Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Winnebago Indians
1919
D. A. R.
In recognition of the Loyalty & Patriotism
of the
Winnebago Indians
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Corporal Foster DeCorah
Robert DeCorah · Jesse Thompson
Mike Standing Water · Dewey Mike
Nelson R. DeLaRonde · James Greengrass
1919
Erected 1919 by Ah-Dah-Wa-Gam Chapter, D. A. R.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list.
Location. 44° 23.529′ N, 89° 49.636′ W. Memorial is in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, in Wood County. It is at the intersection of 1st Avenue South and West Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling south on 1st Avenue South. Marker was near the east riverbank of the Wisconsin River in Veterans Memorial Park (1st Street North at Oak Street). Marker is now located on 1st Avenue South at West Grand Avenue. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Wisconsin Rapids WI 54495, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ho-Chunk 32nd "Red Arrow" Division Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Iron Horse in Grand Rapids (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Rapids of the Wisconsin River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Our Medical History (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wood County Veterans Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Myron "Grim" Natwick (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Municipal Swimming Pool (approx. 0.4 miles away); Elizabeth Daly House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Rapids.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Corenso North America (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
More about this memorial. "The monument, provided by the Ahdawagam Chapter of the D. A. R., has been in readiness for some time, awaiting the completion of the improvements now under way on the west bank of the river, just south of the [Grand Avenue] bridge, where it is to be placed [for the July Fourth, 1923 dedication]. It is a large granite boulder inscribed with... seven members of the Winnebago tribe who died in the service of the United States during the war."
Corporal Foster DeCorah and Private Robert DeCorah were Killed in Action on August 1, 1918. (Corporal Foster DeCorah, who was killed in the Argonne while at the head of an advancing party of American soldiers, was far beyond military age, but was allowed to join the army. Three of his sons served in the same command, one being killed at the same time as his father.) Private Jesse Thompson was Killed in Action on October 10, 1918. Mike Standing Water died on the transport ship Leviathan enroute to France (April, 1918). Private Dewey Mike died from wounds on August 30, 1918. Private Nelson DeLaRonde was Missing in Action (September, 1918). James Greengrass was gassed on a battlefield, came home, and later died.
excerpts from Grand Rapids Tribune; June 12, 1919 & Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune; June 5, 1923 and other sources.
"Twenty-five Wisconsin Winnebago men volunteered for the First World War, serving in the 128th Infantry, Company D, 32nd Red Arrow Division; Mauston, Wisconsin.
The fine example set by these men is worthy of exceptional praise because they were not even considered full fledged citizens of the United States at the time of their service."
excerpt from monument located at the Volk Field Headquarters; Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.
Foster DeCorah is buried at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Picardie, France; Plot B, Row 4, Grave 33.
Jesse Thompson is buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France; Plot B, Row 15, Grave 8.
Mike Standing Water is buried at Mather, Wisconsin.
Dewey Mike is buried at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Picardie, France; the remains may be transferred to Wisconsin.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Another marker about Winnebago Indians.
Also see . . . World War II Stories - In Their Own Words: Donald C Boyd. My Father served with the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division, 128th Infantry Regiment, Cannon Company. He fought in the Pacific Theater Leyte, Luzon, and most notably, The Villa Verde Trail where he received the Bronze Star. He is now 82 years old and in good health. A short interview with my Dad may be viewed at this link. (Submitted on April 13, 2009, by Matthew Boyd of Swanton, Ohio.)

Photographed by Keith L, April 7, 2009
6. Nearby World War II Memorial
This memorial is in honor of all of the World War II veterans who were involved in the fight for the freedom of America and the free world.
Whether they fought in the Pacific or European theater, they faced a resolute and often brutal enemy, yet they possessed the inner strength and courage that kept them giving on the beaches at Normandy, in the deserts of North Africa and on the islands of the South Pacific.
The actions of those who were called to duty were probably best described by the words of Admiral Nimitz: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,295 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 4, 2024, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 9, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on June 4, 2024, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 5, 6. submitted on April 7, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on July 9, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 8. submitted on December 30, 2023, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.






