Sons of Men - Evansville's War Record
Gold Star Biographies
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Engineer 1st Class. Fred Hassler United States Navy February 14, 1891 - November 23, 1918

   Fred Hassler's answer to Germany's announcement of unrestricted
submarine policy which went into effect on February 1, 1917, was a
series of trips across the Atlantic, picking up the gauntlet which
Germany threw in the face of humanity, and defying Germany's
submarines, torpedo boats, and other inhuman instruments of naval
warfare.  He was born February 14, 1891.  He attended St. Boniface
School. He was a machinist by trade, and he worked for six years
in the fitting department of the Blount Plow Works. He was also
employed at the Hercules Gas Engine Works.

   In September, 1913, he enlisted for a four year term in the navy
and was assigned to U.S.S. Montana. In 1916, he took part in the
Vera Cruz expedition. Before his period of enlistment was completed
he made four trips across the ocean, helping transport American
troops to France.  When he completed his four years of service in
the navy he was an engineer, first class. He was discharged in
September, 1917, and remained home for about ten months.

   He knew his country needed help, and with his training and
experience, was he to remain in the background?  Was he to squander
talents which he developed when he was in the service before?  Once
more he decided to abandon civil life. In the middle of July he went
to Indianapoils to enlist. Much to his disappointment he was rejected
because of a defect in hearing. Not satisfied with the result of his
effort he went to Philadelphia, and there he was accepted in the navy.

   In November, 1918, he sailed for France on the S.S. Duncan. On
board ship he contracted the influenza which developed into
pneumonia. The ship went to Ireland, and in Belfast, Fred Hassler died
on November 23, 1918.

   The navy chaplain wrote to his sister: "His body was sent here
for transportation to America, and a number of Navy men gathered in
the Chapel this afternoon as a mark of respect to one of their comrades.
All present joined in the prayer that the God of all Grace will
comfort your mind and heart in this deep bereavement."

   His body was brought to Evansville and was buried in the family
lot in the St. Joseph Cemetery.
_____

Sons of Men: Evansville's War Record,
Compiled by Heiman Blatt,
Published by Abe P. Madison, 1920
pp81-82.

cdmyers@wowway.com
October 25, 1998