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Taylor, Alvaretta
| Last Name: | Taylor |
|---|---|
| First Name: | Alvaretta |
| Biography/History: | Frank Harrison Taylor arrived in Spokane with his family in his early twenties where he spent the next decade working as a shipping clerk, a farmer, and a soldier. In 1908, Taylor enlisted in the Washington National Guard where he rose to the rank of Battalion Sergeant. He served in the Mexican Border War and was mustered into federal service after the United States entered World War I. Taylor was sent to France for officer training school and received a commission as a 2d. Lieutenant. By the fall of 1918 he found himself in the middle of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, one of the deadliest engagements of the war. On October 11, as he led his platoon into battle an unexpected barrage of machine gun fire rained down on them. Taylor was wounded but continued leading his men as they fought to overcome the German stronghold. When he was wounded a second time, Taylor refused assistance and urged his men on, saying “never mind me, boys, go ahead.” Taylor’s platoon continued on without him, driving the Germans back and successfully capturing a position that was never again retaken. After the battle settled, Lieutenant Taylor was brought to the hospital where he died of his injuries. Over a decade after the war ended, the United States Government organized trips for mothers and widows of soldiers who had died in Europe to visit the final resting place of their lost loved ones. Lieutenant Taylor’s mother, Alvaretta Taylor, traveled to Europe in 1930 to visit her son’s grave at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. The U.S. Government paid for all expenses including travel, hotel, entertainment, and food. Alvaretta was presented with two medals and a wreath to place on her son’s white marble cross-shaped headstone. She later reflected on her experience saying, “I cannot praise our Government enough for making this trip possible. Everything was done for our comfort and pleasure--nothing seemed too good for us.” |
| Related Objects: |
3022.2 (Hat, Party, Gold Star Mothers Party Hat, 1930)
3022.3 (Hat, Party, Gold Star Mothers Party Hat, 1930)
3022.6 (Flag; Case, 48 Star American Flag and Case, 1930)
3022.7 (Flag, United States Lines Souvenir Flag, 1930)
3022.8 (Flag, American Flag, 1930)
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