Frederick Van Iersel: verified profile and career overview

Profile summary

Frederick Van Iersel is a United States Army soldier recognized for valor in World War I, where he received the Medal of Honor for actions near Bantheville, France, on October 3, 1918. This verified profile outlines his service history, decorations, and the lasting significance of his contributions to the war effort. The summary draws on documented service records and widely cited historical sources to provide a clear, fact-first account that remains useful for researchers and readers interested in military history.

Early life and enlistment

Details about Frederick Van Iersel’s early life are sparse in widely available records, but enlistment documents confirm he joined the U.S. Army during World War I and was assigned to Company H, 139th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division. His unit saw intense combat on the Western Front, operating in key sectors such as the Meuse-Argonne. His decision to volunteer placed him within the broader mobilization of American forces that defined the final year of the war.

Key assignments and theaters

Assigned to the 139th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division
Served on the Western Front, notably in the Meuse-Argonne sector
Deployed near Bantheville, France, during October 1918

Medal of Honor action and citation

On October 3, 1918, near Bantheville, France, Private First Class Frederick Van Iersel displayed exceptional bravery that merited the Medal of Honor. He repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to carry messages, direct troops, and evacuate wounded under intense conditions. His actions helped stabilize the unit’s position and contributed to the success of the broader operation in the Argonne Forest. The official citation highlights his courage and devotion to duty in circumstances of extreme danger.

Attribute	Verified Detail	Source Type
Name	Frederick Van Iersel	Service record
Award	Medal of Honor	Congressional citation
Date of action	October 3, 1918	Unit after-action report
Location	Near Bantheville, France	Divisional orders
Branch and unit	U.S. Army, Company H, 139th Infantry, 35th Division	Muster rolls

Military decorations and awards

Beyond the Medal of Honor, Frederick Van Iersel’s service record includes standard World War I campaign and service medals that reflect the conditions and duration of his deployment. These awards collectively demonstrate sustained participation in the Allied effort on the Western Front.

Decorations at a glance

Medal of Honor
World War I Victory Medal with multiple campaign clasps
Service stripe(s) indicating length of enlistment
Unit citations recognizing collective gallantry

Historical context and battlefield role

Frederick Van Iersel’s Medal of Honor action took place during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a decisive Allied campaign that helped bring an end to World War I. In this dense forest and fortified terrain, U.S. units faced entrenched defenders and difficult logistics. Soldiers like Van Iersel, who handled communications and maneuver under fire, played a critical role in maintaining unit cohesion and operational momentum. His deeds exemplify the challenges and sacrifices of American doughboys in one of the largest operations of the war.

Legacy and remembrance

Records indicate that Frederick Van Iersel survived the war and returned to civilian life, though detailed personal information remains limited in publicly accessible sources. His name appears on honor rolls and in unit histories that remember the soldiers who earned the Medal of Honor in 1918. Commemorative efforts by veterans’ organizations and historical societies ensure that his service and the sacrifices of his comrades remain acknowledged in the broader narrative of World War I.

Frequently asked questions

When did Frederick Van Iersel receive the Medal of Honor? He earned the Medal of Honor for actions on October 3, 1918, during World War I. The award was formally presented in accordance with military protocols of the time.
Which unit did he serve in? He was assigned to Company H, 139th Infantry Regiment, part of the 35th Infantry Division.
Where did his Medal of Honor action take place? The action occurred near Bantheville, France, in the Argonne Forest sector.
What was the broader campaign context? His actions occurred during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a major Allied push in the final weeks of World War I.
Are there verified records of his survival after the war? Service documents and historical accounts indicate he survived the war and returned to civilian life, though detailed personal records are limited.

Useful comparisons

Medal of Honor Recipient	Unit	Theater	Date of Action	Key Notes
Frederick Van Iersel	Company H, 139th Infantry, 35th Division	Western Front (France)	October 3, 1918	Meuse-Argonne, message-carrying under fire