The Cost

The U.S. got a small glimpse last week of the unthinkable big cost of World War II, even after all the munitions have been paid for.

To date, $9 million has already been paid out to disabled veterans and dependents of the dead. Ahead are the real costs: hospitalization, rehabilitation, vocational training, mustering-out pay, and, finally, pensions.

In World War I, mustering-out pay was a flat $60. When an able-bodied World War II soldier is discharged, he gets the thanks of his country, and his uniform.* To two Congressional committees last week, this did not seem enough. They wrestled with bills calling for pay from $100-$500. Estimated cost of such legislation: $3 billion. (Most conservative estimate of the ultimate World War II pension bill: $45 billion.)

Before the House Military Affairs Committee appeared Technical Sergeant Lemuel Hendricks of Council Bluffs, Iowa, whose left leg was blown off by a land mine in Tunisia. Veteran Hendricks told worried Congressmen a few things: soldiers are concerned about their future and "what Congress is doing for them"; unless they are cared for, there will be another bonus march. Leaning on his cane, Veteran Hendricks spoke with emphasis: "The men in the foxholes are beginning to wonder what they are fighting for."

*Dishonorable discharges get a suit of civilian clothes.

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