January 28, 1943
Girl civilian employes at Ft. Bliss and Biggs Field were in a dither today over Clark Gable, who arrived at Biggs Field to train for combat duty.
Their interest proved that First Lieutenant Gable of the Air Force is just as glamorous in uniform as he was in the role of screen lover in dozens of films.
"We want a transfer to Biggs Field," several Ft. Bliss girl employes chorused when they heard the palpitating news.
Yesterday 75 officers' wives were gathered at a party when an officer entered and told them Gable was in their midst.
They news proved as exciting as an air raid alarm. Within a few minutes the whole air base was agog.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Gable, who can't help the flurry he causes wherever he goes, stuck to his guns in his Flying Fortresses. He's training for combat duty as an aerial gunner.
He is staying at the bachelor officer's quarters at the field.
Now 42 years old, Gable retains the dash and looks that have stirred the hearts of millions of movie-goers the world over. He now has his mustache, which he had to shave off while a cadet in the Air Corps Officer Candidate School at Miami, Fla. His hair is streaked with gray, but friends said he is in good physical condition. He has lost some weight.
Lieutenant Gable, pronounced a "regular guy" by soldiers, may soon see combat duty overseas.
He flew to El Paso yesterday after spending a short furlough on the West Coast.
Comments