Official Extract No.

206

Assorted Media
Dated 1923 thru 1985
Archived in Journal
 1 July 2023 NEWSPAPER UPDATES INTO ARCHIVES ! !
The following newspaper articles and other assorted media were not discovered until after
“Volume’s Number 9 thru 12 Official Jounals” were published and archived into the U.S. Library of
Congress. No “Reprint Editions” will be submitted at the present time. This noteworthy historical
data will be inserted into “Official Journal 2021-2030” Volume No. TBD.

Published by “The Nowata Daily Star” on 20 April 1923 entitled: State Has Large Military Force. By
Associated Press, Oklahoma City, April 20; Oklahoma now has the largest national guard force it has
ever had, ranks well up among the states of the union in numbers and efficiency of units, and recruiting is
proceeding at a faster rate than ever before, according to Adj. General Baird H. Markham. Before the
world war Oklahoma had only one regiment; that an infantry unit which made an outstanding record
overseas; General Markham said. When all units now authorized by the war department are completely
organized, the state will have approximately six regiments in numbers of men enlisted. A divisional
headquarters, for the 45th Division, has been allotted to the state and will be organized soon after units
now being formed have been inspected by federal officers. The 158th Artillery regiment, transferred to
this state from Arizona, is the most nearly complete of new organizations, according to the adjutant
general. Headquarters company is now being formed at Sulphur. Other units of the regiment are being
organized at Kingfisher and Bristow. The Kingfisher battery, enlisted by Capt. John B. McCartney, has
been announced ready for inspection. Prior to the present activity in recruiting, the state had four
regiments in the national guard, two infantry and two artillery regiments. With the additional artillery
regiment, a medical regiment, and engineering regiment and other units, the state will have parts of seven
regiments and certain corps troops, the adjutant general said. The engineer regiment’s organization has
begun at Wetumka where one company was inspected Wednesday night. Tulsa and Okmulgee will also
have engineer units. An ordinance maintenance company has been organized and inspected at
Claremore. A veterinary company is being organized at Pawhuska, a signal company at Alva, and with
the exception of a battalion headquarters and combat train for the 158th Artillery, and the medical
regiment which will be organized under Col. Floyd J. Bolend, these units will complete the list of
organizations now authorized. All units now being formed are to be completed and Inspected by May 10,
to be ready to attend the summer training camp at Fort Sill, July 5 to 19, according to the adjutant
general. Inspections are being made by Maj. C. W. Daley of the guard and Captain O. E. Paxton of the
regular army.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 20 September 1940 entitled: State Guard To Leave For
Camp Monday. Motor transported outfits included in day’s orders. Most of Oklahoma City’s 1,000 national
guardsmen will leave Monday and Tuesday in truck convoys for Fort Sill and a year’s active military duty,
and all will be gone by next Thursday night. Orders issued Thursday also disclosed that the general troop
movement by trucks from state points will b Monday and Tuesday, though a small number of units will not
leave until Thursday. Train schedules already have been announced. All units of the 45th division,
including those stationed in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, are under orders to be in Fort Sill
Thursday. A small number of units in those states already are enroute to Fort Sill, and others will leave
Friday. City troops at 5 a.m. Monday: First convoys in the general movement from the city will roar from
the armory at 5 a.m. Monday. Second contingent will leave at the same time Tuesday, and the last will
leave at 6 a.m. Thursday. Major Gen. W. S. Key, division commander, Thursday said he believed the
division surgeons would complete examination of recruits by Friday night. “Our recruiting has been
splendid,” General Key said. The orders for the truck movements came from Major Gen. E. H. Burger,
San Antonio, Texas, assistant adjutant general of the Eight Corps area, with the approval of Major Gen.
H. J. Brees, commanding general of the corps area. The following Oklahoma City units will leave the
armory at 5 a.m. Monday and are scheduled to arrive in Fort Sill at 8:30 a.m.-The following units, the last
to leave are scheduled to depart from the armory at 6 a.m. Thursday and to arrive in Fort Sill at 11:30
a.m.- Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery, from Kingfisher at 6 a.m. Monday arrive 9 a.m.- Battery “B”,
158th Field Artillery, from Anadarko at 8 a.m. Tuesday arrive at 9:30 a.m.- Band, 158th Field Artillery,
from Lawton at 8 a.m. Tuesday arrive 10 a.m.- Battery “D”, 158th Field Artillery, from Weatherford at 8
a.m. Tuesday arrive noon-Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery, from Perry at 5 a.m. Tuesday, arrive 1 p.m.-
Battery “A”, 158th Field Artillery, from Woodward at 5 a.m. Tuesday arrive 2 p.m.- Medical Detachment,
158th Field Artillery, from Yale at 5 a.m. Tuesday arrive 2 p.m.- Headquarters Battery, 158th Field
Artillery, from Sulphur at 4 p.m. Tuesday arrive 6 p.m.- Headquarters Battery, First Battalion, 158th Field
Artillery, from Clinton at 5 p.m. Tuesday arrive 8 p.m.- Headquarters Battery, Second Battalion,
Headquarters First Battalion, Headquarters Second Battalion, all 158th Field Artillery, all from Kingfisher
at 7 p.m. Tuesday arrive 11 p.m. End Schedule.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 14 May 1941 entitled: 69 At Barkeley Sent To Cooks, Bakers
School. Two Month Period of Instruction Slated at Fort Sill. Camp Barkeley, May 14. (Special) Sixty nine
th
enlisted men of the 45 Division left for Fort Sill Wednesday to attend Bakers and cooks school opening
Thursday and continuing approximately two months. Men selected to attend the school and their
organization:……….158th Field Artillery: Privates Leroy Hudson, John W. Summerhill, Recal L. Harris,
Paul S. Seay, Charles R. Burkhalter and Elmer J. Moss.

Published by “The Denton Record Chronicle” on 4 August 1941 entitled: Don’t Worry About How Army
Boys Are Faring When It Comes To Food; They Get It Promptly and Plenty Of It; Visit to Kitchens
Disclose. By Emmy Lou Miller. Now Mrs. Housewife, we know you’re most interested in how these boys
are faring along the food line. But don’t worry about that either. True, they left Abilene camp mighty early
Saturday morning, but serving the noon meal was a mere matter of some 15 or 20 minutes, just in time it
would take a hundred or so men to file by a table when the military call for “come and get it” sounded. For
along the route about three field ranges (that’s the technical name for the stoves) for every battery of the
field artillery, for instance were cooking with all due efficiency under the able guidance of the mess
sergeants of the various outfits and lunch was ready when it came for lunch. The same was true of
supper. Then for Sunday’s meals, the kitchen tents were set up, the field ranges put inside and the time
we looked in the kitchen of “C” Battery of the 158th Field Artillery, where likeable Sergeant Weldon Smith
presided (and has for 14 years), 42 pounds of ham was sizzling away in its own gravy at the top of the
ranges. These stoves are built in such a way as to allow the 25 pounds of potatoes (listed on the menu as
snowflake potatoes) also to cook at the same time in a kettle under the ham. Then here’s the rest of the
Sunday dinner menu: pineapple (it took three gallons), creamed peas (about 20 number two cans), iced
tea (served with a concentrated lemon and about seven pounds of sugar) and iced tomatoes (for the salt
that the men will eat with them). Now these quantities are the amounts of food prepared for about 100
men. Multiply the quantities by 39 (3,900 men in the whole column) and you’ll begin to have an idea how
much this army cooks. Each kitchen presided over by a mess sergeant, also has four cooks and 5 “KP’s”.
Menus for the day are standardized throughout the whole army and men in charge of the food are
allowed to change it somewhat to suit the circumstances (whether the men have been marching, or
merely resting in camp, how much of the fresh food is obtainable, etc). Although they carried one day’s
rations with them, part of the service battery of the field artillery (which takes care of all supplies of every
kind, such as food, clothing, gas, oil, etc) went over to Garland Sunday morning where the rail
headquarters for the division was made, to draw the rations needed for the men. Space used to carry
supplies on the march is cut down now to a very minimum, officers explained, and trailers are used to
carry the essentials. Even water is not one of the items carried except as needed. Small capsules of a
chemical substance (calcium-hypochlorite) are put into a litter bag of 26 gallons of water to purify it, if
there is any doubt as to its purity. Imagine cooking between 250 and 300 flapjacks for breakfast! Again,
that’s what the mess sergeants have to see about; and they don’t have to get up early to do it either they
emphasized. Aluminum vessels which can be used as lids or turned over and used for frying pans,
anything not requiring deep fat frying Sunday morning fried over 600 dozen eggs. Almost 200 pounds of
coffee was used to make the beverage served with individual packages of cereal, over 750 pounds of
bread, nearly 275 pounds of sugar, almost 400 number 1 tins of milk, over 150 pounds of butter and
almost 200 No. 2 cans of preserve. Using canned milk by the way is something else the sergeants
explained. Unless the group plans to stay in one place for any length of time, no refrigeration of any kind
is used. For ordinary purposes on these long camps, however a hole is dug in the ground, ice buried in it
and then the food to be kept fresh is placed on top of that. One of the first things that enters into the
setting up of a kitchen tent, however is the digging of the garbage pit so that sanitary cooking methods
can be preserved. The depth of course depends on the length of the army’s stay. Some husbands
probably will feel that if the army can do it, their wives should take lessons from the army. Menus are
made out on the basis of allotting an average of 45 cents per day per man and the highest quality of food
is used always. Its all any man would want they explained. Witness to the last statement in the Sunday
supper menu: cold meats, potato salad, fresh salad lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers and mayonnaise,
bread, butter and iced tea. Now that everyone’s had his fill, you’re probably beginning to wonder about
that necessary element of washing the dishes. A small stove entirely separate from the field ranges heats
huge tins of water that hold 10 to 15 gallons at a time, for the dish washing of one battery. And so Denton
has gotten one of its first tastes of army life. Being military conscious is a part of the national defense
program, but officers expressed the hope that movements through parts of the country would at least
begin to acquaint the people with the mentality of the national defense task and expressed on every side
appreciation for the courtesies extended by Denton people. A new devise the army uses is a large stove
with forced fuel feed on which food may be cooked on trucks while the army is moving. Photo Caption:
Scenes Depict Soldiers in Camps, on March. Newspaper Representatives and cameramen, visiting the
army camp east of Denton early Sunday by special permission, were greeted cordially by the officers,
shown the whole camp and were given some interesting information about camp life. After being
welcomed by Lieutenant Colonel Edgar B. Ross and members of his staff, they were assigned a
lieutenant as official guide, but most of the time were accompanied also by a major and two captains who
told interesting stories of army life and described the details of the camp and equipment. In the above
pictures, upper left is seen the medical detachment eating; at the upper right, soldiers are seen in one of
the pup tents which dotted the broad acres of the camp, in the center left, left to right, are Lieutenant
Ross, Lieutenant Colonel Woodworth, Lieutenant Colonel Steele, Captain Shamel and First Lieutenant
Briggs, at the commanding officer’s headquarters; center right is seen Major Lee Preston greeting
Lieutenant Colonel Cabel Cornish, when he arrived at the municipal building an hour ahead of the
contingent Saturday afternoon to help expedite the army through Denton; at the lower left is a gun crew
demonstrating a 75 millimeter cannon in action at the camp; at the lower right, the contingent is seen as it
neared Lake Dallas on Highway 77.
Published by “The Howe Messenger” on 8 August 1941 entitled: Princeton Falls to 45th Division.
Princeton was invaded by the United States army early this week and surrendered to the khaki clad men
from Camp Barkeley without resistance. No sooner was camp struck than every cold drink stand in town
was besieged and when the soldiers had quenched their thirst they began an encirclement movement
that soon resulted in the capture of virtually every single girl in town, together with any and all
automobiles in which the fair sex might be riding. Supply trucks with the kitchen equipment began rolling
in at sun up Tuesday, accompanied by a detachment of military police and the medical corps,
quartermaster and 158th Field Artillery trucks. The north echelon of the 45th Division of about 3800
soldiers from Camp Barkeley, under the command of Major General W. S. Key, Brigadier General R. S.
McLain, Lieutenant Colonel Woodworth, Major Briscoe, Lieutenant Colonel Murphy, Lieutenant Colonel
Schaefer and Lieutenant Colonel Steele, arrived on foot about 11 a.m. and camped at the farm workers
camp west of town. They had marched from the Howell pasture east of Frisco Monday night breaking
camp at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday for the march on Princeton. After resting at Princeton for the night the group
left Wednesday morning and another detachment of about 4,000 is to make camp at the same place
Thursday night, leaving Friday. A total of 520 vehicles were used in transferring the supplies and men.
Lack of parking space at the camp forced parking of a large number alongside the highway. According to
the official march table issued by the army, the group had traveled 250 miles. The next stop was to be at
Marshall where they were to rest for two days. The schedule has been: march one day, ride one day and
rest two days.

Published by “The Henderson Daily News” on 24 September 1941 entitled: Poor Spelling Adds Work For
Signpainter. Abilene, Tex. (UP) Pvt. William A. Dunn is wielding his paintbrush overtime. Dunn, official
signpainter for the 158th Field Artillery, 45th Division, at Camp Barkeley, got into trouble when he painted
the name of Tech. Sgt. Lee Hayes “Hays”. Correcting it, he repainted the sign and decided to spell out
sergeant. He painted it “sargent.” When the mistake was called to his attention, he discovered he had
misspelled it in every sign of Service Battery. So now he’s plying his paint brush.
Published by “the Gainesville Daily Register” on 26 November 1942 entitled: With Our Fighting Men.
Louis “Buddy” Poole has returned to Pine Camp, NY, after a short visit in Gainesville with relatives. He is
a member of the 158th Field Artillery, 45th Division, Company 42. His brother, R. L. Poole, is stationed at
the U.S. Naval Training school, San Diego, Calif. Published by “The Zavala County Sentinel” on 6 April
1945 entitled: Service Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion of which SGT Dent Ingram, husband of Mrs.
Alice Jo Ingram is attached, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque for superior
performance of difficult tasks from August 15, 1944 to January 31, 1945, in France. Individuals assigned
or attached to this unit are entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Unit Insignia only so long as they
remain assigned or attached.
Published by “The Gainesville Weekly Register” on 20 September 1945 entitled: Mrs. Lewiecki to Join Her
Husband. Mrs. Virginia Ann Lewiecki left Friday morning for Chicago, Ill, where she will join her husband,
First Lt. E. M. Lewiecki of the 158th Field Artillery battalion, 45th Division. Mrs. Lewiecki was Miss Virginia
Ann Newton before her marriage in the spring of 1944. Lt. Lewiecki, who was stationed at Camp Howze
with the 103rd Division at that time, left for duty in the European theatre September 26, 1944. He was in
combat 11 ½ months. The couple will spend two weeks in Chicago and go from there to his home in
South Bend, Ind. Upon termination of his 30 day leave, Lt. Lewiecki will report to Camp Bowie for
redeployment.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 25 September 1950 entitled: Boys Grateful To
Chickasha. Two letters this paper has received from Camp Polk speak for themselves. We are sure the
sentiments conveyed will be exceedingly pleasing to Chickasha. They came from Headquarters Battery
158th Artillery Battalion, 45th Division and we are happy to have the privilege of giving space to them. Lt.
Ted Savage commanding officer wrote: "The men and officers of Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 158th Artillery Battalion, would like to take this opportunity to express their deep appreciation for
the many expressions of kindness shown them before their federal induction into the army of the United
States. "The dinners, watermelon feeds, free shows, dances, ball games, skating party, soft drinks and
porchlight fund are things which each of us will remember for some time to come. "The athletic equipment
purchased from the porchlight fund already has proven to be an enjoyable asset to each and every man.
"The send off given us before our departure was something many of us had witnessed before, but once
again it made tears come to our eyes and our hearts were heavy. One lad made the statement "I didn't
know our friends did have this much love for us." "The throng of people that saw us to the train can rest
assured their time spent with us just before our departure was not spent in vain. "The men and officers of
this battery would appreciate having this letter made public so the people of Chickasha can understand
our undying gratitude for these many kindnesses shown us before our departure." Lt. CoL Charles W.
Cleverdon battalion commander said: "In behalf of myself and my staff I take this opportunity to express
our gratitude for the generous goodwill displayed by their townsmen toward the members of our
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery. "I join with Lt. Savage in saying that we will do our utmost, come
what may, to earn the good wishes and show of confidence extended us." The little that Chickasha folks
did for the boys in training for the grim business of war was only a feeble expression of their feelings. No
matter how much the community may be called upon to do in the future, it will be a mere trifle in
comparison with their contribution to our nation.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 30 November 1951 entitled: 45th To Be Sent To Korea,
Army Announces Today. The Army is going ahead with plans to send to Korea at least one of the two
National Guard divisions on occupation duty in Japan, including the 45th Division. The Chickasha
National Guard unit, Headquarters Battery, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, is included in the 45th Division.
Members of the unit were alerted for federal duty early in August 1950 and started active federal duty on
Sept. 1. On Sept. 9, the local battery left for Camp Polk, La., for a training period before sailing March 29,
1951, for Japan. Leo Osburn, former officer of the 45th, said about 70 Chickasha men sailed with the
division to Japan. A few have been returned to the states and discharged upon completion of service. A
proposal to use the two divisions, the 45th of Oklahoma and the 40th of California, for replacement of
units long in the Korean battle line was first considered last summer. Recently, a decision was made to
send one division, the 45th, before the end of the year. The two divisions sailed for the Far East late in
March. They are part of the first four Guard divisions brought into federal service in September, 1950. As
in the case for all Guard divisions which have been federalized, both were below authorized rank when
called to federal duty. To fill out the rolls to the 18,000 man strength of Army divisions, regular Army
recruits and draftees were assigned to the Guard units. Gen. J. Lawton Collins, Army Chief of Staff, said
after a recent inspection of the 45th and 40th in Japan that he “found them in excellent condition.” At the
same time he also disclosed the Army was still puzzling what to do about Guard Divisions on overseas
duty when the 24 month terms of federal service expire. He said “the question of how we are going to
retain these divisions as entities, rather than starting all over again to rebuild new divisions, is one that we
have put a great deal of thought on and which we are still working on.” In response to questions, he said
that about 20 to 25 percent of the officers in the two divisions had volunteered to stay on after the
expiration of the federal tour of duty.

Published by “The Bogata News” on 3 October 1952 entitled: LT. Bob Alsobrook Receives Purple Heart
Award: Lt. Bob K. Alsobrook, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Alsobrook of Rugby, has received the Purple
Heart award. Lt. Alsobrook received the award for wounds received in action against the enemy in the
vicinity of Kajon-ni, Korea, on July 16, 1952. His parents received the Purple Heart Tuesday and did not
know of his wounds until they were advised Saturday the award was being sent to them. Lt. Alsobrook
enlisted in the service in November 1950 as a private. He received his basic training at Camp Chaffee
Ark. He attended and graduated from officers candidate school at Fort Sill, Ok. and was an instructor for
six months at Fort Hood prior to his overseas assignment. He landed in Korea on June 13 and
participated in the battle for Old Baldy, prior to his transfer to the Eastern front in July. He is now with
Headquarters 158th Field Artillery Battalion.
Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 7 August 1953 entitled: Weatherford Guards off to Camp.
Photo Caption: "It's an old story as Weatherford's Battery “C” of the 158th Field Artillery gets ready to
leave for summer camp at Camp Hood, Texas, Sunday, August 9. The last time they entrained they
traveled to Japan and Korea by way of Camp Polk, La., in the summer of 1950. Several of the men who
left then are still members of the battery. Both Sgt. Jim Dawson, unit administrator, left, and Sgt. A. G.
Wood are Korean combat veterans."

Published by “The Bogata News” on 21 August 1953 entitled: Bob K. Alsobrook Awarded Bronze Star
Medal. Bob K. Alsobrook, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Alsobrook of Rugby, discharged from the Army on
June 3, received Tuesday the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. The accompanying citation
states: “First Lieutenant Bobby K. Alsobrook, Artillery, United States Army, Headquarters 158th Field
Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by meritorious service in connection with
military operations against an armed enemy in Korea, from Feb 12 to May 1, 1953. Concurrently serving
as Adjutant and Executive Officer, Lt. Alsobrook’s foresight and enthusiasm were reflected in the efficient
functioning of his sections and gained him the respect of his subordinates. Lt. Alsobrook’s faculty for
accomplishing tasks under strain and pressure with a minimum of confusion were instrumental in the high
quality of his department’s performance. His sincere devotion to duty reflects distinct credit on himself and
the military service.” Alsobrook also holds the Purple Heart, two battle stars, good conduct ribbon and
Korean ribbon. Bob was drafted in November, 1950. He entered artillery officers training school at Fort Sill
July 16, 1951, and was commissioned Dec. 18, served at Fort hood with the 1st Armored and was sent to
Korea in June, 1952. He was wounded on the eastern front fighting July 16, 1952, fragment of a 75mm
recoilless shell striking him in the knee. He was serving as a forward observer with the Korean Infantry at
the time.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 25 September 1954 entitled: 45th Digs In For Historic Event.
Photo Caption: "Pfc. Don Verhines of Weatherford plants the guidon of Battery “C”, Charlie Battery, 158th
field artillery battalion, to symbolize the division's saluting battery is present and accounted for. This
battery, marched with its guns in Saturday morning's down town parade and will fire the 19-gun salute for
Secretary of the Army Robert T. Stevens Saturday night in front of the fair grandstand." Photo Caption:
Home…home… home sweet home is where the soldier finds it. Getting set for a big day at the Oklahoma
State fair is Pvt. Jim Singleton of Hydro. A member of Battery “C”, 158th field artillery battalion. Jim’s one
of the hundred or so Thunderbirds who spent Friday night in the Thunderbird camp on the fairgrounds.
Photo Caption: Being members of the Thunderbirds saluting battery means extra work for the 158th field
artillery battalion cannoneers. For two summers now, Charlie battery’s men and officers have fired the
salute at North Fort Hood for Gov. Murray. This Saturday night, they’ll go one step higher and fire a 19-
gun salute for t6he top man in the army, Secretary Robert T. Stevens. Getting their 105-mm howitzer
ready for the task are, left to right, Pfc. Kenneth D. Sauer, and Sfc. James T. Duncan chief of Section,
both are from Weatherford.
Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 30 September 1954 entitled: News of the 45th. Fourteen
Oklahomans left here Thursday morning to fly to New York and the seventh annual reunion of the 45th
Infantry Division association. Held here last November, the reunion this year is scheduled in the east so
that members of alumni chapters there may participate. Heading the Oklahomans who left here Thursday
morning in an air guard plane were national president Leroy Eastman and national secretary Perry
Woolridge, both of Oklahoma City. Eastman, a sergeant during World War II, was elected here last year
while Perry was re-elected to a new term. Traveling in the Oklahoma delegation are Lt Col. Albert C.
Davies; Lt. Col. Odell T. Shaw; Capt. Harold C. Dallam; Capt. Oren L. Peters; Lieut. Jack C.
Montgomery; CWO Jack T. Barber: M/Sgt. Arthur E. Peters; Pvt. Ernest Sheldon; W. L. Botts, 2121
Churchill place, Brummett Echohawk, Tulsa; Phil Gover, Bigham City, Utah, and Earl Taylor, Konawa,
state chapter vice-president. They're due to return Monday with news of the convention but they'll no
doubt be kept busy in New York telling former Thunderbirds about Operation Colorback, held here last
Saturday. The 171st field artillery battalion at Ada reports four promotions to sergeant. In an order signed
by Maj. Arthur E Cobb, adjutant, these four corporals were advanced; Jim C. Chaddick and Robert L.
Parris, both of Battery A, Wewoka; Lee R. Epps, Battery B, McAlester, and Willard W. Gordon, Battery C,
Holdenville. Chickasha's Headquarters battery of the 158th FA battalion has published an order
promoting two privates to private first class. Lieut. Aubrey E. Roper, commanding, signed the order giving
first stripes to Marion A. Malone and Daryl R. Sorrels. Here in Oklahoma City, division headquarters has
published orders transferring Cpl. Gerald G. Hurley from the 171st Headquarter battery at Ada to
Company H of the 180th infantry regiment at Tishomingo. On the same order, Cpl. Jolly S. Myers was
promoted from corporal to sergeant. He's a member of division headquarters. Capt. Marvin M. McKissick,
commander of the 160th field artillery's service battery, has promoted three of his men. Now a corporal is
Paul A. Gaynor, Ralph D. Crain and Ben W. Park are now privates first class. This battery is located at
Sperry. In orders issued by division headquarters, three Thunderbirds are assigned to new units. Sfc.
Harold E. Steele and Sfc. Hoyle S. Stricklen were transferred from 45th military police company at Atoka
to Headquarters company, Second battalion, 180th infantry, at Durant while Pvt. Earl W. Stover, Battery
A, 145th AAA battalion at Nowata, was reassigned to the 45th Recon company at Claremore. On the
same order, two Recon company men were promoted. Sgt. John R. Bridwell was promoted to sergeant
first class while Cpl. Harold F. Orr was stepped up to the grade of sergeant. In about a week, reports can
be expected from the division recruiting campaign which began rather quietly September 1. With
"Colorback" the first operation up to bat, the recruiting drive took a back seat. But now that should
change. Major John Truett, as public information officer of Oklahoma military department, is project officer
for the drive. Under that plan, the state has been divided into three areas. Project officers have also been
named in cities which have more than one unit. Maj. Arthur E. Cobb heads the drive in Ada, CWO John
R. Patterson in Altus, Capt. George M. Donovan in Ardmore, Lt. Col. Paul Hayes in Durant, Maj. Melvin T.
Coffin in Enid, Maj. Milton C. Worley in Lawton, CWO Eugene J. Roberts in Holdenville, Lt. Col. James
Bratton in McAlester, Lt. Col. Oscar J. H. Thomas in Muskogee, Lt. Col. James L. Farmer in Norman, Lt.
Col. King J. Bogardus in Oklahoma City, Maj. Paul B. Marshall in Stillwater, Maj. William E. Mayberry in
Tulsa and Capt. Afton W. Billingsley in Wewoka. At the end of the drive on November 15, a grand
champion recruiter will be selected. A champion recruiter and a runner up recruiter will be selected in
each of the three areas. Merchandise prizes will be awarded these winners. In addition, a champion unit
commander will be selected as well as a champion unit. So it's off to the races as Oklahoma
Thunderbirds scour the state for new national guardsmen.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 4 October 1954 entitled: From Weatherford to Korea and
Return Via 45th. Coeds Getting Back Battle Scarred Colors. Another return of battle flags involving the
45th infantry division is due this month. This is one of the division brass knows about, but its present
guardian believes it deserves a [place of honor in a different location. Back when the Oklahoma national
guard division was called out to help the marines police Korea, the greater part of Charlie Battery of the
158th FA Battalion at Weatherford were students at Southwestern State College. Majority of the girls they
left behind were living in Stewart Hall, the girl’s dormitory watched over by Mrs. Zuma Cook,
housemother. When sailing orders arrived at Camp Polk, the men of the Weatherford battery flocked back
for farewells. Among those returning were Dawson “Tack” Nail, student council president, wrestler,
football player and dabbler in news writing. Mrs. Cook caught Nail as he left the dormitory after
“borrowing” the official Oklahoma state flag that was flown over the portals of Stewart Hall. The two
reached an agreement. Nail said the flag has great sentimental value to the men of Charlie battery, and
Mrs. Cook agreed. Then she agreed to ship the flag to Nail as soon as a replacement could be secured.
In due time Nail received the flag in Japan. A division order was issued to give Charlie battery the right to
fly the blue Oklahoma flag along with other colors. During the time the 45th was in Korea, the Stewart Hall
flag flew on several front line posts. It made the trip home with the battery and then faded from sight. Nail,
now instructing in journalism, history, biology and physical education at Perry high school, recently wrote
Walter Crouch, public relations director of Southwestern, that he had the flag. He also told Crouch he was
willing to return it to the college, providing a suitable place of honor was provided. Several places of honor
have been located at Southwestern for the flag. The girls in Stewart Hall want it placed over the mantle.
Directors of the Southwest Oklahoma museum think it should have a glass case in the museum. The girls
maintain Stewart Hall is the place. They point out that is where the flag first flew. In addition, most of
Charlie battery are still students in the college and the girls have sentimental reasons for wanting the flag.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 3 February 1956 entitled: Lt. Wornom To Lead Guard.
Headquarters, 158th Field Artillery Battalion, in Oklahoma City, announces that Lt. Wayne H. Wornom,
staff survey officer, has assumed command of the local National Guard unit. Lt. Wornom replaces Lt.
Aubrey E. Roper, former Chickasha resident who resigned command of the unit to accept a position with
an aircraft company in California. Lt. Roper had commanded the unit for three years, being a member of
the local organization for six years prior to that, serving with the Thunderbirds in Japan and Korea. Lt.
Wornom, a World War II veteran who had also previously served with the 45th Division, came to the
Chickasha battery in December, 1954, serving as intelligence and survey and reconnaissance officer. Lt.
Roper was temporarily transferred to the staff as assistant plans and training officer until his departure.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 1 August 1957 entitled: The Summer Session. Photo
Caption:The summer session at Southwestern State College hasn’t been so bad decides Clarence
Bradley, Weatherford, left, and J. W. Bean, Broken Arrow, as they get ready to leave with Weatherford’s
Battery “C”, 158th Field Artillery for the two-week 45th Division camp at North Fort Hood, Texas. Classes
end Thursday and the Weatherford battery, composed largely of Southwestern students, leaves Friday for
North Fort Hood. The two charming classmates Bradley and Bean will leave behind are Judy Burrows,
left, and Jayne Ogle, both of Anadarko.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 6 August 1957 entitled: Mechanical Potato Peelers In the
Army. Photo Caption: Mechanical Potato Peelers In the Army? That’s what we thought too. But Pvt. Roger
Gray Eyes, a Navajo from Navajo Mouuntain, Utah, is doing it the old fashion way down at the 45th
division camp at North Fort Hood, Texas. And he’s showing the same old fashion distaste we remember.
Gray Eyes attends Riverside Indian School and is a member of Battery “B”, 158th Artillery. (Times Staff
Photo by George Tapscott).
Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 15 August 1958 entitled: Photo Caption: Gen. Bruce Clarke
visiting Battery “C”, 158th Artillery battalion, Weatherford, watches gunner at instruments Spl. 3/c Ronald
Gregory, Weatherford.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 18 February 1962 entitled: Guard Wins Commendation
On Inspection. Personnel of Headquarters Battery 158th Field Artillery, the local National Guard unit, was
commended for appearance and quality of training during the annual inspection Thursday by Lt. Col.
Edward B. Edward B. Hrdlicka Fourth Army Inspector General’s office. Col. Hrlicka inspected the battalion
maintenance shop, supervised by M/Sgt. Franklin T. Melott, during the morning. He also inspected pay
and personnel records of battalion headquarters. Capt Chester Bishop and Warrant Officer Dennis Roper
are in charge of these records. During the afternoon the inspector general looked at all records of
Headquarters Battery. CWO Gordon Spangler is in charge of all battery records. The inspection in ranks
and efficiency of training was observed during the units special drill period Thursday night. The verbal
compliment was made following the training period inspection. A written report will be sent to the unit on
official rating. Cityans Hosts To Commanders After Inspection. Officers and their wives of Headquarters,
First Howitzer Battalion 158th Artillery of Chickasha were guests of Capt. and Mrs. Chester Bishop, 24
Shanoan Drive at a reception following annual general inspection Thursday evening. Special guests were
Col. Edward B. Hrdlicka, inspector general Fourth U. S. Army of Fort Sam Houston Tex.; Col. Robert C.
Dunnington, commander 45th Division Artillery of Cherokee; Col. James E. Tindle adjutant generals staff
Oklahoma City and Maj. Larry E. Stephenson battalion commander and Mrs. Stephenson of Edmond.
The reception for the inspector general was a come and go buffet affair with a Valentine theme. Warrant
Officer and Mrs. Dennis Roper were co-hosts for the evening.

Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 14 July 1962 entitled: Thunderbirds Roost in Texas. By a
Staff Writer. Marshall, Texas. Thousands of 45th Infantry Division Thunderbirds enroute to North Fort
Polk, La., were streaming into Marshall Saturday. The Oklahoma National Guards will bivouac Saturday
night near this east Texas city of 32,000 before resuming their trip to Polk Sunday morning. Thunderbirds,
who left home Friday morning, spent Friday night camped near Ardmore, Antlers and Sherman, Texas.
Other units in southern Oklahoma hit the road early Saturday. And all roads Saturday were leading to
Marshall. The Oklahomans, moving in two long columns, started arriving here at 10 a.m. The last jeeps
and trucks were expected by 5:30 p.m. The Thunderbird convoys were fanning out over the Harrison
County airport as they arrived. Advanced 45th detachments have been here since late Thursday, making
arrangements and marking off areas where various units will pitch their tents. Marshall has pulled out the
stops in creating a friendly welcome for the Oklahomans. For example, an eight column headline in the
Marshall News Messenger Friday afternoon said, “Welcome to Marshall. Members of the Oklahoma 45th
Guard Division.” And movie goers who turned inside to the theatre advertisements found the local drive-in
would be closed to the public Saturday night due to a special showing for the 45th, arranged by the
Marshall chamber of commerce. The drive-in theatre adjoins the Harrison County airport where the 45th
will be camped. Approximately 6,000 Thunderbirds will be here, the rest of the division having moved on
to Polk in advanced detachments or by chartered non-stop buses Saturday. The 45th will eat 2,300
pounds of ground beef, 760 dozen eggs, 1,800 pounds of potatoes, 760 pounds of bacon, 510 pounds of
lettuce, 204 pounds of tomatoes, 360 pounds of coffee, 612 cans of peaches, 510 pounds of cookies and
741 loaves of bread. And just to keep things cool, they will use 10 tons of ice. Photo Caption: Big Blow; on
the big trip for Pvt. John W. Harper, Duncan, Battery “B”, 1st Howitzer Battalion, 158th Artillery, was when
he inflated the air mattress for his pup tent Saturday night in Texas. The 45th Infantry Division’s entire
contingent of some 6,000 men will have converged on Marshall, Texas, by night fall, on their way to a two
week encampment site at North Fort Polk, La. (Times staff photo by George Tapscott).

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 27 May 1964 entitled: Miss Mills Crowned Queen of
Local National Guard. Miss Jan Mills, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond T. Mills, 1213 Park, was
crowned queen of 1st Battalion, 158th Artillery of the National Guard during Headquarters Battery drill
Monday night at the Armory. Miss Mills won the queenship over contestants representing batteries at El
Reno, Duncan, and Pauls Valley, the other batteries in the 1st Battalion. Selection was made by vote of
men and officers of the battalion during a bivouac drill. The queen was crowned by Miss Juanita Forsythe,
the outgoing queen. Assisting in the ceremony were Miss Sandra Weaver and Mrs. Jerry Bitsche former
battalion queens. Miss Mills is a junior at Chickasha High School and a member of the Latin Club, Pep
Club and LTO. Her hobbies include dancing, swimming and horseback riding. The battalion queen is
featured on the National Guard float in the annual Rodeo parade and will be guest of the battalion at Fort
Chaffee during the weekend event of visiting dignitaries, the governor and Army generals, at the annual
summer training program, a two week field exercise. Selection of a battalion queen is an annual affair of
the National Guard with candidates nominated by members of the guard, then elected by popular vote of
the guardsmen. Following crowing exercises, the guardsmen served refreshments to the guests attending
the drill. Major Chester Bishop, Battalion S-3, was master of ceremonies for the crowning exercise, Capt.
Melford Scott is commander of Headquarters Battery. Photo Caption: National Guard Queen. Miss Jan
Mills is crowned queen of 1st Battalion of 158th Artillery by Miss Juanita Forsythe, outgoing queen, during
Monday night drill of Headquarters battery drill. Guardsmen, left to right are Sgt. Dennis Roper, SP4
Homer Forsythe, and Sgt. Dennis Roper.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 30 July 1964 entitled: Guardsmen Leave Saturday
Morning For Summer Camp. Members of Headquarters Battery, 158th Artillery, the local national guard
unit, will leave Saturday for the annual two week summer camp of the 45th Infantry Division. Camp will be
at Fort Chaffee, Ark. Chief Warrant Officer Gordon Spangler, battery officer, noted that 61 men and
officers; battalion staff and battery personnel, assigned here will take part in the training program. Also,
there are 29 men assigned to the unit who are now on six months active duty. The advanced detail
moved out in two sections with the first group leaving Tuesday and the second group leaving Friday, to go
ahead of the battery to draw supplies for arrival of the main troops. Lt. Freddie C. Ricks, mess officer, and
PFC. Jackie M. Hawpe, cook, left Tuesday. Then on Friday supply personnel, Capt. Luther G. Webb, Sfc
Rudy Hightower, Sgt Willard Edge, Sgt Robert A. Merritt, Sp4 Terry L. Singleton and Sp4 Johnny C.
Yingling, all members of the supply section and Maj. Chester Bishop, battalion training officer, will be off
for camp. The main unit of 51 men and officers will leave here at 4:55 a.m. Saturday by battalion vehicle
for Arkansas, along with all other units in the division. Approximately 6,500 men will be taking part in the
training program. Members of the unit here include Lt. Col. Larry E. Stevenson, battalion commander;
Maj. Woodrow Avritt, executive officer; Capt. Wayne C. T. Roach, S-2: Capt. Melford Scott, battery
commander; Capt. Earl Spriesterbach, communications; Capt. Joe A. Wheeler, assistant S-3; Capt.
Kenneth O. Hanks, liaison officer; Lt. Robert C. Poe, survey: CWO Gordon Spangler, radar; CWO Dennis
Roper, supply; WO Gene E. Wells, motor officer. MSgt Cecil D. Crawford, sergeant major; SFC Luther L.
Chapin, first sergeant: Sgt. Edgar R. Blunt, mess; Sgt. R. D. Robinett, supply. SFC William L. Barnes,
SFC Charles L. Bitsche; SFC Charles W. Carroll, Sgt. Thomas J. Hickey, Sgt. Clyde G. Baxter, Sgt. Verl
G. Hodge, Sgt Robert E. Ladwig, Sgt. Harold H. Spencer, Sgt. Woodrow F. Robinson, Sgt. Homer L.
Forsythe. Sp5 Jerry G. Buchanan, Sp5 Jerry L. Baker, Sp5 Wesley G. Campbell, Sp5 Roy L. Bush, Sp5
Dwain Fitzpatrick, Sp4 Dorance W. Clifton, Sp4 Alton J. McGuffin, Sp4 David A. Shipley, Sp4 Richard L.
Singleton, Sp4 Terry L. Singleton, Sp4 W. D. Winn, Sp4 Steven L. Winn, Sp4 David Richie.
Pfc Jimmy R. Browning, Pfc John W. Miracle, Pfc Carl O. Croskey, Pfc Michael R. Meigs, Pfc Albert G.
Shipley, Pfc Earl D. Still, Pfc Harvey G. Taylor, Pfc Lovell Taylor. Pvt. William G. Roberts, Pvt. Dennis R.
Alcorn, Pvt. John R. Baker, Pvt. Larry J. Miracle and Pvt. Warren E. Keeler. The personnel on six months
active duty now include Clayton Ashford, Russell L. Cochran, Jimmy J. Fielding, Everett J. Johnson,
Leroy Mayhugh, James L. Moore, Billy R. Morris. Allen R. Neff, Phillip J. Sampson and Jerry S. Smith,
James W. Waddell, Billy L. Aldridge, Victor B. Bolin, Thomas G. Busby, Edward D. Cummings, Walter L.
Davis, Lyndol R. Harris, Byron Jones, Gusma N. Martin, Michael F. Ogilvie, Olen A. McClenny, Richard
R. Ozman, James C. Roberts, Jessie F. Smith, Leon L. Stanley, Johnny W. Stewart, Kenneth D. Thomas,
Howard M. Tims and Gregory Virgin. The 100 cooks and mess officers reporting Wednesday will attend a
three day food school and the personnel arriving Friday will draw equipment to be used by the division
during the encampment. Also, on Friday the heavy howitzers and engineering equipment will arrive.
About 900 Army Reserve members will be attached to the 45th during the camp for training. These
include ordnance personnel and the postal unit. Capt. Scott, the battery commander, noted that first week
training will include field problems. Then on the first weekend at camp there will be the governor’s day
and also the Bbattery queen, Miss Jan Mills and her parents, will be guests, along with Gov. Henry
Bellmon, of the division. The guardsmen, headquarters battery, will return here about 4 p.m. Saturday,
Aug. 14, be dismissed then report back to the armory Sunday, Aug. 15, to clean and store equipment.
 Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 5 August 1971 entitled: Photo Caption: Gun Position,
Sgt. Joe Farley of Minco, left and Sgt. Jerry Lair of Chickasha place Cobra into position for firing. The two
members of Battery “C”, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, 45th Field Artillery Group of the Oklahoma
National Guard. The Guard is spending two weeks at Ft. Chaffee, Ark., for its annual summer camp. Capt.
Ken Bray of Norman is Battery Commander of the local unit and Sgt. Gordon Spangler is the First
Sergeant. Guardsmen will return to their home armories this weekend.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 8 July 1973 entitled: After 30 Years In Guard Spangler
Has Retired. The administrative supply technician for Battery “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma
Army National Guard here, M/Sgt. Gordon Spangler retired as of June 30 after 30 years of service. He
joined the Oklahoma National Guard in September, 1936, in Minco while he was going to high school.
Spangler was mobilized with the ONG/45th Division in September, 1940, serving at Ft. Sill; Camp
Barkeley, Texas; Fort Devens, Mass.; Pine Camp, NY; and Camp Pickett, VA; before going overseas. His
first combat was in July, 1943, in Sicily. From there he was involved in the beach landing at Salerno, Italy.
Other battles and well known places where served with the division were Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-
Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Alsace-Lorraine, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe and Germany.
His unit saw 511 days of combat. He missed seven of those in France while in the hospital. Spangler
returned home in July, 1945, under the point system. On Jan. 1, 1947, he went to work for the Oklahoma
Army National Guard here in Chickasha. The 45th Division was mobilized again in September, 1950, and
he saw action in Korea, returning home in 1952. He has seen many reorganizations and changes during
his military service and has trained many men and officers. He enlisted five men who became officers and
commanded the unit here. Spangler reached the rank of Chief Warrant Officer W3. He gave up the rank
in February, 1969, during reorganization of the Oklahoma National Guard, not wanting to move from
Chickasha. On retiring and leaving his full time duties here, he was again promoted to CWO W3 and will
serve part time with a National Guard unit in Lawton as battalion motor officer and advisor. He resides on
Route 2, Chickasha, with his wife, Pauline, and daughter, Mandy, where they raise black Angus cattle as
a hobby. Another daughter, Mrs. John Snow, lives in Oklahoma City.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 9 January 1974 entitled: Guard Unit Recognized With
Superior Award. Chickasha National Guardsmen consider their unit, Battery “C”, 1st Battalion, 158th
Artillery, the best in the country. Apparently some other people do too. At a meeting of the Ninth Field
Artillery Group last week in Oklahoma City, Capt. Jerry Davis, commanding officer of the local unit,
accepted a Department of the Army “Superior Unit Award” on behalf of the battery. This national award,
presented to various units throughout the country for a high degree of proficiency in their mission of
supporting the Regular Army establishment, is one of the highest presented by the National Guard
Bureau of the Department of the Army. “We’ve always said we were the best,” Capt. Davis said. “This is
just one more award to add to the list of things we’ve already received.” Last year, at summer camp, the
Chickasha unit was cited as “Best Battery Overall” and “Best Shooting Battery” in artillery completion. The
award presented for “Charlie Battery’s achievements in the areas of …..strength maintenance, military
occupational specialty qualification, satisfactory training and Annual General Inspection (AGI) ratings,
weapons qualifications, and maintenance,” according to the citation accompanying the award. The
citation also included a letter of commendation to the unit signed by Maj. Gen. David C. Matthews,
Adjutant General of the state of Oklahoma. Of the 14 awards presented to Oklahoma units this year, the
158th Artillery; the parent unit of the Chickasha battery; received four, one to each of the three firing
batteries based in Chickasha, Duncan, and Anadarko, and one to the Service Battery based in Lawton.
Photo Caption: Commended: Chickasha National Guards man SFC Richard Bennett, left, of Marlow, chief
of the firing battery and SFC Jimmie Sims, first sergeant of Chickasha, join Lt. Col. Norman Duckworth,
right, Sand Springs, battalion commander, in admiring the award presented recently to Battery “C”, 1st
Battalion, 158th Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard, commending the local unit as one of the
outstanding Guard units in the country. The “Superior Achievements Award” presented by the National
Guard Bureau of the Department of the Army, cite outstanding units throughout the country for
performance of duty during the preceding year. Of 15 such awards presented in Oklahoma, the 158th
Artillery received four this past year.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 18 January 1974 entitled: Inspection. PHOTO CAPTION:
Lt. Col. Richard K. Day, center, Office of the Army Inspector General based at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas,
examines a .45 cal pistol belonging to Battery “C”, 1st Battalion, 158th Artillery, Oklahoma Army National
Guard, during an inspection tour Thursday at the Chickasha Armory. Joining the colonel for the tour were
Capt. Calvin E. Koonce, right, a former commander of the Chickasha battery who is currently serving on
the battalion staff and Sergeant First Class Jimmie Sims, first sergeant of the local unit. The tour was
conducted as part of the Annual General Inspection (AGI) by the Department of the Army to check
readiness of all National Guard units. Results will now be compiled and collated with results from other
battalion units based in Anadarko, Duncan, and Lawton, and a final report rating will be issued later in the
year.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 22 April 1974 entitled: Command Visit: Photo Caption:
Captain Jerry Davis, battery commander of Chickasha’s Battery “C”, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery,
Oklahoma Army National Guard, greets Major General David C. Matthews, left, Adjutant General of the
State of Oklahoma, during the battery’s monthly drill at Ft. Sill Saturday. Awaiting their chance to meet the
general are First Lieutenant Christopher Bills, second from right, Assistant Executive Officer of the battery,
and Sergeant First Class Jimmie Sims, right, battery first sergeant. During the briefing that followed, the
general reaffirmed that he considers the battalion and the Chickasha unit “…one of the best Guard outfits
in the country.”

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 2 May 1974 entitled: Roll Em. Photo Caption: Second
Lieutenant Gary L. Ransom of Duncan, Executive Officer of Chickasha’s Battery “C”, 1st Battalion, 158th
Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard, awaits the snap of the traditional clap board and the command
“roll em” during filming of a documentary about Guard artillery units recently at Ft. Sill. The Chickasha
battery was the only 8” self propelled howitzer unit in the nation selected to be included in the film.
Published by “The Chickasha Star” on 18 July 1974 entitled: Guardsmen Assist In OCLA Camp Program.
"The Guard Belongs" has long been the trademark of the National Guard. It calls attention to the
Guard's unique position of being both a military unit in time of war and a civilian assistance unit during
peacetime disasters. More important, it calls attention to the Guard's position of peacetime soldiers,
serving in their home community, as a vital part of the community. Last Friday, local guardsmen got the
chance to demonstrate this participation in local affairs, as volunteers of Battery "C", 1st Battalion, 158th
Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard, Chickasha's Guard unit, joined hands with the Oklahoma
College of Liberal Arts Summer Camp for "inconvenienced" children to provide support for the camp's
overnight camp-out near Lake Burtschi. "Handicapped” and we don't like to really use that term, children
have a tendency to be over protected." she continued, "and this gave them a chance to get out and
provide for themselves." The summer camp staff contacted Sergeant First Class Jimmie Sims of
Chickasha, "Charlie' Battery First Sergeant, late in June about the possibility of assistance for the camp-
out. The idea was passed on to higher headquarters, and approval was granted to use the military
vehicles to transport the children. Then, on June 27, SFC Sims, Staff Sergeant John Gedraitis of
Chickasha, Private First Class Ronnie Logue of Lindsay, made a trip out to the college campus where
they demonstrated how to erect tents for the campers and camp staff. The jeep they took quickly became
the focal point of interest for the campers as PFC Logue took several jeep loads of the campers for rides
around the college's athletic field. "That's when we figured that taking some vehicles to the camp-out for
rides would be very popular," SFC Sims said. Early Friday morning, SFC Sims, PFC Logue, Staff
Sergeant Dorrance Clifton of Minco, and Specialist Fourth Class John Rhamy of Chickasha; all
volunteers; arrived at the local armory to load tents and equipment aboard the "Gamma-Goat" (all-terrain
cargo-troop vehicles) and the truck which would be taken to the field. About two that afternoon, the
convoy moved out to OCLA, where the campers gear was loaded and the group moved to the lake. Upon
arrival, the Guardsmen, set up two large squad tents for the campers, and then, again, spent the rest of
their time giving rides around the park area to the children. For the children, it was difficult to decide
whether to ride on the "Gamma Goat", the 5-ton truck, or the jeep. Many solved that problem very easily
by riding on all three. Some 25 campers participated, so there was plenty of room for all in the vehicles.
"This was the second camp-out we've had," Miss Simmons said, "and in some respects was the better of
the two." "The campers really enjoyed the rides," she concluded. "They were still talking about it the next
day." added Mrs. Sylvia Turner, an OCLA student and member of the camp staff. For the campers, the
rides were only part of the total program of the camp-out. When the Guardsmen left, the campers
assisted in cooking supper outdoors, and then most went fishing Friday evening. Prior to going to bed,
they also enjoyed a bonfire and marshmallow toast. Saturday morning, the campers went on a nature
hike after breakfast, had lunch, and cleaned up the area, prior to the arrival of Guardsmen, who took them
back to OCLA campus. The campers returned to the campus about 2:30 p.m., where they and the
Guardsmen unloaded the trucks, and the soldiers were able to return to the armory where the unit's
monthly training drill was in progress. "On behalf of the entire program," Miss Simmons said, "we'd like to
express our thanks to the Guard for their help." "The Guardsmen made the program go," Mrs. Turner
added. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing they had helped others, the Guardsmen received an
additional bonus from the camp-out; some of the male counselors are of the age to enlist in the National
Guard. SSG Clifton, recruiter for the local unit, made the most of this opportunity. Though no one signed
up at the time, some good prospective members were interviewed. Photo Caption: Loading, PFC Ronnie
Logue of Lindsay, left, and SP4 John Rhamy of Chickasha, members of Btry "C" 1st Bn. 158th FA.
OKARNG, Chickasha's National Guard unit help OCLA summer campers load equipment prior to going
on an overnight camp-out at Lake Burtschi last weekend. The Guardsmen transported the children out to
the camping area and set up tents for them as part of the camp's activity program. The Guardsmen also
picked the children up Saturday and returned them to the OCLA campus. Photo Caption: Final Check;
Private First Class Arvel Hignite, top, and Specialist Fourth Class John Rhamy, both of Chickasha, run
last minute checks on the engine of a "Gamma-Goat", an all-terrain cargo-troop vehicle, during a drill this
past weekend for Battery "C", 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard,
Chickasha's Guard unit. The Guardsmen spent this past weekend making final preparations for the
battery's move to summer camp at Ft. Sill Saturday. The unit will spend two weeks at camp, perfecting
military skills practiced throughout the year. Highlight of the camp will be a retreat parade Friday
afternoon, July 26, and a day night firing proficiency test Wednesday, July 31. The Guardsmen will return
to the local armory August 3.
Published by “The Chickasha Star” on 25 July 1974 entitled: Guard Wraps Up Training Week.
Chickasha's National Guard unit Btry C, 1st Bn. 158th Field Artillery, wraps up the first week of their
annual two-week summer camp at Ft. Sill with a parade and review tomorrow at 4 p.m. The public is
invited to attend. The local battery moved to Lawton post last Saturday and immediately moved into the
field to establish emplacements from which they've been training this week. Sunday, the unit drew their
battery's primary weapon; the 8" self propelled howitzer and moved the big guns into position. This was a
departure from past years in that once the bivouac areas were set up, the Guardsmen were released until
they were needed again, rather than just having to stay in the area. Monday morning, training began in
earnest as the unit moved into the field and began calibration exercises designed to assure that the guns
were firing accurately. The local battery finished their missions early, which was fortunate, since a range
fire late in the afternoon prevented any further firing. Tuesday, the local Guardsmen fired practice
missions, making sure everything was in order for their Practice ATT (Army Training Test) Wednesday.
The ATT, which includes both daylight and darkness fire missions and a night movement and
emplacement and was a "dry run" for the ATT to be fired by the battalion next week. That test will be
scored by Regular Army evaluators and which will, in a large part, determine the battery's efficiency rating
for the year. Today, the Guardsmen will spend firing some additional practice missions and will return
from the field this evening in order to clean equipment and prepare for tomorrow's parade and review.
Following the parade, the Guardsmen will be released; except for those few who have been selected for
duty assignments over the weekend and will have the weekend free until training resumes Monday
morning. The local unit is scheduled to return to Chickasha, Saturday, Aug. 3. Photo Caption: Roadsigns:
SSG Carl Croskey, left, and SFC Gordon Spangler, both of Chickasha and both members of Chickasha's
Btry C, 1st Bn. 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard, set up road signs marking the
battery's positions as the unit moved into the field this past week to begin annual summer training.
Highlight of the week's activity will be a formal parade and review open to the public at 4 p.m. tomorrow.
The Guardsmen will return to Chickasha Aug. 3.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 26 July 1974 entitled: New Officers: Photo Caption: One
day of each National Guard summer camp, the officers of each unit are taken away for an orientation
session, and command of the unit passes to the senior non-commissioned officers, who fill the positions
vacated by the departed officers. Here SFC Jimmie Sims, second from left, normally battery first sergeant
turned battery commander, briefs his staff, left to right, chief of the firing battery SSG Ken Roden of
Chickasha, chief of the fire direction center SSG Joe Tubb of Hereford, Tex., and executive officer SFC
Richard Bennett of Chickasha. The NCO’s commanded the local battery all day Thursday and will
continue to command as the unit moves in from the field and prepares for a parade and review at 4. P.m.
today when the regular officers will re-assume command. The men are members of Chickasha’s Btry “C”,
1st Bn., 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 28 July 1974 entitled: Hall Lauds Guard For Meeting
Challenge Of “No Draft” Policy. Gov. David Hall presented an award to a local Guardsman Friday and an
award to the local National Guard unit during a parade and review which capped the first week of training
for the local “citizen soldiers”, Btry “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard. SFC
Gordon Spangler, Route 2, Chickasha was presented the Oklahoma Guardsmen Medal for outstanding
service to the Guard from 1952 to 1974. SFC Spangler, a Guardsman since 1936, recently retired as a
warrant officer. Following that retirement, he rejoined the unit as an enlisted man in his present rank. The
battery was also presented a plague by the governor for being a finalist in the 1974 “Armory Improvement
Program”, in which Guard units are honored for improvements made to the physical facilities at their
armories without using government funds. SFC John Snow of Oklahoma City accepted the award for the
local battery. In a short speech, Gov. Hall praised the Guardsmen for their accomplishments this past
year. The governor said Oklahoma’s Guard met the challenge of the “no draft” policy by undertaking an
ambitious recruiting drive which is “a model program for the rest of the nation”. The governor went on to
say that the state Guard is some 1,800 men over-strength. “This is the first time in history that National
Guard units have reached this level in peacetime,” Gov. Hall told members of the 45th Field Artillery
Group. He also said all state Guard units passed their annual general inspections and 29 of the 68 units
in the state were commended by Regular Army inspectors. Among the military officers reviewing the
parade were State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David C. Matthews; Ft. Sill Commanding General Maj.
Gen. David E. Ott; Brig. Gen. William Youell, assistant adjutant general; and Brig. Gen. John Isbell,
commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. A 19-gun salute was fired by a 105mm howitzer battery
to honor the governor and reviewing officer. The Chickasha Guardsmen at Ft. Sill will have the weekend
off, but will resume training in the field Monday. They will return to the local armory Saturday. Photo
Caption: Commendation: SFC Gordon Spangler, Route 2, Chickasha, a member of Btry “C”, 1st Bn,
158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard; Chickasha’s Guard unit; is congratulated by Gov.
David Hall during a parade and review ceremony Friday at Ft. Sill. SFC Spangler was presented the
Oklahoma Guardsman Medal for his outstanding service to the National Guard in the years he has been
a member. The parade capped the first week of annual summer training for local Guardsmen, who will
resume operations in the field Monday. The unit will return to Chickasha next Saturday.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 29 July 1974 entitled: Photo Caption: “Forward
Observation”: Lt. William Ohl and SSG Robert Ladwig, both of Chickasha and members of Battery “C”,
1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Chickasha’s National Guard Unit, watch artillery rounds as they hit in the
impact area and send back information so the battery’s eight-inch howitzers can be sighted in closer to
the target. The unit is beginning its second week of summer camp today.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 31 July 1974 entitled: Local Guardsmen Near End of
Summer Camp. Photo Caption: Top Grads. Of the four top places among National Guardsmen attending
Nuclear Assemblers School during summer camp at Ft. Sill, three belonged to members of Battery “C”,
1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Chickasha’s Guard battery. They include, left to right, SP4 Ronald M.
McKenzie of Edmond, who finished second with a 94.5 average; SP4 Gary Tyler of El Reno, who topped
the group with a 95 average; and SP4 John Suber of Chickasha, who placed fourth with a 88.5 average.
A Guardsmen from Duncan took third place. The school involves learning how to assemble a nuclear
round which can then be fired by the eight inch howitzers used by the battalion. Students who qualify for
the security clearance necessary attend classes one weekend a month for one year, and then finish the
course with a concentrated week long session during summer camp. (For additional photos of the Guard
unit’s summer training see page 8). Photo Caption: Police call; Despite new ideas in a “new Army”, some
things probably will never change, such as the military’s obsession with leaving an area cleaner than they
found it. Participating in the time honored procedure of “policing the area” are SP4 David Shipley and SP4
Mearl Malone, both of Chickasha and members of Chickasha’s Battery “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery,
Oklahoma Army National Guard. The unit is currently attending annual summer training at Ft. Sill. Page 8;
Photo Caption: Arrival-Governor David Hall, accompanied by Col. James Bullock, right, commander of the
45th Artillery Group, and Maj. Gen. David C. Matthews, Adjutant General, rear, proceed to the reviewing
stand for last Friday’s parade and review. The governor spoke briefly to the assembled troops and then
presented awards, including two to Chickasha battery. Photo Caption: Presentation-SFC John Snow of
Oklahoma City accepts a plaque from Gov. David Hall on behalf of “Charlie Battery” for the unit’s being
finalist in the 1974 “Armory Improvement Program.” Under the program, local armories are commended
for improvements made to their physical facilities without the use of government funds. Photo Caption: On
the way- A puff of smoke from the barrel and contorted faces of crew members announce that another
round has been fired by guns of Battery “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard,
Chickasha’s Guard unit, currently attending annual training at Ft. Sill. Crew members, left to right, SSG
Dennis Boyd of Lindsay, SP4 Jerry Taylor of Alex, and SP4 James Doolittle, also of Alex, react to the
noise as the eight inch shell is sent on its way. The unit is engaged in an “ATT” (Army Training Test) today
which will help to determine its efficiency rating for the year. “Charlie” Battery is scheduled to return to
Chickasha Saturday. Photo Caption: Plot- SP5 Gary Pinkston of Oklahoma City, computes firing data
manually during a fire mission. His answers are then used to back up data received from the unit’s
computer to establish range and deflection readings, which are then sent to the battery’s guns. In effect,
this is “aiming” the shell to fall on the intended target. Photo Caption: Briefing- Capt. Jerry Davis, center,
commanding officer for “Charlie” Battery, briefs his men prior to leaving for field exercises last week. Such
briefings are held at least daily so that troops at all levels will understand the tactical situation facing the
unit at any particular time. Photo Caption: Computer- SP4 Gary Findley of Hinton await information from
the FADAC computer in figuring distance from firing battery target. The computer has just recently been
put into use to save time calculating this information. Photo Caption: Number Please- They’re not exactly
the stereotyped telephone operators, but SP4 David Burns, left of Gracemont and SP5 Jim Moore of
Chickasha serve the same functions in keeping line of communications open. The switchboard operators
are communications specialist with Battery “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National
Guard, currently in training at Ft. Sill. Photo Caption: Fire Mission- The cry of “fire mission” brings crews
running to their weapon “on the double.” Here, left to right, SP4 Charles Jenkins of Cement, SP4 James
Doolittle of Alex, SSG Dennis Boyd of Lindsay, and SP4 George Faulkner of Alex, race to get their gun
into action. In a test situation, such as the battery faces today, the amount of time which elapses between
the time a mission is called and the round is fired is critical in the final evaluation of the battery. Photo
Caption: At Home on the Range- SGT Mark Cavin of Chickasha and SP4 Kenneth Handke of Verden,
both cooks in the Chickasha unit, check on some meat they have cooking in the messhall for the evening
meal. When the battery moves to the field, the cook section has to prepare the meals outdoors using
portable equipment. Photo Caption: Bushman’s Holiday- With training drawing to a close, Guardsmen are
taking the opportunity of visiting some of the “tourist” attractions at Ft. Sill, such as this field gun on the
post’s famous “Cannon Walk.” Comparing the gun to modern weapons are SP4 Roy Harris, left, and SP4
Gregory Cook, both of Chickasha. Photo Caption: Picnic- PFC Mike Opitz of Verden, a member of the
Chickasha Guard unit, enjoys his evening meal in the field after completing Monday’s training.
Published by “The Chickasha Star” on 1 August 1974 entitled: Plague Awarded to Guard Unit. The local
National Guard unit was presented an award by Governor David Hall during the parade and review
ceremonies at Fort Sill on Friday, July 26, capping off the end of the first week of summer camp activity.
The plaque was given by the governor to Btry “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National
Guard at Chickasha for being one of six finalists in the 1974 “Armory Improvement Program,” in which
Guard units are honored for improvements made to the physical facilities at their armories without using
government funds. Separate classes are designed in the competition for units with older armories and
those with newer armories. Chickasha’s unit used funds from the skating rink and coke machines to make
improvements at the armory. The unit was submitted for the award through the 45th Group and were
chosen in the top six finalist. SFC John Snow of Oklahoma City accepted the award for the local battery. A
local Guardsman, SFC Gordon Spangler, Route 2, Chickasha, was presented the Oklahoma Guardsman
Medal for outstanding service to the Guard from 1952 to 1974. SFC Spangler, a Guardsman since 1936,
recently retired as a warrant officer. Following that retirement, he rejoined the unit as an enlisted man in
his present rank. In a short speech, Gov. Hall praised the Guardsmen for their accomplishments this past
year when they were called on 28 times to assist with emergencies. The governor said Oklahoma’s Guard
met the challenge of the “no draft” policy by undertaking an ambitious recruiting drive which is “a model
program for the rest of the nation”. He went on to say that the state Guard is some 1,800 men over-
strength. “This is the first time in history that National Guard units have reached this level in peacetime,”
Gov. Hall told members of the 45th Field Artillery Group. He also said all state Guard units passed their
annual general inspections and 29 of the 68 units in the state were commended by Regular Army
inspectors. Among the military officers reviewing the parade were State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David
C. Matthews; Ft. Sill Commanding General Maj. Gen. David E. Ott; Brig. Gen. William Youell, assistant
adjutant general; and Brig. Gen. John Isbell, commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. A 19-gun
salute was fired by a 105mm howitzer battery to honor the governor and reviewing officer. A spokesman
for the local guard unit said three members of the group went to Nuclear Assembly School and placed
first, second and fourth. The course extends over the period of a year and the men finished up with their
one week session at summer camp. SP4 Gary Tyler, El Reno, scored 95 for first place; Ronald McKenzie,
Edmond, scored 94 ½ for second; third place went to Bravo Battery in Duncan and SP4 John Surber,
Chickasha, was fourth with 88. The guardsmen fired their Annual Training Test on Wednesday and ending
at 8 a.m. on Thursday. It included a test of defensive positions with regular army troops at Fort Sill acting
as aggressors. Friday will be spent cleaning up and getting ready to come back home. The group will
return to the local armory on Saturday. Photo Caption: Pass in Review: Captain Davis, Battery
Commander of Battery “C” 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, commands "Eyes Right," as the local unit
passes in review during the Parade and Review of the 45th Artillery Group at Fort Sill on Friday, July 26th.
The local unit, which has been named as outstanding unit in National Guard competition for the past year,
received the Armory Improvement Award at the parade. Photo Caption: Receiving Salute from Governor
David Hall is SFC John Snow of Oklahoma City, who accepted the award for the local battery for being a
finalist in the 1974 “Armory Improvement Program,” in which Guard units are honored for improvements
made to the physical facilities at their armories without using government funds. Photo Caption: SFC
Robert Ladwig, “C” Battery, 1/158 Field Artillery, Chickasha, takes information via radio telephone to be
relayed to gun crews manning the huge eight inch guns at Ft. Sill where some 1,750 Oklahoma Army
National Guardsmen are attending two weeks of active duty training.

Published by “The Lawton Constitution” on 28 January 1975 entitled: Guard, Reserve Train at Sill.
Simulated warfare, parachute jumping, and firing the 155mm self-propelled howitzer is on tap for reserves
and national guard this weekend Fort Sill. Approximately 460 local members of the Oklahoma National
Guard plan classroom activities in Snow Hall this weekend. The 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery is an
eight inch self-propelled howitzer unit based in Lawton. Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Special Forces,
from Oklahoma City will conduct parachute exercises and simulated warfare in the Blue Beaver Valley on
the West Range. Two helicopters from Fort Sill's 178th Aviation Company will support the operation.
Wichita Falls, Tex. national guardsmen will fire six 155mm self-propelled howitzers at the Rabbit Hill firing
point this weekend. Fort Sill's 1st Battalion, 18th Field Artillery is hosting the guardsmen from C Battery,
2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery. The 450 Texans will bivouac in the field and conduct reconnaissance,
selection, and occupation of position exercises.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 11 February 1975 entitled: Guard Plans Open House On
Sunday. The Chickasha unit, Battery “C”, 158th Artillery, of the National Guard will have an open house
Sunday, at the Armory located at 725 Chickasha Avenue. The activity will be 1 p.m. to 5 pm. This is an
annual event aimed at trying to give everyone in the community a chance to see what the local
guardsmen do during a week-end drill. Types of equipment used by the guardsmen will be on display and
personnel and will be on hand to explain the characteristics and use of each piece of equipment. Special
events will include simulated fire missions on the 8-inch self propelled howitzer, tours through all areas of
the Armory and rides on different types of Army vehicles. Last year was the first year for the annual event
and over 150 residents of the community toured the Armory. Residents of the community are urged to
attend the open house Sunday as a National Guard unit belongs to the community in which it is located.
Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 18 February 1975 entitled: National Guard Received
Award. Chickasha National Guard, Battery “C”, 158th Artillery, was presented the “Superior Unit Training”
award during the Open House Sunday at the Armory, said Capt. Jerry D. Davis, of Oklahoma City,
commander. Maj. Merrill Burruss, a former Chickasha resident and now the battalion commander, made
the presentation. This award is issued by the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D. C. for outstanding
training at the unit level. This is the third consecutive year the local battery has received this coveted
award. Also awards were presented to wives of guardsmen. Capt. Davis said, “I was very with the training
of Battery “C” during 1974 and we will continue to keep this kind of training up during 1975. I am proud to
serve as this battery’s commander as it is the best unit in the State of Oklahoma.” Though there was sleet
and snow, along with cold winds, a number of area residents visited the armory to see the military
equipment and visit with guardsmen. Most activities were held inside due to the weather. Visits were
guided through various sections of the armory and an explanation was given by the men on training
received during guard drill and also at weekend training sessions at Fort Sill. An opportunity was given for
visitors to ask questions about sectional training, duties of guardsmen and drill on the self-propelled eight
inch howitzers, the firing pieces for the battery. Battery officials and men were pleased with the turn out at
the “Open House” and the interest in military training. Residents can now better understand the National
Guard’s place in the community, said Capt. Cook. Anyone having questions about the National Guard
may contact Sgt. Sims at the Armory. Photo Caption: Superior Unit Training Award; Maj. Merrill Burruss,
Battalion Commander of the 158th Artillery, left, presents the Superior Training award to Lt. Bill Ohl, the
training officer of Btry “C”, 1st Bn, 158th Artillery for outstanding training in 1974.
Published by “The Oklahoma City Times” on 11 December 1975 entitled: Guard to Study: Ft. Sill-One
hundred-nine Oklahoma National Guardsmen will study in Ft. Sill classrooms this weekend. The 2nd
Battalion, 158th Field Artillery from Oklahoma City will study the Honest John rocket at the Field Artillery
School. Ft. Sill's 5th Training Battalion is providing administrative support. I-See-0 Hall will be the site of
survey training for the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, based in Lawton. The 24 local students will be
taught by instructors from the Oklahoma National Guard.

Published by “The Chickasha Daily Express” on 12 August 1976 entitled: National Guardsmen Due Home
On Weekend. By SFC Tom House. It’s been a long, hot summer camp for Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion,
158th Field Artillery from Chickasha. At Fort Chaffee during intensive training exercised they came
through with flying colors and many smiles on their faces as the week ended. For they were all “short
timers” with only a few days of summer camp remaining; then home to “mama.” Pumping those 200
pound shells down range every day gets to be hot, dry, dusty work. Shoot and move; or move and
shoot…their eight inch self-propelled howitzer is designed to do just that. Sometimes they get to move
into an area and take time to get set up and get organized before a fire mission is thrown at them. Other
times, they just “hip shoot”, pull off the road, man their guns, take their orders over the radio, slam a shell
home and start firing. That’s when it gets hairy, cause those Regular Army evaluators are breathing down
each battery’s neck to see how long it takes them to fire and if they make any mistakes. Of course, hitting
what they’re shooting at helps their ratings too. Charlie Battery usually hits what it shoots at. They’ve even
named their gun “Super Bee,” because she’s got such a big sting. Each man on the crew knows his job
and does it. Just as he does in and around Chickasha when he’s not manning “Super Bee” at camp or
during drill weekends. As civilians, some sell auto parts, some work in warehouses, and others build
mobile homes. But at Fort Chaffee for two weeks of training with the Oklahoma Army National Guard,
they are all Charlie Battery, and darn proud of it. Photo Caption: Even with ear plugs in their ears “Super
Bee” gun crew members hold their ears for the loud noise the gun makes. Members of Charlie Battery,
1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery, Chickasha, are winding up their two week summer camp at Fort
Chaffee, Ark., and will return home this weekend.

Published by “The Burleson Star” on 3 June 1985 entitled: In service: Pvt. William Ruel Hunt of Burleson
has begun basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. He is among a group of over 40 Oklahoma Army National Guard
members that assembled at National Guard Headquarters in Oklahoma City from across the state for final
processing before departing for their basic training stations. During their training each individual will be
exposed to eight weeks of extensive training in basic combat and soldiering skills. Hunt is the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Leon Hunt and is assigned to 1st Battalion 158th Field Artillery, Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Established 26 February 1920