Lawrence M. Wimmer
Sergeant, U.S. Army
353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Died: September 7, 1918
Buried at: Plot C Row 11 Grave 18
St. Mihiel American Cemetery
Thiaucourt, France
∼Lawrence was the 4th of 6 children. He married Mabel Heikes in May 1917. He was killed during war in Chateau-Thierry, France. I'm including a long letter because it is just too great to miss.
Lawrence, Kansas
939 Indiana
9-30-1919
Mr. M. M. Wimmer
Liberal, Kansas
Dear Mr. Wimmer,
Got your letter today asking about Lawrence Wimmer's death in France. Wish to state that I did not see Lawrence get killed but saw him very shortly afterward.
On the morning of Sept. 9, 1918 the Germans came over with a raiding party of about 200 men to make and attack on a Platoon of Co. D 333rd Infantry, evidently for the purpose of taking prisoners. There were not nearly as many Americans as there were Germans. It was early in the morning, quite foggy and no one could see far ahead. The Germans had crawled pretty close to the American line before they were detected, probably 30 to 50 yards away. Of course, the Germans got in the American trench and the Americans were up on top of the trench holding their own and making it awfully hot for the Dutch. Lawrence with his Lieutenant was down the trench a short distance with some boys away from the main command post. They were supposed to hold their part of the line. It seems that the Germans did not hit their part of the line directly so Lawrence and his lieutenant got up on the firing step of the trench to look over the parapet to see where the Dutch were and what they might do to help, where they might be needed. The two were mistaken for Jerrys' by our own men, it being so hazy and foggy and one of our own men shot Lawrence by mistake. The bullet struck in the middle of the forehead, he no doubt never knew what hit him and never suffered an instant. No medical aid could have saved him.
His body at that time was buried by the Chaplain in good form at Minouville (this is as close as I could make out the spelling), France. Two other Americans were buried at the same time and no telling how many Dutch. Enough to say the German never got a prisoner and we got several of them.
I bundled up some of his belongings and sent them according to regulations to the Chief Quartermaster in France to be dispatched to United States. Forgot just what articles I got, not very many though. I remember I did not take his ring because his finger was enlarged a little and I could not get it off without mutilating his hand. Maybe it was taken off later by the men who buried his body but I hardly think so.
It struck me pretty hard to see Lawrence give up his life because we had associated quite a bit in Camp Frenston (KS) and over there I remember the last time our battalions was in Reserve before he was killed, I ate with his company and he and I always took our mess kits and found some place to sit while eating. We would talk about home maybe the next time we went to the front they might get one of us or both of us and too we talked about how we both might get throu the war without a scratch. He and I were good friends. I liked him fine. He was an excellent soldier.
Of course, I can say little for your consolation. You may rest assured he died doing his duty, he knew no fear, he was an excellent soldier and it was only with that spirit that the cause of Righteousness prevailed and our Government and Country were made secure against savages like the Belgian people had to endure.
Thousands of Americans gave all they had and if it would have been necessary millions more would have done likewise.
I trust that in your sorrow, you will see the Big Cause for what Lawrence did and leave the rest for Eternity to compensate.
Assuring you that I am interested in your present bereavement and trusting that this letter will in fact answer your desires, I am
Very Respectfully,
J. W. Twente
Lawrence, Kansas
Sergeant, U.S. Army
353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Died: September 7, 1918
Buried at: Plot C Row 11 Grave 18
St. Mihiel American Cemetery
Thiaucourt, France
∼Lawrence was the 4th of 6 children. He married Mabel Heikes in May 1917. He was killed during war in Chateau-Thierry, France. I'm including a long letter because it is just too great to miss.
Lawrence, Kansas
939 Indiana
9-30-1919
Mr. M. M. Wimmer
Liberal, Kansas
Dear Mr. Wimmer,
Got your letter today asking about Lawrence Wimmer's death in France. Wish to state that I did not see Lawrence get killed but saw him very shortly afterward.
On the morning of Sept. 9, 1918 the Germans came over with a raiding party of about 200 men to make and attack on a Platoon of Co. D 333rd Infantry, evidently for the purpose of taking prisoners. There were not nearly as many Americans as there were Germans. It was early in the morning, quite foggy and no one could see far ahead. The Germans had crawled pretty close to the American line before they were detected, probably 30 to 50 yards away. Of course, the Germans got in the American trench and the Americans were up on top of the trench holding their own and making it awfully hot for the Dutch. Lawrence with his Lieutenant was down the trench a short distance with some boys away from the main command post. They were supposed to hold their part of the line. It seems that the Germans did not hit their part of the line directly so Lawrence and his lieutenant got up on the firing step of the trench to look over the parapet to see where the Dutch were and what they might do to help, where they might be needed. The two were mistaken for Jerrys' by our own men, it being so hazy and foggy and one of our own men shot Lawrence by mistake. The bullet struck in the middle of the forehead, he no doubt never knew what hit him and never suffered an instant. No medical aid could have saved him.
His body at that time was buried by the Chaplain in good form at Minouville (this is as close as I could make out the spelling), France. Two other Americans were buried at the same time and no telling how many Dutch. Enough to say the German never got a prisoner and we got several of them.
I bundled up some of his belongings and sent them according to regulations to the Chief Quartermaster in France to be dispatched to United States. Forgot just what articles I got, not very many though. I remember I did not take his ring because his finger was enlarged a little and I could not get it off without mutilating his hand. Maybe it was taken off later by the men who buried his body but I hardly think so.
It struck me pretty hard to see Lawrence give up his life because we had associated quite a bit in Camp Frenston (KS) and over there I remember the last time our battalions was in Reserve before he was killed, I ate with his company and he and I always took our mess kits and found some place to sit while eating. We would talk about home maybe the next time we went to the front they might get one of us or both of us and too we talked about how we both might get throu the war without a scratch. He and I were good friends. I liked him fine. He was an excellent soldier.
Of course, I can say little for your consolation. You may rest assured he died doing his duty, he knew no fear, he was an excellent soldier and it was only with that spirit that the cause of Righteousness prevailed and our Government and Country were made secure against savages like the Belgian people had to endure.
Thousands of Americans gave all they had and if it would have been necessary millions more would have done likewise.
I trust that in your sorrow, you will see the Big Cause for what Lawrence did and leave the rest for Eternity to compensate.
Assuring you that I am interested in your present bereavement and trusting that this letter will in fact answer your desires, I am
Very Respectfully,
J. W. Twente
Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence M. Wimmer
Sergeant, U.S. Army
353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Died: September 7, 1918
Buried at: Plot C Row 11 Grave 18
St. Mihiel American Cemetery
Thiaucourt, France
∼Lawrence was the 4th of 6 children. He married Mabel Heikes in May 1917. He was killed during war in Chateau-Thierry, France. I'm including a long letter because it is just too great to miss.
Lawrence, Kansas
939 Indiana
9-30-1919
Mr. M. M. Wimmer
Liberal, Kansas
Dear Mr. Wimmer,
Got your letter today asking about Lawrence Wimmer's death in France. Wish to state that I did not see Lawrence get killed but saw him very shortly afterward.
On the morning of Sept. 9, 1918 the Germans came over with a raiding party of about 200 men to make and attack on a Platoon of Co. D 333rd Infantry, evidently for the purpose of taking prisoners. There were not nearly as many Americans as there were Germans. It was early in the morning, quite foggy and no one could see far ahead. The Germans had crawled pretty close to the American line before they were detected, probably 30 to 50 yards away. Of course, the Germans got in the American trench and the Americans were up on top of the trench holding their own and making it awfully hot for the Dutch. Lawrence with his Lieutenant was down the trench a short distance with some boys away from the main command post. They were supposed to hold their part of the line. It seems that the Germans did not hit their part of the line directly so Lawrence and his lieutenant got up on the firing step of the trench to look over the parapet to see where the Dutch were and what they might do to help, where they might be needed. The two were mistaken for Jerrys' by our own men, it being so hazy and foggy and one of our own men shot Lawrence by mistake. The bullet struck in the middle of the forehead, he no doubt never knew what hit him and never suffered an instant. No medical aid could have saved him.
His body at that time was buried by the Chaplain in good form at Minouville (this is as close as I could make out the spelling), France. Two other Americans were buried at the same time and no telling how many Dutch. Enough to say the German never got a prisoner and we got several of them.
I bundled up some of his belongings and sent them according to regulations to the Chief Quartermaster in France to be dispatched to United States. Forgot just what articles I got, not very many though. I remember I did not take his ring because his finger was enlarged a little and I could not get it off without mutilating his hand. Maybe it was taken off later by the men who buried his body but I hardly think so.
It struck me pretty hard to see Lawrence give up his life because we had associated quite a bit in Camp Frenston (KS) and over there I remember the last time our battalions was in Reserve before he was killed, I ate with his company and he and I always took our mess kits and found some place to sit while eating. We would talk about home maybe the next time we went to the front they might get one of us or both of us and too we talked about how we both might get throu the war without a scratch. He and I were good friends. I liked him fine. He was an excellent soldier.
Of course, I can say little for your consolation. You may rest assured he died doing his duty, he knew no fear, he was an excellent soldier and it was only with that spirit that the cause of Righteousness prevailed and our Government and Country were made secure against savages like the Belgian people had to endure.
Thousands of Americans gave all they had and if it would have been necessary millions more would have done likewise.
I trust that in your sorrow, you will see the Big Cause for what Lawrence did and leave the rest for Eternity to compensate.
Assuring you that I am interested in your present bereavement and trusting that this letter will in fact answer your desires, I am
Very Respectfully,
J. W. Twente
Lawrence, Kansas
Sergeant, U.S. Army
353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division
Entered the Service from: Kansas
Died: September 7, 1918
Buried at: Plot C Row 11 Grave 18
St. Mihiel American Cemetery
Thiaucourt, France
∼Lawrence was the 4th of 6 children. He married Mabel Heikes in May 1917. He was killed during war in Chateau-Thierry, France. I'm including a long letter because it is just too great to miss.
Lawrence, Kansas
939 Indiana
9-30-1919
Mr. M. M. Wimmer
Liberal, Kansas
Dear Mr. Wimmer,
Got your letter today asking about Lawrence Wimmer's death in France. Wish to state that I did not see Lawrence get killed but saw him very shortly afterward.
On the morning of Sept. 9, 1918 the Germans came over with a raiding party of about 200 men to make and attack on a Platoon of Co. D 333rd Infantry, evidently for the purpose of taking prisoners. There were not nearly as many Americans as there were Germans. It was early in the morning, quite foggy and no one could see far ahead. The Germans had crawled pretty close to the American line before they were detected, probably 30 to 50 yards away. Of course, the Germans got in the American trench and the Americans were up on top of the trench holding their own and making it awfully hot for the Dutch. Lawrence with his Lieutenant was down the trench a short distance with some boys away from the main command post. They were supposed to hold their part of the line. It seems that the Germans did not hit their part of the line directly so Lawrence and his lieutenant got up on the firing step of the trench to look over the parapet to see where the Dutch were and what they might do to help, where they might be needed. The two were mistaken for Jerrys' by our own men, it being so hazy and foggy and one of our own men shot Lawrence by mistake. The bullet struck in the middle of the forehead, he no doubt never knew what hit him and never suffered an instant. No medical aid could have saved him.
His body at that time was buried by the Chaplain in good form at Minouville (this is as close as I could make out the spelling), France. Two other Americans were buried at the same time and no telling how many Dutch. Enough to say the German never got a prisoner and we got several of them.
I bundled up some of his belongings and sent them according to regulations to the Chief Quartermaster in France to be dispatched to United States. Forgot just what articles I got, not very many though. I remember I did not take his ring because his finger was enlarged a little and I could not get it off without mutilating his hand. Maybe it was taken off later by the men who buried his body but I hardly think so.
It struck me pretty hard to see Lawrence give up his life because we had associated quite a bit in Camp Frenston (KS) and over there I remember the last time our battalions was in Reserve before he was killed, I ate with his company and he and I always took our mess kits and found some place to sit while eating. We would talk about home maybe the next time we went to the front they might get one of us or both of us and too we talked about how we both might get throu the war without a scratch. He and I were good friends. I liked him fine. He was an excellent soldier.
Of course, I can say little for your consolation. You may rest assured he died doing his duty, he knew no fear, he was an excellent soldier and it was only with that spirit that the cause of Righteousness prevailed and our Government and Country were made secure against savages like the Belgian people had to endure.
Thousands of Americans gave all they had and if it would have been necessary millions more would have done likewise.
I trust that in your sorrow, you will see the Big Cause for what Lawrence did and leave the rest for Eternity to compensate.
Assuring you that I am interested in your present bereavement and trusting that this letter will in fact answer your desires, I am
Very Respectfully,
J. W. Twente
Lawrence, Kansas
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