Van Buren in Crawford County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

First Three U.S. Deaths in WWI

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 3, 2016

1. First Three U.S. Deaths in WWI Monument

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In memory of
Merle D. Hay
Thomas Enwright
James B. Gresham
They were the first members of
the Expeditionary Army of the
United States in France to die
that we might live
stricken on the field of glory,
November 3, 1917.
Dulse et decorium est pro patria mori.
Originally erected by Sam Chew, November 1917.

(Translation of Latin phrase: "It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country."

Erected 1917 by Sam Chew.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Events • War, World I.

Location. 35° 26.064′ N, 94° 21.336′ W. Marker is in Van Buren, Arkansas, in Crawford County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Main Street and South 4th Street. Located in the bushes at the corner of Main and 4th Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Main Street, Van Buren AR 72956, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Crawford County Vietnam Memorial (here, next to this marker);

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History of Hebe Statue (a few steps from this marker); Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Crawford County Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Butterfield Stage Route (within shouting distance of this marker); Albert Pike School House (within shouting distance of this marker); Crawford County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Van Buren Raid (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Van Buren.

More about this marker. "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" is a line from the Roman lyrical poet Horace's Odes (III.2.13).

Unsure why this monument is here in Van Buren. None of the named are from Arkansas.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on Merle Hay. (Submitted on August 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Wikipedia article on Thomas Enright (Enwright). (Submitted on August 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
3. Wikipedia article on James Bethel Gresham. (Submitted on August 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

First Three U.S. Deaths in WWI Monument in bushes at corner of Courthouse lawn. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 3, 2016

2. First Three U.S. Deaths in WWI Monument in bushes at corner of Courthouse lawn.

4. The First American Soldiers Killed in Action. (Submitted on August 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

WWI monument is in far left background, to left of tree. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 3, 2016

3. WWI monument is in far left background, to left of tree.

Statue in foreground is a Confederate Soldier statue in front of the Crawford County Courthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.