Oscar M Hykes History

Photo of Oscar M.Hykes as a child the American Legion Post 223 namesake with his mother Bessie and his father George. Photo was taken at guess would be 1905-1906. A tribute was later written by American Legion Post 223 Historian William H. Burkhart and it reads as follows:

The Youth

As a lad in Shippensburg where he was born and reared, Oscar M. Hykes lived a happy normal life in that “turn of the century” atmosphere sometimes called the gay nineties. He attended the local public schools and took part in numerous dramatic affairs, one of which was “Princess Rosebud” in which he played the part of “tinker.” His warmth and personality made him popular among his schoolmates as well as the stage.

He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Hykes whose home was at 48 West King Street, Shippensburg, Pa.

After his graduation from the Shippensburg High School, he completed a course of study at Conway Hall, Carlisle, Pa. At the time he was drafted, he was a student in the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. He was active in club and organization work and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

The Soldier

After experiencing some difficulty being accepted by the draft board, Oscar M. Hykes enlisted in the U.S. Army. His feet and weight were his two handicaps. He strengthened the first and reduced the other by self discipline before entering service.

For military training he was sent to Camp Lee, Va., where he took basic training in the infantry. From Camp Lee he transferred to H Company of the 146th Ohio Infantry Regiment of the 37th Division. With this unit he went overseas in June, 1918.

He took part in the Battle of Baccarat, the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne and Battle of Montfaucon. In this last action he was killed near the French town of Montfaucon on a day between 27 and 30 September, 1918.

His body was returned for reburial in the Spring Hill Cemetery in October, 1921.

The Memory

In memory of Oscar M. Hykes, This tribute can be paid honestly. “He was a manly soldier who wanted to serve his country in its hour of need.” His exemplary action before his nation’s enemy in battle and his supreme sacrifice fully justify the honor bestowed on him by the American Legion Post that selected his name.

Birth:

Mar. 13, 1894
Shippensburg
Cumberland County
Pennsylvania, USA

Death:

Sep. 30, 1918, France

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Died in U.S. Army Field Hospital, Meuse-Argonne, of injuries suffered 28 Sep 1918.