The Lamar register., 1918-08-14
KILLED IN ACTION
Mearl Rockwell of Holly Gave His Life
on the Fourth Day of the Great
Counter Offensive on the
Marne.
A HERO OF THE MARINES

The war was again brought home
TO Holly on Wednesday, when news
came of the death of Mearl c. Rock
well. who was killed in action in
France July 10Th. The first inti-
nation of the death of Mearl came
from the Denver Times, which tele-
phoned to Holly in an effort to Sc
cuneinformation for Il story concern
ing his service in the Marines About
the same time a message was receiv-
ed by the family from the depart
ment at Washington announcing
his death while in action.
No news which the war has car
ried to Holly has brought greater
shock to the community than the
news of this death. The splendid
achievements of the Marines, of
which Mearl has been member in
France, have been followed with a
measure of pride which would be
difficult to describe and few days
ago when the statement was issued
that Mearl himself had been decor
ated for bravery in action the town
of Holly and the Holly vicinity felt
that they as well had been honored
by his service to his country.
Through several campaigns he has
taken conspicuous part and up
to this time he has not suffered 50
much as wound. But such are
the uncertainties of war and we
must be prepared for the unexpece-
ed and for the casualties which are
sure to come.
Mearl enlisted in the Marines at
the Denver recruiting office in May
Of last year and was Immediately
sent to Mare Island Navy Yard for
instruction. Later he was stationed
at camp in Virginia and early last
winter sailed for France. He has rem
dered a good account of himself at all
times and only recently was promoted
to a Corporalship. He has been sta
toned in the Marne sector and for
some time has beensa regimental OBJ
server, which is n position of unusual
danger and responsibility. The entire
family in its sorrow and the name of
Mearl will forever be linked with the
valiant service for the country which
has marked his conduct cover there
This letter was received from Mearl
today noon.
France, July IL, 1918.
Dear folk
A few lines to let you know that
am still o. X and feeling fine.
Yesterday duly 1O) was great
day for me, u day that will remember
as long as I live. My friend, Bill
Staye. and myself were notified to
stand by to go over TO grigade head
quarters to be decorated. We started
about one o'clock and got there about
three. IL began to rain when we ar
rived there but it was only light
shower and didn't last long. After
while General Pershing's ear and he
came up and we got the order To ran
i'm. We were lined up to the righ.
of the troops who were there TO bt
reviewed. oO'h
command left face, forward march
We marched past the troops and up
in front of General Pershing and halt
ed then we got the command righ'
face forward, then halt. We were
little out of practice in marching but
the band played so we made 1t pretty
good. The band played the National
Anthem and we came to present arms,
Then MIR. Pershing gave splendid
speech. After the speech he with his
staff came down in front of us. Cen
eral Pershing pinned the ID. 5. C.'s on
us then he shook hands with US ana
talked to us individually. Then his
staff followed, talked to us and shook
hands with us. Then the General ana
his staff lined up facing the troops and
we formed on his left. Then the band
began to play and the troops passed
in review. Then we were dismissed
The medal is very beautiful and
am sure proud of it. If | get back
4 erntn0 send III