Jefferson Barracks in World War I

From Wikipedia.

In the June 13th post I mentioned about 48 men from DeKalb County, Illinois, leaving from Sycamore to go for army training at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri (near St. Louis).

In March 1912, Jefferson Barracks became the first base for training in military parachuting.  Albert Perry, a civilian, became the first person to parachute from a plane.

1911--  Lt. Dwight D, Eisenhower began his military career at Jefferson Barracks.

During World War I, Jefferson Barracks served as a training and recruitment center for men heading overseas for Europe.  It was the largest U.S. induction and demobilization center for troops in World War I.

--Cooter

48 Men from DeKalb County Joining the Army

From the May 23, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"DeKalb County people in goodly numbers met in Sycamore to bid God-speed to 48 of DeKalb County's best young men who were selected for army service and starting on their way to Jefferson Barracks in Missouri, for training."

--Cooter

Giving Her All for the World War I Effort

From the April 25, 2018, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago

"Miss Celeste Firkins of Rollo has gone as a nurse somewhere in France.  Alden Firkins went to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, for training.  Their brother Bruce is to enter the Army soon.

"Thus, Mrs. Sarah Firkins has been called to give three of her children to help this great fight for righteousness and peace in the world."

Giving Her All.  --Cooter

Michael Joseph Blassie (Formerly Unknown Vietnam Soldier)-- Part 3

The remains stayed at the Tomb of the Unknowns until 1998.

All along, there was the thought that the remains may have been those of Michael Blassie.  A CBS news report in January 1998 claimed it was Blassie.  His family secured permission and Blassie was exhumed on May 14, 1998.

DNA testing proved the remains were his.

On July 10, 1998, the remains were sent to St. Louis and reinterred at Jefferson Barracks national Cemetery.  The Medal of Honor, however, was not transferred.

From Find-A-Grave:  The grave is in plot section 85, Site 1.