Roy S. Hickman was born near Leola on April 29, 1896, the second oldest of four children of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hickman. He attended country school and then public school in Leola, where he was graduated from High School in 1915.
When America entered the World War, on the same day, Roy along with his brother George(who was the Post's first vice-commander) volunteered his services and was enlisted at Camp Pontis, Mobridge, SD, on June 1st, 1917. He was a member of Company “L” in the federalized South Dakota National Guard, 1st regiment. Later he was transferred to Co. “D” 150th Machine Battalion. Following his training at Camp Pontis, Roy was transferred to Camp Greene, NC. Soon after, he was transferred to New York from where he sailed for France where he arrived in February, 1918.
It was during the terrific campaign at Chateau Thierry that Roy gave his life for his country. The signal had been given that the enemy was sending a gas barrage. Roy immediately helped his comrades to adjust their gas masks and in his eagerness to help others, failed to provide for himself. A shell fragment struck him, rendering himself unable to protect himself from the gas which came immediately after. He was buried immediately on the field of battle from where he was later removed to an American Military Cemetery in France. Upon receipt in the United States of his remains from France, final burial was made at the Green Mound Cemetery, Leola, SD on Sunday, September 4, 1921
