Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

Page 12 text:

10 Paxton High School Reflector Harold Stevens, ’07. From the very beginning of the de- cision of America to take up defen- sive arms against the German Em- pire, Harold made a strenuous effort to secure an appointment in the first Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Not being successful in this, he renewed his efforts for admission to the Sec- ond Officers' Training Camp. In both cases he was unsuccessful because of the government preference for men with definite previous military train- ing. Undaunted—though doubtless greatly disappointed—he enlisted in the Signal Corps of the Aviation sec- tion of the regular army at Chanute Field, on November 21st, 1917. He was appointed to special duty in the office of the Chief Engineer of this post on Nov. 22nd, and was assigned to the 38th Aero Squadron. He some- what facetiously, and yet with evident pride, informed a Reflector reporter that his first six weeks were spent in doing kitchen police, and guard duty, in which, especially the former, he became very efficient. Following this very necessary and fundamental ser- vice, he was advanced to the rank of First-class Private, and then Corporal. At the present time he is working in the line of his special duty in the office of the Engineer, where the re- ports of the flyers are prepared, and the records of all ships and machinery are kept. Corporal Stevens very enthusiastically states “Army life is not half bad”, and that he is “quite well satisfied with it.” He further states that just as soon as he completes the practical work of aeronautical training he hopes to go to France—and then to The Hamburg Show.” That Harold’s ability, enthusiasm, courage, and patriotic spirit of ser- vice will spell success, no one who knows him for a moment doubts.

Page 11 text:

Paxton High School Reflector lor the “big transfer” across the sea. He writes that though his life as a soldier does not perfectly harmonize with the ideals he had created for him- self when war was unthought of, yet that he has never for a moment “regretted, or even half-way begun to regret the steps” which he has taken to do his part, small though it be, in winning this war that we are righteously waging to save our country from autocratic interference, intrigue, or domin- ation; and, at the same time, so tar as possible, to right the tnousand wrongs imposed upon liberty loving, liberty aspiring humanity everywhere. Sergeant Chester Raymond Bear. Mr. Bear enlisted but recently, and entered the Quartermaster s De- partment. A few days before Christmas he was 3ent to Camp Johnson, near Jacksonville, Florida, for training. Recent word indicates that his ability has ceen quickly recognized, as he is now supply sergeant for his Company. CLASS OF 1906. Leo Kirk Healey Of the Class of 190G, in the membership of which there were 11 boys, only one—Leo Kirk Healey—is known to be in some branch of the army ser- vice. He recently enlisted in the Quartermaster's Department, and on Jan- uary 25th departed from Bloomington, 111., where he has continuously re- sided since his graduation, for Florida. He has been assigned to the Quar- termaster’s Corps of the Receiving Cqmpany at Jacksonville. Several other members of this class are in the Selective Draft, and having waived exemption claims, may very soon be honored by the Nations Call. CLASS OF 1907. There were eleven boys who graduated in the class of 1907. Of these two at least are serving “Uncle Sam”, and at least two others have valiantly sought to be numbered among the fighters of the Nation. The two who are now proudly wearing the khaki are Harold Stevens and Gorden Nielsen. Morey Pierson and Harry Hill. The two other members of this class who enlisted, but who, much to their disappointment, failed to be accfepted are Morey Pierson and Harry Hill. Mr. Pierson was admitted to the Second Officers’ Reserve Camp at Fort Sheridan, but later on account of the discovery of disqualifying defects in sight was not permitted to continue. Mr. Hill, who for a number of years has been the efficient superinten- dent of schools at Flannagan, 111., was found to be physically disqualified in relation to some irregularity of heart action. This was a great surprise to his many Paxton school friends, as he is remembered here as the finest athlete the school had up to that time discovered and developed, and his reputation tor a'hletic ability and interest has been widely recognized.

Page 13 text:

Paxton High School Reflector II Gordon Nielsen, '07. Gordon Nielsen, the oilier representative of the Class of 19 . enlisted the Ordnance Department of V.S. A. Dec. 8th. 1917. He teas first sent to Columbus. O. for training, but In a brief time was transferred to Camp Dodge. Iowa, where he was still stationed February 1st. 1918. and at hlch “ ' ' wav «Cling corporal. He Is a member of Co. C. Second Ordnance Battalion. Th» following letters were given the reporter as distinguishing his particu- lar assignment or department o, service: A. O. D. B F.. which being trans- la‘“d means American Ordnance Depot Brigade. France. Recent word from Mr. Nielsen indicates that he expects to be m France with his brigade in the very near future. CLASS OF 1908. Dr Orville Campbell and Lieutenant Harry Patton. Two of the seven boys belonging to the class of 1998 hive hecn re- ported as answering the call. These are Cr. Orville Camnbel! and Ueutcnant Harry Patton. The former enlisted in some branch of the service in which his «Kill as a veterinary surgeon is being made use of by the government. Harry Patton applied for admission to the Second Reserve Officers Training School at Fort Sheridan, was admitted, and at its close commis- sioned as a Sec ond Lieutenant. Definite information as to the assignment and present location is not available at the time of going to press. Further Information Concerning Harry Patton—Now in France. letter was received a few days ago by Harry’s father. Mr. Lafayette Patton, at Clarence. 111., post marked “Somewhere in France”. The letter announced the safe arrival of the writer on the other side of the water He stated that their training and study started at once that t iey have quarters in a quiet town some distance from the front, and that, except for a slight cold occasioned by one or two wettings on the way over, he was feeling fine. . , His letter gives a very interesting description of the part of France in which he is stationed, and of the habits and customs of the people. It is re- gretted that space limitations due to the late hour the letter was received, prevent its publication in full. His address is H. T. Patton. 2nd Lieut. F. A. O. R. C.. American Expedi- tionary Force, France. CLASS OF 1909 Of the 26 members of the Class of 1909. 9 were toys. Of these two are in training can- s. These two arc Ralph Stin» and Lieutenant Leon Kelso. One other. Melvin Froyd. is credited on the service roll as explained below. Lieutenant Leon Kelso, ’09. Leon Kelso, who graduated from P. H. S. in the class of 1909. is now a f.irst lieutenant in the Medical Corps, and is located at Camp Greenleaf near