diverting instruction in arts and crafts, developing interest-
ing hobbies for the patients’ permanent enjoyment.

In Red Cross recreation houses at station, general, and
convalescent hospitals, concerts, movies, stage shows, song-
fests and organized games helped relieve the boredom of
convalescence.

As the year advanced, about 10,000 Hollywood feature
shows a month were screened in American and overseas
military hospital wards, by
portable sound projectors,
and more than 2,500 a
month in Red Cross hospi-
tal recreation buildings,
using theater-size projection
machines.

Servicemen about to be
discharged for disability
were interviewed by Red
Cross hospital personnel and hebied in value ¢ their pen-
sion claims. If they expressed a desire for continued Red
Cross assistance following discharge, they were given the
address of the home-town chapter and informed that it was
prepared to represent them in connection with their appli-
cations for veterans’ benefits.

In Veterans Administration regional offices, field direc-
tors followed through on cases entrusted to the Red Cross
to obtain required evidence and secure prompt decision on
claims.

 

COMFORTS

To men as they came out of the lines Red Cross workers
gave cigarettes. They gave comfort articles to men upon
embarkation, and again as needed behind the lines, in base
camps and in all hospitals. A comb, a toothbrush, a razor,
even a button and needle and thread, had an enormous
morale value to a man miles from his accustomed corner
store. Millions of kit bags were made and packed by Red
Cross workers back home. Red Cross sweaters and other
wool comfort articles were provided upon requisition of
commanding officers. At Christmas time, Red Cross gift
packages—razor blades, gum, candy, cigarettes—were given.

Rao,