Gold Star Mothers to be honored in Wheatfield

Submitted by T. S. Kontak

Chairman, Wheatfield Veterans Committee

When the United States entered World War 1 in 1917, a young man of 23, George Vaughn Seibold, volunteered requesting assignment in aviation. The United States was short of airplanes; and having no air force, George was sent to Canada for training with British aviators. George was then sent to England and was assigned to Royal Flying Corps, 148th Aero Squadron.

George and his squadron left for combat duty in France. He corresponded regularly with his mother and family members. His mother, Grace Darling Seibold, began to do community service, visiting returning servicemen hospitalized as a result of injuries received in Europe.

Mail from George stopped unexplainably and became a point of concern for the family. Aviators were under British control and authority, which resulted in little that could be done to help the Seibolds with information about their son. Grace continued to visit local hospitals working with veterans while clinging on to hope that her son had been injured and would be returned to the U.S. soon. This was not the case.

On Oct. 11, 1918, George’s wife, who was living in Chicago, received a box marked "Effects of deceased officer 1st LT. George Vaughn Seibold.” Confirmation of his death was received by the family on Nov. 4, 1918, through a family member in Paris.

The following obituary appeared in the Washington Star newspaper. "Lieut. G.V. Seibold Killed in Action. Battling aviator cited for bravery in action, losing his life in arial combat in the skies over France. "

Grace, realizing that her self-contained grief was self-destructive, devoted her time and efforts to not only working in the hospital, but extending a hand of friendship to other mothers whose sons had lost their lives in military service.

The Wheatfield Veterans Committee will honor all Gold Star Mothers on Sept. 28, at 11 a.m., with the dedication of a bronze statue placed on the current Veterans Memorial site. All are welcome. Ample parking and facilities.

Above materials taken from Gold Star Mothers website, https://www.americangoldstarmothers.org/.