Frank Gorman (1898-1921)

GORMAN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/23/2008 at 00:56:44

Frank Gorman 1898-1921

Ye living soldiers of the might war
Once more from roaring cannon and the drums,
And bugles blown at morn, the summons come;
Forget the halting limb, each wound and scar
Once more your Captain calls to you,
Come to his last review-----R.W Gilder

Among the boys of this community who were first to answer the call to arms for the defense of his country, in the world war, was Frank Gorman, and the first in this community to answer the call from his Maker, was Frank Gorman.

Frank Gorman was born at Avoca, Iowa, December 9, 1898, and died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Ollie Rold, Monday, December 19, 1921, aged twenty-three years and ten days.

The funeral services were held at St. Mary’s church in Avoca, Wednesday, December 22, ERev Father Alberts officiating, after which the American Legion gave a full military burial.

The pall bearers were boys of the late war: John burke, Joe Carroll, Claus Horst, Billy Niemann, Herbert Leach, and Herbert Schilling, all boyhood friends.

The firing squad were boys of the 168th infantry; George Wisch, Chris Nelson, Paul Hazen, Gudmun Jensen, Jens Jensen, Billy Gains, harry Greene, and Lieutenant Billy Tittsworth.

The body was brought in from the country and was met at the church doors by the American Legion, seventy-five strong. Father Alberts preached a very strong sermon. The boys were in charge of Commander Sam Garlow and the firing squad in command of Winfield Scott Jr.

As the body was brought from the church it was placed on a caisson drawn by four houses, a soldier (illegible ing) each horse. The military (illegible) was carried out in fullest detail and was very impressive. Every boy gave evidence of the strict training he had received during the world war; that will stay with them all through life.

After the services by Father Alberts at the grave the American legion gave their departed comrade and boyhood friend, their last farewell. After the salute by the firing squad, Taps were sounded over the grave of Avoca’s first war hero, who gave his life for his country, for a cause he thought was right, and if Frank Gorman thought it was right to answer his country’s call in time of war---it was right, his name will go down in history. Frank Gorman paid the highest price that a man can pay and never once did he complain or regret his act. He was loved by every man in his company, for his many acts, true to his friends, true to himself, true to his country, and true to his God.

When Frank Gorman enlisted in the army at Corning, Iowa, June 18, 1917, he was not eighteen years of age, only a boy, but every inch a man, and all through the training camp, in this country and in France, and on the battle fields he proved to be a No 1 soldier.

He tried to enlist with Company I, at Council Bluffs, but the company was full at the time and he went to Corning where he enlisted in Company K. He was with his company all through the training camp and arrived in France on his birthday, December 9, 1917. He was in the great battles of Champagne, Aisne, St. Mehtel, Meuse-Argonne, defensive secture and with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine. While in France, Captain Hupp of his company was ordered to the officers training camp and on his departure, his orders were; “boys, take care of Coporal Gorman while I am gone, if you neglect this little fellow, there will be something doing on my return.” Captian Hupp came to Avoca to pay his last respects to his former ‘runner’ and comrade whom he had learned to love as a brother from the first day they met. A Mr. Moon, a buddy of Frank Gorman’s, was also present at the funeral.

Frank Gorman returned to the States with his company and was mustered out of the service on May 17, 1919, at Camp Dodge. Since coming home he has not enjoyed the best of health at any time, having been severely gassed. He was in the employ of P. R. Jorgensen Department store in Avoca and last spring was sent to Marne, where he had charge of the store but several weeks ago, on account of failing health he resigned and came back to Avoca. Everything was done to relive him of his suffering that loving hands could do. He took his misfortune with a smile which lingered on his face when life took its departure.

Rank Gorman was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Vandervelden on the 10th day of May, 1920, to this union a son was born, Frank Jr. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Frank O’Neill of Hancock ; Mrs. Ollie Rold of Avoca, four brothers: William and Richard of Kansas City, Missouri, Charles of council Bluffs and Thomas of Peoria, Illinois all of whom were present at the funeral. Two uncles, D. Shannahan of Peoria, Illinois and J. Shannahan of Chariton, Iowa, were present also.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald