The Namesake of American Legion Post 76
Frederick Withoft: A Soldier's Legacy
A young Fort Valley soldier whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire a living tradition of service.
Sgt. John Frederick Withoft
Born: July 9, 1895
Home: Fort Valley, Georgia
Service: United States Army, World War I
Unit: Headquarters Company, 103rd Field Signal Battalion, 28th Division
Died: February 25, 1919, in France
His name is more than part of our Post's title. It is a daily reminder that service, courage and remembrance are responsibilities carried from one generation to the next.
His Story
John Frederick Withoft was born on July 9, 1895, and called Fort Valley, Georgia, home. When the United States entered World War I, he joined the Army and served as a sergeant with Headquarters Company, 103rd Field Signal Battalion, 28th Division.
Signal soldiers performed the vital work of keeping military units connected. During World War I, the Signal Corps built and operated telephone, telegraph, wire and radio networks that allowed commanders and troops to exchange information across a rapidly changing battlefield. Sgt. Withoft served within that demanding communications mission in Europe.
Although the armistice ended the fighting on November 11, 1918, danger did not end for the troops overseas. The 1918 influenza pandemic swept through crowded military camps, hospitals and communities around the world. Sgt. Withoft became ill with pneumonia and died on February 25, 1919, at Camp Hospital No. 6 in France. His military record noted that he had died of disease.
He was only 23 years old.
A Life Remembered
Why His Name Still Matters
When Frederick Withoft Post 76 was chartered in 1919, its members chose to preserve the memory of a local soldier whose life had been cut short in service to his country.
Today, every act of veteran assistance, youth mentorship, patriotic remembrance and community service performed by Post 76 continues that memorial. The most meaningful way to remember a life of service is to keep serving.
Help Us Preserve the Story
History becomes more powerful when a community helps tell it. Post 76 welcomes information or copies of historical materials connected to Sgt. Withoft, the early members of the Post and Peach County's military heritage.
Portraits, gatherings and images connected to his family or community.
Correspondence, military records, certificates, citations or personal papers.
Obituaries, service notices, Post-charter stories and remembrance articles.
Early meeting photographs, programs, rosters, uniforms, medals or memorabilia.
Share Historical Information with Post 76 Learn More About Post 76
A Living Memorial Since 1919
We remember Sgt. Frederick Withoft not only by speaking his name, but by continuing the work of service, fellowship and citizenship in the community he called home.
Historical context: Learn more about Sgt. Withoft and the national effort to document American Legion post namesakes through The American Legion. Learn more about the history of Army communications through the U.S. Army Center of Military History.