September 20, 2013

Oroville Mercury Register
December 8, 1943
Chico Boy of 19 Missing In Action Chico
George Henry Binning 19, of Chico, who was aboard the U.S.S. Liscome Bay when that aircraft carrier was sunk by a Japanese submarine in the Gilbert Islands is reported missing in action. A telegram stating that Binning has been unreported since the sinking of the carrier was received by an uncle, Robert Binning, from the chief of personnel of the U. S. Navy.
(Stu- this and what is below is all we know of the young hero of Chico.)

Oroville Mercury Register
April 29, 1942
“Calls Meeting Of Observers”
All Oroville district people who recently signed pledges and others who are interested in the aircraft warning service are requested to attend an important meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Hall, W. H. Gaylord, first area organizer announced. Area organizers and chief observers were given instructions by army air corps officers at a meeting at Dayton Monday afternoon. Attending from Oroville were Gaylord, Dan Terrell, Elmer Lepper, E. R. Nieland and Andy Davis. Another meeting was held here Tuesday morning, attended by Gaylord; Tully Moore, Gridley organizer: O. D. Gibson: A. L. Peterson of Richvale, and Mrs. Geneva Lepper. One of the basic training planes, scheduled to arrive at the Chico field within a few days, may be brought here on Sunday in the near future, Gaylord said. It will be stationed at Oroville airport and air observers will have an opportunity to watch it at various heights and distances. Announcement of a definite time will be made later.
(Stu-Invasion fears were high.)

Oroville Mercury Register
April 29, 1942
Army Planes To take Over Skies Chico Field
The high pitched drown of aircraft engines will soon be a familiar sound in the hitherto peaceful skies of the Sacramento Valley, now that the Army Air Force Basic Flying School has effected its transfer from Moffett Field to Chico. Soon to be turning out pilots as part of American’s drive to create the greatest air armada the world has ever seen, the new flying school will have planes in the air night and day teaching fledging flyers the basic or intermediary step in the Army’s three course fight training program.

Oroville Mercury Register
April 29, 1942
Persons Given Farewell By School Folk Biggs Man Leaves Florida to Enter Air Service
BIGGS- Captain and Mrs. Stanley M. Persons were honored at a farewell dinner Friday evening when teachers and trustees gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hendrix. Liberty bells rang the patriotic theme at the small tables where a red, white and blue motif prevailed. Blue iris, red ranunculus and white butterfly iris were the colors at the buffet, lighted by white tapers. Tallies were flags. Good wishes from members of the group were recorded and the record presented Captain Persons, as a memento of the occasion. Several rounds of bridge were enjoyed with the honor guest receiving the defense stamps as the high score award. Mrs. Persons and Captain Persons were presented guest favors by the host. Trustees were surprised with favors by the host. Trustees were surprised with favors made by art students of Mrs. Helen Kelleher. The students had prepared hand- blocked peasant cloths for the occasion. Captain Persons left Sunday from Sacramento by train for Miami, Florida to enter officers training in the air force. Mrs. Persons and daughter, Betty, accompanied him as far as Sacramento.
(Stu- Tallies were Flags?)

Stu’s Notes:
Bill Edmonson has compiled a list of Veterans buried at the Centerville Cemetery among them is S2 George Henry Binning, Navy Nov 25, 1943, Purple Heart, listed on the tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial , Honolulu, Hawaii Memorial grave stone Centerville Cemetery. Bill has compiled a list of men buried in various cemeteries in Butte County. They were Veterans that might or might not have been from Butte County. Some could have been brought here after their death because their family lived here. The hard part is to figure out if they did live or die here at one time in their lives. Memorials must have guide lines or you would run out of room. For our tile wall this doesn’t matter as all American Service man or woman are welcomed. The above Seaman 2nd Class George Henry Binning was not known to be from Chico until I just recently found the above little story of him. Bill has gone through most of the Cemeteries in Butte County now each name must be verified. Hope to see everyone tonight, Friday Sept 20, at 7pm on the steps of the Veterans Memorial Hall on Montgomery Street for the POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony. Tomorrow morning the Motor Cycle Poker Run starting at Feather Falls Casino at 8:00am. The proceeds to benefit the Oroville Veterans Memorial Park Honoring all of Butte County.