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Alexander J. Malashuk was the subject of a query on the Help Requested page that produced some information about him. This was the Help query: Alexander J. Malashuk and a post-World War II film on Hachioji, Tokyo, is the subject of a query from Japan: "I am e-mailing you to get some information about the man who made a film that was reported by Army Pictorial Center. His name is Mr. Alexander J. Malashuk. He made a film in Hachioji, Tokyo, after the World War II. The film was made on September 15, 1945, and the ruins of Hachioji were documented. I would like to see him or his family because I research about records of Japan in wartime and ask him why he film Tokyo 63 years ago. I would be so grateful if you could let me know contact address of him or his family." Contact Hikari Uchiyama, Chuo University, 1001-1Kamigoh, Ebina city, Kanagawa 243-0434 Japan Tel 046-235-2272 or e-mail him at a6169001@hou.tamacc.chuo-u.ac.jp. (Posted 080808) And this was the additional information, answering Mr. Uchiyama's query: John S. Wilkinson of Rome, New York, wrote, "Mr Uchiyama, I am a nephew of Alexander John Malashuk. Uncle Alex was a photographer for the US Army during WWII. He filmed many places in the Pacific theater. After the war he worked for the Baltimore Sun Newspaper. He died in 1971 and left two daughters. I am in contact with one of them." (Posted 111208)

War-time personal recordings for postal mail exchanges, and the technology of kinescoping are topics sought by a free-lance writer developing a book about rarely defined aspects of communications' history. The writer said, "I would like to present an open letter to former A.P.C. staff persons regarding two primary themes as follows: the audio recording (at local record shops, in vans, or at bases) of service persons' & families' voices for postal mail exchanges during the Second World War; and the technological aspects of kinescoping with photos or art/diagrams of the sequence of: monitor filming, film development, and especially a projector aligned with an electronic camera for subsequent broadcasting. Briefly, I have been amazed at the lack of the developmental history and the technical images involving both of these topics. Without naming sites, major presumed data bases for the service person's recording and the early TV technology have had virtually nothing of factual value. I shall be willing to make an agreement for remuneration should it be required for text, photos or art." Contact the writer at famz1248@yahoo.com or (740) 633-2651 (+ message -- in Ohio).

"Does anyone remember Col. James B. Buchanan?" asks the Dr. Greg Wilsbacher, curator of the Fox newsreel collection at the University of South Carolina. Colonel Buchanan was commanding officer of Army Pictorial Center from 1953 to 1954. "I am trying to determine if he was the same James B. Buchanan who shot newsreel stories in Atlanta in 1919 and 1920. Did he have a southern accent? Was he a cameraman earlier in his life? Any information would be appreciated. The collection holds an enormous amount of Signal Corp film and I'm always interested to hear from Sign Corp cameramen, especially from WWII and Korea." If you have information, contact Greg Wilsbacher, Ph.D., Newsfilm Library Director & Curator of Fox Movietone News, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, (803) 777-5556, (803) 777-4756 [fax], http://www.sc.edu/library/newsfilm

Information about Frank Hanisko, Sr., is sought by his son, Frank, Jr.: "I came across your site when looking for information on my father. He passed on many years ago and I am trying to piece together a bit of his past. My father, Frank Hanisko, Sr. definitely worked at Redstone, from 1970 or 1971 I think through 1976. He was a friend of H. G. Peters and may have worked for him as a contractor. My memory is that he worked for the army, but I was very young. I do recall the building 4489 and watching some grisly old propaganda films. My dad came from Czechoslovakia and grew up with WW2, so he was keen to show me what his youth was like as a bit of a lesson on the horrors of war and fascism. Mostly I recall the pool and the NCO club. There was another building, but I am stretching my brain cells on that. My father was an editor most of the time, but did a lot of production for Peters. If you have any information or hints to where I can find out more about those years at Redstone, I’d truly appreciate it." F. D. Hanisko, Jr., Dushan.Hanisko@uk.renaultf1.com. (Posted 071708)

Kinescoping at APC is the subject of a query from Fred Wrixon: "Researching television history for a developing book, I am trying to clarify the technology so often missing from naturally "star-heavy" texts. There is a sadly wide gap between England's John Logie Baird, our own nearly forgotten Philo Farnsworth, and 1957+ video taping (the latter seems to be the only technology mentioned in many "TV histories"). I would so much like to obtain equipment photographs or art/diagrams that correctly show the filming of TV monitors, the film processing, and the projection of the film into the aperture of a receiving camera for subsequent broadcasting. Also, I believe that the Astoria site made ca.1950-57 kine copies of N.B.C.'s classic World Series and C.B.S.'s classic N.F.L. Title Games to be shipping to overseas bases' film libraries. What a treasure even one of those cannisters would be! (Try asking current civilian film archives about that topic-- The results ? E-mail ether and voice mail vacuums!). However, I want to be positive. For always helpful communications variety, I may be contacted via the following-- E: famz1248@yahoo.com // Ph: (740) 633-2651 (+ message) // Postal: 214 North 7th Street / Martins Ferry, OH 43935-1535."

Production of "Why We Fight" is the subject of a student query: "I am taking part in a college course covering the "Why we fight"-series directed by Frank Capra in 1943. For my term paper I am searching for information on the U.S. Army Special Service Division (USASSD) and/or the U.S. Army Signal Corps (USASC) as they relate to the preparation, approval and making of these films. I intend to give a historical background of the above-mentioned organisations and elaborate on the work relationship of Frank Capra and the U.S. Army during the production of the films. Do you have an overview work on the U.S. Special Service Division (USASSD) or any other bibliographical information? I would appreciate any assistance you could provide me." Robert J. Meyer [robert.j.meyer@mail.uni-oldenburg.de] (Posted 061208)

Percy Dock Ricks, Jr., is the subject of an inquiry by a biographer. "I am a publsihed writer who is working on a biography of Mr. Percy Dock Ricks, Jr., who was a lab specialist at the Pictorial Center and believed to be the first non-commissioned officer to lead integrated troops there in 1946. I have a few pictures of the pictorial center, but could use more. Can you tell me how to find those photos? Also, a picture of the guard gate where soldiers would enter. Any help you can give me would be much appreciated. I see that Percy's name is on the roster of folks who worked there. I think he went to NYU in photography and eventually taught classes there. Is there any way to find out more info about that period?" Contact Sherri Rivers [sjrivers@knology.net]. (Posted 050508)

Major Bryerley is the subject of an inquiry by Eric Meola, [eric1057@mac.com]. "I'm a photographer who lives on Long Island, New York and is making a film about one of the APC alumni -- photographer Pete Turner (1957-8). I am trying to locate a Major Bryerley (spelling ?) who was at the APC at that time. I'm assuming he's in his mid-80's now, if he's still alive. Do you know how I might contact him?" Reply to Eric Meola, P.O. Box 213, 1057 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, NY 11962, 631-537-8767, www.ericmeola.com. (Posted 050508)

A 1956 film featuring the 21st Decontamination Chemical Company at Ft. McClelland, Alabama, is sought by Tom Berry. "I am trying to find a copy of a film shot by the LI Pictorial Center in Ft. McClelland, Alabama, in 1956. It was a training film on chemical warfare for overseas purposes. The film used men from the 21st Decon unit. One man who worked on the film was John Brennan (not sure if he was a camera man or prop man). Any information that you could provide would be greatly appreciated." Tom Berry, 914-260-9355, thomasberry2@mac.com (Posted January 2, 2008)

The 1943 film "Mechanized Patrolling" is needed for a DVD box set. Grant Connell inquired: "I work for a DVD production company on behalf of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. We are currently working on a DVD box set that will include a number of film shorts that were made during World War 2 by Warner Brothers and the Signal Corp. We have many in the Warner Archives but we are currently in search of one that I am hoping you will be able to help me track down. It is entitled MECHANIZED PATROLLING, released 1 August 1943. It was directed by B. Reeves Eason and written by Leo Rosten. It starred Walter Sande, Phil Warren and Gary Bruce. I would greatly appreciate it if you could contact me with whatever information you may have on this title. If you have no information then perhaps you could point me in the direction who may. Whatever you can do would be a great help to me." If anyone has information, contact grant connell gconnell@nwe.com, new wave entertainment, associate producer, 2660 west olive ave. burbank, ca 91505, phone 818.526.5359 // fax 818.295.8026, www.nwe.com (Posted September 20, 2007)

Photos from the Philippine Island campaign are sought by Karen Owens. If you have information, contact Karen at kareneo@milwpc.com (Editor's note: the Army Pictorial Center was also the repository of film and still photographic material and an recognized, accessible central resource; those materials are now more difficult to find.) (Posted September 20, 2007)

"Prelude to Taps" needed: Dan Rodrigues, a US Army recruiter stationed out in Fresno, California, is helping a retired CW4 locate the video of "Prelude to Taps". The CW4 is currently in charge of a US ARMY CADET CORPS program and would like this video to show his students the fundamentals and history of marching and also the different styles. Contact Daniel S. Rodrigues, SSG, U.S. ARMY Recruiter, Fresno Company, Office (559) 898-0611, Fax (559) 898-0610, CELL 1-877-792-5269. (Posted August 23, 2007)

World War II cameramen sought by Canadian film conservator: Dale Gervais wrote, "I am writing on behalf of a friend who served as a combat cameraman with the Canadian Army in WWII, Norman Quick. http://www.canadianfilm.com/cafu/norman_quick.htm I work as Film Conservator with the Library & Archives of Canada and Norman would like me to make an inquiry as to the names of some of the former U.S. servicemen that might still be alive who served with the Signal Corps cameramen during WWII. Norman is wondering if some of them might still be available to correspond or make contact with.
If you know of anyone else that might be able to help out or know more information please forward along this note." /s/ Dale Gervais, dale.gervais@lac-bac.gc.ca, or by phone at 819-997-7069.

Photos of Vibo Valenzio sought: Donna Mueller wrote, "My husband is looking for information on his uncle: Vibo Valenzio. Not sure if there are any photos of him working on pictures...but, we would wondered if anyone had any."

Roger Hawkins wrote, "I don't see Capt. Gaetano Faillace on the APC roster, but I have a copy of an APC newsletter called "In Focus" from January 1958 that talks about a six month TDY he did for MAAG that took him on a filming expedition throughout the MidEast. He started out in WWII as one of General MacArthurs's personal photographers. The next thing you know he is with DASPO (Dept of the Army Special Photographic Office) as a SSG. The DASPO troops are totally surprised when he retires in about 1965 as a Major. Can you shed any light on this? I am trying to write a story about him, but he was a man of many mysteries." Hawkins also provide his web links to www.azcreative.com, www.combatcamera.org, and www.daspo.com

Ed Becenti wrote: "My father Juanito Becenti was with the 2nd Signal Photo Platoon, Signal Corps Pictorial Center, NY back in December 1954 to December 1955. His rank was Sp3 and his assignment was Army photographer. If you have any information on him, etc. please forward to our attention. Thank you." Send info to www.ArmyPictorialCenter.com using the e-mail link at top or contact Ed Becenti, Window Rock, AZ, 480-313-8070.

Richard Wood would like to hear from anyone who served when he was in the 2nd Signal Photographic Platoon at SCPC from March 1953 to August 1954. "I was a Still Photographer when first assigned but ended my stay as Supply Sergeant. Cpt. Roberts was the commanding officer when I arrived but upon returning from an assignment in Nevada to photograph atomic bomb tests, Lt. Warren Colville was the commanding officer. Lt. Donzelle Davis was Supply Officer and Sgt. Morris K. Caldwell was Company Clerk. Morris and I still keep in touch and would like to contact anyone who served during that time. My e-mail address is rwood11@rochester.rr.com."

Michael Wiater asked, "I am interested to hear from someone who was stationed at APC in the year 1959 thru 1960. I was part of the studio crew and spend some time in the mobile field unit. In 1960 we took a field unit to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida where we were participating in a field training exercises. I was also part of the crew that went out to Ft. Gordon Ga. for training exercises there. I did setup crew and the camera crew work." SP4 Michael Wiater mwe23@hotmail.com (Posted January 6, 2007)

Kent Hughes wrote, "I couldn't find Master Sergeant Stewart Queen on your list for APC, The Big Picture site. I remember him as the narrator of The Big Picture. It's been a long time so I may be off with the name. He was a master sergeant with a thin mustache and a South West Pacific GHQ patch. I would really like to know about him because as a kid I really looked forward to his introductions to The Big Picture. Any information would be appreciated." Kent Hughes, aggieblue75@yahoo.com (Posted January 6, 2006)

Batman co-creator Bill Finger, who was a contract writer at APC, a subject of research by writer Marc Tyler Nobleman, who wants to contact anyone who knew Finger or has photos.

"I have been trying for a number of years to locate Daniel Boone Hunter and David Drake without success," writes Frank Michael Glowski, who served at Army Pictorial Center as a Specialist E5, Audio Specialist, from January 1964 to August 1966. "I'll keep trying." If you can help Frank, write to fglowski@snet.net. (Posted June 18, 2006)

South Korea Branch of SCPC? Yun Kum Collins [mailto:yun@eyecandyinc.com] asks for help identifying people in a 1955 photo.

Looking for roots: Kate Rensel (Lilly Muncher) seeks information about her father, Lester L. Muncher. "This may seem odd but I have finally tracked down some information on my birth father, Lester L. Muncher PVT. student at the army Photo School Division July 1944. I am trying to track down my roots! I knew he was in the army but had no idea where or any of the particulars. One of my 6th grade students said to google his name and I did and came up with the photo school! If you have any info on him(or family) or know where I might look I would greatly appreciate it. My brother and I were put up for adoption in 1949. We knew that we were adopted but did not know the names of the birth parents until our adoptive parents died. Our names at birth were Lilly and Jon Sid Muncher. Our birth parents names were Lester L.Muncher and Jean L. Muncher. I am a Middle School reading teacher and have 2 sons. We would like to find out about our roots. Please e-mail me at school krensel@bradfordareaschools.org or kateyadele@pennswoods.net. I live in Bradford Pa. and my name is Kate Rensel. phone 814-368-2267 Hope to hear from someone ! Thanks."

Where's that Bastogne footage? Ray Moore writes, "I was with the 10th Armored Division in WWII. We are disbanding after our reunion next Labor Day weekend. Too few of us left. After the war, I was a television newscaster for WSB-TV in Atlanta. During my retirement, I have written and narrated some videos for the division. And these will be shown permanently in the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox. I have leaned heavily on a terrific production about our division by the Army Pictorial Center, with Lorne Greene narrating. Excellent battle footage, especially for our action in Bastogne with the 101st Airborne. Their infantry and our tanks held the village. Right now, I'm searching for some of that battle footage - that does NOT have a narrative with it. And I'm dismayed that the Army Pictorial Center no longer exists. Could you please give me a clue as to where I might search - particularly for Bastogne footage??? Thanks for keeping memories alive! My email address is aray1moore@earthlink.net and my Atlanta phone is 770-801-9705. Thanks so much for whatever leads you can provide!" /s/Ray Moore (Posted April 6, 2006)

Looking for 497th & 7796th members: Bill Doyle writes, "I'm looking for members of the 7796th Signal Photo Company located in Hanau Germany around 48/51. This unit later merged with the 497th Signal Photo Company in Karlsruhe and then moved to Pirmasens(?). I was in the 7796th from early 1950 until transferred to the 497th for a brief period before being transferred out to the 12th Infantry Regiment." /s/ Bill Doyle, wadoyle@telpacific.com.au