AMERICA'S FAVORITE PIN UP GIRL IN WWII

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY

Betty Grable, vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011 -  (click on image to enlarge it)

Betty Grable was considered the number one pin-up girl for American GIs during World War II. Her beautiful legs were insured by Lloyds of London for a $1,000,000 - a fantastic sum of money in those days. She was married to the famous big band leader Harry James, until their divorce in 1965. Betty and Harry had a horse ranch near Pierce College in Woodland Hills,

CASABLANCA A CLASSIC FILM FROM THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

       DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011   
                         
Burbank's 100th Anniversary 
Van Nuys' 100th Anniversary

Everyday, as The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, enhances our Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History, the expression "Valley of the Stars" becomes more evident. It takes thousands of artists to create films, television programs and videogames, and thousands of the most creative people in the world call "The San Fernando Valley My Home."  

Few films had a greater emotional impact on the American people and movie-goers world wide during World War II than the classic film CASABLANCA. Starring the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman and rugged Humphrey Bogart, the film helped to build great patriotic fervor. Their co-star Paul Henried,  unforgettable music, and sleazy fascist villains added up to one of the great movies of its time. 

 Casablanca was filmed, nearly entirely on the lot of Warner Brothers Studio in the San Fernando Valley City of Burbank. A significant scene, where Rick (Bogart) encounters the German Major Strasser, was shot at Van Nuys Airport. Portions of the hanger used in the film were rescued from demolition by Valley residents who share The Museum's commitment to preserving our Entertainment Industry Heritage.

 The little Liberty Bug, at the lower left hand corner of the sheet music for "As Time Goes By" appeared throughout America during the Second World War. I remember seeing it when I began kindergarten. In the first grade, we saved our dimes to buy Savings Stamps and pasted them every week in little books that added up to the purchase of a $25 dollar War Bond.

I remember seeing my mother sitting by a huge old radio in our living room, as she listened to Kate Smith singing As Time Goes By. My big sister Genevieve tried to teach it to me, but I thought it was way too "mushy" for a boy to sing.  (click on image to enlarge)

IS THIS A WORLD WAR TWO MILITARY ESCAPE MAP?

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

 A reason silk stockings became scarce during WWII

  During the Second World War, the United States (MIS-X) and British military  produced over 3,500,000 silk and tissue paper maps. They were to be used chiefly for  escape purposes. The map in this photograph was scanned by Gerald Fecht for The  Museum’s Archives from the collection of Valley historian Porky Johnson in 2010. It was  tucked into a larger paper map of the 1932 Olympic Games. At first, Jerry assumed  that it might have been a tourist souvenier but noting that the usual tourist-stuff  was missing investigated its possibility as a military device. (refer to image number 2000.)

WHAT WAS IN THE THOUGHTS OF CANOGA PARK GRADUATES JUNE 1945

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

31st Annual Summer Commencement Canoga Park High School June 1945 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010
As I prepared this little program for its home in the Archives of The Museum, I wondered what must have been in the thoughts of the boys and girls who graduated that long ago summer evening in 1945. Birmingham Hospital (now Birmingham High School) was preparing for a massive number of American wounded from an invasion of the Japanese mainland. World War II would be over in September, but the kids and families of the Canoga Park High School graduates had only hope to rely on for "normal" lives. Now in their 80s, wouldn't be great to learn about their thoughts that June.

A SALUTE TO PAUL COHEN - HEROIC SOLDIER OF WWII

Paul Cohen - Heroic Veteran of WWII - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

The Board of Directors of The Museum dedicated our May meeting to a genuine San Fernando Valley hero, Paul Cohen. Mr. Cohen served in the US Army in the Battle of Laite in the Phillappine Islands and in the Battle for Okinawa. He and his wife Frances live in Woodland Hills.

Bronze Star, won by Paul Cohen in World War II. He was the first veteran interviewed in The Museum's project to secure the histories of Jewish American Veterans of the Second World War. Van Nuys based photographer and blog writer Andy Hurvitz is working with The Museum on this important project.

THE BATTLE OF IWO JIMA REMEMBERED BY A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY VETERAN

Scrapbook Clipping 1845 - Mexico, Missouri - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

The following is a handwritten account by the late James L. Fecht.

"One of the guys in our outfit was killed by rifle fire and we buried him in a shallow grave and stuck his rifle with a bayonet on it in the ground with his helmet and dog-tags on to mark the grave sit as we moved on up thru the lines. After the fight was over two of us wee sent back to bring his body back to a grave registration outfit. On the way back I was walking ahead and tripped a booby trap wire that was hooked to a grenade in a small scrub tree just at the height of my head. My buddy hit the deck behind me but I sensed it was too late for me, so I just stood there cursing my luck with the grenade went off and I realized it was just a Jap phosphorous grenade that was used to light up the area at night to see anyone passing that way. I was a nervous wreck for several days after that.
A Jap artillery shell hit a bluff about 10 yards form my buddy and me as we were dug in a fox hole below. When it went off it covered us with dirt and dust. a pill box 200 yards ahead of us knew we were there and kept us pinned down with a lite Nambu machine gun until a tank moved us and silenced them.
We could not sleep for the first few nites but then exhaustion crept in and we could take times sleeping while one kept watch, the other slept, even with the shells bursting all around.
Our secret to advancement was overpowering fire power. Continuous bombardment with all we had. Once we moved past the first airfield, we were able to bring in rocket launchers, artillery and tanks to help us progress. The well fortified pill boxes of reinforced concrete covered with dirt were our biggest problem. They were so placed that they covered each other's flanks. As a tank would move in toward me it would be knocked out by an unseen pill box from its flank firing 47 m.m. anti-tank high explosive shells. We had to take extra caution while going in with a tank as these shells burst all around us.
One pill box had us pinne down with machine gun fire so we couldn't cross an open spot to get to it, and one our guys an Indian boy from Montana by the name of Mix crawled almost 100 yards under the fire and lobbed a grenade thru the port hole slit in the pill box, killing all inside and letting advance another 100 yards. I think he got the silver star for that action but I never heard for sure.
Almost two thirds of the way up the Island we were paired off in twos in our sandy fox holes and a one guy kept watch the other could sleep. Our sleep was forever getting interrupted by someone slipping along crawling toward our supplies of food and water, and by the eerie light of our flares -shooting was sporadic all night. Toward the end though we would be rushed by groups of 10, 20 and 100 trying to break out resulting in viscous fire fights.
One day my buddy from New York, Homer Davis and I got pinned down and couldn't get out of our fox hole. The Japs were firing all the mortars and rockets they had left and were keeping us pinned down. All we had to eat was canned cheese. We ate cheese for two days.
We had a wicked fire fight one night about 2 AM. About 400 Japs charge thru a thicket of small trees just ahead of us right at our front line. The brunt of the chare hit the 4th Marines on our right and almost a 100 headed into us. We fired at every shadow from the flares overhead for about 2 hours and then it tapered off to just an occasional burst of fire here and there. Next daylight we scouted on up three trees and saw dead bodies stacked up like cord wood in front of us. The closest in front of me had a beautiful cow hide pack and a Jap flag inside his helmet. I still have his pack but lost the flag after all these years.
We followed the flame-throwers on up the Island as they fired into the hundreds of caves, and we fired as they scrambled out of their holes like ants.
When we reached the farthest point of the Island all organized resistance was over and it was just mopping up and blowing up the caves and pill boxes. Our company captain gave me a dispatch case with information on all the guys in our outfit that had been killed or wounded and was told to catch the first boat going back to Guam and deliver the information to our Regimental Headquarters back there.
I caught a LCVI (Landing Craft Vehicle Infarty?) and we sailed back to Guam. I caught a ride with a truck headed over to the other side of the island where our rear echelon was still in camp. The truck let me off at the front of a palm grove and I started walking back up to our tent city. When the group that were left behind in our rear echelon saw me coming up the road alone a cry went up and the guys came running down the road to meet me saying, "Where is the rest of the outfit?" "Are you the only one left Fecht?" "We've been listening to the battle on the radio, did everyone else get killed?" It took me a few minutes to quiet them down and reassure them that most of our buddies made it ok.
The Battle of Iwo Jima gave me enough combat points to gain a furlough back in the Sates and home for awhile. I spent the next three weeks saying goodbye to all my buddies and the native families that I had met there on Guam."

VALLEY VETERAN JAMES FECHT DONATED MONEY FROM IWO JIM TO YOUR MUSEUM

Currency from WWII - Gift from James L. Fecht to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2007 (click on image to enlarge)
Two (likely) Japanese bills given to your Museum from James Fecht just before his death. Jim acquired these bills on Iwo Jima.

IWO JIMA STORY AND PHILIPPINE MONEY IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Philippine 10 centavo note: Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by James L. Fecht in 2007
James Fecht, a young American Marine in World War II brought back several interesting artifacts, one of which is this small 10 centavo note from pre-World War II Philippines. The bill was found on a Japanese soldier captured during the invasion of the Island of Iwo Jima. Japanese prisoners, and there were very few on Iwo Jima, were stripped and made to lay under barbed wire. Artifacts in their clothing not deemed of military significance were divided among the young Americans guarding the prisoners.
Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click to enlarge)

After WWII, James Fecht married and settled in the San Fernando Valley. It was years before he talked about his experiences in the war, among which was the guarding of prisoners on Iwo Jima. He talked about how much he hated the prisoners, and how he feared them. Jim had seen the results of the Japanese army's atrocities on other islands and the deaths of his friends and fellow Marines. His indoctrination about the "sub-human" status of the Japanese made him more fearful, dangerous and determined.

SEARCHING FOR PRIVATE CUSIMANO - SAN FERNANDO VALLEY VETERAN

Clipping from Mexico Ledger Newspaper - 1945 - Invasion of Iwo Jima - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Many San Fernando Valley servicemen took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima during World War II. Your Museum collects and preserves their histories.
By 1945, America was strong enough in the South Pacific that news was coming out war zones with greater frequency and less censorship. Families across America followed the participation of their sons and daughters on the battlefield. Many, like Dorothy Fetterhoff kept scrapbooks (now rapidly disintegrating due to age and acid saturated newsprint). Dorothy saved this clipping from the Mexico Ledger Newspaper on February 20, 1945.
Among the US. Marines on Iwo Jima were two young Marines both about 20 years old. One, Private Jimmie Fecht's story and artifacts are being processed and reported regularly on this blog.
A second Marine, Private Anthony Cusimano witnessed with Jimmie the raising of the immortalized flag on Mount Suribachi. An account of Tony's time on Iwo Jima was the subject of an account in the Daily News some years ago. Unfortunately he too is now deceased. But, the Daily News carried his photograph in front of a Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima poster. Dr. Glenn Lawlor alerted us to Anthony Cusimano. We'd like to know more about him and his story.
War Cartoon by Dorman H. Smith - 1945 - Mexico Ledger

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY - WHERE THE ARTS ARE MADE.

Pastel of Robert O'Brien by Orpha Klinker - 22 December 1943

Today, while I visited one of the San Fernando Valley's most important art spaces, the NoHo Gallery LA, the dynamic Lisa Bianconi referred to the San Fernando Valley as not just a place where arts are displayed, but the place "where the arts are made." One need go any further than the credits of any Valley-made film or television program to get the picture of why our Valley is heart and soul of the creative capital of the world.
I can't think of anyone who lives or works in the San Fernando Valley who is anymore than ONE degree of separation from someone who works in the entertainment industry.
The arts capture ideas and emotions and transmit them from their creators to the world. Our Museum understands that preserving and nurturing the process of "creative transmission" is our solemn responsibility. A great Museum community recognizes that the arts can transmit feelings and thoughts beyond the span of ordinary lives. Nothing exemplifies our role better than our advisor Phyllis Hansen's project to let the world know about the great California artist, Orpha Klinker.
Here, we seen the image of Robert O'Brien, an American serviceman during World War II. He is no doubt gone by now, part of the generation of warriors now disappearing at the rate of 1000 a day. But, Robert O'Brien's life is honored and remembered in art - the art of the great Orpha Klinker.

ORPHA KLINKER WAR ART PRESENTS MANY QUESTIONS

Pastel of American Sailor by Orpha Klinker c. 1943

We have just added this image of a pastel done by Orpha Klinker c. 1943. We're hoping that one of Orpha's admirers will be able to give us the inscription at the bottom on the work, and a lead about its location.
Orpha Klinker was not only a major California artist, but a woman of great patriotism. This sailor's portrait is among many works she did to support American troops during World War II.

PVT. JIM FECHT SENDS V-MAIL HOLIDAY GREETINGS - DECEMBER 1943

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
From Private Jimmie Fecht - somewhere in the South Pacific via "V Mail". Sent to his family in Missouri, 55 years ago.

WHAT DID JIMMIE FECHT LOOK LIKE?

PFC James Fecht - 62 Hour Leave - Photo in Collection of Gerald Fecht - electronically shared with The Museum

Several of you have asked me to post a photograph of Jimmie Fecht, whose artifacts, letters and notes we have been sharing on the Museum's blog.
This snapshot was taken on Elmer Avenue in North Hollywood, during his 62 hour leave from Camp Elliot, San Diego, California. The picture was taken less than one day before he and his fellow Marines were loaded aboard ship for transfer to New Zealand.

Jim's ashes will be burined at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth this coming Friday morning.

V-MAIL SAVED TONS OF CARGO SPACE IN W.W.II

Archieves of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2007
"V-Mail" letter from James Fecht to his mother from Guadalcanal, The Solomon Islands
Note:
"V-Mail" letters (Victory Mail) were developed during the Second World War. Letters from soldiers were done on special sheets of paper and microfilmed. The process saved tons of space for vital military use. Over a hundred thousand letters could be sent home in one mail bag. In the United States, the microfilm was processed and small photo letters were sent to the addressee.

4 September 1943 Sent by V Mail
Dear Mom: I know you wonder why I don't write more ofter but there is nothing I want to say about this to you, as it would no doubt worry you so much. I was in the hospital for a while, but nothing serious. We are subjected to Japanese air raids and have grand stand seats for night fighting those searchlights right from our own foxholes.
That's all I can tell you from this side of the world, but if I know you right, you'll be following us on the maps.
The news doesn't sound at all bad that we get from the States and feel sure that if they would turn us loose, within two months, we'd be having hot dog fires in the streets of Tokyo.
I'm always happy to receive any letters from home so want everyone of yo to write. I've has a little time lately for letter writing and seem to be doing some fancy catching up. I wrote Aunt Annie (Ann Fecht Shire) and Aunt Cashie (Cashie Ryan Fecht). Tell Sr. Veronica (Catholic nun) to write and tell all hello, and I hope to see you soon.
Your Son, Jimmie

A MARINE'S CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM DECEMBER 1943

Letter by James Fecht - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Christmas Letter from Private James Fecht W.S. marine Corps
December 26, 1943 Passed by Navy Censor Dec. 28, 1943

Dear Mother, Dad and all:

Midnight Mass was celebrated here Christmas Eve at a camp nearby. It was the most beautiful ceremony that I have ever attended on that date. Shining stars overhead in the tropical sky winked down on many boys kneeling in our area dotted with palms.
The little altar was decorated with various jungle flowers and lit with the many candles of the High Mass, that had somehow kept their shape even in this hot weather. Even in this splendor around us, many thoughts sneaked back to those years before as we used to attend St. Brendan's and other churches with snow crunching underfoot as we made our way to their doors, the congregations singing together, the cheery greetings of friends - so many things that seemed just part of the occasion. They were missed. The familiar Merry Christmas seemed a mockery here.
The day was spent in rest, with most of the boys writing letters, playing cards, and catching up on sleep. Our dinner was quite an affair. Roast turkey, gravy, dressing, fresh mashed potatoes, peas, powdered cranberry sauce, fresh bread and powdered lemonade were on the menu. It was very welcomed after so many ration meals. For desert, we had an apple and peach cobbler. Honestly Mom, I do believe even I could have made it better. don't believe what good seasoned food like you served tastes like any more.
In the evening we attended boxing bouts that determined the Champions of the Islands. All the allies in this part of the world took part with several winning awards. Medals were donated by movie stars and were quite pleased to see three Marines that fought, each walk off with one as a winner. The bouts were refereed by a former heavy weight champion of the world, and a former football player of great fame. The Army and Navy competed also, winning many matches.
Two packages arrived in the afternoon. One from Aunt Cashie (Ryan-Fecht), containing cigarettes, the other from Joye (the girl he met on leave in North Hollywood, California) was a pocket poker set, which no doubt will see much wear around here.
Suppose you can realize how surprised we were when the Battalion gave each man two bottles of American beer. Guess that's all we needed to complete the festivities. It certainly went over big and was certainly enjoyed.
Well, the end of the day found us much happier than we had been in many months. We still hope our next one will be spent at home, no matter how grand we may have it here.
I hope you had your happy holidays and may God keep you all well during this coming New Year. I thought of you often yesterday, and in closing I send my love to all.
Yoour son and brother Jimmie

Pvt. Jim Fecht USMC
Batt. D., Spl Wpons. Br..
Div Special Troops
3rd Marine Div.
c/o Fleet PO
San Francisco, Calif.

WOMEN'S RESPONSE TO WAR'S TRAUMAS

Booklets from Cootiette Club of Van Nuys - gift of Gary Fredburg 2007 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Often your Museum receives small items that at first glance are little more curiosities. This might have been the case of the three booklets just given to The Museum by Gary Fredburg. However, on examination, the Constitution of the Cootiette Club of the United States provided a important puzzle piece in understanding the mindsets of women shortly after World War II.

The Preamble to the Constitution states: "We, the Mothers, Wives, Widows, Sister, Daughters, Half Sisters, Stepmothers, Stepdaughters and Foster Mothers, Sisters, and Daughters, not less than 18 years of age, who are American citizens, of deceased and honorably discharged officers and enlisted men of the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, whose service to the United States Government was performed on foreign soil or hostile waters, and women of the Armed Forces who have rendered Foreign Service in behalf of the United States of America and have an honorable discharge and their Mothers, Sisters and Daughters, do hereby united to establish a permanent organization to be known as the Supreme Cootiette Club of the United States.

The timing of the club and its membership rules are important. Today gay men and lesbian women live under the constraints of the "don't ask, don't tell" policies of the military, in the 1940s, military personnel who experienced psychological trauma were equally hidden. Thousands of vetrans returned to their homes without any serious attempt to integrate them back into their communities. Women needed support groups to help them deal with the world war had created.Tom Brocaw's "greatest generation" didn't talk about mental health, alcoholism, addictions, the abuse of women. Support groups existed, often under thinly disguised "frilly" names.

Your Museum will pay attention to the Cootiette Club of Van Nuys and issues facing women in our history.