Peter Swenson Bratteland
There were approximately 210 people from the Story City area that served in the military during World War One. Of those 210, eleven men lost their lives while in service. Throughout 2018, the Historical Society will be paying tribute to these eleven soldiers in the Herald on the 100th anniversary of their death. The tenth soldier from the Story City area who died was Peter Swenson Bratteland on November 6, 1918.
Peter Swenson was born southwest of Randall, Iowa on March 30, 1891. He was the son of Sven and Carrie Swenson Bratteland. At the time of the war, Peter was working on a farm near Pemberton, MN as a tiler. He registered in Blue Earth, MN during the first draft registration of WWI on June 5, 1917.
A brief synopsis of Peter’s time in the military was reported in the Jewel Record newspaper on September 29, 1921: “On June 24, 1918 he was called into the service of his country, a call that he willingly answered. On June 28 he left Mankato, MN for Camp Grant, Illinois. After two months training at this camp he went to Canada as he was among the 800 men that were selected to go to Canada on an expedition trip to represent the United States army in that country. On the 10th of September he was sent to France. Only one letter was received from him while over there. In that letter he stated that he was getting along very well.” Peter was first attached to Company B. 343rd Infantry of the Eighty-sixth division and later assigned to Company M. of the 309th Infantry.
Peter was reported missing in action in both the Story City Herald and the Webster City Daily Freeman Journal newspapers during the week of December 17, 1918. In the January 23, 1919 edition of the Daily Freeman Journal it was reported that the Bratteland family had received a telegram the week prior stating that Peter died at a French hospital on November 6 from wounds received in action.
A memorial service was held in Randall on February 16, 1919 conducted by Rev. Paulsrud. Soldiers in the area were invited to attend the service. Peter’s body was brought back from France in September of 1921. A funeral was held in Randall on September 25. Hawkeye Post No. 550 of the American Legion was in charge of the service and the funeral sermon was given by Rev. Paulsrud. The flag draped casket was escorted to the church by about 70 Legion men who attended in uniform. Peter was remembered for his quiet deposition and being an honest and truthful young man. He was laid to rest at Mount Olive Cemetery in Randall.
As we remember Peter Swenson and all of our Gold Star soldiers throughout this year, let us not forget that they gave their all for liberty and peace.
Peter Swenson was born southwest of Randall, Iowa on March 30, 1891. He was the son of Sven and Carrie Swenson Bratteland. At the time of the war, Peter was working on a farm near Pemberton, MN as a tiler. He registered in Blue Earth, MN during the first draft registration of WWI on June 5, 1917.
A brief synopsis of Peter’s time in the military was reported in the Jewel Record newspaper on September 29, 1921: “On June 24, 1918 he was called into the service of his country, a call that he willingly answered. On June 28 he left Mankato, MN for Camp Grant, Illinois. After two months training at this camp he went to Canada as he was among the 800 men that were selected to go to Canada on an expedition trip to represent the United States army in that country. On the 10th of September he was sent to France. Only one letter was received from him while over there. In that letter he stated that he was getting along very well.” Peter was first attached to Company B. 343rd Infantry of the Eighty-sixth division and later assigned to Company M. of the 309th Infantry.
Peter was reported missing in action in both the Story City Herald and the Webster City Daily Freeman Journal newspapers during the week of December 17, 1918. In the January 23, 1919 edition of the Daily Freeman Journal it was reported that the Bratteland family had received a telegram the week prior stating that Peter died at a French hospital on November 6 from wounds received in action.
A memorial service was held in Randall on February 16, 1919 conducted by Rev. Paulsrud. Soldiers in the area were invited to attend the service. Peter’s body was brought back from France in September of 1921. A funeral was held in Randall on September 25. Hawkeye Post No. 550 of the American Legion was in charge of the service and the funeral sermon was given by Rev. Paulsrud. The flag draped casket was escorted to the church by about 70 Legion men who attended in uniform. Peter was remembered for his quiet deposition and being an honest and truthful young man. He was laid to rest at Mount Olive Cemetery in Randall.
As we remember Peter Swenson and all of our Gold Star soldiers throughout this year, let us not forget that they gave their all for liberty and peace.