Veteran Information
Date of Birth: Jul 6 1886
Date of Death: Mar 20 1963
Address: Milton Point Rye NY
Branch of Service: U.S. Army
Service Number: Medical Dept / Gas Defense
Description
Cornelius C. Falch
Cornelius C. Falch
EARLY LIFE
Cornelius Christiano Falch was born on July 6, 1886, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the son of Cornelius Falch and Sophie Beyer. He immigrated to the United States in the early twentieth century and settled in Rye, New York, where he became a naturalized citizen.
Like many European immigrants of his generation, he came to the United States seeking economic opportunity and stability not readily available in his native country.
By 1910, he was living in New York City and working as a butler, later transitioning to skilled trades including plumbing, painting, and decorating as he established himself in Rye.
WORLD WAR I SERVICE
Falch registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, in the Town of Rye, New York, listing his residence on Milton Point.
He enlisted in the United States Army on October 6, 1917, at Fort Slocum, New York.
He was assigned to the Medical Department and later to Gas Defense Service units, including Ambulance Company and Replacement Sections associated with early chemical warfare defense.
Gas Defense units played a critical role in the American Expeditionary Forces, protecting soldiers from chemical attacks and developing defensive measures against poison gas.
Falch served overseas in France beginning November 14, 1917.
He was promoted to Corporal on April 26, 1918.
His record indicates no wounds received in action, and he was honorably discharged on July 17, 1919.
During his service, his first wife, Cornelia �Carrie� Balcom Falch, died in October 1918 in Port Chester, New York.
POSTWAR LIFE
Following the war, Falch returned to Rye, where he worked as a painting contractor and later proprietor.
He became deeply involved in civic life, serving as past commander of American Legion Post No. 93 and as chief of the Rye Fire Department. He also held leadership roles in numerous regional and state firemen’s organizations.
He was a member of Christ’s Church in Rye, Mamaroneck Masonic Lodge, and various civic and veterans’ committees.
Cornelius C. Falch died on March 20, 1963, at his home in Rye, New York, at the age of 76.
He was survived by his wife, Ruth Frable Falch, along with extended family.
He was honored posthumously by the President of the United States for his devoted and selfless service.
Veteran History & Research Links
World War I Military Record
SEARCH ALL ANCESTRY
RYE CHRONICLE
Copy and Search for: "Cornelius C. Falch" Rye NY Chronicle - When searching, consider taking out middle initial, this can improve results in some cases.
(PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SEARCHING FULTON HISTORY FOR NEWPAPER ARTICLES)
Previous Search Results for this veteran may be listed below
