SGT Walter Tillman Blankertz (1895-1918) - Find A Grave Memorial

World War One was the first time in American history that the U.S. sent soldiers abroad to defend foreign soil.

On 6 April 1917, the United States declared war against Germany (however, British and French troops had already been fighting since August 1914).

Walter Tillman Blankertz enlisted as a Private (Service #269473) in the Michigan National Guard on 15 July 1917, and was assigned to Company F, 31st Infantry Regiment

The Michigan Guard merged with members of the Wisconsin Guard to form the 32nd Infantry Division on 18 July 1917, and conducted maneuver training at Camp MacArthur near Waco, Texas.

PFC Blankertz deployed "Over There" on 9 Feb 1918 from the Hoboken Port of Embarkation, New Jersey

Hoboken was known internationally as a port of entry to America, but now became famous as a port of departure for WW One. General John J. Pershing, commander of the AEF, told departing troops that they would be in “Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken” by Christmas.

Sgt Blankertz first saw combat action in the Haute-Alsace sector, France between 18 May and 21 July, 1918

Next was the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, Aisne-Marne Offensive, France, from 18 July 1918 thru 6 Aug 1918

Sgt Walter T. Blankertz: KIA on 1 Aug 1918

Company C, 120th Machine Gun Battalion, 63rd Infantry Brigade, 32nd Division, 1st Army Corps, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

The 32nd "Red Arrow" Division was organized under War Department orders of 18 July 1917, from National Guard troops from Wisconsin and Michigan.

Sgt Blankertz (#269473) was a member Company F of the Michigan 31st Infantry Regiment, when mobilized.

The 120th Machine Gun Battalion was formed from surplus companies of the Michigan Infantry Brigade and Major David E. Cleary, formerly in command of the 3rd Battalion, 31st Michigan Infantry, was assigned to the Command.

By the time Germany signed the Armistice on November 11, 1918, the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) had sustained more than 320,000 casualties, including over 53,000 killed in action (KIA), over 63,000 non-combat related deaths (mainly due to the influenza pandemic of 1918), and 204,000 wounded.

The shoulder insignia worn by its soldiers--a Red Arrow--signifies that the division shot through every line the enemy threw before it. The French, high in their praise of the 32nd Division's accomplishments, gave it the name of "Les Terribles."

Walter T Blankertz