Iowa State Memorial Union

Galen Freel - Private

Rank: Private
Date Of Death: Oct 12, 1918
War / Conflict: World War I
Hometown: Murray, Iowa
Gold Star Hall - Wall Location: East Wall (Middle Panel)

Biography

Galen Sturman Freel was the son of Dr. C.O. Freel and Mrs. Carrie M Freel. He grew up in Murray, Iowa with two brothers. The eldest, Elden Leo Freel, served and died in World War II.

Galen came to Iowa State College as a member of the Student Army Training Corps. His regiment fought in the battles of Balleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, and Soissons. 

He died of pnuemonia following influenza on October 12, 1918. His dairy and letters are kept by the State Historical Society of Iowa.

 

The following are correspondence between Galen's parents and Iowa State, concerning the raising of funds to build the Memorial Union.

Sometime in June, 1924:

"We have given two sons to this awful war, leaving us only one child, a son 16 years of age. The only son, age 26, of the 95th Company, 6th Marines, Elden Leo Freel cannot give anyting at present, our hearts are so sad.

Yours respectfully, Dr. C. O. Freel."

October 6, 1927:

"Your letter addressed to Dr. Freel rec'd. Dr. Freel died Nov. 11, 1926. (He) was never well after Galen's death - the giving of two splendid sons to the war and the illness he had at Galen's death was too much from his rugged constitution, took anemia with a spinal lesion and died after a lingering illness. Sorry I am not financially able to help with this splendid memorial.

Sincerely, Mrs. Freel." 

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