Leo E. Greteman

World War I

Leo Greteman was born on June 14, 1893 in Dedham to Frank & Elizabeth (Backer) (later McQueen) Greteman. Around 1900, the family moved to Templeton after a fire destroyed their general merchandise store in Dedham. Frank then opened a new store in Templeton.

Leo was inducted into the US Army on May 27, 1918, and was assigned serial number 3226512. He was sent to Camp Dodge near Des Moines for basic training. After his training was completed, he was first assigned to Battery C of the 33rd Field Artillery. On August 7, 1918, he was assigned to Company I, 1st Battalion of the 163rd Depot Brigade. The 163rd Depot Brigade was responsible for the induction, supply and training of new recruits for the 88th Infantry Division that was being assembled at Camp Dodge.

The 88th Division was deemed ready for combat and departed for Europe in September, 1918. Later, the 163rd Depot Brigade began training the new 19th Infantry Division. At some point during his service, Leo endured a medical event that would curtail his military career. He was discharged on November 9, 1918, two days before the Armistice was declared. His condition resulted in an SCD (Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability) of 50% and affected him for the rest of his life.

He returned to the family business in Templeton and, in 1922, married Theresa Bawek in Council Bluffs. He later worked for the Templeton Telephone Company. In 1952, he moved to Carroll and lived there until his death at home on April 23, 1958, at the age of 64.