Edward J. Langer

During the First World War, that the world ever had, 4,734,991 men served America's call, and of those brave people, 116,516 died from being killed in action, disease or wounds. The number of wounded American soldiers was 204,002. This is one story about a soldier who grew up and lived in Wood County and died of illness during this time.

Pvt. Edward J. Langer was born in 1889 and died October 17th, 1918 at Fort Brady, Sault Ste Marie. He was training to go overseas when he got Pneumonia and died at the age of 29. He was born to Mr and Mrs L.A. Langer of Rudolph.

Edward's funeral took place at SS.Peter and Paul Catholic Church and he was buried at Calvary Cemetery. A few weeks after his death, his parents suffered another loss when their daughter Anna, died after a short illness from pneumonia.

I want to thank all the people who have served our country and are serving now. "Thank You"

David Hintz, Student
East Junior High, Wisconsin Rapids

World War I was fought from August, 1914, to November 1918. At first the United States did not want to interfere with the war across the sea. The only reason we entered the war was because U.S. ships were being attacked and than we began to fight. The countries that had been fighting were France, Italy, England, Russia and Germany. Than we entered the war so it would be the Americans too.

Edward Langer was never sent to the war. He died of Pneumonia at age 29. He was born in 1889 and died October 17th, 1918 at Fort Brady, Soult Ste Marie. The remains of Edward Langer arrived in Grand Rapids on the Green Bay and Western Road. The funeral took place at the SS. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church October 23, 1918 at 10:30 o’ clock.

Edward Langer was in the 84th Division. The 84th Division has a history that reaches back to Abraham Lincoln and the Black Hawk Indian War of 1832. The Division patch which is a symbol of that legacy shows an axe splitting a log for a rail fence-hence the nickname “The Rail-splitters.”

Officially, the 84th Division was not formed until August 5, 1917, during World War I. At the time it was a combat infantry unit composed of men from the states of Wisconsin, Kentucky and Illinois. The new division trained for 13 months before it was sent to Europe. But instead of entering the fight as a unit, it was split up to provide replacement personal for other units. Many individual members did become heroes like Edward Langer.

I thank Edward Langer for giving his life for us. Edward was never admitted in the war because he died before he could. He and all men like him are very brave. Thank you for your bravery.

Sarah Sachs
East Junior High School

World War One was also known as “The Great War” and “The War to End all Wars.” This supreme battle lasted from June 1914 to November 1918. In this tragedy, over eleven million people were killed, while at least sixty-five million were immobilized. Among the brave men and women that lost their lives, was Pvt. Edward J. Langer of the Army.

In the year of 1889, in the town of Rudolph, a future soldier was born. This child was given the name of Edward Langer. Unfortunately, one month before World War One came to a close, he died. Pvt. Langer was in training at Fort Brady. During this time, he died of Pneumonia, at a young age of 29.

Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, was where Edward‘s funeral was held. Afterwards, he was buried in Calvary cemetery. Shortly after his death, his family endured yet, another loss. Anna, his sister died only weeks later. Ironically enough, the cause of her death was Pneumonia.

126 thousand Americans sacrificed their lives in this catastrophe. As well as 4.3 million immobilizations. Lastly, 234 thousand were wounded. The end result of United States casualties ranks up to at least 350 thousand casualties. May the courageous men whom fought and died rest in peace.

Kayla Rae Wolden
East Junior High School