Veterans' Memorial Project

Truman Obet Aarvig

Pontiac, IL

World War I

Aarvig, Truman, Pontiac, Illinois. Born November 5, 1890, near Pontiac, Illinois. Student at University of Illinois. Enlisted June 23, 1913, Pontiac, Illinois, Co. F, 3 Inf., I. N. G. Mobilized for Mexican Border Service, June 19, 1916, with rank of corporal. Promoted to Sgt. Stationed at Camp Wilson, San Antonio, Texas. Mustered from federal service at Ft. Sheridan, February 21, 1917. Mobilized at Pontiac, Illinois, for World War Service. To Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, September 13, 1917. Organization designation changed to Co. F, 129 Inf. Rank, Sup. Sgt. Commissioned 2d Lt., December 18, 1917. Transferred to Co. C, 129 Inf., December 18, 1917. Sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey, May 10, 1918, on U. S. S. Covington. Landed at Brest, France, May 24, 1918. Transferred to 1st Bn. Hdqrs., 129 Inf., August 12, 1918. Promoted to 1st Lt., August 12, 1918, Serving as Intelligence and Scout Officer. Engagements: Meuse-Argonne Offensive, September 26-October 11, 1918; Dannevoux, Gercourt, September 26-October 9, 1918; Bois de Chaume, Bois de Plat Chene, October 10-11, 1918, with XVII French Corps on East Bank of Meuse River; Somme-Amiens Sector with Australian Corps, July 26-August 6, 1918; Albert sector with 18 Div., B. E. F., August 11-20, 1918; Verdun Sector, Hill 304, September 7-26, 1918. On October 11, 1918, Lt. Aarvig was killed in action by H. E. shell near Consenvoye, a shell striking the headquarters dugout. Lt. Aarvig had been ordered to return to the States to instruct other officers, but made the request that he might remain in France, and his death followed almost immediately after the cancellation of this order. Lieutenant Aarvig’s body was returned home, and buried at South Side Cemetery, Pontiac, Illinois, September 11, 1921, with full military honors.

– submitted by Derrick Babbs, researcher