Photo Collection: Frederick "Fritz" Wissolik (Etna, Pennsylvania)
(Served with the 80th Division, 319th Infantry Regiment, Supply
During World War I)
Fred Wissolik, as he appeared in 1917, and then at the age of ninety. It is from the dedication of our book
on World War II - "The Long Road," Saint Vincent College Center for Northern Appalachian Studies.
The campaigns listed were on his discharge papers.
Guys leaving the train station in Etna, PA for the induction center in Pittsburgh in 1917. Some of them are from the 80th.
Fred Wissolik is in the center of the picture, seventh from the left.
Etna women weeping after the departure of the draftees. They are Lucille Broge, Katherine Ruff, Elizabeth Broge,
and Minnie Gerginske. The lady with her head buried in the handkerchief was not identified.
A group from Allegheny County Zone 16 after induction in 1917. Fred Wissolik is third from the left, standing. Fred
told his son, Dick, that the photo is of all the guys who went into the 319th Regiment of the 80th Division.
Front of postcard from Fred Wissolik to his brother, Al, when he was stationed at Ft. Lee, VA. Dated August 9, 1918.
"Hello, Al. Some beach, take it from me. How is the boy getting along. Guess you think I am a bum for not writing
sooner, but this is the kind of stuff that keeps me back. It is as hot as H--- down here. Will drop you a line
every now and then. B. [B for Brother].
Fred volunteered for the draft in place of his brother Albert.
Discharge documents of Fred Wissolik, dated June 13, 1919.
(Click for larger image).
Additional discharge documents - Record of Soldiers and Sailers of Etna, PA.
(Click for larger image).
Fred sent this pro forma post card to his brother Al in October 1918, when his unit was engaged in the Meuse-Argonne area (26 September-12 October, and 1-7 November 1918). It is obvious from the content that any communication sent back to the United States was, at the time, censored.
Postcard from Camp Lee, Virginia, sent by Fred to his brother Albert.
The message simply reads, "Here you are, Boy!"
A Proforma postcard apparently provided by the Red Cross and postmarked Newport News, Virginia, June 5, 1918. From its contents
the card was signed by individuals and held until the Censor's office received word that troop ships had landed in Europe.
Billet Notice. There is no ship's name. No evidence exists that the
injunction against loud talking and gambling was scrupulously followed.
(Click for larger image).
Department of Labor Employment Service cards issued to returning veterans; one issured from Washington D.C., and the other from Camp
Sherman, Ohio, June 18, 1919.
(Click for larger image).
80th Division Service Magazine - Cover, 2d page
January 1920
(Click for larger image)