(This article originally appeared on page 5 of the December 17, 1953, publication of the Eugene Register-Guard and is reprinted word-for-word below.)

ABSENT-MINDED SANTA CLAUS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UP)-Children at the Union Hills Orphanage were a little shocked at Santa Claus’ appearance when he parachuted onto the orphanage grounds as part of the Ninth Air Force’s “Operation Christmas.”

First of all Santa, radio commentator Frank Edwards, forgot his beard. Then, as Edwards was distributing toys he noticed the rather startled expression on the faces of the children.

“I looked down,” Edwards said, “and discovered to my dismay that my pants were around my knees.”