Subject: Investigation of irregularities in accounts of United States property and disbursing officers, New York National Guard. Through: Commanding General, Second Corps Area. To: Maj. David R. Wolverton, QMC, Camp Dix, N. J. As a result of an investigation made in the Second Corps Area on certain dates in 1936 and 1937 relating to irregularities in the accounts of the United States property and disbursing officer, New York National Guard, based on letters from the Comptroller General of the United States dated June 11 and July 8, 1936; it was recommended by the investigating officer and approved by the corps area commander as follows: "That no disciplinary action be taken against Maj. D. R. Wolverton, QMC, or Capt. J. M. England, CAC. "That steps be taken to recover the following amounts representing actual loss to the Government: "(1) From Maj. D. R. Wolverton, QMC, $848.85. "(2) From Capt. J. M. England, CAC, $32.82. "That the above steps be taken only in the event Col. William A. Taylor, assistant adjutant general, NYNG, is unable to recover any of the above-named sums from the organization concerned (Two Hundred and Forty-fifth Coast Artillery, NYNG)." The following paragraphs are quoted for your information from the twelfth endorsement (IGO) 333.9 USP & DO-NYNG (2). Headquarters Second Corps Area, December 18, 1937: 2. This headquarters has also ascertained that cases covering the following vouchers are now in the hands of the United States attorneys' offices in State of New York Voucher No. 265, voucher No. 270, eastern district; voucher No. 1268, voucher No. 395, voucher No. 354, voucher No. 993, voucher No. 387, southern district. The above-named vouchers include all those listed in the report of investigation that involved any loss to the Federal Government, and in all cases Charles R. Morrison is named as a party to the suit. "3. In view of the foregoing, recommend that action in this case be contingent upon the outcome of the Federal suits listed in paragraph 2, above, instead of collection by Colonel Tavlor as originally recommended in report of investigation. "4. A supplemental report will be rendered as soon as suits on vouchers listed in paragraph 2 are decided." The War Department approves the action recommended in paragraph 3 of the endorsement quoted above, and in due course you will be further advised by the War Department regarding the outcome of the suits referred to above By order of the Secretary of War: L. YEMAM, Adjutant General. [First endorsement] HEADQUARTERS, SECOND CORPS AREA, Governors Island, N. Y., February 4, 1938. To: Maj. DAVID R. WOLVERTON, Quartermaster Corps, Camp Dix, N. J. Exhibit B H. J. D. W. Lt. Griffin of the Two Hunded and Forty-fifth Coast Artillery, Brooklyn, N. Y., called at my office about omber 1, 1937, and said that his regiment was planning on assuming all the indebtedness caused by the defalcation of Captain Morrison. supply officer. (Signed) D. R. WOLVERTON. Exhibit D CERTIFICATE OF SETTLEMENT GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE, Claim: Col-1244578; certificate No. US-15292. 4622 Hunt Avenue, Chevy Chase 15, Md. I certify that I have examined and settled the claim (s) of the United States against the person named above for the loss sustained by the United States as a result of irregularities on the part of the debtor in (1) certifying voucher No. 1268, hereinafter described, as correct and just, payable to the quartermaster, Fort H. G. Wright. N. Y for furnishing supplies to the Two Hundred and Fortyfifth Coast Arillery New York National Guard, during the period August 16, 1931, to August 30, 1931, when in fact the supplies were not furnished as stated on the voucher (2) endorsing United States Treasury check No. 17750, issued in payment of voucher No 387. hereinafter described, payable to D. R. Wolverton for furnishing gasoline, oil and grease to the Two Hundred and Forty-fifth Coast Artillery, New York National Guard, during the period July 2, 1932, to July 16, 1932, when in fact the supplies were not furnished as stated in the voucher, and (3) endorsing United States Treasury checks. issued in payment of vouchers hereinafter described, payable to the quartermaster, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y., for supplies furnished the Two Hundred and Forty-fifth Coast Artillery, during the period June 23, 1930, to July 15, 1933, when in fact the supplies were not furnished as stated on the vouchers; together with accrued interest computed at the rate of 6 percent per annum from the dates payments were made. Endorsed check payable to Quartermaster, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. $986.93 215520. Repayments, lapsed appropriations (National Guard).. 211100. Interest on deferred collections or payments (National Guard). 847. 61 and find the sum of One Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Four dollars and fiftyfour cents, plus interest as below, due the United States from the above-named debtor(s), to be deposited to the credit of funds as shown on the reverse. LINDSAY C. WARREN, Comptroller General of the United States. By L. C. PRATO $1,834.54 plus interest at six percent per annum on the principal $986.93, from April 30, 1946, until paid. Exhibit E DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, Col. DAVID R. WOLVERTON, Washington 4, D. C. DEAR COLONEL WOLVERTON: The Secretary of the Army has asked me to reply to your recent letter, in which you state that you plan on having legislation in your behalf introduced in the Eighty-first Congress, and indicate your wish H. Repts., 81-1, vol. 4- -84 that the Department of the Army sponsor the same. Official Army records have been previously studied, as a result of which the Department of the Army does not find basis for accord with your request. The Department has, however, no objection to any action you may wish to take personally with respect to the obtaining of private relief legislation. MILES REBER, Brigadier General, United States Army, Deputy Chief, Legislation and Exhibit F INTERROGATORIES AND DEPOSITION DEPOSITION OF COLONEL ARTHUR POILLON, CAVALRY, FORT DIX, N. J. First interrogatory. What is your full name? Answer. Arthur Poillon, colonel, Cavalry, United States Army. Second interrogatory. Are you in the military service of the United States? If so, give your rank, arm, station, and duty. Answer. Yes, colonel of cavalry, Fort Dix, N. J.; was commanding the post but now on sick leave. Third interrogatory. I shall now read you the twenty-fourth article of war. (The twenty-fourth article of war was read to the witness.) Do you fully understand your rights under this article? Answer. Yes. Fourth interrogatory. Do you fully understand that you need not answer questions that incriminate you or questions that tend to incriminate you; also that you need not answer questions that might degrade you, unless the matter be grave and the answer material to the issue? Answer. Yes. Fifth interrogatory. This investigation concerns alleged irregularities in the accounts of former United States property and disbursing officers of the New York National Guard. Do you know Maj. David R. Wolverton, QMC? Answer. Yes. (The following questions are submitted upon request of and in behalf of Major Wolverton.) Sixth interrogatory. Do you consider Major Wolverton an efficient officer? Answer. Yes. Most efficient in 42 years service he compares with any quartermaster I have served with and is the most efficient of any quartermaster who has ever served with me. Seventh interrogatory. While serving with you was his honesty unquestioned? Answer. I consider Major Wolverton absolutely honest, reliable, and in every way trustworthy. Eighth interrogatory. Would you be willing to have him serve under your command again? Answer. Be glad to have him any time or under any conditions. Ninth interrogatory. Is he conscientious in the performance of his duty? Two HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIRST COAST ARTILLERY, Col. WILLIAM H. WILSON, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. MY DEAR COLONEL: It gives me great pleasure to state that Capt. D. R. Wolverton, QMC, has been responsible in a large measure for the comfort and wellbeing of this regiment during its summer training tour at Fort H. G. Wright. In the years that Captain Wolverton has been at Fort Wright numerous improvements have been made, such as the building of a supply room and offices for regimental headquarters, draining and grading of the camp area, new road construction, etc. All these improvements while in themselves very important, really take second place when the congenial spirit of cooperation of this officer himself is considered. Captain Wolverton never refused a request at any time of the day or night and I am free to confess the requests were many. May I ask that you convey my deep appreciation and sincere thanks to Captain Wolverton for the many personal favors; wishing him every success, I am. Cordially yours, HARRY A. SKINNER, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, TWO HUNDRED AND Subject: Commendations. FORTY-SECOND COAST ARTILLERY, To: Col. W. H. Wilson, HDLIS, Fort Wright, N. Y. 1. The following paragraph from the 1934 field inspection report of this organization is forwarded to your office with the request that the comments therein be brought to the attention of the parties concerned. 2. The writer extends congratulations to the officers and noncommissioned officers and the civilian machinist mentioned herein. While they are not members of the Two Hundred and Forty-second Coast Artillery, the inspector is of the opinion that the following members of the garrison of the harbor defenses of Long Island Sound should be commended for their efficient work in connection with the camp and for the thorough, friendly, and interested cooperation they showed in helping to make the active duty training of this regiment most successful: Capt. David Wolverton, QMC for cooperation in supervision of utilities work. RUSSELL Y. MOORE, Lieutenant Colonel, Two Hundred and Forty-Second Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense) Commanding. 1st End. HEADQUARTERS HARBOR DEFENSES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND, To: Capt. David R. Wolverton, QMC, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y By order of Colonel Wilson: M. G. POHL, First Lieutenant, Eleventh Coast Artillery, Adjutant. HEADQUARTERS, TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH COAST ARTILLERY, Col. WILLIAM H. WILSON, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD, MY DEAR COLONEL WILSON: May I extend through you our official appreciation to Capt. David R. Wolverton for his splendid cooperation and untiring efforts in the planning, preparation, and construction of the National Guard camp. His knowledge of the requirements and the successful conclusion of the construction program prior to the arrival of the regiment greatly assisted in the establishment of the high morale at the beginning of the field training period. With kindest personal regards, I am, Yours very truly, BRYER H. PENDRY, Colonel, CAC. First Endorsement) HEADQUARTERS, HARBOR DEFENSES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y., July 30, 1934. To: CAPT. DAVID R. WOLVERTON, Quartermaster Corps, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y.: A copy of this commendation will be attached to your next efficiency report. By order of Colonel Wilson: M. G. РоHL, First Lieutenant, Eleventh Coast Artillery, Adjutant. Subject: Commendation. OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL, WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, August 11, 1931. To: Capt. David R. Wolverton, QMC, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. (through commanding general, First Corps Area). 1. A copy of an extract of the annual inspection of Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. and Harbor Defenses of Long Island Sound, made May 4-8, 1931, by Col. C. A. Romeyn, IGD has come to my attention. It is gratifying to note that in the performance of your duties as quartermaster you were commended for the excellent state of property accountability. Such reports reflect most creditably on the Quartermaster Corps generally and on you individually. 2. A copy of this correspondence will be filed with your efficiency record in this office and a copy forwarded to the Adjutant General. J. L. DEWITT, Major General, The Quartermaster General. Second Endorsement HEADQUARTERS FIRST COAST ARTILLERY, Through C. O. Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y.: To Capt. DAVID R. WOLVI RTON, 1. The commanding general has noted with pleasure the contents of basic letter, a copy of which will be appended to your next efficiency report by your immediate commanding officer. LIVINGSTON WATROUS, Major, Adjutant Generals Department, Assistant Adjutant General. First Endorsement HEADQUARTERS, HARBOR DEFENSES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND, To Capt. DAVID R. WOLVERTON, QMC, Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. A copy will be M. M. READ, Captain, Eleventh Corps Area, Adjutant. Subject: Commendation. 1. The commanding general has directed me to inform you that on the occasion of his recent inspection he was greatly impressed by the excellent condition of your activities at Fort H. G. Wright and that he considers your efforts in this matter worthy of commendation. 2. A copy of this letter will be attached to your next efficiency report rendered on you. HARRISON HALL, |