Us Official Photographs

Stone house at bomber base

The housing problem in Italy is a complicated thing, but here is a five man stone house that helps solve the problem. There aren't many houses as large as this, or as nicely kept at the bomber base area. The lack of building materials did not stop these lads from building a warm dry place, which they have named "The Rats Nest". Note that native Italian stones were used to hold the roof down. Cpl. George L. Dillow, 1907 Center St., New Albany, Ind., sweeps off the front porch while Cpl. Thomas A. Coward, 4600 Westland St., Dearborn, Mich., puts the finishing touches on the sign. Another inmate, Cpl. Gerard L. DuPont 924 Baldwin St., Waterbury, Conn., looks on. Together with two other air mechanics, these men build the house themselves, assisted by two Italian laborers.