John David Aaron grave, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France; image credit
John David Aaron (21 October 1893 - 12 October 1918) was killed in action while serving with Company H, 114th infantry regiment, 29th infantry division, near Haumont-près-Samogneux, France. According to Wikipedia, During the war, the town was completely destroyed and the land was made uninhabitable to such an extent that a decision was made not to rebuild it. The site of the commune is maintained as a testimony to war and is officially designated as a "village that died for France." Private Aaron was twenty-four years old.
We do not have many details of his army service, but, like several other men from Slatington, he died during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France.
July 1917, enlisted in the New Jersey National Guard
June 1918, the the 29th infantry division, originally composed of the New Jersey National Guard, left for France
September 1918, wounded
October 1918, the the 114th infantry regiment suffered heavy losses in attacks east of the Meuse River in the direction of the Bois de la grande montagne and the Bois d’Ormont, heights that were strongly-fortified by the German army.
Private First Class Aaron was originally buried in Haumont-près-Samogneux before being re-interred in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.
Prewar listed occupation: silk mill worker at the Post and Sheldon Company
Draft registration listed home address: 602 Washington St., Slatington, Pennsylvania
Family
father Henry J. Aaron, 1863-1899
mother Lillian Q. Bowman, 1866-1924
brother Robert J. Aaron, 1890-1898
brother Harold B. Aaron, 1891-1901
sister Margaret E. Aaron, 1896-1971 (Rinehart)
sister Rachel C. Aaron, 1899-1995