George Henry MacElligott (1891 - 1918)

Born 18 Jun 1891 in West Townsend, Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States

Died 15 Jul 1918 at age 27 in France

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Biography

George Henry was born in West Townsend, Massachusetts, in 1891, the son of James Richard and Sarah Louise (Sanders) MacElligott. ^[1] He grew up in Townsend, the younger of two children.^[2] His father passed away in 1901. ^[3]

He attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and upon graduation worked as an architectural draftsman in Boston.

At the time of the war draft registration in June, 1917, he was living in Somerville. He had been a cadet in the R.O.T.C. for 3 weeks. He was described as slender, with blue eyes and brown hair.^[4]

He was called into active duty during World War 1 on November 27, 1917. He was assigned to the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division, and deployed overseas in April, 1918, with the rank of First Lieutentant. George was killed in battle at Chateau Thierry, France.^[5]

He was posthumously awarded two awards. He was cited for the Distinguished Service Cross "for extraordinary heroism in action near Mezy, France, 15 July, 1918. Although mortally wounded, he remained in command of his platoon under direct view of the enemy and through a terrific bombardment until he died." He was also honored with the Croix de Guerre with palm: "He displayed extreme bravery in remaining at his post, in spite of a mortal wound, to encourage his men during the bombardment of July 15, 1918. This act of courage cost him his life."^[6] He is buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery in Fere-en-Tardenois, France. ^[7] A library in the Boston Architectural Club is named in his memory. ^[8]

Sources

1. ↑ "Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXND-H2N : 11 March 2018), George Henry Mcelligott, 18 Jun 1891, Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts
2. ↑ "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9T5-9ZH : accessed 19 March 2019), George H Mcelligott in household of James R Mcelligott, Townsend Town Townsend town, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2VY-38K : accessed 19 March 2019), George H Mcelligott in household of S Louise Mcelligott, Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States
4. ↑ "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZNW-SSQ : 13 March 2018), George Henry Macelligott, 1917-1918
5. ↑ Townsend Death Records, Vol. 1, p. 426, George H., Lieut., s. James R. and S. Louise, killed at Chateau Thierry, France, 1918
6. ↑ Report of the Commission on Massachusetts' Part in the World War", by Eben Putnam, 1928, Vol. 2, p. 350
7. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #56638743 Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, France
8. ↑ Boston Sunday Globe, Nov. 28, 1920, p. 103, "Boston Architectural Club to Honor Dead"

• HonorStates.org, George H. MacElligott, World War 1, Massachusetts, accessed 19 March 2019