March 25, 2016

Oroville Mercury Register
July 9, 1952
News From Oroville Men In The Service
James A. Brown, Marine Pfc. son of Mrs. Ella Brown, of Fort Wayne Street is home on a 10-day leave after having completed his eight weeks of recruit training. Brown enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 24. Prior to this he was a student at the Oroville Union High School. Private Brown will report to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside after his leave. While in recruit training Brown’s platoon was made honor platoon. Private Brown fired Marksman with the M1 rifle while at the rifle range.

Theodore O. Mitchell — Shortly after the light cruiser USS Helena departed from Korean waters for the United States, an explosion in a gun turret killed 30 men aboard her sister ship, the USS St. Paul. When they learned of the accident the crew of the Helena decided the most fitting tribute they could make to the men who were killed was to donate blood to the Armed Forces Blood drive. Among the men aboard the Helena to contribute a pint of blood was Seaman Theodore o. Mitchell, brother of Mrs. C. W. Onstott of R2, Paradise. This is the second time this year that Helena’s crew has made group donations to the blood drive.

Bobby G. Philibert—The Destroyer USS Wedderburn is undergoing training exercises at San Diego. Serving aboard the destroyer is Seaman Apprentice, Bobby G. Philibert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon F. Philibert of Feather Falls. Joins the Navy - Thomas L Gardner enlisted in the navy last mont at Chico and is undergoing boot training now at the Naval Training Center near San Diego. He was graduated from Oroville Union High School with the 1952 class, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Gardner of Oliver Avenue. Billy R. Thompson- Navy Fireman, Billy R. Thompson, husband of Mrs. Alice M. Thompson of Greenville is serving aboard the ammunition ship USS Firedrake in the Far East. As a unit of Service Squadron 3 of the Pacific Fleet’s Service Force, the Firedrake provides ammunition to UN ships participating in the Korean action During World War II, the Firedrake served in the Atlantic and Pacific and participated in the Okinawa campaign. She was deactivated at the end of the war and recommissioned in Oct., 1951. “Firedrake” is a mythical fire breathing dragon.

Sgt. Leroy Sanders, son of Mr. and Mrs. V.P. Sanders of C Street, was married recently to Chea Hartwig of Augsburg, Germany, his parents announced today. Sanders, who plans to make the army a career, is on occupation duty in Germany but expects to be able to return home with his bride in about three months. He went into the army in 1942, only a few months after the family moved here from Blueeye, Mo. During World War II he served with amphibian forces, driving a “duck” onto the French shore in the invasion of June 1944, and taking part also in the crossing of the Rhine River. He served in Europe until 1946, when he returned home for a month or so. Then he re-enlisted and was sent back to Europe for occupation duty. He now is a sergeant first class in the Second Armored Cavalry and is in charge of vehicle maintenance for his company.
(Stu- from a duck to a horse. The Ducks were landing crafts on the enemy beaches and I don’t know if there were many horses in the Second Armored Cavalry, but there could have been a couple)

Oroville Mercury Register
July 3, 1952
Oroville Girls Join WAFs; Start Training In Texas
Two young Oroville girls who were graduated only last month from high school have enlisted in the Women’s Air Force and will start basic training this week at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Pat Biffle daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Biffle of Route 5, and Donna Beardsley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Beardsley of Montgomery street, enlisted in the WAF’s through the Chico recruiting office and passed their examinations at Fresno Monday and Tuesday. Miss Biffle, who has an uncle and several cousins in the Air Force said she became interested in joining the Air Force following a talk by WAF recruiters at a meeting of the Oroville Business and Professional Women’s Club early this spring. Miss Beardsley also heard the talk but was interested in joining the WAFs ”even before then” her mother said today. Miss Beardsley received all her schooling in Oroville and is a former Queen of the Job’s Daughter here.

Stu’s Notes:
As you are reading this I should have my new Hip out of Titanium. Many people around town have probably seen me walking around town a little funny, I guess I put it off too long.