George Arnett
Private George Arnett was born April 25, 1898 in Abbotsford, Wisconsin. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Arnett of Marshfield. He was also the nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Geo A. Arnett of Marshfield. Growing up, he worked as office help at Roddis Lumber and Veneer Factory, which remains in business today. (May 22, 2008)

Private George Arnett enlisted with Troop 1, Wisconsin Cavalry, in the fall of 1917 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. George was part of Company A of the 127th Infantry, 32nd Division. The 32nd Division was created by combining the Michigan and Wisconsin National Guards. Wisconsin provided about 15,000 soldiers and Michigan provided 8,000. Later, 4,000 National Army Troops (selectees or draftees) from Wisconsin and Michigan were assigned to the division before it left for France.

Private George Arnett was one of the selectees assigned to leave for France, and was transferred to the Heavy Field Artillery Brigade of the Expeditionary Forces. He trained at a number of different camps, yet he never got a chance to put his newly learned skills to the test.

Private George Arnett died at sea on February 22, 1918 of nostalgia while on his way to fight in France. Although George never reached the battlefield, he bravely volunteered to join the United States Army knowing he would be fighting for his country, just the same as any other soldier who took part in WWI, by putting themselves in harms way on the battlefields. Private George Arnett's parents received the news of their son's death via a telegram from Adjutant General McCain of the War Department in Washington D.C.

George Arnett was the first Marshfield soldier to be buried on foreign soil. He was buried in the American Cemetery in France. We will remember and honor Private George Arnett as an American hero, someone who proudly enlisted ro fight for the country he loved.

Meghan DePatie, Student
East Junior High, Wisconsin Rapids

World War I, also known as the Great War, took place from August, 1914 to November, 1918. Many countries were involved, such as: Russia, England, Italy Austria- Hungary, Germany, and France. America entered the war due to the French and British losing and Russia was stepping out. We stepped in to protect our investments. The cause for Americans stepping into the war was because the President entered the U.S. after an English war ship was torpedoed by the Germans, killing 100 or so Americans.

Private George Arnett, born on April 25th, 1898, was chosen to fight in World War I. George was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Arnett. He also had a brother who served in World War I. George was enlisted with Troop 1, Wisconsin Calvary. George was eventually transferred to a heavy Field Artillery Brigade of the Expeditionary Forces.

Private George Arnett went to many camps for training be he never got a chance to put his new skills to the test. Before his ship even got to France, George died of pneumonia on February 22nd, 1918. Although George never made it to the battlefield, he was brave enough to go and fight for his country.

Mr. and Mrs. John Arnett received a telegram from Adjutant General McCain of the War Department in Washington D.C. Private George Arnett’s body was the first to be buried in the American Cemetery in France and on foreign soil. We will remember him and honor him for someI who was proudly enlisted to fight for the country he loved.

Kayla Reinwand
East Junior High School