Oroville Mercury Register
December 9, 1950
22-Year Army Vet In Service
Called back to active service after his retirement following
22 years and four months of service, M-Sgt. William R. Francis,
Feather Falls Star Route completed a 12 day leave here this week.
Francis retired on Dec. 1, 1947, but remained on enlisted reserve
status. He was recalled to active duty last Oct. 1 and reported
to Fort Ord for assignment. He is now stationed at Fort Riley, Kas.,
with the Quartermaster corps. The veteran soldier has seen service
in two World Wars and is asking himself: “Will there be a third?”
He was First Sergeant of an infantry company during World War I
and was wounded twice.
ALLIES FACE KOREA ‘DUNKERQUE’
Retreat Begins From Pyongyang
‘Undeclared War’ Exists-MacArthur
Tokyo- (UP)- Gen. Douglas MacArthur accused Communist China
Today of launching an undeclared war against the United Nations
in Korea, but said he still hopes for a peaceful negotiated settlement.
He said overwhelmingly outnumbered United Nations forces in Korea
now face well-equipped Red armies totaling more that 600,000 men-
500,000 of them Chinese and 100,000 5o 150,000 North Korean being
reorganized and rebuilt by the Chinese. But he said, he never has
recommended or asked for authority to bomb Chinese territory north
of the Yalu River frontier nor has he asked for authority to use
the atomic bomb.. British, French Move to Warn US Against War
National Guard Vehicle Depot Would Serve Units In North California
Oroville may be the site of a vehicle maintenance depot to service
all National Guard motorized units in northern California, according
to word received here late yesterday. Notification was received
here by Capt. A. G. Hooper, commander of the Oroville Guard unit,
from Col. Carl H. Aulick of the Guard adjutant general’s office
in Sacramento. Aulick said Guard officers will be here within two
weeks to inspect city property with plans, if a satisfactory site
is found, to construct a building to be used as a vehicle maintenance
depot for all northern California Guard vehicles. The building would
be constructed within six months to a year, and possibly sooner,
Aulick noted. He said space would be left on the property for possible
later construction of an armory, if and when federal funds are available.
Earlier yesterday, Hooper had appeared before the noon luncheon-meeting
of the Chamber of Commerce and reported that prospects for obtaining
an armory and maintenance center were fairly bright. The Chamber,
after listening to Hooper, decided to invite Guard officials here
to inspect possible sites. Hooper said he hoped the city would deed
a site at Veatch Street and Pomona Avenue to the State.
Stu’s Notes: Things looked pretty bad for us December 1950. Our
Allies telling us to go easy with 600,000 Chinese and many North
Koreans over running our fighting men. Gen Douglas MacArthur was
relived of command by President Truman and 2 ½ years of truce talks
began. Our Young men kept on fighting and dying but they did stop
the enemy. Somewhere around the 38th parallel where we
stand to this day. Let’s pray for peace, and that we still have
brave fighting men like M/Sgt William R. Francis, who will go anywhere
at a moments notice to fight where needed.
The Oroville Area National Guard men and women are coming home.
One year ago Lynn and I went to March Air Base and saw them off
to Indiana where they trained before they left for Iraq. While they
were gone their home here, the Armory has been rebuilt. Oroville
did the right thing back in 1950 to help them get that home. A lot
of young men and women have started serving their Country right
there. We will honor them. When I told Oroville Veterans Memorial
Park Committee Member Bill Fox, they were coming home and we should
do something , he ran all over town arranging for Bannors to hang
around Oroville and marquees to welcome them back. Let’s hope others
help, also we must remember many have come home from “over there”
and Oroville has not done much since we had the rally after the
first Gulf War. Let’s rally the town for a big welcome to All Service
Men and Women returning home. I guess we need a leader, any Volunteers?
I would like to thank John and Joyce Archabald for their work on
the POW/MIA sign. A big thank you to Ken Godfrey of IMS Custom Sheet
Metal, 1220 Meyers Street for the bracket he made for the sign.
He does so much for the people of Oroville. Our annual recognition
Day event is coming September 18th.
Everyone come to the 4th of July Veterans Memorial BBQ
fund Raiser at the Riverbend Park – Salmon Pavilion, get the Patriotic
Meal Deal from Noon to 5PM, $10 donation includes: 2 Hotdogs or
1 Hamburger plus Beans, Salad, Chips, and a Drink, Music by Jim
Halsey “County Duo” Noon to 4PM. I hope to see you all there