Raymond Hanson abt 1921

The remains of Raymond Hanson, Vienna's hero of the World War, who made the supreme sacrifice, now lay in the final resting place, the family lot in New Hope cemetery 10 miles east of Vienna.
The body, accompanied by a guard arrived here Saturday evening and the local American Legion Post, named in honor of the deceased, acted as escort to the home. All business houses in the village were closed to pay tribute to the departed one.
Service in charge of the pastor, Rev. Thoresen were conducted at the home at 12:30 Sunday afternoon and were followed by very impressive ceremonies at the Community building. The American Legion Post had charge of the funeral and the boys turned out in large numbers, the Bryant post also being largely represented. Rev. Hall of Bryant gave a splendid address fitting for the occasion which added greatly to the impressiveness of the services.
Six of his former buddies acted as pall bearers, color bearer, a firing squad and several squads of uniformed ex-service men lined up in the procession and the largest crowd ever assembled for a funeral in this community gathered to pay their due respect to a true soldier who had sacrificed his all for his country. The procession was several miles long and the military
clipping cuts off here. Clark County SD newspaper, circa 1921.

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.