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Lieutenant Verne G. Staten
Bloomington
McLean County, Illinois

[McLean County, Illinois, in the World War, 1917-1918; by Edward E. Pierson & Jacob Louis Hasbrouck c 1921]
(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

Of the Bloomington men who won a commission in the late war, Verne G. Staten was among those fortunate enough to participate in some of the great battles and thus was able to appreciate the gigantic extent of the world conflict. He left Bloomington September 4, 1917, with the first contingent and was assigned to Co. E of the 349th infantry at Camp Dodge, la. He was promoted to corporal October 1 and entered the third officers training camp there January 6, 1918, completing the work April 19 and being promoted to sergeant. He was commissioned lieutenant June 1, 1918, and assigned to the third training regiment at Camp Pike, Arkansas, June 10. The welcome orders to go overseas came soon after and he departed August 15, 1918, with the 18th company, Camp Pike Automatic Replacement Draft, and arrived in Camp Standon, England, one month later. He then moved to France and was assigned to the 18th Infantry, 1st Division, joining that command October 20, and in time to participate in the great Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the most important engagements of the war. Peace came before Lieut. Staten could participate in further battles. He was privileged to take part in the Luxemburg parade with the 18th infantry and remained with the Army of Occupation in Montabour, Germany, until December, being assigned later to the 34th Infantry, Seventh Division. When Germany finally concluded to accept the peace terms, Lieut. Staten was ordered home with his command arriving June 18, 1919, receiving his discharge June 28, 1919, and joining the firm of his father John Staten, real estate and loans, with offices at 304-5 Livingston Building, Bloomington.

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