Bio: Wildish, Allen (Receives Promotion –  May 1919)

Contact: Ann Stevens
Email: ann@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wildish, Martin, Gergen

----Source: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/1919

Wildish, Allen (Receives Promotion – 29 MAY 1919)

Capt. Allen Wildish is now Major Wildish, having received his promotion some time ago, but the news not having reached here until recently. Major Wildish is spoken of in the highest terms of praise by returning soldiers who knew of his work in the war, it being stated by them that whenever Capt. Wildish was wanted, he could always be found on the front line. As a result, his boys trusted him implicitly and would follow him anywhere he asked. Such a reputation speaks highly for Allen, and his friends here will be pleased to learn of his advancement. It is also understood that he will remain in the occupation army in Germany for some time and it is possible that he will remain in the army permanently.

Major Martin is also spoken of in glowing terms by those who were under him in France. A soldier in a neighboring town but a few days ago made the remark that Major Martin was the finest officer in the entire United States Army. Everybody here knew that Major Martin was a fine soldier, but we at home did not take in as much territory as the other boys did.

Members of the 32nd returning from Coblenz sate that Vernie Gergen, who came home last week, was one of the crack teamsters of the American Army of Occupation. At the horse show, which was staged at Coblenz, Gergen won several prizes and was the highest man in the army in the care and appearance of his team. He won second place in the entire show, and would have won the first prize but for the fact that someone left a can of paint in his wagon box, unknown to Vernie, and which was discovered by the inspectors and which caused Gergen’s downfall.