Fallen Hero – Gold Star Family Street Dedication | Friday, July 1
Gold Star Family Street Dedication for United States Army Sergeant Herbert Lewis Terry
Friday, July 1 at 4 PM - 1421 Rahway Road
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Resolution
WHEREAS, the Township of Scotch Plains is honoring United States Army Sergeant Herbert Lewis Terry, with a ceremonial street sign to be placed at the intersections of Rahway Road and Cooper Road and Rahway Road and Fox Hill Lane at a memorial service on Friday, July 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Herbert L. Terry born January 1, 1891, son of Winfield Scott Terry and Elizabeth Abbot Terry, of which the 3 eldest sons served in World War I. The Terrys’ resided at what is now 1421 Rahway Road in Scotch Plains; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Terry was an accountant with Biles, Dallet & Company of New York, Steamships Agents, later to become American Fruit. Terry was married four years prior to being drafted and attended basic training at Camp Dix. Even though Herbert was eligible for an exemption due to his job, he felt it was his duty to serve his country as a member of the 311th Infantry, 78th Division for the United States Army. On March 29, 1918, Sgt. Herbert Terry was among the American Expeditionary Force to arrive in France; and
WHEREAS, On November 8, 1918 Mrs. Herbert Terry was informed that her husband Sgt. Herbert Terry was reported missing in action. According to Private Fred C. Wolff of Brooklyn there were 7 men in the party with Corporal Slauson, who advanced under orders of reconnaissance. The squad advanced but a short distance when the Germans laid a machine gun barrage behind them, making progress possible in only a forward direction. The push was made successfully and there was no trace of the 8 men after that; and
WHEREAS, Sgt. Herbert L. Terry was killed in action on September 24, 1918 in France. Sgt. Terry received a Purple Heart and a WWI Victory Medal. Sgt. Herbert L. Terry’s widow made the decision to have him buried near where he fell which is at St. Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiacourt, France. His last words to Sgt. Charles Wolfel before he passed were, “Tell them I died for my Country.”; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Township of Scotch Plains, that a ceremonial street sign identified as “SGT. Herbert Terry Pl. – US Army - WWI” shall be placed at the intersections of Rahway Road and Cooper Road and Rahway Road and Fox Hill Lane.
Joshua G. Losardo, Mayor
Elizabeth Stamler, Deputy Mayor
Roshan “Roc” White, Councilmember
Ellen A. Zimmerman, Councilmember
Matthew S. Adams, Councilmember