Raymond H. Hanson

The honors at the grave were carried out to the letter by the local Legion boys. Raymond H. Hanson was born Jan 28 1898 near Hayti and came to VIenna with his parents, Mr and mrs Christ Hanson, over 12 years ago. He enlisted April 24 1917 at Watertown with the 1st South Dakota Cavalry Band being only 19 years of age. Raymond was anxious to serve his country and went to Watertown July 15 1917 and entered the federal service. On Aug 20 he was transferred to Headquarters Troop as orderly.

He left Watertown Sept 15 to Camp Cody, NM and was transferred to the 136th Minnesota Infantry. He remained with this company as orderly for Major Chaplin Cleman and was sent to Camp Merrit, NJ. There he was put in the replacement draft and upon his arrival in France July 15th was tranferred to Co. D., 307th Infantry 77th division.

He was wounded in action Sept 6, 1918 and died the following day. The first information received by his mother that he had been wounded was on Oct 20 and it was not until Jan 6, 1919 that a telegram was received stating that he had died. The remains lay at rest in grave No 5, Cemetery No 872, American Battle Area, Cemetery Coincy Aisne. The body was shipped back at the request of his mother and arrived in New York several weeks ago.

Raymond Hanson is survived by his mother, Mrs Bertha Hanson, one brother, Lawrence and three sisters Mae, Alner and Nellie. They have the sympathy of the entire community and his glant deeds will go down in history with that of the other heroes who lost their lives for us long to be remembered and praised.
Clipping from scrapbook, first line(s) appear to be missing. Clark County, SD newspaper, 1919.