Oroville Mercury Register
March 25, 1944
In The Fight They Meet In Sardinia
“An odd thing happened a couple of days ago,” writes
James McKim, “Perhaps you remember two of your former carries, James
Lewis and myself. Well, we finally got together. It was the first
person that I have met from Oroville and the fact that he and I
both used to be M-R Carriers was what made it unusual. “Lewis and
I almost got together when we were in Africa. I was down in front
taking pictures of the Bob Hope show and Lewis saw me. He was unable
to get to me due to the large audience. When the show was over he
couldn’t find me. “I have been overseas for about a year and a half.
Some time was spent in England and some in Africa, and the rest
here. I am in a medium bomber outfit that has done right well for
itself. My job is photography. Perhaps you remember my mania. Jim
had quite a few Mercury’s saved up that he gave me and it surely
was good to read of the people I used to know. I still think that
it is the best small town paper that is put out. Give my regards
to the gang at the Mercury.”
Everett HARRIS Gets His Air Corp Wings
Everett L. Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Harris, RFD No.
1, Yuba City, California, has successfully completed the Army Air
Forces Advanced Flying School training at Williams Field Chandler
Arizona. The pilot has been commissioned a second lieutenant in
the Army Air Corps. Lieutenant Harris is a former student of Yuba
Jr. College, Marysville Calif. Before entering the service, he resided
in Oroville.
Local Woman’s Son Wins Coveted D. F. C.
1st. Lt. Richard F. Millet, son of Mrs. George D.
Coleman of Oroville, and pilot of a Marauder Medium Bomber, based
in England, has written his mother that he received the Air Medal
and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters on Dec. 17. The decoration was for completing
30 bombardment missions over enemy occupied continental Europe.
A few days later he was awarded the coveted Distinguished Flying
Cross for meritorious achievement in the performance of duty. Millet
received his flying wings Feb. 6, 1943. The citation for Millet
states that it was for “displaying steadfast devotion to duty and
keen professional skill.” It described his missions over Europe
as “Dispatched under the most hazardous conditions and against heavily
defended enemy positions. On one of his 30 missions a piece of flak
crashed through the plexi-glass at his side, grazed his head and
passed through the other side of the ship. It was his closest call.
Dolan Wins Silver Wings, Commission; Visits Here
Lt. William H. P. (Bill) Dolan Jr. who received his wings when
he was graduated Mar. 12 from the Marfa, Texas, AAF Advanced Two-Engine
Pilot School, is now training at Hobbs, New Mexico. While at Marfa,
Dolan was group commander and head of the cadet honor committee
and editor of his class book. Immediately after receiving his commission,
Dolan, with his wife, the former Anne Madsen, headed for Oroville
where the couple visited Mrs. Dolan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. G.
Madsen of Wilcox Avenue, Dolan’s uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. J.
W. Lloyd of Ward Boulevard, and many friends. Mrs. Dolan will remain
here for a few weeks before joining her husband in New Mexico. Dolan
is the son of Mrs. Theresa Doherty of Brooklyn, N. Y., formerly
of Oroville.
Stu’s Notes: James McKim kept up his love of photography and took
pictures of the Oroville Dam being built for the Department of Water
Resources, they are down at Sacramento now and as I try to keep
alive the History of our Dam I could sure use some of them in my
display’s. Are there any volunteers to go down and copy some pictures
for me? I worked with James’ brother Phil on the 100 Year Oroville
High School All Class Reunion, I hope he gets this story to his
brother. I have written before about James. Many of the men I write
about had stories in the Mercury various times through out the War,
although I don’t do them in any order you can see them all on our
website ( Thank you Daryl) and figure out what story comes first.
In the case of someone I wrote about being killed in the War, later
on I might find a story or two about him which I use to give my
readers a little bit more of their life. I think it is important
to know about these men who “Gave All” for us. I hope this all makes
sense. Some time I wonder, but Lynn always types what I write.
Lt. Bill Dolan is the father of Chico Supervisor Jane Dolan. He
used his “wings” well fighting in WWII again see our website for
much more on his amazing exploits.
Lt. Richard F. Millet flew a B26 twin engine bomber, I’m pretty
sure that was the Marauder, I’ve read it was a good plane but hard
to fly. Joe Kennedy, the older brother, of President John F. Kennedy,
died in WWII flying the B26, on a secret mission, a true Hero of
America.
Remember to honor our Veterans, Monday, May 31st,
at 11:00AM at The Memorial Cemetery on Lincoln Blvd. Then
a ceremony at 1PM on our Old Green Bridge, North
of The Round About. It will be followed by a Barbeque on Our Memorial
Site, 2400 Montgomery Street, by the American Legion Post 95.