Yeager, Walter H. (P2, C3, L28)

Wagoner Walter H. Yeager, 20, of Louisville (Buechel), Jefferson County, died of an accidental gun shot would while on federal active duty at Coblenz, Germany, 3 August 1919 while serving as a Wagoner with the 3rd Ammunition Train, 3rd Division A. E. F. According to newspaper accounts Yeager died from an accidental discharge of a revolver which he and a comrade were examining. Another newspaper account said it was a rifle.  The men of his company made up a fund of 2,000 francs with which a tombstone was purchased for his grave near Coblenz.

Yeager joined Company E, 1st Kentucky Infantry on 5 May 1917. His unit was redesignated Battery D, 138th Field Artillery while on federal active duty for World War I. He was transferred to the Third Ammunition Train after his arrival in France. He is credited with participation in engagements: Champagne Marne Offensive; Aisne Marne Offensive; St. Mihiel Offensive; Meuse Argonne Offensive.  He was overseas from 16 April 1918 till his death. 

Yeager’s remains were returned home and buried in Cave Hill Cemetery, section 29 lot: 124-SW1 / 2 Grave: 2; Louisville, Kentucky on 18 August 1920.

In November 1946, the citizens of Buechel dedicated a war memorial to honor local men who had made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I and II.  Thirty-two names are listed on the memorial including Walter H. Yeager. See The Jeffersonian (Jeffersontown, KY), 6 September 1946, p. 1.  Also see The Jeffersonian, 15 November 1946, p. 1.

Coffin being carried through a guard of honor from the undertaking establishment by members of the First Division.

Detail from Camp Zachary Taylor firing salute at the grave of Walter H. Yeager.