World War I Medal Recipient

22 March 1918

The Humboldt Republican
Humboldt, Iowa
22 March 1918
Page 1

Renwick Boy Gets Medal For Bravery

Harvey M'Peak Of Renwick Honored In France Last Week.

Friends Here Rejoice at this Acknowledgement of Spirit and Dash of Humboldt County Boy.

     Harvey McPeak of Renwick, now with the military forces of the United States in France, has been awarded a medal for bravery in action against the enemy, and decorated last week at the front by a French general.
     This recognition of the spirit of the Iowa boys, and especially of the Humboldt county boys, is a matter of pride for the people here.

The following is commentary from Joe Conroy about Harvey:

"Humboldt County's version of Merle Hay was Harvey McPeak.  He was from Renwick, Humboldt County.  For unknown reasons, the article from the Renwick paper mentions him as being the first from Wright county to die in the war.  His obit doesn't mention him being from Wright county.  I chased that one down pretty good, but couldn't find any connection of his to Wright county.  Seems he was re-interred in Elmwood Cemetery in Renwick, Humboldt county in 1921.  The "Tombstone Records of Wright County" has him listed as buried in Elmood, "Renwick, Boone".  I'm not sure if I'm bumping into several layers of clerical errors or what there.  The American Legion post for Renwick was named after Harvey McPeak.  If you're inclined to shake that tree to ensure we have the accurate facts presented, I'd be grateful.  Appears he won the French version of the Medal of Honor for bravery in battle.  The writeup of the incident for which he earned that honor is part of the attachment."