LeMars Sentinel
Tuesday, March 4, 1919
KILLED IN FRANCE
JACOB TOLSMA WAS SHOT THROUGH THE HEART
NEWS OF DEATH LONG DELAYED
Young Man Was Reported Missing in August But Inquiries Failed to Obtain
Any
Information Until Recently Through Red Cross Agency
John Tolsma received notice from the government last
fall that his son, Jacob Tolsma, who was in Company G., 128th infantry,
had been reported missing on August 3d. Failing to receive any further
information through government channels, he took the matter up with Red
Cross and that organization has been endeavoring to learn more
concerning the fate of the young man. A few weeks ago the Red Cross
wrote Mr. Tolsma they had an unconfirmed report that his son had been
killed at Chateau Thierry and this week he received another letter from
the Red Cross dated February 21st which says:
"Jesse R. Henry, Yale, Michigan, of Company G. says: I was near him
when he was hit and killed instantly at Chateau Thierry near the last
river crossed. He was advancing at the time. Tolsma had been in the
company two months, I was in the same platoon.
Sergeant Clyde Hilgison, Company G. says: Tolsma was shot through the
heart at Chateau Thierry. Informant was not eye witness but had it from
an eye witness.
It must be a comfort to you to know that your son was killed instantly
and did not suffer. The Red Cross wishes you to feel you have our
profound sympathy for your loss, but knows that you must feel a pride
that no sorrow can efface to have had a son who died bravely for his
country."
Those who knew Jake Tolsma will not be surprised to know he died like a
man fighting for right. Jake was one of those manly, straightforward,
courageous boys, who always did well whatever he did and shirked no
responsibility.
Though cut off in his youth, he has probably done more for the world
than some who shirked and will live to a ripe old age. The community
sympathizes with Mr. Tolsma and appreciates the great sacrifice he has
made in giving to his country the boy who was his pride and companion.
~ Transcribed & Submitted by: Linda Ziemann
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