WWIS0012119-A

Mr. Sturdevant enlisted in the Regular Army just eleven months before the US entered WWI as a belligerent. At the time of his enlistment, the US was focused on securing the border with Mexico. After being sent to Fort Sam Houston for training, Mr. Sturdevant received training as a medical orderly. He sailed to France aboard USS Jacinto on June 14, 1917, as a member of Field Hospital #6. He was ultimately assigned to the Regimental Medical Company, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, and was one of the original members of the 1st Expeditionary Division (later 1st Division, AEF) created in the summer of 1917. He was killed in action in the Division's first major engagement with the Germans at the Battle of Cantigny, and is buried in Grave 8/Row 10/Plot C at the Somme American Military Cemetery and Memorial.