exemplifies that throughout your Nation and not only yours, but ours,
too, because we look on him as an inspiration to all who are handi-
capped, a man who has overcome very severe obstacles. I know that
there are others but he, I think, is one of the most outstanding. One
of your members, Harold Russell. He has come to be known in
Canada as well, perhaps even better, than in the United States. Be-
cause of his extensive travels, his wonderful message that he has igiven
to everyone who might believe that they have a handicap. To me
there is no such thing as a handicap unless it is something that affects
the mind. Because I have seen myself in many instances men who
have surmounted all obstacles to become useful and good citizens of
our country. I think they are the best of citizens. I know that noth-
ing disturbs them, that nothing will interfere with their mode of life
which is the best mode of life there is.

I know in my own particular case that before the war anyone who
would point to me and say, "Well, you are a Canadian." I'd be in-
clined to say, "So what?" But after the breadth and width of an
ocean separated me from Canada I began to realize what it meant
to be a Canadian as I m sure the same thing happened to many of you.
You began to realize how much it meant to be a Canadian or an
American. Through those first lonely months over there, then you
had time to think back and realize that it was a wonderful privilege
^indeed to belong to a free country. And I think because of that, and
because of the serious disabilities that many of us suffered, we are
better citizens. I think that we have something that no one else has
For a long time I couldn't just define it. But I have defined it. I
believe that we have a greater appreciation of values, and I am sure
that that appreciation of values will show up in your deliberations
here and your presentations to your Government to right any wrongs

^no4" TVeTr T-\oxrv\ "Uk^/i-ir* s3.^w>.n. .-. J.^ - ^^u.1. j_i_ _ i* , i i i * -. ^

that may have been done or to further the way of the disabled.

I would like to thank you one and all and to extend to you an in-
vitation at any time you are in Toronto which is not very far away
Toronto, Canada, if you ever come down to 740 Bay Street we would
be most happy to show you our operation. I extend to you a very
very cordial invitation at any time. In the meantime, God bless you!
one and all. - .

( The convention rose to applaud.)

National Commander BTJKKE. Let me say to you, Allan Piper, that
we in the Disabled American Veterans and as citizens of the United
States not clearly entitled to the word "America," because your coun-
try is part of this continent of North America, I would like to see

DOUBLED AMERICAN VETERANIS 193

perhaps the day when the word "American" is synonymous with the
citizens of the United States and the citizens of Canada, because the
relationship between our country has been such when I was a boy
and went to school I learned about that great country across our
borders and the earliest trip I ever made as a youth we crossed into
Canada without any difficulty, and came back again. I had the privi-
lege of going to Europe about a month ago and the only other time I
had been there was by courtesy of the Cook's Tour which the United
States Army gave in World War IL But I realized something.
When you go to a land like Israel that has a thousand miles of border
and every night someone slips across either way, and murder is perpe-
trated while peace is supposed to be declared, you get an understand-
ing then of what it is to have an unfriendly nation on your border.
And even though the great countries of Europe, your mother country
of England, and France don't have the harmony and the close co-
operation we have, travel between countries, barriers of language, all
those things which make it difficult to communicate but we can always
say, those of us who are privileged to live near the borders of Canada
know it even better, those who live further away but have visited and
know what the interchange of relationships mean between us and -
know that the destiny of the free world is probably more intertwined
in the relationship in those two countries which have become the bul-
wark and that we understand that there is peace and hope for this
world. A great deal of it will depend upon our relationship,
our strength united with that great country across the border, the
Dominion of Canada.

I forgot to mention the plaque. I would like to thank you Colonel
and you, Allan, for this plaque that was made in your shop. I might
even go so far as to say it looks better than some of the plaques we
make. But it isn't the fact that it's made better or looks better or I
think can be any better. I think it rests with the relationship pure
and simple, that over the years in your Ident-O Tag work and your
close association with the Disabled American Veterans I think the
reason why Mr. Corbly and I forgot about the plaque is because we
don't need to exchange plaques. We exchanged hearts a long time
ago. [Applause.]

You remember when I was going off the platform, which I didn't
want to do while the Reverend Colonel Lambert was speaking, but I
had to go upstairs to talk. This is the situation. I still can't give
you the favorable word we are all looking for from Washington. I
still think it hangs in the balance. My information is that the weight
of evidence, however, is riot in our favor because the interest is not
shown throughout the United States. There are only 42^ telegrams
on the President's desk. Now there are other people besides us in-
volved. I asked you yesterday to wire the President of the United
States but cautioned you to wire courteously. You don't get mad
until you have been refused. At the present time we have not been
refused. I do know the Bureau of the Budget has prepared for the
President's analysis, which in itself doesn't mean anything too much
because the Senate Finance Committee got such a briefing also, but,
however, every bill that goes to the President's desk, especially where
there is some area of doubt, is accompanied by a briefing. I don't
think a Percival Brundage briefing would be very favorable to us

194 THJRTY-SCE.VEINTH: NATrowAii KIEPORT

because of his admitted, and his Bureau's admitted objection to H. R.
52 when it was in the Senate Finance Committee. I know that you
have come a long way. You don't have too much money. But I
don't think there is anybody in the room that can't afford to send a
night letter of 10 words in the name of his State, if he is a State com-
mander, in the name of his chapter if he is the chapter commander, to
let them know that there are people from all parts of the country who
are interested in the passage of H. !R. 52.

Now it mans a lot to me. I think you will agree that we have all
worked pretty hard on it and we have got it through the House unani-
mously and we have it through the Senate unanimously. If it fails
it fails, but don't let it fail because of the fact that we are not work-
ing for it.

We want H. K. 52. It is needed. There hasn't been a cost-of-
living increase for over 4 years. If we don't get that, then I can't
see how we can actively work as we do in the passage and the interest
of the Disabled American Veterans and its legislation if we are going
t$ let a job which we have all worked hard on up to now, drop because
it is on or near the President's desk. So send telegrams, send nice
telegrams, saying, "Please sign H. R,. 52." Get your name and title,
the part of the country it is from. The fact it is from Buffalo, it is
from a convention, they know there is a convention here. Get in the
fact you are from Grand Island, Nebr., or Boston, Mass., so it has
effect even though it is from Buffalo. So let's send some telegrams.

The Chair recognizes on a point of personal privilege, Alex Simon
of Texas.

Comrade AT/EX Socosr. Thank you very much, Comrade Commander.

Our national commander, our national staff, all of our national
officers, and some of you State officials, and some of you blue-cap mem-
bers have been working hard to get this H. R. 52. To me, it is a
personal thing. I get $4 a month raise if it passes. Think about it.
You are cheating me out of a $4 raise.

Look fellows ; I just got through talking to the Congressman this
morning. He is very, very unhappy. Only 42 telegrams from such
a grandgroup of fellows, he said, "Alec, what's wrong?" Don't you
fellows realize that right there in Washington today they know that
we are here in this convention, they know we are here f rom all over the
United States. They are expecting to hear from us and if they do
not get the telegrams, the pocket veto will kill your bill. Alabama,
Arkansas, California, NTew Mexico, Minnesota, have you sent your
telegrams yet? Texas. Have we sent them yet from every chapter?
Then let's send some more, get your wives, get the auxiliary members
behind this thing. I wish we had 4 or 5 members like the Padre in
every State in the United States. By gosh, he'd send one. Yes; I
have sent one and I am going to send another one. Now let's go out
and send the telegrams. You will never get the bill if you don't.
Please. J

i? on - criticize yoiir nationa l commander if it fails, criticize your-
?*7, ^ i v ? y< ?? done y our shar e ? Let's back the House committee,
tet s .back the Senate committee, let's do something. Don't sit there
Ibis is more important than anything that has ever occurred at this
convention. Invest a potential $4 or $5 or $6 raise that you will
receive; gamble; send a telegram. Plead with them. It is very,
very important. J '

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEOEfcANB 195

Now as soon as we recess, let's get hold of the auxiliary members,
let's get hold of all the guys in the hall politicking, let's get them up in
the closed rooms politicking, let's make it our motto today, everybody
send a telegram. Pretty please, pretty please, let's go.

Comrade WTT.T.TAM KOHLAN (Minneapolis, No. 1). I rise for the
purpose of stating that although the previous speaker was on the right
track he is overlooking one very important factor. It happens to be
a coincidence but maybe fortuitous, that we as members of all the
disabled are here at the exact moment when the President is deciding
whether he should or should not.

Individual telegrams are fine, but if we are meeting collectively why
can't we show by one telegram, in addition to these individuals, that
we are for H. R. 52. In this telegram we can state that we have here
unanimously by a rising vote, by thunderous request, requesting the
President to consider everything that has gone before now, these
months of deliberation into HL R. 52 and support this bill because if he
does not support the bill he is not keeping good faith with the thou-
sands of the dependents who will suffer. "So at this time I make a
motion here that we resolve unanimously as the delegates throughout,
the entire United States, 'representing all the individual members of
the DAV, all the disabled who are not members that we pray the Presi-
dent sincerely approve H. R. 52.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETALA (now presiding). Corbly
asked for the floor next. .

National Adjutant CORBLY. I rise for the purpose of seconding the
motion with this suggestion which I trust and ask be acceptable to
the maker of the motion. That the national commander appoint a,
committee of two to draft an appropriate telegram to the President
of the United States, expressing the unanimous views of the members,
delegates, alternates, and visitors to this convention, as outlined in the
words of the maker of the motion.

Comrade KOBCLAJST. Comrade Corbly, I think the suggestion is~ very
excellent and I sincerely include those suggestions in my motion.

Comrade WM. N. MORTON (Cincinnati Chapter No. 1). I rise for
thepurpose of seconding the motion.

Comrade WALOROJST LEONARD (Washington, IX C., Chapter No. 1) .
I rise for the purpose of supporting the motion. True, it is very
important that the telegram go from here. One of our officials yes-
terday stood in the hall, one of the vice commanders, and pigeon-
holed the boys, in response to the commander's request to send tele-
grams 4Y telegrams went to that; desk yesterday. This telegram
will certainly add a lot to it, but I am just asking you and suggesting
that this should not prevent each one and the various sections of the
country from sending telegrams in. there and I would like, Mr. Corbly,
to just suggest that this be done because it is a wonderful suggestion
for us to do it but also when they come to Sherman Adams like this
now gentlemen, I told you yesterday this was important. I believe
it is important, I have reason to believe it is important. And I think
your commander now has reason to think it is important, too.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETAI^A. Are you ready for the
question? All those in favor ?

Opposed ? .

The motion is carried.

196 THIRTY-SEVENTH JSTATIOiNAI* REPORT

(CoL Lambert and Mr. Piper left the convention, to a rising ap-
plause.)

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Was there a delegate over
there that wanted to ask a question ?

Comrade FRANKLIN THAYER. He wanted to ask a question and I
am in a position to answer now. The question was whether or not
indebtedness to the national organization for Forget-Me-Not supplies
would prevent a delegate from voting and we had to refer the matter
to the judge advocate, who will answer it now.

National Judge Advocate HOFFMANN. Rule 14 of the convention
rules provides that indebtedness for current or future Forgefc-Me-Not
supplies shall not be considered as disqualifying a chapter from
voting. A current Forget-Me-Not program under Article X having
to do with finances is one where not more than 30 days have elapsed
since the drive has been completed. So if you owe money to national
for Forget-Me-Not supplies on a drive that has been completed for
jnore than 30 days you are ineligible to vote until it is paid.

Comrade DOUGLAS H. MpGARRmr (Detroit, Chapter No. 5). I tm-
derstand our Canadian friends are holding a Veterans Day at the
Canadian National Exposition in Toronto this coming Saturday- I
checked with the padre before he left and he expressed his willing-
ness to have this announcement made before pur delegates, and invite 1
them to attend if they possibly could. That is this coming Saturday,.
Canadian National Exposition at Toronto, Veterans Day.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETAJLA. Thanks very much for the-
information. I hope as many of us as onn will be present in Toronto)
on Saturday.

At this time, while Assistant Adjutant Feighner is getting ready
for the drawing, I wish to make a presentation and 1 will ask:
Maryland department commander, Erorette Herrick, to come to>
stand-

This is the membership trophy from the fourth district.
Maryland was a 1956-57 winner for the greatest increase in
ship over the previous year I now pressent to you, Comrade Everett^
Herrick, this trophy. Congratulations.

Comrade EVERETTE HEKRICK (department commander,, Maryland!)..
Mr. Commander, national officers, delegates, I have been briefed j tist
a bit on this trophy and I understand it is a trophy that is passed
from one department to another within the district. Now it is a great
pleasure to receive this trophy. It is going to be a hard thing to do
.to give it up. The Department of Maryland does not intend to give
it up. We intend to win it again next year. Thank you very much.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA* Congratulations again, :

Now unless there is any other pending business, we will have the
attendance drawing. Commander Hawkins of the Blind Veterans,
will draw the names from the box.

(Prize drawing.)

First Junior V ice Commander HDETALA. I will call on the national
chaplain.

National Chaplain PICKETT. We will ask our past chaplain of our
State, Hassell Thigpen, to make the benediction.

Comrade HASSELL THIGPEK. We want to thank Thee, our Father^
for Thy presence in transacting our business. We pray that the

DISABLED AMERICA^ VBTBRiANB 197

business may be of benefit to the members of this organization.
All this we ask in Thy name. Amen.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. We will recess until 9 : 30
tomorrow morning.

(Whereupon, at 1 : 20 p. m. 3 the convention was recessed until 9 ; 30
a. m., of the f ollowinje day.)

FRIDAY MORNING SESSION
August 23, 1957

The 5th business session of the 36th National Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans, was held in the grand ballroom of the
Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N. Y., at 9 : 30 a. m., Friday, August 23, 1957*
National Commander Joseph Burke called the session to order. ; y

National Commander BXJRKE. The convention will be in order. We
will have an opening prayer by the national chaplain, Reverend
Pickett.

National Chaplain PICKETT. This morning I want us to pray this
together, the Lord's Prayer, which the Savior taught His follower^
I will join you.

Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed lay Thy name. Thy king-
dom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this
<iay our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
for ever and ever. Amen.

National Commander BTJRKB. The Chair wants to appoint sergeants
at arms to keep order on the floor, Sylvester of Michigan, Cass Saber,
Jlatt Werel, and Eugene Gruntz. .-.-,-

The first report we will hear will be from Perry Dye, from Wash-
ington, on commendations and condolences.

Comrade PERRT DTE (commendations and condolences committee.
My comrades, this is one of the very pleasant committees of the con-
vention. The condolences committee, as you know, is intended and
we hope, shall be the method by which we will condole those whom
we should condole and thank those whom we should thank, and with-
out further ado I shall go into the resolutions that the committee has
^recognized and do pass.

RESOLUTION No. 186

Whereas employers throughout the United States have been responding in a
more favorable manner by placing increasing numbers of disabled veterans in
suitable employment since the enactment of Federal legislation providing for
the observance of 1 week each year known as National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week, and

Whereas the continued success of this program has rested, to a very large de-
gree, on the activities of the President's Committee on Employment of the Physi-
cally Handicapped : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled, That
we heartily endorse and commend the activities incident to the observance of
3STE3PH Week, and particularly the President's Committee, for its untiring efforts
to outline and promote such activities.

Resolutions 195 and 281 are identical and we have combined them.
If there is no objection, as I cover, each resolution we will go along
with the report until the close in the hope of brevity, my comrades.

198 THIRTY-SlEfVEfNTB: NATIONAL REPORT

RESOLUTION No. 195

Whereas the President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handi-
capped has, for several years, been sponsoring among the high-school students
of the Nation an essay contest on the general subject of employment of the
physically handicapped ; and

Whereas the national organization of the Disabled American Veterans has
been furnishing the prize money and round-trip expenses of the. winners to our
National Capital ; and

Whereas each year there appears to be wider participation and interest in this
contest, thus calling to the attention of more and more of our citizens generally,
the great service rendered by. the Disabled American Veterans, particularly with
reference to rehabilitation and employment of our disabled veterans : Now, there-
fore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled, That
we highly commend our national organization for its generosity in furnishing the
prize money and expenses of the national winners of the essay contest, sponsored
by the President's Committee, and we urge its continuing support of such project.

RESOLUTION No. 248

Whereas Representative Edith Nourse Rogers of JLowell, Mass., has started
her 33d year of service in the Congress of the United States, having been elected
to serve the unexpired term of her late husband, John Rogers, on June 20, 1925 -
and . '

Whereas Representative Edith Nourse Rogers is primarily responsible for the
present veterans' hospital program, and had a major part in the drafting of the
GI bill of rights; and

Whereas Representative Edith Nourse Rogers has been a persistent advocate
of veterans' rights, particularly, disabled veterans, all of whom have a deep
affection for this charming lady, who is able, kind, and charitable ; and

Whereas all disabled veterans admire her courageous action and record of
accomplishments in Congress, despite strong opposition: Therefore be it

Re&olved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, congratulates Representative Edith Nourse
Rogers on her extraordinary record of 32 years' service to the disabled veterans
and extends to her our sincere appreciation. .' *

I might state as this is the 25th anniversary of the Economy Act this
resolution is intended to commend those men who so valiantly stood
against terrific odds at the time the unjust Economy Act was being
perpetrated upon the disabled veterans. This is what is says:

RESOLUTION No. 375

Whereas the mouth of March 1958, will mark the 25th anniversary of the
passage of the so-called Economy Act of 1933, which inflicted a heartless and
unjust blow at America's disabled veterans ; and

Whereas too few Members of that Congress were possessed of the courage

vfcio^S t0 m tiVate them to o*^ <* *

Whereas as the 25th anniversary of their courageous stand approaches it is

fitting and proper that the Disabled American Veterans mmoriaL^ajid coiS

K^ who fought and voted against that

Resolved, That the National Convention of the Disabled American Veterans
^^^^^^^^^^^o^^^^tio^^nonng Senators Everett K.
' ? J ^ and ^ nls Chavez, of New Mexico, together with Con-
gressman, John McOormaek, of Massachusetts, Clarence Cannon, of Missouri
Jere Cooper, of Tennessee, and Charles Wolverton, of New Jersey, for

aataonal convention in tto City of Buffalo, N. ., e prped

**** -

!>ISlABLEI> AMERICAN VETEBAN& 199

My comrades, for many years, almost too many to remind you of,
we have had a great comrade from Russellville, Ala., who you very
well remember, Rqscoe Nix, of Russellville, Ala, We have a resolu-
tion of commendation to him and this is it :

RESOLTJTION No. 443

Whereas for many years Hoscoe Nix of Russellville, Ala., has attended and
been a part of national conventions of the Disabled American Veterans, and

Whereas this convention has missed Ms attendance because of illness : There-
fore be it

Resolved, That the convention and delegates wish him all possible recovery
and a future unbroken attendance as well as the best of good wishes from the
36th annual convention of his outfit, the Disabled American Veterans, assembled
in Buffalo, N. Y.., August 18 through 23, 1957.

Resolution 422, this was requested by the California delegation and
is so read.

RESOLUTION No. 422

Be it resolved, That when the 36th National Convention of Disabled American
Veterans adjourns, it does so in the memory of B'arl Spencer of Long Beach,
Calif., who passed away while serving as an active delegate of this convention.

The resolution of appreciation emanating out of the committee
is as follows:

RESOLUTION No. 444

Resolved "by the 36th National Convention of the Disabled American Veterans
assembled in Buffalo, N: Y., August 18 through #4, 1957: That we express our
sincere gratitude and appreciation to all groups and agencies and individuals of
Erie County and Buffalo area, for their unselfish contributions that have made,
possible a successful convention to wit :

To Mayor Steven Pankow of the great city of Buffalo and his able staff of
devoted city government ;

To the chief of police and courteous officers ;

To Frank J. Williams, general convention chairman and his associates, the
1957 Convention Corp. and board of directors, the Brie County chapters, Disable^
American Veterans; Emil A. Fasolino, department commander, DAV; William
A. Birmingham, honorary president 36th National Convention, DAV ; Milton D.
Cohn, honorary chairman, 36th National Convention, DAV ;

To the United States Naval Band : Director, Warrant Officer B. M. Stouffer and
artists ;

To all regional office and central office officials and staffs of the United States
Veterans* Administration ;

To all persons assisting in our national memorial service ;

To Capt. Cicero F. Hogan and his entire staff of national service officers;

To the press, radio, and television of the area for their fine coverage and
consideration;

For the transportation of officials, delegates to all ceremonies and attractions
of the convention ; .

To all distinguished guests of our fellow veteran organizations and their
auxiliaries; _ . - .

To onlcers and personnel of our own national headquarters for their sincere
interest and. cooperation and able help in matters of benefit and business of this
convention ; -._-'

Also to all groups and individuals who by their , services and talent made
possible this successful convention ; :

To our national commander, Joseph F. Burke and his able official family and
to Mrs, Helen Ishmael, national commander of our Ladies Auxiliary, Disabled
American Veterans, and her official family ;

Also to the National Order of Trench Rats and Alley Cats ;

Be it further resolved, To extend sincere condolences to all dependents of
departed comrades in the past year.

20331 5

200 TBLIRTy-SiEVEaSTTH ^ATTOOSTAL REPORT

Comrade Commander, I would like at this time to thank the mem-
bers of this committee for their cooperation and service with the com-
mittee and move the adoption of this report, and that the committee
be d ischarged.

Comrade DRISCOLL, (Blind Veterans Chapter) . I second the motion.

Comrade WILLIAM: KOTTLAST (Minneapolis, Chapter No. 1) . William
Kohlan, Minneapolis Chapter No, 1, Minnesota department, respect-
fully seconds the motion.

National Commander BURKE. Motion made and seconded.

Discussion ?

All those in favor ?

All opposed ?

The motion is carried.

Comrade HENRY J. OTTEN (Davenport, Iowa, Chapter No. 2).
Comrade Commander, I have a motion for the condolences that can
be brought up.

could.

National Commander BURKE. What is your motion ?

Comrade OITEN-. It is on the membership award.

National Commander BTJRKJE. What is your proposal quickly ?

Comrade OITEN. Scott County Chapter 2 would like to propose
that the national membership award pins as do other veterans organi-
zations. Bight now the Department of Iowa makes such an award

National Commander BURKE. Was this resolution submitted to a
committee for study ?

Comared OTTEJST. It was too late. We tried but it was too late.

National Commander BURKE. Under our rules unless you get
unanimous consent you can't bring it on the floor at this time.

Comrade QTTENT. I would like to make a motion that it be aUowed
on the floor at this time.

National Adjutant CORBLT. Comrade Commander, so as to give an
opportunity of expression to the convention I move you, sik that
unanimous consent be given to this delegate to present his resolution
at this time.

Comrade JOHN BOLIK (Kansas City) . Second that motion.
JN ational Commander BURKE. All those in favor ?
Opposed?

There is not unanimous consent. I will suggest if you can't ffet
t that you send your resolution in to the national

maimers this ^omkft TO still have the committee

te^^tSSri^ s=a::?<sa5SS

"Daji" Daniel; the national commander of the

OTSiABUED AMERICAN VETEUANS 201

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cooler T. Holt; national commander of
the Catholic War Veterans, William Gill ; the national commander of
the AMVETS, Dominick Strada; and the chief of staff of the Jewish
War Veterans, Herbert Block,

This was the first time that anything like this had been attempted
in the history of the veterans' organization because knowing that all
national commanders are prima donas, they felt it would be difficult
for six of them to travel together on the same plane and eat together.
The trip was successful from the point of view that these national
organizations did just- that. Oftentimes I hear that the delegates
wfll express to me in tjie corridors that it is most important that we
get along with our brother veterans' organizations. Well, I have a
slight bit of news for you this morning. Your leadership in your
national organization will get along. Some day perhaps we can reach
the other field. m

The trip was successful because it was on the basis of a people-to-
people program in which we, as veteran leaders talked to our opposites
on foreign shores. The reason why those six national commanders got
together as well as they did was because of the presence of a man who
was the chairman of that veterans committee. He is the cochairman of
the veterans committee of the people-to-people program. He is the
past national commander of the American Legion in his own right.

I can say very honestly the first man asked to speak in Europe was
myself. I don't Know why particularly. It always amused me. But
this man worked hard in the interests of this trip and accomplished
what seemed to be almost the impossible, that we could get these
organizations in principles and viewpoint together.

We became good friends because he is the type of man, that you can
become friendly with. He is a good leader^ good chairman, and he
wants to tell you in a few short minutes a little bit about the people-
to-people program ami- what it represents and what it means to
veterans. . .

At this time it is my pleasure to briixg before this convention, trom
Pasadena, Calif ., past national commander of the American Legion,
member of the California rehabilitation commission under Austin
Healy,LewisA.Gough. [Applause.]

Mr. LEWIS A. GOTJGH (people-to-people program). Thank you,
Commander Joe. Distinguished members of' the Disabled American
Veterans. Talking to ypu, on the, people-to^people program I'd like
to tell a little story alpburifpur .sajlors who were in a foreign port on
Sunday morning and being good sailors they wanted to go to church
but they did not know the language of the country. They found a
church but they didn't understand the customs of this church so they
decided among themselves they would follow some individual who
looked like he knew what it was all about and seat themselves beside
him and do as he did. And sure enough, pretty soon a knowledgeable
looking gentleman went down the aisle to the first row, and seated him-
self on an aisle seat. The four sailors seated themselves alongside.
They watched him. He blessed himself, they blessed themselves As
he mumbled something they would mumble. When he kneeled they
kneeled. He stood up ajid they stood up. The church was in an
uproar. Finally one individual who could control his laughter ana
spoke a little English, came down and explained that the priest had
said, "I am about to baptize this biiby. Will the father please stand 2

202 THI'RTT-SEV'E!NTII NATTTONl&I/ REPORT

Last September President Eisenhower called together some 50, for
the most part, very representative citizens for a meeting at the White
House to launch a program that was his idea, a people-to-people pro-
gram. The theme of the White House conference was simply this.
In today's basic world battle of ideas and ideologies what govern-
ments may do or say is important. But what people do and say is
decisive. People have the power to prevent future wars.

Since that time 42 committees have Ibeen formed representing most
of the major interests and occupations of people: Farm, business
education, movies, the press, fine arts, music, hobbies, tourists, veterans
and so on. These are private committees, run by private citizens, rais-
ing their funds from private sources.

However, to coordinate we have a general board with Charles E.
Wilson, of General Electric, elected as the president; a good veteran'
Bill Donovan, as chairman of the board.

The purpose and objective of the people-to-people program is to
encourage people to develop contacts with other peoples in the interest
of understanding and friendship which leads to peace and world free-
dom and unity and progress. Friendship is based on understanding
and understanding in turn is nurtured by the exchange of ideas and
information between people, particularly enhanced by the mutuality
of interest of doctors talking to doctors, musicians to musicians, vet-
erans to veterans, and so on.

Our veterans committee is particularly important because more than
any segment of our population the veterans hate war. They know
what it is, especial you in the Disabled American Veterans, and veter-
ans desire to achieve the final victory without more casualties, without
more disabled veterans. Unfortunately our military victories do
not achieve our goal of world peace and world freedom. Armament
and treaties are not enough. Something more is needed. As veterans
we know the capacity of our allies having served with them, shoulder
to shoulder, to meet a common challenge and there isn't any stronger
emotional motivation for esteem and for confidence between people
than that which comes from the fraternity of comradeship in arms.
JVow our veterans committee was formed as Commander Joe told
you, ot tiie national commanders of the six representative major vet-
erans organizations. The DAV and the AMVETS, the American
JLegion, they eterans of Foreign Wars, the Catholic War Veterans

as 6 th^hal^eI eterailS - ^ Rickenba ^ * I re EPoiW
is rather an innovation in itself. It is the first time in all history
the leaders of these organizations have met together, have ap-
K! o m h ave worked together for ^implementation
vye have had two committee meetings, one in New
Washington, for these veteran leaders.

r, f ay - e /^^ m P lished - One of the organizations

,

AMERICAN VETERANS- 203

The purpose of the trip was to develop friendship and good will
and understanding among these veteran leaders, and we had the oppor-
tunity to meet with some 45 national commanders in Israel, in France,
in Italy, in England, to develop the interest in our program. I'd like
to empnasize right here that the money to finance this trip was raised
from private sources. We emphasized that abroad. It was not a
Government propaganda agency and incidentally there was no drain
on the budgets of any of our organizations.

In meeting with the veteran leaders we found them to be apprecia-
tive and friendly and receptive for the most part. I'd like to illus-
trate the attitude we found in our closed meetings by quoting two
of them.

Alexis Thomas, le president general, Union National Des Com-
battants of France stated : "We have pleasure in proving our pride
of having participated in the same combats for a common ideal of
liberty. vV^e veterans must have that fellowship which unites us,
which is normal among trusted friends, to better appreciate our re-
spective positions, and above all to permit better understanding."

And as we were introduced in Tel Aviv by Ed Nussbaum, president,
World War II Veterans Association of Israel, he stated : "Our im-
pression thus far of our guests and their feelings is this that it
seems to me the words 'good will' express everything. Searching
for a way to truth and a mutual understanding and a united fight
for freedom and peace. I hope that this visit will advance the aim
of fraternity and peace amongst all nations and among all people."

That gives you a little of the attitude we received everywhere.
The attitude I emphasize was appreciative and friendly, and most
receptive to our mission.

But we also, on the critical side, found misunderstanding and dis-
agreement concerning international and political and economic de-
velopments. In these closed meetings we gave these commanders the
opportunity to express their viewpoints which they did freely be-
cause therein lies understanding. We reported to them that we
would report their viewpoints to our administration in this country,
and this has been done.

But we do not minimize the difficulty of our task. What we did
in our trip, what we are doing, is only imitating a very small ripple
in a very large pond, and it emphasized continued people-to-people
contact based on a mutuality of interest.

We learned much about the countries we visited, we didnt confine
ourselves to the capitals. We moved out into the field as time would
permit. In Israel we went from the Gaza strip to the Bible lands.
We talked with veterans, with leaders, with people, and we learned
much about the hopes and the aspirations and the problems, the am-
bitions of these people to create understanding. We did the same in
France and elsewhere. We participated in ceremonies wherever we
went. We rekindled the flame at the Arc de Triomphe, we laid
wreaths wherever we went. We did such things as you did and I d
like to compliment your organization for the hands across the border
ceremony yesterday at the bridge where with the war amputees in
Canada you joined hands. That is something that will receive na-
tional publicity. I heard it on the radio as I left Washington yester-
day, and it is something in the interest of peace and understanding
for which the people-to-people program does stand.

204 THIKITT^BEVEOSTTH NAOTOaSTAiD REPOET

Our press conferences abroad were held jointly, that is, the com-
manders of the foreign organizations, and I would like to say that
there was not one single derogatory line in any paper that we saw
or have seen since, throughout all Europe, and our press was exten-
sive, and that is a real compliment to our commanders abroad.

I'd like to say a word about the conduct of the commanders and
I will assure Joe we will skip over the social tour of Paris. We had
little time, actually, for rest and recreation and short tours. Our
commanders proved their maturity by their experience, their ability r
by their understanding, their actions at all times. They made in-
deed a real contribution to the success of our mission. Without ex-
ception they have indicated to me since the trip that they believe we
have accomplished much and it was a good beginning.

It is rather a pilot operation. We are the first committee, we are
in the lead of the other 42 committees and the others will gain ex-
perience and valuable background information by our trip.

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to report to President
Eisenhower. My report was timed for 8:45. The National Se-
curity Council was to meet at 9 o'clock. At 10 minutes after 9 the
President was still asking me questions. He held up the National
Security meeting because of his tremendous interest in our pro-
gram and he was most complimentary to the work of our committee.

One more thing and that is the f ollowup. It is very essential that
we .follow up the mission that we have established. That means ex-
change visits. Already the French and Israeli are definitely coming
to us and the Italians and the English probably will as well. This
means that perhaps next year some of them may have distinguished
guest status at your convention. Some of them may even be asked
by you to speak before certain of your committees. Perhaps some of
them before the convention general session itself.

There is a possibility of exchange courtesies of those of us that
travel abroad and those that are veterans that are authenticated
that come to us to extend to them the privileges of our possibly es-
tablishing liaison abroad for a contact point that will keep us abreast
and will give us suggestions from the field.

I would like to express my very deep appreciation to the Disabled
American Veterans for your support of the principles of the people-
to-people program. We sincerely appreciate the great contribution
that has been made by your commander as a working member of our
committee and incidentally, you get to know a man after you have
lived with him for 2 weeks under the conditions we did, conditions of
tension and stress, and you have truly an exceptionally fine national
commander. I saw one letter that came back from official sources
to official sources in Washington that so complimented your national
commander that it pointed out that his personality and his sagacitv
and his wit was such that they recommended he be made a permanent
member of any further commissions to travel in that countrv
[Applause.]

^? /B M nm T ?7 '* We have T 1 ? ade a 'good beginning toward creating a
favorable climate, something governments have never been able to
S/>i^ P can and must. A favorable climate between nations
SJlp!f5wfr * m ^ lc k the international problems can be
settled and I think the whole thing was expressed well when we say

DISABLED AMERICAN VETE-RAHSTS 205

that those of tis in our committee believe that intercontinental friend-
ship is the best substitute for the intercontinental missile.

Thank you so much, Commander and delegates, for your time.
[Applause.]

National Commander BTOKE. Thank you. Commander.

The head of the California Rehabilitation Commission is here.
There is^a long-running argument that I have heard many times in
California between this gentleman and Harry Wentworth as to who
was the first elected department commander in California in the
Disabled American Veterans. It reached the stage of <a court suit
once. It developed into quite an argument, and th&y have been argu-
ing about it for some 30 years, but also it is very important to the
Disabled American Veterans that we have people of the type of
Austin Healy on our side in these rehabilitation commissions. I
might be giving away a little secret in front of Lewis Gough, but I
don't think he will say anything other than I could that here is one
of your leading disabled veterans in California and a man who heads
the California [Rehabilitation Commission. May I now present to
you Austin Healy. [Applause.]

Mr. AUSTIN HEALY (California Rehabilitation Commission).
Thank you, Comrade Commander and members of this convention.
It is a pleasure to be with you this morning. I came from Cali-
fornia to take another look at the rehabilitation program of your
great organization because of the fact that California contracts with
veteran organizations to carry out its rehabilitation program.

During the past 10 years that I have been a member of the Cali-
fornia veterans' Board, we have contracted with you to the tune of
ia million dollars. We have contracted with the American Legion,
we have contracted with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the
AMVETS. This type of contract between the State of California
and the veteran organizations has proven most helpful, not only to
the veterans themselves but to the States. In the last 12 years we
have contracted in the amount of $16 million, and your organization
has presented to the State of California by way of claims and put
into the treasury of the State of California $600,000. Now, that is
a terrific investment and a wonderful business deal for the State.
And I am here to thank you for the fine cooperation you have given
the State and to see what I can learn from some of the delegations
to improve the type of work that we are performing.

Thank you very much, and on behalf of Gov. Goodwin Knight,
of California, I'd like to say that he, being a veteran himself, is
deeply interested in this rehabilitation and has assured me that he
will dp everything possible to perpetuate it.

National Commander BTTRBIE. Thank you, Austin.

The Chair will now yield to Jack Feighner for purposes of an
introduction.

Assistant National Adjutant FEIGHNER. Mr. Commander, delegates
to this convention, if any of you delegates have been out on the streets
of Buffalo and have seen a little gray-haired man selling $1 bills for
50 cents and you didn't buy his entire stock, you just lost a good deal.
There is a man sitting on this platform whom I have had the pleasure
of knowing for a number of years. He has more gimmicks and
gadgets and ideas,, vitality and personality, than any man that I
ever met.

206 TBDERTTTHSlEfVEfNiTH: NATlOtNPAILi REPORT

A few years ago your then national commander and Mr. Corbly,
the national adjutant, called me when I was in Florida representing
the national commander and told me to hurry back to Washington
which was my headquarters at that time, with the instructions to go to
New York and meet with the advertising agency of the Ted Mack
show. We were going to California, San Francisco, to put on a
national convention and in the way of entertainment we were going to
' assist in the production of the Ted Mack show which many of you
delegates saw.

During one whole day, and I mean a whole full day, I listened to a

man talk and give me instructions and advice as to how to put on a Ted

Mack show. And when that man wasn't talking this old gray-haired

'man was talking and they were talking a language that I knew as

much about as I know about Chinese.

The art of advertising and publicity is not. my field. However, I
went to California and I started to work. I was there about 3
days and I received a telephone call and he said, "This is Col. Bill
Shirley." I didn't remember Col. Bill Shirley because my mind had
been so filled with publicity that I had forgotten all names. This
man came to the office and assisted us in putting on a show. He ran
my legs off. One day he came into the office and he said, "Well, today
is my birthday." I said, "How old are you, Bill?" He said, "I am
80 jrears old." And I said, "That's a lie." So he pulled out a birth
certificate and showed it to me and I said, "That must be your grand-
father's. That can't be yours." He drew from his inside pocket a
special permit from the State of New York to drive an automobile.

I have had the fortunate pleasure of being associated and meeting
this man many times since, and each year I receive a birthday greeting.
He has a corporation, a closed corporation, family corporation, and
each year he declares dividends and it usually amounts to about 10
cents. This year I got a birthday greeting cut out of a shoe box with
a postage stamp on and my address and attached thereto was 1 penny
and he said, "Times are hard. This is all we can afford."

I am happy to present to this body this morning the youngest old
man with more vitality, zip, and go, and will beat any one of you
delegates in a 100-yard dash any time you want to put up the money.
Col. Bill Shirley !

Col. BILL SHIRLEY. Gentlemen, I am not going to take a lot of your
time but I must reflect back to San Francisco and I will say that it is
one of the fondest memories, one that I will carry with me for the rest
of my life. It was a great pleasure to work with Vivian Corbly and
Jack Feighner and the rest of the crew. I had a great time and as
Jack says, I was then 80 years old, no, I was 81 because last June the
26th I was 87 years old. [Applause.] Jack doubted me on the driv-
ing license and I didn't blame him but I had to and I did produce mv
birthday certificate, St. Louis, Mo., 18YO.

I know, gentlemen, there is a lot of work ahead and I am not going

to take a lot of your time, but again I will say it is a great pleasure

" J^fc^S ^ th a11 of yu fellows this morning and if I can only come

back here in about 13 years which will make me 100, 1 will have a ffood

tome with you. &

Thanks for everything. Good luck and hope to meet you a^ain
soon. [Applause.]

DISABLED AMERICAN VETE'RANS 207

National Commander BURKE. He may be 87 years old but 1 wouldn't
want to trust him with any of my girl friends.

You know one of the pleasures of being a national commander, al-
though you get news once in a while that makes you sorry you ever
became national commander, but one of the pleasures is the fact that
you meet some dedicated, people as you go along the route. Such a
dedicated person is one you all know, you know him far better than
I do. But here is the chairman of a committee, and a responsible
committee, here this morning. I think one of the better things that
ever happened to DAV, Bernie Southard, will conclude the report of
the rehabilitation committee.

Comrade SOUTHARD (rehabilitation committee) . The report of the
convention committee on rehabilitation claims and insurance. The
report of your convention committee will be in two parts. The first
section will include the resolutions for the purpose of improving the
status of disabled veterans and their dependents. If the delegates will
agree, I will identify the resolution and just give you the meat of the
resolution that is recommended by your committee, and if there is no
objection I will consider it as acceptable. I believe this will save time
and then we can call for a vote on the entire report.

RESOLUTION No. 447

Whereas malignant cancer is a slow progressive developing condition and in
many cases is not properly diagnosed for 3 or more years, and

Whereas only 1 year has been granted following a veteran's discharge from
service in cases of malignant cancer and since a- 3-year presumptive period would
be more appropriate which has been applicable in certain other chronic diseases :
Therefore, be it

Resolved,, That the Disabled American Veterans, in national convention as-
sembled at Buffalo, N. T., August 19-23, 1957 r go on record as requesting an
extension from 1 year to 3 years on the presumptive period following the veteran's
discharge from service in cases of malignaat cancer, for both treatment and
compensation purposes.

RESOLUTION No. 46

Whereas numerous war veterans suffering from - combat neurosis and other
functional nervous disorders and mental disease often find it necessary to seek
medical treatment in special VA hospitals which are designed as psychiatric
institutions, and

Whereas experience fcas shown that over the past 2 years virtually all war
veterans haying been compensated for acquired psychiatric conditions are treated
in these mental hospitals and then released with a new diagnosis showing that
the entire nervous or mental disturbance was actually a constitutional defect, and
as the result the veteran's compensation is terminated forever, and

Whereas it is a known fact that in many of these cases the veteran lived a
normal and adjusted life prior to service without any signs of nervous or
mental impairment. Many of them were in service for a period of years and
broke down through hazardous combat service, and so agreed by the physicians
in service and reexaminations following discharge: until the new concept which
is apparently prevalent throughout the VA system, and

Whereas it is not reasonable and not tenable to expect the public to believe
that virtually all of these war veterans- were born as constitutional misfits and
that their war service simply brought -out, these congenital defects: Now,

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, mandate an investigation of this new psy-
chiatric philosophy employed by the Veterans' Administration in its many
institutions.

208 THIRTY-SIEIVE'NTH NATIONAL. REPORT

RESOLUTION No. 319

Whereas the present law does not provide the establishment of service con-
nection for reinfection type of pulmonary tuberculosis, and

Whereas this creates a severe hardship upon many veterans suffering from
tuberculosis immediately following their discharge from the military service,
and

Whereas we believe that this reinfection type of tuberculosis could have easily
been aggravated by the strenuous duties performed while a member of the
military service : Theref ore, be it

Resolved, ty the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. 7., August 19-83, 1957, That we go on record requesting the Disabled
American Veterans' national legislative chairman and the Disabled American
Veterans' national director of claims to sponsor legislation to amend the present
law to permit the granting of service connection for the reinfection type of
pulmonary tuberculosis.

RESOLUTION No. 322

Whereas Public Law 239, 82d Congress, permits the Veterans' Administration
to give treatment to veterans suffering from psychosis providing the disability
is diagnosed within 2 years from the date of discharge, and .._,

Whereas service connection can now only be granted if said disability is
diagnosed within 1 year from date of discharge, and

Whereas we believe that the law should be amended to include service con-
nection as well as treatment for psychosis diagnosed within 2 years from the
date of discharge : Therefore be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in annual convent^on assembled
at Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, That we go on record requesting Congress
to sponsor legislation to extend the presumptive period for service connection
for psychosis from 1 year to 2 yeara

RESOLUTION No, 446

Whereas medical science has now determined, based upon sound medical
principles, that the incubation period for valvular heart disease is in excess of
the present presumption under Public Law 2, 73d Congress as amended, and

Whereas the presumptive period, in view of the above, is no longer in accord-
ance with the major opinion based upon sound medical principles : Therefore be it

Resolved, That the presumptive period for organic heart disease be advanced
from the present year, subsequent to discharge, to 2 years.

RESOLUTION No. 273

Whereas many veterans whose added percentage comes to more than 100
percent, but whose combined percentage as outlined in the combined rating table
for rating disabilities assigned percentage comes to 70 percent through 90
percent have disabilities which are of a static nature, and who will not be given
future examinations by the Veterans' Administration, and

Whereas tinder the present rating system of the Veterans' Administration,
rating percentages are combined rather than added, and

Whereas in many instances, veterans have more than 10Q percent in added
percentage but are not awarded 100 percent in combined percentage : Therefore
be it

Resolved, That any veteran who is in receipt of compensation in the percentage
of 70 or more, and whose compensation for disability comes to more than 100
percent, and whose physical conditions is of a static nature, that he be aw.arded
and assigned compensation in the amount of 100 percent.

RESOLUTION No. 94

Whereas a veteran losing 1 arm and 1 leg or loss of use of 1 arm and 1 leg
receives 2 statutory awards, and

Whereas a veteran receiving the loss of 1 eye and 1 leg or 1 eye and 1 arm
receives only 1 statutory award : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved "by the National Convention of Disabled American Veterans assembled
tn Buffalo, N. 7., August 19-&S, 2957, That we go on record for Congress to pro-
vide a special statutory award for the anatomical loss or loss of 1 arm or 1 leg
or 1 eye in combination.

DIBABl4EI> AMERICAN VETERANS 209

RESOLUTION No. 135

Whereas the Veterans* Administration has recently caused to be put into
effect amendments to the 1945 edition of the VA schedule for rating disabilities,
known as extensions 8 (b) and 8 (c), and

Whereas these amendments have caused a severe reduction in the compensa-
tion rating of many veterans with loss of hearing where there has been no
improvement, and

Whereas there is no way for the veteran to successfully rebut the reductions
because the VA method of testing and evaluation of the hearing loss is not
available to other doctors, and

Whereas veterans with hearing disabilities and wearing hearing aids have
added difficulty in job placement and in many cases must work at submarginal
jobs with consequent reduced earnings : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, go on record condemning extensions 8 (b)
and 8 (c) of the 1945 edition of the VA schedule for rating disabilities as being
unfair and discriminatory, and urge that same be rescinded in their entirety.

RESOLUTION No. 335

Whereas the 1945 rating schedule, paragraph 19, specifices that age is not to
be considered in granting permanent and total benefits under part I ; and

Whereas many service-connected disabled veterans who have ratings ranging
from 50 to 70 percent which are static, and because of age they are unable to
carry on a gainful occupation, are denied total ratings of* 100 percent: Now,
therefore, be it

Resolved "by the Disabled American Veterans wi convention assembled at Buf-
falo, N. Y., August 19-&S, 19$^ That we go on record asking the Director of the
Veterans' Administration to liberalize the 1945 rating schedule in order that
total ratings may be granted to those disabled veterans with service-connected
disabilities, and who have ratings of 50 percent or more, because of age and
unemployability.

RESOLUTION No. 428

Whereas under present regulations generally, with the exception of new
claims, the payment of additional compensation for dependents is made effective
as of the date of receipt of proof of dependency by the Veterans' Administration ;
and

Whereas this causes an inadequacy of veterans benefits ; and

Whereas a great many veterans either do not know that they would be entitled
to the additional compensation for dependents or for unknown reasons have
never submitted proof of dependency : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That a period of not less than 6 months be granted from date of
notification by the Veterans' Administration that the veteran's compensation
has been increased for the first time to 50 percent or more, and if the proof is
received within the 6-months period that the additional compensation for de-
pendents be made effective from the date of this compensation is increased to
50 percent or more,

RESOLUTION No. 219

Whereas the Veterans' Administration has continuously undertaken reviews
of compensation cases ; and

Whereas in addition to periodic reevaluation by the Veterans' Administration
of running compensation awards, service-connected veterans in receipt of dis-
ability compensation have been subject to frequent examinations ; and

Whereas legislation has been introduced in the Congress which will prohibit
the severance of a service-connected disability which has been in effect for 10
or more years : Now, thereforey.be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, during its annual convention
held in Buffalo, N. Y., on August 19-23, 1957, do urge that legislation be adopted
comparable to H. R. 405 introduced in the 85th Congress by Representative
Rogers of Massachusetts, whereby severance of a service-connected disability
which has been in effect for 10 or more years shall be prohibited.

RESOLUTION- No. 66

Whereas it has been the policy of the Disabled American Veterans to have
an. disabled veterans treated equally and correct discriminatory legislation, and

210 TBCIBTT-SflEV'EOSPTEC NATIOQSTAL REPORT

Whereas under existing laws and regulations of the Veterans* Administration,
pertaining- to dependency allowance, a veteran rated from 10 to 40 percent re^
ceived no additional allowance, and

Whereas veterans rated 50 to 100 percent receive additional allowance for
dependents : Therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention of the Disabled American Veterans assembled
at Buffalo, N. T. f August 19-23, 1957, hereby respectfully requests and urges
Congress to amend Public Law 877, 80th Congress to provide that dependency
allowance be included and also paid to veterans rated from 10 through 4O percent.

RESOLUTION No. 406

Whereas the 'cost of travel has increased throughout the United States, and
Whereas the Veterans' Administration is still aUowing 6 cents per mile;

Therefore be it
Resolved, That the delegates assembled in Buffalo, N. Y., in the Disabled

American Veterans annual convention, held August 19^-23, 1957, request that

travel allowance be increased from 6 to 9 cents per mile, and the delegates at

this convention endorse this increase.

RESOLUTION No. 287

Whereas many men were called for service for World War II and the Korean
conflict. These men were examined for induction purposes. Some passed the
physical and some. were rejected. There are many instances where a minor
condition was found on the physical, however, the notation was that the condi-
tion was not disabling and the men were certified as adequate for duty. Other
instances were that the men gave a history of medical treatment prior to service
and nothing was found at the time of examination, consequently these men were
certified as adequate for full duty. In other cases there \vill be no history
or the veteran had no knowledge of any condition existing prior to service, yet
after being in service a disability will be found. These conditions will be listed
as EPTB ; and

Whereas these men served and as a result some of them were discharged with
a disability. After these men were discharged they filed a claim with the
Veterans* Administration. It was then up to the VA to determine whether the
disability was a direct result of service or aggravated by service ; and

Whereas it was the intent of Congress to recognize disabilities not found at
the time of induction as well as disabilities found and listed as not disqualifying
kaws w ere Passed to protect these types of cases particularly Public Law 144*
78th Congress ; and " - .

Whereas cases were originally rated and service-connection granted. Now
some 1O years later the VA Administrator has sent instructions to all offices
ordering a review of cases. The objective, to correct so-called errors on original
ratings. As a result, many veterans were and still are being stricken from
the compensation rolls by classifying original and subsequent ratings as clear
and unnnstakable errors. The VA states that there has been no change in
policy; they merely say they are correcting errors made by employees who
didn t know what they were doing, or that the caseload was so heavy that ratings
were made just to dispose of the case ; and laimgs

Whereas after Public Law 144, 78th Congress, was passed, instructions were
sent out on how to apply the law. The instructions at that time were to apply
the law in a liberal manner and all doubt was to be resolved in favor of the
veteran. At the present time the liberal angle is forgotten and the resolution
of reasonable doubt is completely ignored. The VA is now severing service
connection on the same laws that were in effect when the original rating was
made. Yet they say that there has been no change in policy : and

Whereas according to VA regulations in effect at this time no "clear and un-
mistakable error'' can be made except on a clear error of fact. The burden of
E * n tbe ^txvmert, t show that a clear error exists. However, there
have been very few decisions of a clear error made on other evidence thai what

* it r

majority of clear and unmistakable errors now are not clear and unmistkkable
*? e T S **:* concerned, it is simply difference in opinion and policy
r, the veteran is the one to suffer : Therefore be it wu^y

; DISABLED AMERICAN VETEItANlS 211

Resolved,, That the Congress of the United States be prevailed upon to pass
a new law that clearly shows the intent of Congress. Ninety days (3 months)
should be sufficient time for a branch of the service to determine whether a man
is fit or unfit for duty- If they cannot find a disabling condition in this time,
they are at fault and should be held responsible. A new law should be passed
stating that the Government be responsible for any condition that was found
after the 90-day period. In this manner the veteran would be protected and
would not have to suffer because of mistakes made by the particular branch of
service or the changing policy of the VA.

RESOLUTION No. 85

Whereas the Veterans' Administration no longer takes care of the service-
connected dental treatment for veterans after they have treated them once, and
unless applied for within 1 year from date of disxiiarge ; and

Whereas teeth which have once been damaged tend to continue to grow
worse: Therefore be it

Resolved, That the disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, go on record condemning this practice and
recommending that the Veterans* Administration continue to treat the dental
conditions of any disabled veteran who has service connection for his teeth as
long as he may live. .

RESOLUTION No. 62

Whereas any change from present method of making compensation payments
would cause a hardship on disabled veterans and their dependents : Therefore

be it

Resolved That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo N. T., August 19-23, 1957, go on record to oppose the enactment of any
legislation which would change the present method of making monthly pay-
ments of disability compensation.

RESOLUTION No. 89

Whereas certain foreign nations, whose doctrines and principles of govern-
ment are not compatible with the principles of freedom as guaranteed this
Nation under its Bill of Rights, are making an aU ut ,^ or * ^*^ e J
in the field of scientific and medical knowledge by tte underwriting of tfte
entire cost of the education of their qualified youth in these fields of higher

^^ereas ttfre is at this time in these United States a critical shortage of

educated and trained personnel in the fields of. science and medical arts; and

Whereas this Nation is rapidly losing its position as a world leader in these

fie Whlreat Public Law 634, 84th Congress, provides educational opportunities
oiUy to children whose education might otherwise be impeded or interrupted
bvthl death of a parent caused by disease or injury incurred or aggravated
to tto f Armed ForcS TdSng World War I, World War II, or the Korean con-

f

parent. BESOLUTION No. 27

able to obtain it; and

212 TKIRTY-SJEVEfNTH NAT'IOQSTAX. REPORT

Whereas it is an obligation and duty of the people of the Nation and Congress
to give top priority to the wartime disabled veteran over any other class or
group: Therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention of the Disabled American Veterans assembled
at Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, go on record requesting that a 20-percent
increase in disability compensation and death compensation be granted.

Now this is pensions.

RESOLUTION No. 72

Whereas the cost of living has increased considerably necessitating an increase
in income limitations, and

"Whereas it is the opinion that the income limitations set up by the Veterans 1
Administration for a single veteran which is $1,400 and a married veteran, which
is $2,700, is too stringent in that these limitations create a hardship : Therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, request that our Senators and Representatives
initiate legislation that would increase the income limitations from $1.4.00 to
$1,800 for a single veteran, and from $2,700 to $3,300 for a married veteran.

RESOLUTION No. 419

Whereas questions of meeting percentage standards, when basic requirements
are met and veteran is unemployable by reason of disabilities are now referred to
central office under VA regulation 1142 and 1142 (a) ; and

Whereas the large majority of these cases are eventually approved in central
office, and

Whereas much wasted time and effort in field stations and central office could
be eliminated: Therefore be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in national convention as-
sembled at Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, go on record as requesting the
appropriate changes in regulations be made to give full authority to field sta-
tions in these cases ; and be it further

Resolved, That all cases be subject to review by the adjudication officer in
order that he may submit the cases to central ofgce in event he does not
concur.

RESOLUTION No. 38

Whereas commercial life insurance paid to a beneficiary upon the death of
a veteran is considered as income for death purposes, and

Whereas this matured commercial life insurance is merely a return for
premium payments made by the veteran during bis lifetime'; and

Whereas the proceeds of such matured commercial life insurance paid to
widows creates a bar to entitlement to death pension benefits; and

Whereas, in most cases where matured commercial life insurance is paid to
the widows of veterans, a great portion, or sometimes all of such proceeds from
this commercial, life insurance is used by the widow to defray funeral hos-
pital, and other expenses, generally accumulated during the veteran's terminal

Besolved, ty the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at Buf-
falo, , N. Y., August 19-28, 1957, That the Congress be memorialized to amend
the Pension Act to provide that commercial life insurance, not to exceed the
amount of $10,000, paid to widows be not considered income for death pension
purposes. *

RESOLUTION No. 314
Whereas compensate service-connected disabled veterans are awarded dis-

f death ' as 8

Whereas the widows and children of war veterans who at the time of death
di * abmttes . do * *der present law receive a^y higher

payable to ** widows and CMIdren of olher

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 213

Whereas the widows and children of service-connected disabled veterans
ought to receive more consideration from the Government than that extended
to the widows and children of war veterans who have not been handicapped
by any service-connected disability, and

Whereas only about 2 percent of the service-connected disabled veterans die
by reason of their service-connected disabilities, and

Whereas many very seriously handicapped disabled veterans, including those
rated as permanently and totally disabled whose disabilities may have shortened
their life expectancy, may nevertheless die by reason of some intervening
cause, and thuir widows and children receive no consideration under present
laws as to such factors ; therefore be it

Resolved, by the Disabled American Veterans, in annual convention assembled
at Buffalo, N. Y. t August 19-23, 1957, That we do hereby urge that the Con-
gress of the United States enact legislation in effect providing that the widows
and minor children of all deceased war veterans who at the time of death had
compensable service-connected disabilities shall, without regard to any other
income, receive death compensation at rates equivalent to 90 percent of the
rates of death compensation paid to the widows and children of deceased war
veterans who die by reason of their service-connected disabilities.

RESOLUTION No. 55

Whereas widows and dependents of World War I are entitled to pensions
irrespective of whether the cause of death is due to military service or the vet-
eran had a disability due to service at time of death ; and

Whereas widows and dependents of World War II veterans and of the Korean
conflict in order to be entitled to a pension in cases where cause of. death or
any disability that contributed to the cause of death is not due to service, the
veteran has to have a service-connected disability, disabling to an ascertainable
degree at time of death ; and

Whereas it is inequitable for widows and dependents of World War I vet-
erans to be entitled to pensions and the widows and dependents of World War II
and Korean conflict veterans being denied benefits under the same circumstances
or having the same qualifications : Therefore be it

Resolved, That suitable legislation be passed granting the same pension
rights to widows and dependents of World War II and Korean veterans as now
is granted to widows of World War I veterans.

RESOLUTION No. 103

Whereas under existing laws and regulations presently in effect, persons eligi-
ble for non-service-connected death pension payments cannot receive pension
payments if their annual income exceeds a certain limitation, and

Whereas it is unreasonable to continue to apply the above-mentioned annual
income limitation for death benefits because of the increase in present-day cost
of living: Therefore be it . ^ .

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled in
Buffalo N Y August 19-23, 1957, seek amendment to present veterans regula-
tions to increase income limitation of World War I, II, and Korean conflict
widows from $1,400 to $2,000 annually for widows without children (dependent),
and from $2,700 to $3,500 for widows with minor children, and eliminate bene-
fits from commercial life insurance as chargeable income.

RESOLUTION No. 114

Be it resolved By the Delegates of the Disabled American Veterans in conven-
tion assembled at Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-88, 1951, That there be legislation to
provide death compensation or pension to a woman who was married to a vet-
eran on or before December 14, 1955, or at any time if child is born of union L and
for purposes of gratuitous death benefits ceremonial marriage be deemed valid
if entered into without knowledge of impediment and person cohabited with
veteran for five or more years immediately before his death, provided no claim
is filed by legal widow, and be it further

Resolved, That there be supporting legislation to redefine widow for VA com-
pensation and pension purposes to permit recognition of a woman who at time
of veteran's death had lived with him in marriage for five or more years, or at
any time if a child was born to the union.

214 THIBTr-SIEiVEOSTTH NATIONAL REPOBT

RESOLUTION No. 416

Whereas many veterans with small service-connected disabilities are now re-
tiring and are entitled to social security and in many cases are entitled to a
small pension from their employers, and

Whereas many of these veterans are members of the Disabled American Vet-
erans and have for years intended to apply for a pension for total disability,
non-service-connected, when they retired, and

Whereas most of these vetearns without dependents are not entitled to a
pension for total disability, non-service-connected because of the $1,400 income
restriction ; and

Whereas the same is true with most widows of the veterans above referred, to,
and

Whereas social security benefits are not considered as income for income-tax
purposes : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That social security benefits not be considered income for a veteran
who has a service-conected disability and requests a pension for total disability,
non-service connected ; and be it further

Resolved, That social security benefits not be considered income for the widow
of a veteran who had a service-connected disability at time of death.

RESOLUTION No. 8

Whereas insecurity in the form of reduced disability compensation ratings
by the Veterans' Administration Rating Boards is a constant threat to the in-
come of our wartime disabled : Therefore be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans assembled in convention at
Buffalo, N. Y,, August 19-23, 1957, request and urge the passage of legislation,
providing that all ratings of compensation having been in effect for a continuous
period of 10 years or more shall not be severed after death of veteran if same
would have entitled the widow to compensation or pension or payments, except
for fraud.

RESOLUTION No. 434

Whereas widows and dependent parents who once elected to receive benefits
under Public Law 881, 84th Congress, are barred from reelecting compensation,
and ..':-.

Whereas said law is unfair in that it is- a complete ehange from the old estab-
lished procedure previously in effect and followed by the Veterans' Adminis-
tration : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, sponsor amendment of Public Law 881, 84th
Congress, to permit such widows and dependent parents to have the right to
reelect to receive compensation, or whichever gives greater benefits.

RESOLUTION No. 61

Whereas the present amount of $150 which the United States Government pays
toward the burial of a veteran is inadequate due to rising costs of burial:
Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo. N* Y*. August 19-23, 1957, urge the enactment of legislation to provide
an increase in burial allowance for veterans, from the present $150 to $250.

RESOLUTION No. 73

Whereas Senate bill 3067 has been introduced, read twice, and referred to the
Committee on Finance: Therefore, be it

.Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, urge our Senators of the 86th Congress to
support Senate bill 30#7.

RESOLUTION No. 41

Whereas section 620 of Public Law No. 23, 82d Congress, allows insurance
within 1 year from date of Veterans' Administration rating, but many veterans
with mental difficulties are not able to take action during the required period,
and the families of the veterans are not familiar with the regulations of the
Veterans' Administration : Now, therefore, be it

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAN'S 215

Resolved bv the Disabled American Veterans, in convention assemble* at f-
^ C ngreSS ** -** to enact legislation

RESOLTITION No. 35

Whereas statutory authority has heretofore existed under which application
for waiver of insurance premium on insurance form No. 357 could be made retro-
actively for a period of 5 years, and

Whereas on August 1, 1947, the present law restricts the granting of waiver
of insurance premiums to a period of not to exceed 1 year retroactive from the
time the application is filed, and

Whereas insurance is a hard subject of most people generally to understand,
and in particular, former members of the Armed Forces who were sold national
service life insurance and they were not given a copy of the law, nor a copy of
the policy, or certificate, in the most instances, and they were totally unfamiliar
with their right to file application for waiver of premium, and many of these
same people receive sickness and disabilities which properly entitle them to
waiver of premiums, and they are still uninformed, and further time is needed in
which to apprise them of their rights and to award them of these benefits, and

Whereas the United States Veterans' Administration has had great difficulty
in coping with the handling of the large number of insurance claims, and the
entire insurance program has been considerably deficient and misunderstood by
the average citizen, and

Whereas it is believed that a former service person, or his beneficiary, should
have the right to assert a claim at any time based upon its merits and the facts
in the case, regardless of the passage of time : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembler?, at Buf-
falo, N. 7., August 19 to 23, 1957, That we hereby go on record asking the Congress
to pass amendatory legislation granting the right to claimants and benpficinrips to
make claims for waiver of insurance premiums dating back into the period of
their World War II service, and any claim arising on the facts since that tim<*

REsor-unow No. 36

Whereas Public Law 242, 68th Congress, as amended, grants United States
Government life insurance benefits, including waiver of premiums and total
disability payments to veterans of World War I without age restrictions, and

Whereas Public Law 801, 76th Congress, as amended, grants national service
life insurance benefits to veterans of World War II, including waiver of premium
during continuous total disability, existing 6 months prior to the attainment of
age 60 years, and

Whereas national service life insurance is the only insurance protection car-
ried by a majority of World War H veterans and they are dependent on this
insurance as a protection for their families, and

WTbiereas failure to grant waiver of premiums after age 60 will .cause the loss
of insurance and all insurance protection for their families, and

Whereas failure to grant waiver of premiTims after age 60 will cause the
loss of insurance and all insurance protection to many families of World War II
veterans at a time in life where they are unable to reinsure or continue to labor :
Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled clirpct
the national legislative director of the DAV to present legislation to the Congress
amending section 602 (n) of Public Law 801, 76th Congress, as amended, deleting
the words "Prior to the attainment of age sixty (60) years."

RESOLUTION No. 412

Whereas under existing National Service Life Insurance Act of 1940, as
amended, and World War Veterans Act of 1924, as amended, and the regulations
of the Veterans' Administration set forth that any policy for insurance issued,
reinstated, or converted shall be incontestable from the date of issue, reinstate-
ment, or conversion, except for fraud, nonpayment of premiums, or on grounds
that the applicant was not a member of the military or naval forces of the
United States, and ^ ^ Jt ,, J _ . -.

Whereas when the insured subsequently files a claim for disability benefits or
when, the beneficiary of the deceased insured files a claim for payment of the

20331 58 15

216 TmRTY-OTVENTHE NATIONAL REPOKT

insurance, the Veterans' Administration, regardless of the number of years
which the policy has been in force, reviews the original application for insur-
ance to determine if fraud exists, and

Whereas we believe the Veterans' Administration does not always exercise
good reasoning or judgment in determining the existence of fraud: Now, there-
fore, be it

Resolved "by the Disabled American Veterans at their national convention as-
sembled, vn Buffalo, N. Y., August 19 to 23 1957, That the National Service ,L4e
Insurance Act of 1940, as amended, and the regulations of the Veterans' Admin-
istration be further amended to make all policies of national service life insur-
ance and United States Government life insurance incontestable on the grounds-
of fraud if the policy has been in force for 2 years.

RESOLUTION No. 413

Whereas section 304 World War Veterans Act of 1924, as amended July 2 r
1926, gave World War I veterans the right to reinstate their lapsed war risk in-
surance providing full payment of back premiums were paid, and further provid-
ing in cases of nonpayment of premiums, a lien to be placed for the full amount
against the policy with 5 percent interest compounded annually, and

Whereas this promotes undue hardships against many veterans, and

Whereas World War II disabled veterans, in reinstating their national service
life insurance, were only required to pay 2 premiums, 1 for the month of lapse
and 1 for the current month and at no interest : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans assembled in its national con^
mention in Buffalo, N. Y. t August 19 to 28, 1951, That we do hereby adopt this
' resolution.

RESOLUTION No. 125

Whereas the insurance benefits for the State of Iowa are now being handled br
the district office in Philadelphia, Pa., and

Whereas the processing of claims are now taking all the way from 3 to e
months before any reply is being received on claims, and

Whereas it is thought that better service could be rendered to the veterans
in the State of Iowa on insurance benefits, if they are handled by the regional
office, Des Monies, Iowa, and veterans would then have a chance to have a
personal contact : Therefore be it

Resolved, We, the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, hereby go on record requesting legislation that
the insurance be decentralized from the district offices to the. VA regional offices
in the United States.

RESOLUTION No. 7

Whereas there is a considerable number of American veterans residing in
foreign countries, and who are receiving a pension for a nonservice disability
many of whom have relinquished their American citizenship ; and * '

Whereas we think that veterans from the United States, although they are
residing in foreign countries, should be grateful enough to this country for these
benefits to retain their American citizenship ; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans assembled in convention in
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, request and urge the passage of legislation
providing that in all cases where American citizens have voluntarily relinquished
their American citizenship, no veterans' benefits shall be paid to them.

RESOLUTION No. 176

Whereas there is evidence in reports of various agencies in the past few years
that there are those who would prefer that the functions of the Veterans'
Administration be distributed to other governmental agencies * and

Whereas we are unalterably opposed to such action, knowing full well that
the ineffectiveness and unsatisfactory administration that such action would
bring about was precisely the reason for the establishment of the Veterans'
Administration as a single agency to administer veterans' affairs- and

Whereas we feel that the Veterans' Administration is to be commended on the
manner in which they are endeavoring to administer veterans' benefits -Now
therefore, be it * '

Resolved, That we continue to urge that the Veterans' Administration as a
single agency -for the administering of veterans' affairs, be continued without
any transfer of its functions to any other governmental agency.

DOBABUED AME.KICAH VETERANS 217

RESOLUTION No. 24

Whereas the progress of veterans' legislation shall be expedited in the Congress
t}f the United States by the establishment of a permanent standing Committee
on Veterans' Affairs in the Senate of the United States ; and

Whereas several Senate resolutions were introduced in the 84th Congress of
the United States for the creation of a Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs :
Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans at their convention assembled
in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, through their national director of legislation,
urge the United States Senate to support the creation, and establishment of a
separate, permanent standing committee in the said United States Senate for
the consideration of all legislation dealing with veterans' affairs.

RESOLUTION No. 144

Whereas Congress, the representatives of the people, intended veterans' laws'
to be interpreted in the veterans' favor whenever possible and, in fact through
the years benefits for veterans have been interpreted in the veterans' favor, it
is now the practice of the Veterans' Administration and its Board of Veterans'
Appeals and the Administrator to adhere strictly to the letter of the existing
rules and regulations rather than base the decisions upon the merits or the
justice of the case: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Disabled Americans Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 10-23, 1957, that a court of justice, composed of impartial
civilians not affiliated with. the Veterans' Administration, the military or Gen-
eral Accounting Office, be established ; this body to have the final jurisdiction
in the many cases which have been denied by the currently existing VA Rating
Board of Veterans' Appeals, this court of justice to decide the cases before them
on the basis of equity. - . ..

RESOLUTION No. 384

Requesting legislation by Congress authorizing and directing a scientific re-
search to determine whether or not mustard-gas burns and other types of war
gases used in World War I provides any causative factor or etiology for delayed
blindness and/or carcinoma of the throat and lungs, and providing for a report
thereon to be made within 1 year, and further providing for a special appropria-
tion to defray the expenses of such scientific investigations.

Whereas at the 1956 National Convention of the Disabled American. Veterans,
Resolution No. 347 was adopted bearing this same title, and the basie premises
for that resolution are here readopted ; and

Whereas, no favorable action has been secured on the said Resolution No. 347,
but since that time there has come to light the fact that there has previously
been conducted in Great Britain a scientific investigation based upon statistics
only, and that the same type of investigation is now in progress in the United
States through the National Research Council of the National Academy of
Sciences, -2101 Constitution A^venue, Washington, I>. C. ; and

Whereas a full report of the British investigation is published in the British
Journal Preventive and Social Medicine (1955) 9^-62-72, under the title, "Mustard
Gas Poisoning, Chronic Bronchitis, and Liang Cancer," and: further labeled as,
"An Investigation Into the Possibility That Poisoning By Mustard Gas In the
1914^-18 War Might Be a Factor in the Production of Neoplasia," by R. A. M.
Case of the Institute of Cancer Research, the Royal Cancer Hospital, London, and
A. J. Lea, of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance; and

Whereas the British investigation report commences with the statement, "Mus-
tard gas and its analogs, the nitrogen mustards, are known to be carcinogenic
to experimental animals" (Boyland and Horning, 1949, Heston, 1953 a, b), and it
is reported that out of 160,970 cases treated for war gas poisoning, that 80 per-
cent of these are due to mustard gas, and the British investigation was con-
ducted on a restudy of 1,267 men who were receiving a pension for the effects of
mustard gas from January 1, 1930, until December 31, 1952, and a comparative
statistical stiidy was made using that group, with a second group of bronchitis
cases that had not been exposed to mustard gas, and a further group of cases
where amputation was involved, and in which group neither mustard gas or bron-
chitis was of record in service but which group might be expected to normally
develop bronchitis on the basis of civilian population; and whereas a part of the
British report states :

218 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

"As will be shown later, the men in the mustard gas series experienced an
excessive mortality from bronchitis, and the case histories were examined to
see why a pension was being issued in 1930. This investigation revealed that,
although the label in each case was "mustard gas poisoning" or some similar
phrase, the reason for granting the pension was not that the man had been
gassed but that in 1930 there were sufficient clinical findings present to warrant
the view that permanent damage had been sustained. In 81 percent of the cases
the pension was given because of bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, or
fibrosis of the lung, and in most of the remaining 19 percent there was clear
evidence of bronchitis. Evidently we were studying not simply a population
which had at some time been poisoned by mustard gas, but a population poisoned
by mustard gas and extensively affected by chronic bronchitis, either as a result
of gassing or for other reasons" ; and whereas in the discussion of their findings
the British report states : . ,

DISCUSSION

"The foregoing results show that both the men who had been poisoned with
mustard gas (and who nearly all suffered from bronchitis) and the men who
suffered from bronchitis but were not poisoned with mustard gas, showed a very
high general mortality. In the mustard-gas series the excessive mortality could
be completely accounted for by an excessive number of deaths from bronchitis
and, to a lesser extent, by an excessive number of deaths from cancer of the lung
and pleura. The reason for the excessive general mortality was not sought for
in the bronchitis series, but an excessive number of deaths from cancer of the
lung and pleura was found.

"In both cases the deaths from cancer of the lung and pleura occurred at twice
the rate for the general population. Deaths from other forms of neoplasia
occurred at the same rate as in the general population.

"The .amputation series showed no deviation from the rates for the general
population in any of the criteria studied, and so confirm that the standards de-
rived from the general population can be used on these series of men who were
by definition serving soldiers in the 1914-18 war.

"The finding of a high incidence of cancer of the lung and pleura in both the
mustard-gas series and the bronchitis series does not support the view that
mustard gas has acted as a direct carcinogen, but it does provide evidence that
chronic bronchitis can be associated with an increased number of deaths attrib-
uted to carcinoma of the lung and pleura. This view has been advanced in the
past, and some evidence for it published, especially with reference to bronchitis
and the squamous-celled type of carcinoma of the bronchus (Lea, 1952).

"Unfortunately, the Ministry of Pensions records do not contain histological
findings, but it is proposed to attempt to obtain the pathological material from
the hospitals concerned and to review the histopathology of the series" ; and

Whereas it will be noted that the British investigation was on a comparative
statistical basis but that they state they propose to attempt to obtain the patho-
logical material from the hospitals concerned and to review this study further
in order to definitely determine whether or not the high incidence of cancer of
the lungs as shown on a statistical study can be established from a pathological
standpoint, and

Whereas in a letter released March 18, 1957, by Dr. Gilbert W. Beebe stat-
istician, National Research Council, as referred to above, it is stated as follows:
We are conducting a scientific investigation of the hypothesis that mustard-
gas inhalation may produce cancer of the lung, and are approaching the prob-
lem via a controlled, statistical study of mortality from lung cancer We have
defined three groups of men of comparable age and race, on the basis of service
m the AEF in World War I : men with mustard-gas inhalation, men with minor
wounds of the extremities and without mustard-gas injury, and men with pneu-
monia but also without mustard-gas injury. These groups total about 7,500 men,
including deaths subsequent to January 1, 1919. About a third of them are noW
+ ^ herm S ^ facts on each death preparatory to a statistical
tne three 8TOHPB, Our evidence as to the effect of mustard gas
C nSlSt f an ? ?t atisticall y significant excess of cancer deaths in fto
mustard gas group relative to the comparison groups We have bv this

tne etiloVof cancer^

AMERTOAN VETEUANB 219

will not determine the etiology of cancer as it relates to mustard-gas injury,
but it is believed that the high incidence of lung cancer found in the mustard-
gas cases and in the bronchitis cases studied by the British, and the fact that
our own National Research Council has undertaken a similar study, together
with the fact that our DAV national service officers have witnessed through
their experience a high incidence of death by lung and throat cancer in mustard-
gas cases, does furnish a good and sufficient basis to justify the United States
Government undertaking a complete and all-out scientific investigation^ and
especially in view of the further fact, that mustard gas has been proven carcin-
ogenic to experimental animals, and we believe that the veteran suffering from
residuals of mustard-gas poisoning, and their dependents, are entitled to have the
very best scientific investigation completed in order that full justice may be
rendered in their cases in the granting of service connection, and that this does
justify further and separate scientific investigations to be authorized by the
Congress of the United States : therefore be it

Resolved, by the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans,
meeting in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, That we hereby go on record re-
questing the Congress of the United States to enact legislation authorizing and
directing a scientific research to be made by the most suitable medical author-
ities, including the National Research Council, of the National Academy of
Sciences, the Medical Department of the Army, and providing for the coopera-
tion of the United States Veterans' Administration for medical histories of mus-
tard-gas cases and medical information from autopsy reports, and that the
complete subject be explored, and that the findings recorded and tfce final report
rendered as to whether or not there is a chain of causation existing between
mustard-gas burns and other gas injuries, and the residual effects thereof
including the destruction of tissue cells that may have resulted in delayed ma-
lignant cancer, and that this report be made available within a period of 1
year from the date of the passage of the legislation or as soon thereafter as
possible ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Congress make a special appropriation of $500,000 to initi-
ate the scientific research provided for in the foregoing resolution, subject to any
supplemental appropriations that may be required to finish the job.

RESOLUTION No. 387

Whereas a number of printed resolutions were adopted at the 1956 National
Convention of the Disabled American Veterans, and which are published in
the printed proceedings of that convention, and

Whereas it is our belief that these resolutions previously adopted that have
not yet been enacted into legislation should be continued and readopted at this
convention as part of the national legislative program of the Disabled American
Veterans : Therefore be it

Resolved, That we hereby go on record in this National Convention of the
Disabled American Veterans meeting in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957,
to continue and readopt each and all of the resolutions passed in the 1956
national convention as part of the national legislative program of the Disabled
American Veterans, and that we continue to work for the passage of legislation
to carry out those mandates.

Comrade SOUTHARD (continuing). Now, comrades, this concludes
the resolutions in part 1 of the report. And as chairman of the
committee, I move the adoption of those resolutions as read.

National Adjutant COKBLT. Comrade Commander, Corbly, Cin-
cinnati Chapter, No. 1, seconds the motion.

Second Junior Vice Commander WENTWORTBC (now presiding).
You have heard the question. Ail those in favor signify by saying
"Aye." .

Contrary?

The ayes have it and so ordered. ,

(When put to a vote, the motion was carried. )

Comrade SOUTHARD. Now, part 2 of the report concerns a matter
of attempting a definite policy that would protect the benefits .that
we now receive. At this convention this committee was handed more

220 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

than 40 resolutions and those resolutions came from all parts of the
country, and represented nearly every State or department of the
DAY.

These resolutions definitely demonstrated, set out the concern all
over the country :as to what is happening to veterans' benefits today,
of the number of veterans that are being removed from the rolls and
having their benefits reduced, on the theory that there has been an
error or mistake.

At a recent convention of a department out in Toledo, Ohio, the
convention adopted a resolution and this resolution contains rather
strong language. It certainly would be unfair that if we attempted
to adopt such a resolution without all of the delegates understanding
what is in that resolution.

Following that convention I do know this, that the resolution was
reviewed by the higher officials, including the Administrator of the
Veterans' Affairs and many others in high office, and we know that
the Veterans' Administration did not and does not approve of this
resolution. So they prepared a report in writing setting forth their
objections and calling attention to errors and mistakes in that reso-
lution. I learned that many people in the DAV don't think much
of the resolution. Some say it doesn't contain facts, some say that
the statements in there cannot be supported, some say they don't
like the language. But we do know this, delegates, that so far we
are sure that upward of 40,000 veterans have lost their compensation
or are severely reduced because they said mistakes were made. We
do know this, delegates, for sure ? that the Veterans' Administration
has released a proposal that will slice the rates of compensation
in your rating schedule rather drastically and they haven't selected
any particular group. They have included the gunshot-wound cases,
which you know have a pretty high priority on this proposal. And
it goes across the board. There are some people now rated 100 per-
cent on service disabilities that if this proposal goes into effect will
find that it is only 60 percent.

Not long ago they used to pay 100 percent for total deafness with
complete loss of bone conduction. They don't do that anymore. That
is out^ that is in effect. But the other items are proposals.

Now, your national commander is very much concerned. He wants
to be fair and honest and I think that every delegate here feels the
same way. I certainly do, but I am a delegate and I have accepted"
the responsibility to do everything we can for the protection of the
disabled and his dependents. In view of the controversy the denials
and so forth, at this convention our national commander showing that
he wants to be fair and honest, requested that the officials of the Vet-
erans Administration appear before your convention rehabilitation
committee and they did appear before that committee and I think the
session lasted about 2^ hours, and they presented, item by item, the
rebuttal to this resolution, and not one was rebutted. The true facts
are here and I want to bring out the reason I am mentioning this.
1 wouldn t want to see any delegate vote on this resolution if he thought
it was wrong. If he thought there was a misstatement in it, I wouldn't
want him to vote either way. I want him to be sure. So it is my
thought as chairman of this committee, that I should read this resolu-
tion and if any delegate cares to challenge the validity or the truth-

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 221

iulness of any figure or any statement in that resolution I wish, he
would raise his hand and we will present the official Government docu-
ments to substantiate same.

So with your premission I will read this resolution, No. 275.

RESOLUTION No. 275

Whereas the Disabled American Veterans charges the Administrator of Vet-
erans' Affairs at Washington with failure to follow legislation approved by the
Congress of the United States in connection with the payment of compensation
to veterans disabled as a direct result of war service, the Administrator ad-
mitting he has already terminated or decreased the benefits of more than 40,000
of these veterans, claiming that the original grant was in "error," and

Whereas this is the result of a continuing review of compensation claims of
the war disabled originally granted under the provisions of Public Law 144,
approved by the Congress of the United States, and

Whereas if a field office of the Veterans' Administration fails to remove or
reduce the compensation of a sufficient number of wartime disabled veterans
through "error," the efficiency rating of that office is considered unsatisfactory
and that office is ordered to conduct a second review, and

Whereas less than 40 percent of these cases of wartime disabled veterans have
been checked to date and at the current rate those removed from the rolls will
exceed 100,000, and

Whereas printed instruction, explaining this policy change of the Veterans*
Administration have not been issued, this new policy being distinguished by the
use of the term, "medical principles," and

Whereas survey teams are sent from the Washington office of the Veterans*
Administration to the many field offices to impart verbal instructions ; individual
claims files are called to Washington and the adverse decision rendered there
affects the benefits of many other wartime disabled veterans, and

Whereas the Washington office of the Veterans' Administration has called all
regional office adjudication officers to Washington for a period of instruction,
and have admitted that the review of claims of wartime disabled veterans is
in compliance with Recommendation ]Sfo. 69 of the report of the Bradley Com-
mission, and

Whereas the rating boards at the regional offices of the Veterans' Administra-
tion are now hesitant to approve the claim of any veteran on war-incurred
disabilities, the new theory of "medical principles" providing a tool for arbitrary
denial, and

Whereas if the Veterans' Administration was sincere in its program of correct-
ing alleged "errors," it would also review the claims of wartime disabled veterans
previously denied, and .

Whereas the Veterans' Administration at Washington proposes a complete
revision of the rating table to evaluate disability, 132 pages of material having
already been issued with recommended changes, and

Whereas the drastic reductions being proposed are shocking and would ma-
terially reduce or discontinue payment of benefits to the war combat veterans,

Whereas the ratings for muscle damage from gunshot wounds and other causes
are to be slashed, along with most other disabilities and to qualify for total dis-
ability the service-connected condition must be. so serious that the veteran be
"housebound," with similar reductions and eliminations of compensation across
the board, and

Whereas the considered changes are said to be based on "medical advances
but actually are the result of pressure from medical associations, the Bureau of
the Budget, and the report of the Bradley Commission, with military pressure,

Whereas if the present recommendations are carried to a conclusion, the
number of wartime disabled veterans receiving benefits will be reduced to a mere
token, and the beginning of the end of this Nation of ours meeting its obligation
to the war's wounded and disabled among the enlisted personnel, and

Whereas no effort has been launched to interfere with the high rate of retire-
ment to the disabled career officers, it appearing that the laws enacted by the
Congress of the United States no longer apply to the Veterans' Administration :

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans at its 36th annual national
convention, charge the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs with violating his oath

222 TB3RTY-SIWE!NT^ NATIONAL REPORT

of office in scrapping Public Law 144 of the Congress of the United States and
replacing the law with recommendations of the Bureau of the Budget, medical
groups, and military pressure in the conduct of reviewing claims of wartime
disabled veterans ; and be it further

Resolved, That we charge the Administrator with a violation of the moral code
of decency in his proposal to destroy the present rating schedule and to replace it
with evaluations that are grossly inhumane ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans appeal to the Members of
Congress to cause an investigation to determine the Administrator's fitness for
office ; and be it further

Resolved, That we request the Members of Congress to enact legislation that
-will "freeze" the present or 1945 rating schedule and prohibit any change in the
evaluation of disabilities of wartime disabled veterans, without the approval of
the Congress.

Comrade SOUTHARD (continuing) . Delegates, before making a mo-
tion I would like to know if any delegate wishes to challenge the
authenticity of any statement in that resolution.

Assuming that we are not voting on somebody's imagination, as
chairman of the rehabilitation committee, I wish to state that the
committee unanimously recommends this resolution to your convention.

Comrade IT. T. BIGGS (California, chapter No. 32). Second the mo-
tion.

Comrade SOTJTHARD. I didn't make a motion.

Comrade BERNARD R. JORDAN (Tennesse, chapter No. 2). I am not
making a motion, I am just questioning one point in that resolution.
You made the statement that the Bureau of the Budget, American
Medical Association, and others was forcing the Administrator to do
this. As an employee, an appointed officer, I don't feel that removing
or condemning the Administrator is going to help our cause and,
therefore, I feel that that clause recommending the removal of the
Administrator be taken out, that the rest of it will go through.

Comrade SOUTHARD. The clause does not recommend the removal of
the Administrator. I will read that again. I don't want any part
of this if it is not O. K.

"Be it further resolved, that the DAY appeal to the Members of Congress to
cause an investigation to determine the Administrator's fitness for office."

There is no charge that he be relieved.

Comrade 1. 1. KURKAN (Washington, D. C., chapter No. 5). With
reference to the statement made here that the reason for the reductions
are based on medical advances, I would like to ask a point of infor-
mation, whether or not anything can be done to prove the advancement
because the claimant if he arranges for outside medical authority in
other words this seems to be given an arbitrary judgment by the
Veterans' Administration and doctors of the Veterans' Administration
are judging whether or not there are medical advances. That is my
point of information.

National Adjutant COKBLT. We don't understand the point.
m Comrade EJCTRHAN. Why we would allow the Medical Administra-
tion of the YA to be arbitrary in their judgment. Whereas we can
get that opinion from outside expert authority, medical authority.

Comrade SOTJTHARD. He wants to know where the Administrator
got his permission to do that.

Comrade, now was your question raised to determine who instructs
the Administrator to make these changes ?

Comrade KURHAN. Not only who instructs him but why they allow
him to make these.

DOCSlABUBD AMERICAN VETEKAaSTS 223

Comrade SOTJTHAKD. That is a good question. The comrade raises
the question, now I am quoting from the letter signed by Mr. Percival
Brundage, Director of the Budget, and the letter is addressed to the
Honorable Harry F. Byrd as chairman of the Finance Committee in
the, Senate. And the date of the letter is June 27, -1957. Among
other things in the letter, it states :

Tfce President directed that the agencies concerned make a most thorough and
searching study of its recommendations, and indicated his intention of submit-
ting a message to this session of Congress outlining his recommendations

but, he went on, in view of the pressure of business he couldn't do it.
. Now in the same letter, he says :

In 1955 the Veterans' Administration began a revision of the Schedule far
Bating Disabilities to assure that it would reflect the current level of medical,
economic, and other scientific knowledge. This revision, based on the existing
statutory standard of average impairment of earning capacity, is now proceeding
with the President's approval.

Does that answer your question ?

National Adjutant CORBLX. Comrade Commander, I'd like to ask
a question of the chairman. And in asking the question, express a
view. The purpose of this resolution, as I understand it, is a sincere,
studied effort on the part of the committee, with the advice of many
service officers and many members of this convention, to correct the
circumstances that you have found in the Veterans' Administration.
That is correct, isn't it ?

Comrade SOUTHABD. Yes. m .

National Adjutant CORBLTT. It seems to me if that is the objective
of the resolution that we might be weakening the position that we
stand for here at this convention by the inference that we do not
believe the Administrator qualified. Now maybe he is not. I am not
debating that question. But it seems to me when you have resolved
your question there, that it would be much more appropriate to the
situation to ask Congress to determine the validity of your charges and
provide for the necessary methods of correcting these inequities if our
charges are found proved, than it would to determine the efficiency of
one man. I think it would be accepted a whole lot better. If-then,
they found our charges were true and they saw that it is advisable to
change Administrators to correct the thing they would have some
power in doing it. But if they are merely to determine the fitness of
the Administrator there is no assurance given us that his successor
would be a bit better than the present man.

Do you see my point ? __ '

Comrade SOTJTHAKD. I see your point, Mr. Gorbly. You know I
haven't made a motion yet.

Comrade KENNETH EOBET (Dayton, Ohio, Chapter No. 9). I can
understand what our fine national adjutant is saying. However, as
the submitter of the resolution to this convention, it is my belief that
if this resolution is passed, if we have any power in the national
organization that this will bring it to the attention of a congressional
committee and it will be investigated. Not-just Mr. Higley but the
Veterans' Administration in general. This is not meant as a resolu-
tion particularly for Mr. Higley. This is trying to cure all the
ills and evils that have been found in the present Veterans' Adminis-
tration setup.

224 THIRTY-SIEVENTH: NATIONTAIJ -REPOKT

Eight now the policies that are being set in the Veterans' Adminis-
tration have completely ignored the laws on compensation or ratings
and if it continues, the policies that are being set today, we will have
to live with, particularly we younger veterans, for 25 years. Now, is
the time to try to do something about it* Therefore, Mr. Chairman,
I am making a motion to this convention that we go on record as
adopting this resolution in its entirety.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON (Buddies Chapter, Texas, No. 11). P. D.
Jackson, Buddies -Chapter No. 11, Dallas, Tex., takes great pleasure
in seconding this motion and state to other delegates that we received
a copy of that other resolution and it was adopted verbatim by Bud-
dies Chapter and we have about 600 copies and I can get them down
here if anyone of the delegates wants them.

Comrade JESSE CARL HAJLL (Alabama, Chapter No. 1). Hall of
Chapter No. 1, Tuscaloosa, Ala., wishes to state as a member of that
committee, we sat there and weighed that very carefully. Every
statement, one by one, was taken up and what alarmed us more than
anything else, every statement over Veterans' Administrative signa-
ture was told to us to be incorrect. They were not correct, but the
Veterans' Administration acknowledged the fact that there was their
statement and their signature. So it was our opinion that the in-
formation that was available to the Disabled American Veterans
was correct and now that they have been challenged on that statement,
claim that they were incorrect. If our legal documents submitted
for public scrutiny are incorrect when someone is challenged, what
is the use of having public documents ? And we submitted this reso-
lution on public documents available to us. And as a member of that
committee I wholeheartedly urge you to support this resolution 100
percent.

Comrade AJJBERT DANIELS (Ohio, Chapter No. 25). Mr. Com-
mander, and delegates of the convention. It is my honest and sincere
opinion that this is no time for quibbling so far as the interests of the
wars disabled are concerned. It is time that we make a stand with
reference to these men and women who are unable to be here todav
to forget ourselves.

I sat in on the hearing of the rehabilitation committee with four
of the representatives of the Veterans' Administration present in-
cluding the Chairman of the Beview Board. Please believe me, the
statement by Comrade Southard that they were unable to refute 1
claim, 1 paragraph if you please in that resolution, is as true a state-
ment as was ever made. The truth about it is, delegates, several of
them were proven over the signature of Mr. Stone who, I understand,
II a + T 1 Ad ? ainist 1 r ator of the Veterans' Administration. And
the truth about it is there were things contained in that resolution
that are unmistakable. This resolution didn't come out of any radical-
S J Ca T,i? U ^f thor ?^ investigation, men and women, of sev-
eral offices of the Veterans' Administration, and 40,000 already stricken
from the Payroll. It is more than that. We have good reason to
believe it is 45,000 and it is going up to a 100,000 and'probably more
if somebody doesn't take a definite stand in behalf of these men and
women who are disabled by reason of war service. Since the adoption
of this resolution at Toledo, Ohio, I have information here ?rom

S'JSSS S UrC?S *" at i eaSt ne f the ^J' * veteran rganiz
tions following us in national convention is going to adopt this same

DOBABLED AME-KTCA3ST VETE-RAOSTS 225

resolution. Here is a letter from, the immediate past department
commander of the American Legion of Illinois : "The Cooke County
Council at Chicago representing 65,000 Legion members has adapted
this resolution in toto."

I don't want to take any more of your time "but I say this- to you,
in conclusion. You adopt this resolution, you adopt it and for the
wars' disabled 2 or 3 million of them all over America, the DAV will
stand out like the morning sun as their protector. [Applause.]

Comrade FRANK GARRETT (Cincinnati, Ohio, Chapter No. 1). Gar-
rett, Cincinnati No. 1, calls for the question.

Comrade R. DALE WORK (past commander of Department of In-
diana) . I would like to say I attended the Ohio State convention. I
heard this resolution read on their floor. I felt so strongly about it
I took it back to the Department of Indiana. I mailed it out to my
entire executive committee and they approved it unanimously i We
strongly urge you to adopt this thing, get behind it and go.

Second Junior Vice Commander WENTWORTH. All in favor, signify
by saying "aye."

Contrary ?

The "ayes" have it by unanimous vote. [Applause.]

Comrade SOUTHARD. Comrades, that concludes the report of your
convention rehabilitation committee. And before I request a release
of that committee I want to again express my appreciation and I
think I represent every delegate in this xxall, that your national com-
mander was fair enough and democratic enough to permit a dis-
cussion and a meeting of the minds and a debate all the way through
before this resolution was either rejected or put on the floor. Now
I don't know of any fairer thing that has ever occurred and I just want
to assure the commander of our understanding and appreciation.

And at this time I would like to request that the committee be
released:

National Adjutant. CORBLY. I move that the conxmittee be dis-
charged- with a vote of thairks, Corbly, Cincinreafctif No.. 1.'

Assistant National Ad jutamt v FEIGHN-ER. , SeiCdnd-rthe inption.

Comrade JAMES CLINGNER (Ohio, Chapter No. 1). I would like to
ask what happened to Resolution No. 411.

Second Junior Vice Commander WENTWORTH. There is a motion on
the floor. Are you ready for the question ?

All in favor, signify by saying "aye."

Opposed, "no."

The motion is carried.

Comrade JAMES CLINGNER (Ohio, Chapter No. 1). I would like to
ask what happened to Resolution No. 411, Cincinnati's resolution.

National Adjutant CORBH.T. After a committee is discharged, any
proponent of a resolution may ask what disposal was made of it.
That is why Jimmie Clingner asked for the floor but he was not in
order until the committee was discharged.

Comrade SOUTHARD. No. 411, this was a proposed resolution, the
resolution was rejected. The committee did not see fit to recommend
this resolution to the convention.

Comrade CLINGNER. Is it in order for one of the makers of the reso-
lution to talk to you about that ?

Comrade SOUTHARD. The committee has been discharged.

226 TBHRTT-SOEV-EOSPTH: NATIONAL REPORT

National Adjutant CORBLY. As a point of information to the con-
vention, under your rules when the committee has been discharged,
and this committee has been discharged, the proponent of any resolu-
tion rejected by the committee is privileged to ask that that resolution
be read and that the convention give it consideration.

Comrade CLI^TGNER. I respectfully ask that Resolution No. 411 be
read.

Comrade SOUTHARD (reading) :

BESOLTJTION No. 411

Whereas the rehabilitation of our disabled comrades is the first concern of the
Disabled American Veterans, and'

Whereas it is the express purpose of the national rehabilitation commission of
the Disabled American Veterans that resolutions be adopted recommending and
directing that all types of healing service be made available for disabled
veterans, and

Whereas there is proof of a demand for chiropractic service by veterans out-
side of Veterans' Administration hospitals ; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans sponsor and vigorously sup-
port specific legislation to the end that, whenever any person is entitled by law
or regulation to receive medical care by or through the Veterans' Administration,
he shall, if he so elects, have the right to receive chiropractic care and the
Veterans' Administration shall make available the services of qualified chiro-
practors on an out-patient basis,

Second Junior Vice Commander WENTWORTH. What is your de-
sire?

Comrade KENNETH KEHRT (Cincinnati, Ohio, Chapter No. 1). I
wish to speak on that resolution.

National Adjutant GORBLY, Has to be a motion first.
. I Comrade KEHRT. I move that we accept this resolution in its en-
tirety.

National Adjutant CORBIE. The motion would be to adopt the reso-
lution in its entirety.

Comrade KEHRT. I restate my motion that we adopt this resolution.

Comrade EDW. GAFFORD (Kentucky) . Second.

Junior Vice Commander WENTWORTBC. You have heard the motion.
Is there any discussion ?

All those in favor, signify by saying "aye."

Contrary, "no."

The motion is lost.

Comrade GEORGE WCLDRIDGE (Buffalo, Chapter No. 1). I request
the reading of Resolution No. 360.

Comrade SOUTHARD. I do not have 360, Would the delegate ex-
plain the nature of that resolution ?

Comrade WrLDRiDOE. The delegate has Resolution 360 and with
your permission, I will read same.

Second Junior Vice Commander WEKTTWORTH. Kindly clear the
aisles and let's hear this thing. Bring it up here and let the chair-
man read it.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Wrong committee. That particular
resolution pertains to the finance committee and dues report and the
finance and dues committee has not reported yet. When they have
reported then you will be entitled to present that one, if they don't
take action on it. . ' J

Comrade WILDRIDGE. Thank you very much, Comrade Commander,

DISABLED AMEBTCAN -VKEERAMS 227

Comrade LESLIE HUNTER (Department of California, Chapter No.
135). I would like to know if Resolution 368 on the extension of the
on-the-job training program was read in that first report and I would
like to determine if it was read and approved or if there was another
similar resolution as to the extension of apprenticeship on the on-the-
job training program which we feel in the State of California is
highly important since there are so many veterans.

Comrade SOUTHARD. The rehabilitation committee is charged with
considering the responsibility of all resolutions regarding rehabilita-
tion and that includes training. I could save you a lot of time because
the resolution proposes that we request an increase in training allow-
ance under Public Law 550, where the present ceiling is $310 a month,
to have that increased to $350 a month. Now, Comrade, let me give
you the reasoning of the committee.

You see, Public Law 550 does not refer to disabled veterans. It is
for able-bodied veterans and the constitution of the DAV specifically
states that we are limited to sponsoring legislation for the disabled,
vou know, the service-connected disabled. Now this type of resolu-
tion, taking care of Public 'Law 550 which is open to any veteran
otherwise qualified, not disabled, it should be handled in some other
organization that caters to that type of problem. That is the think-
ing of the committee. . .

Comrade HUNTER. Let me give you a Up on that. In following
through on that type of legislation there are presently 37 disabled
veterans under that program in this one area alone and there was
13 percent of 10,000 of the disabled of California that were disabled
that came under this program. So I,am very^ happy that we did get
through the department of the American Legion and V J5 YV. *

Vice Commander WENTWORTH, That is where it

Comrade HENRY RIVLIN (Pennsylvania, Chapter No. 22). Now that

the committee has concluded its reports and been discharged I move

you, Comrade Commander, that the rehabilitation^comiinttee be dis-

charged with a rising vote of thanks for a tremendous 3 ob that they

. did at this convention and what they did for the comrades that are

Junior Vice Commander WENTWORTH. That has already

o ie committee has been discharged but the com-

mittee was not given a rising vote of thanks and I so move you, Com-
rade Commander. . . _ .

National Adiutant CORBLY. I will second the motion.

Second Jmiior Vice Commander WENTWORTH. Will the delegates

Pl TTheconvention rose to applaud the rehabilitation committee

Comrade MILTON K. WILLIAMS (Nebraska, Chapter No. ' 0-
to ask for unanimous consent to present a F 68 ^ 1 ^
Americanism. Before I stop for your decisio n I uW li
you that it originates in Kansas City c^aptOT, simed ^ fte ^w
City chapter commander, endorsed and signed by the St. Louis Chap-
ter No. 1, endorsed and signed by the Department o V W ^' ^fbv
and signed by the Department of Nebraska, endorsed and signed by
the Department of Kansas, unanimous.

228 THIRTT-SIEVEEFTH NATIOISTAJL. REPO-RT

Comrade FRANKLIN TECATER (Colorado, Chapter No. 7). Point of
information. I would like to know whether it has been endorsed
and signed by the committee on Americanism or not.

Comrade WILIJAMIS. M it had been before the committee on Ameri-
canism properly, I would not be presenting it now.

Comrade TBCATER. Bring it up next year. I object.

National Commander BTTRKE (now presiding). Objection is heard.

National Adjutant^CoRBLY. Comrade Commander, point of order.
Frariklin Tha/yer objected to the Convention' lisibeniiig to it and it takes
unanimous consent. You cannot hear it.

National Commander BTJKKE. Under the rules of the convention,
you outlined them and you know it. This resolution should have
gone to the Americanism committee. It did not go. I recognize you
for the purpose of getting unanimous consent. You did ^not get
unanimous consent. Therefore the resolution cannot ~be read.

Comrade WILLIAMS. The resolution did go to the Americanism

National Commander BURKE. The Americanism committee is fin-
ished.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Comrade Commander, under t/he rules,
also, if it had been (before the committee on Americanism, it was in
order to ibe -brought on tihe floor by the proponent immediately follow-
ing the discharge of the commitrtee. Otherwise it must have unani-
mous consent.

Comrade WILLIAMS. Thank you.

National jOommander BURKE. The Chair recognizes now for the
purpose of the jr&port of the committee on medical treatment and
hospitals, Una We#herfoy, secretary of the committee;

Comrade UNA WETHERBY. Delegates, the following are resolutions
whidh we accepted :

RESOLUTION No. 437

Whereas the House has a Veterans' Affairs Committee ; and
Whereas the Senate does not : Therefore be it

Resolved, That the United States Senate form a Veterans' Affairs Committee
to determine needs of vetenans for the future.

RESOLUTION No. 395

Whereas Illinois rentes laHmxng the highest of States in veterans population :
and

Whereas Chicago, 111., is the hub center of .not only the State of Illinois but
of the United States as well, and shortly will 'become, .the largest Toaedical center
in the world ; and

Whereas a veteran with service-connected tuberculosis in this area must either
go to a Veterans' Administration Hospital at Madison, Wis., or the State of
Illinois Tuberculosis Hospital in Chicago for treatment ; and

Whereas medical reports indicate that the tubercular veteran can be effec-
tively treated in his own community ; and

Whereas the tulbercular veteran patient is far from home and unable to visit
with his family and friends, which is not good from a psychological and medical

Resolved, That the Veterans' Administration be prevailed upon to establish
a tuberculosis center here in -the Chicago area, and more esipeciallv within the
vicinity of the Chicago Medical Centex-. ocuiy witnin rne

RESOLUTION No. 39O

Whereas former members of the Armed Forces permanently retired for tahysi-
cal disability are entitled to hospitaliaation (including domiciliary eare) and
medical and dental care by the Veterans' Administration; they are not eligible

DISABLED AMERICAN VETE-BASTS 229

for outpatient ti^eatanent in Veterans' Administraition facilities unless they have
filed claims with, th*r VA for compensation and are receiving compensation in
lieu of an equivalent amount of retired pay ; and

Whereas this retirement pay is for service-connected disability ; and many of
these veterans are in constant need of medication for their disabilities ; and

Whereas no outpatient service or clinic is available for these veterans at most
of the Armed Forces hospitals. And, in the few where it is available the distance
and cost of travel to the Armed Forces hospital makes it prohibitive to the veteran,
bec&use^ tfcege .hospitals will not issue a supply of medication in quantity to extend
over a period of time, and

Whereas the confusion in receiving two checks from the Government based on
the same disability ; there is also an added hardship on the veteran in being called
for examination for a service-connected disability which has already been de-
clared of a permanent nature by the Armed Forces, also the possibility of delay
in receiving corrected checks caused by the possible change in compensation rating
by the Veterans' Administration : Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans representatives cause the
Veterans' Administration to change its regulations pertaining to outpatient treat-
ment of veterans, retired for physical disability from the Armed Forces ; in order
that these veterans may receive outpatient treatment in the same manner as now
accorded them for hospitalization of a service-connected disability; without an
election to receive compensation from the VA in lieu of retired pay from the
Armed Forces. Also, that the Armed Forces again certify to the Veterans' Ad-
ministration, all eligible veterans retired for physical disability, as this certifica-
tion was discontinued after passage of the Career Compensation Act; and be
it further

Resolved, That the above shall in no wise be used to penalize or hinder the
veteran from applying for compensation from the VA, when it might be to the
veteran's advantage for a possible increase in compensation.

RESOLUTION No. 353

Whereas war veterans with compensable service connected disabilities are
presumably handicaped by limitation of employment opportunities and therefore
In their abilities to build up reserve funds out of which to take care of the financial
costs involved for hospitalization and treatment of some non-service-connected
disability, for which they are eligible in a Veterans' Administration hospital only
if bed space is available and only if the veteran signs a statement that he cannot
afford to make payment personally of the cost of hospitalization ; and

Whereas any war veteran with a compensable service-connected disability
might well become further handicapped by reason thereof by any delay in procur-
ing needed hospitalization and medical treatment for some other non-service-
connected disability, to his own possible future loss and that of his family, and
possibly resulting in an increased burden to the United States Veterans' Admin-
istration in the future : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved ty the Disabled American- Veterans in Annual National Convention
assembled in Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 2957 1 That we do hereby urge the
President and the Congress of the United States to enact a law in effect to pro-
vide that any war veteran with a service-connected disability shall have the right
to be extended needed hospitalization and medical treatment for any non-service-
connected disability, at the cost of the United States Veterans' Administration,
without any inquiry into his financial status, on the same basis as for a service-
connected disability, except that priority of hospitaliization and medical treat-
ment should be extended to those veterans in need thereof for treatment of their
service-connected disabilities.

RESOLUTION No. 329

Whereas compensable service-connected disabled veterans presently have no
priority for needed hospitalization for treatment of any non-service-connected
disability as compared with other war veterans who have no service-connected

ereasv compensable disabled veteran is presumably handicapped by
reason of his service-connected disability in earning a living and building up
an estate and should, therefore, have the mandatory right for needed hospitali-
zation in any Veterans' Administration hospital for the treatment of any non-
service-connected disability : Now, therefore, be it

230 TBHBTT-BEVENTCH: NATIWAL REPORT

Resolved. by the Disabled, American Veterans in convention assembled in
Buffalo N Y^ August 19-28, 1951, That we do hereby respectively request qie,
President and Congress of the United States to so amend the veterans law to
provide the Veterans* Administration shall provide hospitalization and medical
treatment for any service-connected, compensable, disabled veteran in need of
same as to any non-service-conneeted disability which he may have, on the same
basis' as if such hospitalization were needed for treatment of a service-connected

disability. ftrtrt

RESOLUTION No. 326

Whereas the Veterans' Administration is planning to evacuate the Veterans'
Administration annex at Fort Snelling, and " ..-,. .. .

Whereas the Veterans' Administration now has no domiciliary facility in
this area to care for such terminal cases as heart, cancer, arthritis, or other
lingering diseases, and .

Whereas it is believed that Fort Snelling annex can be converted into , a
domiciliary and nursing hospital at nominal cost: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, jf57, earnestly endorse and support the resolution
of Minneapolis Chapter to urge the Veterans' Administration to accomplish
such conversion in order that the many disabled veterans in this area who
are in dire need of such domiciliary care and are not forced to rely on charity
for such care that charity provides may receive the care and treatment that they
are rightfully entitled to.

RESOLUTION No. 309

Whereas there is a great need at the Minneapolis, Minn., Veterans Hospital
for additional beds for treatment and care of veterans suffering from disabilities
known as terminal cases, which consist of arthritis, vascular diseases, and
cancer conditions ; and

Whereas at the present time the Veterans' Administration hospital will treat
these cases for only a short duration and then discharge them to some charitable
home or to the care of their relatives ; and

Whereas we believe that this type of case should be adequately taken care
of by the Veterans' Administration because of the long period of hospitalization
needed with nursing and medical care ; and

Whereas the State of Minnesota has a veteran population of over 400,000
and at the present time general medical and tuberculosis beds at the Minneapolis
Veterans Hospital number about 800 ; and

Whereas this need for hospitalization for terminal cases is becoming greater
daily in view of the increased age of the veterans : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled tin
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-28, 1951, That we go on record asking that the Minne-
sota congressional delegation be requested to secure additional beds for this
type of case.

RESOLUTION No. 291

Whereas there exists in the Veterans' Administration system of hospitals
certain hospitals known as deans committee or teaching hospitals; and

Whereas certain doctors in these hospitals are there for the purpose of
learning and in many cases are studying certain specialties ; and

Whereas these student doctors are in general very unfamiliar with Veterans'
Administration regulations especially regarding the admitting and/or discharge
of veteran patients ; and

Whereas there have been repeated cases where these student doctors while
acting as medical officer of the day have turned veterans away from the hospital
even in the middle of the night because they did not know what the patients'
rights were and so they played it safe and refused admittance so they themselves
might not be scolded or criticized ; and

Whereas there have been repeated cases where these same student doctors
have discharged a veteran who should have remained in the hospital for a much
longer period and in some cases the veteran had to be rushed to another hos-
pital, in some cases civilian hospitals, and in other cases to United States
public-health hospitals, and in other cases to a distant Veterans' Administration
hospital ; and

Whereas these cited facts have in some instances jeopardized the veteran's
life : Now, therefore, be it

DOBABUBD AMERICAN VETE-RASTS 23l

Resolved byjhe Disabled American Veterans assembled in convention at Buf-
falo N. r., Auffu&t 19-23, 1957, That Congress through the national legislative
chairman of the DAV, be petitioned to enact such law to prevent other than
regularly employed doctors of the Veterans' Administration who are fully familiar
with Veterans' Administration regulations from serving as medical officer of the
day in any Veterans' Administration hospital where they may be required to pass
on the admittance or discharge of a veteran at a VA hospital.

RESOLUTION No. 101

Whereas, under existing laws relating to veterans, veterans are eligible for
hospitalization for tuberculosis, neuropsychiatric conditions, and domiciliary
care, with certain specified limitations ; and

Whereas it is impossible to follow the above-mentioned program due to the fact
that the Veterans' Administration has failed to provide adequate facilities and
operating funds in the State of Montana so that veterans in need of treatment
for tuberculosis, neuropsychiatric conditions, domiciliary care, and general medi-
cal care, can obtain necessary treatment promptly in Veterans' Administration
facilities in Montana ; and

Whereas the Montana veterans' plight has been recognized by the citizens of
Montana, the Montana State Legislature, and by Montana's Congressmen in
Washington, D. C. ; and

Whereas it is unreasonable for the Veterans' Administration to continue to
fail to recognize this critical hospital situation ; and

Whereas the Veterans' Administration has indicated that they do not intend
to take any action relative to this problem in the near future : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, Tliat the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-23, 1957, recommend that the President of the United
States and Montana's Congressmen take immediate action to again call Mon-
tana's hospital situation to the attention of the Veterans' Administrator, Harvey
V. Higley, and recommend, that immediate action be instigated to start the build-
ing program for adequate Veterans' Administration hospital facilities in Montana.

RESOLUTION No. 87

Whereas it has come to the attention of the Disabled American Veterans through
the records of the press that the American Medical Association and other organi-
zations have called upon the Congress to enact such laws as are necessary to end
the free medical care now received by the veterans in veterans' hospitals for
nonservice-connected cases, and

Whereas only a short time ago the said American Medical Association did solicit
and receive help from the various national veterans' organizations to defeat a
bill creating socialized medicine, and

Whereas under the plans advanced by the American Medical Association it
would be impossible for hundreds of thousands of service-connected veterans
to receive proper medical attention for nonservice-connected disabilities, as a
very small percentage of such veterans are financially able to finance such
proper medical attention now received : Now, therefore, belt

Resolved, Tliat the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N. Y., August 19-2S, 1957, through their national director of legisla-
tion, urge that if and when such legislation as suggested by the American
Medical Association, or any other organization, is introduced for passage that
we request our Senators and Representatives to oppose passage of such legisla-
tion. .

RESOLUTION No. 54

Whereas the Fort Logan facility is not at the present time being put to any
good use and there are buildings available that are suitable for a Veterans'
Administration domiciliary ; and

Whereas therb is a critical need for this type of bed between California and
South Dakota, and there is no domiciliary home in this area ; and

Whereas the establishment of a domiciliary center would affect a large
financial saving, since the cost per day-patient in an acute G. M and S. hos-
pital is approximately $15 to $18, whereas the average daily cost per patient
in a domiciliary unit is approximately $3.50; and

20331 58 4.6

232 TEDIRTY-SIEVEOSTrH: iNATIOONTAIj REPORT 1

a demand for beds- of tMs'type" throughout this 'ekt&teit&rea**

, competent staffing could be made . available if such a unit were developed ;

and ' ---- ----- * ..... - - .^, .-..-.-.... .,.,,.

Whereas the VA is also experimenting, at the VA hospital, Los Angeles, in the
Tehabilitation of individuals over 60 years of age, who are now domiciled in
domiciliary barracks, and this could be proposed as a similar unit with the same
type of program being instituted in this area ; and

Whereas the establishment of a unit of this type would free active hospital
"beds --.of- chronic cases, and these patients, in turn, could be adequately cared
^ :1 U-

WJiereas previously recommended bed capacities for such a unit at Fort Logan
were : Domiciliary, 400 beds ; convalescent, 150 beds ; and

Whereas the hospitals served by Fort Logan domiciliary would be Denver,
<Cheyenne, Albuquerque, Grand Island, Grand Junction, Lincoln, Phoenix, Salt
Lake City, and Wichita, whose domiciliary patients would more than maintain
a 500-bed capacity at Fort Logan at a saving in hospital care of over $2 million
. year : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, N; Y., August 19-83, J057, urge the Congress to pass legislation creating
such domiciliary- facility at Fort Logan.

RESOXTTTION No. 48

Whereas there is, as yet, no provision by regulation or by law for hospitaliza-
tion and medical care of disabled members of the Armed Forces who have retired
thereby and who receive all of their retired pay from their respective service
(unless they are on active duty) in any civilian hospital or from any civilian
physician, and

Whereas the Veterans' Administration flatly refuses to furnish outpatient
medical care in the way of medications, hospitalization, and physicians on the
well-known "hometown" plan, to any disabled and retired member of the Armed
Forces, who receives all of his retired pay from his respective service, anfl

Whejeas the Veterans': Administration will furnish hometown ,cara:jfco any
distffei^d* veteran with as little as 10 percent disability, and who receive compen-
sation from the VA for service-connected disabilities, and

Whereas the VA will furnish such hometown care to disabled members of the
Armed Forces, who are retired therefor, and will waive a portion of their Armed
Forces retirement pay and receive in lieu thereof VA compensation, and

Whereas to make such a waiver of a portion of retirement pay and receive in
lieu thereof VA compensation, would necessitate much redtape and would entail
much expense on the part of both the service and the VA and, of course, the tax-
payers, and would result in the retired disabled member of the Armed Forces
receiving 2 different checks from 2 different sources, which heretofore has
caused administrative errors and delay in pay and which heretofore has caused
mixups in payment of NSLI by allotment delays, and

Whereas by simple administration ruling or by law, the disabled retired mem-
ber of -the Armed Forces could, and should be entitled to hometown care by the
VA in emergency, at least for service-connected disabilities-, without the necessity
of having to make any waiver of service retirement pay : Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled at
Buffalo, -N. Y., August 19-23, W5f, urge each Member of the Congress to .make
such provisions as outlined above for hometown medical care of disabled retired
members of the Armed Forces for their respective service-connected disabilities
for which they were retired, or for which they can establish later on as being
service connected without having to make any waiver of their service retirement
pay, and without having to be in receipt of compensation from the Veterans'
Administration.

RESOLUTION No. 30

Whereas it has come to our attention through the records of the press that
the American Medical Association and other organizations have called uoon the
Congress to enact such laws as are necessary to end the free medical caVe now
received by the veterans in VA hospitals for non-service-conneeted cases and

Whereas only a short time ago the. said American Medical Association did
solicit and i receive help from the various national veterans organizations to
defeat a bill creating socialized medicine ; and &""* nun* LO

Whereas under the plans as advanced by the American Medical As^o
it would be impossible for hundreds of thousands of veterans ^t^rec^te

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEUA3STS 233

medical attention as a very small percentage of such veterans aire financially
able to finance such proper medical attention as now received : Now, therefore,
be it

Resolved, "by the Disabled American Veterans in convention assembled, at Buf-
falo, N. Y., August 19 to 23, 1951, That if and when such legislation as sug-
gested by the American Medical Association is introduced for passage, that we
request our Senators and Representatives to oppose such passage.

Comrade WETHERBY (continuing). We move the adoption of this
report.

Comrade MILDRED FISHER (Phoenix, Chapter 'No. 1). Second the
motion.

( The motion was put to a vote and carried. )

Comrade WETHERBY. At this time I would like to request the dis-
charge of the committee members on medical care and hospitalization.

jComijacte EBEA-KKLIK TH-A^R .(.Colorado, Chapter No. 7) . I so move,

>Gomrade HERMAN LEE (Massachusetts, Chapter No, 12). Second
the-motion.

(The motion was put to a vote and carried.)

National Commander BURKE. At this time the Chair takes pleasure
in presenting the past national commander of the Disabled American
Veterans, chairman of the dues and finance committee, to make its
report and I am going to ask the delegates to sit down so we can hear
this report.

The sergeant at arms will either get the people in that want to get
in or seated down.

I take pleasure in presenting to you Howard Watts.

Comrade HOWARD WATTS (finance and dues committee) . National
Commander, distinguished guests, and delegates, the finance and dues
committee have "met and after considering all resolutions which were
presented to the committee, have favorably passed the following two

resolutions :

RESOLUTION No. 212

Whereas it is extremely difficult to obtain satisfactory greeting cards for
presentation, to sick veterans in a hospital or at home and to obtain appro-
priate expressions of sympathy to relatives of deceased veterans ; and

Whereas if such cards contained the insignia of the Disabled American Vet-
erans it would tend to publicize the value of organization to promote comrade-
ship : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the national department of the Disabled American Veterans
be urged to take such -action as will be-necessary to provide suitable cards with
expressions of comradeship or condolences at a reasonable cost to the individual

chapters.

RESOLUTION No. 282

Whereas it has been brought to the attention of this chapter that several of
our members who were partially paid life members and in good standing and
are now deceased, received no permanent identification similar to the fully paid
life membership gold card ; and

Whereas several wives, parents, or families of our departed comrades have
inquired whether national headquarters has some type of permanent identifica-
tion for these departed comrades, that can be kept by the families in memory
of their departed loved ones ; and a . *,.,,

Whereas membership in the Disabled American Veterans is an outstanding
honor and we feel it is appropriate and fitting that some means be provided
for recognizing those partially paid life members in good standing who pass
away prior to becoming fully paid life members : Therefore be it

Resolved That a suitable card, similar to, or the same as a fully paid life
member be made available by national headquarters to the widow or next of
kin, upon request, in memory of these, our departed comrades.

234 THIBTT-StoVBSNTH: JSTATIOOSFAL REPORT

The convention finance and dues committee also referred five reso-
lutions to the national finance committee for final disposition.

The finance and dues committee made a study of the audit of the
administration finance committee and approved such audit.

The finance and dues committee was given an explanation and re-
port on the DAV Service Foundation by its executive secretary, Mr.
Rice, and copies of the financial audit were given to each member and
this committee recommends its approval.

The committee on finance and. dues was given a satisfactory expla-
nation by the assistant national adjutant, Mel Corbly, on the operation.
cost, and maintenance of the airplane owned by the DAV, in which
he stated the operational cost of the airplane for attendance of meet-
ings and. business normally carried on by the staff of the DAV at an
overall annual cost of about the same amount as would be incurred
by other means of transportation namely, about $15,000 for in
carrying out the duties expected of the national staff of the DAV and
also in the attendance of meetings, but with a considerable saving of
time and also enabling the national staff to give a greater coverage
of department conventions.

The committee recommends that a careful study be made by the
national organization in the possibilities of changing the departments
and chapters to a calendar year and that such findings be brought
before the next national convention.,

^ The committee recommends that at each subsequent national conven-
tion that each member of the finance and dues committee be given
copies of the auditor's report.

The committee concurs with the permanent national finance com-
mittee in advising the national adjutant to cancel the contract with
the firm which promoted the TV programs, and further recommends
that the permanent national finance committee give careful study to
any further proposals involving any subsequent risks.

During its several sessions the convention finance committee had the
benefit of the constant consultation of from 2 to 4 members of the per-
manent national finance committee, by whom they were advised as to
the budget for the current calendar year ending December 31 1957
showing an overall anticipated income of $2,008,000, and an overall
expenditure of $1,915,000, thus showing a surplus of

The principal items of such total income are as follows :
Idento-Tag net income __ ___________ _ __ __ *

National per capita tax, profit on sale^of merchandlse"and"otbe7mis- '

cellaneous income-, _____________ __ Kn o ^^

Appropriation from DAV Service Founda~tfonIIII__IIIIIII"II 500) OOO

Total --------- 2 QQS, 000

. J^asmuch as no additional appropriations can be expected in the
mimediate future from the DAT Service Foundation, m view of the
tact that its surplus funds have been greatly reduced by its aggregate
appropriations of $3,240 000 for rehabilitation purposes dwi?tS

anticipated net income for 1958 would be

tdi + v T . reasure show expense, our 1958 ex-

iW Tvlo ? W " ld? n S 16 - sam * b asis as 1957, be reduced to $1,665,000,
thus resulting in an anticipated deficit of $157,000

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 235

Unanimous in the belief that the DAV should face all realities, your
convention finance committee recommends that the national per capita
tax should again be increased from $1 to $2 per year ? effective as of
July 1, 1958, with the proviso that out of increased income thereby
obtained, each DAV national service officer be given an annual salary
increase of at least $200. If such proposal is adopted, as we most
emphatically believe this convention should do, that would result in
an increased income of about $123,000, on the assumption that 90
percent of the per capita tax is collected by December 31, 1958. The
deficit at that time would thereby be reduced to $64,000.

Your committee wishes to point out, however, that it is entirely
within the realm of possibility, if not probability, that administrative
expenses can be further decreased, and that the net income from the
Idento-Tag project will undergo a substantial increase.

The net income from Idento-Tag was increased from about $313,-
000 in 1955 to about $750,000 in 1956, a net increase during the last
year, as compared with the previous year of about $440,000, more than
100 percent increase.

Comrade SIDNEY SILLER (past departmental commander of New
York) . Point of order. Mr. Commander, do I understand the re-
port to read that there will be an additional dollar increase in per
capita tax ?

Comrade WATTS. It is a recommendation.

Comrade SILLER. Well then, Mr. Commander, I might comment.

It is my belief

National Adjutant CORBLY. Comrade Commander, as a point of
order, discussion on the report is in order after the report has been
completed and a motion is on the floor. Then you can interpose your
objection.

Comrade SILLER. Then I ask for the floor at the immediate con-
clusion of the report.

National Commander BURKE. Request will be granted.
Comrade WATTS. The national finance committee has therefore been
quite conservative in its estimate that the net income from the Ident-
o-Tag project will probably reach $1 million this year, [^our
convention finance committee joins in their hope that such $1 million
Idento-Tag income figure will be substantially further increased
during 1958* This however is something that we cannot bank on.
There are too many uncertainties and unknown factors. Therefore,
your convention finance committee has arrived at its conclusions on
the basis of the assumption that the Idento-Tag income during 1958
would be at least the same as is anticipated for 1957, namely $1 million.
Here is an important thing I think everybody should listen to.
If DAV membership were increased by only 11 percent during 1958,
then the budget would be fully balanced by December 81, 1958. That
isn't very much of an increase we are asking, 11 percent over this
Nation should be gotten very easily. If our proposal that the national
per capita tax be increased from $1 to $2 is approved by this con-
vention, surely it should be possible for all of us collectively to in-
crease DAV membership by at least 21,335 during the compg year.
There are very potent reasons why, with an anticipation of increased
activities along membership solicitation lines, our overall member-
ship could be increased by several times that number.

236

THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

These two possibilities for further increasing DAV income also
hold forth the promise of providing further increases in the too. low
salaries of the lull-time national service officers of "the DAY. Their
rehabilitation services constitute the primary reason for the con-
tinued existence and further development of the DAV, our voice of
America's disabled defenders.

Anticipated 'budgets

Ending
Dec. 31,
1957

Ending
Dec. 31,
1958

Income:

$1, 000, 000

$1,000,000

508,000

508,000'

"DA.V Service Foundation appropriations - -

500,000

Increase in-per capita tax ,.

123,000

Subtotal ^ --

2,008,000

1, 631. 000

With 21,335 more members at $3 per member

64,000

Total _

2,008,000

1, 695, 000

Expenses:
General expenses __ _

1, 665, 000

1,665,000

"FTiclclfffi, Tr^ftsurQ show

250,000

Increase in national service officer salaries. __

30,000

Total. _-__

1, 915, 000

1, 695, 000

Excess - -_.

93,000

Deficit

64,000

The chairman and secretary of the finance and dues committee wish
to thank all the members of the committee for their fine cooperation,
all the members of the administration finance committee ; to Mr. Rice,,
executive secretary of the Service Foundation; to Mr. Mel Corbly t
assistant national adjutant; and Mr. Willard Hall of the national,
staff, and all others who have helped' tfae cpmmitteein- diacharging.the
resolutions and problems which, were, considered^ hy this committees
The o#aifcittee especially wishes, to thank Mr. .MeFarland of the na-
tionalvfkiance committee for his constant attendance at the meetings
and his advice given to this committee.

Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the finance and dues com-
mittee report, and the dismissal of the committee.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON (Buddies Chapter, "No. 1, Texas) . Second
the motion.

National Commander BTJRKE. Motion made and seconded ; the na-
tional adjutant rises for a point of information.

National Adjutant CORBLY. This is a report of the convention
finance and dues committee. The report is a recommendation to
various bodies, primarily to the convention, secondarily to the na-
tional finance committee. And in the third place to the constitution
and bylaws committee of this convention.

If you adopt this reporrt, you are not increasing per capita tax.
You are merely adopting a report and recommendation that per
capita tax be increased.

Why would I try to fool the convention? If you listen to me I
think you would concur.

National Commander BTJKKE. The chairman requests order.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETE'RAOSF'S 237

National Adjutant CORBLY. All of you pull out your constitution
and bylaws and you will find in the bylaws a provision which states
that national per capita tax is $1 and that there shall be a service fee
of ' $1. And the only way that you can increase per capita tax is by
amending your constitution and bylaws for that provision. Conse-
quently your debate and your argument on the proposal should be
when the constitution and bylaws committee gives its report this
morning. Yesterday mornin^the constitution and bylaws committee
gave a preliminary report. The committee did not recommend an
increase in per capita tax, but it did give a minority recommendation
for an increase of per capita tax. All I bring the point of informa-
tion to you for is to save time and help you reach your conclusions,
not for the purpose of stampeding you, or hoodwinking you.

National Commander BURKE. Sidney Siller, No. 23, New York.

Comrade SIDNEY SILLER (New York, Chapter No. 23). Mr. Com-
mander, officers of the national department, my comrades, I think that
we have just heard a report which embodies a proposal which I think
is quite important not only to every member of the Disable American
Veterans but to the national service officers particularly, and I rise at
this time to speak not only in behalf of the national service officers
but in behalf of all the chapters of our great organization.

It seems to me that a tax raise at this time will result in an income
of one hiindred and thirty thousand-odd dollars to the national treas-
ury. I would like to ask two pertinent questions of the chairman or
the commander or the national adjutant if he will, or whoever sees
fit to answer these questions, namely, how many national service offi-
cers do we have at the present ?

National Adjutant CORBLY. One hundred and forty-eight.

Comrade SILLER. And how much will the sum total salary increases
and increment total ?

National Adjutant CORBLY. Again a point of information. Your
national organization operates under the desires of the convention
insofar as it is possible. The finances of the organization under your
bylaws are in the hands of the national fpance committee. The pro-
posal that is in this report is a convention committee report which
recommends, as I understood it, a minimum salary increase of $200.
That is not a limitation of $200. It was a minimum. They cited to-
you budget figures which in their judgment were such that they could
give at least $200.

The> matter, of course, cannot be resolved by this convention or by
the committee. It has to be resolved, if passed, bv the national
finance committee. And there is no one who can tell you what the
national finance committee will do until after the finance committee
has been formed. Under our bylaws the national finance committee^
cannot take action until your election is over, a commander is elected,
and he has appointed 2 members of the national finance committee,
thereby giving him a majority expression on the finance committee
together with the 2 holdover members of the finance committee.

From the standpoint of an adjutant, I am not in a position to
answer your questions because it has not been resolved and we .have
not -been given instructions as to its application or implication, if"
passed and referred to the finance committee.

Comrade SILLER. Money has no earmarks. I then asked whether-
or not the aggregate of 130,000-odd dollars will be specifically ear-

238 TH'IRTY-SIEiVEQOTH: NAOTOGSPAL REPORT

marked and placed in escrow for the use of salary increases for our
national service officers.

National Adjutant CORBLT. Comrade Commander, that cannot at
the present time be answered specifically by anybody. But, if I were
adjutant I would recommend to a national finance committee that it
not be earmarked and placed in escrow for any particular purpose.
You have to have money to operate a business. I have been asked a
question and please let me answer it. You have 800 employees. You
have 148 service officers. There is not a man in any administration
that I have been with that has not leaned over backward to do every-
thing that they could for the service officers. But there are also other
problems. The majority of our workers at national headquarters,
almost your entire Idento-Tag operation, are working for $1 an
hour, the minimum wage, and in that group you have some super-
visors, some college trained men, some executives and some adminis-
trators who are working for far less than national service officers
are. I don't think when you are dealing with an organization of
this nature that you can single out a particular segment of operation
and earmark money for it, particularly when you are operating on
a shoestring and you have deficits at the end of the year. Thank God
we had the Service Foundation during the last 4 or 5 years to provide
us the money, the wherewithal to take care of the service officers and
also some other activity. All of their money went to service, all of
the $3,200,000, but in going there it did relieve Idento-Tag moneys
and other sources of revenue to carry on the other operation.^

You asked us to economize and we have economized almost to the
extent that it is possible to do. You can't maintain a definite overhead
and operate unless you have the wherewithal to pay for that opera-
tion. And there are certain things that must be paid.

First we have got to pay the salaries of our employees. We have got
to have those employees at national headquarters or you can't have
the Idento-Tags in the mail to get the wherewithal to furnish the
bulk. We have been in a rather peculiar position. As disabled vet-
erans and members of this outfit we have been very glad and thankful
and appreciative of the generous contributions of the general public
to the welfare of our ^organization and its purposes, and at one time
not too long ago the citizens of this country contributed money to the
extent that we had a net 1 year of $2,700,000. The net this year
approximated $800,000. But on the other hand, as members of our own
organization, we are not assuming our own responsibilities in the
degree that the organization used to. Prior to 1945 the membership
from this organization, its dues at that time were $2 each, paid 80 per-
cent of the overhead cost of the organization. Today you are paying
20 percent of your overhead cost of the organization. We are the type
of an organization or a business or a corporation or whatever you
might describe, which is not in a position to raise the price of our
product in conformity with the constant raises in the costs of our
supplies and materials. As postage goes up, as the cost of paper goes
up, as the cost of secretaries and labor go up, as the cost of supplies
?i U ?L We sti ^ get ^ e same tomg 8 that we were receiving back in
1945 from per-capita tax, from service fee, and our contributors still
send the same amount of money. The 50 cents they sent in 1941, the
^5 cents they sent in 1942, or the dollar they sent in 1943. The service
that we give, which is one of our products, is given for nothing and

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEUANS 239

there is no way that you can realize revenue with which to pay for it
except through the generosity of the public we go to.

We should take the attitude, in my 'judgment, if earmarking of
money is a necessity, of earmarking the money that our own members
put into this organization to pay our administrative costs, and put the
contributions that we receive from the public and earmark it for
service, it would give us a better opportunity and make our public
relations job much better if we could say to the public, this money that
you are contributing is used for the services of our organization. To-
day we have to say it is used for the legitimate purposes of our organi-
zation. . .

There is not much difference between administration and service
because without one you couldn't have the other. In the instance of
administration were it not there you couldn't have service and if you
didn't have service, you wouldn't have any reason to raise money.
This is a fraternal body, an organization which was created out of
the minds of your predecessors, your grandfathers, in an effort to do a
job for a disabled people and you know the greatest drawback to
doing that job is the fact that you and I do not assume the fullest of
responsibility that is within us in making it possible for us to do that
job. There are 3 million men eligible for membership and we closed
this year with 196,500 members. A militant, aggressive program on
the part of you people, utilizing the same spirit that you used in this
convention in attempting to correct the inequities of the. Veterans
Administration directed in the field of membership, could bring reve-
nue at the present rate of per-capita tax great enough to finance our
entire project and make it unnecessary for us to make Idento-lags. ^
I have been with you a long time and I have been with you pri-
marily because I love this outfit. I love the people who make it up.
I carry out your instructions. I was asked a question and 1 thinJ
there are some times when it is advisable to tell the stockholders about
the stock they hold. You are privileged at any time to change ad-
ministrations, to change policies, to change the rules that govern your
convention and to change your constitution and bylaws, and until
vou do all those things there is not much to be accomplished by boomg
me because I am just a poor, little, old, paid employee. I apologize

f CoS comrades, I have been standing

here so long I almost forgot what I was about to say. v

National Commander BURKE. The Chair points out he has been
lenient with the delegate. He has spoken four times ^^f^^

Comrade SUJLER. Then I shall come to the point. I believe the
materiality of the issue here is per capita rise, a dollar a head, in
relationship to salary increases for service officers at a minimum o

tor move at this time that the report of f.
commander, rfoward Watts, be amended to read that if ^e delegates
here vote to increase the per-capita tax that those^moneys be laid in

? B. o g*

second to the other amendment if that is what you are speaking on
- Comrade STANOHITBU). I am not speaking on the amendment.

240 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

National Commander BURKE. I am waiting for a second to the
amendment.

Comrade C. T. SANDALL (District of Columbia, Chapter No. 1).
Second the motion.

Comrade WM. G. KOHLAN (Minneapolis, Chapter No. 1). I am
speaking in favor of the motion for this reason : The DAV has one
project to sell; service to the disabled by our national service officers.
You go out to the public, the public is interested in the DAV. Why ?
Because you represent the disabled veterans. I don't care what the
administrative costs of this organization are, the fact is that this
organization was organized for one purpose, service to the disabled,
and when we forget about that factor we are forgetting what we are
here for.

I am speaking as a grassroots representative. I came 1,079 miles.
I am not going back from this convention and say I failed my
obligations as a delegate. We know what the sentiments are. It is
true that they have administrative costs but we can definitely earmark
money for our service officers because of the fact when I go back to my
membership, they say, "What did you do for me?" I can say, "My
organization represents disabled veterans."

"How do we represent them ?"

"W^ represent by having fellows like Frank Monnahan."

It is told to you that you as the people speak for the disabled of this
'Country, the delegates and their chapters throughout America. All
right, I was very happy to hear that. We are not an organization
that comes from the top and centers down from the bottom ; now I
find it starts at the bottom and goes up.

You have a duty. If you don't fulfill your duty then you are wast-
i n g" your time here and are not fulfilling your obligations to your dis-
abled comrades. I belong to the DAV because I represent other dis-
abled who can't be here today and if I don't come up and speak, when
I hear statements coming in this category, then I feel I have wasted
my time for the last week. I am not going to waste my time anymore.
The DAV has to be a militant organization and it has to go forward
and we have to go forward by being of service. And how are you
going to go forward ? We can do it by earmarking the money. If you
don't earmark the money and earmark it for a good cause, then all the
money you have raised is a waste down the drain.

Now fellows, there is a good motion, we can mandate the national
finance committee to get on the ball to earmark this money for a good
-cause, and they should follow our recommendations.

Comrade FLOYD MTNTG (past national commander). Floyd Ming,
from Bakersfield, Calif., member of the finance committee. I think a
lot of people in this room enjoyed with me a very good convention in
Boston. I was given the privilege of representing this organization
for a wonderful year, and certainly during that year I met and talked
with most of our national service officers and those in the field and
those in the Washington service office, and I doubt if any national
service officer present today would say but that we have attempted to
get an increase in salary commensurate with a cost-of -living increase.
But as a member of the finance committee, may I point out this just
for consideration ? It is unfortunate that in a convention the size of
ours that all members present don't have the opportunity to sit through
the sum of l4^/ 2 or 15 hours that was spent by your national

DISABLED AMERICAN VETEBANS 241

.'finance and dues committee at the convention. I think, had you had
the opportunity to do that some of these questions that have been
:raised and some of the answers that have been given would have al-
ready been a part of the knowledge that each one of you have. And
rafter you had all this .knowledge I am sure you would have found this
.and certainly the anticipated budget and the working budget of the
DAV from year to year is set and the national organization, service
;and administrative, including Idento-Tag, make every honest at-
tempt to follow it. But you would find by scanning the sheets that
projected through next year if we mandate the entire increase should
this convention decide to raise the per capita tax $1, you will find
that it 'is quite possible that we might be giving to all of our national
service officers of whom I am certainly in favor of giving an increase
and am spokesman for them, but you might find yourselves in the
position of having to pay them each year the increase and they might
have to wait 3 years for your regular salary.

I am not being facetious now, Commander, and not attempting at
this time to debate with my noisy friends behind me, because they had
a representative, Nick Cachianes. Nick sat on the committee, from
New York. Nick didn't report back or I wouldn't have received his
boos. I can remember when I went into New York and didn't receive
'boos, so apparently at this time they are misinformed. So again I
.ask all of you in this convention to consider if you attempt to earmark
or mandate an entire appropriation you are going contrary to good
practice for the reason that in figuring out and working out an overall
budget it might well be that a portion of this money will be needed
to meet the regular salaries because of a deficit. Those who say no,
please come over next year and sit with us for hours and hours in the
finance committee and you wouldn't be saying no. You might find
;thatlDy doing that you limit your operations to the point of having to
say, "So many service officers have to go."

Now we have never done that in this organization, I have looked
l>ack through the history. I am a comparatively new member, I have
had the pleasure of being a life member of the DAV for 13 years.

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I be-
lieve there is a Tule in this -convention that speakers are limited to a
certain amount of time and I request that the rule be adhered to.

National Commander BURKE. The point of the delegate is well taken
that there is a limit of time. Floyd, if you will summarize as quickly
;as possible.

Comrade MING. Quickly, the only reason I am taking any time,
fellows, is this : Certainly I don't want to monopolize this convention^
because I want to come back on a more timely or pleasant topic than
this. I only want to point out ; please avail yourselve of the informa-
tion that is given at the time we consider this point. Consider it, be-
cause it is most imperative that the Disabled American Veterans gets
itself in a position of operating each year in the black. ^ Certainly this
minor contribution upon the part of the membership will tend to
create a situation of operating without a deficit. Now if you are
going to give raises we must then certainly be in the position to
operate.

Comrade NICK CACHIANES (Amputation, New York). The point is
this, this is true, I didn't vote in favor of that resolution and I

242 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIOOSPAOJ REPORT

apologize to my delegation for doing so. The members of that com-
mittee could tell you that I asked many, many questions regarding
the whole finance report. However, I stupidly did not make an issue
of it because a member of our delegation was a chairman of that com-
mittee and for that I apologize.

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I wish
to ask a question on this. We have an amendment here to a report
from the finance committee. Is that correct ?

National Commander BURKE. We have an amendment.

Comrade HAROLD. Assuming this amendment is adopted, and the
report is accepted that does not raise the per capita tax. It still has
tojbe voted on by the constitutional change which will require a two-
thirds vote. So I would like to suggest if they will only cease talking,
I think the delegates know how they are going to vote and if we
accept this amendment we accept the report and then we work on this
thing. But it comes up in the constitutional committee and I am sure
under that program we will tell the constitutional committee how we
personally feel on this.

National Commander BURKE. The Chair points out that the dele-
gate from Massachusetts is entirely correct. This cannot be finally
culminated until the constitution and bylaws committee reports. On
the amendment which was offered by Siller of New York, it still has
to come up under constitution and bylaws. That is. the only change.,
The point can be made we can be democratic and argue about it all day
long, but we are going to face the same thing when the constitution
and bylaws report is given.

Comrade SEYMOUR LEFTON (New Mexico, Chapter No. 3) . Point of
information.

National Commander BURKE. I want to point out right now we are
not ready to accept the report yet. We are only talking on a proposed
amendment.

Comrade SIDNEY SILLER. I would like to ask whether or not the
constitution and bylaws committee at this convention has been dis-
missed or not.

National Commander BURKE. No ; the report is out, Sidney, after
this. They can only report out after the finance and dues committee
report and that is why I am telling you, you are going to argue this
whole thing all over again then. Vote on your amendment one way
or the other.

Comrade HOWARD WATTS. I would like to point out that we recom-
mend to the constitution and bylaws committee, we are not making a
motion, we are recommending to them. They are the ones that will
bring it to the floor. If you listened to what I read you heard me say,
We recommend." So why all of this now when you are going to have
to do it all over again?

National Commander BURKE. If you want to work off steam we are
a democratic organization. I have made my point, now I will recog-
nize some more people. But sooner or later you are going to have
to vote this thing again.

Comrade HENRY Ernj^ (Liberty Chapter No. 22, Pennsylvania).
I believe that the original motion was to accept the committee's report.
Ine amendment to the motion, as I understand it, was to earmark the
money. I believe, to clear the atmosphere, I would amend that we

DISABLED AMEftTCAST VETERANS 243

accept the report of the finance and dues committee, except that por-
tion dealing with the increase in dues, and let that come up under the
constitution and bylaws committee report.

National Commander BJJRKE. The Chair points out we can accom-
plish the same thing by voting on the amendment and then voting on
the main motion.

The Chair recognizes the center microphone.

Comrade MILLARD W. RICE (past national commander). I am a
past national commander. I have credentials as a delegate from the
Minneapolis chapter and also credentials from the National Service
Chapter 9 of the District of Columbia.

During my absence, the fifth district elected me a member of the
convention finance committee and I served on the coirimittee to the
exclusion of attending these sessions the last 3 days. I believe I have
a unique background that puts me in the position of saying that I don't
think there is anybody in the organization that has any keener interest
in the welfare of the national service officers of the DAV than I. I
had my start as a volunteer service officer in Minneapolis for some
time and was appointed part time on $125, then a so-called full-time
service officer and then I had my pay discontinued completely, because
of lack of funds, by the national organization. So I know what I
am talking about.

I also served as national service director of the DAV for a number
of years. It so happens that I was the author of the resolution that
put this convention on record that our primary contribution to the
emergency program of the Nation should be to provide needed service
to disabled veterans from the Armed Forces, It so happens I was
a party to convincing some 400 handicapped veterans to train for
the program of becoming national service officers and I very keenly
feel, very, very keenly feel, the necessity for providing for them
adequately.

But I also believe in looking at reality. I was a party to the report
that has been submitted by this committee. I do wish to call your
attention, in all frankness, if you should adopt this particular amend-
ment to the report of the convention finance and dues committee, you
are doing something that will in effect reduce what might otherwise
be provided for the national service officers because we have recom-
mended that the constitution be amended to be effective as of July 1,
1958, so that nothing, nothing whatsoever, could accrue in a separate
fund until after that if you adopt this particular amendment.

^ IT I " i *.. ^ 1 1 i Til

On the other hand,
it be as it is, it's only

convention finance and u .

adopt the amendment to provide for an increase in national per capita
tax of $1, then we urge, we almost insist, that at least a salary increase
of $200 a year should be provided for put of that."

Now, if that is followed then the national finance committee project-
ing forward the budget until the end of 1958 could grant that increase
almost as well as at the beginning of the next year because they can
then anticipate. But if you adopt the amendment which you now
have before you and segregate it only for that purpose, you don't start
the segregation until July 15, 1958, so you are doing exactly the oppo-
site of what you want to do.

244 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

But the important thing is to face realities. The DAV has had a-
deficit in its operations for several years. We want to stop it. As a
matter of fact, it has to be stopped because there is no longer any-
reserve either in the DAV or the DAV Service Foundation, because
you can't get blood out of a turnip and that is what your convention
finance committee desires to do in recommending this.

My appeal to you is that you accept the report of the committee,.,
then this particular thing won't mean anything unless you subse-
quently decide to adopt an amendment to. the constitution to increase
the per-capita tax to this particular amendment. Otherwise, you are
working against your own interest in trying to provide adequately for
service officers. There are other ways by which I, for one, hope and
pledge myself to work far beyond the $200.

Comrade LEO LALLEY (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I have
been listening to the Chair, to the national adjutant, to the past na-
1 commander, Millard Rice. I have distinctly heard

tional commander, Millard Rice. I have distinctly heard him say
accept the report of the committee. I believe the original motion
was to adopt, or did I hear Mr. Corbly say the last couple of days
you must accept and not adopt? Therefore, this whole thing is out
of order.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Comrade Commander, also a point of
order. The reports of your permanent chairman of committees like
the director of claims, chairman of the finance committee, the national
adjutant, and others, you accept them and refer to committees.

Now you are acting upon the legislative channels of your own con-
vention and you adopt or reject their recommendations.

National Commander BURKE. I recognize the microphone on my
left first.

Comrade MILES DRAPER (Tampa Chapter, No. 4, Florida). I am
asking for 'information in behalf of others who, like myself, are fully
paid life members.

I believe that the cost of our life membership was originally figured
on an actuarial basis based upon the amount that is taken out each
year to pay our National, State, and local per-capita tax.

Now if we take put an additional $1 per member out of the life
membership fund for each life member, or an additional national per-
capita tax, will that upset the actuarial basis to the point of where
it upsets the program ?

National Commander BTTRKE. I refer the question to the national
adjutant.

National Adjutant CORBLY. The proposal and the recommendation
of the finance committee is that this be applied only to annual mem-
bership. The trust, life membership fund, could not be changed
insofar as its application is concerned without another amendment
to the constitution and bylaws. So that is why they gave you figures
of $130,000 revenue rather than $200,000 which would include life
members.

Comrade DRAPER. I think then that the adoption of this proposal
would be a great incentive for members to all Ibecome life members.

Comrade CHARLES C. COUPE (New York, Chapter No. 82)., Every-
body is telling us this is an "if" proposition. If it is such an "if*
proposition why not accept it? How come our good Past Commander

DUSABLiED AMERICAN VETEUAN& 245

Ming starts the tactics that are always used, "there won't be any

money"

National Commander BURKE. Let me point out one thing. I want
to hear what you have to say and I recognized you but I am going to
ask your indulgence in one thing. If you want to argue the question
as to what Ming said, don't refer to him as "using tactics." Refer
to fxis arguments.

Comrade COUPE. Words; if you want to be picayune, I will be
picayune. We always point to the fact that we give service, we raise
pur money on that basis. When there is a lack of money a statement
is made that maybe the fellows will have to take a cut or lose their
jobs. How come there is always money for projects which lately
seem to be losing money? Here we are asking for money and all we
are asking that you do with this money is earmark it for the men
that you are always happy to put on our letterheads that furnish the
services to the veterans. And for this reason I move that the amend-
ment even though it is an "if" proposition, be adopted.

Comrade LAURIER LAMONTAGNE (department commander of New
Hampshire) . At this time I want to amend the amendment. I would
like to ask a question of the chairman of the finance committee first.
If we do adopt the amendment, and then after the amendment has
been accepted we have to accept the committee report, and the per-
capita tax is voted down even so, if it has to be referred to another
committee, doesn't this report recommend a raise to the service of-
ficers?

Comrade HOWARD WATTS. Not without the increase in per-capita

tax because we don't have the money. There is no finances to do it*

What we are trying to do is get finances so we can give them a raise.

Comrade LAMONTAGNE. Then I believe at this time I would like

to May I have permission to speak in opposition to the amendment?

Comrades, at this time I want to say this. Here is my reason why
I am opposing the present amendment which is now before you to
be ^voted on. I did not want to take the floor and talk either way
but personally I believe that coming from a small department that
New Hampshire would be faced with a very serious problem when it
comes to the amount of membership. I would like to give you an
example of what it is, especially where there are chapters m our coun-
trv in New Hampshire you can buy a hamburger sandwich tor 20
cents but if you come down here you have to pay almost 4:0 cents for
that sandwich. Now here we have a small department. I am telling
vou that if it is possible that the per-capita tax will be raised, it would
be a serious problem for New Hampshire to increase its membership.
Now I am being frank. We are working very, very hard to in-
crease our membership and I know very well if we do this nationwide
in increasing the membership that the finances would have plenty of
funds to take care of it, but 1 am telling you if we accept the amend-
ment that is now before us that certainly >he small departments are
SXr to be faced with that problem of losing members and I mean it
g So at this time I would Rke to move that the present amendment

National 11 ldtent CORH. Point of order, Comrade Commander.
National Commander Buna. The Chair points out to the delegate
that he spoke on the question. I want to recognize this microphone-
over here.

246 THIRTT-SiEiVEOSfTH NATIONAL REPORT

Comrade ROBERT C. GONZALEZ (Florida, Chapter No. 23). I think
that all the delegates seated here know exactly what we are voting on
as far as the amendment is concerned. I think they know exactly
what we are voting on as far as the main motion is concerned. I think
they all know that this will not in any way bind us that we are going
to have a raise in per capita tax. I see no further reason for any
further discussion and I move you, sir, and call for. the question.

Comrade T. M. McCuLLOUGH (Alabama, Chapter No. 4) . Second
the motion.

Comrade JESSE CARL HALL (Alabama, Chapter No. 1). I move
that we table all amendments to the constitution, I mean the finance
and dues committee's report, I so move.

National Commander BURKE. There may be other amendments to
come after this one.

Is there a second to the motion ?

Comrade EDWARD HOFFMAN (Michigan, Chapter No. 1). I second
the amendment to the motion. I mean I second the motion to table.

National Commander BURKE. The question is not debatable. The
motion is made and seconded that the amendment be tabled. All in
favor ?

Opposed ?

The Chair will call do you understand what you are voting on?
You are voting that the amendment be tabled. The Chair will ask
for those who wish to support the tabling of the amendment to stand.

Comrade SILLER. Point of order.

National Commander BURKE. The motion in the judgment of the
Chair as far as the Chair sees it, the motion to table has carried.

Comrade JOHN VICAT (New York, Chapter No. 28) . Can an amend-
ment table a resolution? May we ask the judge advocate to answer,
to rule?

National Commander BURKE. The only thing you will get from
the judge advocate while I am in the Chair is an opinion. The Chair
will make the rulings because that is the way it goes.

National Judge Advocate HOFFMANN. Robert's Rules of Order pro-
vide that an amendment can be tabled but it doesn't table the main
motion. You are just tabling the amendment. Then we will vote on
the main motion.

^ Comrade NICK CACHIANES (Amputation Chapter, New York) .
Since you tabled the amendment I spoke on a point of information
once before.

Comrade SEYMOUR LEFTON (New Mexico, Chapter No. 3). At sev-
eral parts of the finance committee report

Comrade JOHN VICAT (New York, Chapter No. 28). I think it is
unfair of the commander to place this question before the judge advo-
cate and go on and listen to other delegates. We are stating whether
we are for or against what we are speaking on. Will the commander
please ask tjie judge advocate to read the section of Robert's Rules of
Order which will confirm

(Cries of "No.")

National Commander BURKE. The Chair points out he is not being
unfair. The vote was made in my judgment and certainly I don't
think, John, that you disagree with that. The motion carried for the
tabling. What do you want from me ? Since you asked me to get an
opinion of the judge advocate

AMER1OAK VETEUAN& 247

Comrade VICAT. You know the vote was not fair. Let me appeal
tlie decision of the Chair.

National Commander BTTRKE. For what purpose?
Comrade SIDOTIY SUTLER, Seconded by Comrade Siller.

National Commander BURKB. The decision

Comrade SXLUER, No. 1, you don't know who is a delegate. The
voice vote was close. No. 2 9 the motion to table was made for indefi-
niteness. It did not state specifically what it was to be tabled for.
The ruling of the judge advocate was erroneous because he did not cite
the specific section nor did he read it. He just, off the cuff, said it was
a proper motion.

Comrade NICK O. ISAACSON (Illinois, Chapter No. 2). Mr. Com-
mander

National Commander BTJRKJB. Are you speaking on the appeal?
Comrade ISAACSON. No ; I am not speaking on the appeal.
National Commander BTJTCKE. Then nold it until we get the appeal
over. The Chair will retire on the basis of the statement that has
been made.

Comrade IJEO LALLY (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I ask why
the commander is retiring from the rostrum ?

National Commander BURKE. Only because you are going to call
for another vote and in my opinion -the vote will be the same. If they
want to appeal a decision they still have to go through the ordinary
processes of appealing, which they haven't started yet.

Comrade LALLX. I don't believe, Comrade Commander, we wish you
to leave the rostrum. You are doing a good job and we want you to
stay there.

First Junior Vice Commander HJETALA (now presiding) . I recog-
nize Comrade Vicat.

Comrade VICAT. I wish at this time to withdraw the appeal.

Comrade ISAACSON. Mr. Commander

National Commander BTTRKE. I am going to recognize you, Nick,
the Chair wishes to thank the convention for the expression of
confidence.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETALA. Go ahead, Isaacson.
Comrade ISAACSON. It is my understanding to adopt the report of
the finance committee is now before the .house.

Comrade SEYMOTDTI LEFTON. Point of order. Point of information
for the third time. If that is the case, I had a point of information
and I was interrupted. Once again Seymour Lefton, Alberquerque,
Chapter No. 3. ' ' , x .

At three different times I heard a statement that the cost of tlie

Hidden Treasure Show was $251,937.52. I would like to know

wasn't this net loss? If not, what if any, was the financial return?

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. I will ask Past National

Commander Watts to answer that.

Comrade HOWARD WATTS. In the report read by Frank Buono the

other day he gave you the net cost, I mean pardon me, the gross cost

of $251,937.52. 9

Comrade LEFTOST. That was a net cost. Was there any return?

Did somebody send in one dollar?

Comrade HOWARD WATTS. My wife sent in two.

National Adjutant CORBLY. May I answer the question * .

20331 58 17

248 TEdRTY-SiEVEOSPTH NATIOQSPAX. REPORT

First Junior Vice Commander HEETALA. I will ask National Adju-
tant Corbly to answer the question.

National Adjutant CORBLY. The $251,000 figure was the gross cost.
That included the $55,000 prizes which have not as yet been paid.
We have the checks for the first 10 prizes with us, and since we have
been here We have received the names of the entire 410 winners. The
checks are being drawn at national headquarters and will be sent
Out just as soon as they come. That also includes the cost of the
prizes in the hospital contest which approximate $10,000; $63,000
was the return.

Comrade ISAACSON. Comrade Commander, I am bringing up a
matter that I consider important under the head of general privilege
because I did not wish to interfere with the debate on the important
matter referring to finance.

I wish to state at this time that at last year's convention, I pre-
sented a minority report of the finance committee which was duly
adopted by, as I recall, an overwhelming vote. To corroborate this
statement the report was duly published in our minutes. It referred
to the question of the $45,000 expenditure for public relations. Our
committee debated this matter at great length. There were those on
the committee who had considerable knowledge of public relations,
and there were those who had considerable knowledge of the public
relations firm which was involved in this discussion.

Now in view of the fact that this motion was duly enacted by the
convention but completely disregarded and ignored, by those respon-
sible for carrying out the effect of this resolution, I desire at this time,
under the heading of general privilege, to ask the Chair under what
section of our bylaws or constitution this resolution passed by the de-
legates of our convention was held in complete contempt and ignored.
First Junior Vice Commander HTETALA. I will ask Adjutant Cor-
bly again to answer Isaacson's question.

National Adjutant CORBLY. I am answering as secretary of the na-
tional finance committee. The recommendation made as a result of
Nick Isaacson's motion to the San Antonio convention which he pre-
sented as a minority report of the finance and dues committee, was
given consideration by the national finance committee at its first
meeting in Cincinnati, following the national convention.

The national finance committee in its report submitted to you Tues-
day morning had as a part of that report a statement to the effect that
two recommendations made by the San Antonio convention were such
that in their judgment and under the authority of the constitution and
bylaws, which tells them what their duties are, they were not in a posi-
tion and did not believe it advisable under the circumstances to put
either of the two recommendations into action.

Comrade ISAACSON. Comrade Corbly, I am sure you will yield the
microphone to me .now because that seems to be the essence of the ex-
planation. Is that true ?

National Adjutant CORBLY. To the best of my ability.
Comrade ISAACSON. Now then I want to call your attention to the
fact this was not a recommendation. It was a motion, it was concise
and it was without any complications so that it was easily under-
standable as a motion. And for that purpose I am going to read the
motion and I wish the convention to bear with me for just a moment :

DISABLED AME-RTOAJtf VETERANS 249

Whereas during the past fiscal year an amount in excess of $45,000 was ap-
propriated and spent f of the services of a public relations agency, and

Whereas the measure of improved public relations and publicity resulting from
this expenditure has been minimal, compared to the amount paid for material
and services, and

Whereas in view of the foregoing, this $45,000 appropriation if used to in-
crease salaries among our staff of 161 service officers, would allow a raise in their
pay of more than $24 a month for each such service officer, it being known that
this staff is not adequately paid for the highly important work they carry for-
ward : Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That this expenditure for public relations be discontinued, * * *."

Now that wasn't a recommendation. That was a resolution. Then
it continued :

That it be recommended to the national finance committee that the above sav-
ings of $45,000 be appropriated to augment the salaries of our national service

staff.

Now the first was a resolution. It was apparent to anyone on the
committee who read it, including two men who were not on the
committee who are members of the national finance committee, it was
an understanding that it was a resolution. The remainder was a
recommendation so far as the disposition of the funds. It made
known the opinion of that part of the committee. I want to say that
the minority report was actually half of the committee, there was a
tie vote. ^

Now comrades, under the heading of general privilege for all the
members of this convention because this is an important subject,
going deeply into the question of whether our resolutions mean any-
thing or not, I wish for an explanation. [Applause.]

Comrade ALFRED CHURCHTT.T. (Michigan, Chapter 3sTo. 5) . Do we or
do we not have a motion of our 195Y convention on the floor at the
present time? Is this other conversation not out of order ?

Comrade ISAACSON. Roberts Rules of Order states that general pri-
vilege is in order.

Comrade HOWARD WATTS. I will answer that, I ended by saying,
"Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the finance and dues com-
mittee report." It was duly seconded. Then the amendment came.
Then the amendment was tabled. And we are still on the motion to
adopt, or kick in the teeth this report.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETAXA. AU in favor of the finance
and dues committee report . .

Comrade FIJOTD GROOTHTCTS (Illinois, Chapter No. 28). .Point o
order. The comrade asked for an explanation that was not given,
Roberts Rules of Order states he is entitled to that privilege, he has
never been answered. .. ,.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETA^A. I still don't know it this

motion was carried.

That is not on this motion. That is out. w

Comrade MJXI^ARD RICE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of order.

If the convention refuses to adopt the convention finance committee

report it remains in limbo, as it were. As a substitute motion, I move

that the report be accepted and made of record in the convention

proceedings.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON, Second the motion. _

Comrade RICE. As a substitute motion for the one that has just
been voted on, I call attention to the fact that if you refuse to accept

250 THIRTT-SEIVEfNTTEC NATION'AiL EEPOET

report, the report remains up here in limbo some place. Nothing
happens to it at all. In lieu thereof, I move that the report not be
adopted or approved but that it be accepted and included in the con-
vention proceedings.

Comrade SIDNET SELLER. There is a request for an answer with
respect to the delegate from Illinois and I think that it should be
handled at this time.

; Comrade P. D. JACKSON. Point of information. As I sat here after
Comrade Isaacson asked a question, Comrade Corbly made the ex-
planation of the finance committee in San Ajitomo and he also
answered Comrade Nick Isaacson to the best of his ability. I thought
that was the answer.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETAT.A. The Chair would like to
have order. The Chair requests order. "We are here at a convention.
We are going to settle these problems as we come to them. We can't
Settle them if you become unruly. Isaacson has posed a question.

National Commander BOTKE. I was a member of the finance com-
mittee and under my responsibilities under the constitution and by-
laws, I looked at this matter that moneys cannot be spent by a con-
vention, They have to be spent by the finance committee. This rec-
ommendation was looked at, studied very carefully.

I made a speech here the other day in which 1 gave a report. It
seemed to me that at that time I discussed rather fully the values
of a public relations and a publicity committee. I said a lot of things.
No one took exception to my report at that time. I couldn't see, as
a member of the finance committee, that that money could be delegated
to the service officers. I don't think there is a service officer in this
room who could honestly say to me that I don't have their welfare
and. interests at heart. But the recommendation made to the finance
committee was not feasible and for that reason -

FROM THE FLOOR. The mandate.

National Commander BURKE. I say it is a recommendation to a
'finance committee because the finance committee is the only one who
can appropriate and spend money. You just gave me an expression
of confidence to return to this Chair. I was recognized, I am not in
the Chair, I am making my statement as regards the situation. I told
you I would place myself squarely behind the report. You were ask-
ing, in effect, if this resolution was adopted we would have no public
relations or publicity program. I outlined to you for a year what
that publicity program did. Now what will you accomplish by this?
Are you telling us now again that we don't need a publicity or a public
relations program?

Comrade ISAACSON. I am speaking on the question of general priv-
ilege and if you are putting the question over to debate I want to
present my side of it.

National Commander BURKE. I was recognized by the Chair and
I am speaking on the issue. Now, if you don't have a publicity and
public relations program, what do you think is going to liappen?

We can't carry the story of the DAY to the public as you want to
do, so why are you insisting in this colloquy of defeating vour own
purpose? & J

Comrade ISAACSON. The comrade commander who just spoke as a
delegate, I presume, in answering this question has. stated that the

DOCSlABIjED AMERICAN VETERANS 251

finance committee considered this question, and placed it in the cate-
gory of a recommendation.

I have read the resolution. It was not a recommendation. The
first part of the resolution was perfectly plain to everyone. It was
a resolution and it was enacted by a convention, and it mandated the
discontinuance of the public relations office in Chicago.

There are som^ of us who are thoroughly familiar with public re-
lations and we discussed the matter at length. We debatea it on the
committee and we came to that conclusion.

Now the only point at issue, it isn't the question now of whether
or not a good motion was adopted in 1957. And the commander rises
as a delegate to speak on a question, isn't asked to speak in that cate-
gory. I merely ask a question which is germane as to whether or
not this convention is as stated in our convention or whether some-
body else has a right to overrule the mandates of the convention as
evidenced by the manner in which this mandate was disregarded.

First Junior Vice Commander HJETALA. Comrade Isaacson, as fax
as I can tell, the national commander, speaking as a delegate, has ex-
plained to you as well or better than I could explain to you, the out-
come of that resolution last year.

National Adjutant CORBL.Y. Point of information, Comrade Com-
mander. Joe J&urke didn't speak as a delegate. He spoke and was
recognized as the national commander and member of the national
finance committee.

Comrade ISAACSON. I am going to let this matter rest, Comrades, but
I want to make one closing remark. The constitution of our organi-
zation as accepted by Congress states that the action of our convention
is supreme. Now, my understanding of supremacy or the word "su-
preme" means the final ; we have nothing higher than the Supreme
Court of the United States; we have nothing higher than supremacy.
If we are supreme and we enact a resolution and I don't think there
is any question about it being a resolution, because it states plainly
that it was and it is completely disregarded, it occurs to me that all
of our actions taken here by way of legislative or parliamentary pro-
cedure in the form of motions or otherwise can be completely and
contemptuously disregarded.

Comrade JESSE CARL HAUL (Albama, Chapter No. 1). May I ask
a question, please? My interpretations of the rules of the convention
are that no speaker shall be allowed more than 5 minutes on the floor
at any time and without a sizable majority will not be allowed to take
the floor the second time. So if we observe those rules of the conven-
tion from now on, we will accomplish our goal.

First Junior Vice Commander HTETATA. It is practically 2 o'clock;
we have a substitute motion by Millar d Rice that the finance and dues
committee report be accepted and filed. All those in favor, please
stand.

Comrade LEO LAULET (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). I do not
believe that that was the motion by Millard Rice, I believe his motion
was that if it were rejected, it would still appear in the minutes of
the convention.

Is Millard Rice still in the room ? State your motion, including the
limbo and all.

Comrade JOHN NOCERA (department commander of Ohio) .

252 THIRTY-SIEfV'E?NTH: NATIONAL REPORT

I Here at this time would like the Chair to ask for tlie noes on this

First Junior Vice Commander HIKI-AM- Millard Bice, will you
state that substitute motion? .

Comrade NOCERA, I would like to ask the Chair to ask for the noes
on this motion. ,

National. Adjutant COBBLY. A point of order and information.
Gentlemen, I presume you want to know what you are doing. The
chairman stated a motion. A point of order was called to the Chair
by Comrade Lalley, of Massachusetts. His point of order was ac-
cepted by the Chair, because the Chair made a mistakq in stating the
motion. And he asked Millard Rice to repeat his motion for your in-
formation before a vote was taken.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Millard Rice, will you give

your motion?

Comrade RICE. I need a little clarification. You first had a motion
to adopt ? Was that motion accepted or rejected ?

National Adjutant COKBLY. It was not voted on. It was voted and
the Chair couldn't make a decision.

Comrade RICE. The Chair made no decision about that, I rather
understood that the delegates did not want to adopt the motion.

National Adjutant CORBLY. No ; the Chair did not know what the
convention wanted.

Comrade WATTS. Comrades, as the chairman of this committee, I
would like to explain to you what happened.

I made a motion to adopt. It was seconded. It was called for by
voice vote. The Chairman did not determine whether it was a yea or
a nay acceptance.

He decided to call for a standing vote and Millard made a substitute
'motion and that is the motion that is now on the floor that the delegate
down here did not hear and wishes to have restated.

Comrade RICE. That being the case, Mr, Chairman, until the dele-
gates have had an opportunity to decide whether they want to adopt
it or not to adopt it, I withdraw the motion.

Comrade WATTS. Now your motion is to adopt the report of the
finance and dues committee. I made that motion. It has been made
and seconded.

Comrade NOCERA. Nocera, Department of Ohio. I want to remind
you that the Chair asked the convention for the yes vote and he did
not ask for a no vote. Therefore, the Chair didn't give any decision.
At this time, Mr. Chairman, I want to move that the paragraph re-
ferring to per capita tax be stricken from the record and be put on
the table and that the balance of the report be accepted.

First Junior Vice Commander HTETAI^A. You have spoken on the
original motion. Therefore, you cannot table.

Commander NOCERA. I thought I made myself clear. That the part
of the per capita tax, delete the per capita tax and accept the balance
of the report.

Comrade HENRY RIVKEN-. Second the motion.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETALA. All those in favor, gay aye.

Opposed ?

DTStABLE'D AMERICAN. VETEUA3ST& 253

The motion to accent the report was carried with the exception of
the paragraph pertaining to the per capita tax.

National Commander BUUKE (now presiding) . The Chair wishes to
state the parliamentary condition we find ourselves in at this time.
The amendment has taken out reference to the per capita tax. There-
fore, that has been stricken. It is now in order to vote on the original
motion. to

Comrade RICE. In view of the action taken by the convention, I am
going to make a motion. In view of the fact that all of this depends
on what the convention decides to do about an amendment to the
constitution to increase the per capita tax, I move that the question as
what to do about this report be deferred until after a decision be made
on the amendments to the constitution.

National Judge Advocate HOFFMANN. Comrade Rice, the conven-
tion just voted to strike out of the report of the finance and dues the
reference to an increase of per capita tax. It is not there now.

Comrade RICE. What do you mean, it is not there? We stiU have
the right to discuss the amendment.

National Judge Advocate HOFFMAN. The only thing before you now
is a motion to adopt the balance of the finance and dues report.

Comrade RICE. What are you striking out exactly?

National Judge Advocate HOFFMAN. Anything that has to do with
increase of per capita tax. But it doesn't defeat the bylaw provision
which will come up later and we will vote on it.

Comrade RICE. I reserve the right subsequently to bring up this
entire question after we have acted on the amendment.

National Judge Advocate HOFFMAN. That will come up anyway in
the constitution and bylaws report.

Comrade NOCERA. Mr. Commander, I thought I made it clear about
the amendment and acceptance of the balance of the report.

National Commander BTJKKE. You made it clear to the Chair. The
Chair knows that the only thing_ before us PLOW is whether the finance
and dues report be accepted or rejected as amended.

I will pose the question. All those in favor of adopting the report
of the dues and finance committee as amended, that means per capita
tax reference has been stricken out, therefore, all those in favor of
voting to accept the dues and finance report, say aye.

All opposed.

The ayes have it and it is so ordered.

(When put to a vote the motion carried. )

National Commander BTJKKE. The Chair will declare a recess but
not until we have given every committee a vote of thanks for their
report.

Comrade LEO LALLEY. Lalley, of Chapter 10, so moves that the
committee be discharged with a vote of thanks.

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). Second
the motion.

(When put to a vote, the motion carried.)

National Commander BURKE. The Chair will be glad to recess until
3 o'clock.

(Whereupon, at 2 p. m., the session wss recessed until 3 p. m. of the
same day.)

254 TmRTY-SEfVEQSPra NATIOOSPAiLi REPORT

FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
August 23, 1957

The sixth business session of the Disabled American Veterans' 36th
National Convention convened in the grand ballroom, Hotel Statler.
Buffalo, N. Y., at 3:15 p. m. Friday, August 23, 1957, with First
Junior Vice Commander Hietala presiding.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. Sergeant at armSj will yon
please see that our delegates get in the room ? Please be seated and
we will get the afternoon session going.

At this time we will call on the national Chaplain for the invocation
before we enter the business of the afternoon. Will you all rise?

National Chaplain PIOKETT. Again we assemble in Thy presence,
Bond Father, seeking Thy guidance, Thy direction as Thy children
who^ believe ^Thy promises, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

First Junior Vice Commander JHIETALA. At this time we will call
on Comrade Franklin Thayer, chairman of the credentials committee
who will make his final report. He has to leave in an hour or so, so
he wants to give his report.

Comrade FRANKLHST THAYER (credentials committee) . My final re-
port for the convention.

I am very happy to report that every chapter that is registered has
paid their indebtedness and there will be no chapter ruled out of the
privilege of voting because of any indebtedness to the national head-
quarters.

; Again, unless somebody insists upon my wading through this long
list of chapters and reporting those chapters who are not registered
who do owe some money to national headquarters, I am going to forego
that task and I will make the motion that the initial reading of the
rollcall be the final report of the credentials committee.

Comrade CLARENCE F. MURPHY (California, Chapter No. 39). Sec-
ond the motion.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETALA. The motion has been made
and seconded that the final report of the credentials committee be ac-
cepted. All in favor, say aye.

Opposed ?

So ordered.

( The motion was put to a vote and carried. )

National Adjutant CORBLYV Commander, I move the credentials
committee to be discharged with a vote of thanks.

Comrade BERT FLINT (Wisconsin, Chapter No. 60). Second the
motion.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. All those in favor, signify
by the usual sign. Opposed.?

So ordered. The motion is carried.

At this time I will call on the chairman of the constitution and by-
laws committee, Comrade Leo DeLapp of California.

Comrade LEO DELAPP (constitution and bylaws committee). Fel-
low delegates : We, as the constitution and bylaws committee, met at
two different times and read your resolutions to the bylaws committee

DISlABLiEB AMERICAN VETERANS 255

and came out with one to recommend to you for adoption in the
constitution and bylaws.

No. 415

Be it resolved, That article XI, section 6, paragraph 1 (p. 32), is amended to
read, as lollow.s : .

"Paragraph 1. Commencing with the 1958 national convention, and thereafter
during each even-numbered year, the delegates from each even-numbered na-
tional district, and thereafter during each even-numbered year, shall elect a
national executive committeeman and an alternate, whose term of office shaU
be for 2 years. At such convention the delegates from each odd-numbered dis-
trict shall elect a committeeman and an alternate, whose term of office shall be
for 1 year and, thereafter, during each odd-numbered year, such delegates shall
elect a committeeman and an alternate whose term of office shall be for 2 years
The National Blind Veterans chapter shall elect a committeeman and an alter-
nate at each convention whose term of office shall be for 1 year."

Article IX, section 1 (p. IT) , is amended by adding at the end thereof : "except
as otherwise provided by article XI, section 6, paragraph 1 of these bylaws."

All this does is to change your national executive committeemen to
a 2-year term, electing the odd-numbered district committeemen in
the off-numbered year and the even-numbered district committeemen
in the even-numbered years.

As this was the only one that was brought out of committee for your
approval, this will constitute the second reading, and the minority re-
port will follow afterward.

I therefore make a motion that Resolution No. 415 be adopted by
this convention and placed in the bylaws.

Comrade FLOYD CTROOTHINS (Illinois, Chapter N"o. 28). I will sec-
ond the motion.

Comrade CAKL NOTTKE (Michigan, Chapter No. 7). What is the rea-
son for changing to 2 years ?

Comrade DE!JAPP. Comrade, the discussion in the committee room
was they would have at least that way half the national executive
committeemen on the job who were holdovers for 1 year and knew
what was gjoing on and could speak with authority, and the informa-
tion and knowledge that they had carried over from the previous year,
and only half the committee that way would be new members. In
other words, even part of the top brass is brandnew sometimes on the
executive committee. This way you would have at least seven who
are back on for the second year and know what it was all about for
the previous year.

National Commander BURKE (now presiding). On the question.
All those in favor ?

All opposed?

The ayes have it. So ordered.

Comrade DRLAPP. At this time, Comrade Commander, I will read
a resolution from the minority report which I was notified to do.

That is the only one that was adopted, and now I will go into the
minority report. I was notifiedin the committee to bring this before
you as a minority report but as not recommended by the constitution
and bylaws committee. It was rejected by them, rejected by your
constitution and bylstws committee and will now be read as a minority

report for the benefit of those who want it read. It is 438. Here

^
it is.

256 THIRTY-SlEfVEaSPTH NATIOflSPAIj EEPORT

HESOLTJTION No. 438

Be it resolved, Article X, finances, section 3, paragraph 1, line 2, that the
figure $1 be stricken out and the figure $2 be inserted in lieu thereof ; be it

In line 3, strike out the date July 1, 1944, and insert in lieu thereof
July 1, 1958.

This resolution is from the finance and dues committee to the by-
laws committee,

This resolution is serious enough to come before the convention so
we, the finance and dues committee recommend to the constitution
and bylaws committee, for their consideration, the above resolution.

We further recommend provided that out of the increased income
thereby obtained the annual salary of each national service officer
shall be increased by at least $200 a year.

Comrade GROOTBXCJS (Illinois, Chapter No. 28). Move the adop-
tion of the recommendation of the constitution and bylaws committee
with reference to the minority committee report.

National Commander BU&KE. You move for its rejection, I under-
stand.

Comrade GROOTHIUS. No; I move for the adoption of the commit-
tee's report. The committee's report, as I understand it, was to re-
ject the resolution. I move to adopt the recommendation of the
constitution and bylaws committee to reject the minority report.

National Commander BURKE. Do I hear a second ?

Comrade PERRY DYE (Washington, Chapter No. 6). Second the
motion.

National Commander BTOKE. The report is that they don't want
the -

Comrade J. EDWARD THERIATJLT (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 45).
I was on that committee. I understand in that minority report they
were in favor of the addition of the $1.

National Commander BURKE. They were in favor of the minority
report but the point is that the gentleman who rose made a motion
that the majority report of the people who rejected the resolution,
the motion as proposed by the gentleman on the floor as I under-
stand it, is that they are opposed to the $1 increase in per capita tax.

Comrade GROOTHIUS. That is my motion.

Comrade THERIAUILT. Would you tell the convention assembled what
the vote was in committee ?

Comrade DELAPP. The vote in the committee was all committee
members voting to reject. Your chairman passed because he is a
life member.

Past National Commander MTLLARD RICE. Mr. Chairman, it seems
to me that the way that motion has been put it is a very confusing
situation. I have asked for the floor for the purpose of moving the
adoption of the proposed amendment to the constitution, then we
would know what we are talking about. But now as I understand
it this is a motion to reject the minority report.

Comrade DE]JAPP. Can your chairman of the bylaws committee ex-
plain it to you?

Past National Commander RICE. I know what it means but it is
confusing to the rest of the delegates.

BISABDED AMERICAN VETERANS 257

Comrade DELA^ I know you know what it means. Can I ex-
plain it to the rest of the delegates ?

The committee recommended the rejection of this resolution and
it went into the minority report and the maker of this motion was
to concur with the committee in the rejection of it. That was the
maker of the motion.

Past National Commander KICE. Mr. Chairman, I still have the
floor, a parliamentary situation arises by reason of that very negative
way of doing it because if the convention delegates will vote down
this particular motion we will then have another motion to the effect
that this proposed amendment be adopted and I submit to you that that
is a very negative method of approaching the entire question. And
I'd like to call upon the chairman to call the particular motion out of
order and then to submit a motion that this be adopted, that the pro-
posed amendment to the constitution be adopted. Then the delegates
will have the right to turn that down and they will know what they
are voting for.

National Commander BTCEX. Let me point something out. We
have been arguing about this thing all day. I am now making the
ruling, the man who made the motion made a legal motion. He made
a motion that the minority report be rejected. And it was seconded.
I think it was a clear and concise motion.

Past National Commander B.ICE. If you consider the motion in
order then I wish to have a discussion in opposition to the motion.

National Commander BTJHKB; That is perfectly all right.

Past National Commander RICE. Very well.

National Commander BTJRKE. Let the Chair point this out : He was
lenient this morning, but I am going to assume the prerogatives of
a chairman and watch my watch and if you go over 4 minutes I am
going to warn you and I am going to call it at 5, no matter who it is.

Past National Commander KICE. Comrade delegates, I consider the
motion now before the floor almost disastrous to the DAV. We are
not facing the realities of the situation. Your convention finance
committee pointed out that without any change whatsoever in the
constitution and if the income be the same and the disbursements the
same except for certain lesser income, because of no appropriation next
year from the foundation and no increased expense because of the TV
show, we run up against a deficit of $157,000.

On the floor this morning in answer to a question I learned that
$63,000 was an income from the Song-gram contest which was not
taken into consideration by the convention finance committee when it
doped out the anticipated deficit for next year. That being the case,
renguring it on the basis of the loss of the $63,000 income there would
be a deficit on the basis of the projection of income and expenses of
$220,000.

I am now corrected again, I am sorry, but we got the wrong infor-
mation this morning. The assistant national adjutant tells me the
$251,000 figure net gross expense on the Song-gram contest was after
the $63,000 income. If that be the case then we did present the right
figures. But there would still be a deficit of $157,000. Now there
has to be some realistic way by which to tnake that up.

I am personally hopeful that it can be done, out it is not being
realistic if we face the next 12 months without some constructive pro-

258 THIRTT-SIEfVENTH: NATOCOOSPAIL REPOJRT

posals to take care of it and I submit to you that if we want to pro-
vide adequately for the activities of the organization and any hope for
providing increase in the salaries of national service officers, I think
we are an in agreement on that, one of the first steps is to increase the;
per capita tax from $1 to $2 per year and I therefore make the motion^
that this particular motion be tabled.

Comrade GROOTEOTTS. I move the question. They are using the
national service officers as a political football in this convention.

I made a motion on the previous question. He has no second.

National Commander BTTRKE. We haven't given him a chance to
get that second.

National Adjutant CORKLY. A motion to table is not in order after
talking on the subject matter involved.

. Comrade P. D. JACKSOUST (Texas, Buddies Chapter No. 11) : Jack-
son seconds Millard Rice's motion.

National Commander Bxnuoi. It is not in order, P. D.

The motion, I will explain once more, your voting on this motion will
be as follows. The proponent of the motion said that he wanted the
majority report of the constitution and bylaws committee upheld
which says that the $1 per capita tax will remain the same. I mean
the minority report wants it raised. Therefore, the gentleman moved
to substantiate the majority and reject the minority report, so a vote
against the minority report will keep the $1 per capita tax in instead
of $2.

Comrade MICHAEL AGKESTA (New Jersey, Chapter No. 9) . To get
down to my level, if I vote aye on this motion, I reject the $1 increase.
Is that correct?

National Commander BTHIKE. That is correct.

Comrade AGEESTA. Thank you.

National Commander BURKE. All those in favor, "Aye."

All opposed, "No."

In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it.

Comrade DELAFP. I now ask for the discharge of the constitution
and bylaws committee.

National Adjutant CORBLT. I move you, sir, the constitution and by-
laws committee be discharged with a vote of thanks.

Comrade TEX ROSE (California, Chapter No. 58). Second the
motion.

National Commander BTJRKE. All those in favor ?

All opposed?

Carried.

At this time, for the purpose of a presentation which won't
ta&e too long, the Blind Veterans Chapter because, as I understand
the next committee is time and place, let's give this Blind Veterans
Chapter an opportunity to make a presentation.

Comrade JOHN FLOKEBTA (Blind Veterans Chapter) . Comrade Com-
bat Y^ W T^ nly take a mhmte of your time - Set y ur thermostats

The DAV presented a Miss DAV for this year, and I am very proud
and pleased to say that the Blind Veterans National Chapter has their
owzi sweetheart to present to the delegates assembled.

Her father is a life member of the DAV, he is a past chapter com-
mander in Utah and past commander of the Amputees Chapter there.
.He is currently an adjutant. I present to the convention assembled

DISABLED AMERICAN VJEKTmANB 259

following which our senior vice will make a presentation, I want to
present to you our Little Sweetheart of the Blind Veterans Chapter,
Ellen Fielding from Orem, Utah.

( The convention rose to applaud. )

National Commander BTTKKE. Is there a memher of the foundation
present?

Comrade KEN-^ETH P. SLAGLE (Blind Veterans Chapter) . Comrade
Commander, delegates to the national convention : Some 10 years ago-
in Las Vegas, Nev. there was a resolution, not mandatory, whereby 1
percent of the Forget-Me-Not fund raised by the chapters in the sale
of Forget-Me-Nots be turned over to the Blind Veterans National
Chapter. This resolution was sponsored by one. Comrade Claude
Bryant, who is unable to be with us at this convention due to physical
inactivity* This is the 10-year anniversary of this resolution. In the
past, many of the chapters have responded and the Blind Veterans
National Chapter are very, very grateful to receive those funds.

As you know we are a scattered group. We have no way to con-
centrate and raise any fund-raising project. Through this donation
of these chapters of the 1 percent Forget-Me-Not we of the Blind
Veterans National Chapter are making a donation to the. perpetual
service officers fund in the amount of $100. You must remember in
the words of that ancient philosophy, the longest journey begins with
the first step. This is the first' step that the Blind VeteransTSTational
Chapter is taking in helping build up this fund and it is with great
pleasure that I hand this to Comrade Millard Rice and I hope that
every chapter in the United States will help us so we can make bigger
and better steps in the building up of this fund.

Past National Commander RICE. Thank you very much, Comrade
Slagle. This is very gratifying to me. I am sorry that the Chairman
John Golob of the Disabled American Veterans Service Foundation
was not here to accept this check.

This took me by surprise at this moment, and I think it is a very
splendid symbol that the Blind Veterans think so well of rehabilita-
tion services of the DAV that they have established this perpetual re-
habilitation fund of $100, and I hope that many other units throughout .
the DAV will follow their excellent example. This is a grassroots
idea that deserves your support of our excellent rehabilitation services
of the DAV.

Comrade WILLIAM VILLONT (Department of Nebraska). William
Villont, Omaha Chapter, No. 2, wishes to pledge $100 to this fund
also.

Comrade SAMUEL A. GRECO (San Diego, Chapter No. 10) . $10 from
Chapter 10, San Diego.

National Commander BTJRKE. Hearing no further, going, going,
it is $210.

The Chair now wishes to inform the convention that the time and
place committee is about to make it report.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON (Buddies Chapter No. 11, Texas). I am
coming up with $10 cash to make a donation. It cost Millard 3 days
and nights of his counsel on the finance and dues committee.

National Commander BTJRKE. You know this is an important one
also, so simmer down. You have a lot to do.

The Chair at this time takes great pleasure in bringing to the
microphone a gentleman from Massachusetts, a good DAV member

260 TH'IRTY-SE'VEfNTH JSTATTOOSTAiL REPORT

from the great State of Massachusetts. I am corrected by my Massa-
chusetts friends, it is "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

Comrade LEO LAI/LEY. Department of Massachusetts DAV.

National Commander BTTRKE. He is correct, it is the Department of
Massachusetts DAV from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any-
way, I will say simply this much, here is a good DAV to give the time
and place report. Give him your attention.

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (time and place committee). After con-
sidering all bids submitted, it was decided that the committee should
recommend one of the following cities : Louisville, Ky. ; Miami Proper,
Fla. ; Los Angeles, Calif.

The majority vote of this committee was to recommend that Los
Angeles, Calif., should be the convention site in 1958. As this was
not a unanimous vote, a minority report recommending Louisville,
Ky., for the next convention will be submitted by Mr. Ed Gaff ord.

Under the rules of the convention, where there is not a unanimous
vote, the selection of the convention city must be decided by rollcall.

The committee recommends that the representatives of Louisville
and Los Angeles be given 5 minutes each to present their reasons
why we should accept their convention bids, and that an additional
5 minutes be allotted for questioning.

Comrade LEONARD L. STEVENS (Maine, Chapter No. 3). I would
like to know what happened to the bid made by Cincinnati for our
Convention this year.

Comrade HAROLD. There was a request that Cincinnati be consid-
ered for next year. It was also stated that in the event that we were
not able to decide on a convention site of those present or if the dele-
gation should decide that they want to go to Cincinnati, then the
convention could go to Cincinnati if the delegation decides it.

Comrade STEVENS. I would like to still have the floor. I think it
is only fair to give the representatives of Cincinnati, Ohio, 5 minutes
also to present their part of the case.

National Commander BURKE, Does Cincinnati want to present a
bid?

Comrade TEX ROSE (California, Chapter !NTo. 58) . A point of order.

Comrade ARTHUR KEENE (Florida, Chapter No. 1O). Keene from
Miami, Fla.

Comrade ROSE. Thank you. Comrade Commander.

Comrade Commander and comrades, we have just heard a very
intelligent report by our time and place committee. It is up to us
without wasting any more time. Go to work and whichever con-
vention city gets it we will all be behind it. But let's forget about
Cincinnati or Miami or anybody else, there are two convention sites.

National Commander BTTRKE. You are making a speech, Tex.

Comrade ARTHUR KEENE (Florida, Chapter No. 10). The Florida
delegation came up here with an invitation for the convention next
year to be held in Miami. Our invitation was presented to the time
and place committee. We failed to get the nod. I respectfully ask
you, sir, to allow Florida 5 minutes, the same as the other cities, to
present our claim.

National Commander BTTRKE. Does this convention wish to let Cin-
cinnati and Miami speak?

There is na motion before the floor; I have been listening. My
first job is to get the report Of the convention committee.

DISlABLiE-p AME-RIOAIST VETEUA3ST6. 261

Comrade HENRY RiyLisr (Pennsylvania, Chapter No. 22). Com-
rade Commander, Bivlin, No. 22, moves that we accept the report of
the time and place committee and discharge them with the thanks
of the convention because we are going into a rollcall vote afterward.
Comrade HERSOHEL S. CATLIN (Arizona, Chapter No. 4) . I second
that motion.

Comrade LEO LALLEY (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10) . Speaking
on. the motion. Comrade Commander.

National Commander BTJRKE. I have been informed by the judge
advocate that I can't accept the report of the convention committee
because there is going to be a rollcall.

Each State is permitted to talk for 5 minutes.

Comrade JESSE CARL HAUL (Alabama, Chapter No. 1). Hall would
like to address a question to Comrade Corbly, our national adjutant,
if I may.

The .question is, In your opinion how much will the national, the
Disabled American Veterans save, by holding the convention in
Cincinnati ?

National Adjutant CORBLY. Several thousand dollars but I have
never figured it out. You would save the expense of all of your staffs'
travels and per diem.

Comrade RIVLIK. Point of personal privilege, Comrade Com-
mander.

I believe that that question was out of order, that Cincinnati will be
given their time and that item will be included in the 5-miriute talk.
Any questions of that kind at this time I believe are out of order.

Comrade LEO LALLEY (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). Th at is
what I tried to ask when the motion was made. It seems to me the
motion that was made originally by the last gentleman was to accept
the report. It seems to me the last speaker when he made his motion
made a motion to accept the report of the time and place committee,
which only included the cities of Los Angeles and Louisville, Ky,

Now, I understand he is willing to allow Cincinnati and Miami to
be considered. Is that true ?

National Commander BURKE. This convention, by a majority vote,
if it is the will of the convention by majority vote to hear the Cin-
cinnati bid they can do so. And Miami. If they want to listen to
bids and vote on Cincinnati and Miami but there will have to be a
motion to that effect that they want to accept an invitation from
Cincinnati.

Comrade JAMES CLTN-GNER (Cincinnati, Chapter No. 1). I make a
motion we hear what Cincinnati has to offer.

Comrade JESSE CARL HALL (Alabama, Chapter No. 1). Second the
motion. .

National Adjutant CORBLY. Comrade Commander, a point of order
and a point of information. I am positive if you will check your rules
that you will find in any instance where a rollcall is necessary that
then the floor is subject to the desires of the people there. If 10 people
want the convention they have the right to present a,5-minute talk
the same as if 40 people want to be nominated for national commander.
They can be nominated once you call for the roll. In the report you
have to have a rollcall. As a consequence you have to listen to the
bids from those people who submit it regardless of the report of the
committee.

262 TECIRTY-SE'VEOSTTH: NATION^!, REPORT

National Commander BTJRKE. If the people from Los Angeles,
Louisville, Cincinnati, and Miami, are here and will come to the
platform, we will get the rules of the game going.

National Adjutant CORBLT. While that is going on there has been
a call for an eighth district caucus in the foyer back in that corner.

National Commander BURKE. I'd like to have Ted Hietala, Paul
Frederick, Dave Williams, Harry Wentworth come up to the platform,
too.

The Chair wishes to point put to the convention an understandable
thing. These people have waited all week to make their bids. I can't
put them, onto this microphone until you quiet down so you can hear
what the gentlemen from Los Angeles, or speaking in behalf of Los
Angeles, and Kentucky, Cincinnati and Miami have to say. So please
quiet down.

I want to present to you the department commander of California
who will make the presentation for Los Angeles. Remember the rules,
a 5-minute talk and they are going to get the stop watch and 5 minutes
for questions. Do you understand ? Here he is then, Ray Shields, the
department commander of California.

Comrade RAY D, SHIELDS (Department of California) . Thank you,
Commander Burke. Delegates, comrades of this convention. The city
of Los Ang;eles, the city of angels, wishes to welcome all of you to join
us in sustaining our bid for the next convention. We all know the
city of Los Angeles has much to offer in helping to put on a success-
ful convention there. We feel that we have an ideal climate for vet-
erans because we have many thousands of veterans each month mov-
ing to California to make California their permanent home because
.of this ideal climate.

In the city of Los Angeles we have many fine and wonderful hotels
and I am sure I can tell all of you they are fully air conditioned
throughout. Right in the main heart of the city we have 3 very large
hotels, the Ambassador, Statler, and Biltmore, which could house our
entire convention, either one of the 3 hotels. We have rooms that will
hold up to 1,500 and the city has assured me there will be ample caucus
rooms m the hotel. I think vou will find the rates in the hotels con-
siderably less than you will find in Buffalo, and it will be much more
convenient for you. We also want to assure you that the chamber of
commerce sent me a telegram yesterday assuring us of the services they
win render to the convention and we are very confident that we will
receive sizable financial contribution from the city to aid us in putting
on this convention. As far as the entertainment, we feel we have the
best to offer. As you know, Hollywood is just a few minutes' drive
from downtown Los Angeles, the movie copital. Hollywood can
offer you many sights We aresure we can take you through a tour
of 1 or 2 of the major studios. We also have a beach in a few minutes'
drive rom downtown Los Angeles.

We have many points of interest in. Los Angeles. Those of you

wo^Tr^^^ 111 ^ 70 ^ **& that are not adult9 > y i enjoy the
wonders of Disneyland We know if you should want to come to tJali-
forma you could spend your whole vacation there, there are many

Also I think you will find that Los Angeles is serviced by four major
vn Tlti,^ T ry ^^o^inental airline. We can assure yo^that
you will have cheap transportation, nonstop flights from Washington,

DOBABLiED AMEiKIOAST VETETtAKS 263

IX C-, Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, all are available to Los Angeles
International Airport. You will find the transportation to Los
Angeles will be as cheap as practically any other State in the United
States putting in their bid.

So I want to urge all the delegates here to give their consideration
to considering Los Angeles for the 1958 National Convention.
I thank you. [Applause.]

National Commander BURKE. Now we come to a question period.
Comrade CBCARUES MERRITIEIJ> (Kentucky, Chapter No. 6) . I would
like to know what proof the man has of what he says. Is the chamber
of commerce here with him ?

Comrade SHIELDS. I have a telegram from the chamber of commerce
assuring us these things will be available. I also have a telegram
from the business manager of the Statler Hotel confirming the rooms
will be available, the meeting halls are available, and caucus rooms
are available.

Comrade MERKDFIELD. How about the prices of the rooms, will they
be jacked up ? How about the transportation ?

Comrade TEX ROSE (California, Chapter No. 58). Comrade Com-
mander, I want to make one statement that the time and place com-
mittee had the prices with their other invitations, the prices of all
the hotels and they can be given to the comrades right here and
they can rest assured they won't go up.

National Commander BURKE. Are there any more questions to be
asked of tbe Department Commander ? Any more questions ?

Hearing none

Comrade SHIEUDS. Thank you, Comrades.

National Commander BTJKKE. The Chair now recognizes the de-
partment adjutant of Kentucky, Ed Gafford, for the city of Louis-
ville, Ky.

Comrade ED GTAFFORD (Department adjutant of Kentucky) . Com-
rade Commander, visitors^ grassroots and boys behind, and our fine
delegates assembled in this convention : To begin with, I am not going
to try to sell you the chamber of commerce or the hotels or the swim-
ming pools or anything else in Kentucky. I am going to try to sell
you, the Disabled American Veterans, the body to which we belong,
something that is good for our organization.

We thought when we left home that we would be faced with a
bid placed by Seattle, Wash,, last year. We arrive here and we find
that Seattle, -Wash.* no longer desires the convention; 7 years ago at
San Francisco, Calif., myself and other members of our Kentucky
delegation put up a bid for the convention and we had to concede to
Milwaukee, Wis., on the promise of, if we did come to Milwaukee, it
would mean to us $15,000 which they didn't have.

I hope you will erase from your mind any reference to money.
We are not going to promise you anything that we can't deliver.
We are going to deliver to you what we promise.

I will guarantee that the national service officers at the convention
in Louisville will have a private party of their o^yn. No. 2, to this
great organization, Brother Trench Hats, I promise you you will
have a rendezvous that you will remember for a considerable length
of time.

20&31 58

264 THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIQWAL REPORT

We have come here also back by our civic leaders, the Govern-
ment of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the chamber of commerce,
the hotels. A telegram came from the Governor of Kentucky on
the 20th. The telegram was not read from this microphone, I don't
know why , but I would like to read this to you.

To National Commander Joseph F. Burke and members of the Disabled
American Veterans, Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N. Y. The Commonwealth of
Kentucky is delighted to extend to you a warm invitation to hold your 1958
convention in Louisville.

I will not read them, but we have a telegram from the mayor and
other people at home. -. -,

Now we have done the best we can to show you that we have an
honest bid in an endeavor to get you to come to Louisville. Now
if you want economy, if that is what you want, to save the national
organization some money, we are only about a hundred miles from
there. Our hotels have said they will furnish all the free space they
need for their meetings, air conditioned. We have a meeting hall
that will seat 1,500 people. They have said they will furnish steno-
graphic assistance, anything else that they; need.

You will find that Kentucky, Louisville, is 150 miles from the center
of population in the United States, assuring us if we should have any
members of the DAV, a large attendance. A hospitable city awaits
you in Louisville, we know how to be warm and generous in what
we have to offer, and we will not leave unturned any stone to make
your convention one of the best.

In the words of our deceased beloved Vice President, Senator Alben
Barkley, he said, "I had rather be a servant in the house of the Lord
than sit on the seat of the mighty," and that is how the Kentucky
delegation feels. We do not desire to ascend to the throne of greatness,
we want some recognition. Kentucky has made progress over the
years to the extent that we now are now recognized as one of the
most respected organizations in Kentucky. We intend to do whatever
is convenient and necessary to keep that reputation.

Now we have done what we can, we need your help now to finish
the job. I am reminded of a little joke. A colored man had a beauti-
ful garden. There was not a weed among his vegetables, the preacher
came by and he said, "John, you have a very beautiful garden, you
and God."

John said, "You should have seen it when God had it by Himself !"
You should have seen Kentucky when God had it. My people went
to work in Kentucky. I want you to come and see for yourself.

National Commander BTJUKE. Five-minute question-and-answer pe-
riod. Any questions?

Comrade LLOYD B. CAIN (Wisconsin, Chapter No. 9). Comrade
Commander, the gentleman from Kentucky might say what he likes
about Louisville but I resent the inference to Milwaukee not fulfilling
its obligations when we had one of the greatest conventions in DAV
history in Milwaukee in 1950. We of the Wisconsin delegation resent
the inference.

Comrade GAITORD. If the gentleman will accept my apology, I shall
be delighted to apologize for my ill taste.

Comrade CAIN. I will accept the Apology, but

National Commander BTJRKE. Any other questions ? Anybody got
any questions?

JP'IStABLED AMERICAN VETEUAOSPS 265

All right. The Chair now recognizes, from Miami, Arthur S.
Keene, a real old-timer . He has 5 minutes to talk for Miami.

Comrade ARTHUR KEENE (Florida, Chapter No. 10). This is the
second time I have appeared before this convention, not this con-
vention but a convention of the Disabled American Veterans, to pre-
sent an invitation from Miami. At Kansas City convention our invi-
tation was to Greater Miami, not to Miami proper, but to Greater
Miami. They decided to put it in one of the suburbs, Miami Beach.
They could have put it in Coral Gables or Hialeah or Coconut Grove.
I think you fellows who were there will -agree with me that was a
wonderful convention we had in Miami Beach 3 or 4 years ago.

The other cities, wonderful towns I was a delegate to the Ameri-
can Legion at Los Angeles last year, I attended the DAV convention
in Louisville in 1941, 1 think it was, but I want to talk about Miami.
Most of you people have been there, maybe not to -a convention, but
you have been there in the wintertime. It is the 25th city in the
TJnited States. It doesn't seem possible to us oldtimers who have
lived there for more than a generation that Miami is as large as it is,
but only New York and Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and 20
other towns are bigger than Mi-ami.

We can get the auditorium free, the municipal auditorium in Bay
Front Park. It is 5 blocks from McAllister, which will be the head-
quarters hotel. You will walk 5 blocks, or really only about 4, through
the beautiful Bay Front Park, to the auditorium. You read in the
Buffalo papers this week -a feature article that nearly all the trees
and the flowers and the shrubs are from Central and South America.
It is a beautiful park.

I am going to tell other things; otherwise it will be asked as a
question. We have a dugout of the Trench Bats in Miami, an active
dugout, not only a dugout in name, but we actually have a building,
.and it is a dugout built bslow the ground level.

The convention we had there before, you fellows stayed in beautiful
tourist hotels that in the wintertime would cost you $30 or $40 a day;
you got it for $3 and $4. You know it. I don't need to tell you.
You can get hotels in Miami for $2 up. There won't be any gouging.
I haven't got any paper. I gave all my papers to the time and place
committee. That included an official invitation from the Depart-
ment of Florida, a letter from the Governor of Florida, a letter of
invitation from the mayor of Miami, -a letter from the president of
the hotel and apartment-house owners. But I haven't got those papers
with me. The time-and-place people h^ve them.

Maybe you have seen some of the beautiful photos we brought up
from Miami. It is a beautiful city. You will have a grand time in
Miami. You will have one of the best conventions you have ever
had, just like the ones we had there 3 or 4 years ago.

I thank you. .

National Commander BTTRKE. Anybody got any questions for
Arthur?

Comrade JESSE CARL HALL (Alabama, Chapter No. 1). I would
like to ask one question, please. Did I understand the gentleman from
Florida as follows : That our committee rooms would be provided us
five blocks from the municipal auditorium.? Is that correct?

Comrade KEENE. I told you we could get committee rooms in the
headquarters hotel for nothing. There are committee rooms in the

266 THIRTY-SEfVEaSPTH: NATIQOXPAJL REPORT

auditorium, like around here. Maybe they haven't got as plush up-
holstered chairs but there are committee rooms in the auditorium.
Jack Feighner was down there, Mr. Corbly, and they have seen the
auditorium. Since then it has been remodeled, its been air condi-
tioned. Every darn hotel is air conditioned, the auditorium is air
conditioned. The auditorium will seat 3,000 people for the DAV-
will seat 2,000 for the Auxiliary.

Comrade HALL. Comrade Commander, the point I wanted clarified,
would the members attending the convention and serving on conven-
tion committees have to travel five blocks back and forth to the com-
mittee rooms or would they be centrally located in the municipal audi-
torium ?

Comrade EJEENE. If you want to go around, it is a little bit less than
five blocks, you cut diagonally through the beautiful parks and it is
just about 4 short blocks.

Comrade HALL. We who represent our respective chapters in the
States have specific instructions to attend committee meetings and as
many of the convention assemblies as possible and those who have long
committee meetings only get to sit in on some of the deliberations short
periods of time and if that element of 4 or 5 blocks will necessitate a
number of committee members staying away from the convention -

National Commander BTJKKE-. STow you are making a speech, not
asking questions. When you were asking questions it was all right.
Anybody else got a question ? When it comes to the question period
ask a question. When the man who is questioned has answered it,
please don't go into a speech about his answer. If you ask a question
you get an answer, that is the rules of this particular game.

The Chair brings before the microphone at this time to speak in
behalf of a convention in Cincinnati, David Williams, of Massachu-

H*vf"f.C!

setts.

Fourth Junior Vice Commander DAVID WUXIAMS. Thank vou
Comrade Commander Joe. '

Officers and delegates of this convention, I am appearing here at the
direction of a caucus of the first district recently held in which unani-
mously they endorsed the next convention city as Cincinnati, Ohio

My comrades, there is one very fundamental and basic reason for
this. And that is that Cincinnati, Ohio, is the home of the DAY
We have not held a convention in our home city for almost a genera-

?' There have been many changes in the physical plant of our
national headquarters sonce any of you may have visited what we have
there. There has been much consternation ajmong the delegates here
much conversation out in the field among the troops, with respect to
what is in Cincinnati, how it operates, and so forth. There have been

ev^ ?nS S JT^T 1 bathtubs > of padded payrolls, and of almost
everything that has been presented during the recent Hoffa trials in
Washington And if all of these things art true, my comrades, I wan"
to know it ; But if they are not, I should like to be reassured

fortunately my circumstances permit me to go to Cincinnati and
^i r . myS6l t B ?* * ^og^ 26 that it is only occasionally that the

^

.

^^^^^^SSS^a^

for you to attend a national convention wherever it is. Other corpora-

DISABLED AMERUCAH VETE11A!N~S 267

tions are generous in this regard. And your one vacation a year in
many instances is your trip to the national convention.

Now, my comrades, by going to Cincinnati to hold our national
convention you will be killing two birds with one stone.

GincJ.rm.ati is every bit as good a city as any other city that has
presented itself here as we have attended in a number of years. But
we do not come to a convention alone to have a good time, to argue
the hotel rates and to complain about the weather and many other
things. Those complaints are many times justified, but we have to put
up with a number of things in the interests of the welfare of the order.
Now in view of the conditions that have prevailed on this floor today
and throughout this week and we may not be through with it yet
it would seem to me the duty and obligation of any delegate here who
is interested in the well being of our organization to see for himself
just how the national office operates, just how the Idento-Tag fac-
tory operates, and just how the whole DAV operation in Cincinnati
comes about. The only opportunity that 95 percent of you ever have
to go to Cincinnati is if we hold a national convention in that city.

Now, my comrades, there is another very important consideration
and that is the financial consideration of the organization. It is folly
indeed for me to enlarge upon the fact that we are not a wealthy group.
Our organization, though by no means broke,, is not overloaded with
funds and every time that we can save a dollar here and there, it is a
dollar that we can use for the f undamental purposes of our order, the
services of the disabled, their widows and their dependents. And we
must never forget that is our primary purpose.

It costs $40,000, my comrades, to move the national headquarters to
a convention city. We shall save $40,000 by holding that convention
in Cincinnati. There are four major hotels, including; the Sheraton
chain. There is a major league ball team in Cincinnati, if they don't
move it to New York in the meantime. I don't think they will. There
are ample recreation facilities, not only in Cincinnati, Ohio, but in
Kentucky across the river. I understand they have some unusual
facilities. But above all those things I ask you to keep in mind that
Cincinnati is our national headquarters and it is the golden oppor-
tunity of your lifetime, probably the only one, to see now the DAV
works.

Thank you. . .

Senior Vice Commander PAUL FREDERICK (now presiding) . JNow
you understand that the question period will extend 5 minutes also, :

Comrade ARTHUR GEORGE (California, Chapter No. 70). I want
to ask this question. If this can be a precedent, to save $40,000 as long
as we are DAV's or is this to be for this year because we have other
cities, we of California have come a long way and our comrades com-
ing from other places, is this going to be just the year of 1958 to save
money for the national department, or is this going to be a precedent
that goes on from now on 1

Thank you. - ^ .c 4-v

Comrade WHJ^IAMS. Thank you. May I answer the query of the
comrade from San Diego, Calif.? This is by no^ means a precedent.
This is not solely to save money. This is a critical period in our
organization history. It, is a dual opportunity to save money and
to View our national facilities. Certainly the 1959 convention couldn t
be held in Cincinnati and probably wouldn't get a chance to go bacfc

268 TH2RTY-SEVEOSTTH NATIONAL BEBORT

there again for another generation. The purposes of the convention
cities is to get distribution around the country about every generation
or so. I think we ought to go down and see what is going on in
our national headquarters. Believe me, I want to know and I intend
to find out.

Comrade TEX ROSE:. (California, Chapter No. 58). Comrade Wil-
lians, thank you, my comrade from Minute Man Concord. I cer-
tainly am wondering what happened all of a sudden that the great
State of Ohio, with the most top comrades in this convention, had
to go to my comrade from my chapter in Massachusetts to make
this pitch when they didn't appear before the time and the place.

Comrade WH-LIAMS. The answer to the question of my comrade
from my own chapter, the reason they have asked me to speak at this
microphone, I am very flattered by your, reference to my oratorical
capacity, I hope to justify your confidence in the future, it was the
endorsement of the first district that caused me to come to this micro-
phone at this time.

With respect to the second part of your question, the city of Cin-
cinnati did appear before the time and place committee and submitted
a bid and they have done so in prior years and on occasions when
I have been on that committee.

Comrade GAITORD. Mr. Williams, will you please recognize me
as a delegate for one moment?

Point JNO. 1, it seems rather unusual for a district located so far
away^ from Cincinnati to be trying to promote the convention.

Point No. 2, the seventh district, which consists of Ohio, Indiana,
and Kentucky, endorsed Kentucky.

Point No. 3, the Kentucky delegation feels there's been a deal made
with the national office because I see you have a red cap.

Comrade WUJLIAMS. If there is any deal made it doesn't have
any thing to do with this red cap.

The city of Cincinnati does not belong to the seventh district alone.
IJie . national headquarters belongs to us in the 1st district, and those
S *xvH district, and every other district the same as it does to
. e 7t f district, where it happens to be located. To the DAV the
city of Cincinnati is the same as Washington, D. C., is to the United
States of Ajnerica. [Applause.]

I am advised that I have one more question.

rf*n&* ^o (Michigan, Chapter No. 7). I was born in Ohio,
1 left Ohio when. I was 17. I thought we had some people in Ohio that
could speak for Ohio but we had to go to Massachusetts

feemorVice Commander FREDERICK. Are there any other questions ?

Comrade J. E. CROZIER (Tennessee, Chapter No. 6). The question I
would like to ask Comrade Williams,' is he trying to fool this conven-
tion here that it ooBto $40,000 for the national department to go to a
national convention? I never heard that kind of sum before.
^T ra T e R 1 D %J A 5 ]B:SON ( T ? x *s, Chapter No. 11), Comrade Com-
mander, I worked 3 days on the finance and dues committee with 14
f n ?? n : P 16 Permanent finance committee, last
^ %- ^ ^ 6 wmdu P at the San Antonio convention, you
T Rl l 6 tel1 ^ 6 Crated in the red. I go along witll Mr.
I am from Cincinnati, my headquarters.

AMERICAN VETERANS

269

Comrade R-rsnuosr. I rise for a point of personal privilege.

Senior Vice Commander FREDERICK. The longer this commotion
goes on you are going to be delayed. Let's tone it down.

Past JN ational Commander HOWARD WATTS. Move the question.

National Adjutant CORBLY. Before I can proceed to the rollcall
first we must appoint the judge of elections and tellers for the ballot.

As the judge of elections the commander has appointed Nick Isaao-
son of Illinois.

For tellers. State Commander Shields of the Department of Cali-
fornia, State Adjutant Gafford of the Department of Kentucky, Com-
rade Keene of Miami, State Adjutant Harold of Massachusetts. If
they will come to the platform and get ready, we will start with the

roilci

Will the judge of elections and tellers come forward ? Will some-
body from California come forward to tally ? Is the judge of elections
in tne room ? (No response.)

James Patten of New Jersey is judge of elections. Jim Patten of
New Jersey , judge of elections.

National Commander BTJRKE (now presiding) . All right. Let's not
waste time. You are going to have to answer the rollcall. If you
want to be heard the only way to be heard is to be quiet.

The adjutant will call the name of the chapter. When the chapter's
name is called it will respond and cast its vote, and no speeches, please,
just the votes. And then the national adjutant will repeat the vote.

The rollcall will proceed if you will keep quiet.

(Rollcall vote was as follows :)

No.

Cnapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati'

Louis-
ville

Miami

1

ALABAMA

Tuscaloosa

R

5

176

5

2

Albertville- -

2

43

3

Lizard State

1

19

4

TBtrmi'n ghftTO

R

o

420

9

Q

Foley

2

39

7

Mobile

R

6

239

6

g

I^ernopolis

1

16

10

13

607

11

Decatur

2

69

12

R

3

116

13

Alexander Citv

1

22

14

Gadsden

1

24

17

Florala

1

14

22

Fort Payne

1

24

2

37

26

TTuntsvillG

5

201

33

1

25

35

Andalusia

2

36

37

9 Aim a

R

3-

107

3

38

Fritchard

4

150

40

1

19

42

Tuskegee - -

1

10

43

44

Montgomery

Seant City

1
2

25

49

46

1

8

47

IMCobll EEarry Pake

1

13

49

Selma-1,

3

12
105

53

54

Bay Minette

R

2

51
13

2

55

IsTortlrport

R

2

71

2

67

1

16

58

j-Q

Wagarviile

1
1

19
22

Department of Alabama

R

1

i

270

NATIOOSPAJL REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

1
2
3

6
8
14
16
17
18

2
3

6
6

10
12
13
15
16
17
19
20
22
23
24
25

28
29
30
31
32
33

1
2
3

i

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

3

16
17
18
20
21
22

25
26
27
28
29
.30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

ABIZONA

Phn^nix

R
R

14
9
3
6

2
3

1
1
3

1

2
2
2

2
3
13
3

2
1
6
1
1
2
1
2
1
3
2

2

1
1
1
2
1

2

1

7
16
24
2
16

13
2
2
10
10
3
8
4
7
4
12
2
6
3
4
5
2
2
3
2
4

3
1
3
8
2

3
2
1
4
5
1

654
397
102
233

21
26
102

15
11
77

14
9

Whipple ,, ,

Tucson ^
Case Grande

R

6

Mesa
Siera Vista ___

Wickenburg

Tucson

R

1

ARKANSAS

F^rt Smith _ ,, ^.^ ,. __.V^T ^^^

68
59
27
19
51
102
580
114
63
10
261
16
8
52
24
40
10
119
30
20
53
14
24
16
39
20
" 17
39

PlneBlufE .

FayettevUle

Bear State . .

Hot Springs >

Harrison

R
R

3

Little Rock. _ __

13

Nashville -

Conway

Pinft "RJufF ^ n

Morrilton ._

---,

Springdale 1

North Little Hock

He"ber Springs

West Helena.

Biscoe

"Rfliryville , L

Paragould

Clarksville

Jonesboro

RussellvilLe

Qurdon

Malvern

Mt. Home.,

De Witt

Batesville

. "

Oamden ,

r>poHrm ent. nf A rtpri af^

R
R

1

. CALIFORNIA

Fresno

303

700
1,137
39
727
283
576
48
64
445
441
83
367
132
277
163
573
49
259
79
159
199
59
34
76
42
126
134
77

89
347
31
6
102
52
15
" 138
212
16

7

San Diego

Ran "RYan ci$CO

R

24

Eureka ._

Los Angeles

R

16

Sacramento J

OftVIftTld

Alameda

Pomona

Los Angeles

R
R

10
10

San Jose _

San Bernardino

San Fernando, Kearney

Napa County Veterans' Home

Stockton

R

7

Redwood City

Long Beach ___!

R
R
R

12

Los Angeles, Carver

Bakersfield

6

Vallejo J-
Alhambra _,

Santa Ana
Ventura ,.

Berkeley

Modesto

On +ofif\

Riverside .
Pasadena

WatsonviUe
Compton
Glendale
Hayward

Fort Bragg

Santa Monica
Santa Barbara

R
R

3

8

Altadena

Huntington Park

Tujunga...

R

DISABUED AMERICAN VETERANS

271

No.

; Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers ..

Los

Ingeles

nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

42
43

45
46
47.
48
49.
.50
51
52
53
54
.55

8?

58
59
60
61
63
64
65
66
67
69
70
71
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
92
94
95
97
98
99
100
101
103
108
110
111
114
122
123
124
125
127
131
132
134
135
136
137
138
140
141
142
143
144
145
147
148
149
150
154
155

CAiiiroBNiA. continued

Florence. ._!
San Pedro

2

' . .36

Ban Luis Obispo
Whittier ^

TV/Tanln 'PavV

2
2
3
2

30
\60
114

, 65

.-

Santa Rosa

Hollywood- _.. ._ .. \
Los Angeles, downtown....

- R,

... 5
2

183
132
32
68
13

. 5

Santa Omz-, _

Corona., p^-,.

Van Nuys, Reseda .

R

2

. . .4

3
2
2
.2
2
2
3
2

1
3
2
6
2
2

2
2

2
2
2

I

2

1
1
2
2
2
... 2
3
2
3
2
2
3
1.
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
2

2
2

2

5
1

1
4

166
49
143
22
104
30
28
28
30
. 65

V

13
25
106
42
227
46
44
44
56
31
11
38
46
26
113
13
32
48
135
15
17
52
32
31
47
96
38
117
37
34
105
25
50
10
21
20
10
33
41
16
42
15
56
75
17
52
15
217

15

141

4

Monrovia., ^

Golden State.,.

East Los Angeles -

TyOP ATLgle9 B^tfcS _

R

Lodi___!____L-___^ _

TwntyrHTiA Palmp j JMLJ ..

"

Los Angeles, Castle _

Placerville

'

El Monte

Ran T<Vfl.nc1gr> ^

R

3

Palra SprlTigfs

San Leandro

F*aT Francisco

**

R

3

Oroville -

8prtng V^tiey

San Francisco, Golden ___.

Richmond 1

Lfv^rmore

TJOS Angeles County

Novato

Pac^imft North Hollywood

Suison

SBTI t^. '"M"ri^

Stin, Valley

V*w*aville

Monterey

Lynwood

FOTltttflH

Brawloy

Calistoga

.South Bay, Torrance

Fiillerton

O ceanside

Tulare ,

Bellfiower .,

Loa Angeles, Nisei

Salinas

SanRafael__

Los Angeles Post Office

East San Jose

Culver City, Women's
Marysville
Chico
Colton _ ,

Woodland
Napa, -
Oakland, J. E. Bruce
China Lake -
Redwood City ,
Fresno
Crescenta, Canada..,
Reedley -
Culver City
Santa Paula-
Hollywood
San Francisco

R
R

2
5

West Los Angeles -
San Francisco- - -
San Jose
LosGatos
Monterey Park -
Concord -
Benicia , -
Department of California

R

1
2
2
1

2

1

19
40
55
18
61

3;

i

272

NATJON'AXj REPORT

No.'

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

1

COLORADO

8

357

2

Pueblo

6

259

5

i?ort follK

3

86

6

1

13

. 7
g

Denver _

B

70
4

3,427
128

g

4

160

10

Boulder

2

54

11

Denver, 8 L Brown

4

154

12

Canon City

4

163

13

Silver State

2

49

15

Trinidad

3

92

17

Montrose

3

100

r

18

Englewood

4

164

19

2

36

. 22

Arvada

8

326

24

Lfiznar

2

34

26

Colorado ST)rmffs t TTnoh TTJ1H

R

2

41

2

30

SaMa P rm S i V J5aiOD ^ m """_'

1

24

32

TjOVQlarvl

3

80

39

Pueblo, Steel City

3

105

41

F0rt MorgftTl L T .,-

1

16

44

Durango "I _

2

27

Department of Colorado

R

1

1

1

CONNECTICUT

Nut Meg State

1

12

2

New TTaven..

R

7

278

3

Bridgeport..

B

3

116

3

4

Derby, - - ._ _

2

31

5

Bristol

R

6

235

6

6

Meriden

R

5

182

5

7

Middletowu. , ...

R

3

77

8

New Britain

5

204

9

Waterbury.

R

7

321

7

10

East Norwich

1

12

11

Union City

2

26

12

R

13

593

13

13

ptfM"nford

2

32

14

Seymour . _ .

R

1

21

1

15

Milford

1

g

16

Ansottla

3

SO

17

Manchester _ _

2

37

18

West Haven

R

102

3

20

Stratford-.

3

87

21

New London

4

146

25

Danbury

4

126

26

Norwalk .

2

72

30

Hamden

2

71

31

NewHaven__

3

78

39

TVillimantic _._

2

46

40

Branford

1

21

43

East Haven

1

17

Department of Connecticut

R

1

1

1

DELAWARE

Wilmington

1

7

3

Wilmington, C. Eodney

5

176

1

DISTBICT OF COLUMBIA

federal

R

12

572

3

g

2

National Oapitol__ _.

2

55

3

Colonel Young _

2

68

. 4

3tmg Oiart

R

4

167

4

5

Eea ::_:~~:~~:~:

R

3

90

3

7

Interior

2

37

9

National Service _

R

7

314

7

12

Agriculture .

1

g

U

Dome Miller

1

21

If

Capitol HiU

R

g

340

g

Department of the District of
Columbia

R

1

1

1

FtOBXDA

Jacksonville. .

R

6

267

6

i

Everglade State
Sarasota _

R

2

46

87

5

i

Tampa

R

11

485

11

ISlA.BljEl> AMERICAN VETERANS

273

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

VI em-
bers

Los
ngeles

incin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
32
34
36
37
39
40
41
42
43
46
. 48
50
51
52
53
54
56
57
59
61
62
64
65
66
67
68
69

]

-J

4
5
(

B
9
10
11
12
14
15
11

21
21
22
23
25
28
29
31
33
3
3

FLORIDA continued

TVTiftTTi! _

1

4
1
1

8

3

4
1
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
6
2
1
2
2
1

1
2

1
2
4
3
3
7
2
1
2
2
1
2

1
1
2

1
1
2

1
1

1
1
1
1

\

(
I

*

16
169
13
21
336
151
124
127
163
17
102
75
74
41
12
16
14
227
48
11
50
62
13
55
13
42
10
10
58
161
112
79
325
38
19
29
48
24
34
16
13
13
64
12
25
44
24
12
18
15
15

Daytona Beach

JacJrsQTnrnjp _ ^

Tallahassee

St. Petersburg .

K
K

Miami

4

Glearwater..

South Dade .

"Bay Pi" Q8

It

4

Fort Pierce

Orlando

B

3

Panarnft f"Hty

Bradenton

Lake Worth

Lake City

Jacksonville Tlftvftrly Hills

MarlaTtna

Pensacola

B

6

T&Tn.pa Sulphur Springs

Milton

Miafnl Beach

Lakeland -

B

2

Jacksonville Reach

Sanford

M elb ourne

Vero Beach

LflAsbiTrff 1 ~

IvTifwni Sgt D \V "M^illlTji

Hollywood

B

"W^sst Palm Be&ch

Hialoah _

Gulfport
Tarpon Springs _
Cocoa...

w"oTth IMiami

New Smyrna
Daytona Beach -
Palatka.- ,
Crestview
Bade City -
West Palm Beach
Haines City----

Plant City
ZephyrhllSs -
Fort Lauderdale -
Brooks ville.--

Leisure City

B
B

B
""B"

1

GEORGIA.

Atlanta.-
Athens -
Cbrdele
MSledgevUle
Toocoa
Marietta
Columbus ^-
Savannah
Macon
Augusta
"RlftirvUl*?

311
29
79
40
32
55
251
219
163
61
54

7
4

2

Lawrencevffle
Valdosta
Gainesville
Moultrie.
Nashville -
Cracker State. _

Gainesville
Douglas..
Decatur
Atlanta, M. Nicholes
Norman Park..
LaGrande- -

B

B
B

B

12
45
25
llj

21
22
59
4

2
24
9
2

5

2

1

]

Atlanta-
Brunswick
Thomasville

R

274

THIRTT-SJE.VEOOTH NATTGNIAJL REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

42

GEORGIA continued

Ftfl.TTa.Tmfl.'h ..

1

25

44
45

Atlanta ...V..... T, ,.

R
R

6
2

241
68

6
2

47

Albany

2

55

OQ

IIIIIIII

1
2
3

4
5

Department of Georgia ^

HAWAII

Oahu, Honolulu

MauJL . .
Honolulu ,. .
Wahiawa
Kauai _;._ .

R
R

1

9
3
2
2
2

409
107
53
49

64

9

1

6
7

Hilo
Kona

Oahu Island
Department of Hawaii

IDAHO

Oaldwell __

R

3
2

1

1

92

27
23

10

1

3

Pocatello- n ~

R

6
3

231

101

6

4
5

Emmett
TwinFalls.^

1
3

9
84

6
8
9
10
11
13

Idaho Palls.. ,
Gem State _.
Ooeur D'Alene
Hurley _.
Wilder
Nampa.. _

R

2
2
3
1
2
2

65
27
85
25
35
32

2

14
16

1
2
3

4
5
6

Montpelior
Wallace ___
Department of Idaho

ILLINOIS

Peoria.._ _
Chicago _
Alton.

Chicago, Woodrow Wilson
Chicago, Chateau Thierry
Chicago, J. H. Patton

R

R
R

1
2

11
9
2
15
2
4

13
42

482
412
74
686
45
163

11

9

7

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
25

Urbana_ _ _
Moline.
Chicago, Robert Grant
Joliet.1-
Evanston ___
Chicago, Gedrge Dilboy _
Prairie State
Springfield
Waukegan. _
Decatur. .
Danville
Aurora
Flora
Metropolis.
Cicero,..: -_
East St. Louis ,
Chicago, South Towns

R
R

R
R

R
R

2

2
5
4
2
5
3
10
2
2
5
. 3
2
1
6
5
6

36
166
62
214
144
55
201
87
477
60
31
184
93
29
10
262
215
256

4
5

2

6

26
27
28
29
30
32
33
34
35
36
38
39
40
41
42
43

Eldorado..
Oak Park I"
Mount Vernon
Rockford.. __
Mattoon _

Chicago, Verdun.
Kankakee
De Kalb """

Chicago, wnlte Eagle
Chicago, Northwest

Chicago, Pearl Harbor
Chicago, Logan Square
Newton __-_^

Chicago, Unknown Soldier
Chicago, Southwest __

R

R
R

2
1
3
2
2

1
2

36
20
97
50
46
20
134
150
10
131
163
20
152
18
24
43

- -

3

4
4

44
45
46
47
53
-54

Chicago, Flynn Marum
Chicago, Uptown
Chicago, Southeast .__-__
Chicago, Business and Professional
Granite City -_ _ _-,..

TCIPJTI - ~~~

R
R
R

2
3

5
8

74
90
89
212
340

3
5

8

3

85

IMSlABUED

VBTKRA!N!S

275

No.

Chapter P

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers -A

Los C

.ngeles

Jlncin-
nati

ouls- ]
ville

Miami

55

: ; HJJNOIS Continued
Chicago Heights .

2

26 _

58

Ottowa - -

2

1

40 -
20

60

Bloomlngton ..

2

27

62

Oarmi

H

3

89

"

63

Olney

3

77

.___ __

65

Varttfnlla r ^ n ..^

1

25

69

Murphysboro

2

32

71

Marion.... .._, ......

2

34

74

Maywood....... . ;

B

2

42

2

75

2

36

76

Centralla

1

24

77

2

41

78

Chester -_ .

2

51

Department of Tni-nnip .....

B

1

1

INDIANA

Fort "Wayne

It

10

453

10

2

Bedford

2

50

3

IncHanApfVllS, "Wyyrthington

R

11

516

11

4

Valparaiso .... ._.....-_-

2

26

^5

Marion - - ....

2

40

3

South Bend . ,

B

25

1.203

25

7

Eva'nsvfle GreshftTT* _

R

8

366

8

8

3

94

g

Terre Hftute

R

9

404

9

10

V1 T| cftnnfts

2

30

11

BloomingtoTi

3

99

12

ATldeTSQH -

R

3

116

3

13

Hoosifcr State '

4

131

14

"French Lick

2

33

15

Q-Qshcn r-

2

55

16

New Albany

3

114

17

3

110

18

Princeton

4

166

::":::

19

EDchart

R

6

178

5

20

Orleans

3

76

.
:::::::

21

Gary

f

354

22

Batesville

Michigan Oity

1
4

17
140

24

Portland

3

100

25

jvLunc e > -

2

61

26

1

10

27

Lafayette .-..

3

82

28

Kokomo

1
1

21
13

30

Petersburg

21
257

32
33

QC

Newcastle.,
Crawfordsville

1

1

23
17
10

36
37-

Mount Vernon._
jLoogootee.^

I

31

87
21

38
39
40
42
44
45

South Bend, White Eagle. __
Tort Wayne ------ --
Plymouth -,--
Huntington...

R

2
2

2

1

53
69
12
39
10

2

46
49
50
52
53
54
55
56
58
64
7
72
73

Washington '
KendallvUle
Warsaw :_ -
Indianapolis -
Logansport
Bluflton
Madison ,
Montfcello ^
Winchester
Oonnersville
Hartford City

R

2
. ~ -2

2
2

1
2

1
4
2
1

26
48
9
154
59
28
43
20
32
18
130
70
. " fl

4

1

t

75
77
78
7fi
8C
83
SI
Si
8S

Xawrenceburg
Jasper. ---
iBoonville ^
Brazil r

.Crown Point.
I Green Castle. - ;
, 'Tell City...
1 Morocco :
: No]Dlesville-- -.+-- -

R

2
J

?

]

1 l

57
83
12C
24
1
L 21
t &
1 5
! 3<

t

i

t __

i
j

276

THIKTT-SHVEDSnrH: NATIQCN'AL REPORT

No

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem
bers

Los
Angel

Cincin
nati

Louis
ville

Mianii

90

INDIANA -continued
BrookvUle

62

91
94

f\n

Decatur, Adams County
English

B

2

14
3

99

Bloomfield

J

34
3

1

IOWA
OttUTTlWft . . ,. ,.. . ,

B

_

5

\

Davenport
Fort Madison
Burlington _

Council Blufis
Dubuque

B

J

119
32

145
180
112

1C
11
12
14
15
16

Marshalltown _.
Decorah :
Clinton
Cedar Bapids
Waterloo __
Keokuk _.
Webster City
Knoxville __
Cherokee

B
B

6
4

t

3

62
61
59
161
248
135
26
32

4

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26

Oelwein
Hawkeye State ,.
Iowa City _
DesMoines _
Oskaloosa
Clarion
Newton __
Muscatine _._
Hampton

B

I
2
10

4
1
1
1
2

97
53
71
467
1

5

t

27
29
31
32
33
35
36
37
42

Mason Oity.._
Fort Dodge _ _.
Boone__ ;.
Cedar Falls
Storm Lake
Creston
Atlantic
Albia

5
3
1

5

a

2
2

181
109
12

'!!

12
33

46
62
53

54

Eldora
Fairfleld _
Des Moines
Sioux City__

B

2
1
1
2

12
11

38
82

55

Jefferson r

T)$pfl.rf.Tnent of Towa

U

1

2
3

4
5
6

KANSAS

Kansas City ___
Pittsburgh
Topeka-lT. IZIir" "
Wichita

Parsons
Fort Scott

-S-;

6
3
2
5
2

230
108
66
188
49

1
2

7

9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17
20
22

Leavenworth
Eureka _ _
El Dorado

Hutchinson
Salina _. I

Sunflower State ,.
Dodge City '""""
Cndependence ..
Function City

Marysvlife "

Lawrence

B

B

2

1
2

1
2
1
2
2
1
1
2

71
15
37
34
22
45
24
49
36

55

1

23
24
25
32
33

1

Kensington
McPherson
Uhanute
itchison
D-Offeyville
Department of Kansas

KENTUCKY

-jextngton

B

1
1

1
1
1

1

4

22
12
21
22
24
23

167

1

2
3

4

Ellzabethtown"

2
1

33
19
23

6

fowling Green ,.
jouisville

B

2
9

74
390

~- 5"

AMBKMJAN" VE!TERA3S1S

277

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
ngeles

incin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

7
8
9
10
11
12
14
18
19
20
22
23
26
28
32
34
37
41
42
44
45
47
48
49
50
54
55
57
60
63
64
66
70
72
73
74
81
83
87
89
92
93
98
101
103
105
106
108
111
112
114
115
116

1

i
t

\
8
9
10
V
13

KENTUCKY continued
!Pad.ucah

3
8
3

2

1
3
4
3
3

2
2

2

1
2
2
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
3
5.
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1

4
3
1
1
1
2

99
351
111
14
62
21
101
172
106
91
154
35
36
34
32
43
59
77
59
64
68
33
33
47
19
114
119
178
70
12
15
13
34
52
18
8
25
12
12
155
104
11
12
11
30
43
59
128
54
49
37
36
30

TopHrlnsvllle ,

}utwood_

R

3

Tompkinsville

3eaver Dam ._

Danville _

Oynthisma

's-tntiRvlllo.

R
R

4

Covington __.

3

Glasgow

Uorbin

Oorncracker State

?almouth

Sturgis

Brownsville

Frankfort

R

2

Newport _

Liberty

R

3

TCIpgs TVTQiTnta.lTi L

Prlncfit-o

Russell vllle

Somerset _

TVTrmnt. Vnrnnn

Jmxn.tiQTi City _.

Murray

JTaJTOrt ?*hnrg

IR-ichmoncl . ^ -, ,-

Maysville

Central City __

Harlan

Hazard

London

CampbellsvUle

Columbia

Albany --

JSdmonton

Beattyvllle -

Horse" Cave - - -

Warsaw^ -

Tjouisville

R

4

Louisa

Science Hill -_

Latonia

R

1

Brandenburg

Stan ton

IVtonticello

JVC ay field

Louisville

Bard well

Sprincfleld

B arbour ville

O arrollt on

HtfflilaD'l freight's

R
R

1
3

LOUISIANA

76
143
58
95
103
11
100
319
42
144
23
72
23
20
167

112
29
27

Lafayette-- -- -

New Iberia

R
R

3
3

jttation xtouge_ _______ _ _

TV/Trm HA

jvLonroe- __ - __

New Orleans
Creole State

New Orleans. B. J. Daly.
Thiborfftux

R

7

17
22
26
27
28
30
3
32
33
3
3
3

Lake Charles. -

Baton Rouge, Thompson
New Orleans, Camere___

R
R

2

4

Kinggold
Shreveport

Bogalusa -

Metairie -
Houma
Algiers ,
Chalmette

Dftnartment of Louisiana

R
R

63

16
75

'

278

THIRTY-SEVENTH: NATKWSPAL KEPORT

No. | Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

1 T<
2 Pi
3 Pt

4 Bi
6 B*
8 W
9 I Vi
10 I P)

11 g

1 B
2 O
3 A
4 S
5 F
6
7 1
8 B
9 I
10 I

fc c

14 I
Si

MAINE
>gns_._ _
neTree State ; ,-

ddeford

mgor - ..

R

R
R

J

?

2
2
1

12
2
2
3
3
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
2
5
1
1
2
3
1
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1

4
5
2
10
3
4
5
6

26
2
2
4
3
2
3
17
2

i

6

I
\

5
1
1(

, j

f

52
ifi

IWilWBBf

6
3

_..

atervflle-.,

resque Isle , -,--_,-

iwlston __,,,,- .-.:.,,.,"
epartment of Maine .

MARYLAND

altlmore
umberland .
nnapolis
Liver Spring -
rederick
Id Line State ,-
akoma Park -
Baltimore, A. Adams
iraddock.. , -
leth-Chevy-Ohase ..
Hen Burnie
Lagerstown ,
lavre De Grace

lAl'Mmrvra "RVpft R1",ft.t.6

R
R

R
R

9
60
42

528
47
53
89
76
21
20
9
32
30
28
24
75
202

2
1

12
2

lo 1 -l
17 E
18 C
19
21 1
22 "<
23 ]
24 1
25 '

-:5
1!

1
2
3
4
5
o 1
7
.8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

2

a

i

27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
36
40
44
45
46
49

tattland -
Cambridge
iallsbury

PVestminster ,
Btyattsville ..
Baltimore, Boasi
Baltimore, L. M -
Oriole, Baltimore
Elkton,. -
Bel Air -
FriendsvUle
Department of Maryland

MASSACHUSETTS

Bay State -
Laurence
"West Roxbury
"Worcester -
Hyde Park
Milford
New Bedford. _
Framiaghani
Tall River
Boston.-* -
Brookline -
Rutland Heights _
Dorchester
iWatertown

R
R

R

It
R
R
R

R
R
R

B.

R
R

20
12
75
95
23
85
50
30
38
23
20
20

142
218
66
467
77
165
192
231
94
1,226
55
64
139
108
75
114
799
35
54
192
266
196
106
206
223
12
467
64
114
142
27
80
24
8S

354
687
169
94
65

4
5
2

10

4
5
6

2

3

2

1
26

iHevere-
'Cambridge
Boston, Navy Yard ., >
Andover _ - -
Chicopee
ECavermTL ~ -- .
Medford _
South Boston
'N"ewton_ __
Leominster
Lowell
Pittsfleld i
Somerville
Concord _
Braintree
Fitchburg
Roxbury, Oonnery _._
Brockton
Greenfield _
South Boston

R
R

R
R
R
R
R
R
R

R
R
R
R
R
R

R

3

5
6
5
3
5
5

10

3

4

17

Weymouth -
Newburyport
Greater Boston _.
Waltham -.
Athol _ _
Arlington _._

R
R
R

R

i

u

15
2

AMERICSAJT VETEBANS

279

lo.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Lou's-
v.lle

Miami

51

52
53
57
59
62
64
65
66
67
68
69
71
72
73
74
76
76
77
78
79
82
83
84
85
88
89

MASSACHUSETTS continued

Everett
Boston, Employees
Webster _
Taunton
Maiden _ .
Chelsea
Lynn
Weymouth, Talbot :
Roxbury
Boston. Women's Veterans
Springfield
Amesbury _
Charlestown
Franklin
Brighton _
Gloucester ^
Melrose
Brockton
East Boston
Jamaica Plaln__
Quincy
Marlboro _
Methuen _____ *
Salem
Maiden...
Woburn___
Boston

R

R
R
R
R

R
R

R

R
R

R
R
R

R
R

4
2

3
2
2

4
2
1
1
5
2
1
2
2
3
1
6
2

2

2
3
2
2

4

144
34
127
88
40
69
138
27
20
21
178
56
15
34
50
87
11
240
43
145
71
134
39
85
74
54
145

4

4
3
2
2

1
1

3

6

4
2

" 4

2

90
91
93
94
96
97
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
112
113
114
115
116
117

1

Norwood

Winthrop _
Dorchester, Green ,
Ludlow.. __
Hyannis
North Quincy, Cavanagh
Hull _
Peabody__
Sonthbridge _
Boston, All Life
Worcester.
Milton '_:
New Bedford ,
Wilmington. __ __
Stoneham
Mansfield _
Charlestown, Cleary
Tewksbury
Bevere __
Burlington..
Natick
Sangns. ._
WhitmsviUe
Canton,
Department of Massachusetts

MICHIGAN

Detroit - - - -

R

R
R
R
R

R
R

R
R

R
R

R
R

R

5
2
4
, 2
3
3

2

.... 4

3
3
2

1

2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1

38

180
64
126
52
123
116
74
164
88
90
26
13
139
82
61
23
' 36
37
52
27
50
28
69
22

1,853

38

5

4
2

3
3

2
2

1

3
2

2

Grand Rapids S Smith

R

17

781

17

3

Flint . .

R

8

372

8

4

7

289

5

Detroit Ranlr'TT

R

17

792

17

Q

JCalama'zoo, Crosby -

R

6

244

6

7

Battle Creek

R

5

224

g

T^ansittpr Capttol

6

258

g

Bav City King Jr

R

13

614

13

10

Jackson "vvnilam Sparks

6

236

jj

It^uskegon T7ood

7

325

12

$

241

13

Ann Arbor

5

205

14

Holland

5

223

15

4

131

16

Pont lac

6

271

17

7

319

18

Big Rapids

3

81

19

lioval Oak

R

11

493

11

on

3

118

22

Iiarouett6

2

51

oo

IroTi _VJ"oiint&iii

5

220

t\A

3

119

eye

3

100

net

TCfftnV^HmTft * ^ w *" * - ' A - J' --

2

61

27

Houchton

4

134

20331-

280

THTRTT-SWHNTB: NATIONAL REPORT

NO.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
vlle

Miami

29

MICHIGAN continued
Ionia .,

Rl

2

56

2

30

Ludington...

3

101

31

Petosk'ey

2

61

32

Gratiot- -

2

54

33

Wolverine State ._

101

38

Traverse City

4

34
132

39

Cadillac-

3

124

40

41

Detroit, E. Thomas.. _

4

139

42

Dundee

2

30

43

Manlstee.

4

142

44

TVToimt OlWP-Tis

3

98

45

Detroit, M. King, Jr

6

246

46
48
50
51
52
53
54

Detroit, J. N. Keane
Fremont -
Gagetown _
Dearborn, Gray
Sault Ste. Marie
Hazel Park
Bad Axe

R

12

4
2
6
4
3
3

534
140
27
245
151
108
108

12

55
56
57
58
59
60
61

Niles __

Three Bivers
South Haven -
Barry County
Oceana.
Detroit, Eastside.
Alpena

R

3
2
2

2
10

5

97
62
45
21
63
462
198

10

62
63

Wyandotte
Owosso -

2

92
41

64
65
66

fi7

Clinton County
Marshall
Ironwood __

3
2
2

122
51
56

68
69
70

71
70

Hillsdale.-,
Munislng
Howell __
Mason _

2
2
3
1

1

29
46
76
9
13

74
75
76
77
78
79
80

Ish periling
Sandusky, Sanilao _:___
L'Anse ,
Gladwin _
Lapeer
Monroe _ ,
Lakeview

R

2
2
2
2

1
1
5
1

43
46
33
37
16
14
193
H

2

81
83
84
85
86
87
88
90
91
92

Mohawk _._
Detroit, C. Hamtramck
Detroit-Highland Park
Detroit, Bedford
Detroit, A. Martin___
Paw Paw
Sturgis ___ _
Cheboygan
Ontonagon
Lincoln

R

1
4
3
9
3
2
2
4
2
2

15
159
90
398
107
55
56
155
50
26

9

93
94
95
96
97
98
101
102
103
104
105
106
107

St. Ignace. _
Midland. _._
Newberry__ _
Detroit, Malish__ _
Hartwick Pines
Gaylord _
Pontiac _
Trenton
Muskegon
Crystal Falls
Jackson _
Belding-__ _
East Detroit _

1
2

2

1
I
4
2
3

3
3
3

11
29
10
40
8
23
161
72
90
16
107
100
118

108
109
110
111
112
113
114
116
116

Ewen

Detroit
Grand Rapids
Allen Park
Dearborn
Detroit _ '
Livonia.. :
Chassell _
Lincoln Park

R

2
2
7
3
3
4
2
2
3

32

66
309
105
120
141
37
49
87

118
119

Roseville

St. Clair Shores

2
2
3

51
64
86

Department of Michigan-

R

1

1

AMEKIOAN VETERANS

281

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

1
2
3

4
5
6

- 7
8
9
10
11
12
13
- 14
15
16
17
18
20
22
23
24
25
27

2
3

5

9
11
16
20
21
22
23
26
29
34

1
5

i

10
11
14
16
17
21
24
33

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis ^
St. Paul... __ """
Itbbing
rinlayson __
HedWing .
Otiluth _____ """
Bemidji-_-_ _
>opher State... : __
3t: Cloud. I!
MEankato
Aitkln...
Pierz. _
Gtrand Rapids i

R
B
B

69
18
6
2
6
5
3
1
4
4
3

2
2
2
3
2
1
2
2
3
2
2
3

4
1
1
3

4
2

4
1

2
1

3

1
1
1

78
25
1
2
2
2
1
3
2
2
2
3
2
2
2

2

4
6
2
3

5
2

1
2

1
2
2
1

3,392
851
267
53
253
203
106
8
157
170
117
17
68

69
18
6

Orookston
New Ulm
Albert Lea
Stillwater ___
Cloquet-
Faribault.J _ _
Brainerd
Virginia
Montevideo
Fergus Falls
Austin u
Department of Minnesota

MISSISSIPPI

Bayou State.

B

B
B

65
64
115
48
18
52
70
104
35
71
83

136
17
16
118
140
37
155
22
149
49
23
8
100
22
16

2

1

1

Laurel

Hattiesburg ;

Gulfport, B. W. Veal :

B
B

3

Columbia

Greenville

Jackson, 8. H. Dawson

B

4

Natchez

Blloxi

MeComb

B
B

2

1

V^cksburg

Hattiesburg, Hub City

Pittsboro ...-,

B

3

Grenada 1

Department of Mississippi

B

B
B

1

MISSOURI

St. Louis

3,869
1,179
15
38
60
59
6
117
74
26
35
86
65
27
27

46
127
233
39
105
191
26
10
63
, 33
41
23
44
31

78
25

Kansas City - - -

Thayer - - - -

Poplar Bluff

St James

B

2

St Joseph

Sedalla

Independence

B

Springfield

Nevada

Cape Girardeau

Jefferson City

Show Me State

Eldon

El Dorado Springs

MONTANA

n

Greflt Falls

1
1

12
13
1
1

Helena

B

6

Kalispell --

Butte

Columbia Falls

Billings

B

2

Lewlstown

Bozeman

Anaconda

Shelby

Miles City

nemnrttnftnt. nf TVTnTit.fl.Tin.

282

THIRTY-SEVENTH NATIONAL REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
'bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

^

NEBRASKA

Cornhusker State

1

13

2

Omaha - --

B

8

350

8

. 3

North Platte

2

38

" 4

David Oity

1

12

7

Lincoln

R

6

242

6

- 9-

Ha^tlntrs

4

132

-10

Scottsbluff

2

53

11

QTRT"! Island

2

58

12

Alliance " -

2

46

13

IVlcOook " " ---.

12

14

Kearney " ....---.-

22

15

Holdrege

19

16

14

'17

19

18

Fremont '

1

24

19

Ravenna

2

33

-20

OolUTnhwf " ' -___

2

66

21

Rushville

1

24

22

South Bioux City

2

45

23

Creisrhton

1

18

24

1

25

-25

Lexington Cozad ~

2

27

28

Beatrice

1

22

27

Fairbury.

1

17

28

Wayne '

1

13

"DflpartmfiTit of Nebraska-

E

1

1

1

; NEVADA

4

153

4-

Hawthorne -

2

38

B

Sparks -.,_-

2

45

11

Las Vega? __^_

2

44

1

1

NEW HAMPSHIRE

4

155

4

5

177

5

Dover ""

R

3

115

3

7

Nashua

3

77

8

"Rprltn

1

22

11

"r/aconia .

1

20

13

Exeter

R

2

50

15

SoT^T^rwortli -

3

115

16

T/ehfVTion

2

29

18

Manchester, Queen Oity

5

192

19

Concord

R

2

60

Department of New Hampshire

R

1

1

1

NEW JEBSEY

Passaic__--_-.__,__ .__^_ _

R

3

116

3

2

Clifton

R

6

235

6

3

Newark, Melvin Spitz

R

11

509

11

4

Oamden " -

3

112

5

Bayonne

R

4

150

4

6

Jersey City

3

85

7

PltMnfteM r ^ r n _, ,..^^-

3

92

8

Hoboken ,

2

75

9

Union City \

R

4

174

4

10

Atlantic City

E,

3

125

3

11

Lake Hiawatha

1

14

12

Trenton _ _

3

90

13

Long Branch

2

46

14

Bahway, ,. ,

R

3

103

3

15

Fort Lee _

1

10

16

Somerville

1

24

17

"Brunswick^ T , .^ ,--., ^

R

2

69

2

18

Paterson

R

Q

414

g

19

Ornnge

2

43

20

1

10

21

Caldwell

R

2

54

2

22

Morristown ,_

1

8

23

Jersey City, Downtown

3

77

24

Toms River

1

13

25

Kearny

1

16

26

Irvine. - _

R

g

338

g

27

Mount Holly

2

29

28

Jersey State _ _

2

36

31

Montclatr

1
1

18
21

82

Hackensack.

2

41

DISABUED

"VETERANS

283

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
ngeles

incin-
nati

ouis-
ville

Miami

33

NEW JERSEY continued
Bayorme

2

72

34

Elizabeth

R

2

42

2

35

Tuckerton

1

23

37

Asbury Park

2

47

38

Bloomfield

2

69

39

1

20

40

Union

2

41

41

Trenton ,__,.

R

7

301

7

42

Morristown

1

10

43

Millburn -

2

27

11

Wild wood

2

28

45

Red Bank .,

2

51

48

Phillipsburg _._.,

1

25

49

West New York_ , _

2

37

50

Scotch Plains

1

20

51

Newark, Paraplegic-,.,

2

55

53

Newark, Amputation..

4

131

54

North Bergen _ _

2

34

55

Hillside

3

83

56

Woodbridge

2

57

57

Newark, C. F. Mattia _

1

12

58

VIneland

1

25

59

1

9

60

Perth Amboy --

2

41

61

Ocean Oity

1

12

62

2

49

63

Dover

2

64

66

2

' 29

67

South Amboy

2

36

68

2

43

69

]Vadison

1

6

70

Elizabeth

3

91

74

Freehold

2

28

75

Newark -

R

1

9

1

76

Keansburg

46

Department of New 1 Jersey

R

1

1

NEW MEXICO

3

97

"Denilnff

34

AVtmtmeroiib "

R

19

893

19

Roswell

97

Glovls

2

53

^

2

30

ipftH-nVcftaifi

^

22

IlfiLtfm

2

70

^

9

Las Ortice^

3

87

R

90

3

2

50

10

2

40

(Tljl

2

6'

15

R

4

164

j

"Pnrtaloa

52

17

Las Vegas

3

78

18
19

Clayton
Artesia -

85

20
21

Dixon..,
Gallup

1

22
23

25

Espanola
Ruidoso

2
50

27

Hobbs

Department of New Mexico

NEW TOBK

Greater Buffalo
Empire State _ -
New York City, Harlem
Canandaigua ,
Middletown - -
Liberty
Bath

R

R

R

1|

90

53
10

12
15

on

1

1
1

1
1
1

Syracuse
Geneva -
Albany -
XJtica
Niagara Falls
Elmira
Rochester

R

R
R
R

R

1

5

1&

]
409

1(

20331 58 20

284

THIIBTT-SIEIVEINTH: NATEON-AL REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
32
33
34
35
36
38
39
45
47
49
50
55
59
60
68
69
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
84
87
88
91
92
94
95
97
98
100
101
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
112
113
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
130
132
133
135
136

NEW YOBTT continued

4
3
2

3
2
2
13
2
2
2
5
,31
12
4
3
2
1
3
2
9
2
1
4
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
14
3
7
2
2
3
15
2
4
10
3
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
6
4
3
3
2

2
2
1
2
2
5
1
2
3
. 2
2
9
3
2
1
2
2
2
1

158

99
34
94
105
58
54
584
39
41
3d
189
1,511
566
159
97
35
22
85
50
406
42
20
150
56
50
46
58
37
17
29
666
94
323
32
45
97
721
28
162
447
76
58
14
52
57
49
31
12
16
63
28
63
258
128
85
76
30
149
60
50
22
52
29
218
20
64
82
33
57
378
76
42
16
46
33

Castle Point

Northport

Rome

R

3

Mount Veruon - - -

R
R

2
13

Bronx

Schenectady

Staten Island

Flushing, "Long Island

TfAlTlpSt^ad, . . . r _Trn

R
R
R
B

5
31
12
4

Brooklyn

AfitJOrfg,, Tjfrtig TslftTld

Syracuse .-

Wftshtng* 01 ^ TTQtghte'. -, ,. r -.--

St, Albans _

Staten Island.

R
R

1
3

Jamaica

Far Hockaway _

Troy

R

9

Tarry town

T^rflriVkfort ,

Jamestown _

R
R

4
2

Port Chester ., _

Tonawanda

New York City, Fitzgerald

Norwich

Bimghftmtori. .^^ ^

R

2

Massena

Ogdensbure

New York, National Amputation. _.
New York City

R

14

New York. Kelly Leviae

R

7

New York, A. E. Smith

New York, F. D. Roosevelt-.-

New York, General Roosevelt

TTtioa

R

15

Tupper Lake ^___

NQW York;, Pfltrflr Lehman ....

R
R
R

10
3

Schenectady, Fryer :

Buffalo, Queen City

Woodside, Long Island

Brooklyn, Mitscher

Islip.....!

R
R
R

2
2
2

Elinlnipgt XfQjig Island

White Plains

Amsterdam

Eichmond Hill __

Auburn _ _.

New York, Peter Stuyvesant

New York, Manhattan Beach

Fulton _

R
R
R

2
6

4

Brooklyn, Beneduce _

Brooklyn, Four Chaplains
Elmont, Longlsland____

.Brooklyn, Sanzone _.

R
R
R

3
2

Buffalo. Victory

South Buffalo.

4

Bay Shore

______

New York, Major LaGuardia.,

R

2

Levittown..,

TOirleroTrrrinH

Olean

R

2

Buffalo, Roll of Honor
Oneida__ _

R

5

Western, Amputation
Bayside ,.

R

3

Valley Stream

-----

New York _

R

9

New York, Shatel _,._ ,

Buffalo, F. G. M. N
Hamburg...
Lackawanna

R
R
R
B
R
R

2
1

2

Utica,

Department of New York

67

2

1

DISABHED

VBTBBAKS

285

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Xos
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

2
3

4
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
18
19
20
21
24
26
27
30
31
32
34
36
38
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

1
2

4
5
6
.8
9
11
13
15
16
24

i

2
3

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

NOBTH CABOLINA

Asheville .
Tar Heel State
Burlington

S wannan oa

B

2

1
4
1
2
4
7
1
4
1
2
2
3
1
1

45
22
162

15
55
126
304
IB
139
17
73
46
103
25
19

4

wiison :_::::: ~

Winston-Salem. Tate
Charlotte -.
"Wilmington
Albeinarle.^-i
iLexington
Shelby
Gastonia
Greensboro
Durham
Winston-Salem _

B
B

4

7

Concord
Bocky Mount
High Point.., _
Klnston
Hickory
Wadesboro ___
Asheville- t
Waynesville ^._.

B

1
2
2

1
1
3
1
5
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
1

8
15
3
- - 5
2
1
2
2
1
.I-

24
68
37

14
116
22
197
17
36
44
- 28
27
22
13
24
34
31
16
41

5

Marshall ,

Morgantown.
Srnithfield....

Goldsboro ^.__
Fayetteville _

Lumberton .. ,

~~~~ ~

Clinton.. ._

BoseHUl ___.

-_____-

Wallace - .

Wadesboro ,

Salisbury __

Department of North Carolina

B
B

NORTH DAKOTA

Fargo *_** ,__*. _~ .

328
721
81
205
-73
19
51
29
20
16

8

1

Q-ranfi "Forks _-,-_ ^

:

Mlnot- -w _-_u ^..

TVpNS Tjft-lc^

Sioux State

Dickinson - .. L1 . .

Williston _ ^

, i

Langdon *.

Dunn Center.. _-. :

Lakota , ,

1
1
2
- 1

62
13

24

3
17
20
6
36
9
6
13
6
2
8
3
2
3
4
6
5
4
4
5
3

20
10
53

Busby ^

Valley City-

Department of North Dakota

OHIO

Cincinnati

B
B
B

3, 037

589
1,158
135
80
776
949
240
1,773
400
270
592
233
42
374
119
58
103
173
259
176
143
157
193
114

62
13

Youncstown

noltnn'hns

24

Columbus Vprdun

Gallipolis

Canton

B
B

17
20

Buckeye State

Dayton

B
B
B
B
B

36
9

W"arren

6
13

Zftncsville

Springfield,

, 6

Fostoria

B

Sandusky

-..-

Sebring
Chillicothe

B

2

Lorain
Mansfield

^Marion.

B
B
B

---

........

4
6
5

EE

Newark

McConnellsville
Greenfield

B
B

4
3

__-,___._

286

NATTOESTAIi BEPOBT

No,

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

26

OHIO continued .

3

76

27

Toledo

B

14

633

14

28

Cambridge

B

8

360

8

29

Port Clinton ,

2

69

30

3

115

31

TJrbana. .*.....

B

5

198

5

32

2

29

--<

33

3

90

.....

34

Tiffin

3

100

- ""

35

Akron

B

15

694

15

36

3

110

----....

37

Athens - ......

B

7

291

7

38

B

9

405

9

"~

30

Ashtabula

3

121

40

2

74

41

3

79

42

Palnesville

2

43

43

TMridlay

B

6

263

6

44

2

37

45

4

134

...

46

2

50

47

East Liverpool . - - -

B

7

313

7

-------

48

Sidney.

4

163

49

Elyria

2

62

,60

Alliance

B

10

432

10

61

5

206

2

Marietta .. .

B

5

177

5

- --

-53

Pomeroy

B

5

193

6

64

Von "Wftrf. .. -

2

71

65

Marysville.., .

3

83

. ....

66

Mount Vemon

2

32

67

4

159

--------

68

W^ilniinBton

2

70

- ...

59

Lebanon - . - ..... .

B

163

4

60

Gallon.

I

21

61

Cleveland, Attacks .

2

50

62

Norwalk--

67

63

2

61

64

Paulding .,

1

22

65

Stftubenvnte

B

7

300

7

66

Bellefontaine .

4

127

67

New phHMelr 111 *

3

109

-*--

68

Logan - . - - ...... ...._

B

5

187

......

69

Martins TVnry

3

81

70

CirclevSle

2

61

71

Peebles

4

160

72

Wadsworth

1

19

73

Wapakoneta. . . . .

3

119

74

Ooshocton_ __ _ .

2

69

76

Tipper Sftftdtisky

2

27

76

Celina

2

69

77

Ottowa

3

105

........

78

Wauseon . - ... ......... ..

3

84

79

Delaware. .

2

40

80

Woodsfleld _.

2

43

81

Ashland

1

13

82

MUlersburg. -

1

16

83

84

Bryan
Mount GHead

3

1

98
15

85

CarroUton._ _

2

35

86

New T/eTriTjgton, ,,. ,

2

62

87

Caldwell

2

49

88

Waverly^ -

2

53

89
90
91
92
93
94
95

Washington Court House
Ripley
Eaton

XenlA . . ..
London

Sdo
MeArthur - i .

2
4
1
4
2
2
3

48
146
16
148
40
60
96

96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
10S

Chardon.i
TJhrichsville ___
Troy - ,
Crestline

.Struthers

Norwood, Cincinnati.
Cincinnati, Grote
Lewisburg

CfndnTiAtl, T). E. "Dixon...

R
R

R

1
2
3
2
3
1
5
8
2
6

16
57
118
58
84
6
206
335
44
271

8

g

10S
109

Lakewood
Beading

R
R

5

314
195

7
5

DOJSABUEl) AMERICAN VETERANS;

287

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

ngeles

incin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

110

OHIO continued
O^TI pinna tl, T^ftstern Hills

R

5

224

5

111

Akron Teeter

1

g

112

Mansfield, Richland

1

13

113

Dayton, ]^orthridge~ ,

1

24

114

OJuctnnati CliBviot

R

3

109

3

115

nirmirmftt'i, TW^uint BCfcfVltliy

R

2

47

2

116

ClevQlapd, "Parma

R

6

226

6

117

Bellalre

R

13

619

13

118

1

24

119

St Marys

2

35

120

ninctriTiati "W E "Bnrt

R

2

47

2

121

]Baniesvni6

1

14

122

Salem

2

56

123

Hillsboro

2

69

125

Garfield Heights

1

20

126

^Waynesville

4

160

127

Greater Cleveland

R

g

339

8

128

St Clairsville

1

15

129

Newcomerstown

1

25

130

Basil

2

28

DepartmeT'it of Ohio

R

1

1

TI

OKLAHOMA

1

19

o

Covinjrton

1

14

g

C hecotah-

1

17

4

El Reno

3
2

85
32

6
9

Enid -
Muskogee -
Sapulpa_i

R
R
R

2
9
2

35
400
50

2

10
12
16

Okmulgee
Blackwell -

f 1 H1 r1rasha

R

1
2
2
5

24
37
31

209

__

2

18
on

Pauls Valley, Garvin

IVtcAlester

]

10
61

21

Sayre

t

39

24
26

Muskogee, Simmons

Durant

i

61
399

29
30
31
32

Oklahoma City, Will Rogers
Ardmore
Tanle<iuah_., :
Tulsa

6

260
102
46

74

4f

1

1
1
1
1

1

Pryor

Claremore .-

Department of Oklahoma

OBEQON

Portland

Eugene
Oregon City
McMinnviUe
Salem
Forest Grove
Medford
Boseburg
Webb Foot State
Grants Pass
Klamath Falls. ~
Albany
Bend -

R

15

30
20

692
22
121
63
21
72
45
208
6'

8
9

3

48

15

1
18

1

\

c

3
38

Oorvallis ^

Baker
Coos Bay
La Grande -
Florence
Elmlra
Portland, D. Walker
Ordance
Taft - -
Oakland
Pendleton
CoquiQe. -
Department of Oregon. r

1

46
1

2
1
3
63
2

1
5

288

THIRTY-SEVENTH:

REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

1

PENNSYLVANIA.

Scran ton

R

5

190

5

2

Johnstown

2

73

3

Hazftlton

R

4

142

4

4

Carrisburg

R

6

264

6

5

Nauticoke

2

36

6

Philadelphia, Olney -

4

154

7

All ffP.lrQ WTK

2

49

g

Pittsburgh

R

11

513

. 11

9

"Wilt-AS-BarrA

R

10

443

10

10

Heading

R

3

78

11

IDickson City - -

4

170

12

Sharon

1

21

13

Lewistown

2

28

14

Philadelphia

8

358

15

Philadelphia Naomi

R

10

450

10

16

Eeystone State

4

131

18

"Ret b1fth wn r..^ ^ ^ JITT ,

2

71

19

Chester

2

31

20

Jntfipna

2

46

.

21

Potts ville

6

267

22

Pittsburgh, Liberty- _

R

8

372

8

23

"DunTnore

1

10

25

N"orristown

2

59

26

Jftannette -. , .

4

153

27

Pittsburgh. East Liberty

R

3

101

3

31

Shfmandoan

1

16

32

Plymouth

2

68

83

R

2

62

2

34

Altoona ; , ^

4

155

35

C^Tf^fiTlSbUTiJ -. . . .

3

76

36

Vandergrift

3

91

47

WillfcTWDOrt

R

1

17

1

49

Pittsburgh, Finley . .., , ____-

3

79

61

ClairtonT

1

17

.

52

McKeesport

R

4

161

53

New Kensington..

2

59

54

Ursula

1

15

56

Tj^rentiim

2

33

58

TJniontown

2

41

61

Turtle Creek

1

15

64

Butler. ___

3

83

67

Pittsburgh, Norses __

Rr

2

40

2

68

Punzsutawney

2

36

69

Pittsburgh VAnng

R

2

34

2

72

Bradford _._-l!l

R

2

55

2

73

Erie

2

48

74

Pittsburgh, Southside

R

2

44

2

76

Pittsburgh, Foster

R

5

210

78

OTh am bTsburg

7

306

82

Pliiladelphla, N. E. Moyer

5

185

83

PliUftdeTplitfi, TTigTiftm *

1

16

87

Beaver Falls

R

3

107

3

90

Pittsburgh, Southhffls .-

1

16

92

Philadelphia, Thompson.

3

93

96

Philadelphia, Northwest Ptdladel-
phia w

R

4

165

4

98

Carbondale

2

70

101

Philadelphia

2

28

102

R

6

259

107

Aliquippa

2

68

109

Patton.. __

1

15

________

110

Chambersburg

2

57

112

Lawrence County

2

42

113

ITpper Darby

R

5

179

114

Honesdale ,__,

2

69

115

Willow Grove.., ,

2

48

116

1T7

Lock Haven...

1

24

118
119

State College

1
1

17

21

120

South Philadelphia __.

2
2

57
68

Department of Pennsylvania

R

1

1

1

BHODE ISLAND

Providence .

R

5

198

5

2
*>

Little Bhode

1

12

4
5
6

Woonsocket..,
Central FaUs_^._
Westerly

R
R

4
6
2
3

150
238
36
80

6

7
8

East Providence

1

18
18

AMERICAN" VETraiKA3SnS

289

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Lngeles

incin*
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

9

BHODE ISLAND continued
Warwick

2

61

10

>anston

R

2

36

2

11

Providence, MUlor Penta

1

18

12

Vlanville .._

It

2

51

13

barren

2

35

15

Bristol

3

120

f

17

iVest Warwick

2

67

18

Providence

1

9

19

Harrington

2

27

20

Sast Providence :

1

12

:21

Providence

2

56

Department of Rhode Island

R

1

1

1

SOUTH CAROLINA

Greenville

2

48

3

Spartegnburg, Montgomery ^

2

30

4

nnlvnmblft . .

I

19

5

Sumter

3

76

6

Abbeville--

2

33

7

Palmetto State

1

7

8

Greenville _

2

44

9

Columbia _._.. -. _,_....

2

57

ao

Charleston

1

16

11

Florence

2

26

12

Beaufort

1

20

13

Ool'UTn'hift

R

4

141

4

J.4

Lancaster. - - _ -

3

82

17

North Charleston

R

2

38

2

19

Chester _.

R

2

29

2

20

O rt lu Tn blft.- _^

1

13

21

Marion

2

39

22

ftymt^i*

1

15

24

QaffQey - -. -.-.^

R

1

14

1

Department of Sovth Owolfrift

R

1

1

SOUTH DAKOTA

Sioux Falls

R

10

452

10

2

Hot Springs -

2

73

3

RapidL City

3

92

7

1

16

10

Madison - - --

2

30

^1

<^tiir(rlR

1

11

14

Huron

1

13

16

Lead

1

9

DeDEurtment of South Dakota

R

1

1

1

TENNESSEE

]Wemphis

51

*

BfiTTi'^tp^gdon -i - - -

R

5

212

5

3

NashviQe

R

299

7

$

Knorville

R

3

1

108
23

3

*

8
9
10
11
1?

li
16
17
19
20
21

Chattanooga

Murfreesboro
Johnson City
Waynesboro
Cookeville
Volunteer State

McMinnville -
Madison
Elizabethtown
Sparta.
Lawenceburg
Springfield

R
R

8

I

357
204
19
155
29
61

If
34
38
11
9
46
86
33

5

*

24
25
26
27
28
30
3
3
34
3
38
3

Knoxville
Cleveland
Oak -Ridge
Gallatin - -
Dickson

Waverly

Crossville-,-
Nashville, Colored
Tazewell *

R

283
100

*

3
40
1
4
5
2
85
27

290

NATIONAL REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

42

TENNESSEE continued
Qreeneville ,

2

40

43

Shelbyville

B

3

101

3

44

Paris

1

22

45

Clarksville

3

85

46

Dyersburg -,__.,

3

104

47

Union City

2

58

48

Madisonville

1

13

50

1

15

51

Millington

2

28

52

Nashville

2

67

54

Sav aT1 ' n "-h

2

27

55

Oneida

8

56

Linden

18

57

Jamestown _

7

59

Morristown

40

60

Henderson

14

61

Chattanooga

16

63

TuUahoma

19

64

Centerville

17

65

TRniUftTYiROT* Onnnty . , _

2

32

66

Huntingdon J__

1

19

67

Lafayette

1

7

69

"FYanlrlfn

1

8

70

Memphis

B

5

197

5

71

Winchester

3

81

74

TK

TTVlrtVTrJllo

2

35

76

Alcoa __. _

2
2

31
27

78

Dresden

2

30

79

Livingston _

1

7

80

Memphis

1

22

81

SmithviUe _

1

22

83

Glarkrange

1

16

Dftpartment of Tennessee

B

1

1

TEXAS

Houston, Ran Jacinto ,

B

6

248

Q

2

Teyas State__ .,

5

180

4
5
. 6
7
8
o

Austin
San Antonio, Alamo Heights
Tyler .
San Angelo
KerrvUle

B
B

5

2
1
2
3

183
138
29
22
66
110

4

. 2

10
11
12
13
14
16
18
20
21
22
24

OR

El Paso .
Dallas, Buddies
Corpus Christi __
Weatherford ^ _
San Antonio
Mount Pleasant _
Cameron
Fort Worth _
Wichita Falls _.
Sherman
Valley Mills

B

B
B
B
B

2
6
6
3
3
8
4
2
7
3
1
1

50
272

247
88
85
357
156
27
293
105
9
22

2

6

26
27
29
30
31
32
33
34
36
37
38
40
41
42
44

Amarillo
Beaumont ,.
Longview
Borger
Dallas
Dallas, Oak Cliff
Waxahachie
Lamesa__ _
Abilene
Temple.
McKinney _
Groesbecfc _
Galveston
Grand Prairie
Lubbocfe

B

B

B

B

4
2
3

1

6

2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1

126
65
87

14
230
324
57
46
62
70
55
16
52
21

6

7

2

4

45
47
48
40
5Q
52
54

Brownwood._,
gig Springs.
Midland
Texas City. _
Sweetwater _.
Marlin
Denison

B

2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2

63
21
54
21
32
17
47
47

JMSABLEB AMERICAN VETERANS

291

No.

Chapter

Dele-
1 gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

55
56
57
63
67
68
72
73
74
75
76
79
80
81
83
85
86
89
90
94
95
98
100
101
102
104
106
113
119
120
121
122
126
128
129
132
137
139
140
141
143
147
150
151
152
154

1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
14
15

TEXAS continued
Orange... __ ___i

1
3
3
2
' 1
1
1
1
1
4
2
2
5
'2
3
2
1
1
1
2

2
2
2
2

1
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
3
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
2
1

1
1

1
14
2
3
21

2
3
1
2
2
1
1

1

2
1

5
2
4
1
2
2
2
1
1
1

21
123
80
28
13
18
14
22

145
48
52
182
70
92
35
19
25
8
26
23
43
41
28
49
24
40
72
25
10
60
42
47
25
124
9
33
55
11
74
18
25
53
25
12
14

Port Arthur __:

Dallas, Federal Employees. . , _

R

3

Palestine _

Commerce

Brownsville- - - __.

Wharton County __

Kilgore

Cisco

University Park

R.

Laredo 1

Atlanta

San Antonio, Federal

R

5

Greenville --_

Nacogdoches

Mineral Wells __

Caldwell

Paris ;

Colemau i ^ _^

Yoakum..

McAllen .

Jacksonville..

TftirftrlrflTXpas

Athens

Marshall _._.

Gainesville _

Denton

Bridgeport ___ _

Pittsburgh

Loekhart

HpTljTigQ'n

Weslaco

Baytown

San Antonio _ _ , _ _

"Benin am

Tulia .

Garland

TBr6"nhftr0

"Rmory

"Plain vl^^V"

Pecos

TTill^ATI

Corpus OhrJsti

Pittsburg

Jacksboro

Edlnbnrg

Dftpartroent of Texas

R
R

1

UTAH

Provo

24
633
28
125
1,008

53
110
20
36
32
21

1

Salt Lake City

Logan

Ogden

Salt Lake City Thomas

R

21

St Georce

R
R

2

OrATTl

Salt Lake City

lytagna

Tooele

Moab

R

VEBMONT

Bellow Falls

14
41
11
192
42
141
18
32
38
43
15
11

^White River Junction

Bennington

Burlington

R

5

Rutland
St. Albans -
St. Johnsbury

R

4

Enosburg
Chester

South Burlington --

T>erjartment of Vermont .

R
R

1

1

292

THIRTT-SEIVBINTH

REPORT

No.

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Log

Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

1
2
3

4
5
6

8
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
29
37
39
40
41

1
2
3

5
6
7

9
10
11
12
13
14
17
19
21
22
23
24
30
31
32
35
36
38
39
41
42

1
2

- a

10
11
13
14
16
18
19
20
22
26

VERGINLA.

Old Dominion St^te

2
2
6
6
2
1
2

3
3

1
2
5
2
3
1
2
2
1
2
2
1

1
2
2
1
2
3

6
11
2
3

4
10
2
17

1
1

2
3
2
2
2
2
2
4
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
1

1

1

2
8

1
2
3

2
3

2
3
3

1

1

36
29
235
258
56
25
74
152
86
118
19
70
202
62
97
13
55
48
25
27
67
24
23
25
46
29
20
38
84

RJ ofrmond

Roanoke

B
. R

6
6

Norfolk

Suffolk

Newport News

J^TQ^ ertcVsburu

I^yD-Chlviirc

"Winchester

Arlington

IVTount Vernon

Alexandria

B
R

2

6

Portsmouth

BtwntoT}

"Wairenton

Danville

Norfolk _ _ ...

Portsmouth

Pulaski

Richmond . -_.-

Norfolk

South Norfolk

Portsmouth.

Chrl stiansburg

Galax "

Marion

Covf' n Kto'Ki

Oraddock

"DeptLrtTn&Tvfc of Vtrgtnla

R

1

WASHINGTON

Tacoma

247
487
67
124
163
467
36
778
15
16
24
64
113
52
55
66
26
40
142
66
25
20
13
65
26
49
12
104
25

Seattle

Kelso

Vancouver

^Temerton

Spokane ^ ^ ,, ^:.

R

10

"Walla "Walla

"

Yftklmfl.

Oentralia

Everett

Evergreen State.

Henton

Sftflttle, SimshjTtQ

Opportunity .

"Wenatohee

BfilllnghftTn

Aberdeen

Gorst _ _

West Seattle _.

R

4

Olympia

Renton, South King County

Eichland . ,

Longview

Seattle, Applegate

Ortingl__J_:__!

Coulee Dam

Hoquiam

Tuna water

Mount Vernon

Department of Washington..

WEST VIRGINIA

Elklns

32
371
14
63
115
20
28
11
101
16
27
91
122
16
16
20

R

8

1\>TnnTirlRvIIle

Buokhannon

R

2

Parkersburg

Martlnsburg ,

wheeling

Williamson

Clarksburg

Snake State _

Charleston

Beckley
Fairmont _

R

3

Terra Alta _

Harrlsvule

DISABLED AMEEIOAN VETERANS

293

Chapter

Dele-
gates

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
ngeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis^
viHe

Miami

No.
27

WBS* vntotNi^Lcontinued
Point Pleasant

5

201

28
33

OR

South Charleston-
Bluefleld

CVoli^Vi

3
2

80
51

36
38

French Creek
Rupert _._ _

1
3
2

9
80
38

40

Parsons

1

15

41
42

Button
Sandyville _

1
1

8
6

44

Wayne :

2

32

45

Morgantown__.

2

27

_-.__-_

-"

46

Punrm^rville

1

25

47

TWuiieriip

1

22

48

Lewisburg

1

21

49

St.AibonP

2

29

Department of West Virginia

R

1_

1

1

WISCONSIN

M11wmi*w . - .^ -

R

9

386

g

2

Madison

R

4

144

3

Ore^n Bay -, .-. ^

3

102

4

Superior_J

2

29

5

Waukesha

2

70

6

Janesville

2

51

7

Milwaukee, E. O. Orth

3

84

g

Baraboo 1

2

54

9

Racine ,-,_ ^ ,_ -,

R

4

150

4

10

Eau Claire - - - --

3

77

11

Fond Du Lac .

3

101

12

La Crosse

4

129

13

Badger State

2

26

14

Beloit

R

2

74

2

15

Sheboygan -- .-..- ~ , .^

4

141

17

Oshkosh ---

4

170

18

Appleton - - -

2

44

19

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R

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458

10

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2

70

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3

120

23

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1

22

26

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2

70

27

Torop-h

2

58

30

Stevens Point

R

3

112

31

Medford

1

10

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T^ urlitiR torv

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114

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2

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Beaver "Dflm

1

12

52

Rice Lake

1

21

53

]Sanawa

3

76

54

"Waupaca

2

41

55

o

53

56

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58

West Bend

41

60

ft!

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WYOMING

Casper
Cheyenne

*

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99
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Department of Wyoming

FOBEION

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10

BUND VETEBANS

R

107

NOMAD

TVT/vm<i>1

65

mm

No,

Chapter 1

Dele-

Vote

Mem-
bers

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

2

PJPPPDO! ISLANDS

McEnleyMakai

1

12

8

CebuCity

1

14

6

2

29

3

Plijiippie Hands...

2

33

Department ol Philippine Mauds....

mrmmmmmm

1

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NATIONAL COLORED

.facOjTei.

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.Mobile, Ala ;.

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21

D'lSiABLE'D AMBE1OAN VETEEAiNB
NATIONAL OFFICERS

295

Name and office

Regis-
tered

Vote

Los
Angeles

Cincin-
nati

Louis-
ville

Miami

Joseph F. Burke, national commander _

R

1

1

Paul E. Frederick, senior vice commander

R

1

Arvo T. Hietala, 1st junior vice commander

R

1

Harry "Wentworth, 2d junior vice commander
H. L. Davidson. 3d junior vice commander,.

R
R

1
1

1

....

David B. Williams, 4th junior vice com-
mander

R

I

t

Sylvester Hoffmann, national judge advocate-

R

I

Rev. Joseph C. Picfcett, national chaplain..

R

1

1

Armand F. Flaisance, national executive
committee, 1st district -

R

1

1

Frederick Rundbaken, national executive
committee, 2d district j.

R

1

G, L. Constantino, national executive com-
mittee, 3d district

R

1

1

/Rpbert Dove,,national,executlve committee,
Uth district.. _ ,_____'_

R

1

i

Eugene D. Caldwell, national executive
committee, 6th district

R

1

i

J, 0, Broome, national executive committee,
6th district

R

1

Harley Ward, national executive committee*
7th district

R

1

Matthew J. Werel, national executive com-
mittee, 8th district

R

1

j

Paul A. Harmon, national executive com-
mittee, 9th district

R

1

1

Clarence R, Quigley, national executive
committee, 10th district 1

R

1

1

Tracy Astle, national executive committee,
llth district _

R

1

Elmer B, Allmeroth, national executive
committee, 12th district-

R

1

1

Russell H. Rock/ national executive com-
mittee. 13th district _

R

1

Charles M/Steese, national executive com-
mittee, 14th district.

1

A; M, "Paddy" Driscoll, Blind Veterans.....

R

1

1

FAST NATIONAL COMMANDERS

Robert S. Marx ..1. ,. .. n ,_

1

Millard W. Rice

R

1

1

E. Claude Babcock.

1

,

Joseph W. McQueen 1

1

Marvin A. Harlan..- , _ _

1

M. Froome Barbour..- _

1

Lewis J. Murphy ,. ^._

1

-

Laurence R. Melton... .

l

William J. Dodd

1

j ji t MflDn^bftn ^ . ^_ ,^. Jl ,. i ,

R

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Vincent E. Schoeck.. ,

1

Milton D. Cohn__.

R

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Lloyd F. Oleson.,. '.

1

John L. Golob ;, _

R

1

1

Davi<J M. Brown..'.

R

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Boniface Maile

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Bwing W. Mays...-^-...^ , m ^.... .,.*-

1

Floyd L. Ming _. _

R

1

1

Howard Watts ....

R

1

1

Judge Alfred English

R .

1

1

Gen. Melvin J. Maas..

1

296 THIRTT-SEVEOSrTB[ NATTOEN'AL REPORT

National Adjutant CORBET. Mr. Commander, that completes the
rollcall.

(At the conclusion of the rollcall, on transfer of votes, the States
of California, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Maine requested that their
votes be changed and recorded in favor of the city of Louisville.])

DEI^EGATE (Chapter No. 5, District of Columbia). No. 5, District of
Columbia moves that we declare Louisville elected.

Comrade ROSE. Mr. Commander, I would like to congratulate the
very fine comrade, the committee of the Louisville crowd, and we hope
that we will get to Louisville and I am sure we are going to have a
fine convention. But Los Angeles will look for it in 1959.

National Commander BTJRKE. The Chair recognizes the national
adjutant.

National Adjutant COEBLT. I move you, sir, Mr. Commander, in
view of the choice made, that we suspend the rules for the purpose of
taking action on the motion I propose to make. That being that it
is the consensus of this convention that we cast a unanimous ballot
for the city of Louisville for our 1958 national convention.

Comrade SBIEDDS. Shields, commander of California, seconds the
motion.

National Commander BTJRKE. You have heard the motion duly sec-
onded. All those in favor ?

All opposed?

The motion is carried.

The only way we can proceed in an orderly business is that the
delegates take their chairs with their respective districts, the alter-
nates will leave the room because we have another election coining up
and we want to be able to conduct an orderly ballot. Now I want
those hallways cleared and go to your places. You only have a couple
more hours and you don't have to listen to me anymore. So bring
the men in and get them seated.

The Chair would like the newly elected commander of the ladies
auxiliary to come to the platform while the delegations are settling
down. Perhaps if you won't settle down for me you might for a lady.

I am going to ask the various State commanders, I charge you all
to take care of your delegations as far as the orderly and democratic
processes are concerned. You are the leaders, for the most part, of
your delegation, so will the State commanders see that their delega-
tions are kept under control as far as the purpose of the rollcall are
concerned ?

I, at this time, take the greatest of pleasure in presenting to you
from California Mrs. Viola Hoffman of Glendale, Calif., the newly
elected commander of the ladies auxiliary.

National Commander VIOLA HOFFMAISTN- (ladies auxiliary). Com-
rades, national commander, national officers, I have been in office a
very short time and while the time is short I know my auxiliary so
well that I can promise from them aid and assistance again.

We had a fine year, we had increased membership, so that with
those increased members our program will even be better, we hope.
We need the members for a better program. We increased our mem-
bership by 2,000 in this fiscal year. We had 29 members who brought
in 595 members. That would be an average of 20 apiece and the
highest was 30, 29, 29, 28, 25, 23, 23, 21, on down. Don't you think
that is a fine record ? [Applause.]

AMEiRTOAN VE7TEHAINS 297

Again, we will aid you, we trust and pray that H. B. 52 we will not
have to work on again, but we did aid and assist you and we await your
command at any time on any of your projects. As your auxiliary
we will assist and aid any time.
Thank you. [Applause.]

National Commander BTJKKE. Thank you very much. The Chair
is a bit puzzled ; however, he wants to know what is going to happen
in the Hoffmann family when Sylvester Hoffmann gives an adverse
ruling to the ladies auxiliary ?

The newly elected national chaplain of the ladies auxiliary, Lucille
McCarthy. [Applause.]

( The ladies withdrew from the platform. )

National Commander BTTRKJJ. Dominations for the office of com-
mander will be made shortly. First we have to have judges of the
election.

Comrade CLARENCE MTJEPHT (California Chapter, No. 39). Mr,
Chairman, I traveled 3,000 miles to come here. I have a letter from
each district to appeal a decision to this convention and therefore
request that I be given permission to appeal this case before the con-
vention assembled. I traveled over 3,000 miles, and I won't take more
than 5 minutes of your time.

National Commander BTJKKE. While you are coming up here, Gad-
dis Williams will be a judge of the election, of Mississippi,

Comrade WATSTE SHEIRBOX (Washington Chapter, No. 23). The
Department of Washington has been asked several questions of why
we didn't put in for the convention for 1958. I will tell you why.
In the year of 1961 the great State of Washington, the Evergreen
State of the Pacific Northwest, is holding a world's fair and in a
world's fair we want you all to come to the great State of Washington,
Seattle, and have your 1961 convention.

Thank you.

National Commander BXJRKE. Robert Floyd, of. Louisiana, will be
a teller.

and Shields, the State Department Commander of California.

Clarence Murphy, Huntington Park, Southgate, Calif., wishes to
appeal to the convention from a ruling of the national executive
committee and in our democratic processes we must listen to his
appeal.

Comrade MURPHY. Thank you, Comrade Commander.

I appreciate the courtesy you are extending me.

Comrades, I have come here 3,000 miles to file an appeal. I have
in my possession our national charter issued August 12, 1931, the
charter reads Huntington Park Southgate Chapter. 39. The charter
was issued in the name of Southgate, it is signed by the national com-
mander of the name, E. C. Babcock. We have never requested to
have our charter name changed. The national executive committee
in Des Moines changed the name of our charter without notification
in any way to us, at the request of another chapter in another city.

Another thing, we appealed, that decision, the national executive
committee affirmed the decision of the Des Moines committee, even
though it was an illegal decision. .

I have here a letter froin the Secretary of State addressed to Vivian
Coirbly, attention of Mr. Fred Bristol, stating that the records of this

298 THIRTY-SQEfVEaSPrH: NATIOOSTAX> REPORT

office indicate that Huntihgton Park Southgate Chapter 39 incorpo-
rated is a California corporation, incorporated July 25, 1936. This is
from the secretary of the State of California.

I have here a copy of a lett
1955, stating the Huntington
such for quite a number of year
cation is dated August 31, 1931.
merit.

The national executive committee changed the name of our charter
without notification to us and against our protests.

The Department of California adopted a resolution at the recent
San Jose convention, there was only one dissenting vote on the entire
convention floor, stating that they desire that our charter should not
be changed since we have never requested it.

I, therefore, appeal to this body, I entertain a motion that the na-
tional and that mis convention that our charter remains the name as
Huntington Park-Southgate as I have a copy here before me as well
as all these documents. I thank you, gentlemen, for your courtesy.

Comrade HAHOIJD WELKNTTZ (Department of Wisconsin). Second
the motion.

National Commander BURKE. There is more to this story than you
heard. I am not taking any sides except I want to point one thing
out. In this room are national executive committeemen who have
served 4 years, different ones, on this particular matter. This is the
fourth national executive committee, after studying all the facts very
carefully, have decided against Huntington Park. Now the national
executive committee has heard it. This appeal comes late. It is not
Murphy's fault. He understands that, but if you send national execu-
tive committeemen from all over the country they draw up subcom-
mittees and sit down and they have heard it and unanimously for 4
years ^ they voted against what Murphy here brings out, he is only
bringing out one side of the story. If this convention wants to rehash
this whole issue which has taken 4 executive committees and 4 sub-
sequent conventions, Murphy says 3, I'll accept that, 3 committees have
met on that, they have received hearings and everything else and still
the decision is the Calif ornia people will bear out, has been against
the Huntington Park outfit. I am only offering that in explanation
I am making no motion. I will ask the national adjutant to explain
the action ox the various subcommittees. '

Comrade WELLOTTZ (Wisconsin). Wellnitz, of "Wisconsin, wants
to be recognized again and withdraws his second to the motion.

Comrade MTOPBTST. I want to correct the statement. The statement
made that the California delegation -

Comrade A. H. JORDAN (California Chapter, No. 15). Second the
motion.

Comrade LESLIE E. HUNTER (California Chapter, No. 135). At
present the chapter is known as the Huntington Park Chapter, riMit?

National Commander BTJRKE, Huntington Park Chapter As far
as the national executive committee is concerned yes

^ 03 ^t de ^T^cf; p^ rade Mhere, was a statement made, I have
here where at the State Convention in San Jose there was only one
dissenting vote on that entire convention floor and that was the chap-
ter who is trying to steal our name. This chapter resides in another
city and it would set a bad precedent if another chapter that is not

; DISABLED AME-RIOAJST -'VETERANS- 299

in your city can go to the national convention and tell the national
executive committee they desire to have that chapter's name over here
in another .city. Either we are a charter named or we are not a
charter organized.

I feel this way, comrades, and it is deep within my heart that only
the members, you individually, each one of your chapters, if you can
request to have your charter name changed, yeSi Why should a
national executive committee listen to another chapter because they
want to change the name of another chapter? You, as individuals,
remember if you let them get by this, that means that another chapter
if it is a chapter in Brooklyn they can ask a chapter in Buffalo's name
be changed and they would have the power to do it by setting the
precedent here that the national executive committee cannot change
the chapter's name without their own request.

I say let's stand on our rights. We have a charter name, our charter
n?tme is our birth certificate. We don't want somebody to take our
birth certificate away.

National Adjutant CORBLX. Comrade Commander, may I speak as
a point of information and advise the convention the action that was
taken by the national executive committee here in Buffalo.

The question involves the fund-raising rights in a community on
the part of two existing chapters with a dispute about a part of the
name. Because the part of the name is interpreted as giving juris-
diction for fund-raising purposes in the third city in which a chapter
is not organized.

The communities are contiguous practically. The national execu-
tive committee, because of ^the plans presently underway, upheld the
decision of last year's national executive committee with respect to
the name and, instructed the national organization through the Depart-
ment of California, through its Seventh District Commander, who is
in attendance at this convention, to immediately form a chapter in
the third community where there is not a chapter so as to eliminate
the cause of all the present friction. The processes of forming the
chapter are Already underway.

First Junior Vice Commander HEETALA (now presiding). Comrade
Burke.

National Commander BTJKKE. I simply asked the floor to explain
one thing to the delegates. So far as I am concerned I am 2,000 miles
removed when I go back to Bayonne, but I served on executive com-
mittees where you charged us with the responsibilities of hearing
these grievances. We have heard these grievances for 3 years. If
you upset the findings of those national executive committees for 3
years, then why do we have a national executive committee ? Why do
you people vote for them? I have faith in the national executive
committee that voted on this. This was something that is not yester-
day. There have been full 3 hearings in this convention and full
hearings in the last 2. I am sorry, Murph, they went before the exec-
utive committee because you weren't here 1 year and somebody else
wasn't here another, but the last 3 executive committees including this
one, handled this particular matter. This is the third year.

Comrade William K. ADAMS (Ohio, Chapter No. 19). May I ask
for a point of information ? Tou can have more than one chapter in.
an area, but is it a question of a number of chapters in there, or is it

20331 58 . 21

300 THdRTY-SlEfVEfNTH: ^ATTOOSPAL REPORT

the question of changing the name of the chapter without consulting
the chapter ?

First Junior Vice Commander HIETA:LA. I will ask Comrade Mur-
phy to answer that and he has 2 or 3 other statements he wants to
make.

Comrade MTGRFHY. The comrade said we had notification of two
previous hearings. According to constitution and bylaws we never
received written notification to appear at the Des Moines committee
to be heard. That is verified. Comrade Corbly's letter addressed
1955, states we have never requested our charter to be changed. The
letter from the Secretary of State states we are incorporated under
our original charter name. The letter from the city council of the
city of Southgate is here notarized for evidence to show that we have
been rendering a service in that city, that our original charter was
issued in that city on August 12, 1931. Here it is notarized, certified
letter from the city council. We don't care what they call the other
chapter. That is their privilege. My point here is what right does
an outsider have to come in, go to a national executive committee
to request them to change the name of your chapter ? You are the
one who should request to have your name changed, not someone
who is not in your chapter or an outsider. That is my contention,
Therefore, if we want to change our name, we have to go to legal
procedures. We were not notified at Des Moines. The only notice
we received was at the San Antonio convention. We are a poor
chapter. We are fortunate enough the Elks lodge, who thinks highly
of us, financed me to this trip. . All we want to do is retain our original
name and the other chapter can call them Joe Blow or anything else.
We are not interested in their name.

Comrade TEX ROSE (California Chapter No. 58) . Comrade Murphy
I want to ask you two questions. Isn't it true that it was practically
tmanimbus at the San Jose convention that your chapter was recog-
nized as the Huntington Park-Southgate Chapter ?

Comrade MrrapEnr. That is correct.

Comrade ROSE. Isn't it also true that the seventh district also is
behind this particular trouble between the Linwood and the Hunt-
ington Park-Southgate Chapter ?

Comrade Mrarair. That is correct. They are a hundred percent
behind us.

Comrade RIVLIN. Now, Comrade Commander, Bivlin, 22, Penn-
sylvania, As I heard the discussion of the presentation of the com-
rade s question, and as I heard the national commander state that this
question had been up before 3 national executive committees, whether
the 3 national executive committees acted right or wrong, that is
why we have the rules that provide for filing an appeal to the na-
tional convention. The question arises here, there may have been
many national executive conjmittee meetings who heard the case
and yet we have often heard of many cases in courts where, after
several courts have rendered a decision, the Supreme Court reverses
it. This is; the supreme court of the Disabled American Veterans.
L 8 ^ ^^^7 CQ ?P Mle & that if the national organization as far

7 CQ ?P Me & tat the national organization

l and l ?& cha ^ered a group in a particular name,

* S a r1 ^ V> ?T> and ask for a change in name
at group particularly being interested and requesting it,

AMERICAN VETERANS 301

iust in his appeal

Comrade LESLIIE HTJOTER (Department of California). I am not
ixom that area but taaow something o f their problem. I take his state-
ments very well that this is the supreme court of the Disabled Ameri-
can Veterans and as you know both sides of the question are always
presented to the supreme court for judgment. And I, as a part of
the /Department of California, would feel that it would be a great in-
justice to take any action which would be to the detriment of tne party
concerned that is now known as Linwood-Southgate Chapterf and
does not have the right to rebutt what the comrade has said and irives
to you today. e

I would move to table.

Comrade I. J. KTXRHA^ST (Chapter No. 5, District of Columbia) I
wish. to add my remarks to the effect that I believe a charter that is in
possession of a chapter if that is a genuine charter that is the chapter

1 therefore move the question. ^

Comrade EMMETT A. DOBTAGHTJE (Chapter No. 94, Massachusetts).
1 merely wanted to say this Clarence Murphy I know, I talked to him
rand I honestly believe that the man has a real case and here he is
bringing it before us as our supreme court and I think we should back
mm up 100 percent without further ado.

Comrade LEO DEL,APP. I would like to say at this time to make this
record correct, Comrade Murphy only said he entertained a motion.
Somebody jumped up and seconded it. I will make the motion that
that this sxipreme body consider this case.

DELEGATE GEORGE. I'll second the motion,

Comrade Rrvxjsr. The motion as stated is not in order, it is not for
consideration. I move that the charter as granted in 1931 to this
chapter in the name in which it was entered, shall be continued and
retained without changes.

Comrade JORDAN (Chapter No. 15, Department of California).
Second the motion. And, comrades, Pd like to speak on the motion.
At our last department convention this was brought up before the
executive committee and before the Department of California. The
Department of California sustained the contention that Comrade
Murphy brought there and I think this convention should sustain the
convention mandates of the Department of California.

Comrade HARTLEY WARD (NEC, 7th District) . I was ,one.oJ the com-
mitteemen on this and I would like to say that there isn't <one- tenth
of the evidence that was in that case presented here on the platform
at this time. And, comrades, when the other chapter is not repre-
sented I don't think you have a right to vote anybody guilty until
you hear from their side. .

This chapter changed their name in the State of California and
they . .

Comrade RIVDIK. Point of order and a personal privilege. I be-
lieve the comrade is entirely out of order. There is not a question of
difficulties between any chapters. We are only concerned with the
name of this one chapter. I. think this comrade is entirely out of
order,

\lSTationalC6mmanderBTjRKE. Mr. Chairman :
"Comrade FLOYD GROOTHTOTS (chapter 'No* 28, Illinois). Point of
personal information. Comrade Commander Burke has already

302 THIRTY-8WENTH NATIONAL RETORT

spoken on the question. I thought the convention rules you are al-
lowed to speak one time. I move the previous question, it has been
discussed. I think everybody understands the issue.

National Commander BURKE. All the national commander can say
is one thing. He was most generous with that gentleman 2 or 3 times,
most generous. All I wanted to speak for is the national executive
committees for the last 3 years. Tou asked me for the floor all ove-r
and I recognized you indiscriminately. When I want to say some-
thing after a year's stewardship to tnis convention, you refuse me a
voice.

Comrade P. D. JACKSON. Let's stop and think. I happened to vote
for the national commander and the other staff. My goodness alive,
if we haven't got confidence in our national officers, don't show your
ignorance because you voted for them.

Comrade LESLIE HUNTER. If you want the part of the story we
have with us today the auxiliary commander of the Department of
California.

[Criesof"No."]

Comrade LEO LALUEY (Boston, chapter No. 10). Point of order.
Just because you move a question doesn't move it. You must get a
second.

Commander, I will second the motion to move the previous question.

Eirst Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. The previous question has
been called for. Are you ready for the question ? All those in favor
of giving this chapter permission to retain their original charter name,

Those opposed ?

Comrad/e LEO LALLEY. Point of order. All you are doing is moving
the question, Comrade Commander.

Comrade MTJKPHY. I thank you from the bottom, of my heart.

Comrade LEO LALLEY. Point of order. All that motion was for
was to move the question, to shut off debate.

National Judge Advocate HOFFMANN. Comrade Commander, the
point of order is well taken. If I move the previous question and it
is seconded, and the delegates move on whether they want to vote on
the main question, then you say "Yes ; I want to vote on the ques-
tion," which you did. ^ Then the commander says, "All right. We
will now vote on the main question, to put the main question."

Comrade PIVIJN. suggest a standing vote on the main question.

First Junior Vice Commander HIETALA. All those in favor, say

So ordered.

(When put to a vote, the motion carried.)

National .Commander BTTRKJB (now presiding) . The delegates will
please come to order. The delegates will please come to order

Comrade KENNETH ROBEY (Department of Ohio) . Mr. Commander,
I should like to speak to the convention about their discourtesv to the
national commander.

National Commander BIJRKE. Do me a favor. This convention to-
day decided that it would be national executive committee and every-
thing else. I just advise you to drop it. I am satisfied. I have seen
their will. It means nothing to them that these national executive com-
mittees sit day m and day out. They made a ruling without hearing

AMERICAN VETE'KA3SPS 303

any of the evidence, so therefore I wish you would drop it and go on
with the election.

Comrade ROBEY. I am not speaking about the executive committee.

National Commander BTTRKE. Kenny, I wish you would leave the
microphone and let's get on with the election.

DELEGATE FROM SIXTH DISTRICT. I wish to challenge your statement.
Our national executive committeeman said he has not met one meeting
except what was held at this convention. The rest was done by mail
at which no evidence other than a letter was sent.

Thank you.

National Commander BTJRKE. Let me explain this to the delegates
and I am not going to rehash it. This was a grievance. When you
have a grievance you have trials. It was not a national executive com-
mittee vote, it was a trial on this subject. That is why it had to be done
at the national convention.

Nominations are in order for the office of national commander.

The adjutant will call the roll by States.

National Adjutant CORBDY. New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine,
Rhode Island, Massachusetts

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (Massachusetts Chapter No. 10) . Massa-
chusetts wishes to yield to Greenfield, Chapter, No. 25, Ohio.

Comrade A. L. I>ASTIELS (Chapter, No. 25, Ohio) .

Mr. Commander

Comrade SUMSTEY SIIXJER (New York Chapter, No. 25) .

Mr. Commander, point of order. I believe that the rollcall of chap-
ters by^ districts is in error.

National Commander BTJRKE, If you had been at these conventions
for the last 10 years you know we call them that way. We call them
from the first district down. Take my word to save time, this is the
way it has always been done.

National Adjutant CORBLY. If you look, at the convention minutes
you WilT firid that the rollcalls of the conventions for> the nominations
are States by districts.

Comrade DANIELS. Commander and delegates of the convention, I
heard a friend of mine say this morning that about the best way to
make a speech is to have a good beginning, and a good ending, and then
hold them as close together as possible. And I promise you here this
evening that I am going to try my best to do the latter.

First I want to say that we -are gathered here from all parts of the
TJnited States to renew our faitih in a great organization feat is
America itself . To 'hear the reports of our past axscomplishments, to
plan foi* the future, &,nd to dhoose tthe leaders for the wars' disabled of
Amerrca, flhe national commander of 'the DA V. This is a real respon-
sibility for us 'and I say that the man we choose here today must have
the 'strength and the ability to conduct an unrelenting campaign in
behalf of flhose Americans who incurred a disability as a direct result
of war -service. And I say to yoii delegates thseb 1fe v lader we choose
here today should give the people of America the f aiofcs -about the I>AV
and that they should also give them the f acts about that vicious cam-
paign which was waged against this great organization whidh. was
instigated, here in the State, of New York iby 2 or 3 individuals, and
which was j>ackecl f ull of untruths, half -truths, rnisr^presemtations,
and insinuations.

304 THISTT-SEIVENTH: NATIODSTAL REPORT

Yes, and I 'say that the leader we choose here today must not f ail
to inform our people of the fallacy of Mr. H. V. Higley, the present
Administrator of 'the Veterans' Administration, who is reducing and?
eliminating the benefits of thousands of 'bullet- wounded and other
disabled veterans, and in violation, if you please, of the laws enacted
by the Congress of the United States.

Yes; theleader we choose here :t>oday for America's service disabled'
Should remind, I say should remind, Mr. Higley and others that it
has -always been tihe custom of this country of ours to be> just to vet-
erans of all our wars and ito their dependents, that this Nation cannot
afford I underscore that cannot afford to neglect those who lhave
served here in time of war and were disabled as a direct result of
that service.

And tihese officials should also foe informed that a great majority
of the American people consider the care of the disabled as a part of
the cost of war.

Yes; we are gathered here -and in a spirit of tolerance that -to me
finds itself in that almost indefinable thing we -call the DAV. On the
common meeting ground of the DAV there is no place, no room I say,,
for prejudice, sectional, political, or religious. Of course, it is true
that there are occasional outcroppings of sectional pride as we come-
together at these national conventions. But they represent a natural
f antli in one's city or State. In other words, they have the expression
of that friendly spirit of cooperation which lias made America what
it is today.

For instance, I come from Ohio, proud of the State, proud of the
great record of that commonwealth in helping to build the DAV, in
rendering service to the disabled, -and exceedingly proud of that great
Ohioan I am about to nominate for the office of national commander.

I nominate a candidate for national commander who has rendered
a great service to the DAV. I 'have watched his years of service, men-
and women of this convention^ with -an interest and a great pride..
I have watched his rise in this DAV perhaps, as 'no other man has
watched -it. And I say tx>you, in all sincerity, he is a man of courage,,
honesty, and aibility, a man who has preached the gospel of the DAV
all over Ohio for years. And with telling effect. No road has ever
been too long, no night -has ever been too sitormy for him to attend a
chapter meeting.

He served with Company A of the 251st Infantry Regiment of the
63d Division during World War II. It was while ministering to fc
wounded comrade on the field of battle near Heidelberg, Germany,
on April 6, 1945, that he was severely wounded and although he saved'
the life of that comrade, he spent a year in the hospital himself and
has never regained the use of his leg.

And in conclusion I say to you I nominate as candidate for national
commander this man who became a life member while on a furlough
from one of these hospitals, who served in several offices of his home
chapter at Cincinnati and became its commander in 1948. And I
nominate as candidate for national commander a man who has served
as junior and senior vice commander of the Ohio Department, was
elected commander of that department in 1952, who was elected fourth
national junior vice commander in 1954, second national junior vice
commander in 1955, and is presently serving as our national senior

DIStABLEI> AMEIRTGAJST VETERANS- 305

**iu.ci . He is a successful businessman, a graduate of Xavier
r 2- att **ided Chase Law School, and I say to you that he

^H^L^ 11 ?^! 6 T lf ? and l our tttfte daughters enjoy the respect
and esteem o all who know them.

Yes; I nominate as candidate for national commander a man with
an outstanding record of service to the DAY, a man who has demon-
strated, I say a man who has demonstrated that he possesses the cour-
age, the ability, and the determination to carry out the program
adopted here at this national convention.

I nominate one of America's finest citizens, Paul E. Frederick, Jr
of Ohio. [Applause.1

. plause.]

National Commander BUHKE. For the purpose of seconding the
nomination of Paul Frederick the Chair recognizes David B Wil-
liams, of Massachusetts.

Fourth Junior Vice Commander WILLIAMS. Thank you very much;

Comrades, I count it a great personal privilege to have been asked
to second the nomination of our next national commander. He is a
man I have learned to know, leaxned to respect and to love, in a spirit
of comradeship.

He has visited with us in New England. He has visited with you
in the South, in the West, in the Southwest, yes, even in the Pacific
areas. My comrades, he nas always presented himself in a manner
which you know is in the best interests of our organization and the
fundamental principles for which we stand. He wfll be a capable and
forward looking leader of our organization, in the year to come.

I feel that the eloquent words of the gentleman from Ohio render
it unnecessary for me to enlarge: upon his qualifications. You have
known him lor years, he is your comrade and he is your friend,
And, again, it is my privilege on behalf of my department, of my
district, and <$n the many departments who have been so kind to me
throughout the years and particularly at this convention, to second
the nomination of our next national commander, Paul Frederick^
of Ohio. [Applause.]

National Commander BTJKEJI. The adjutant will continue the
rollcall.

(The rollcall was continued and New; York yielded tx> Illinois.)

National Commander BUB;KE. The Chair brings before the conven-
tion for the purpose of nomination, Nick Isaacson, of Illinois,

Comrade ST. ISAACSON" (Illinois, Chapter No* 2). Thank you, Com-
rade Coromander.

My comrades and gentlemen of the convention, today we are faced
with a compote of administrative and financial problenns strangely
reminiscent of a group of God's children who in scriptural times were
lost in a swampy morass. Their worldly belongings were piled high ii*
a great vehicle towed by Jumbo, a large and willing elephant. But
the caravan was unable to proceed except at a slow and painful pace.
The reason was easily discerned. Jumbo was piled hign with large
chains which encircled his powerful legs and rested heavily upon his
back. .

The man responsible was Esau, He feared Jumbo and was deter-
mined to keep him, restrained even though he risked the lives and
property of his followers.

306 THIETy-^EfVENTB: NATIOOTAIi REPORT

Floodwaters from the incessant rains were closing in on the little
company and finally Jumbo could go no farther. His chains had
proved too much and he bogged down in the sticky mud. ;

The people loudly remonstrated with Esau but he was obdurate and
now resorted to beating Jumbo with a long and stinging lash. But
the elephant, though he struggled magnificently, only sank deeper
into the morass.

Finally there was a tremendous crash of thunder and in the light-
ning flash that followed a man suddenly appeared, a kind and deter-
mined man* He quickly seized the whip which Esau was using to
beat Jumboj broke it and cast it away. Then he cried in a loud corn^
manding voice, "Jumbo, break your chains, Jumbo, break your chains."

Upon his command the great beast's muscles tightened, he heaved-
and with a rending crash, the chains fell away from Jumbo's back and
legs. He was free and plunged ahead out of the morass into the sun-
light and freedom.

Today, our DAV, an organization of free, determined men, is like
Jumbo, loaded with chains. Men of the DAV motivated only with the
ideals of patriotism, who willingly bared their breasts to the horrible
barbs of war, who without compromise placed their lives on the line
to back freedom from the autocracy of their country's enemies, have
become bound down with chains too heavy to bear.

At this critical moment a great leader has appeared, a man of integ-
rity and courage, a kindly but undertsaiiding and a determined leader.
A man in whose heart is inculcated the firm conviction that the reason
for our DAV is service, service to our comrades, and who is pro-
foundly mindful of the dedicated performance by our great group of
national service officers as well as those who work tirelessly among
their chapters and in our State departments. A kindly, understand^
ing man with a successful background of business experience and
public service to his great State. . A man who has served reputably
in every branch o our organization, who has worked indef atigably
without thought of compensation or aggrandizement. A public-
minded businessman of unimpeachable integrity and great affection
for his comrades.

This great leader, at his own initiative and at his own expense,
journeyed to Washington to use his personal prestige to intercede with
his State's congressional delegation to obtain their active fighting sup-
port for the veterans legislation and particularly for House bill No.
52, and other legislation.

This great DAV disabled in World War I, gave five sons to his
country in World War II, a men whose compelling convictions come
from his belief that the DAV's only reason for existence is service to
our comrades. And whose respect and affection for those who carry-
forward the fight, is without parallel.

This man, like in the parable of Esau, has arrived to lead us He
cries out, as did Esau,, so many years ago, "Jumbo, break your
chains, Jumbo, break your chains." [Applause.]

Join with me today in electing this man as our national commander.
Mis name is J. Cal Broome. I nominate him for the office of national
commander.

National Commander BURKE. Is there a second on the platform ?

DCCSlABIjED AMERICA!* VETERANS 307

Comrade NICK CACEDCAIOJS (New York, Chapter No. 76). I am
greatly honored by the State of New York to have been selected to
second the nomination of J. C. Broome.

National Commander BURKE. The adjutant will continue the roll-
call.

(The rollcall was continued.)

National judge advocate SYLVESTER HOFFMANN (California, Chap-
ter No. 33) . Comrade Commander, I move that the rules be suspended
and that further nominations be from the floor.
Comrade P. D. JACKSON. Second the motion.

National Commander BURKE. The Chair makes the point that this
is not in accordance with the rules. Every State's name must be
called. Let's finish the rollcall.

Comrade DE!/APF (California Chapter No. 65). I understood the
Chair to say awhile ago that this body was supreme, why can't we?

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10) . I think
by unanimous consent we can suspend the rules.

National Commander BB^EE. Let's finish the rollcall.

Comrade JOBCKT VICAT (New York, Chapter No. 28) . May I ask a
question? At this time would it be possible for a respectful request
for a 10-minute recess ?

(Cries of "No.")

National Commander BTTRKE. If you want to get on with the busi-
ness of elections that rollcall will be finished in 2 minutes.

Comrade VICAT. May I make a motion at this time ?'

(Cries of "No.")

Comrade VICAT. I am asking the commander. I make a motion,
respectfully request a motion to be passed on by this body so that we
may have a 10-minute recess for the pledged delegations to meet in
the foyer here for 10 minutes. Please grant*that request.

National Commander BURKE. As soon as this rollcall is finished we
will have a recess because we have to start calling the roll.

Past National Commander WATTS. I make a motion that that mo-
tion be tabled.

Comrade SIDSTET SILLER. Point of order, sir. A motion to recess
as made by Past Department Commander Vicat pursuant to Rob-
erts Rules of Order is a nondebatable motion and must be granted by
the Chair. I ask for a rule from the judge advocate on that.

National Commander BTJRKE. The judge advocate will put the
opinion.

We haven't finished the rollcall. I will put the motion to the body.
Do you want a 10-minute recess? Those in favor, say "Aye."

Let me get this straight before you get me completely confused.
An aye vote will mean a 10-minute recess. A no vote will mean no
recess. All in favor of a recess, say "Aye."

Those opposed, "No."

The noes have it. No recess.

Finish the roll.

(The national adjutant completed the rollcall.)

National Commander BURKE. That completes the rollcall^

Comrade SIDKEY SELLER. I now make a motion for a 10-minute re-
cess for the delegates to meet in the foyer of this hall.

My motion is not debatable and must be granted by the Chair pur-
suant to the mandates of the rules of order of this convention. Par-

308 THJRTT-SEfVENTH: NATTOHSPAI* REPORT

liamentary procedure being what it is. Commander Burke, in all fair-
ness I ask you to grant the motion pursuant to our own rules.

National Commander BTJRKJE. I will have the convention rule on
the motion.

Comrade SILLER. The convention pursuant to the Roberts Rules of
Order, and Mr. Corbly knows it, and Mr. Hoffmann knows it, parlia-
mentary procedure governs.

COMRADE FROM CHICAGO CHAPTER M"o. 2. I will second that motion
to recess.

National Commander BTJRKE. The motion is made and seconded to
recess, I will put the vote again.

-, Comrade HENRY RIVLIN (Pennsylvania, Chapter No. 22). Com-
rade Commander, for a point of order. The point of order is, has
the rollcall; been completed?

National Commander BTJRKE. Yes.

;' Comrade SILLER. You have no legitimate objection to us calling a
10-minute recess at this time.

National Commander BURKE. If the convention wants a recess you
:willget it, ' ,

Comrade SILLER. Pursuant to the Roberts Bules of Order, a motion
to recess is not debatable.

National Commander BURKE. We are not debating, again if you
-want a 10-minute recess you will vote it "Aye." If you don't want a
10-minute recess you will vote "No." ;

All those in favor of a 10-minute recess will say "Aye."

Those opposed, "No."

The noes have it.

The national adjutant will proceed with the rollcall by States.

Commander FLOTO GROOTHUIS (Illinois, Chapter No. 28) . Accord-
ittg to your rules of order a motion is now in order to close the nom-
inations. I so move.

National Commander BTTRKB. The motion is so moved the nomina-
tions be closed. Do I hear-

Comrade DONALD H. DUNN (District of Columbia). Second the
motion.

National Commander BURKE. All in favor, "Aye."

All opposed?

Carried. The adjutant will proceed with the rollcall.

J. C. Broome has asked for the privilege of addressing this con-
vention before the rollcall starts. Do you want to hear him ?

The Chair at this time, for the purposes of an announcement, brings
to the microphone from the 6th district the national executive com-
noitteeman from Mississippi, J. C. Broome.

Comrade J. C. BROOME. Comrade Commander, fellow national offi-
<5ers, delegates to the convention, ladies and gentlemen, it is with a
great deal of reluctance that I am going to make the announcement I
am going to. We came, we saw, we did not conquer. And to para-
phrase a greater statesman than I will ever be, it is not bad enough
to cry about, it is not good enough to laugh about. No candidate
makes a race alone. He has to have support, and I want to say here
and now that I appreciate more than words can tell you the fine sup-
port, the hard work, the degree of friendship that I developed here
at the national convention in Buffalo, N. Y. A quitter never wins and
* winner never quits, but I think since we have spent a week here in

AMEIfclOAN VETEHAINB 309

the hardest of work, some of it very excruciating, if I can save you
^delegates and this convention any time, I will have rendered you a
great service.

Now we came up here to register a protest against some things we
thought were wrong. We have never changed our minds yet, we
.still .thiak it is, but there is a time when to draw out any contest is
.a waste of everybody's time. And listening to the yeas and the nays
in this 'convention it is evident that I don't have enough support to get
Delected. Why should we draw out this convention hours on end ? et
me say to the national officers I wish them well. I will do what I
<?an for the disabled veteran, I will never cease to do that; first be-
cause I am one, and second because I have two sons who are gunshot
-victims. '

I appreciate the good time that I have had here, I appreciate the
-friendships, but I wish at this time to withdraw my candidacy as
gracefully as I may, and thank you.

Comrade DUNN (District of Columbia) . I would like to make a
motion that we cast one ballot for our vice and give Mr. Broome a
rising vote of thanks for his fine sportsmanship today.
National Commander BURKE. Any discussion ?
Comrade DUNN. I should have said that the adjutant cast one unan-
imous ballot for Paul Frederick as our next national commander.
National Commander BURKE. All those in favor, say "Aye."
All opposed?
The ayes have it.

National Adjutant CORBLY. In accordance with your instructions,
I, as national adjutant, cast a unanimous white ballot for Paul Fred-
erick as national commander of the Disabled American Veterans for
-the 1957-58 year.

(The convention rose to applaud Mr. Frederick.")
Comrade HENRY BTVUCN (Pennsylvania, Chapter No. 22). Comrade
Commaader^ I now move you that the rules of the convention be sus-
pended so that we can go into the election of the slate of Commander
Frederick.

Comrade HAKOU>. (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). Second the
motion.

National Commander BUBKE. All those in favor ?
Opposed? Hearing none, the slate will be read by the national
adjutant.

National Adjutant COKBI/T. National semor vice commander, H* L.
Davidson, from Georgia.

National first junior vice commander, Harry Wentworth, of
'California.

National second junior vice commander, Paul A. Harmon, from
Omaha, Nebr. .

National third junior vice commander, Howard H. Fairbanks, from

National fourth junior vice commander, Gordon N. McDonald,
from Minneapolis, Minn. .

National chaplain, Kabbi Louis Parris, from Philadelphia,.

National judge advocate, Sylvester Hoffmaxrn, from California.

Comrade JOSEPH HAROLD (Massachusetts, Chapter No. 10). Com-
rade Commander, I make a motion that the: adjutant cast .one ballot

310 THIRTY-SEVEINTH NATIONAL. REPORT

for the unanimous election of the slate of Paul Frederick, the national
commander.

Comrade FLOREXA (Blind Veterans) . Second.

Past National Commander WATTS. Past national commander Watts
is very happy to second that motion.

National Commander BTTRKE. Motion has been made and seconded.
Allinfavorsav"Aye."

All opposed ?

The ayes have it. .

National Adjutant COKBLY. As national adjutant and in accord-
ance with your instructions, by unanimous action, I cast the unani-
mous white ballot for senior vice commander H. Li. Davidson, first
junior vice commander Harry Wentworth, second junior vice com-
mander Paul A. Harmon, third junior vice commander Howard H.
Fairbanks, fourth junior vice commander Gordon N. McDonald j na-
tional chaplain Rabbi Louis Parris, and national judge advocate
Sylvester Hoffinaann.

National Commander BTTRKE. If the delegates will quiet down I win
bring to the microphone your new national commander, Paul
Frederick.

National Commander-Elect FREDERICK. Comrades, I am very, very
humble in heart that I stand here before you while the events are
beginning to sink in to me. For you to have voted the confidence
in me to represent you in highest office that this organization, can give
to any of its members, I truly deeply appreciate.

I have advocated for the past many months that anyone who is in
a position of national commander certainly must be an individual
dedicated to the cause of the organization, the cause of you members,
the cause of those who through disabilities from service cannot be
with us here , .today .

May we always take into consideration I want to assure you that
taking all these things into consideration the next 12 months of my
time certainly will be dedicated along those lines and I am certain
that the action will be evidence to you as the months go on.

I hope ^ou stay with us through the evening hour. Godspeed you
home and we will be seeing you. Thanks a lot.

National Commander BURKE. Don't forget, we have the member-
ship trophy to award. Who is going to receive the membership award
for Michigan ?

National Adjutant CORBLY. All the newly elected national execu-
tive committeemen please come to the platform, as well as all the
members of the Paul Frederick slate ; come immediately. Please
stand by until the officers are installed and the trophies are awarded.

Comrade Jom<r FEIGBCNR. Membership award for the year 1956-57
for the largest membership gain for the year goes to the State of
Michigan.

That is the Mays trophy. I present it to the department adjutant
of Michigan, Comrade Sylvester, and hope you come back next year
with a larger gain than that.

Comrade LAWRENCE STLVESTER (Michigan, Chapter No. 9) . Thank
you. We have plans of retaining this trophy for next year.

Comrade FEIGECNER. Is there a delegate in the house from Utah?
Will he come forward, please ?

DISABLE 1 !) AMERICAN VETERANS 311

Membership award for tie highest percentage membership gain
for the year 195 J-W goes to the State of Utah,

National Executive Committeeman TRACT ASTLE, In the absence
of the delegate from Utah, I am doing so for him, to give to the depart-
mentconmanderofUtah,

Comrade FMGHNEE, It is yours to hold for 1 year, and if you can
come back with the highest percentage gain for membership, you caji

NationalExecutive Committeeman ASTUB, Thankyou,

(Following the trophy awards, National Commander Burke in-
stalled thenewly elected officers,)

National Adjutant COEBLT, Comrade Commander, I move you, sir,
before P. D, Jackson does, that this 36th National Annual Conven-
tion of the Disabled American Veterans stand adjourned.

Comrade P. D, JACKSON, Second the motion,

National Commander BUEKE, Motion made and seconded, Allthose
in favor say "Aye,"

Opposed!

The ayes have it,

(Whereupon, at T; 50 p, m,, the 36th National Annual Convention
of the Disabled American Veterans was adjourned, sine die,)

o . .