spril 10, 1941

lire Ernest Be Snith — |

Director of Physical Training
Southeastern Air Corps Training School
Montgomery, Alabama

Dear Mre Smiths

I desire to write you concerning the character and ability of
Mre John Cress, a graduate of the University of Illinois, and an assistazit
instructor in our Department of Physical Educatione oS

. Mre Cress is here ona fellowship this yeare He has thrilled
our Physical Education majors by his exceptional ability, and his highly
developed skills on 011 piecss of apparatus in the gymnasiune

‘Mre Cress has a pleasing personality and has exhibited e splendid
attitude with the men under his teachinge He is cooperative, resourceful
and has qualifications thet an administrator highly desi ress

Doubtless you know that he was a member of the letional Champion
Gymnastic Team at the University of Illinocise Sinee his coming here, interest
in gymmastic skills has quadrupled. All the members of the Varsity Football
and Basketbell teams, who are majors in physical education, are enamored
with his worke I mention this because of the fact that many soscalled
athletes rather look with disdain upon bar work, but since llr. Cress’ coming —
he has enthused this type of athlete until they work at it with enthusiagn
canparable to their athletic achievements

. We have been more than pleased with ire Cress! presence on our
staff and we regret to see him leave except for the fact that he is enlisting
to serve his countrye

At our budget conference our comaittee recommended an increase in
salary for Mre Cress should he have stayede ~

i en happy to recommend him without reservetion or evesione He
is one of the best qualified men thet has come to us ina long times |

Sincerely yours,

Director of Physical Education and Recreation
_ Varsity Basketball and Baseball Coach

FCAslg