William Langwill - Major

Biography

Major William Gladstone Langwill was from Rockford, Illinois. He graduated from Iowa State College in 1908 with a degree in Dairy Industries, and eventually married Caroline M. Langwill.

William enlisted in the Army as a second lieutenant on October 3, 1908 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. From then until his death he had a long and distinguished military career, serving with at least five infantry regiments. He served in the Philppines for about three years from 1913 to 1916 with the 15th Infantry. He returned stateside on Valentines Day, 1916 and was stationed in Texas until June 5.

He returned to Iowa State College on September 11, 1916. He joined the 7th Infantry at Camp Greene North Carolina on January 2, 1918 and went overseas April 6, 1918. While in France, he transferred to the 30th Infantry on August 2, 1918. He was promoted to first lieutenant June 3, 1916; captain May 15, 1917; and finally major April 6, 1918. He was an expert with both the pistol and the rifle.

William won a bronze medal in a pistol shooting competition while stationed in the Phillippines. His engagements include Balleau Woods (Chateau-Thierry Sector) with the 7th Infantry, 3rd Division, June 15-24th, 1918; Champagne-Marne Defensive with the 7th Infantry, 3rd Division, July 1-11, 1918;  with the diviison headquarters, July 11-August 2, 1918; Aisne-Marne Offensive (Vesle River) with the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division, August 2-11, 1918; St. Mihiel Offensive with the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division, September 4-14, 1918; and Meuse Argonne Offensive with the 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry, 6th Brigade, 3rd Division, September 26-October 10, 1910.

William was killed by German machine gun fire near Cunel, France at 8:45a.m. on October 10, 1918.