10 Heroes From WWI You Don't Want To Forget
10 Heroes From WWI You Don't Want To Forget
By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures
World War I is often remembered in sweeping terms, trenches, mud, and millions lost, but behind those broad strokes are individual lives marked by courage, sacrifice, and quiet determination. Some names became legends. Others faded into the margins of history.
This list is for those you may not immediately recognize but should. These are ten men who served in World War I, each with a story worth remembering.
Sergeant Alvin Cullum York
One of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I, York’s actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive led to the capture of over 100 German soldiers. A reluctant warrior guided by faith, his story became one of the most enduring examples of courage under fire.
.png "WWI Hero – Lieutenant Jay Catherwood Hormel | Everyday Patriot")
Lieutenant Jay Catherwood Hormel
Better known as a businessman and heir to the Hormel food company, Jay Hormel served as a lieutenant during World War I. His service reflects the many Americans who stepped away from privilege and into uniform when their country called.
.png "WWI Hero – Private First Class Joseph Oklahombi | Everyday Patriot")
Private First Class Joseph Oklahombi
A member of the Choctaw Nation, Oklahombi displayed extraordinary bravery in the Argonne Forest, capturing multiple enemy soldiers despite being wounded. His story represents the often-overlooked contributions of Native American soldiers.
.png "WWI Hero – Brigadier General Benjamin Oliver Davis Sr | Everyday Patriot")
Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Sr.
One of the first African American generals in U.S. Army history, Davis served in a segregated military during World War I. His career broke barriers and laid the groundwork for future generations of Black service members.
.png "WWI Hero – Major Edwin P Hubble | Everyday Patriot")
Major Edwin P. Hubble
Before he changed how we understand the universe, Edwin Hubble served as an officer in World War I. His transition from soldier to groundbreaking astronomer is a reminder that history’s heroes often shape the world in more ways than one.
.png "WWI Hero – Corporal Freddie Stowers | Everyday Patriot")
Corporal Freddie Stowers
Leading his unit during an assault in France, Stowers pressed forward despite heavy resistance and was mortally wounded. Decades later, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, correcting a long-overdue recognition.
.png "WWI Hero – Sergeant William Henry Johnson | Everyday Patriot")
Sergeant William Henry Johnson
Known as “Black Death” to his enemies, Johnson fought off a German raiding party almost single-handedly, protecting a fellow soldier and holding his position against overwhelming odds. His heroism went unrecognized for far too long.
.png "WWI Hero – Colonel Hamilton Stuyvesant Fish III | Everyday Patriot")
Colonel Hamilton Stuyvesant Fish III
A prominent New Yorker and future congressman, Fish served with distinction in World War I. His life reflects a generation shaped by war that went on to influence American political life.
.png "WWI Hero – Lieutenant Preston Doane Fogg | Everyday Patriot")
Lieutenant Preston Doane Fogg
A Syracuse University athlete and natural leader, Preston Fogg left behind a life of promise to serve in the U.S. Army during World War I. In October 1918, during intense fighting in France, he was wounded but still carried a fellow soldier to safety under fire.
.png "WWI Hero – Private First Class Ben Carterby | Everyday Patriot")
Private First Class Ben Carterby
Though less documented than others on this list, Carterby stands as a representative of the many soldiers whose names did not make the history books—but whose service and sacrifice were no less real.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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