Civilian:
William E. Boltman was born on February 13, 1872 at Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. His father, Henry, and mother, Mary Eichorn (maiden name), were both born in Germany. At the time of William's enlistment both of his parents had died. He was married to Gertrude Abi (maiden or middle name). Also at this time he was self employed as a painter. When discharged from military service William resumed civilian life living at 421 W 3rd Street, Faribault.
Military Service Record:
Willaim's original enlistement into military service was on June 29, 1914. Before re-enlisting on June 29, 1917 he had served 8 years with the National Guard and Mexican Border Service. He re-enlisted at Faribault as a Sergeant with serial number 1,426,870. He first assignment was with Company B of the Minnesota National Guard, which was activated to become the 136th Infantry, 34th Division. From October 1, 1917 to September 24, 1918 he trained at Camp Cody, Deming, New Mexico. On October 13 he embarked from Hoboken, New Jersey on the Ship Melita and On October 24 arrived at Liverpool, England. Sometime between November 1 and December 1 he was transferred to Company I of the 49th Infantry of the 81st Division stationed at La Mellisse, France. From about November 25 to December 15, 1918 he was training. Sometime between December 11 and 15 he was transferred to the Prisoner of War Escort Company #255, Richelieu, France and was there until March 24, 1919. William did not participate in any action. During Williams military service career his rank changed as follows: on March 3, 1916 he was promoted to Sergeant Mechanic; on March 4 toSup. Sergeant Mechanic; on September 1, 1917 to Mess Sergeant; on November 6 to Mechanic; on November 16 back to Private; and on December 12, 1918 to Private 1st Class.
On March 24, 1918 William was placed under medical care. His handwritten statement with respect to this aspect of his service was: "From about March 24, 1919 to May 25th was in Base Hospitals at Tours, Nantes and Brest where I was put aboard transport Great Northern as a convalescent arriving U.S. May 30. Was in Hospital for treatment for Neuritis." His record notes that from March 24 to April 15, 1919 he was at Camp Hospital #27, Tours, France; From April 15 to May 1 at Base Hospital #120 Tours, France; and from May 1 to 20 at Base Hospital #216, Nantes. On May 30 he arrived in New York on the shop Great Northern. On June 23, 1919 William was honorably discharged as a Mechanic at Fort Snelling, Minnesota At that time he he was reported as 0% disabled.
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