OTTO WOSOBA, the son of Mrs. Josie Wosoba, who lives on the farm near this city, received his call from the Government for service requiring him to report for duty September 20th, 1917. He was sent to Camp Dodge, where he remained until November 25th, and was then transferred to Camp Pike, Ark. At the time of his being drafted he asked for deferred classification that he might finish harvesting his crops and complete some new buildings, which were being constructed on the farm. The reason for this request was due to the fact that his leaving at that time left the burden of the farm on his mother and sister. Action was not taken on this claim until in March 1918, and he was then sent home from
Camp Pike. He was again called into the service April 25th, and with the contingent from this county, went to Camp Dodge, and two months later was transferred to Camp Travis, Texas. They remained here only two weeks and were then ordered to Camp Merritt, N. J. He departed overseas June 17th, remaining at Liverpool for a short time, where he celebrated the Fourth of July. He was a member of Co. D, 358 Inft., the same company of which Victor Shimanek, who was killed in action, was a member, and likewise his first encounter with the enemy was experienced on September 12. In a letter to relatives he stated that he had been “over the top” four times. The last letter received from him, dated October 17th, stated that they had been sent back of the lines for a rest. The company of which he was a member was again thrown into action in the drive against Sedan. As stated above he was taking care of the farm for his mother at the time he was called, and although he asked for deferred classification, did not complain when same was not granted. Later, when the draft board took action on the claim and sent him home, he begged to remain in camp as he knew that the work on the farm had been taken care of, and he liked the army life. He was born October 30th, 1893, and on that day this year reached his 25th birthday. A message was received by his mother Thursday, December 5th, stating that he had been severely wounded in action.

[NOTE: Coporal Otto Wosoba was seriously wounded while in action on November 10, 1918, and died the following day, November 11, an hour before the Armistice was signed. He was buried in France, but in 1921 his body was exhumed and moved to Mayflower Cemetery where he is buried with his mother. His obituaries give his birthdate as October 30, 1893. His gravestone says October 30, 1892. Richard Harrison]

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