WHO WAS GORDON M. CROTHERS?
The Man Behind the Name
Every American Legion Post has a story. Gordon M. Crothers Post 15 bears the name of a young soldier who gave his life in service to his country during World War I.
More than a century later, his sacrifice continues to inspire the mission and purpose of Post 15.
Early Life
Gordon M. Crothers was born on May 26, 1894, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Oliver M. and Carrie Crothers.
Although born in Michigan, Gordon developed strong ties to Dade City during his youth. His family spent several winters in Florida, and Gordon attended school in Dade City between 1910 and 1912. During those years he became well known to many local residents who later remembered him as one of their own.
After returning to Michigan, Gordon worked for the Hirth-Krause Company and married Hazel Fisher on October 10, 1916.
Answering the Call
Following America’s entry into World War I, Gordon enlisted in the Michigan National Guard on July 7, 1917.
He was assigned to Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Division, known as the famous “Red Arrow Division.”
Serving alongside him was his younger brother, Herbert D. Crothers.
After training in Michigan and Texas, the division deployed to France where it would participate in some of the most significant American operations of the war.
Killed in Action
On August 2, 1918, during combat operations near Chateau-Thierry, Gordon was leading his men through woods occupied by German machine-gun positions.
While advancing with his unit, he was struck in the heart by machine-gun fire and killed instantly.
He was 24 years old.
News of his death quickly spread through both Michigan and Florida. Residents of Dade City mourned the loss of a young man many remembered from his school days in the community.
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Herbert’s Letter
A week after Gordon’s death, his brother Herbert wrote home to describe the circumstances surrounding the battle.
Herbert explained that Gordon had successfully led his men forward under difficult conditions before enemy machine-gun fire struck.
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In the letter, Herbert wrote:
“Gordon died at once, shot through the heart.”
He also told his parents:
“There was no mistake made when they promoted Gordon. He fought and died a man, and I am so proud of him.”
The letter remains one of the most moving accounts of Gordon’s final moments and the sacrifice made by the Crothers family during World War I.
A Lasting Legacy
When Dade City veterans organized an American Legion Post following the war, they chose to honor Gordon’s sacrifice by naming the Post after him.
Their decision ensured that future generations would remember not only the young soldier who gave his life in France, but also the ideals of duty, courage, patriotism, and service that he represented.
For more than a century, Gordon’s name has appeared on the charter, building, and activities of Post 15.
Every meeting, ceremony, and community event conducted by the Post continues the legacy of the young World War I soldier whose sacrifice inspired its founding.
Remembering Gordon
Corporal Gordon M. Crothers gave his life in service to his country on August 2, 1918.
His memory lives on through Gordon M. Crothers Post 15, the veterans who have served under its banner, and the community that continues to honor his sacrifice more than a century later.
“He fought and died a man, and I am so proud of him.” — Herbert D. Crothers, August 1918