"GO MERLICA"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 65, 14 September 1943, Page 7

"GO MERLICA"

A NEW GEORGIA RESCUE

O.C. SOUTH PACIFIC BASE, Sept. 6,

From the New Georgia front comes a second story of rescued Hong Kong Chinese.

Three U.S. infantrymen, Ist Lieutenant H. D. Neer, of Sydney, Ohio, Corporal Eddie Tabor, of Thibodeaux, La., and Private George McKenzie, of Elbridge, Term., were trying to take a foxhole supposedly occupied by Japs. During the exchange of rifle and grenade fire, two Japs did indeed jump from the hole and scamper for the rear, but were immediately killed. From the hole itself there then developed a sudden loud, fast, unintelligible jabbering, and seven very frightened boys appeared, hands high in the air. The Americans withheld their fire, and were able to make out the words, "Me Hong Kong Chinee."

It was later learned that, after capture by the Japanese invaders of Hong Kong, they had been sent to act as cooks and tailors. During their escorted trip back to higher headquarters, they would grin from ear to ear, and saluted every Yank they passed. Given all possible freedom, they explained that their ages ranged from 9 to 14, and that they hoped to be able to go back home, or "Go Merlica."