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page 64 (clipping 2)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William Leverette Kabler, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Minesweeper U.S.S. HERON (AM-10), during operations in Dutch East Indies on 31 December 1941. When the U.S. warship he commanded was attacked by 15 hostile planes of various types, Lieutenant Kabler fought his ship with such skill that the crew was able to destroy one plane, damage others and frustrate the attack. The conduct of Lieutenant Kabler throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 328 (July 1944)



page 65 (clipping 1)

As the Japanese attacked through the Peninsula, their troops were ordered to take no prisoners as they would slow up the Japanese advance. A pamphlet issued to all Japanese soldiers stated:
"When you encounter the enemy after landing, think of yourself as an avenger coming face to face at last with his father’s murderer. Here is a man whose death will lighten your heart."
For the British military command in Singapore, war was still fought by the ‘rule book’. Social life was important in Singapore and the Raffles Hotel and Singapore Club were important social centres frequented by officers. An air of complacency had built in regarding how strong Singapore was – especially if it was attacked by the Japanese. When the Japanese did land at Kota Bharu aerodrome, in Malaya, Singapore’s governor, Sir Shenton Thomas is alleged to have said "Well, I suppose you’ll (the army) shove the little men off."

page 65 (clipping 2)

25 SOLDIERS DIE AS BOAT OVERTURNS.
CAUSE OF ACCIDENT NEAR NEW ORLEANS UNDER ARMY PROBE.
New Orleans, Dec. 18. (AP) -- At least 25 soldiers wearing life preservers died yesterday when their 60-foot, cruiser-type vessel overturned in Lake Pontchartrain in one of the worst marine disasters here since the turn of the century.
The cause of the accident was not disclosed and a board from the New Orleans port of embarkation was investigating. It was believed that most of the dead were trapped beneath the overturned boat or by a canopy overhead.
Capt. T. F. Reece, public relations officer at LaGarde General Hospital, said 65 soldiers and three civilians who operated the vessel were being treated for injuries suffered in the capsizing or in rescue operation. Four of the soldiers were said to be in serious condition.
The names of the soldier casualties were not announced.
The soldiers aboard the stricken vessel were members of companies A and B of the Second battalion, Transportation corps, Reception Center, Camp Harahan, Capt. Reece said.
The public relations officer said about 72 men were aboard when the boat capsized. They were en route to Camp Salmen, Slidell, La., along with about 250 other soldiers in six other boats for maneuvers when the accident occurred.
Lowell Sun Massachusetts 1943-12-18
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25 SOLDIER DEATHS LAID TO HIGH WINDS.
New Orleans (UP) -- Sudden gusts of wind were blamed Saturday for the drowning of 25 soldiers in Lake Pontchartrain when a crowded naval motor launch capsized.
Nearly 100 men were riding in the boat, one of several vessels crossing the lake to Slidell, La., Friday in combat training maneuvers, when it overturned.
Public relations officers at Lagarde General Hospital, said 68 soldiers and sailors and three civilians were rescued but that several members of the crew were unaccounted for. Several of the rescued men were injured seriously in the accident.
Charleston Daily Mail West Virginia 1943-12-19

United States Army Transportation Corps