The Covert brothers were private soldiers enlisted in June 1917 at the Mohawk Armory, New York State National Guard, Company M, 107th Infantry Regiment, a unit federalized later in 1917 for the duration of WWI as part of the U.S. First Army. The European Theater battles their regiment engaged in include, but are not limited to, East Paperinghe, Dickenbusch, Bellicourt, and The Hindenburg Line. Charles served in overseas combat duty from May 9, 1918, through December 26, 1918, he was severely wounded in action on October 30, 1918, with a head injury. Charles was declared 40% disabled when Honorably Discharged on February 17, 1919, although Charles did spend the last half of his life in treatment at various VA hospitals. Charles's older brother George served in overseas combat duty from May 9, 1918, through March 9, 1919, he was exposed to gas attacks of an undisclosed nature on September 29, 1918, and was slightly wounded in action on October 5, 1918. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army on April 2, 1919, allegedly with 0% disability. But age 36 George died at home in October 1930 from undisclosed causes. Who can suggest his untimely death was not at least somewhat service-connected.
The graves of these two military combat veterans were found at Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, New York, each without American Flags in mid-May 2023. Sadly, military veteran graves lacking an American Flag are a highly unacceptable but not uncommon sight before Memorial Day in these parts -- all it simply takes is a walk through the gravestones in most cemeteries to find them. The two brothers Covert, both World War I combat wounded veterans are my maternal first cousins, one generation senior (aka 1xRemoved). Private First Class George Earl Covert and Private Charles Ernest Covert finally got their metallic WWI Grave Marker/Flag Holders embedded in a concrete base with fresh-earned American Flags as installed a few days ago. Thank you for your honorable military service. Rest In Peace.
The Gravesite Of Charles E. Covert
