Obit: Melcher, Alfonse P. (1896 - 1918)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: MELCHER

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 10/29/1921

Melcher, Alfonse P. (7 Jul 1896 - 4 OCT 1918)

The remains of Pvt. Alfonse Melcher arrived at the home of his father, Fred Melcher, in Fairchild, Eau Claire Co., Wis., last Saturday, accompanied by a guard from Hoboken.

Burial services were held Monday morning at St. Joseph's Church at Fairview, and were attended by a large number of his comrades-in-arms, relatives and friends. The Robt. Newman Post of the American Legion of Fairchild conducted the burial, with Rev. Fr. Raschke as officiating clergyman. The remains of the soldier-boy were laid to rest in the cemetery at the church, in the family plot beside those of his mother, who passed away several years ago.

Alfonse P. Melcher was born July 7, 1896, and was killed in action in the Argonne on Oct. 4, 1918, aged 22 years, 2 months, 27 days. He enlisted in co. A., Neillsville, W. N. G., in July 1917, and when the troops were inducted into the service of the national government went with them to Waco, Texas. In the reorganization while on the border he was transferred to Co. L. of the 16th regulars, and went to France in February following the training on the Mexican border. His division was soon on the firing line, and in the battle that raged through the Argonne woods that memorable October day Private Alfonse Melcher made the supreme sacrifice. So fierce the conflict and so great the loss that it was many days before his death was verified. Anxiously kin and friends at home awaited news, but the only report received was "missing." Finally a letter from his captain bore the sad tidings, but their grief was mitigated by the glowing words of praise that have come from his superior officers and comrades on his conduct as a soldier. He served as a first class private. His body now lies in the home cemetery. Of the immediate family who mourned at the side of the flag-draped casket were his father, three brothers, Walter, Roman and Leo, and five sisters, Regina, Gertrude, Helen, Selma and Marie. May a grateful government never forget his sacrifice.