Samuel E. Duffield is the only person associated with Blawenburg to die in World War I. The memorial plaque in the back of Blawenburg Church says:
In Memory Of
Samuel E. Duffield
Corporal Co D 9th Infantry 2nd Division AEF France
Enlisted May1, 1917
Wounded in Toul Sector April 1918
Took part in the capture of Vaux
Gassed at Chateau Thierry July 4, 1918
Killed in the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge
October 3, 1918
Greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friend
The Battle of Mont Blanc Ridge
The Battle of Mont Blanc Ridge was waged from October 3 to 27 near Reims in the Champagne region of France. There were over 7,800 men killed or wounded. According to Wikipedia, “The US Army's 2nd Infantry Division and the 36th Infantry Division opposed the Imperial German Army's 200th and 213th divisions, along with portions of six additional German divisions. The result of this battle was the expulsion of the Imperial German Army from the Champagne Region.”
According to the website, HonorStates.org, “Samuel E Duffield is buried or memorialized at Plot D Row 8 Grave 36, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.” He was awarded a Purple Heart and a World War I Victory Medal.
Learn more Blawenburg Church History at the Weekend Journey through the Past
You can see this plaque and learn about the history of Blawenburg Church at the open house sponsored by the Somerset Weekend Journey through the Past on Saturday, October 12, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, October 13, 12pm to 4pm.
On Sunday at 2pm, organist Katie Connolly will present a recital reflecting the Dutch roots of the church and area settlers, including music by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and contemporary Dutch composer Ad Wammes.