The American Legion of the Bickel-Nelson Post #360 of Cook, Nebraska was named for Charles Bickel and Clarence Nelson, veterans of WWI. It was originally chartered in January 1923, but the charter was canceled in 1927 due to inactivity. The Post was re-chartered in December 1948.
Charles Bickel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bickel Sr., was born on a farm in Osage Precinct, Otoe County, near Cook, Nebraska where he grew to manhood. He entered the service and while in training at Great Lakes Naval Station, he was stricken with influenza and died in 1918. He was buried with military honors at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Clarence Nelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Nelson, was born on October 9, 1891 in Spring Creek Precinct, near Cook, Nebraska. He was inducted on August 22, 1915 into the army. He died at the hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas, a victim of pneumonia in 1918, and was buried with military honors at Mount Hope Cemetery southeast of Cook, Nebraska.
WWII Service Records:
Four young men from our community made the supreme sacrifice for the defense of our country during World War II.
Elmer Neemann was the first to give his life. He was killed in action near Burma India on April 3, 1944.
PFC. Paul Doeden lost his life on the battlefield of France on June 14, 1944.
S/SGT. John Weichmann was killed in the vicinity of Saint-Lo, France on August 2, 1944.
PVT. Darrel Wittstock was awarded the bronze star medal for heroic achievement in connection with a military operation against the enemy. When a platoon from his troop was forced to take cover under fire, Pvt. Wittstock volunteered to rescue his companions exposed to enemy fire and observation. Under cover of smoke screen and constant danger, he reached the wounded men and assisted them to the safety of our lines.
PVT. Darrel Wittstock gave his life for our country as he was killed in action during the Battle of Luzon on April 29, 1945.
