In Italy with the 332nd
Unit History book by Joseph Lettau
Original book "In Italy with the 332nd Infantry" by Joseph L. Lettau. A rather scarce book covering the 332nd infantry during WW1. Nice copy in overall good condition with minor cracking on back spine recess. First edition of 1921.
The 332nd Infantry Regiment having served as the only American Regiment in Italy and earning the rare Vittorio-Veneto Battle Clasp for the World War One Victory Medal. The 332nd was part of the 83rd Division and most of the members were from Ohio.
Sergeant Major Joseph Louis Lettau
Sergeant Major
Joseph Louis Lettau
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On the inside page of my copy are several names, written in pencil or erased and barely readible. All men listed here served with Hq Company, 332nd Inf. Reg.
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- Private First Class Edgar A. Smith
- Musician Third Class Jacob J. Bottlander
Sergeant Major Joseph Louis Lettau
Sergeant Major
Joseph Louis Lettau
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Sergeant Major Joseph Louis Lettau
JOSEPH LOUIS LETTAU was born on May 30, 1893, in Buffalo, New York to Joseph H. (1870-1918) and Magdalena (Zehnder) Lettau (1870-1947). His father was a steelworker and the family came to Youngstown, Ohio in 1909. His grandfather emigrated to the United States from Bavaria, Germany. Joseph Lettau graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute at the age of 16 and got his first job at the Elks Club where he was bookkeeper. Later he went to Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company and he became secretary to the chief clerk of Carnegie Steel Co. His work at Carnegie was interrupted by World War One. He married Katherine Elizabeth Welsch on July 11, 1917, in Youngstown, Ohio
Joseph L. Lettau (#1949756) 24 years old at that time, enlisted in the Army on September 19, 1917 in Youngstown, Ohio and was assigned to Company M of the 332nd Infantry Regiment until May 17, 1918. He went from England to France where he saw service for two months before going to Italy. Joseph Lettau saw action in the battle of Vittorio-Veneto and aided in the taking of Fiume. After his promotion to Battalion Sergeant Major on May 17, 1918 he was transferred to Headquarters Company, 332nd Infantry Regiment. Later, he served as an Army reporter when President Wilson visited Rome after World War One.
Following war service, Joseph Lettau was employed at the Ohio Works of Carnegie as a clerk in the electrical department. Later he was secretary and treasurer of the Hogan Steel Company for three years. During the World War 2 years he served as Secretary to Mayor William Spagnola of Youngstown, Ohio. Joseph Lettau also was a well-known figure in veterans organisations and held several offices including that of Post Commander of American Legion Post 15. During WW2 he served on the committee which provided the sendoffs for Youngstown men leaving for service.
Joseph L. Lettau died on February 21, 1950, in Youngstown, Ohio at the age of 56 and is buried at the Calvary Cemetery, North Olmsted, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He died following a heart attack he suffered walking down a street in Youngstown, Ohio. The funeral service for Joseph Lettau was officiated by reverend John J. Lettau, his oldest son.
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