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

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SECOND PHASE Following this furlough the corps returned, refreshed and eager (??) to begin plans for the new attack. The sale of war stamps every Wednesday continued and the Battalion, on just one day, purchased one and one-half Jeeps. The traditional installation service was again used when George Justice, president, Grady Stewart, vice-president, and John Crawford, secretary, took their places as officers of the General Staff. Under the supervision of the new executive head, the members of the Battalion found time from their regular scheduled duties to participate in eight football games, with a record of four won, three lost, and one tied. An excellent basketball season was enjoyed with members of the Battalion gradually taking over all but one of the first-team positions. The last week in February the aspirants were overjoyed to receive a week’s vacation, while the retreads, assisted by fifty volunteer helpers, issued Ration Book II. It was necessary to substitute this five-day pass for the customary spring furlough even though it was a month and a half earlier than usual. Returning from the pass, they attacked their objective with a tenacious fury, calculated to bring this, the second phase of the battle, to a victorious close. Since the beginning of the battle, the drain on all military equipment had been quite severe, and the Battalion was now forced to forage about the surrounding territory and to confiscate all available tin cans. This intensive search brought in 36,114 cans. Sergeant Red” Dobson and Sergeant Lucille Bowers, realizing that the Battalion was rapidly becoming battle-fatigued, arranged, on May 7, the annual Gym Circus which was presented in two performances. This fete provided the much-needed relaxation, and with this boost they were able to successfully complete the second phase of the battle on May 28. THIRD PHASE The Battalion returned from its three-months’ leave, proud and happy to have at last become members of the 11th corps of undergrads. Thus the members entered upon the third and final phase of the battle with renewed determination as it witnessed the installation of the General Staff on November 24, with Colonel John Crawford as president, Lieutenant-Colonel Gene Carson as vice-president, and Major Freddie Robertson as secretary. Some of our most stalwart veterans turned to the commando squad and formed our best football team in several years, continuing last year’s athletic renaissance. The academic schedule was creeping right along, however; and as the Battalion inched forward on the trail to victory, it found its way blocked by midterm exams, which they tried to outflank, but were in turn outflunked. Recovering from this, the Battalion was brightened by noting that the basketball squad was employing excellent strategy. The squad would first suffer a small setback somewhere in the hinderlands and then annihilate the opposition when it (emboldened by its false victory) ventured into the S. H. S. gymnasium. This plan worked extremely well, and the only unavenged loss occurred when the squad was buried under an avalanche of dirt in the vicinity of Greenville swamps. After digging them out, the Battalion discovered that “music hath charm” and accordingly sought solace in it during the 7th Annual Band and Orchestra concert on March 24, under the direction of Lieutenants Lape and Gignilliat. A month later our music was changed from instrumental to vocal, and the Chorus, directed by Lieutenant Mullinax, presented its concert on April 21. The battle was rapidly drawing to a close now, and on Honors Day, in May, members of the Battalion who had performed outstanding services were decorated. Now the Battalion was all in a flurry as it prepared for the final attack by getting calling cards, invitations, new uniforms (in the form of caps and gowns), and by doing a little last-minute studying. By dint of this they were able to push the final attack home and on June 2 mounted Sheepskin Heights, and the battle of three years came to a glorious finish. NATALIE WALKER, HENRY DALE SMITH. 15