| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit # | 1st Division AEF |
Born 11/06/1880, the son of Mrs. L. P. Burns of Wheatley. Mervin apparently went to the Yukon Territory during the gold rush of 1896 – 99, then to Alaska in 1907, moving to Washington State in 1908 working as a foreman at a sawmill. He received his American citizenship in 1915 and enlisted in the American Expeditionary Force in Detroit, Michigan 1/04/1917.
Mervin apparently went to the Yukon Territory during the gold rush of 1896 – 99, then to Alaska in 1907, moving to Washington State in 1908 working as a foreman at a sawmill. He received his American citizenship in 1915 and enlisted in the American Expeditionary Force in Detroit, Michigan 1/04/1917.
He served in France with the 1st American Division seeing combat during the Meuse – Argonne Offensive of 26/09 – 11/11/18, he was killed in action during that action (exact date unknown). He was one of the 117,000 American troops killed or wounded during that action.
After receiving notice of her son’s death in November of 1918 Mrs. Burns made inquiries about her son’s death and received the following:
Germany,
16 January, 1919.
Dear Mrs. Burns;
Your son, Mervin R. Fox had the privilege of leaving this world in a manner that truly is denied most of us. He led his men into a most dangerous position to hold up and drive out counter-attacking enemy troops. He performed his duty most gallantly, as always and successfully but gave his life in the performance of his task. His Captain Henry Keep and three other officers went him to Glory in this fight. I consulted the surgeon who examined him and was informed that he undoubtedly passed away without pain. This occurred in the famous Argonne drive where many brave sons of America gave their lives in the cause of freedom.
Quiet and cool always, Fox was, with his estimable qualities of soldier and gentleman, a man whom I was proud to claim as my friend. With him in those hours of nerve and physical strain, his actions always tended to increase the admiration of us all.
Though I most heartily extend to you my own, as well as the sympathy of the whole Battalion, his manliness and his glorious death. Knowing him well. I feel sure that he will be There to meet you.
Most sincerely yours,
Thomas W. Thorne,
Captain Commanding.
Information from Bill Siddall of Wheatley.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Supplemental Information | FOX, MERVIN R. Lieut. 1st Division AEF. Born 11/06/1880, the son of Mrs. L. P. Burns of Wheatley. Information from Bill Siddall of Wheatley. |
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