Month: February 2019

Three Marion County Youths Fall in Battle in Vietnam in 6 days in March 1969

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Pfc. Jeffery Forry, Sgt. David S. Harris and Spec. 4 Dennis R. Richards killed in combat in Vietnam. This makes for 13 from Marion, Ohio Killed in action in Vietnam.

VietnamServiceMedal

Pfc. Jeffery Forry

From the Marion Star March 24, 1969

County’s 11th Death
Pfc. Jeffery Forry
Is Killed in Vietnam

Word of the death in Vietnam Thursday of Marine Pfc. Jeffery S. Forry has been received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Forry of 143 Barkswood Rd.
He is Marion County’s 11th Vietnam fatality.
According to the message from Marine headquarter, he died in combat in Quang Tri Province.
Graduated from Harding High School last year, he enlisted in the armed forces June 6.
He had been employed by the Standard Oil Station at 285 S. Main St. and was a member of Prospect St. United Methodist Church.
Surviving besides his parents are two brothers Sp. 4 Daniel A. in Vietnam and Chris at Mahoning Valley Vocational School, a sister, Casey at home, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Jones of 495 Clover Ave. His mother is former Garnet Jones.
Boyd Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Jeffery Scott Forry is remembered on the Honor Roll at Marion Veterans Memorial Park, on the west side of the Marion County Courthouse and is honored on Panel 29W, Line 88 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Pfc. Jeffery S. Forry is also remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Marion County Admin building at 222 West Center St. in Marion, Ohio.

Sgt. David S. Harris

From the Marion Star March 28, 1969

County’s 12th Victim
David Harris Dies
in Vietnam Struggle

Sgt. David S. Harris, 21 year old son of Mrs. Colleen D. Harris of 326 N. Greenwood St. and Stanley Harris of near Marion, was killed in Vietnam Monday.
The 1966 Pleasant High School graduate became the 12th Marion County casualty of the conflict and the second in four days.
The young former Spartan athlete arrived in Vietnam March 2.
Serving with A Company, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, he was reported killed when his unit engaged a hostile force.
Born Sept. 24, 1947, in Marietta, he attended school in Marion County and the University of Nebraska for 1-1/2 years. He was employed by Techumseh Products prior to entering the Army in March 1968. He was an only child and was not married.
One of Pleasant’s finest athletes, he still holds numerous football and track records and is one of only two football players to have his number (48) retired.
He set rushing records as a senior that still stand, with 1,312 yards gained and 112 points scored. He holds career marks of 2,916 yards gained and 222 total points scored.
As a senior he was named first All-Central District and was a second team class A All-Ohio selection.
In track he holds the school and North Central Conference records in the shot put, 52 feet, 11-1/4 inches, and the Marion County record 52-6 1/2. His picture, with just three others, hangs in the Pleasant Hall of Fame in the high school gym.
In 1963, he represented the Marion Jaycees in the National Junior Champ meet in St. Paul, Minn.
Denzer Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements.

David Stanley Harris is remembered on the Honor Roll at Marion Veterans Memorial Park, on the west side of the Marion County Courthouse, and is honored on Panel 28W, Line 26 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

David S. Harris a Silver Star Recipient
“Sergeant Harris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions … on a reconnaissance-in-force mission. When his company came under attack from a numerically superior force, sustaining several casualties, Sergeant Harris courageously exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to move to the aid of a wounded comrade. As he administered aid to the casualty, Sergeant Harris was wounded, but finished his life-saving treatment of the man and was moving to aid a second casualty when he succumbed to his wounds.”

Virtual Vietnam Veterans Wall
Ohio Military Hall of Fame Article

Hall of Valor Project

Spec. 4 Dennis R. Richards

From the Marion Star March 29, 1969

13th Victim From County
Dennis R. Richards
Killed in Viet Fight
Spec. 4 Dennis R. Richards, 21-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Richards of 526 E. Fairground St. was killed in Vietnam Tuesday, the third Marion youth to fall in battle in six days.
His parents received word Friday that Dennis was mortally wounded while in combat with his unit, B Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, near Dong Tam.
A 1965 GRADUATE of Harding High School, he attended Ohio State University’s Marion campus for two years prior to entering the Army. He went into service Dec. 8, 1967, and left for Vietnam Oct. 10, 1968.
An athlete in school, he was a starting lineman on the Harding football team during the 1964 season.
He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and was employed by the Hollyday Rug Co. while attending college.
ALSO SURVIVING is a sister, Nancy Jane, a student at Bowling Green State University, and his grandmother, Mrs. Amos G. Uncapher of 514 E. Fairground St.
Spec Richards is the 13th Marion County serviceman to lose his life in Vietnam.
Boyd Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In speaking with a close friend and classmate of Richard’s, he stated that Richard’s father was very bitter at the loss of his son. Richards father was also very concerned that Richard’s friend, who was serving in the Air Force, could lose his life. Those who knew Richards all spoke highly of him.

DENNIS R. RICHARDS
is remembered on the Honor Roll at Marion Veterans Memorial Park, on the west side of the Marion County Courthouse, and is honored on Panel 28W, Line 39 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Sp4 Dennis R. Richards is also remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Marion County Admin building at 222 West Center St. in Marion, Ohio.

Dennis Richards is also mentioned in a book, DOC: Platoon Medic by By Daniel Evans Jr. D.V.M., Charles Sasser.

Wall of Faces

Officer Training Camps

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Training of Officers
It appears that as officers completed their training at Ft Benjamin Harrison (or other officer camps) and received their commissions, they were assigned to a training camp, such as Camp Sherman, Here they were assigned to leadership positions and also lead instruction of the newly drafted enlisted men. Then they were assigned to fill openings in units preparing to move to Europe. The second group of officers then taking their place at the enlisted training camps.

MarionOfficers

14 May 1917 – The War Department announced that in fifteen locations of the country they have opened training camps for training new officers. These officers will help fill the need to command the first 50,000 men. Each training camp will train between 2,500 and 3,500 men for a three-month period of instruction. Within 20 days some 40,000 men answered the call to the officer’s reserve. All these men have already passed a physical exam and are either college graduates or have had business experience.
Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana, will be the camp for officer’s training from Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Fort Meyers, Virginia will be the location of officer training for men recruited from New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. They will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Fenton. Fort Sheridan will be the location officer training for men recruited from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Twelve other camps began training this date around the country and other camps will be started in August.

Colonel Edwin F. Glenn, described as a “grizzled veteran” of the United States Army, is in charge of the Officer’s Training Camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison. His staff is made up of scores of West Point graduates and non-commissioned officers of the regular army. These officer candidates were mostly under thirty years old and a third being college graduates. They left colleges, jobs, and private businesses to answer the call to leadership in the Army.
These officer candidates will receive rigorous training in military courtesy, infantry drill, and weapons. They will then be assigned to one of three branches, infantry, artillery or cavalry and be given special training. At some point a regiment of regular soldiers will be sent for them to train with.

21 July 1917 – Soldiers Must Be Left Alone
Women at a Patriotic-women’s meeting wanted to learn how they might be of help to the 11,000 men at Fort Benjamin Harrison. They heard Brigadier-General Edward F. Glenn, remember he was described as a “grizzled veteran”, say; “Women of America, if you would help the soldier in the training camp — let him alone until they get on the other side. Then they will need all the delicacies and sympathy a woman can give. The American soldier, when let alone, is the most peaceful and uncomplaining animal in the world. You don’t think much of him in peace times, but in time of war you fall over yourselves to do something for him – you don’t know what it is, but it is pretty certain to be bad for him.”
“Please don’t send things to eat out to the fort – they have all they need. We are doing the very best we can for these boys, and we are going to give them, and your boys – the boys these student officers will command – a sporting chance, and that is all anybody can ask.”
“When they get abroad that will be another matter. You will want them surrounded as much as possible with home influences. The best way to do this is to send them things to read – books, magazines, newspapers, the various little luxuries that the government does not provide – such as scissors and thimbles. Send them letters. Trust the Y.M.C.A. and support the Red Cross.”

July 11, 1917
Major James Wilson McMurray appeals to Marion to fill quota for the second Officer’s Camp. At this time the army was trying to recruit men for the second officer’s training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison. There were only three days left to accept applications.
Applicants were required to be between the ages of twenty years and nine months and forty-four years; you have had some real military training, a reasonable education or proven your worth and right to be considered a leader among men in some line of business or effort.
The government has decreed that none except trained and tried men shall command her troops, having learned at terrific cost in men and money, the futility of trusting lives of men and care of property in the hands of men who are appointed for political reasons only.
The student of the officer camp will be paid $100 each month while he is training. And with the same pay as is paid regular army officers in the rank in which the student is commissioned. This call focuses on men aged thirty-one to forty-four, though promise is made to men of more than twenty-five that they will have splendid opportunity for commission in the higher grades below the rank of lieutenant colonel. And men between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-five will be accepted if they have some qualifications that point to the fact that they would make competent men in the handing of others.
An appeal to the patriotism and duty to country was expressed in this article of appeal to the men of Marion county.

7-16-1917
The second Officer’s Training Camp was slated to begin on August 27, 1917, as the continued drafting and training of men was well under way. Ohio had 2,500 applicants of which only 448 will be admitted. Six men left from Marion: Earl R. Sycks, John Sargent, Lloyd Swinehart, Charles R. Frye, Chester Roberts and Ralph Kemper left yesterday for Ft. Benjamin Harrison for the Second Officer’s Reserve training camp.

From the Marion Daily Star dated 27 August 1917

COWAN AND WARNER
LEAVE FOR WAR DUTY

When Other Marion Officers Will
Depart for Posts.

Captain E. H. Cowan, of the Reserve Engineer Corps. left Sunday for the training camp at Louisville, where a part of the national army will be trained. Lieutenant Loring K. Warner, of the Engineer corps. left today for Chillicothe, where he will be stationed with the Ohio and West Virginia divisions of the national army.
Lieutenant J.M. Streling, Luray Mouser, Daniel LaMarche, Liewellyn and Charles J. Sullivan and Captains Fred Scott and George B. Knapp will leave either Tuesday or Wednesday for Chillicothe.
Earl R. Sycks, John Sargent, Lloyd Swinehart, Charles R. Frye, Chester Roberts and Ralph Kemper left yesterday for Ft. Benjamin Harrison for the Second Officer’s Reserve training camp.

11-27-1917
The men completing the Second Officer’s Training Camp and receiving their commissions are expected to report to Camp Sherman about December 15.
From the Marion Daily Star dated 4-18-1918

CAPTAIN E. H. Cowan
WHO ARRIVES IN FRANCE

Cowan

Graduate of Fort Ben Now in
Engineering Corps.

Above is a photo of Captain E. H. Cowan of the Engineering Officers’ Reserve corps. who had arrived safely in France, according to word received by his wife.
Captain Cowan sailed from Camp Dix, New Jersey, where he had been stationed since January, going there from Camp Zackary Taylor, Kentucky. He took the engineers’ training at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, after receiving his commission in the first officers’ school at Fort Benjamin Harrison.

From the Marion Daily Star dated 4-29-1918

THREE MARION SOLDIERS
WILL BE LIEUTENANTS

Prendergast, Morris and Wiant
Receive Their Diplomas

ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL
ORDERS RELEASED TODAY

Prendergast to Report to Camp Taylor and Wiant and Morris
at Camp Sherman.
In official orders released for publication today, the names of three Marion boys appear who have received diplomas of eligibility for commissions as second lieutenants in the third officers’ training camps – James Harold Prendergast, John R. Morris and Benjamin T. Wiant.
James H. Prendergast, son of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Prendergast, of east Church street, will return to Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, where he attended the school, tomorrow morning, after a ten-day furlough passed with his parents.
John R. Morris, son of Mrs. Matilda Morris, of Pearls street, will return to Camp Sherman Wednesday after a ten-day furlough with his mother. He will remain at Camp Sherman until assigned to duty as an officer.
Benjamin T. Wiant, son of Mrs. Aultman Raub, of near LaRue, will return tomorrow to Camp Sherman. He has been passing a ten-day furlough here with his wife.

Lieutenant Colonel John Dennis Guthrie, United States Military Academy Graduate, Class of 1961

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John Dennis Guthrie was born on 3 January 1939, in Marion, Ohio. His parents are John A. & Betty J. (Stauffer) Guthrie. John D. Guthrie graduated from Harding High School in 1957. He participated on the football team and during his senior year, he was top lineman, after securing the starting spot only two weeks prior. John was nominated to the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York and started his freshman year in 1957.

At Harding High School, Guthrie was active as Home Room President, Student Council, Junior Play, Senior Play, Football 3 years, Junior Kiwanian and National Honors Society. His senior year of football he was selected to the Buckeye Conference Second Offensive Team with Phil Sykes and Gary Williams.

In June of 1958, John D. Guthrie returned to Marion, for the first time after entering the United States Military Academy. He spoke with the Lions Club. While speaking he shared the experience of a first-year cadet at the academy, he spoke on training and virtues of the academy. Cadet Guthrie also spoke with the Kiwanis Club, where he answered questions and discussed the daily life of a cadet. Also, speaking with him was Marionite, and fellow Cadet, Phil Sykes.

In the summer of 1959 Cadet Guthrie was one of 600 selected to attend training at the Air Proving Ground Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Cadet Guthrie and fellow USMA Cadet Phillip Sykes and Cadet Second Class James M. Lightner of the United States Coast Guard Academy returned to Marion to celebrate Christmas with their families.

Summer of 1960 Cadet Guthrie was observing and training troops at armored bases in the United States. By 30 June 1960 Cadet Guthrie was in training in Europe with the 16th United States Infantry Rangers.

Cadet First Class John D. Guthrie was selected to serve at the Inauguration ceremonies for President-Elect John F. Kennedy. Guthrie served on a special cadet honor guard and escort for the Inaugural Ball, to be held at the Washington Armory.

In June of 1961 Cadet Sergeant John D. Guthrie graduated from the United States Military Academy. During his senior year he was involved with Debate, and Russian Language Club. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree. After graduation he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He then attended the officer infantry school after graduating.

In the fall of 1962, First Lieutenant Guthrie was assigned as Commander of B Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, Seventh Infantry Division “Hourglass Division” or “Bayonet.” His station was in Korea.

December 1962, while assigned to E Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, he was training troops in making battlefield explosives with expended ammo containers. Some expedient explosives included napalm, known as “flame land mines.”

First Lt. Guthrie completed four-week course on Chemical, biological and radiologic warfare at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

On 29 December 1964, Guthrie promoted to Captain at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was already serving as Commander as a First Lieutenant with Company A, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division “All American Division.” On 30 December 1963, his company was awarded the first “Top Panther” award.

Wife, Marsha, pinning on the Air Medal. From The Marion Star

In August of 1965, Capt. Guthrie spoke in Marion, Ohio, at the Lions Club meeting. He shared his experiences with his tour in the Dominican Republic, while assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He talked of the military tactics employed and elaborated on the civil affairs projects. He said that sanitation was a chief problem to be addressed. He said that other problems addressed with the citizens was food distribution and education. Captain Guthrie was later awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in the Dominican Republic.

On 29 November 1965, The Marion Star announced the engagement of Marsha M. Shackelford, of Miami, Florida, to Capt. John D. Guthrie. The two were to be married on 22 December 1965.

November 1965 Capt. Guthrie was assigned to the Infantry Officer Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia.

From The Marion Star

6 November 1966, Capt. Guthrie was assigned to the 25th Vietnamese Army Division, in Vietnam. He was a member of the United States Army Advisory Team No. 86, in Long An Provence.
In 1968, Guthrie was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievements in Vietnam. He had participated in aerial flights over Vietnam. He was also awarded his second Bronze Star Medal for his service as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army.

In 1972 he held the rank of Major, in the United States Army Reserves. Major Guthrie also earned his Masters Degree from Ohio State University.
He was a teacher of mathematics and physics at East High School, Columbus, Ohio.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1978, assigned to the 83rd Army Reserve Command, Columbus, Ohio. In charge of Army Reserve Schools in Ohio and Kentucky.
John D. Guthrie died unexpectedly on 12 June 1982. He left behind his wife, Marsha and a son and daughter.
John D. Guthrie is buried in the Marion Cemetery. He was honored and remembered by those who knew him.

Shared from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York:

Schooling –Winter 1972, Master’s Degree in Education, Ohio State University.

Born 3 Jan 1939, Marion, OH.
Arrived to the United States Military Academy, West Point from Marion, OH.
Nickname: “Senator”
Died 12 June 1983 (age 43).
Buried at Marion Cemetery, Marion, OH.
Military Awards: Two Bronze Star Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

United States Military Academy Class of 1961

John served on active duty with the Army (Infantry) for nine years, resigning in 1970, with the rank of Major. He then served in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. His first assignment was with the 34th Infantry. He then served at the Dominican Republic (7th Special Forces Group), Ft. Benning, GA (Infantry Advanced Course), Vietnam (one tour), Macon, GA (Professor of Military Science, Mercer University). John was a very kind, likable classmate who never seemed to get upset about anything. He was easy to live with every day, always even-keeled, responsible, and reliable. As a cadet he was already a man of sturdy character, clear about who he was. John was a loyal son of Marion, Ohio. He loved to defend the reputation of another son of Marion, the controversial President Warren G. Harding. John often expanded from that base into the advocacy of everything that, in John’s conviction, was traditional, tried, and true–ranging from antiques to politics to patriotic military service. These serious opinions were unusually full-formed and articulate for someone our age. Even more strikingly, they were complemented by John’s equally characteristic engaging humor as something of a ham. His falsetto performance of “You Got to See Mama Every Night” was a hit at our gatherings. He also recited popular poetry, usually humorous, at length, and shared his appreciation of a well-turned phrase, serious or playful. The recitation of “There’s Something about a Martini” was sure to bring down the house. There was never a better merry soul to bring joy to others. John never seemed to care while traveling the road of life whether the road had a crown or not. He clearly was sage and an excellent source of counseling at any time. He was a main stay on Intramural teams and totally reliable. He was a good friend and classmate asking nothing, but always willing to help. John passed away on 12 June 1983. We all lost a good soldier when he got out of the Army and returned to Ohio and the Ohio State University. But we all gained a fine civilian citizen and teacher. West Point or Ohio State University never had a better representative. He was taken from us far too soon. We miss John. Source for the above was from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

From the West Point Association of Graduates

The Selective Service Act of 1917 (The Draft)

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On 18 May 1917, the act called for the registration of males from 21 years to 30 years of age. All must register by June 5, 1917. In August of 1918 the law was amended to expand the draft to those 18-45 years of age.
As a note; prior the the Selective Service Act of 1917, men could hire another man to serve in his place. Under the 1917 act this practice was made illegal.

The following were Registration Days:
5 June 1917 men 21 – 30 years of age were to register.
5 June 1918 men who turned 21 years old since the last registration day were to now register.
24 August 1918 men who turned 21 years of age since 5 June 1918 were to register.
12 September 1918 all men 18 to 45 years of age were to register.

By 29 May 1917, the Marion County Clerk already had 150 men registered.

From Marion Daily Star: 6-12-1917

Dr. C.T.. Wiant, a member of the Marion County local draft board had sent a letter to Judge Advocate General J. Turney asking about rules for governing the selection of men by the draft board. Mr. Turney responded that at present there are no set of rules completed for the draft boards. As soon as details as to the rules are completed, they will be in the hands of members of the draft boards.

From Washington; The drafted army must be wholly civilian made. The president says military leaders were not consulted in the making of the conscription bill and says that this army must be “civilian made.” Secretary of War Baker ordered the military officers to keep “hands off” in regards to the drafting of the new army. Judge advocates must execute the law in regards to registration and issuing of quotas, but will be silent when it comes to exemption claims. Military men are not to have any hand at interpreting draft laws. Local draft boards will have jurisdictions to interpreting the exemption requests. This is to help keep a productive civilian workforce and an effective military.

Draft Procedure
From Marion Daily Star dated: 7-11-1917 and 7-20-1917

Local Draft Boards:
Local boards were required to prepare four duplicate lists of the numbers of each registered applicant. A copy will be kept in possession of the local board, a copy to be posted in a public location, a copy given to the press and a copy to be submitted to the provost marshal general in Washington. The numbers drawn will then be sent directly to the local board and the names made know of the men drawn and called to service.

From Washington:
Secretary of War Baker said it is not known who will draw the numbers, but he will be a thoroughly responsible individual, so as to be of the fairest means possible. Secretary of War Baker said he may even draw numbers as it is not yet decided who will do the draws.
It is thought that the method to be used to draw names will be as follows. Black gelatin capsules with blackened paper containing a number was placed in a large container. The capsules will then be thoroughly stirred, and 10,500 capsules are to drawn and the number within will be read to the clerks to then be recorded. The man whose name corresponds to the number drawn will be drafted into service, provided he passes the physical exam or is exempted. The first examination will be for 1,371,000 men from this list 687,000 will train as drafted soldiers. As these men complete training the next batch will begin their training.
This method was adopted as it will help eliminate any tampering and brings fairness to all men in the draft.

From Marion:
Names of those men registered will be called for examination by lots of 170. These called were from numbers drawn in Washington. Men are excused due to family, and physical disqualifications until 85 are selected and will be drafted into service and sent for training. Most men from Marion will be sent to Camp Sherman in Chillicothe, Ohio, for training. In a Marion Daily Star article dated 8 August 1917, it states that Marion’s quota of men is 92 as opposed to previously reporting 85 men to be called. So it seems the rules were not clear in the beginning, even to the local draft board. 450 men had to be called to allow for those not reporting and exemptions.

First List of Names Published 1 of 3

First List of Names Published 2 of 3

First List of Names Published 3 of 3

Star Article dated 2-1-1918 New registrations. Much of the article I had access to were not legible.

Draftees1918Photo of draftees 6-23-1918 from the book; Looking Back Historical Images of Marion County

Company D, 4th Infantry Regiment, Ohio National Guard Again Called into Federal Service (The Great War)

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Shortly after returning from the Border Campaign and settling back into civilian life and getting back to their vocations, D Company members were again readying themselves for service away from home. They would use the experience of drill and marksmanship not only for themselves, but for the new recruits who filled in the ranks of men who’s enlistments had expired. They would be called upon to train and lead the new recruits for war.
Other Marion citizens were enlisting in the Army Reserve Company in Marion, enlisting in the regular Army, applying for officer’s school, and some trying to find other ways to serve in this time of need. We see a group trying to organize a Motorcycle Corps., citizens enlisting in the Red Cross, and even elementary school children forming military companies! Marion was willing to sacrifice for their country and many would distinguish themselves in combat, and give their life on foreign soil.

The following is just a brief outline of the news that Marion and the nation was making in preparations for entering the Great War. The news was still busy with u-boats sinking ships in the Atlantic, occasional raids still occurring on the Mexican border and the new draft and how it was to be executed.

6 April 1917 – The United States declares war on Germany.

9 April 1917 – Dr. N. F. Tilton is collecting names of those interested in organizing an Ambulance Corps.

11 April 1917 – Marion also appears to have an Army Reserve company. In an article by the Marion Daily Star; a reserve engineer corp. with twenty skilled mechanics and headed by Captain E. H. Cowan, is to begin drill. It says he has been very busy enrolling recruits at the Y. M. C. A. building. A resident of Marion and Spanish War veteran, Major T. E. Andrews, has offered his service. Also resident, Daniel LeMarche, and graduate of the Staunton Military Academy  has offered his service. Both are seeking commissions in the Army.
J. R. Walkins enlisted in D company, as well as Raymond Martin, Yancey Shields, and Paul Knoppenberger. D Company is now at 93 members.

12 April 1917 – Reserve engineer corp to drill for first time. Many of the recruits are trying to persuade their friends to enlist. Captain E. H. Cowan encourages country boys to enlist as they are familiar with simple tools and  physically strong.

There was also interest in starting Motorcycle Corp. from Marion.
From Marion Daily Star April 12, 1917

Motorcycle Corps.
The first steps toward organizing a motorcycle corps from Marion county were taken last evening at a meeting held in the motorcycle repair shop of Ralph C. Mount on Mill street. There were fourteen riders present and all signified their intention to sign up a members of a company.
The actual organization of the corps has been deferred until Sunday afternoon.
There are 160 motorcycle riders in Marion county, and it is the aim of Mr. Mount to secure one-fourth of that number for his corps. This would make an organization of forty motorcyclists who would offer their services to the United States government provided they were needed.
Purpose of Corps.
The purpose of the corps will be both military and civic. If not needed in the service of the government, the corps would affiliate with the home guards to assist in the work of protecting local property.
All motorcycle riders in the county who are interested are requested to be present at the organization meeting which will be held at 2 o’clock at the corner of Mt. Vernon avenue and Elm street. At that time squads will be organized and other important business in connection with the organization transacted.

13 April 1917 – Oak Street School has a military company, O Company, and 30 girls are organizing an auxiliary. The girls are led by Miss Laura Hadsell, teacher of the fourth grade. The boys are led by John W. Caldwell and the following corporals have been selected: Paul Keightley, Kenneth Monnette, Bernard Flannigan, Vert Brashares, Jr., Francis Johnson, Fred Spring, Curtis Brady and Beford Colvin.
Miss Hadsell is experienced in first-aid work and will lead the girls in making bandages, which will go towards making first-aid kits for the school. The boys of the military company drill every, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

A local dentist, Dr. A. F. Linscott, has offered his services, at no charge, to any applicant to the military who has defective teeth. As the United States Army will not accept any applicant with bad teeth. This has barred many men in the past.

4 May 1917 – The regular Army recruiting station in Marion has been busy with applicants reporting to Lieutenant Robert G. Sherrard, for acceptance into the officer training camp. The camp will open at Fort Benjamin Harrison on 14 May.
Men who had met the physical requirements were as follows: Edgar W. Thompson, Ralph F. Ludwig, A. Raymond Brown, Daniel L. LaMarche, J. Malcolm Strelitz, John C. Sargent, Huron Hamilton, Harold Pendergrast, of Marion. Others listed are from Delaware.
Dr. B. B. Hurd, of Caledonia, who served in the Second Ohio ambulance corps., Columbus, under Major H. H. Shiveley, has offered his services to the war department.

8 May 1917 – A Special Escort consisting of men from D company was to report for duty as escorts for a French Commission that was to visit the Capitol City. Second Lieutenant George E. Crottinger was to lead the men, Curtis Makel, Walter Fulton, Glenn Dellinger, DeWitt Berry, Vernon Hickman, Rollie Seckel, Arthur Culp, Clay Grounds, Vance Carpenter, Shurley Starcher, Mathias Roush, Roy Bailey, Reuben Evans, Carl Rupe, Frank Welch, Henry Plotner, Hal R. Johnson, Walter Smith, William Partlow, and Noah Breese.

18 May 1917 – The Selective Service Act of 1917 (The Draft) calls for men ages 21 years old to 30 years old to register.

12 May 1917 – Men from Marion are en route to Fort Benjamin Harrison for the Officer Training Camp. Daniel L. LeMarche, J. Malcolm Strelitz, ?? K. Warner, George B. Knapp.

14 June 1917 – Marionites at Fort Benjmin Harrison for officer training. Pictured in the Marion Daily Star are; Charles J Sullivan, Edwin C. Hatcher, George B. Knapp, Luray Mouser, Daniel L. LeMarche, John B. Morris, Fred Scott, J. Malcolm Strelitz, Thomas L. McMurray, Roy Gottshall, James Wesley Liewellyn. Others from Marion are not in photo or listed. (??? H. Postel, Herbert F. Law.)

10 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star reports that President Wilson has called all National Guard units to the Colors on July 15. Draft will not formally apply to them until August 5th.

14 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star reports that

“..25,000 lay away their implements of peace for tools of war”. Tomorrow the guardsmen, not yet federalized, will take the oath of allegiance to the national government. From that moment the state will hold no power over the militia.

15 July 1917 – The Ohio National Guard units are called into Federal Service. Company D of the 4th Infantry Regiment is mustered in Marion, Ohio. This is only months after being mustered out of Federal Service from its role in the Border Campaign.

20 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star headline on page one, “America Draws on Flower of Her Youth for Service Under Old Glory on Bloody Battle Fronts of Europe.” Also on the front page an article describing the drawing of numbers for the draft. Secretary of War drawing the first number. Another front page article tells of how residents respond to the call for the first eighty-five names in the draft and the subsequent names for future needs. Warren Gholson of 681 May St. appears to be the first drawn from Marion County.

21 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star announces that “First Eighty-Five to be Drawn”. These were names of men drafted into the United States Army. Also a long list of young men eligible for future service was included in this article.

28 July 1917 – Some overflow of twenty-three D Company men were assigned to A Company of Cardington, so they could be mustered into Federal Service. D Company was given an Airedale dog to be the company mascot by W. H. Lingo of LaRue, Ohio. The Mascots name is Yankee Oorang.

National Guard Units could only be called up to Federal Service to “execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrection and repel invasions” and not be deployed overseas. So per the Judge Advocate General, each guard member was drafted into Federal Service. This severed the guardsman’s ties with the state militia and allow him to serve abroad.

30 July 1917 – The Marion Daily Star reports that Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Ralston will entertain guest at their home on Feis Ave. This event will be in honor of their son, Earl Ralston. Earl Ralston is a member of Company D.
Also in the July 30 edition “First Call for 170 From List” 170 names men who were to report for examination.

5 August 1917 – The entire National Guard of the Country was drafted into the United States Army.

20 August 1917 – The Ohio 4th Infantry Regiment was reorganized as the 166th Infantry Regiment under the 83rd Infantry Brigade of the 42nd Infantry Division (The Rainbow Division).