Dorchester High School for Boys - Red and Black Yearbook (Dorchester, MA)

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Faith in dy Qmdd The Ward War Implements Factory Was buzzing: men and Women Were busy at their jobs turning out parts of planes, ships, and guns by the thousands. Through this turmoil a messenger-boy cautiously made his Way. Paging Fred Rafferty! Paging Fred Raffer- ty! he hollered at the top of his lungs, trying to make himself heard above the incessant dim of machinery. At his call, one of the Welders extinguished his torch and raised his metal mask. Over here, son, he answered. A message for you, sir: sign here, he said. Sure, sure. The Welder signed the out- stretched pad and quickly opened the envelope. He read the message enclosed. Dear Mr. Rafferty: Please come to the city hospital immedi- ately. Your young brother Jack, has been injured. Jack, a fourteen year old boy, occupied a modest tWo-room apartment in one of the many tenement houses of the city With his older brother, Fred. Quickly shedding his Working clothes, the tall, blond, broad-shouldered Welder hastened to the hospital. I-Ie found that Jack had been hit by an automobile. A hit-and- page sixty-eight a Voice M Sem run driver, no Witnesses, and no record of registration number. .Iack's leg had been hurt badly. The doctor in charge told Fred that his brother Would never be able to Walk again unless an operation Were performed Within tWo Weeks. The doctor also stated that there Was but one doctor Who could perform such an operation-a Dr. Marcus. Dazed by the tragedy, Fred Went to Dr. Marcus. The doctor asked four hundred dollars for the operation, a trivial sum for this type of Work. Fred realized that it Would take him tWo months to save such an enormous amount. Not feeling in the mood for Work, he never- the less returned. Seeing the Welder's Worried expression, Tiger Mullins, an old time heavy- Weight boxing champion and Fred's best friend, approached the boy. What's the matter, Fred, did something happen? he asked. Fred explained the incidents of the preceding day. Four hundred dollars? Is that all that's Worrying you? I think I can get that much for you, giving Fred a friendly smack on the shoulder. Why, What do you mean you can get it for me, asked Fred. Well the tWo Ward Factories in this district are putting on a show for the Workers. The major event is a boxing match between a volunteer from each factory. The Winner of the match Will receive five hundred dollars. I Wasn't going to volunteer, but seeing as you need the money, I shall, explained Tiger. But I don't Want you . . . began Fred. Tiger. We'll 'ANonsense, I insist, broke in start training tonight. I shall go over and sign for the match this minute. The next eight nights Were gymnasium Where Tiger Was getting in trim for his forthcoming ordeal. Fred sparred a little With the boxer, Watching his every move. The members of both factories made small spent in the

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him out the first night. All the fellows were relieved and glad to hear he came out OK. They loaded the Jap on the same Jeep and headed for the rear. This time we didn't even get to the car. The shooting was all around us. We had found out the previous day that a pistol isn't much good when a sniper's about one hundred yards or even fifty away. So we bumbed a ride to the rear. We tried to locate our supply dump to get some more film but no soap. We didn't take many pictures that day and stayed near the rear CP for any news of a break through. The second night in the hole was worse than the first. Sleep was very fitful in between the prayers. I must have gotten a full half hour's sleep at one time when our artillery opened up in the rear. The shells whistling over our heads really woke us up. I opened up a ration. This was my second meal in three days, the previous day I had some supper, and washed it down when our water came up. I looked over to my buddy's hole and he sat up rubbing his eyes and snifling. This was the first time I realized that I really stunk as did all the others. Mud and water and sweat can really make you smell. We packed up again and headed for the front. This time we worked our way through the snipers, headed into the main Jap fortifications. It was all over in this section. What Japs that were there were dead, and the others had retreated towards the extreme end of the island. It was an excellent chance for me to get some souvenirs but I came to take pictures, so pictures I took .... Boy, what a scene of devastation. I can't go into it too fully because of censorship. Boy, did those Japs stink. Almost as bad as I. I went to town and my best two items were, I say WERE, because I haven't got them any more, a sniper's rifle and a practice sword. Also numerous small items which I still have. Thatenight I bumbed a bunk for me and my buddy Ken aboard an LST that was unloading supplies. About ten- thirty we were awakened and told that we had to get off, that the boat was pulling out. Rather than walk around in the dark on the beach, we told them to pull out we didn't give a damn. Well, at five-thirty in the fplease turn to page ninety-six! page sixty-seven

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l bets on the side as to which champion would win. Of course, each factory had faith in its own volunteer. The ninth night arrived. lt was the eve of the show: war workers from both factories crowded into the crude arena, - the deck of an airplane carrier. The evening began with the war bond sale and a few minor entertainers strutting their stuff. Fred anxiously awaited Tiger in the boxer's dressing room. A half hour passed and Tiger had not arrived, Fred began to worry. Another half hour passed: suddenly there was a knock at the door. lt was Tiger. He had his hand bandaged, A'TigerY what happened to your hand?y' cried Fred. 'Al grabbed a hot iron bar: l won't be able to iight tonight, explained the boxer. Bad Luck seemed to be running Fred's way. First, his brother .lack hurt his leg: now Tiger burns his hand. Who's going to iight the fellow from the other factory? asked Fred. Hlt looks as if you will ight him, replied Tiger. Mel exclaimed Fred, A'Yes, sure, you have sparred with me, and l believe you have the makings of a good boxer, said Tiger. This gave Fred renewed courage and he con- sented. He summoned one of his fellow workers to put the gloves on his hands. He walked erectly, and like a trouper down the left aisle to the ring. He crawled under the ropes and spoke to the referee: then he retired to Tiger's corner, awaiting the bell for the bout to begin. The referee announced: Ladies and gentle- men, you have all been patiently awaiting the major event of the evening. Here it is. A boxing match between factory F and factory B. ln this corner representing factory F we have Muggs Merlin. lmmediately shouts arose. And in this corner we have Fred Rafferty, representing factory B. A hush suddenly came across the crowd, followed by low whispers: 'ARaffertyY l thought page sixty-nine