August 14, 2015

Oroville Mercury Register
February 26, 1942
Wavell’s Aid Refused By MacArthur
Washington – (U.P.) - Secretary of War Stimson disclosed Thursday that British Gen. Sir Archibald P. Wavell, supreme commander of Allied forces in the southwest Pacific, offered to speed to the aid of Gen. Douglas MacArthur at the outset of the Bataan peninsula campaign. MacArthur rejected the offer because he felt that Wavell’s life was “too precious” to jeopardize Stimson said. At the same time he revealed that Wavell suffered a broken rib as he was leaving Singapore by plane during the final British stand against the Japanese there. The secretary paid tribute to the “magnificent fight” being waged by United Nations forces in the defense of Java, and said they are inflicting “Appalling loss” of life on the Japanese.

Oroville Mercury Register
June 19, 1946
Service Corner
Young Gilbert Out of Army
Discharged Jan. 1 as a technician third grade in the ordinance department of the army, Richard Gilbert, son of Col and Mrs. Fred I. Gilbert, will enter the University of California at the fall semester. Gilbert already has attended George Washington University in Washington, D. C. for one semester. He is majoring in chemistry. Gilbert joined the enlisted reserve corps at the University of California, in December, 1942, and went into active service March 31, 1943. He received his basic training at Aberdeen, M., and trained also at Camp Davis, N.C., before going overseas in May, 1944. He saw active service in the 298 ordinance maintenance company, anti-aircraft. He received 4 battle stars, for Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland. His company worked with the ninth air defense command, part of the ninth air force. He arrived in Hampton Roads, V., Dec. 25, 1945 from Marseille, and was discharged at Fort Mead, Md., Jan.1. Gilbert was graduated from Oroville high school in 1942, and entered the University of California last fall.

Helmick Discharged Camp Beal - (By Mail) - Melvin R. Helmick of Oroville, was discharged from the army at the separation center here recently. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant. He plans to return to his duties on the railroad here, a position held before the war.

Cannon At Amarillo Amarillo, Tex. - (by mail) - Pvt. John R. Cannon, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Cannon of Oroville arrived at the Amarillo Army Air field May 7, to begin first phases of army training. He entered the army at Camp Beale, April 26.

Navy man Out Shoemaker - (by mail) - Robert J. Clayton, S1/c, of Oroville, was discharged from the U. S. navy at the separation center here recently. He served aboard the U.S.S. Bole for more than a year in Pacific waters.

Stu’s Notes:
I just can’t understand how Gen. MacArthur could turn down Gen Sir Archibald Wavell’s help, I wonder if he was going to bring British Troops “most likely” along with him. MacArthur said the Generals life was “too precious” to lose. How about the thousands of American lives Gen. MacArthur left on Bataan when he escaped. Now I know more of why my friend Bob Wolfersberger who went through the Bataan Death March had no love for the Gen. Words from Bob Wolfersberger to me Dec. 10, 2004.Bob was in the Philippines, survived the attack on that day that came 8 hours after the Pearl Harbor attack. After an unbelievable, gallant fight those men later had to surrender, they know he guessed wrong and Corregidor fell May 6, 1942. But only after American and Filipinos fought hard for 5 months under unbelievable conditions, out of food, water and ammunition, as Joe said would be the only reason they would be overcome. They fought to the bitter end and many wanted to fight on and some did by escaping into the jungles, of course many that were taken prisoner for the next 3 ½ years under the most brutal treatment, like Bob Wolfersberger now of Oroville, blame General MacArthur for the mistakes he made right after Pearl Harbor allowing the Japanese to wreak havoc on our unprotected Army Air Force we had eight hours warning that the Japanese were coming and as Bob say’s we did nothing much to prepare. He has every right to say this as he suffered the consequences. Sadly Bob has passed away a few years ago. They truly were the “Battling Bastards of Bataan” “We have no mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam”. 10,000 die on the Death March.
Happy Birthday Nephew Eric!