Arthur McClaflin
World War I, also known as, "The Great War," took the lives of many great American people. Many of them were from Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin National Guard was mobilized at Camp Douglas. Companies A and L were sent to Camp McArthur in Texas. Between 1917 and 1918, Camp McArthur was equipped to go overseas. Company A was then sent to New Jersey. In New Jersey, the camp conditions were very good. They had good beds, excellent baths and plenty of heat and light. From New Jersey, the troops were to sail to France. After arriving in France, the boys were sent again to training camps. After a month of training, the boys received orders to proceed to Alsace to take over the first sector on the Western Front.

Sadly, some of the men did not make it to the battle. Many died from diseases in the camps, or on the ships. Among these men was Mr. Arthur McClaflin. Mr. McClaflin was born and raised in Arpin, Wisconsin. He was with General Pershing's American Expedition army forces in France. He was very well known in the Arpin vicinity. He died of Scarlet Feaver on January 30, 1918. "Mr. McClaflin was possessed of the right stuff which is characteristic of any Arpinite," says the 'Marshfield Times' from January 30, 1918. Many soldiers also died from influenza and other diseases.

On November 11th, 1918, there were orders to attack at 7:00am, but at 6:45, the message was called off. At 11:00am, the entire line was quiet and the armistice was signed. The boys were then sent off to Germany to await orders to go home. The last few days before they took off for home were general clean up and inspection. No man with lice was allowed to leave, so they borrowed Red Irons from German inhabitants to get rid of them. When the lice was finally gone, the boys were sent home.

These men deserve to be recognized for the fighting that they did for our country. They protected us and made us proud. But most importantly, they gave their lives for us and our country.

Katie Bakunowicz, Student
East Junior High, Wisconsin Rapids

The U.S Entered World War I, also known as the Great War, April 6, 1917 under the command of Major General John J. Pershing. The U.S Entered because Germany had committed many acts of treason towards the United States.

The Wisconsin National Guard mobilized at Camp Douglas. Both Companies A and L were sent out to Camp McArthur around 1918. Company A was sent out to a camp with good conditions in New Jersey. These Conditions included; great heating and lighting, comfortable beds and great baths. The company was sent out to France from there.

Unfortunately, diseases were spread while the soldiers were on the ships, such as influenza and Scarlet fever. “While deployed in France, Arpin resident Arthur McClaflin, well known member of the Arpin community, died of Scarlet Fever on January 30, 1918.

Mr. McClaflin was possessed of the right stuff which is characteristic of any Arpinite” Stated the Marshfield Times from January 30, 1918. Many other soldiers never made it to the battle due to Scarlet fever, Influenza, and many other diseases.

Arthur was the adopted child of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner McClaflin, who lived on a farm not to far from Arpin. McClaflin was enlisted in the fall of 1917. He was assigned to Truck Co, 4., One-Hundred Sixteenth Ammunition Train, Forty-First Division, and went abroad with the first-expeditionary forces.

After hearing about Mr. McCaflin’s death, the entire town of Arpin mourned over the death of a man who gave his life for the U.S. and Democracy. This man was prepared for the war, but was stopped in his tracks by scarlet fever. Arthur McClaflin will never be forgotten in Arpin, Wisconsin.

Cole C Ringer
East Junior High School

26 Jan 1918, Sat The Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wisconsin) Newspapers.com