''The Knapsack'', Vol. 3 Excerpt
This excerpt from Volume 3, Number 7 of military publication "The Knapsack" comprises pages 2 and 3 in the Frank Gerlach file. The publication dates to March of 1930, and was published in Canton, Ohio. The main document provides a brief military biography of Frank C. Gerlach, as well as brief set of reminders for subscribers.
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The Knapsack Vol. 3 No. 7 March 1930 Canton, Ohio
A Veteran of Two Wars
Colonel Frank C. Gerlach is a veteran of two wars, having served in the Spanish-American War as a Captain of Co. D. 8th O. V. I., and in the World War as a Colonel of the 145th Infantries. In 1894 he enlisted in Company D of the 8th Reg. O. N. G. and was promoted to Captain of the company and it was with this outfit that Comrade Gerlach saw his service in Cuba. Upon returning from Cuba he remained in the O. N. G. as an officer and served on the Mexican Border during the winter of 1916-1917. When the U. S. entered the World War Comrade Gerlach was commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel of the 146th Infantry. Colonel Gerlach and his command participated in one of the greatest battles of the war, that of the Meuse-Argonne. and subsequently held a portion of the line near Verdun. From there they were ordered to Belgium and just before leaving for this front he was transferred tot he command of the 145th Infantry. In Belgium his Regiment participated with the French and Belgium forces and made a successful crossing of the river at the village of Eyne. It was in this campaign that he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Gerlach was one of Ohio’s soldiers cited in military orders and was awarded the Belgium War Cross, the French Croix de Guerre and the American Distinguished Service Medal. After returning to his home he was appointed postmaster of Wooster and served in this office for four years. He is the president of the 37th Division Battle Monument Commission and during September and October of last year he was with the 37th Division Pilgrimage Party which returned to France and Belgium to dedicate the monuments which the State of Ohio has erected there. Colonel Gerlach is Commander of Buckeye Camp No. 51, U. S. W. V.; Past Commander of
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The Knapsack
Published in the Interest of
Those Who Followed the Flag
George L. Hewitt Editor
111 Hartford Ave. S. E. - - Phone 2-7435
Jos. A. Gos(e)tt Business Manager
422 Warner Rd. S. E. - - Phone 2-5235
A Veteran of Two Wars
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Wooster Post No. 68, American Legion; Past President of the 37th Division Veterans Association; Past President of the 146th Inf. Assn. He has always been active in civic affairs and for many years was affiliated with the drug business but during the recent years he has been an officer and director of the Wayne Building and Loan Co. at Wooster.
Americanism Americanism is an unfailing love of country; loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the flag, and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.
Announcements On Sunday evening, Feb. 16th, Post 693, V. F. W., held Main memorial services in their hall and on Wednesday, Feb 19th, Camp 55, U. S. W. V., held services in the G. A. R. Hall. Both of these affairs were well attended and the programs in each case were of interest to all who attended. We are glad to see the spirit of cooperation displayed at these meetings, as there were many comrades and ladies present at each affair from other veteran bodies of the city.
The Management of the Knapsack asks that all comrades remember the comrades who are advertising in this bulletin and helping to bring it to you.
One Comrade signed up is worth half a dozen prospects who are merely interested.
U. S. W. V. Camp Notes We understand that comrade Mast has taken to attending the meetings of the Sons of Veterans.
What do you suppose happened to A. J. Weich that he got to a meeting for once? Anyway we were glad to see him.
We understand that comrade Pete Smith is getting along fine out among the cactus of Arizona, and that his health has improved greatly. It sure would be fine if we could all take a trip out along the Sunset Trail and drop inn “Pete” some day when he was not expecting company.
Don’t you fellows think that it is about time for another Massillon night in the Camp? How about all the Massillon boys making a special effort to get to the meeting on April 2?
The officers of Canton Camp have asked us to again impress upon the minds of the comrades the importance of their attending the meetings.
Don’t forget your dues.
U. S. W. V. Mettings Canton Camp No. 55 U. S. W. V. and their Auxiliary hold their meetings in the G. A. R. Hall at the City Auditorium on the following dates: Canton Camp 1st and 3rd Wednesday U. S. W. V. Auxiliary 1st and 3rd Thursday
U. S. W. V. Auxiliary In giving the list of the officers of Canton Auxiliary in the last issue we are sorry that an error was made and we take this opportunity to correct it. The Senior Vice President is Mayme Anthony instead of Mayme Weidman. Sister Weidman happens to be the Sr. Vice President of the Dept. of Ohio Auxiliary.