During the opening months of 1942, the war went badly for the United States and its allies.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was quickly followed by attacks throughout Asia and Japanese victories throughout the region. American forces were being defeated everywhere; however, the struggle in the Philippines captured the most attention, as outnumbered troops hung on gamely against the overwhelming odds.
Nor was the war going any better in Europe and northern Africa, where German forces remained on the offensive. German submarines, operating off the Atlantic coastline and in the Caribbean Sea, sank hundreds of American freighters, some within sight of the coast. They produced an acute gasoline and fuel oil shortage along the Atlantic seaboard. Durangoans could read all about it in the newspaper, or at least as much as wartime concerns allowed the conditions to be published.
All this was far from Southwest Colorado, but Durango boys were being drafted. Everyone knew somebody who was in the military, and everyone could read about the war or hear about it on the radio.
HHH
Durango Herald Democrat Feb. 9, 1942
District Court Room Place of Registration
The district court house at Durango will be the place of the new draft registration for La Plata County next week. On Feb. 19 the law requires that men 21 to 43 will register for active military service.
HHH
Protect children by teaching safety Motor Club warns.
HHH
Nation Yawns but Switches to Daylight Saving Time (headline)
HHH
Allied defense of Philippines and Singapore stubbornly holds against powerful Jap offense.
HHH
Silverton won the basketball championship of the San Juan Basin. On Saturday night the team defeated Cortez at Silverton 39 to 21.
HHH
Congress evidently decided, that is the majority of the members decided, to open further the national purse that already has been opened. (Planning a pay raise for themselves)
HHH
Kiva (advertisement) “How Green Was My Valley” The picture without question is one of the greatest in film history. “Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring” (second feature)
HHH
Feb. 10
Jap Refugees Suggested for Working Beets
Federal Authorities in Los Angeles are considering a plan to evacuate Japanese to the Rocky Mountains sugar beet area for laborers. They will include both alien and American born Japanese.
HHH
Petroleum for Public Use is Less and Less
The Petroleum situation for the public takes a turn for the worse because the government is determined to keep the war industries running.
HHH
Durango Recruiting Activities (a column that became a weekly or more feature)
Four men have entered the naval reserve for general service. There are today many opportunities for men entering the United States Navy.
HHH
Gradens (advertisement) Lovely Lingerie for your Valentine $1.25-3.50 Perfumes purse size $1.25-3.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
