The LAST RESORT
was the American Red Cross Center in Yangkai, China, from 1943 through 1945. The recreation center at Yangkai was envisioned and operated, for most of its existence, by Barbara 'Boots' Vatter. 'Boots' enlisted the help of Chinese coolies and American GIs to get the structure built, the interior finished, and the tennis court constructed. Then she motivated all of the servie men with whom she came in contact to participate in the activities which she coordinated. In addition, she utilized her formal training as a nurse to provide the physical health of the men, as well as their mental attitude.
Shortly after completion of the facility, 'Boots' held somewhat of a contest to choose a name. According to her, "All of the names submitted were unrelated or inappropriate. In exasperation I told them that they had to do better, and asked them to submit their ideas one more time. 'This', I said, ' is the last resort!' And, with them picked up on my words, the center had a name!"
'the Last Resort' became gathering place for many American soldiers, sailors and airmen stationed in the area of Yangkai Air Base. It offered a respite from the day-to-day grind of the war, provided a tie with "home" in the forms of friendly faces, a few favorite tunes, and an occasional troupe of USO entertainers.
Within our 'LAST RESORT' we have many, many things for you to do! Here is a list of them:
- The Canteen contains pictures of the facility and the people who made it a place for the American men to escape the war for a little while and enjoy themselves.
- The Scrap Book Images of activities at the LAST RESORT, including Ben Blue's USO tour group, with Ann Sheridan, which entertained at Yangkai in 1944.
- The Music Room resounds with Grandpa Van Housen's 'Wurlitzer' spinning out Music, Music, Music! Among these many tunes, chosen from the era, perhaps you will find one of your favorites!
Please, Come Back Again!
It was with great sadness that we mourned the September 1998 passing of Richard Hacking, a kind, talented, sensitive man, a thoughtful husband, father and son. We continue to offer our deepest condolences to his entire family, and to his friends and acquaintances!!
Known by his self-adopted nickname, Hack' , part of his legacy is the inspiration for us to share all the CBI information we can, AND one of the finest web sites we have ever visited. Hack's daughter continues to maintain the tribute to his dad, Charles, 18th Air Service Squadron. ...."Dad's CBI Page".... may be found at ( http://home.earthlink.net/~rhack/ ).
Additionally, Hack' contributed directly to our 'Last Resort' and 'Web Home of the 341st Bomb Group' web sites by creating the beautiful logo seen at the top of this page.
Taps for you, Hack', and may you always rest in peace!
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