USA > Tennessee > Davidson County > Davidson County women in the world war, 1914-1919 > Part 5
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No soldier in Davidson County has to his credit a record of more untiring service or a more splendid military career than has Captain Monk. His body lies in Greenmount Cemetery. at York. Pa. His wife and two manly sons reside in the West End section of Nashville. Tenn.
CARTER MILVM (Pharmacist), son of Robert Andrew (deceased) and Ellen Carter Milam. of Nashville. Tenn .. was born in Nashville. November 2. 1893. He enlisted in the service of his country at New York City. N. Y .. June 5. 1917. He was a member of the U. S. Navs Hospital Corps, as a pharmacist. and was trained for military service for three months at Columbia. N. Y .. with special training at Roches- ter. N. Y. He was also trained at Paris Island. Pensacola. Fla. On May 20. 1918. he sailed for foreign duty and was stationed for a month on transport 1. S. S. Louisville. He died of pneumonia, at Brest, France. September 29. 1918. Ilis body rests in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. at Nashville.
Pharmacist Milam came of a prominent Davidson County family. and received his education in the Nashville city school- and at Virginia Institute. Lexington, Va. Ile was a resident of New York City at the time of his enlistment. Major Robert M. Milam. 115th Field Artillery. and Capt. John H. Wilam. 115th Field Artillery (now members of the United States Regular Armyt. and Charlton J. Milam, Aviation Corps, are brothers of Carter Milam, who possessed a brilliant mind. His poem un Death is given below. the poem having been written only a short while before his death, and expresses the courage of this young hero.
THE PURPLE POOL
Death is a good of mystery: Purple deep and still 1 cim. dark. ton hidden, warm and calin As I care 'heath & lonely hill. some seek the wave com . stumble. blind. Sehr op drawn 'gamst a frozen will. setde fear filled come, as a child at night (,ne- into an unlit room; hidd te In the pool; and bare their feet And love them, there, in the gloom. But Sik math that are Jured by a flick ring flame. Thengo back to a living tomb.
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DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR. 1911-1919
Others lie on the ledge, at the water's edge, To drink from the pool of death. And lingering, long for the mirrored face- Stoop and pause on its every breath- And bend to its lips-and are lost in the depths- For a kiss is the tool of Death-
And some leap to the pool as an unknown joy, And are lost in the orchid spray That drenches and showers the weeping flowers That perfume the lonely way. And the ripples die, as all things die Like Love, which lives but a day.
So, all men seek the purple pool; Some are sent hy treacherous tongue; Some go as a prodigal, going to his home; Some follow a siren's song; For all things die, as all things must, At the toll of some sunken gong.
BY CARTER MILAN.
PVT. FRANK C. MCCLANAHAN. son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Mcclanahan, of Brentwood, Tenn., enlisted for service in the World War at the first call of his country. Although Private MeClanahan was thirty-five years of age, which was beyond the draft age, he felt that his services were needed and he wanted a part in gaining world democracy. He was a courageous, fighting member of Company F, 2nd Regiment, Engineers Corps. On June 7, 1918, he died of wounds received in action on the battlefield of France. His body was sent to Nashville, Tenn., for burial. He performed his military duties, regardless of difficulty, without a murmur, and was popular with both officers and men. * *
PVT. WALDO F. McFOLIN, son of Robert P. McFolin (deceased ) and Emily E. McFolin. of Nashville, was born in Erin, Tenn., March 9. 1893. He was inducted into service, at Nashville, September 6. 1918. He was a member of Company G, 57th Pion. Infantry and was in training at Camp Wadsworth, S. C., where he con- tracted influenza. from which he died. October 7, 1918, at the camp hospital.
PVT. (IST CLASS) ARTHUR LEE MCCAMPBELL was born in Donelson, Tenn., April 21. 1893. His mother. Mrs. May Evans McCampbell, resides near Donelson. He was educated in the Nashville schools and was indneted into World War service September 22, 1917, at Nashville. Private McCampbell was sent to Camp Sevier. S. C., for training, and on May 11, 1918. he sailed for overseas duty with the 30th Division as a member of Company M. 117th Infantry. He fought with bravery in engagements at Ypres, and died from wounds received in action, June 25. 1918.
Private McCampbell was the son of T. G. McCampbell (deceased), and before entering service he was engaged in the dairy business. He was reared near the historic home of General Andrew Jackson, and possessed to a large degree the cour- age of that famed hero. His family are well known and prominent in the Hermi- tage district.
PVT. JOHN HERBERT NOLLNER, son of John L. Nollner (deceased ) and Mrs. Laura A. Nollner, a resident of Nashville, Tenn .. was born in Hartsville, Tenn., May 1. 1900. He enlisted in the regular army at Fort Oglethorpe. Ga .. as a member
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GATTUSOY CONVEY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR. 19141 .19
Batters D. 10th Field Artillery. and was trained at Douglas, Arizona. He sailed En Overseas duty April 23. 1918. and saw active service in several battles, among which was the engagement at Champagne. He was killed in action July 15. 1918. Kavos been at the front from the time of his arrival in France. He fought with bookers and was noted for his lovalty to his country and to his fellowman. He was Boved near Chateau Thierry. France. Private Nollner was a resident of Nashville wTon he enlisted. and had a large circle of friends. both among comrades in the mois and citizens at home.
PVT. JOHN FARRIS NORTON. son of Oscar and Margaret Norton. of Nashville. was another of Davidson County's heroes who gave his life at Chateau Thierry. having been killed in action there June 18. 1918. at the time of Marshal Foch's great of- Capsive. Private Norton fought in several other battles with marked bravery. He Has only nineteen years of age, yet his devotion to duty and his courage was com- mandable in one so young, and he was one of the most popular members of his To sinient.
PUT. GUY R. OLNEY. son of Il. 1 .. and Josephine Olney. of Nashville. Tenn .. was born October 12. 1888. in Marens. la. He was inducted into World War service November 10, 1917. at Akron. Ohio. He received his training at Fort Oglethorpe. Ga .. and L'amp Gordon. Ga .. and sailed for overseas duty April 21. 1918. He was one of the fallen heroes of the noted St. Mihiel drive, having been killed in action in that sector September 20. 1918. He was buried at St. Marne Farm. He served with the following organizations: 11th Company. Ith Training Battalion. 157th Depot Brigade: Company K. 323rd Infantry. and Company B. Ilth Infantry. until death, and was beloved by officer- and men of these various organizations, as well a> a large number of acquaintances at Home.
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IST Liter. SAMUEL K. ORR. son of C. H. Orr. of Lynnville. Tenn .. was born in Lynnville. November 9. 1889. He enlisted with the Tennessee National Guard May 1. 1915. and wa a member of Company G. Ist Tennessee Infantry. When America entered the World War he was sent to Fort Oglethorpe. Ga .. for special training. He was honorably discharged August 11. 1917. to accept a commission. and was called into active service for his country as a second lieutenant of Infantry. August 15. 1917. from the National Guard. He was sent to Camp Jackson. S. C .. and later to Camp Wheeler. Ga .. for further training. He died of disease at Camp Wheeler. Ga .. December 2. 1917. at the base hospital. Lieutenant Orr had a promising mili- tas career and was fearless. He had many friends in the army camp. as well as Davidson and Giles Counties.
17 INCL. JOHN WILLIAMS OVERTON. only sen of Jesse M. (deceased: and Sander Wilham- Overton, was born in Davidson County. October 10. 1891. at "Over- ton Hall." the home of his parents. He attended "Hill School" in Pennsylvania. trem which he graduated in June. 1913. and was elected orator of his class. le Eroluated from Yale University in June. 1917. receiving the degree of Bachelor Art- He held the world's amateur indoor record for 1.000 vards in two min- ob - fourteen seconds, and the world's indoor record for one mile. four minutes, neten seconds He was a member of the Sophomore Society. Alpha Delta Phi
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DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR. 19141919
and the Senior Societies, "Skull and Bones" and "Sigma," being president of the latter. He received military training in the Yale Battery, at Tobyhanna, Pa., in the summer of 1916.
Lient. John Overton volunteered his services on the same day the United States entered the World War, April 6, 1917. Soon after, when the schools and colleges were requested to name ten students each for commissions as second lieutenants in the U. S. Marine Corps, Lieutenant Overton was one of the ten named by President Hadley of Yale.
On May 21, 1917, Lieutenant Overton was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the U. S. Marine Corps at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and was called into active service at Winthrop, Md. In July, 1917, he was transferred to Quantico. Va., where he entered the U. S. Marine Officers' School. and graduated three months later. On November 10. 1917. he was assigned to 119th Company, Ist Replacement Battalion. with which he sailed. February 3. 1918. for overseas duty. During March and April he served at the Marine Training Area. Chatillon-sur-Cher, and took the course at the First Army Corps School at Gondecourt, graduating June 1, 1918. In the files of the Yale Bureau in Paris were preserved some of Lieutenant Overton's examination papers taken at the end of May, 1917. giving him exceptionally high official ratings.
Upon completing his training course at Gondecourt, he was immediately assigned work with the 42nd French Chansseurs in the Vosges sector. He had in his pos- session the "Alpine bow," the insignia of that great fighting squad of "Blue Devils." On January 15, 1919, one of his French comrades, in an address on "War and Friendship," paid him an eloquent tribute.
Lieutenant Overton was transferred at his own request to active service at the front, and on June 14, 1918, he was assigned to the 80th Company, 6th Marines, with which he fought at Belleau Wood and Chateau Thierry. The night of July 17. 1918. the Marines arrived at Soissons, and next morning the regiment joined in the great offensive under General Mangin of the 10th French Army. Lieutenant Overton was killed in action during this offensive. On July 1. 1918. he was pro- moted to the rank of First Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps. but the notification ar- rived after his death.
The following is an extract from a sketch of Lieutenant Overton in the Yale World War Memorial volume, giving details of his death:
"On the morning of July 19, 1918. First Lieutenant John W. Overton ('Johnny Overton of Yale and the Marine') was killed while leading his men in desperate attack on the enemy near Vierzy. A fragment of high explosive shell striking him in the heart brought instant death. By his side was one of his closest Yale friends. a fellow lieutenant in the Marines.
""I had just said "hello" to him in the attack a minute before he was killed.' says this friend. "when he was typical Johnny, full of life and did not know what fear was.' "
That afternoon his friend buried him where he fell. about a mile from Vierzy. His body was later removed to temporary cemetery 594, American battle area, at Parcy-Ligny, in the department of Aisne, and on May 16. 1919, to the permanent cemetery at Nissy-aux-Bois, where a memorial service in his honor was held.
Lieutenant Overton was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The following is the citation which accompanied this reward:
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"For extraordinary heroism in action near Vierzy, France. July 19. 1918, while vahantly leading his platoon in an attack against the enemy under severe machine gun and artillery fire. he was mortally wounded. His courageous conduct had a great moral effect upon his men and helped to insure the success of the attack."
A major in the U. S. Marines wrote as follows concerning the death of Lieutenant Overton:
" At 8:30 we jumped off with a line of tanks in the lead. For two kilos' the four lines of marines were as straight as a die, and their advance over the open plain in the bright sunlight was a picture I shall never forget. The fire got hotter and hotter, men fell. bullets sung. shells whizzed-banged. and John Overton was hit by a large piece of shell and fell. He was hit in the heart. so his death was without pain. Of the twenty company officers who went in, three came out. and one of those was slightly wounded."
1 private in Lieutenant Overton's company paid him the following tribute:
"It takes a thoroughbred and a hero to get away out there in front like Johnny Overton did. As an officer. he well knew that he was a marked man to be picked off by sharpshooters when he raced far ahead of his men straight at the German lines. I am persuaded that he met his end with his spirit yielding not to death. but triumphing over it."
The following is an extract from a tribute to Lieutenant Overton by Ripley, en- titled "His greatest Victory":
"Johnny Overton has won his greatest victory-run his last race. The clean-cut son of Tennessee who, a year ago last March, ran the fastest indoor mile ever credited to a pair of human legs. gave his life for his country while leading his men in a race across no man's land near Chateau Thierry. He put all he had into this race his life: and won all there is the glory of God and man."
The response to the news of the death in action of Lieut. John W. Overton was immediate, at home and abroad. Throughout America the press gave signal recog- nition to his national fame in athletics, and to his exemplification of character and courage His name was memorialized over and over again in track athletic com. petitions, at school and college, in the army. and throughout the entire country. Those whose memories of him were intimate, and those without any personal as- sociation. joined in honoring him. Hundreds of letters, poems and beautiful tributes were received by his family from all parts of the United States and Europe. He ha- often been called "the world's best-known fallen hero."
Lieutenant Overton came from a family distinguished for their patriotic services in many wars. His mother. Sadee Williams Overton, gave as untiring and heroic service in the army at home as did her son on the battlefield. Although her rank was always that of the highest official. she spent most of her time working as a private. not commanding but leading. Her courage in carrying on so bravely after the death of her only son on the battlefield inspired some of the most successful war activities accomplished by the women of Davidson County and proved a com- fort to many Gold Star mothers throughout the State. She is a life-long resident of a prominent Davidson County family. a leader in the State and County Legion Auxiliary work, and a descendant of a long line of patriotic ancestors.
Lieutenant Overton's father, the late Jesse M. Overton, whose death occurred in an automobile accident in December. 1922. was also an admirable patriot of David-
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DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR, 19141919
son County's army at home. He led to success many of the most important drives of the county in World War work. He, too, was a descendant of heroes of other wars and was one of the most beloved and influential citizens in Tennessee. His son's World War services, so bravely rendered, was a source of great pride to him. The ex-service men of Davidson County lost a valuable friend in the death of Jesse M. Overton, who considered it a privilege to "fight." if necessary, for their welfare.
Lieutenant Overton was a brother of Mrs. Henry E. Colton, who resides at the home of her parents. "Overton Hall." on the Franklin Pike, in Davidson County, and whose son, John Overton Colton, bears the name of his hero uncle. Mrs. Lucius Robinson (Harriet Overton), of Indiana, . Pa., is also a sister.
ELIAS HOMER PARKER ( Wagoner), foster son of M. C. and Susan H. Lampley, of Nashville, Tenn., was born in Dickson County, Tenn., December 9, 1897. He enlisted in the regular army April 20. 1916, at Jefferson Barracks. Mo. He was trained at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and at Camp Pike, Ark., where he died of pneumonia January 11, 1919. He served with the following organizations: Mounted Service Cavalry : Quartermasters Corps, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. and with Supply Company. 57th Infantry, until his death.
Wagoner Parker was given to Mrs. Lampley at the death of his parents. T. J. and Bettie Parker. He was very fortunate in having such a foster mother. She reared him from a baby and deserves all honors of having furnished this loyal Davidson County fallen hero in the World War. His splendid traits of character were due solely to her training and care. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters who reside in Davidson County. Private Parker was buried at Nashville.
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PVT. (1ST CLASS) JOSEPH H. PATTERSON was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Patterson, of Waverly Place, Nashville. Tenn., and was born in Union City. Tenn., in 1895. He was among the first volunteers of Davidson County. He enlisted at Nashville. Tenn., June 5, 1917, and was assigned to Battery E. Ist Tennessee Field Artillery, National Guard (which later became Battery E. 114th Field Artillery ), which was then in training at Camp Kirkland, Nashville, Tenn. His battery was later sent to Camp Sevier, S. C., for training. On May 26. 1918, he sailed with the 30th Division for duty on foreign fields. He was actively and cheerfully engaged in the battles in the St. Mihiel sector, in the battle of Flearn, and in engagements in the Argonne Forest. He gave his life on the battlefield less than a month before world freedom. for which he so willingly fought. was gained. having been killed in action October 15. 1918. He was one of the most popular members of his battery and was loyal to his duty and fearless at all times.
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SERGEANT DONALD PONS was a brother of Mrs. Blanche Pons Platt. of Davidson County, and was born in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1891. He received his education at Madison, Tenn., and in the Nashville public schools. He was inducted into World War service at Nashville. May 27, 1918. and sailed for overseas duty with Com- pany A, 533rd Engineers Corps, on August 26, 1918. He contracted lobar pneu- monia while in training in a French camp. from which he died September 20. 1918. His body was returned to Nashville and interred on his native soil. where he was well known. He was a model soldier and performed his duties well.
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CHLADSKY DIEVIY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR. 19141919
For LIJA YTAMIES AARON PIGLE was born in Nashville. Ten .. October 11. 1881. mit was the sameof E. H. Pigne. of Nashville. His mother died several years pre- yong- to the wat He attended the Naval Academy at Annapolis and was selected de joie of six men to accompany Gen. William C. Gorgas to Panama, for important wwwek in the Canal Zone. He served eighteen months with Admiral Badger. U. S. V .. in the Mediterranean, and did scout duty with the North Atlantic fleet. When the Mexican border trouble arose he was with the 1st Tennessee Infantry. National Wdard. and was commissioned a second lieutenant in Company F of that regiment.
He was drafted into Federal service August 5. 1917. as a first lieutenant from the National Guard. He was stationed at Nashville. Tenn .. and at Camp Sevier. S. C. with the 115th Field Artillery. At his own request he was transferred to the 117th Infantry. preferring that branch of the service. On May H. 1918. he sailed with the 30th Division for overseas, and was killed in action on the morning of July 18. 1918. at Picards. His death was the first in action in the 30th Division.
Lieutenant Pigne's wife was active in the war work at home. and his father was also an active worker in the army at home. He was buried in the American Come- ters. 321 Gevalia Farm, Bret Elverdenghe. His family is well known and promi- nent in Davidson County.
PVT. CISI CLASSE HERMAN RAY enlisted in the National Guard for World War service May 21. 1917. at Camp Jackson. among the first volunteers of Company 1. Ist Tennessee Infantry, which later became Battery C. 115th Field Artillery. Hle was further trained at Camp Sevier. S. C .. and sailed with his regiment for overseas duty June 1. 1918. He was promoted to a first-class private while in training in France. On July 1. 1918. he was drowned while at a French training camp.
Private Rav's nearest relative is a sister. Mrs. Norah Ray Perry. of Waller. Tevas, his parents being deceased. He was a model young man with many friends in Nashville, made while stationed at Camp Jack-on.
CORP. LE ROY LUTHERAN Rus was born in Davidson County. September 12. 1900. and was the son of Burton 1 .. and Lillie May Ray. of Nashville. He was estong the first Davidson County boys to volunteer for service in the World War. enlisting in the regular army, at Jefferson Barracks. Mo .. June 1. 1917. in Battery 1_ 10th Field Artillery. He received his training at Douglas. Ariz .. and sailed for duty overseas February 27. 1918. He fought with bravery in all battle- engaged in by his reciment until Killed in action July 15. 1918. in the noted battle of the Marne. He was the first soldier to be killed in his battery. where every man was his friend. Ile was buried in the American Cemetery. at Ariene. France.
Corporal Rav was a student when he volunteered his services, and although a Hoe boy he fought and served his country with the loyalty and ability of a man. He possessed many noble traits of character, and was devoted to the service of his
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PAL HEVES GRADY RING, who has the distinction of winning more honors and Heroin. in mote battles than any other Davidson County fallen hero, was born September 9 1891. and was the son of James Harvey and Lethia Jacob- Ring, who odcinek et Nashville. Tenn. He volunteered h's services to his country imme-
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DAVIDSON COUNTY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR. 1914-1919
diately after America's entrance into the World War. He was a member of the 82nd Company, 6th U. S. Marine Corps and received his military training at Paris Island, S. C .. and Quantico. Va. On October 29. 1917. he sailed for service on foreign fields. being among the first Nashville World War volunteers to sail. and landed at Brest, France. October 18. 1918. Soon after his arrival he was com- manded for service on the battlefield and fought with conspicuous bravery in en- gagements of the Aisne Defense, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne sectors.
The following official record reveals the character of this hero and the splendid service rendered by him:
PERSONAL HONORS.
1 Croix de Guerre-Bronze Star.
1 Meuse-Argonne Battle Clasp.
1 Aisne Defense Battle Clasp.
1 Defensive Sector Battle Clasp.
1 Aisne-Marne Battle Clasp. 5 Bronze Stars.
1 St. Mihiel Battle Clasp. 2 Silver Stars.
Citation: Private Henry G. Ring, No. 121.987. 82nd Company, 6th Regiment, Marines.
"His constant heroism and abnegation in the accomplishment of his duty is be- vond praise. During action in Champagne, October 3-9. 1918, ceaselessly carried messages to the first line, all the time being exposed to machine gun and artillery fire.
(Signed ) "MARSHAL PETAIN, "Commander-in-chief of the French Armies of the East."
February 16. 1919.
Citation: Private Henry G. Ring. 6th Marines.
"For distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Blanc Mont on October 2.9. 1918. in the operations of the American Expeditionary Forces.
"In testimony whereof and as an expression of appreciation of his valor I award him this citation.
( Signed) "JOHN A. LEJERENE. "Major General, I. S. M. C., Commanding."
Awarded on December 31. 1918.
Citation: Private Henry G. Ring, Battalion Runner. 6th Marines.
"For distinguished and exceptional gallantry at St. Etienne on October 3.9. 1918. in the operations of American Expeditionary Forces.
"In testimony thereof. and as an expression of appreciation of his valor, I award him this citation.
(Signed) "JOHN J. PERSHING. "Commander-in-Chief."
Awarded 27 March, 1919.
Private Ring was spared to win laurels for himself. his State and Davidson County, where he was well known and beloved. until near the end of the world conflict. He was wounded at the battle of the Meuse-Argonne sector, October 31. 1918. from which he died November 1, 1918, just ten days before the signing of the
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OUI MESES COUNTY WOMEN IN THE WORLD WAR. 19111919
Armistice. His remains now rest in the family burying ground at Murfreesboro. Tenn .. where his family is prominently connected. He was a brother of Miss Pearl Ring. of Nashville. Tenn. Private Ring's service so nobly rendered is also a source of pride to every citizen of Rutherford County. his native home.
CORP. ERNEST F. RICKETTS. son of J. Roper and Etta Ricketts, of Hohenwald. Tenn., was born in Flattwoods. Tenn .. March 17. 1898. He enlisted in the regular army. at Fort Oglethorpe. Ga., March 21. 1918. and was trained at Fort Sereven. ba. On October 5. 1918. he sailed for the battlefield of France, but was stricken and died of pneumonia. November 2. 1918. at the base hospital at Brest. France. He was buried in the American Cemetery. at Lambezellec, France. At the time of his enlistment Corporal Ricketts was a valued employe of the Custom House at Nashville. Tenn., and was as loval to his country as to his business duties. He was beloved by both his comrades and fellow-emploves.
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