Editor’s note: This is the second of an occasional series recalling Schuylkill County’s role in World War I, which the United States entered a century ago.
ORWIGSBURG — Harry F. Horn Sr., Orwigsburg, served in the Marines during The Great War.
By bringing home his dress uniform, he gave future generations a chance to learn of his experiences.
“It’s not always easy finding information about the soldiers who served in World War I,” J. Stuart “Stu” Richards, a historian and author from Orwigsburg, said Sunday.
Richards has a collection of artifacts of soldiers from Schuylkill County who participated in World War I. It includes photos, letters, documents and the dress uniform Horn, a Marine private, wore from Oct. 13, 1918, to June 29, 1919.
After the war, Horn became a farmer, according to his obituary, which was published in The Pottsville Republican, Sept. 5, 1973, the day after his death. It doesn’t say much about his past.
But Richards picked up bits and pieces about the man’s history over the years.
Born in McKeansburg, Aug. 31, 1894, he was a son of the late George and Hattie Albright Horn.
He enlisted in the Marines on Oct. 7, 1917, according to his discharge papers.
“Said Harry F. Horn was born 31 August, 1894, at McKeansburg, Penna., and when enlisted was 66 inches high with brown eyes, brown hair, ruddy complexion. Occupation, clerk,” according to a report written Aug. 11, 1919, by Marine Corps Col. George Van Orden of the 11th Regiment Commanding Marines.
Horn was assigned to the 130th Company Quantico 1, Parris Island, South Carolina, according to “Schuylkill County Pennsylvania In The World War” by E.L. Clifford, published in 1931.
He earned his marksmanship qualifications in November 1917. On Sept. 29, 1918, he traveled with the 11th Regiment Headquarters and the 1st Battalion on the USS DeKalb from Philadelphia and arrived at Brest, France, on Oct. 13, 1918.
“I believe he played in Marine Corps Band. But offhand I don’t remember what he played. This is his Class A service uniform. His family gave this to me to keep it safe. They own it. But they asked me to be its caretaker,” Richards said Sunday as he brought it out of storage.
“Smells good yet,” Richards said as he unzipped the garment bag. Inside, he found more than a uniform.
“There’s an overcoat, hats, leggings, a belt and woolen shirts. That would be itchy to wear, all wool. Here’s his side cap. This is unique because he was a Marine, first off. There weren’t that many Marines in World War I from the county,” he said.
He examined a patch on the left shoulder. “That patch with the V in the middle, it’s the patch for the U.S. Marine Corps 11th Regiment 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. They’re very rare,” Richards said.
He opened the right breast pocket and found an identity card Horn had in France dated June 24, 1919, and valid to June 29, 1919. Horn signed it.
“I didn’t even know it was in there,” Richards said.
Printed on it were the words: “Priere aux Autorités militaires et civiles de lire L’avis an verso. Date June 24, 1919. Rank and Name (Rang et nom): Pvt. Harry F. Horn. Unit (Unité): 11th U.S.M.C. is authorized to proceed from (est autorisé a se rendre de) Tours, to (a) Paris. Reason (Motif): Leave.”
“Commissioned officers and army nurses will travel first class. Field Clerks and non-commissioned officers will travel second class. All others will travel third class,” according to the card.
In checking the uniform, Richards found another pass:
“American Expeditionary Forces Headquarters, Services of Supply. June 7, 1919, Pvt. Harry F. Horn has permission to be absent from his quarters in Rennes barracks until 12:00 p.m. this date for the purpose of Trianon.”
Trianon is a park at Versailles in France.
Richards also found tramway tickets.
On the breast of the uniform were medals, including one recognizing him as a “Marksman.” Others included a circular medal with a rainbow-colored ribbon.
“That’s his U.S. Victory Medal,” Richards said.
On the back were the words: “The Great War For Civilization. France. Italy. Serbia. Japan. Montenegro. Russia. Greece. Great Britain. Belgium. Brazil. Portugal. Romania. China.” In the center was a shield emblazoned with the letters U.S.
A few years ago, Richards received the uniform and other artifacts from Horn’s daughter-in-law, Arlene E. Horn, Orwigsburg. She was the wife of Horn’s son, the late Harry F. Horn Jr. Arlene died Jan. 11 at age 90.
The artifacts included other clothes Horn wore in training at Parris Island, a mess kit and helmet.
“That’s his tin hat, his doughboy hat. Everything is in perfect condition,” Richards said.
Horn didn’t see combat, Richards said. On July 29,1919, Horn embarked on the USS Arizona and arrived at Naval Operating Base Hampton Roads, Virginia, on Aug. 6, 1919, according to a report on his military career authored by Van Orden.
Horn was given an honorable discharge on Aug. 11, 1919, and married Naomi G. Brown on Feb. 24, 1923, in Port Carbon, according to his marriage certificate.
He resided at 704 W. Market St., Orwigsburg, according to his death certificate. Horn retired from farming in 1959. He was a member of VFW Post 2198 and member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg. He died at Pottsville Hospital, according to his obituary.
Horn was interred at Christ Union Cemetery, McKeansburg, according to the obituary. His grave, a flat metal marker, is behind Christ Church, 6 South Race St., East Brunswick Township.
It’s next to the grave for his wife, Naomi B. Horn, who was born Aug. 31, 1896, and died Nov. 20, 1990. And it’s near the grave of his son, Harry F. Horn Jr., ADE3 U.S. Navy, who served in World War II and the Korean War. He was born Feb. 27, 1925 and died March 30, 2003.