America was now involved in a two-front war in the European and Asian theaters.
Young men regularly were going off to war either volunteering or being drafted. Rationing was a fact of life on the home front and buying war bonds was a patriotic obligation.
As much as possible, the paper carried news from the war front, but Washington and the military controlled what was and what was not released to the public. What they read, however, was encouraging. So was the fact that despite gas rationing, visitors were still coming to Durango.
While not being able to print news that might give “aid and comfort” to the enemy, newspapers often carried letters from the servicemen and women. The Herald-Democrat did discuss such topics as military life and places visited as long as it was not near the war front. News of wounded and prisoners also appeared, as did stories of men killed in action.
Russian armies are routing the Germans in the southern Ukraine
RAF resume full scale assaults on Hitler Europe
Jap bombers make two weak raids on American Solomons Positions
Friday is Back the Boys at Salerno Day in War Loan Drive
Montezuma County reports third case of polio
Visitors thrilled with visit to Durango: Among the highlights of that pleasant stay was a picnic on Reservoir Hill
Jeffersonian Democrats vs. New Deal was an anti New Deal article on why it was ruining America
Gordon’s Men’s Suits & Coats on sale: Suits $24.75 to $37.50, Coats $19.75 to $27.75
Demons Trounce Aztec Tigers 24 to 6: Durango scored in the first minute of play
World War II American casualties stand over 100,000
First Methodist Church sermon: A Letter from the Combat Zone.
United States contributes more than other Allies with Lend Lease (tanks, planes, weapons, and so forth) and troops
Governor John Vivian and others are warning against the federal government usurpation of states’ rights (a holdover from New Deal activities in the 1930s).
It is estimated that between 450,000 and 500,000 persons in the United States are under medical treatment from cancer.
Three local men with the 8th Army Air Force decorated: They are all members of the United States Army Eighth Air Force based in England.
Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book” in color and Glen Miller’s “Orchestra Wives” are playing at the Kiva Theater, Tuesday only.
Judge Advocate warns government to watch for spies in its bureaus.
See the Christmas cards at the Herald
Growing Allied aerial might shaking foundation and walls of Hitler’s European fortress.
From the freezing coast of Norway to the balmy Mediterranean, Adolf Hitler’s Europe is staggering under Allied bombardments.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
