The Fredericksburg Memorial Military Museum

CATALOG G1988-064 ARMY Collection


Henry John Wiesler
SN 2423949

WWI 1917-1919, Co. E, 16th Inf., 1st Division, AEF


Born:

Enlisted: 1916 Toledo Ohio.

Acquired: 1988, trade, St. Louis, MO.
BACKGROUND

Born the son of German emigrants, from Toledo Ohio, he was sent to the 1st Division as a replacement.

He Served in France as part of the AEF, First Division, First Army. He is credited with the Cantigny, Montdidire-Noyon, Aisne-Marne, St. Naizerias, St. Mihiel, Argonne campaigns as well as part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine in Germany.

He served as a member of a Scout Platoon and is cited in general orders twice for a Silver Star in two battles. (General Order #5, June 1, 1918).

His decorations include: WWI Victory Medal, with appropriate campaign bars. Silver Star device fixed on campaign ribbon.. WWI 50th Anniversary medal. Criox DeGuerre(unit award).

After the war he returned to Toledo, married and had at least one son (Stephen). Henry Wiesler ran a gas station to earn a living.

ACCESSION LIST.

  1. Wool tunic with 1st Division patch, US/26 and Inf./F collar brass. Mexican Border Service Ribbon, WWI Victory Ribbon (5 stars). Croix de Guerre unit cord, 4 overseas stripes, Sgt. Chevrons, Hon. Discharge Stripe.
  2. Dog Tag on orig. cord.
  3. Overseas cap with CO/F brass
  4. Victory medal with 5 clasps in original box.
  5. Painted 1st Div. helmet with straps and liner.
  6. US Box Respirator, with cans and defogger.
  7. Wool leg wraps
  8. Waist Belt
  9. Mess kit.
  10. Photographs.
    a. Group high school enlistment photo.
    b. 4 in uniform, Germany 1919.
    c. 19 survivors Co. F.
    d. Co. F, full complement.
    e. Work detail
    f. Ten photo postcards 1st Division.
    g. Large photo of statue with 1st Div. on the steps.
  11. 1st. Division history.
  12. 26th Infantry Unit History.
  13. Maps accompanying 1st Division History.
  14. Letters:
    a. Correspondence with Mr. Ford (2).
    b. Correspondence discussing experiences, donating material.
  15. Mexican Border souvenir pillow.
  16. 75th Anniversary WWI medal and case.
  17. Other Documentation:
    a. Discharge papers.
    b. Regimental publications, announcements and misc.