Joseph Covey Marsh
World War I was a time of hardship for many families in America. It was a time of unbelievable pains for the soldiers since the medical care was horrible. When the news came to go to war a lot of Americans sailed over to France not knowing how hard the war would be.

Since we weren't advanced yet, we didn't have airplanes or chemical bombs; all we had were guns that were very slow at reloading. The disadvantage of not having airplanes, is that the positions of different Army's and what was happening on the battle field, could not be seen. The advantages of the rifles were that they could be shot far enough away so that swords were not used.

One of the many soldiers who died in WWI was named Joseph Covey Marsh. Joey was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri; eight weeks later he was sent over to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was assigned to the 15th service corps, Company B of the signal service. He was sent to France and was a trench fighter where eventually he was wounded and died in Kansas.

Joey was sent back to Fort Leavenworth and after surgery Joey was on the way to recovery. Everyone was hoping and praying that the healing would keep going, but it took an unlucky turn and by his second surgery, he was losing health and strength. Joey passed away on Saturday at 10am.

He was the only son of Hon. and Mrs. J.C. Marsh; and had one sister named Martina. The whole family was by his bedside through the very many weeks he suffered and was losing strength, and on a Saturday morning Joey passed away with his whole family there with him.

Chase Miller, Student
East Junior High, Wisconsin Rapids

World War I was known as the war to end all wars. Over 70 million soldiers and other military personnel were involved, and over 15 million died. The world's greatest nations were in a state of total war, devoting all of their money and resources to this conflict. World War I was a conflict fought between the Entente and Central powers, lasting from June 28, 1914 through November 11, 1918. Though the war's end was over 90 years ago, it has changed the world forever.

Joseph Covey Marsh was born on May 6th, 1900 to Hon. and Mrs. J.C. Marsh in Spokeville, WI. He had one sister, Martina. Joey was a leader in academics, as well athletics. He was well mannered, and well liked in his community. He enlisted in the U.S army at age 17, and was assigned to the 15th Service Corps. Company B of the signal service as a radio operator/ serviceman. After enlisting, he was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

After arriving in Missouri, Joey was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In Kansas, he was assigned to the 15th Service Corps. He was trained there as a radio operator. He learned quickly, and was making good progress, when he suddenly fell ill with appendicitis. He had to undergo two operations, but that wasn't enough to stop him. He went on to fight in the trenches, and was wounded there. He was sent back to Fort Leavenworth, for surgery, and was alive after both treatments. After his surgeries, he was losing health still, and became sicker every day, until he passed away.

His remains were delivered home, escorted by Jack Watterseck of Racine, another man in Joey's company. Jack was met by many grieving friends and family members of Joey . The funeral was held at the Marsh home, and had and an unexpectedly high attendance. From 1:30 until 3:30, the burial hour, all the businesses in the town closed.

The story of Joey Marsh may not be widely known, but it is one of a man's utter devotion to his country. Joey loved his country enough that he made the ultimate sacrifice, his life for it, in order to keep it safe and free. We only have the rights and freedom that we have today because of Joey and other men who enlisted in World War I to fight for their country.

By Jack Comeau
East Junior High School