Monroe County, Iowa In the Great War

Otis E. Turner, private, Company M, 117th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Busigny, France, October 18, 1918. when his platoon was held up by an enemy machine gun post, Pvt. Turner, with another soldier, took their automatic rifle, rushed 50 yards through intense fire, skillfully placed the rifle in position, and opened an effective fire.

Residence at enlistment: Belville Island, Iowa

['curator' note: Otis lived in Albia, Monroe County, Iowa at the time of his enlistment. He enlisted at Albia (Monroe co.) according to his niece, who is still a resident of Albia.]

~source: Official Register, State of Iowa 1921-1922, Twenty-Ninth Number, Military Decorations of Iowans in the World War, pg. 360-376

~ Transcribed and contributed by Sharyl Ferrall for Iowa in the Great War Special Project