Walter A. Gustafson

Camp Lewis, WA; Camp Greene, NC; France / World War I
  • Military specialty: Unknown
  • Awards: 2 Citations for bravery

b. 12 Jul 1891; d. 11 Sep 1927. Walter Ahlin Gustafson was born in St. Paul, MN to John F. and Jannie Gustafson. The family moved to Dale Twp., Cottonwood Co., MN in 1891 and he grew up working on the family farm.  Around 1915, Walter moved to Forsyth, MT to work on his own farm.  Shortly after moving, he met his future wife, Alice Anderson Cramer, and in 1916 they married;  they had 7 children.

On 3 Oct 1917, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Company I, 362nd Infantry, 91st Division at Camp Lewis, WA. He was later transferred to Headquarters Company, 59th Infantry, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) at Camp Greene, NC.  He sailed for France on 3 May 1918 and was involved in 38 days of active combat at Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Vesle River, and Toulan Def.

He was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 15 Jun 1918 and to the rank of Sergeant on 1 Oct 1918. Walter was given a Division citation twice for bravery in the field of action.  Walter was gassed (sector unknown,) and was sick for a week; he was also hit by a bullet, but his pistol stopped the round from injuring him.  His unit returned to the U.S. in 1919 and he was discharged on 13 Aug 1919 at Ft. Russell, Wyoming.  (Letters from his military service sent to his family are located in the CCHS Research Library.)

After his discharge, he returned to his home in Montana and continued to work on his farm.

At the age of thirty-six, Walter passed away and was buried in the Westlawn Memorial Park, Eugene, OR.

 

  • Obituary: No