Ike's Appetite

One noontime last week General Eisenhower inspected huge, noisy "Willow Run." the mass-production officers' mess in London's swank Grosvenor House. Refusing a table in the alcove reserved for rank, General "Ike" joined a line of junior officers at the cafeteria. In due course he collected pork, potatoes, spinach and salad.

Presently the Supreme Commander, full and beaming, swigged the last drop of coffee and pushed back his half-eaten meal. He had broken his own rule. A tactful escort murmured about the mess regulation on food economy, which is enforced by slips inscribed: "Eat all you take on your plate or explain by endorsement here-on."*

Said General Ike: "Doggone if I'm risking a reprimand." He polished his plate. Later he went on to inspect the kitchens.

The serving woman, who had noted his four stars and given him a double helping of everything, marveled: "Lumme, what an appetite! Like a paratroop second lieutenant."

* Jockey-sized Correspondent Ernie Pyle, forced to follow the same rule, reported: "I eat till I'm bulging and sick."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.