Sons of Men - Evansville's War Record
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Pvt. Charles Frederick Stoermer Co. M, 102nd Infantry, 26th Division June 15, 1892 - November 11, 1918

   Who will ever forget the historical day, November 11, 1918? For
several days before that, the victorious American soldiers were driving
the Germans mercilessly. When the enemy was routed and driven to
their knees supplicating for peace, an armistice was declared.  The
news flashed throughout America. The anxiety was at last over.
Pandemonium reigned. The country went wild with celebration of victory.
Soldiers marched in parades, greeted by happy tears and deafening
cheers and applause. America, traditionally a peaceful nation,
was once more preparing to practice the arts of peace.

   It was on this historical day that Charles Frederick Stoermer gave
his life for the world's cause. He was one of the last of the American
heroes to sacrifice their lives for democracy. He was born in this city,
June 15, 1892.  He attended the Fulton Ave. public school until he
was sixteen, and then learned the molder's trade.  In June, 1914, he
was admitted as a member of Union No. 51. About a year later he
went to Cleveland, 0h., and again identified himself in organized labor
by joining Union No.27. In Cleveland he entered service, March 27, 1918.
In Camp Sherman, his first place of training, he remained four
weeks. He was then transferred to Camp Merritt, where he trained
for three weeks before crossing the Atlantic. On June 27, 1918, be
reached England, and a few days later he crossed the Channel to
France. While in this country he was in Co. L, 329th Infantry, but
in France he was transferred to Co. M, 102d Infantry, Twenty-sixth
Division.

   In a letter home he wrote that on August 26, 1918, he was getting
ready to go to the front. He little realized the intensive fighting he
was to experience in battle. In a letter written during the early part
of November he said, "I have just returned after nine weeks spent at
the front. We are now quartered in an old fort, and it is the first
time we have had shelter over us for over nine weeks." However, he
did not enjoy a long rest.  He was soon called to the front, and on
November 11, 1918, the day when the Armistice was signed, he was
killed in action.  He was buried November 13, 1918, at Suresnes
(Seine) Paris, Cemetery No.34, Grave No.947. His grave is carefully
marked with his name, rank and company, and was recorded by the
Graves Registration Bureau of the A. E. F.

   An article in the International Molders' Journal spoke of Stoermer
as a good shopmate.  While in Evansville he was a member of
the Zion's Church, an active Sunday School worker, and had a host of
friends. Among his associates he was known for his intense loyalty
and patriotism.  He expressed his confidence in America's power
when he said, "The United States of America never was licked, and
never will be licked."
_____

Sons of Men: Evansville's War Record,
Compiled by Heiman Blatt,
Published by Abe P. Madison, 1920
pp171-172.

cdmyers@wowway.com
October 25, 1998