March 21, 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 out 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.

 

Oroville Mercury February 17

 

SHE'S IN THE ARMY TOO! - AND HAPPY ABOUT THE WHOLE THING!

"They also serve who only stand and wait. Is cold comfort for the American woman of 1945 whose fighting spirit and love for her country make her look with longing eyes toward the battlefront where her brother, husband, son or sweetheart is stationed. Her chance to help is here! Besides her hours at the Red Cross, her work in a cannery, on the farm, or selling War Bonds, she carries a ration book in her purse-badge of an American housewife who is re- arranging her menus to include less sugar, conserving gasoline by walking instead of riding and stands ready to accept with a cheerful smile other restrictions that are necessary to bring Victory. Hats off to the lady --- she's in the Army Too!

For latest war developments on the home and fighting fronts, read the ads and articles in your home newspaper-The Oroville Mercury.

 

 Oroville Mercury February 1, 2 , 5 , 17 & 26, 1945

 

EDDIE ALIENS FAVORED BY ARRIVAL OF A SON

Pvt. Eddie Y. Allen and wife are the parents of a baby boy born at Oroville Curran Hospital yesterday. They have named the Baby Eddie Theodore. Little Eddie has a sister about a year and a half old. Mrs. Allen is making her home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.S.Claypool, in Thermalito, while her husband is serving in the army over seas. The paternal grandparents live in Susanville.

 

KISTER GIRLS FLY TO THEIR DESTINATIONS

Miss Ruth Kister of the U. S. Marines returned to her base at Quantico, Va., aboard a P-61. This is the new night fighter known as "The Black Widow" and she was thrilled by her trip in it. They only traveled at a rate of 200 miles per hour but the ship is capable of much greater speed. They were grounded several times because of bad weather. Mrs. Mariorie Noyes, another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilton Kister, also made the trip east by plane. She went by way of a commercial airline and took 22 hours to reach Waynesboro, Pa., where her husband is stationed.

 

KENNETH O'BRIEN IN COAST GUARD

Kenneth B. Obrien, Jr., enlisted in the Coast Guard at Sacramento Wednesday and today was at Government Island, Alameda, for training. Enlistment in the Coast Guard has been closed since February, 1944 and was reopened two weeks ago for a small quota. Young O'Brien, who graduated from Oroville high school last year, has been attending San Jose State College.

 

ENGASSER IS WAR PRISONER

Word was received today by Melvin Engasser that his brother, Sgt. Norval A. Engasser, who was reported missing Nov. 17 is a prisoner somewhere in Germany, Cards addressed to his mother, Mrs. Louise Engasser of Woodland, formerly of Oroville, and to his wife, Mrs. Catherine Engasser, were dated Nov. 27 and Dec. 3 but did not reach their destination until this morning. The only word from the War Department has been that he was missing in action. He wrote he was well and hoped they would not worry. Engasser joined the army about two years ago. He was a member of the 7th Infantry division known as "The Rail Splitters" and had been sent to England, France and was in Belgium at the time of his capture. Prior to his enlistment he was engaged in the grocery business here. His wife is now staying with her parents in Scott, Ark.

 

Stu's note:  Norval is the Uncle of our well-known George Engasser, who is involved in many community affairs in Oroville.