Oroville Mercury Register
July 12, 1951
News From Oroville Men In The Service
Wilford C. Graves, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jasco Jr. Of Route
4, leaves today for his new station at the Naval Air Station, Corpus
Christi, Tex, following a 10-day leave. Graves, who left high school
here in April to enlist in the Navy, has just finished his boot
training at San Diego. He plans to do study and take tests while
in the Navy to complete work for his high school diploma. He was
in his junior year when he left school. His brother, C. R. Graves,
is a staff sergeant in the Air Force and is stationed with a bomber
squadron on Okinawa. He has been on Okinawa since four days after
fighting broke out in Korea, when he was transferred there from
Guam. Marine Sergeant Robert J. Politovich, son of Mr. and Mrs.
John F. Politovich of Route 3, Oroville, has been awarded the Commendation
Ribbon for action in Korea. Accompanying the award is this citation:
“For excellent service in the line of his profession while serving
with a Marine medical company during operations in Korea. Sergeant
Politovich, serving as supply sergeant, displayed great skill and
confidence in the performance of his duties. Through his efficient
planning, procurement and maintenance of equipment, the comfort
of the personnel was greatly enhanced. His salvage and constant
search for supply items made it possible to adequately outfit the
patients who were returned to duty. Regardless of fatigue, he worked
long hours to insure adequate supply for the efficient functioning
of his company. His aggressive actions and devotions to duty constantly
set an example to all who observed him and materially contributed
to the success achieved by his company. Sergeant Politovich’s conduct
throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.” Pfc. Charles V. Lerner of Route 2, Oroville
is now undergoing combat infantry training at the U. S. Marine base
at Camp Pendleton. Lerner will spend 8 to 11 weeks completing his
combat education that first began at San Diego. Battle-wise World
War II and recently returning Korean veterans comprise the cadre
at the camp.
Stu’s Notes: A true American Hero. As he approached Oroville something
went wrong, on that Day 13 years ago, today, August 7, 1996. I am
convinced young Capt. Randy Roby gave up his life so that others
may live, those others being the people of Oroville. I’ve talked
to 6 eyewitnesses now and some told me he looked to be in trouble
approaching our little town, I’m totally convinced he stuck with
his crippled plane trying to get it to an unpopulated country just
north of Oroville. One man told me of a rumor out of Beale Air force
Base that he might have tried to put his plane down in our Feather
River to avoid houses and people. The men who told me this is an
honorable man that is a protector of our citizens. Maybe Capt. Roby
saw people on our river that hot August day and chose to try to
get out of town, in doing so, he gave the ultimate sacrifice in
his duty as a brave protector of our Freedom. 13 years ago and nowhere
is he honored in Oroville. Why? Because people soon forget, well
he is Not Forgotten by some and will be on the Oroville Veterans
Memorial plaque. But there should be more, why not a memorial in
front of the Cal-Fire office on Nelson Ave. where he died. Lets
go back to 1988, a young 1st Lt. Thomas E. Boyle, from Oroville,
died in Germany trying to do as Capt Roby did, get his plane away
from people. He almost made it and sadly as in Capt Roby’s case
where a lady died, the Mayors, brother was killed, in spite of this
he was honored there as a hero. Many, many more could have perished.
I talked to 4 young Firemen at the Home Depot the other day and
told them Capt Roby’s story, hoping to instill in them the need
for a Memorial up there. Maybe with the help of our community it
will be done. We know so little about these two men I hope to fine
more.
Notes on the Cold War Honor Roll for Oroville by Daryl Autrey: Roby,
Randy D. Capt Air Force Died Aug 7 1996 99th Reconnaissance
Squadron Beale A.F.B. Died steering his disabled U-2 aircraft away
from homes in Thermalito. Civilian Jerri Vering was killed on the
ground.
Notes on Thomas Doyle 1st Lt. Air Force Died 1983 (not
sure of the date). He crashed steering his disabled plane away from
a European Village.
August 15th will be the second annual Motorcycle Poker
Run, sponsored by the Feather Falls Casino for the Oroville Veterans
Memorial Park Committee. Registration will be from 7am to 9am, $25
singles, $15 for passenger. Registration includes coffee, doughnuts
and T-shirt, while supplies last. There will be live entertainment
by William Mangus and Crossroads. All proceeds will benefit the
Oroville Veterans Memorial Park. For more information call 533-4350.
The Sixth Annual Oroville POW/MIA Recognition Day Service will be
held on the steps of the Oroville Veterans Memorial Hall on Friday
the 18th of September at 7PM please mark your calendars.