Grand Island in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Edward P. Pierce
May 18, 1894 - September 29, 1918
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 4, 2022
1. Edward P. Pierce Marker
Private First Class (PFC) Edward Pierce was the son of prominent Buffalo grain merchant George E. Pierce and spent summers on the large Pierce farm on the West River. He enlisted in the Army in 1918 and served with the 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, 108th Infantry Regiment, D Company.
PFC Pierce and D Company were entrenched in the battle that broke the Hindenburg Line on the day he gave his life. For his heroic actions he was awarded the Army's Distinguished Service Cross. The citation reads: "For extraordinary heroism in action near Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918. Private Pierce left shelter, went into an open field under heavy machine-gun and shell fire, and dragged a wounded soldier to safety. This courageous soldier was killed while advancing with his company later in the action."
PFC Pierce was also awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal. His gravestone in Forest Lawn Cemetery includes the inscription: "To Die As He Died Means That He Lives Forever."
Erected 2021 by Grand Island VFW Memorial Post 9249, Grand Island American Legion and Grand Island Moose Lodge 180.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is September 29, 1918.
Location. 43° 1.545′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William S. Gillen (here, next to this marker); Charles N. DeGlopper (here, next to this marker); Howard W. Salton (here, next to this marker); George E. Smith (here, next to this marker); Eugene F. Dinsmore (here, next to this marker); Francis K. Goodchild (here, next to this marker); Charles A. Smith (here, next to this marker); William L. Rohde (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Island.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 4, 2022
2. Grand Island Roll of Honored Dead
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 4, 2022
3. Monument and Markers at the DeGlopper Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 7, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
