| WHY POST 817 WAS NAMED FRANCIS STEELE |
Francis William Steele was born January 13, 1895 in Boone, Iowa to Axil M. and Teena Steele. They resided at 1114 West
4th. St. Boone, Iowa. As a young lad, Francis worked as a lineman/electrician for the "Boone Power Works." He was a
bachelor when called to serve his country in World War I on April 15, 1918.
In late May, 1918, Steele was shipped to Europe with his many comrades in arms. He attained the rank of Private/Bugler
which is equivalent to Corporal in today's rank.
On February 26, 1919, a letter was written by the American Red Cross to Bugler Steele's parents informing them of the
death of their son, who made the supreme sacrifice in France.
Taken from an old newspaper account, the details were as follows.
"We are in receipt of details concerning the death of Bugler Francis Steele. The report came from our Red Cross Searcher
in France and the information was given to him by 1st Sergeant N.T. Garrity, who was in Company A, 315th Engineers, the
same company Bugler Steele was in.
Bugler Francis Steele was killed October 1, (1918) cross roads Auberg St. Pierre east flank of St Milhiel sector in the road
near ration dump when enemy shell struck near, receiving a fragment of the shell in his body which killed him instantly...
Bugler Steele was buried near the village of Fey-en-Haye. Steele was a fine soldier and one of the most popular men in his
company.
You have cause to be very proud that the comrades of Bugler Steele speak so beautifully of him. It should be of
consolation to know that he was killed instantly and did not have to suffer the long hours of torture that so many of our boys
have to endure.
Your loss we know is immeasurable, but you must be very proud of Bugler Steele as he is one of the honored men of our
country who have done so much for the future peace and happiness of the world."
In 1921, the body of Bugler Steele was returned to the United States. He is now buried in Linwood Cemetery, Boone, Iowa,
Lot 188.
The Boone VFW Post was mustered February 15,1929, and named the Francis Steele Post in honor of its native son.
4th. St. Boone, Iowa. As a young lad, Francis worked as a lineman/electrician for the "Boone Power Works." He was a
bachelor when called to serve his country in World War I on April 15, 1918.
In late May, 1918, Steele was shipped to Europe with his many comrades in arms. He attained the rank of Private/Bugler
which is equivalent to Corporal in today's rank.
On February 26, 1919, a letter was written by the American Red Cross to Bugler Steele's parents informing them of the
death of their son, who made the supreme sacrifice in France.
Taken from an old newspaper account, the details were as follows.
"We are in receipt of details concerning the death of Bugler Francis Steele. The report came from our Red Cross Searcher
in France and the information was given to him by 1st Sergeant N.T. Garrity, who was in Company A, 315th Engineers, the
same company Bugler Steele was in.
Bugler Francis Steele was killed October 1, (1918) cross roads Auberg St. Pierre east flank of St Milhiel sector in the road
near ration dump when enemy shell struck near, receiving a fragment of the shell in his body which killed him instantly...
Bugler Steele was buried near the village of Fey-en-Haye. Steele was a fine soldier and one of the most popular men in his
company.
You have cause to be very proud that the comrades of Bugler Steele speak so beautifully of him. It should be of
consolation to know that he was killed instantly and did not have to suffer the long hours of torture that so many of our boys
have to endure.
Your loss we know is immeasurable, but you must be very proud of Bugler Steele as he is one of the honored men of our
country who have done so much for the future peace and happiness of the world."
In 1921, the body of Bugler Steele was returned to the United States. He is now buried in Linwood Cemetery, Boone, Iowa,
Lot 188.
The Boone VFW Post was mustered February 15,1929, and named the Francis Steele Post in honor of its native son.
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