Corpl. J. D. McPhail, born on September 8, 1899, in Cumberland County, joined the military on July 10, 1916. Initially stationed at Camp Glenn, he was later transferred to Camp Sevier before sailing to France on May 11, 1918. McPhail served with the 119th Infantry, participating in key battles including Ypres and the Hindenburg Line, where he was killed in action on September 29, 1918. He also served nine months on the U.S.-Mexico border and purchased a $50 Liberty Bond.
Junius G. Campbell, born June 1, 1891, in Cumberland County, N.C., served as a Private in Company A of the 323rd Regiment, 81st Division during World War I. He entered the military on May 28, 1918, received training at Camp Jackson and Camp Sevier in South Carolina, and deployed to France on August 11, 1918. Campbell participated in significant battles at Meuse-Argonne and the Vosges Mountains before being mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, on May 25, 1919.
Capt. Daniel B. Byrd served in the 3rd Division, 38th Regiment, and 30th Division, hailing from Cumberland County. He began his military career on July 5, 1916, and was promoted to captain in April 1919 after serving in multiple locations, including England and France. Byrd fought in all battles of the 30th Division and was wounded at the Somme in October 1918. He received distinctions including the Distinguished Service Cross and the Military Cross before being mustered out in February 1920.
F. A. Tillinghast, a 1st Class Private in the 81st Division, was born in Cumberland County to S. W. Tillinghast and his wife. He entered military service on April 4, 1918, at Fayetteville, N.C., and trained at Camp Jackson, S.C. He sailed for France on August 29, 1918, but suffered an accidental injury on November 13, leading to hospitalization in Chaumont. Tillinghast returned to the United States on March 3, 1919, and was mustered out on April 24, 1919.
Lt. Eric Ingram, a 26-year-old Army pilot, tragically died in a helicopter crash at Fort Bragg while transporting an injured soldier. Born in Baker on April 25, 1935, he graduated from Baker High in 1953 and earned degrees in Forestry engineering from Oregon State College. An Eagle Scout and outdoors enthusiast, he served in the Army since 1958 and was to be discharged this fall. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and his parents, among others. Funeral services will be held in Baker.