September 14, 2012

Oroville Mercury Register
December 30, 1943
Heroic Acts Of Maurice Taylor Are Described
Lt. Maurice Taylor of Oroville took part in more than 50 missions dropping supplies and transporting troops over territory that was continually patrolled by enemy fighters. His heroism has won for him the Distinguished Flying Cross. Details of the military service that earned the high award for Taylor have been learned by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taylor of Greenville avenue, in a letter written by Lt. Gen. George C. Kenney, wife, who sent a copy here, and reads in part: “Dear Mrs. Taylor: Recently your husband was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. It was an award made in recognition of courageous service to his combat organization, his fellow American airmen, his country, his home and to you. “He was cited for heroism in flight and exceptional and outstanding accomplishment in the face of great danger above and beyond the line of duty in the Southwest Pacific Area from January 24 to Oct. 17, 1943. “Often landings were made on fields that were only a few miles from Japanese bases. These operations aided considerably in the recent successes of this theatre.” Lt. Gen. Kenney concludes his letter to Lt. Taylor’s wife by telling her how, “genuinely proud I am to have such men as your husband in my command.”

Chico Record April 15, 1943
Lt. Richard Brown Awarded Flying Cross by AAF 1st Lt. Richard E. Brown, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Brown of Chico, who is co-pilot of a B-24 Liberator in the 15th Air Force in Italy, was recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for “extraordinary achievement during serial flights over enemy territory.” After driving off more than 70 enemy fighters, Lt. Brown and crew continued on with their formation to successfully bomb the oil refineries at Odertal, Germany, in spite of the crippled condition of his ship and five wounded men aboard, last December. He also holds the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and is authorized to wear the Distinguished Unit Badge as a member of a heavy bombardment group which has been cited by the War Department for “outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy.” He was graduated from Chico School in 1941, and was employed by the Chico Meat Co. until entering the service in October, 1942. After completing a pilot training course as an aviation cadet, he received his wings and commission at George Field, Ill., last April.

Oroville Mercury Register
December 30, 1943
Bandages To Be Club’s Big 1944 Project
Kiwanis Members Resolve To Be Useful To War Effort
Kiwanis club members and their wives who have been giving their time each week in making Red Cross bandages will resume their “class” next Monday, it was decided at the Kiwanis club luncheon meeting in Oroville in Wednesday noon. Club officers explained that the organization realizes the need for Red Cross supplies is very great and agreed to assume the work as the “most worthwhile project for the coming year.” As many as 17 members of the club and their wives and friends have attended the classes in the past. They a re held each Monday at 7:30 p.m. Club members also are assisting in gluing boxes in which the bandages, sponges and other Red Cross supplies are shipped. Kiwanis club members gave their services each Monday evening until recently, when they discontinued the work temporarily because of the influenza epidemic.

Stu’s Notes: 1st Lt. Richard E. Brown only 21 years old and co-pilot of a giant B-24 Liberator. It amazes me, kids grow up fast in a war. They did it then and they’re still doing it today. Heroes All.
Don’t forget POW/MIA at 7:00PM, Friday, September 21, 2012 on the steps of the Veterans Memorial Building on Montgomery Street . Also, the Motorcycle Poker Run the following morning beginning at Feather Falls Casino 7AM-11AM is Registration. $25 Singles - $15 Passenger, 8:30 Poker Run 4pm-5pm Awards. For more information please contact James Townsend www.pjtownsend@att.net or call (530) 589-5748.
Happy Birthday today, daughter, Paula! My pen is tired, Good Night.