M. Waldo Hatler

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M. Waldo Hatler
January 6, 1894 - August 31, 1967
Place of birth	Bolivar, Missouri
Allegiance	U.S. Army
Rank	Sergeant
Battles/wars	World War I
Awards	Medal of Honor

M. Waldo Hatler was born 6 January 1894 at Bolivar, Missouri, elder of two sons of Troy and Rose Hatler. His father was a banker and real estate developer. Waldo graduated University of Michigan Law School in 1914 but never practiced law. Instead, he followed his father into banking and real estate. He was working in his father's bank at Neosho, Missouri when the United States entered World War I. He attempted to secure a commission in the navy but was turned down for medical reasons. He later waived exemption to the draft and was inducted into the army from Neosho. Assigned to Company B, 356th Infantry, he had risen to the rank of sergeant when, just days before the armistice, his regiment was halted by the enemy in its advance toward Germany at the Meuse River near the French village of Poilly. Information relative to enemy strength and disposition on the opposite bank was vitally needed and Hatler was one of several men to volunteer.

Sergeant, United States Army, Company B, 356th Infantry, 89th Division. Recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroism near Pouilly, France, November 8, 1918. Entered service at Neosho, Missouri. G.O. No.: 74, W.D., 1919.

Citation: 'When volunteers were called for to secure information as to the enemy's position on the opposite bank of the Meuse River, Sgt. Hatler was the first to offer his services for this dangerous mission. Swimming across the river, he succeeded in reaching the German lines, after another soldier, who had started with him, had been seized with cramps and drowned in midstream. Alone he carefully and courageously reconnoitered the enemy's positions, which were held in force, and again successfully swam the river, bringing back information of great value.'

M. Waldo Hatler is buried at Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Sulfer Springs, Arkansas.