Army Air Force Convalescent Center in Pawling, N. Y.,
A branch of the Army Air Force Center and Regional Hospital, Mitchel Field, L. I.
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Vassar Chronicle, (Poughkeepsie)
Volume I, Number 15, 24 June 1944 Hospital At Pawling Is G.I. Paradise; Men Brought Back To Health And Duty "G.I. Paradise" to the sick and wounded officers and enlisted men it the Army Air Force Convalescent Center in Pawling, N. Y., a branch of the Army Air Force Center and Regional Hospital, Mitchel Field, L. I. When these men first return from the combat zone, they are sent to hospitals near their homes for basic medical treatment, and then to the Regional Hospital at Mitchell Field. Finally, having reached the stage where they can navigate by themselves, they are sent to Pawling. The prime purpose of the Convalescent Center, in the words of one of, the administrative officers, is "to restore the men to health and return them to duty." On first arriving at Pawling, each man is "briefed." It is explained to him that Pawling exists only for his benefit and welfare. In comparison to life at the front line the Convalescent Center is a "country club"; nevertheless the men live a regulated life. In a typical day at Pawling, reveille is at seven o'clock, and taps at ten o'clock. |
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The day is spent in exercise and in attending classes. Variety of Sports Offered Each man is required to spend some time each day in physical exercise — as prescribed by his doctors. A great variety of sports are offered at Pawling. What is now the Convalescent Center was formerly the Pawling School; thus when the Army Air Forces took over, there were existing sports facilities, such as a golf course, bridle paths, trout streams, a gymnasium, athletic fields, and even an indoor swimming pool. Exercise participated in by the men ranges from sports, such as tennis and volleyball, to corrective exercises, and even farm work. What was formerly Consolidated Edison's Green Mountain Lake Farm is now operated by men of the Convalescent Center; it is a true "model farm"— complete with poultry. Classes at Pawling are optional; however, the choice offered is so varied and interesting that many men are taking courses for pleasure, and to prepare them to try for Officers' Candidate School. Vassar D.P. students are sponsoring a dramatics class and such varied courses as Spanish, photography, and operating the Link Trainer, are offered. Typical Pawling Han An outstanding example of the type of man to be found at Pawling is Colonel Zeamer. Only twenty-six and one of the youngest colonels in the Army, he is one of the eleven men in the United States who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. When he arrived at Pawling he still showed some effects of his combat experiences but now well on the road to recovery, he is specializing in tennis and golf, and taking a course in the Link Trainer. Some form of recreation is provided each evening. This is the prince of the Special Service Officer, Captain Nowak, who is assisted by the Red Cross, ably represented by Miss Dragne and her assistants. Dances are held twice a week, and often Broadway plays with their New York casts, such as "The Doughgirls," are presented. It is no wonder that the men at the Convalescent Center are so fond of it. As a matter of fact, T/Sgt. Norman Riggs, whom many of you remember as "the great lover" in "Preflight Performance," has so much fun at Pawling that when his turn at a furlough came up he said that he would rather spend it at the Convalescent Center. Vassar Chronicle, (Poughkeepsie) Volume I, Number 15, 24 June 1944 |
