Fred H. Becker

Submitted by: Michael Jon Chapman {No relation...but I have kept his story alive through my writings.}

Fred Becker image

Fred H. Becker born around 1895. Fred Becker served in World War 1 with the United States Marine Corps. The enlistment was in 1916 and the service was completed in 1918.

Story of Service

On a warm spring day, May 14, 1921, over 5,000 people attended a funeral in Waterloo, Iowa. The mourners filled the church to the bursting point, with the overflow covering the parking lot. Later that afternoon, they packed the local cemetery as well.

They had come from all over the state to honor Fred Becker, who had given his life fighting in France during World War I. It was said to be the largest crowd ever assembled in the city nestled in the heart of the Midwest. The story behind the turnout remains one of the most inspirational in Iowa sports and military history.

Fred H. Becker was born on November 6, 1895. The Becker family lived in a modest, one-story house on the east side of the river, just two blocks from where the five Sullivan brothers – who all perished on the same ship during World War II – were raised in the 1930s.

He first gained attention in sandlot football games on dusty, makeshift fields. It was in those rough-and-tumble games that he carved out a reputation that would serve him well in the years to come. He was known all over town for his “fighting spirit”!

Becker had a highly successful high school career. Handsome and popular, he was involved in a variety of activities, ranging from football, basketball and track to several after-school clubs. He was elected vice president of the junior class, and was also a member of the German Club. Little could he have imagined that he would one day lose his life fighting against Germany, the country where his mother had been born, and where his father’s side of the family had originated.

Clayton Final Wheeler

Submitted by: Brian McCutcheon {Grandson}

Clayton Final Wheeler

Clayton Final Wheeler was born around 1890. Clayton Wheeler served in World War 1 with the United States Army. The enlistment was in 1917 and the service was completed in 1918.

Story of Service

My grandfather was a member of the Michigan National Guard and served in B Company, 16th Engineers (Railroad). His unit was one of the first units to enter France and one of the last to depart. He left Michigan from the Michigan Central Terminal in Detroit. From there the unit went to New York awaiting transport to France. His unit entered France at Bordeaux.

During his time in France he served in multiple regions. At one time early in his deployment, his unit was attached to and under the command of the British, at a location near the English Channel. The Service Bars on his WW1 Victory Medal, which is in my possession show he served in the Lys Campaign, the Meuse Argonne and the Defensive Sector.

The majority of his time in France was spent in Camp Williams. Camp Williams which was located just outside of the village of Is Sur Tille, which is a short drive from Dijon. Camp Williams was the largest US Army Logistics Base in France during WW1. His uniform is now on display in the town museum.

Fortunately, my Grandfather returned home safely in 1919. However, when he returned, he learned that his Mother had died during the Influenza Pandemic of 1919. HIs Mother came from a French family and he had hoped to demonstrate to her that he had learned how to speak some French.