The Army Retreats

Protecting Greater New York against a possible sneak air attack is the dreary chore assigned to gunners of the 52nd Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade. Looking to a cold winter, the Army brass decided to give the 52nd--housed in drafty canvas tents--a better deal in living quarters.

Warmth and cheer in the form of the latest steel and plywood prefab huts were delivered in 5,404 enormous crates; the G.I.s started to assemble them.

Building trades councils of the A.F.L.got wind of the project, objected that prefabs assembled by soldiers took work away from union members. The unions threatened strikes on other vital construction. The Army faltered, retreated from its housing plans; some Arctic-type tents were ordered. Last week the G.I.s began to store the crated prefabs. While the wind shrieked outside, the 52nd was back under canvas.

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