“Lawson News”, a newsletter of Lawson General Hospital in Chamblee, Georgia, was published twice monthly according to the June 1943 issue.

The newsletter includes summaries of various activities and events at the hospital. Within the Medical Department Training Service, promotions are taking place. There are also detachments. Ribbons are awarded within the MDTS, such as good conduct ribbons awarded to First Sergeants, C. K. Cheek, R. L. Smith, W.L. Sligh and C. L. Bradley. The red and white ribbons were pinned on the men’s chest by Col. J. B. Stapleton, Assistant Commandant.

Two men from MDTS were naturalized as American citizens before the Atlanta Federal Court presiding judge. The judge “reaffirmed the importance of citizenship.” He also expressed “the gratitude of this country to the many foreign subjects who so willingly enlisted in the ranks to fight for democracy.”

The Occupational Therapy students had a brand new building with a well lighted workshop and offices. Patients had access to the Victory Garden for their use.

A new course in Orthopedic Medicine had recently begun. Three men from Camp Pickett, Virginia were sent to Lawson and once their training was complete they would be assigned as Orthopedic Mechanics wherever they were needed. The men were Corporals Jerome Chaback, Robert G. Grevitsan and George W. Hermann.

The MDTS Fife and Drum Corps was the marching band of Lawson General Hospital. The band included 21 bugles, 8 fifes, 10 drums, 2 pairs of cymbals and one bugle bell. There were accomplished trumpet players among them. “Mix them up and you have a combination that would make Harry James stop and listen.”

The newsletter reports that the Earl “Father” Hines show came to Lawson to perform their jive and boogie show in the Red Cross Auditorium.

Pfc. Chester Padovese and Col. Joe Katynsky met in the boxing ring for a match that was called a draw.

Several movies are announced in the newsletter, including “Ox Bow Incident” starring Henry Fonda and Mary B. Hughes; “Iceland” starring Sonje Henie, John Payne and Jack Oakie; “Mission to Moscow” starring Walter Huston and Ann Harding; “China” starring Loretta Young and Alan Ladd; “Somewhere I’ll Find You” starring Clark Gable and Lana Turner; plus “Bataan”, starring Robert Taylor.

Baseball and softball events are also included in the Lawson News, along with encouragement to “Support your team, free transportation to all games.”