The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1945-08-23

friend in his arms as the friend
died. In the discharge of these du-
ties Private Wichman established j
record that brought high praise
from his superiors. One of these
was a citation that reads in part as
follows:
For heroic achievement in con-
nection with military operations on
Dec. and 7, 1914, in the vicinity
of Saarlautern. Germany. Attempt
ing to cut the line of communica-
tions to elements of the - Infan-
try Regiment on the east side Of
the Saar river, the Germans on
Dec 4, 5, 6. 7 and 8, laid down a
continual artillery and mortar bar
rage. Throughout this period. blan-
ket Smelling as we'll as machine
gun and small arms fire continued
without ceasing. Under this dread
full fire. Private Wichman per-
formed his duty as assistant am
bulanee driver. evacuating wound
ed. some of whom were in need
of immediate definitive medical
treatment, with cool, intrepid skill.
The route of evacuation was over
the bridge at Saarlautern, the pri-
mary enemy target in that area,
but neither the fierce German fire
nor the debris littering the road
lessened Private Wichman's un-
swerving devotion to duty. The
gallant behavior of Private Wich-
man reflects distinct credit on him
and is in accordance with the high
est traditions of the Medical de-
partment.
As is the army and navy prac-
tees, Private Wichman's personal
effects were sent to his parents.
When these were opened Combat
Medic badge, an Oak Leaf award.
and a Good Conduct ribbon were
found as awards that had been won
by the young man.
August Waldemar Wichman was
born March II, 1917. in Libby He
was baptized April q, 1917, by the
Rev. P E. Rohlfing of St Johns
Lutheran church and was confirmed
and became communicate mem
Der of the same church on June -,
1882, Rev H. L. Pfotenhauer, pas
tor. Waldemar attended the Libby
grade school and went to the high
school at Chippewa Falls, Wis.
While there he entered musical
contest conducted among high
schools of that area by the Midwest
Musical association and on two diff
ferent occasions won first place IN
vocal contests. This encouraged
him to continue in voice and he
took up that training in Chicago
conservatory and continued il for
three years, UP to the time he en-
tered service Of his country on July
Is. 1912. On July 13, 1914, he was
sent to the European theater Of war
and served in the famous 95th di-
vision, in the Third Army, under
General Patton, and later III the
Ninth Army In commencing the
outstanding work Of the 95th. both
| General Patton and Lit Gen. w. Fl.
Simpson sent Private Wichman let
tiers of commentator
Vii July - iJfJs IN Md5 4 It'll iiIG
to the United States and then spent
a month in a TT. Wayne, Ind, hos
pital recovering from a sinus infec-
ton. Leaving the hospital, he start
ed home on furlough to visit his
parents whom he had not seen for
four years. The accident brought
that furlough TO an untimely end
AT various times Waldemars in
structors had written his parents
! that he possessed an unusually
strong and musical baritone voice
and had much promise for a bril-
/ liant career in music. If Providence
had permitted longer life, he had
planned to continue in that calling.
Many friends in this community
and elsewhere join in extending
sympathy to the bereaved parents
and relatives.