April 7, 2006

From the Scrapbook of Maxine Gilbert

Oroville Mercury Register 1943
TWO McKILLOP BOYS PLAN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY
Bob and Jack McKillop, both students at the University of Santa Clara, will probably soon see active military service. They spent the mid-semester holidays here with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack McKillop and their sister Beverly. Jack, a member of the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps Field Artillery and in his third year, returned Monday to the university where he will complete the semester now in progress. Whether or not he will be called into active duty at that time is not known. Bob, who was a freshman at Santa Clara, has decided to remain here until he receives his call. Both of the boys attended Oroville High School and both were prominent in athletics and all student activities. Both won scholarships, Jack in Football and Bob in Basket ball.

CITY TO GREET THREE HEROES AT EXERCISES
Three Oroville men who were decorated for heroism in the war will be honored at ceremonies at the baseball park next Sunday. The program, which will begin with flag raising ceremonies at 2PM will honor: Capt. Leonard Campbell, Bomber pilot and wearer of the Distinguished Flying Cross, who returned recently from the South Pacific. Master Sergeant W. C. (Tiny) Levulett of the army air corps ground force, who has received a presidential citation and two oak leaf clusters for bravery beyond the line of duty as a member of the famed 19th bombardment, squadron in the Philippines, Java and New Guinea fighting. H. E. Davis, photographer’s mate, First Class, U. S. Navy, who has been given the navy air medal for bravery in action in the South Pacific. The flag raising ceremony will be in charge of Paul West. Al Walsh will introduce J. C. Nisbet, principal of Oroville high school who will speak. A baseball game will follow at 2:30 pm between Camp Beale and Oroville.

GEORGE GILBERTS AT HOME IN COAST CITY
Making their home at San Luis Obispo, are Lieut. and Mrs. George Gilbert who were married April 13, in the Presbyterian Church at San Francisco. Mrs. Gilbert is the former Maxine Wanson of Oroville, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wanson, Lieut. Gilbert is the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Gilbert of Thermalito. He is stationed with the United States Army at San Luis Obispo.

Stu’s Notes: My friend George Engasser was looking for a Veteran to throw out the first ball for Palermo Little League Opening Ceremonies. I had just talked to Navy Veteran of WWII, Homer Nelms, he said yes. I’m a very busy man, I know lots of Veterans but getting one for an exact time and day is hard. After many messages to our answering machines it worked out great. I must say I was proud to be involved in this event. George and crew put on a wonderful Patriotic Program, I urge all to go next year. The program opened with a Tribute to America and our Armed Forces, The National Anthem, by AA Angels Player, KC Saxe, the stage was full of young people, many holding American Flags. All of this was done in the Palermo School Gym, as the Fields were too wet. George has supported the Veterans Memorial Park in other endeavors throughout the years. Palermo Little League Board of Directors and Board Members are; George Engasser, President Steve Bolt, Vice President, Patti Engasser, Player Agent, Lorri Leonard, Secretary, RuthAnn Hansen, Treasure. Members: Joanna Cooper, Kenny Engasser, Al Potes, Kevin Potes, Terri Potes, Denise Roenspie, Rock Leonard Umpire-in-chief and Brian FlickerJr./Sr. Umpire In Chief.

Last week (and I hate to get names wrong) I said I received many stories from the wrong Gilbert. Maxine Gilbert is correct and I thank her very much.

As many of my readers might remember, Capt. Leonard Campbell’s long career of serving his country will end with a plane crash in 1946, while searching for others.