Doughboy - Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA
Posted by: ted28285
N 39° 28.044 W 077° 58.809
18S E 243627 N 4372886
An American Doughboy Statue located at War Memorial Park, Martinsburg, WV.
Waymark Code: WM17XDX
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 04/16/2023
Views: 3
From the Smithsonian inventory website:
" A figure of a World War I "Doughboy" or infantry soldier in an action pose as if running. His proper left arm is extended forward. His proper right arm is thrust back and he clutches a rifle at the midway point, with the rifle held parallel to the ground. His proper left leg is forward and bent at the knee, while his proper right leg is extended fully back. He wears a rounded helmet with a brim and chin strap. His shirt has a wide turned-up collar and the sleeves are rolled up to the elbow. He carries a gas mask in a bag on a strap around his neck. He wears a belt with pouches and canteen attached, loose-fitting pants wrapped from knee to ankle; lace-up high-top boots; and a backpack with attached bayonet. The soldier stands atop a rectangular stone base with bronze plaques attached."
"(On plaque on front of base, facing King Street:) 1917-1918/This memorial is dedicated/as an enduring tribute to the/patriotism of the citizens of/Berkeley County who rendered/loyal service to our country in/the great World War/and to honor the memory of/those who made the supreme sacrifice/in the cause of humanity/sponsored by/the American Legion Auxiliary/(List of names)/erected 1925 by/the Berkeley County Memorial Association,/with voluntary contributions/made by the people of the county/honor roll/"lest we forget"/(List of forty-one names) (On west side of base, on plaque:) world war service roll/(List of names)/nurses in the service/(List of names)/colored soldiers/(List of names) (On north side of base, on plaque:) world war service roll/(List of names) (On east side of base, on plaque:) world war service roll/(List of names)"
The monument has recently been refurbished and relocated to the War Memorial Park along Tennessee Avenue. Re dedicated November 11, 2022 Link
There are a few copies of this statue around. The listing for the copy in Curwensville, PA lists Cleveland, Ohio sculptor Walter A. Sinz as the creator.