Monday, November 4, 2013

Lt. Charles J. Hammer: 147th Infantry Regiment WWI


Charles J. Hammer
Fostoria, Ohio

 
Charles J. Hammer, born in Fostoria in Seneca County enlisted in Fremont, Ohio, in the 6th Ohio National Guard in 1917 at the age of 25. At the outbreak of WWI, the Ohio National Guard protected tunnels, viaducts, bridges, docks, and railroads throughout the state. The 6th Ohio spent part of its time at Mingo Junction. Company K, 6th Ohio was federalized March 17, 1917. It became part of the 147th Infantry.
 
Charles J. Hammer
Mingo Junction

1917

 
Camp Sheridan
 Montgomery, Alabama



The 147th Infantry was part of the 37th Division, originally known as "Ohio's Own" and later the "Buckeye Division." The division trained at Camp Sheridan outside Montgomery,  Alabama, which was constructed as training took place. As pictured above, the camp was largely made up of tents.

Charles J. Hammer with his future wife Helen Keller
1917

2nd Lt. Charles J. Hammer
Final Day of Service
December 24, 1918

Charles Hammer left the service as a second lieutenant in December of 1918. He served as Sandusky County, Ohio's auditor from 1953 to 1965. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 121. He passed away in Fremont June 25, 1992 at the age of 99. These photographs and others of Lt. Hammer were donated to the Hayes Presidential Center. 
 
(The 147th was shipped overseas in June 1918. After further combat training, the 147th was ordered to the Baccarat Sector. They fought at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, St. Mihiel, in Belgium at Ypres-Lys, and Lorraine.) Learn about Sandusky Countian Clarence Childs who also served in the 147th on Paper Trail.
 
World War I centenary commemorations will take place in 2014 and continue through 2018.



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