Air Force Party 1947-07-31 The Listening Post

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode - "Air Force Party 1947-07-31 The Listening Post"

Title: Air Force Party 1947-07-31 The Listening Post
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Rex Marshall
Guests: Lieutenant Cass Bielski, Beryl Davis, Skitch Henderson, Ted Malone
Location: Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City
Presented By: American Broadcasting Company and the United States Army Air Forces

---

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Air Force Party 1947-07-31 The Listening Post", host Rex Marshall orchestrates a vibrant celebration commemorating Air Force Day—the 40th anniversary of the United States Army Air Forces. Recorded live from the renowned Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City, the episode serves as both a tribute to military aviation and a showcase of the era's beloved entertainment figures.

Opening Remarks and Event Overview

The episode begins with a humorous exchange featuring Rex Marshall and Skitch Henderson that satirizes a GEICO motorcycle insurance advertisement (00:00–00:40). This playful opening sets a light-hearted tone before transitioning into the main event.

Lieutenant Cass Bielski takes the stage to deliver a poignant proclamation:

"Tomorrow, August 1st is Air Force Day, the 40th anniversary of the United States Army Air Forces... With recent developments in the airplane, it has become apparent that our first line of defense is a strong, ready Air Force. The job of building and maintaining such an air force falls to the American people. This is your Air Force, America."
— Lieutenant Cass Bielski (04:02)

Marshall reinforces this message, emphasizing the collective responsibility:

"All of you are part of it."
— Rex Marshall (04:54)

Musical Performances and Entertainment

Following the speeches, the night is illuminated with performances by Skitch Henderson and his orchestra, and the talented Beryl Davis.

1. Skitch Henderson's Orchestra Performances:

   • "The Girlfriend": Henderson opens with this popular number, delivering a lively arrangement that captivates the audience. (01:37–03:55)

   • "Ivy": A personalized piece, Henderson showcases his piano prowess, earning praise from Marshall:

     "I think that's ample proof of your right to be called America's new piano sensation."
     — Rex Marshall (07:26)

2. Beryl Davis' Musical Contributions:

   • "Once in a While": Davis delivers an emotional rendition, invoking nostalgia and resonating with the audience's wartime memories. (09:34–12:06)

   • "We Knew It All the Time": Dedicated to new air force members, Davis' performance celebrates camaraderie and love, reflecting the spirit of unity among the troops. (16:33–19:57)

Guest Introductions and Anecdotes

A heartwarming interaction unfolds as Rex introduces Beryl Davis, revealing her significant contributions during World War II:

"I was officially attached to the eighth effort... made over 500 appearances with the Air Force."
— Beryl Davis (08:19)

Skitch Henderson acknowledges Davis' dedication:

"Practically every man who set foot in the ETO remembers the British number that we Americans adopted... 'I've Got Six'."
— Skitch Henderson (20:48)

Reflections on Wartime Music

The program delves into the role of music in boosting troop morale. Henderson and his orchestra perform "I've Got Six" and "Waltzing Matilda", highlighting the cross-cultural appreciation of music among Allied forces.

Marshall reflects on the significance of these performances:

"Good music is always good listening, desert or no desert."
— Rex Marshall (20:30)

Keynote Performance: Ted Malone's Contribution

Ted Malone, a seasoned entertainer and military member, is introduced as a distinguished guest. As he prepares to depart for another mission in Europe, Malone shares a heartfelt poem:

"I've slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter silvered wings... Put out my hand and touch the face of God."
— Flight Officer John McGee Junior's "High Flight" (Ted Malone, 24:38)

This poetic tribute underscores the sacrifices and heroic spirit of aviators, deeply resonating with the audience.

Closing Speeches and Final Tribute

As the event draws to a close, Lieutenant Cass Bielski reiterates the importance of maintaining a robust air force:

"We will observe this Air Force Day resolved that we must help guard the security of the world by maintaining a state of military preparedness."
— Lieutenant Cass Bielski (28:17)

Rex Marshall delivers the final remarks, encapsulating the essence of the evening:

"As long as there are men filled with the desire to fly and we have an Army Air Force, we'll always have the aviation cadet... Air power is peace power."
— Rex Marshall (28:57)

Notable Quotes

• Rex Marshall on Air Force Unity:
  "All of you are part of it."
  (04:54)

• Beryl Davis on Her Wartime Role:
  "I am proud of it. The work I did in entertaining American troops was the most enjoyable I've ever done."
  (08:52)

• Ted Malone on His Commitment:
  "This is strictly business this time."
  (24:28)

• Lieutenant Cass Bielski on Air Power:
  "Through air power we will preserve the peace."
  (28:31)

Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends patriotic tribute with nostalgic entertainment, celebrating the enduring legacy of the United States Army Air Forces. Through heartfelt speeches, memorable musical performances, and personal anecdotes, Rex Marshall and his esteemed guests honor the valor and unity of those who served. For listeners who cherish the Golden Age of Radio, this episode offers a rich tapestry of history, camaraderie, and timeless music that continues to resonate long after the final note.

Transcript

[Rex Marshall]

Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need. Like 24. Seven claims, I'm on cloud nine.

[Skitch Henderson]

Clouds are whole, unable to support the weight of an adult human.

[Rex Marshall]

What's happening?

[Skitch Henderson]

Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud numbered nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating snow geese. Geese who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind, as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. Geico expertise for your motorcycle.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

Tomorrow, August 1st is Air Force Day, the 40th anniversary of the United States Army Air Forces. My name is Lieutenant Cass Fieldski, aaf, from the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. The American Broadcasting Company and the United States Army Air Forces present Air Force Night at Cafe Rouge. This is your invitation to a half hour of entertainment with Ted Malone, Meryl Davis Hitch Henderson and his orchestra, and as your host for the evening, Captain Rex Marshall, AAF Reserv.

[Rex Marshall]

Hello, everyone. This is Rex Marshall welcoming you to Cafe Rouge and our Air Force party. Well, we have a lot of important guests here tonight whom we'll meet later on, but right now I see that Skitch Henderson and his band are ready to go to work on the popular song of yesterday and again today, the girlfriend. Ah, thanks. Kiss, Henderson. That was swell. And now I think. Excuse me, Rex.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

May I interrupt for a moment?

[Rex Marshall]

Why, certainly, Lieutenant Kasielski. And judging from that look on your face, you must have something important to say.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

You're absolutely right. It is important to all America. Tomorrow, by proclamation of the President, we will observe Air force Day, the 40th anniversary of the Army Air Forces. The part that air power played in winning the victory that was ours at the close of World War II is common knowledge to all. Our powerful Air Force has stood as a tribute to the American people whose support and encouragement made it possible. Today, the need for a sizable air army is as great as ever. It is true, hostilities have ceased, but the terms of the peace have not yet been agreed upon. With recent developments in the airplane, it has become apparent that our first line of defense is a strong, ready Air Force. The job of building and maintaining such an air force falls to the American people. This is your Air Force, America.

[Rex Marshall]

All of you are part of it.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

So on this Air Force Day, let us dedicate ourselves to making air power Peace.

[Ted Malone]

Power.

[Rex Marshall]

Thank you, Cass. And now here is Skitch Henderson once again with a couple of his boys. And they're going to do a number that seems to be just made for him and his piano. It's Ivy.

[Beryl Davis]

Sa. It's.

[Rex Marshall]

I think that's ample proof of your right to be called America's new piano sensation.

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, thank you indeed, Rex. That's very kind of you. But I think now it's time that we introduce some of our guests.

[Rex Marshall]

And that Mr. Henderson, is a right worthy suggestion. But where do we start?

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, how about that table over there? Do you know who that is?

[Rex Marshall]

That girl over there?

[Beryl Davis]

Yeah.

[Rex Marshall]

Why, that's Barrel Davis. Hello, Bar. How do you like the party?

[Beryl Davis]

I think it's wonderful, Rick. It seems almost like a college homecoming. And I'm happy that I was included in it.

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, Beryl, I. I can't very well see how we could have excluded you. After all, you were an ex official member of the air forces during the war, weren't you?

[Beryl Davis]

Well, perhaps you might call it that, Skitch. I. I did work pretty closely with General Doolittle and the boys.

[Skitch Henderson]

Just how closely, Bar?

[Beryl Davis]

Well, believe it or not, Skitch, I.

Was officially attached to the eighth effort. Even wore uniforms and during the course of the war made over 500 appearances with the Air Force canceling one.

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, I'd say that 500 missions entitled anyone to a life membership in the AAF. But I think that tells only part of the story. Barrel, I was talking to some of the fellows the other day who heard you sing in Europe. And it seems that in spite of the fact that you were British, the Americans liked you because you sing a song in the best American tradition.

[Rex Marshall]

Well, if I can get a word in here, I understand it was live popular GI request that you came to America, not.

[Beryl Davis]

Just a moment, fellas. The compliments are coming too fast. Let's just say that I was a member of the American air forces. I am proud of it. The work I did in entertaining American troops was the most enjoyable I've ever done.

[Rex Marshall]

I'm glad to hear you say that, Barrel, because right now we want you to assume your wartime role again and do a little more entertaining. How about a song a la the Phil Silver show you do each Wednesday night?

[Beryl Davis]

Oh, there's nothing I'd like better. What would you like to hear?

[Rex Marshall]

Well, how about once in a while?

[Beryl Davis]

Fine. You play Mr. Sketch and I'll sing.

Once in a while. Will you try to give one little Though someone else may be nearer your heart Once in a while Will you dream of the moments I shared with you Moments be before we truly drift as far in love smoldering and mo. One spark may remain if love still can remember the spark may burn I know that I be contented with yesterday's memory Knowing you think of me once in a while in my smoldering embers One spark may remain, you know if the light still can remember the spark may burn again I know that I'll be contented with yesterday's memories Knowing you think of me one in all.

[Rex Marshall]

Hey, you know, kids, I was thinking while Bell was singing that since this is an Air Force party, there might be some will wonder just what part congenial Mr. Henderson has on an all air force show.

[Skitch Henderson]

Please, Mr. Marshall, you sound just like an instructor I had when I was a lowly cadet. My AGO Card, sir, if you'd care to examine.

[Rex Marshall]

Oh, I see.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

Lyle.

[Rex Marshall]

Cedric.

[Skitch Henderson]

Cedric.

[Rex Marshall]

Cedric. Oh, pardon me, Lyle, Cedric Henderson. But the important thing it says is Captain, United States Army Air Corps Reserve. So you were one of us.

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, very much so. And if you'll notice that reserve still means that I belong.

[Rex Marshall]

That shows that in addition to being a pretty fair country musician, Lee, you're a pretty smart fella.

[Skitch Henderson]

We're not not particularly smart, Rex. I just know a good thing when I see it.

[Rex Marshall]

Well, the only thing I can say to that, Skitch, is that I think everyone who belongs knows that. And what's more, the fellows who passed it up are beginning to realize that they missed something. Say, sketch, do you remember a small town in California by the name of Merced and a bunch of swell guys who used to gather around the battered piano and scream for music?

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, that is something I'll surely never forget.

[Rex Marshall]

Well, then you'll remember this number they were always asking you to play. The one entitled Begin the Beguine. There's someone else very special we're going to meet in just a moment. But we can't let Barrel there without singing another song. How about it, Barrel?

[Beryl Davis]

Well, this time I'd like to dedicate a number to a special group of fellows.

[Rex Marshall]

Why, Farrell playing favorites?

[Beryl Davis]

Yes, I am, Rex playing favorite for those fellows who are just starting out on a career with the air forces. Look at that. I'd like to hand a big welcome.

[Rex Marshall]

All right then, Barrel.

[Beryl Davis]

So you'll sing we knew it all the.

You didn't have to say I love you. You didn't have to say be mine. But oh baby with no. We knew it all the time. You didn't have to stay till the T I didn't have to say divine Cause oh baby with no money we knew it all the time I guess that we are lucky Falling in love that we do no Roman expressions Foolish confession we didn't go through those true confessions no one had to say let's marry we we didn't need a June moon ride. Cause oh baby with no name we.

Heard those church bells child.

We knew it all the time I guess that we're lovely Falling in love as we see no romantic expression Foolish and we didn't go through those two confessions no one let's marry we didn't need a June moon ride we heard those trips there we knew it all the time.

[Rex Marshall]

Thanks to you, B. You know, it's reminiscing time at the party. You know, anytime the gang gets together, the talk usually gets around to the good old days and the memories that live in a song. So let's get you behind the piano and take a journey back through the war years with some of the songs that we all knew and sang.

[Skitch Henderson]

Well, I think Rex said it's a good idea. And I don't think we could get started with a better number than the one Bale Davison. Well, practically every man who set foot in the ETO remembers the British number that we Americans adopted, and especially the cadets. And the name of it is I've Got six.

[Rex Marshall]

That was fine sketch for the boys who were in the eto, but there was one we fellas in the Pacific will never forget. It was an Australian number they called Waltzing Matilda. Now, here's a number everyone in the Air Corps knew and sang. It has any number of special lyrics. But we're going to listen to Skitch and his boys just play the music. You know, the song Lily Mar Lane has a unique history. When the Germans lost the African campaign, they lost with it their song Lily Marlene, a German ballad that, despite the war, found its way into the hearts of the Allied troops. It stands as a tribute to the fact that good music is always good listening, desert or no desert. And now, here's Skitch Henderson and Lily Marlin.

[Beryl Davis]

SA.

Well, kids, that was swell. I imagine that brought back a lot of memories. And that reminds me that we have a guest of us here tonight who will bring back even more men. I don't think the men in the armed forces ever had a better friend. He did a great job during the war and is still hard at it today. I'd like all of you to meet your old friend, Ted Malone.

[Ted Malone]

Thank you, Barrel. Hey, that was quite a Build up wreck.

[Rex Marshall]

And one you richly deserve. Ted. Say, I understand that you're going to be off on another trip soon.

[Ted Malone]

Yeah, that's right. I'm leaving August. August 3rd for Europe to look over things over there again. By the way, I'll be traveling over routes pioneered by your Army Air Forces.

[Rex Marshall]

Any entertainment this trip?

[Ted Malone]

Oh, no. This is strictly business this time.

[Rex Marshall]

Well, Ted, August 3rd is still a few days off. And since the strictly business sign hasn't been hung out yet, how about a poem?

[Ted Malone]

Okay, Rex, since tomorrow is Air Force Day and this party tonight is an Air Force party, well, maybe it'd be nice to do some. Something in the spirit of things. I'd like to read a poem that was written by an American pilot who flew with the rcaf. He was killed in the line of duty while only 19 years old, but not before he left this poem, which. Well, it pretty well sums up the sentiments of all those who fly. Flight officer John McGee Junior's high flight. Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter silvered wings sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun split clouds and done a hundred things you've not dreamed of. Wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along Flung my eager craft through footless halls of air up, up the long delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace where never lark nor even eagle flew. And while with silent lifting mind I've trod the high untressed sanctity of space Put out my hand I and touch the face of God.

[Rex Marshall]

Thank you, Ted Malone, and happy landings on your trip to Europe. Well, as long as there are men filled with the desire to fly and we have an Army Air Force, we'll always have the aviation cadet. And no cadet detachment is coming complete without the Whiffen proof saw.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

Tomorrow, August 1st, is Air Force Day.

[Rex Marshall]

The 40th anniversary of the Army Air Force.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

We will observe this Air Force Day resolved that we must help guard the security of the world by maintaining a.

[Rex Marshall]

State of military preparedness.

[Lieutenant Cass Bielski]

On this 40th anniversary, we commemorate the achievements of the past and look to the future with renewed determination that through air power we will preserve the peace.

[Rex Marshall]

From the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York, the American Broadcasting Company and your Army Air Forces have presented Air Force Night at Cafe Rouge. Heard on Tonight show were Skits Henderson and his orchestra, Meryl Davis, Ted Malone, Lt. Cass Bielski and your host, Rex Marshall. This program was written by Captain Mark D. Miranda and produced and directed by Charles Harold. Now, this is Rex Marshall reminding you to keep your eye in the sky. America. Your future flies there. Air power is peace power. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.