World War I Veterans of Arenzville, Illinois
1917 – 1918
When America entered the Great War in April 1917, the men of Arenzville did not hesitate. Farmers and tradesmen, sons and brothers – they left central Illinois for the trenches of France, the training camps of the South, and the seas beyond.
One of them did not come home.
| 89 | 1 | 4 | 1917 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Veterans Documented |
† Died During Active Service |
Years of Active U.S. Involvement |
Year Arenzville Men First Enlisted |
| 89 | 1 | 4 | 1917 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Veterans Documented |
† Died During Active Service |
Years of Active U.S. Involvement |
Year Arenzville Men First Enlisted |
Browse the World War I Veterans Directory
89 documented veterans – search and filter by name, lifespan, residence, or service dates. Select any veteran to view their full biography and service record.
A Small Community and the War to End All Wars
The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917 – and within days, young men from Arenzville and the surrounding community were among the first to respond.
The Great War was unlike anything the world had seen. Fought across the mud and wire of the Western Front, in the skies above France, and on the seas of the Atlantic, it drew in millions of men from nations across the globe. For the men of Arenzville, it meant leaving behind farms, families, and familiar streets for training camps in Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee – and then, for many, the journey across the ocean to France.
They served in infantry, artillery, cavalry, the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Air Service. They fought at Chateau Thierry, the Argonne-Meuse, St. Mihiel, Champagne, and the Lorraine sector. Some were wounded. Some were gassed. Some served stateside and never reached the front.
Of the men from Arenzville who served in the Great War, one made the ultimate sacrifice – John Vallery – died during active service and did not return.
“Their record will henceforth forever constitute one of the most brilliant pages in the military history of America.” – Cass County in the World War, 1917–1918–1919
Who Is Included in This Record?
This archive documents men from the Arenzville community who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War I. A veteran is included if evidence confirms at least one of the following:
- He was born in the Arenzville community
- He resided in Arenzville at the time of his enlistment or service
- He is buried or otherwise documented as connected to the Arenzville area
In all cases, “Arenzville” is defined broadly – encompassing the village and the surrounding rural community.
John Vallery - Arenzville, Illinois
John Vallery is recorded on the original Arenzville veterans list with the notation that he died during active service. His name is preserved here so that it is never forgotten.
If you have information about John Vallery's service record, unit, or burial location, please contact us. Every detail helps complete his story.
Know an Arenzville World War I Veteran We've Missed?
This archive depends on the community to stay accurate and complete. If you have a name, a photograph, a service record, or a family story connected to an Arenzville veteran of the Great War – we want to hear from you.