Spartanburg High School - Spartana Yearbook (Spartanburg, SC)

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BATTLE FOR SHEEPSKIN HEIGHTS Or HISTORY OF THE CLHSS OF 1944 FIRST PHASE On September 8, 1941, the first ranks of the newly formed battalion of recruits from Southside and Cleveland Junior Highs invaded the halls of S. H. S. and were valiantly met by the retreads of the last war, under the command of General Wilson, nobly assisted by the 10th and 11th corps of undergrads. All the drills and tactics that go with the beginning of any battle were crowded into the weeks that followed. The first break in the routine occurred when the Battalion received a six-hour pass on Halloween to attend the square dance and romp to the music of a string band. The organization of the Division was completed on Thursday, November 13, when the rear ranks assembled in the Gym to witness the installation of the General Staff. Colonel Catherine Hale was installed as president, with Pat Case and Bill Neely as her executive officers. They proved to be an efficient staff and directed the maneuvers quite successfully, the battle progressing smoothly until interrupted by the dastardly act of the Japs. On December 8th a stunned and silent Battalion met in the Gym to hear President Roosevelt’s Declaration of War on Germany, Japan and Italy. The broadcast of the declaration, which also carried details of the Jap attack on Pearl Harbor the previous day, was brought to the assembled recruits and officers by two radios tuned loud enough for the sound to reach all parts of the Gym. This proclamation produced such a profound effect on the listeners that they left the Gym resolved to spare no effort in the victorious conclusion of this battle, thus preparing themselves for the greater battle in which many were so soon to take part. Since rationing became necessary at this time, the Battalion enjoyed many holidays when the officers and instructors were busily engaged in helping civilians make out their applications for these valuable books. The draftees were permitted to participate in many sports, including football and basketball. They seemed unable to organize into a winning football team; but the Red Birds, the corps basketball team, had a very successful season. Out of seventeen games played, only four were lost; and of these, two to Greenvile and two to Parker. Each company searched its ranks for hidden talent. Company D’’, being the winner, decided to entertain the entire Division with a dramatic performance, directed by Sergeant Virginia Cleveland, who proved her ability as a director by presenting A Voice In The Dark.” The last encounter of this phase of the battle was a very disagreeable one, entailing, as it did, rigid examinations over all the military tactics that had been taught during the past nine months. However, we might add that the majority successfully withstood the ordeal and were rewarded with a three-months’ furlough. 14