January 31, 2003

Looking Back on Oroville's Heroes                            

By Stu Shaner

These stories are about the men and women who went to war so that we might be free. This column is dedicated to all our Veterans. It will use articles taken from past Oroville Mercury Registers. Many of those mentioned in these stories came home. But as you will learn, many young Oroville men did not. They gave the ultimate sacrifice. If you or your group would like a speaker, Ted Grainger and I would be glad to speak about our memorial or if you have any articles that will help us please contact me at 533-8147.

OROVILLE MERCURY REGISTER February 9th, 16^th, 1945

FEATHER FALLS MAN- WOUNDED.- HE TELLS OF BATTLE IN FOREST

The 115th General Hospital, England- Wounded by a German shell during the fighting in the Huertgen Forest, 1st Sgt Jake W. Keelely, 27, of Feather Falls, Calif., is convalescing in the rehabilitation section of this United States Army general hospital in England. "Sgt. Keelely is making very good progress in his recovery and is now undergoing a rehabilitation program preparatory to returning to duty," said his rehabilitation officer. Sgt. Keeley, who has been awarded the Purple Heart, was in action in Normandy, Luxembourg and Germany as a first sergeant of a rifle company in an infantry division. He also holds the Combat Infantry Badge. "Another division had taken Huertgen," he said, "just before I was wounded. We dug in on high ground about half a mile from the town, to allow our armor to get through from the woods. I was in a foxhole with another man when an enemy 105mm shell landed close by. Fragments hit me in the back. We had to stay in that hole for five hours, as German snipers were active in the vicinity. When he did leave we managed to make it back to our battalion aid station in Huertgen. After I had received treatment in hospitals in Germany and France, I was evacuated to England by hospital ship." Sgt. Kelley's battalion has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its part in the Normandy campaign. He entered the Army April 8, 1936, and served as an infantry instructor for more than two years before going overseas. His wife, Mrs. Doris Keeley, and their two children, Clyde, 2 1/2, and Sharon, 20 months, reside at Orenco, Oregon. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ackley reside at Feather Falls.

LOIS LLOYD WILL BE PHYSICAL THERAPIST

San Antonio, Tex. Private First Class Lois Lloyd, WAC of Palermo, Calif, is a student of Physical Therapy Training at Brooke General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston. When the nine-month course is completed, Pfc. Lloyd will receive her commission as a second lieutenant, physical therapist, medical department. Miss Lloyd attended Oroville Union High School and Sacrament Junior College. "I joined the Woman's Army Corps to take up physical therapy," She said, "and because I have always been interested in the profession. I had intended to be a nurse, but I heard about physical therapy and how badly the army needed physical therapists. I discovered I qualified for it so I joined the WAC." She entered the service June 30, 1944. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Lloyd of Palermo.

OROVILLE GIRL IS DRIVING TRUCKS NOW

Mrs. Alonzo Jones has returned from a trip to Stockton where she visited her daughter, Miss Mertez Jones. Miss Jones graduated from Oroville high school with the class of 1944 and is now driving army vehicles at the Motor Pool of the Stockton Ordinance Depot. She has been employed by the army since the first of the year.

Servicemen Dance With Local Girls

About 250 servicemen and girls danced to the music of Casagrande's All Stars Wednesday night at the Servicemen's Center. Lt. H. F. Eppsom was in charge of the convoy from Camp Beale composed of boys from the 2nd Bat., P. R. D. Cpl. Shields headed the boys from Chico Army Air Field. After their cold ride, the boys said they enjoyed their hot coffee and doughnuts that were served on arrival The usual cake and coffee were served later by the ladies of the community.

Stu's notes; I have read that the ratio of wounded to KIA is like 6 or 7 wounded to those who die, and we haw found about 96 men from Oroville that died. Does that mean 100's from Oroville were wounded? The stories are not there. I have not found many wounded in action stories in the Mercury. Does anyone know where the serviceman's center was, The Memorial Building, VFW Hall? My daughter, Debbie wears combat boots, and drives trucks .for the California National Guard.