July 11, 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. Bill Connelly and I are Co-Chairmen of the Oroville Veterans Memorial Committee. For more information call 533- 8147.

Oroville Mercury March 28,1945

DEVOL CITED FOR GALLANTRY

"For heroic performance of duty," Lt. Norman DeVol of Thermalito renowned as captain of the navy's history-making Red Falcon motor torpedo boat, has been cited by the Secretary of the Navy and authorized to wear the Commendation Ribbon. The citation was issued in recognition of DeVol's service during offensive operations in the Central Mediterranean from July 1943, to August 1944. It commends the navy lieutenant further as follows: "A strong and resourceful leader, Lt. DeVol skillfully conducted numerous, extremely hazardous offensive patrols in enemy waters and carried out highly important intelligence and raiding missions in the face of severe hostile opposition prior to and during tactical operations which resulted in the defeat of the enemy in Tunisia and our subsequent invasion and occupation of Sicily and the Italian mainland. "By his calm courage and efficiency throughout this vital period, he contributed materially to the successful attainment of our major objectives. "Lt. DeVol's expert seamanship and valiant conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

GOOD RECORD HERE

DeVol is the son of Mr. and Mrs. N. E. DeVol of Thermalito. He is a graduate of the local high school and of the University of Southern California. Throughout his schooling he was outstanding as an athlete, starring in football. Later he worked as a mining engineer in South America and for a time he taught at Oroville High School. He holds a civilian pilot's license. Stationed now at Newport, R. I., DeVol is and executive officer at the Naval Training Center there.

EASTER BRIDE MISS JEANNIE LAMBROS, SGT. HUDGENS ENGAGED

The engagement of Miss Jennie Lambros, county road department employee, to T/Sgt. Robert G. Hudgens of Camp Beale, was announced Monday night at a dinner party given by Mr. and Mrs. George Street at their home on Robinson Street. Miss Lambros is the daughter of Mrs.William G. Karageris of Montgomery street and Sam Lambros. She was graduated from the local high school in '42. She is a member of the local Business and Professional Women's Club. Sgt. Hudgens is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hudgens of Pine Street. He was graduated from high school at Poplar Bluffs, Mo. And enlisted in the army immediately after. He spent four years overseas. He wears stars for four major battles including that of Guadalcanal. Dinner was served at a table centered with a large decorated cake topped with a miniature bride and groom and with the names of the engaged couple inscribed around the figurines. Flower arrangements of hyacinths and camellias decorated the room and table. The engaged couple will be married Easter Sunday at the First Baptist Church. They plan to make their home in Grass Valley. Their relatives and close friends attended the dinner party.

HAROLD CROWDEN GRADUATES FROM TRAINING SCHOOL

AWRILLO ARMY AIR FIELD, Amarillo, Texas-Harold L. Crowden son of Joe O. Crowden of Rt. 2, Oroville, has completed his course of studies as an aviation mechanic in this army air forces technical training school. His graduation fits him for airplane maintenance. He will be sent to an air base where he will assist in keeping America's heavy bombers in the air for Allied Victory.

Stu’s notes: As an ironworker from Thermalito, I thought I did a lot of daring things up on the high iron. I did, especially falling so many times and walking away, except for the last time, when the Helicopter took me away from my last job at the Monkey House at the University of California Davis. None of what I did in life compares to what many of our brave soldiers did. Especially men like Lt. Norman De Vol. Thermalito should be proud.  How many young 0roville men said those camp Beale and Flyboys are taking all our girls.  Brigadier General Charles E Yeager's story in Oroville will come soon; stay tuned