Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army 1st Sgt. Milo Lemert, Age 28, of Crossville, TN.
KIA Sept. 29, 1918
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient 1st Sgt. Milo Lemert of Company G, 119th Infantry, 30th Division.
Lemert was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on March 25, 1890 and died September 29, 1918 near Bellicourt, France. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Crossville. His funeral service was conducted at the church before his burial in Crossville City Cemetery.
He earned the accolade on 29 Sep 1918.
His citation read as follows…
Seeing that the left flank of his company was held up, he located the enemy machinegun emplacement, which had been causing heavy casualties. In the face of heavy fire he rushed it single-handed, killing the entire crew with grenades. Continuing along the enemy trench in advance of the company, he reached another emplacement, which he also charged, silencing the gun with grenades. A third machinegun emplacement opened up on him from the left and with similar skill and bravery he destroyed this also. Later, in company with another sergeant, he attacked a fourth machinegun nest, being killed as he reached the parapet of the emplacement. His courageous action in destroying in turn 4 enemy machinegun nests prevented many casualties among his company and very materially aided in achieving the objective.
Milo married Nellie Vaughn Snodgrass on 29 Sept 1917 and died in France on his first Anniversary.
We had an amazing 12.79 Mile walk today. We left the house around 7am and headed to the War Memorial Park where we read his name on the Memorial Wall. We said a prayer and then we walked next door to the Milo Lemert Memorial Building where we took a couple of photos. We then headed south down main street. We walked out to the Milo Lemert Parkway. We walked the Parkway and then made our way to the City Cemetery where we met several brothers in arms. They replaced the colors at his grave and as Taps were played we saluted. I can not put into words as to what I felt right at that moment. It was a great honor to be their. Just talking about it is choking me up. What an amazing ceremony.
We then walked up town to the Amphitheater behind the courthouse and got to visit with some of our amazing Veterans. It was nice meeting several of our veterans and talking about Army 1st Sgt. Milo Lemert. We got to share some stories and we heard a few stories. We then walked back over to the War Memorial Park and visited the Memorial Wall again and reading his name on the wall again I said his name out loud and I made a promise that I would do what ever I could to keep his name out their and that I would never forget him and what he has done for us. I said a prayer and then stood at attention and saluted the flag. We then headed back towards the house. It was an amazing walk but the day was not done. We went home and rested for a short few hours and then we went to Stone Memorial High School where we got to talk about our local Hero 1st SGT Milo Lemert with a few people before we led the football team out onto the field. It was amazing to see all the flags. It was something that I will never forget. To see the younger generation take part in something that is so close to my heart.
I want to thank a my brother Jerry Brownstead for help making this a day that will NEVER be forgotten. I want to thank so many people who were involved in making this day Army 1st SGT Milo Lemert Day. I want to thank everyone that honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor our hero today. It is a day that will never be forgotten.
Army 1st SGT Milo Lemert will not be forgotten.
