Herman Mansfield
Early Life
Herman Mansfield was born on October 18, 1893, in New York. By the time of his World War I draft registration on June 5, 1917, he was living at 45 Beech Avenue in Rye Beach, Rye, New York. He was a natural-born citizen and was employed as an electrician, working for the Hooulty Machine Company at 2 Rector Street in New York City, reflecting the skilled industrial labor that supported the region’s growing economy.
At the time of registration, Mansfield was married and reported no dependents. He was described as of medium height and build, with dark blue eyes and dark brown hair. His early life reflects the movement between New York City and nearby Westchester communities typical of working-class residents during this period.
World War I Service
Mansfield was inducted into the United States Army on May 27, 1918, in Westchester County, New York. He served with Company C, 2nd Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Battalion, a unit tasked with defending against enemy aircraft using specialized machine gun systems designed to protect troops and key positions from aerial attack.
He served overseas in France from June 30, 1918, to February 21, 1919, as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, the U.S. military force deployed to the Western Front during World War I. While specific engagements are not recorded in his service record, his period of service coincided with major operations conducted by American forces during the final phases of the war.
He advanced in rank from Private to Private First Class on October 16, 1918, before returning to the rank of Private on January 14, 1919. He sustained no wounds or injuries during his service.
He was honorably discharged on March 9, 1919, at the conclusion of the war, with no disability noted at the time of discharge.
Life After Service
Following his return from military service, Mansfield settled in West New York, New Jersey, where he lived for many years. He continued his career as an electrician, working within Local Union 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in New York City, reflecting a long career in skilled trades.
He was also a member of American Legion Post 15 in West New York, maintaining a connection with fellow veterans of World War I.
Herman Mansfield died on July 10, 1976, at Freehold General Hospital at the age of 82. Funeral services were held at the Gutterman-Musicant-Kreitzman Funeral Home in Hackensack, New Jersey, and burial followed at Riverside Cemetery in Rochelle Park.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his two sons, Robert Mansfield of Waldwick and Arthur Mansfield of Fort Lee; his brother, Siegfried Mansfield of West New York; and three grandchildren.