His name was Walter J. Scherer, a private in the 130th US Infantry. Born 1893. Died 1918 in the Argonne Forest.
At 25, he hadn't time to make any sort of mark in history. I used to walk through this peaceful silent city and wonder what sort of man he was, his life cut so short.
I have two Great-Uncles who died in their middle to late 20s from the lingering effects of mustard gas attacks in WW1.
Neither ever married, recognizing their recurrent health problems were terminal (not a diagnosis, just personal observations on their part according to their siblings).
I had a similar experience when I toured Eton. On the walls around the courtyard are the names of the WWI dead from that venerable school. I was appalled by the sheer number and horrified that they were all close to my age, 18, 19, 20. So tragic.
Walter J SCHERER
prairiegirl.familytreeguide.com/.../Scherer
Notes : Walter sailed for France on the 14th. of May 1918, with the 33rd. Div., 130th. Inf. Company K. He was killed in action in the Arrogone Forest, Oct. 14, 1918 ...
Looked his name up on Google and got this hit, but the link is no longer active.
You may have this information but there is a very fine and detailed record of Walter in Ancestry.com
Somehow I was intrigued and checked it out. There he was in various census. Born Eagle Creek, Scott, Minnesota - the 1910 census tells us of his parents. Jacob 59 yrs. and Kate 47 yrs. A farmer with his own farm. Kate born in Canada and Jacob born in Illinois. Both their fathers ironically were born in Germany.
Walter is 17 yrs. and has five siblings all younger. His letter written as a soldier while training in Texas is shown. Also a photograph in his uniform. The telegram telling of his remains being returned is shown. A bit of a ramble on my part, but thought it might interest posters on this thread.