Bullitt County History

World War I

The War to End All Wars
Armistice Day to Veterans Day

World War One was known at the time as simply The World War. It was viewed by many as the last Great War against evil and tyranny: "The war to end all wars."

When the war was over a special day was set aside to remember this special war. In 1919 Armistice Day, the day that the World War ended on November 11, was set as that special day of remembering all that was sacrificed, and all that was gained.

Sadly, we all know that war did not end that day. Within months after the armistice (which means "suspension of hostilities") battles broke out in Africa, governments were overthrown in South America, and Middle Easterners fought over land for Israel.

The War to End All Wars did not end all wars.

Armistice Day became Veterans Day, and we honor those countless thousands of heroes and loved ones who have given so much, so often.

The U. S. didn’t officially enter the war until 1917, the war was over in 1918. 4.6 million served in the U.S. military. 53,403 were killed in action, 202,000 were wounded, and 77,815 died of disease, the most deadly killer of the war.

Death did not spare Bullitt Countians in the war.

The two pictures below are of a display at the museum. The first one shows a plaque listing names of Bullitt Countians killed in the war.

World War I Display at Museum

This second picture is of the display from the other side.

World War I Display at Museum

The bronze tablet you see in the first picture was made shortly after the war to commemorate loved ones lost forever. Here is more detailed information, as best as we know it:

  • Charles Milam, Shepherdsville, killed in action 10-22-1918, France; buried Hebron Cemetery.
  • David Millard Troutman, Corporal; killed in action; buried Cave Hill Cemetery.
  • Edward L. Sanders, Brooks; killed in action.
  • Herman L. Evans, Lebanon Junction; died of wounds.
  • Roy V. Ogle
  • Oscar Paul Schaefer, Chapeze; died of wounds.
  • Horrie C. Thompson, Leaches community.
  • Elmer F. Monroe, Lebanon Junction; died of wounds.
  • James E. Wyatt, Mt. Washington; died of disease.
  • Lou Pearl Hibbs; died of flu 11-7-1918 in England.
  • Basil Glasgow, Mt. Washington; died of disease.
  • Wallace L. Smith, Shepherdsville; died of disease.
  • Everett Vernon Holsclaw, Shepherdsville; died of disease.
  • Bruce H. Bridwell, Shepherdsville; died of disease.
  • Hubert Allen Dragoo, Belmont; died of disease.
  • Curt T. Wise, Lebanon Junction; died of disease.
  • David Boston, Mt. Washington; died of disease.
  • Julian Bell; U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Michigan; died 1-10-1918; First Bullitt Countian to die in the war.

Also listed as lost in the war but not listed on this tablet:

  • Frank Smith, Belmont; died of disease.

Below are two pictures taken during the war at the front.

World War I at the front World War I at the front

This is a work in progress. It is copyright 2009 by the Bullitt County History Museum, Shepherdsville KY. All rights are reserved. No part of the content of this page may be included in any format in any place without the written permission of the copyright holder.


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The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 12 Jan 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/wwi.html