Wilfred Jesse Sage

Submitted by: Rebecca Lane Oesterle {granddaughter}

Wilfred Jesse Sage born around 1890. Wilfred Sage served in World War 1 with the United States Marine Corps. The enlistment was in 1917 and the service was completed in 1921.

Story of Service

He enlisted July 9, 1917, in Boston, Massachusetts, and was sent to Camp Syracuse, Syracuse, New York, as a private in Company E 23rd Infantry of the regular Army.

In August, he was made Corporal; Sept. 7, he left Hoboken, NJ for France, in the only division which had regiments of United States Marines.

He was wounded in action, October 8, 1918, and was in hospitals until after the armistice. In January, 1919, he returned to his company, which was with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine.

He was cited for bravery and his name is in a book issued by the Second Division Headquarters. "During the fighting at Blanc Mont., Corporal Sage showed extraordinary courage by taking command of his platoon after his leader and platoon Sergeants were wounded. Badly wounded, he continued to lead his men until they had successfully broken up the assault." For that he received the Silver Star.

He was discharged in August, 1919, and in September 1919, re-enlisted for one year. He was discharged in September, 1920. In January, 1921 he re-enlisted as private in Troop C 15th Cavalry and was stationed at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming.