Chadron — Michael Sandstrom is researching the life of Corporal William C. Herman and is looking for help telling this hero’s story as part of the Memorializing the Fallen – a teacher professional development program from National History Day®. Sponsored by the U.S. World War i Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the program takes educators on the journey of a lifetime to rediscover the history of World War I and invigorate its teaching in America’s classrooms.
By researching the story of a Silent Hero®, an American service member who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I, program participants can be the voice of these Americans who died a century ago.
Sandstrom teaches at Chadron High School in Chadron and will deliver a eulogy for Corporal Herman at the Meuse–Argonne American Cemetery in June. However, before he can do this, he needs help from those who may have connections to this Silent Hero. Corporal Herman was born in Palo Alto, lowa and lived in Alliance, Nebraska.
“Herman’s family owned and operated a butcher’s market, the Palace Meat Market, in Alliance, Nebraska. In March 1919, he received his draft notice and left for training at Camp Funston, Kansas. Herman’s unit took part in several operations on Western Front from August 1918 until his death on November 4,” said Sandstrom. “Throughout my research, I found a great deal of information about Herman’s service, but very little surrounding the circumstances of his death. I would appreciate any information on the the circumstances surrounding his death or the Herman family before the war.”
If you have any information about Corporal William C. Herman, please contact Mr. Sandstrom at [email protected].
About National History Day (NHD) NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than half a million students in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels. The top entries are invited to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by HISTORY®, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, and Southwest Airlines. For more information, visit http://nhd.org
About the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission The World War I Centennial Commission was created by Congress in 2013 to provide educational programs, public outreach, and commemorative events, regarding America’s involvement in World War I. Information on the Commission can be found here http://wwlcc.org