Who is Harry W. Philblad?

   Legion Post #749 of Knoxville chose Harry W. Philblad as their name when the post was formed in 1919. Philblad was a home town boy who was killed in action in WW1 in 1918. Harry was the son of Carl and Emma Philblad who lived on Walnut Street in Knoxville. His parents had immigrated from Sweden and located in Knoxville after some time in Chicago.

    WW1 Was supposed to be the war to end all wars. All men between the ages of 21 and 30 years of age were required to be registered starting on June 5, 1917. 101 men who gave their address as Knoxville, saw active duty in the military. Four of these men lost their lives. They are Edwin Unger, Thomas Mangion, Arthur Jaconson and Harry W. Philblad.
A bronze honor roll was placed on the then library, now city hall, with the name of the men who served. Those who were killed in action had a gold star placed before their names.

    Harry W. Philblad enlisted in the Marines November 20, 1916, and received his military training at Paris Island, S.C. and at Quantico, VA. During his training he received a sharpshooter's medal for his excellent marksmanship. He sailed for France on May 20, 1918. From the time he arrived in France until he lost his life he was in active service. He received his commission as Corporal after arriving in Farnce. For his great heroism he received the American Distinguished Service Cross with five citations, also the French Croix De Guerres, he was one of General Pershing's selections of war heros.
    On the 15th of September, Corporal Philblad with five men at the base of Hill 231, south of Thiacourt, advanced and captured one machine gun and four prisoners. This party continued to advance, killing many of the enemy by sniping, remaining in advance of the front line for several hours and holding their position against a counter attack by the enemy. Unaided, Philblad captured two machine gun nests, killing several of the crew with his pistol, and while attacking the third nest, he was killed when a piece of shrapnel struck him in the neck killing him almost instantly, it was October 2, 1918.
    An article in the Knoxville paper on December 5, 1918 tells of a letter received by his parents announcing his death serving his country in Farnce. It wasn't until 1921 when his body was returned for burial in the Knoxville cemetray. On September 21 an estimated 2,000 people came to help Knoxville honor corporal Philblad. He had been recognized by the world as a hero. Services were held in the city park. Ralph M Noble Post 3285 conducted the military ceremony. Several ministers participated as did a local mens quartet. Corporal Philblad's body was placed on a gun carriage and was pulled by 4 white horses to the cemetery. Local men rode the horses and six members of the U.s. Marines stationed in Chicage were casket bearers. A large Philblad stone marks the family plot.

Harry W. Philblad Post #749 was formed in 1919 in Knoxville, so it would stand to reason why it was named after our local hero.

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