RATCLIFF, Eddie T (KIA- WWI) - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Eddie T. Ratcliff -- On the 31st day of December 1894 a little cherub came into the house of Anderson and Alvessie Ratcliff. They christneed him Eddie T. He was the joy of his father and his mother's first love. After this came other little once but soon the father was taken and the mother was left alone to grapple with life's problems. She bore them bravely looking forward for the time when Eddie could be there for her counsel in material things. How unserchanbe is the mind of God and his ways past finidn out. How often are our plans transformed into the broader and nobler things of life. So it was with Eddie. He was not left as a counsel and helper with mother and brothers and sisters but was called to fight the battles of the whole world. This call was answered at Brady, Montana Oct 6, 1917. He was a private 1st callss Co B 2nd Machine Gun Battallion 1st Div. After only six weeks trinaing he was sent across arriving in France before Christmas. He was soon at the front with the boys in khaki until the 2nd day of that memorable battle of the Marne, July 18, 1918 when he fell in action near Sossions being 23 years 7 months and 17 days. He gave his life for home for country for you and me for all mankind. What nobler thing can be said of man? The American Legion had full charge of the funeral service which was conducted with full military honors. The discourse was delivered by Mr. McGaughey to a large number of friends who came to pay honor to another of our boys. -- kbz