|
Today is:
Edwin Clarence Qually. He was the son of
Norwegian immigrants from Vang, Valdres, Norway. Edwin was born in Wang
Township, Renville County, Minnesota on Sept.4, 1889.
In 1900, his family migrated to rural Adams, Walsh
County, North Dakota to homestead a new farm. Edwin farmed with his family then
operated a dray line, delivering goods to merchants and residents of Adams.
In May of 1918 he was
drafted and entered the US Army. He was sent to Camp Lewis, Washington for basic
training. He was then sent to Camp Kearney, San Diego, California for further
training. Edwin then traveled across the US to Camp Meritt, New Jersey where he
was outfitted with new equipment.
On August 31, 1918 he boarded the troop ship "Ortega"
in New York City and joined a convoy of ships for the Atlantic Crossing. In
France, Edwin was assigned to Company K, 357th Regiment, 90th Division.
Edwin's Company K was assigned to the Defensive Sector
at Puvenelle, Lorraine, France.
On Sept.26, 1918, Company K became involved in the The
Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During the first weeks of the battle, Edwin's Company K
had suffered very few casualties.
On October 24th, 1918, Company K, 357th Regiment, 90th
Division was ordered to take the German Occupied Hill 270, on Le Grande Farm,
Bantheville, France. Company K experienced over 50% Casualties that day.
Private Edwin Qually was
killed on Hill 270, fighting for his comrades on his left and right. Most of
these young men were from Ardmore, Oklahoma.
Edwin was buried in the American Memorial Cemetery at
Meuse, France. The US Army sent his parents a photograph of his grave. His
parents had his body shipped home in 1921.
On September 19, 1918, Edwin was laid to rest in the
Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery, south of his family farm, in rural Adams, Walsh
County, North Dakota.
The Qually-Dvorak Post 237 of the American Legion, Adams, ND is named in his
honor.
 Carl (standing) and
Edwin(sitting) Qually- Carl is Edwin's younger brother
Back to USGenWeb Project
|
Regarding this website send comments and
questions to:
Available
|
North Dakota
State Flag
Back to NDGenWeb Project
|
|
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)