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Joseph E. McLaughlin was born August 19, 1892 near Dunmore, the son of William Robert and Mary Lydia Virginia Rusmisell McLaughlin. He enlisted in the Army at Akron, Ohio on April 28, 1918. His military record reads: “Detachment 12 Battalion 154 Depot Brigade to 15 June 1918; Co F 316 Infantry to death. Private Meuse-Argonne; Defensive Sector. American Expeditionary Forces 9 July 1918 to death.” Private McLaughlin was Killed in Action in Wadonville, France on October 10, 1918. A letter received by his family in January 1919 indicates that he was buried in about the center of the village by some of his comrades who were under shellfire at the time, and a suitable cross marks his grave. McLaughlin was a platoon runner and while carrying a message, a high explosive shell struck very close to him, causing a very severe concussion. He delivered his message, then fell dead. Notification was sent to his brother, Elmer, as his father had died in 1918. Joseph E. McLaughlin, “Gone But Not Forgotten.” Courtesy of Ginny McLaughlin Shaw, ID: PHP001681
Access the “Preserving Pocahontas” Digital Library at www.pocahontaspreserva tion.org or www.preservingpocahontas.org If you have historical records or photographs to be scanned for the county Historical Archive contact Preservation Officer B. J. Gudmundsson at 304-799-3989 or email info@pocahontaspreservation.org Prints or photographs are available.
