FAQ: Texas World War One Gold Star Honor Roll

What is the Texas World War One Gold Star Honor Roll?

The Texas World War One Gold Star Honor Roll is a memorial established in 2014 to honor the more than 5,000 Texans who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces during World War One, between April 1, 1917, and December 31, 1920. It serves to memorialize the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of these Texans.

What is a "Remembrance" (Rem)?

A "Remembrance" is a plaque memorializing the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of those Texans included on the Honor Roll. It offers information such as their name, rank, serial number, date of birth, place of record, how they died and where they are buried. The Honor Roll website may also provide internet links to their awards, Find A Grave memorials, individual photos, and Army Burial Records.

How can I search for a specific Texas soldier who died during World War One?

You can search the Texas WW1 Gold Star Honor Roll database, which is organized by surname. The Honor Roll website includes a search feature to help you locate specific individuals.

What are some common causes of death listed on the Honor Roll, besides combat?

A significant portion of deaths were attributed to influenza and pneumonia, especially during the 1918 pandemic. Many soldiers died in camps, base hospitals, and aboard ships due to disease.

Why does the Honor Roll sometimes list France as the place of death, even if the exact location is unknown?

If a soldier died overseas and the records lack a specific location of death, France is often listed as a default location. This is because many soldiers were en route to or stationed in France during the war. It is possible they may have died and were buried at sea, or disembarked at another port.

What if a soldier's final burial location is unknown?

The Honor Roll recognizes that the final burial cemetery is not known for every soldier. The Honor Roll asks visitors to submit the final burial location by email if it is known.

Where can I find more detailed information about a soldier's death?

Obituaries or newspaper articles are often the best sources to find detailed information about a soldier's death, as many government records were destroyed by fire and water.

How can I contribute to the Texas WW1 Gold Star Honor Roll project?

If you have information about a veteran who was missed, or if you find an error on the Honor Roll, you can submit a request or correction via email. You can also contribute by helping to locate the final burial sites for the "Unlocated" veterans.