The
yanks and shakes I gave the parachute were merely a fraction of the
shocks that it would need to absorb during emergency use in supporting
the weight of a human being.
Several cords, from which the webbing was woven, separated. The
parachute was at the very beginning of its service life in the Pacific Area,
wherein mildew, dampness, rot and other hazards to the strength of
natural fibers was highly prevalent. Here was another dangerously
weakened emergency parachute, packed and tagged 'serviceable'.
The General stared at the shredded webbing, then at me, nodding,
'thanks.' The Colonel, who had escorted me in, motioned to me and
pointed at the door.
As I left, I heard the General say, 'I want a personal on this to Hap
Arnold.' General Arnold was the Commander of the Army Air Corps
worldwide during WW2, and reported to the President of the United
States.
I returned to my job. The quality of parachutes and other survival gear
arriving at Hickam from mainland bases improved.
Serious manufacturing and servicing mistakes were also found in other
types of equipment used by the Army Air Corps.
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