BAD TOLZ, Sept. 17 — GIs had a chance to air their gripes today when the members of the House Armed Services and Appropriations committees arrived here to inspect the headquarters of the 1st Inf. Div. and the 1st Mil. Dist.
After reviewing troops and expressing his appreciation "for the hospitality shown the group by Maj. Gen. Frank W. Milburn and his staff," committee chairman Rep. Everett M. Dirksen (R-Ill.) told the assembled troops:
"We are proud of you. You are entitled to the best our country has to offer."
He said that the men were "to be complimented on a splendid soldierly display."
At the conclusion of his address Dirksen asked over the loudspeaker system that the troops break ranks and gather informally around the members of the committee "to make whatever comments and register whatever complaints they might have without any interference from their superiors."
Officers, however, were also included in the gripe and comment session, which continued for about 45 minutes.
Tonight, following a briefing by Milburn and members of his staff, the committee members were to be the guests of the district CG at a dinner given at the 1st Div. officers club.
