Two Big Spring Boys Playing Football
On Same Service Loop Team In Germany
   Two Big spring boys who started playing football as members of the late Ben Daniel's "Devils" are gaining considerable renown with an eleven boasting that nickname --- the 50-8th Paratroop "Red Devils," who are entered in a Servicemen's league formed by occupation troops in Germany.
   They are Pfc John Hal Battle a member of the 508th and Sgt Arvie Walker, attached with the 82nd Airborne division but playing with the 508th.
   Both played major roles in last Sunday's clash with the Headquarters contingent in Frankfurt before such distinguished personages as Gens. Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton plus some 20,000 G.I.'s

The 508th rolled to a 21-14 triumph to remain unbeaten in a circuit championship.
   On a recent Sunday, Hal, a hard hitting guard, scored one of the few touchdowns of his career when he scooped up a punt that had been blocked by Walker, also a guard, and sprinted into the end zones.  The touchdown helped the Red Devils to a 27-0 decision over the Blue Devils of the 29th Infantry.
   Last month the 508th smashed the 66th Armored regiment at Frankfurt 53-7, i an amazing display of power.  The scored within six minutes after the kickoff and had constructed a 19-7 advantage by half time.
   Roland Armour, a Notre Dame lineman, coaches the Red Devils.
   Battle and Walker performed for the Big spring Steers in 1940.

OHIO PLAYER ON G.I. GRID TEAM

FRANKFURT, (AP) --- Guide [Guido] Mastroianni of Steubenville was among members of the 508th Parachute Regiment's eleven which defeated a United States forces European theatre football team, 22 to 14 yesterday at a birthday celebration for Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
   Mastroianni score a touchdown for the paratroopers while "Ike", 55 yesterday, looked on.

[The Evening Independent, Massillon, OH, Oct 15, 1945, Page 10]

20,000 Gaping GI's See WAC Private Kiss Eisenhower

   FRANKFURT, Oct 14 --- (AP) --- WAC Private Betty Rising of Middletown, Conn., acting on a date, gave Gen Eisenhower a birthday kiss today before more than 20,000 gaping GI's.
   The general, 55 today, laughed heartedly as the cute brunette climbed into his box at a football game and planted a solid kiss.
   The 508th Parachute Regiment's eleven won the game with a U.S. forces European Theatre team, 22 to 14.

Ike in stands for G.I. grid tilt

   FRANKFURT (AP)  WAC Private Betty Rising of Middletown, Conn. acting on a dare, gave General Eisenhower a birthday kiss Sunday before more than 20,000 gaping G.I.'s.
   The general laughed heartedly as the cute brunette climbed into his box and planted a solid kiss.
   In other ways, too, the game turned out to be a surprise party for the supreme commander on his 55th birthday.
   He was visibly moved when the spectators arose during the half and sang "Happy Birthday, Dear General."
   Later he climbed out in front of the stands to pose for hundreds of soldier camera fans, and even raced General Patton across the gridiron.
   Patton, minus his helmet and wearing the insignia of the 15th army which he now commands, received a big ovation from the stands as he gave the camera fans advice on how to take good pictures.
   The 508th parachute regiments 11 won the fame with a United States force European theater team 22 to 14,
[The Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 15, 1945, Page 5]