Railroads in tip-top shape essential to national defense, house committee told. Washington, D.C., Jan. 31. The man responsible for operation of the American Railroads during the World War, Carl R. Gray, now Vice-Chairman of the Union Pacific, today told the House Interstate Commerce Committee that a railroad system in the 'high physical condition' is essential to National Defense. He testified in connection with Committee Chairman Lea's Omnibus Transportation,1-31-39