Tribute to 14,000

American Dead

From a Special Correspondent UNDER an azure blue, cloudless sky, with palm trees waving in the gentle breeze, homage was paid on Mem orial Day to the thousands of American Servicemen who are buried in the pic turesque and peaceful cemetery at Finsch hafen.

The large area, which had been bull dozed level out of the Finschhafen hills was emerald green. Immediately behind was a thickly-wooded hill; while, opposite, one could see the blue waters of Vitiaz Strait and a fringe of coconut palms lining a dazzling white beach. The set ting was grand.

May 30 was a special occasion. Every grave had an American flag alongside it, about a foot above the ground—this happens once in every year in all US war cemeteries throughout the world —and the effect, as they fluttered in the breeze, was striking.

Philippine Scouts, about 150, arrived recently to disinter the bodies. The steel caskets will be re-interred at Manila; and later, if so desired by relatives, they will be taken to the States for burial in the dead Servicemen’s home towns.

Promptly at 3 p.m. a detachment of 609 US Graves Registration Platoon came into view, swinging along smartly wearing as many as two rows of battle ribbons.

Then came the diminutive Philippine Scouts, led by an American officer.

About 80 ratings from HMAS “Taran gau” (the Finschhafen Naval Base) took part in the ceremony.

Practically the whole of Finschhafen turned out to pay homage to America’s glorious dead.