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Private John Harrisburg

1918 - Colby Jewish Studies Program on-line



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Thank you to Ann Oppenheim for the information

Note:
Ann Harrisburg - "John Archibald Harrisburg: born 8/1898, died at the Second Battle of the Marme—was the last major German offensive on the Western Front during the First World War. The attack failed when an Allied counterattack, supported by several hundred tanks, overwhelmed the Germans on their right flank, inflicting severe casualties. The Americans in the 6th Marines fought at Vierzy, France (Verte Feuille) on July 19, 1918. The Marines were exposed to terrific machine gun and high-explosive fire during the battle. John was the youngest of his Harrisburg siblings. The State of Maine Death Certificate reads that John Archibald Harrisburg died on July 19, 1918 in France, Europe. John was a Private in the Marines. It is difficult to read the death certificate handwriting, but I (Ann Oppenheim) believe that he was in company 9, 6th Marines. The family has said that John is buried in Auburn, Maine. F. E. Dillingham is the undertaker. Robert Harrisburg went to the gravesite of Hannah and Harry Harrisburg, his parents, and saw no tombstone for John.

Alexander Harrisburg, brother to John Harrisburg, was a member of the National Guard of the State of Maine. His documents state: “To whom it may concern: This is to certify that Alexander Harrisburg a corporal of 8’ Company C.A.C. who was enlisted on the 15th day of July, 1912 to serve three years, is hereby honorably discharged from the National Guard of the State of Maine by reason of enlistment in U.S. Navy. The said Alexander Harrisburg was born in Lewiston in the State of Maine and when enlisted was 18 years of age, five feet seven inches high, black hair, dark complexion, dark brown eyes and by occupation, a shoemaker. Given under my hand at Portland, Maine this 12th day of October in the year of our Lord 1913. Colonel William O. Peterson, Colonel C.A.C. N.G.S.M. Character “excellent”, no objection to his re-enlistment is known to exist, Captain, C.A.C. Commanding 8” Co., Earle H. Reed.” Alexander’s military record states,”Non-commissioned Officer Corporal November 15, 1912; recommendations that he be honorably discharged, distinguished service none, record of perfect attendance none, previous service, serving in first enlistment at Date of discharge, marksman, 1913, physical condition when discharged, good, objections to enlistment none, remarks, service honest and faithful. Signed, Earle A. Reed, Captain C.A.C. N.G.S.M.” Alexander re-enlisted. The enlistment records shows,” Harrisburg, Alexander, rate, hospital apprentice, enlisted October 13, 1913 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 4 years; previous naval service, none, served apprenticeship, no, gun captain certificate, no, certificate graduation P.O. School, no, seaman gunner, no; trade, none; citizenship, U.S., ratings held during enlistment, hospital apprentice nursing, proficiency in rating, very good, nursing, very good, 1st aid, very good, sobriety, excellent, obedience, good, average standing for term of enlistment, very good, signed Kleagr, Lieutenant, commander, U.S.N.. and executive officer. Where born, Lewiston, Maine; date June 6, 1895; age 19, 9 months; height 5 feet, 6’4 inches; weight, 130 pounds; eyes, brown; hair, dark brown; complexion ruddy; personal characteristics, marks, etc. S. 3” fr. Cut scalp, 2 r s.l. and v.s. center thorax; P.M. s. abdomen; scar 1” fr. T. wrist; U. shaped scar fr. Bk, l. thunb, scar 1/4 “ lat. Scapula; 1. S. 1/8 l. scapula; 2 v.s. left lumbar. Percentage of time on sick list during enlistment, non. Is physically qualified for re-enlistment. Allen. R. Barrow, MRC, U.S.N. . I hereby certify that the above-named Alexander Harrisburg has been paid, no dollars and no cents in full to date. Pay per month $22.00. March 19, 1914. Pay Inspector, U.S. Navy. Deposited $35.39 cost of discharge.” The second discharge states,”Certify that Alexander Harrisburg Hospital Apprentice, has this day been discharged from the Constellation, and from the Naval Service, special order of the Secretary of the Navy, conditional upon refund for the cost of clothing outfit, Bu. Let. Mch.6, 1914 EM-N- 62-JW is recommended for reenlistment, Rating best qualified to fill, hospital apprentice dated this 19th day of March, 1914, at Newport, Rhode Island, Roger Welles, Captain U.S.N., commanding U.S. S. Constellation. “ sons of Alexander Harrisburg: Sherman (Gigi) Harris: served in the Marine Corps during World War 2 , Marshall Harris: Served as an x-ray technician in the US Army (North Africa, France)."
People: John Harrisburg, 2nd from left;

Ann Oppenheim
Organizations: U.S. Marines
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  • Civic life -- Jewish Mainers in the military from the Civil War to today -- World War I