Joseph P. Chaisson was the first hometown soldier to be killed in action during World War I
The United States had been reluctant to enter the war and in 1917 the 26 Yankee division was federalized consisting of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut National Guard and was mobilized at Camp Devins, Massachusetts.
The 26 Yankee Division was the first full Division to arrive in France doing training with the French during the fall and winter of 1917. Germany realized the United States was building a large force and wanted to end the war before the large force arrived so they made a big push in the early winter of 1918.
February 24th, 1918 serving with Company F, 103rd, 26 Division, during combat actions in France Sgt. Joseph P. Chaisson paid the ultimate price for his country.
We continue to honor his service and sacrifice. The American Legion Post 41 was named in his honor and his picture is proudly displayed upon the post walls. Every Memorial Day a special flower wreath is placed upon his grave site located at the Milo Evergreen Cemetery.
