HEBRON — Jason Libby of Augusta recently spoke to the Hebron Historical Society on Maine’s part in World War I. He is a co-author with state historian Earle Shettleworth on the book, “Maine and World War I.” He covered the pertinent facts and individuals relevant to the state and local history.
Approximately 32,000 individuals from Maine participated in the war and incurred about 1,000 casualties. A significant number of these were born in Canada. They were assigned to the 2nd Maine National Guard, which became the 103rd Regiment. The Passamaquoddy Tribe, who were not U.S. citizens, sent 20 men to fight and suffered two casualties.
Many women not only served as nurses but many were employed in the manufacturing of artillery shells at the Portland Co. Libby said 37 people were either born in Hebron or moved there prior to entering the war.
The first Maine individual to be killed in the war was Harold Andrews, a graduate of Hebron Academy, who was serving as an engineer when attacked by a German squad. Melvin Tuttle of New Gloucester earned the Distinguished Service Cross for dispatching a German machine gun battery by himself.
Some attendees also provided personal stories of acquaintances who served in the Great War.
The next meeting will feature Carolyn Lawson of the Norlands Living History Center speaking on the “History of Civil War Medicine, Myth, and Miniballs” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Hebron Town Office, 351 Paris Road. The public is invited.
Jason Libby
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