Corporal Murphy J. Cole

Killed in action during World War I

Murphy J. Cole, son of Joseph and Denise Cole and grandson of William and Emily Moss Cole and Absalom and Arthimese Augustine Cole, was born near Reeves, LA in 1891, the tenth of twelve children. Murphy moved to DeRidder in the 1890’s with his parents and resided there until May 6, 1918 when he joined the United States Army. He had previously enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard on December 30, 1913 and saw service on the Mexican Border, remaining with the National Guard until joining the Army. Murphy, a member of the Second Division, was sent to France shortly after his enlistment. He was killed in action in World War I on July 18, 1918. The Cole-Miers Post No. 3619 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of DeRidder, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana a was named in memory of Corporal Murphy J. Cole and Corporal John Franklin Miers. (A submittal by Ollie C. Payne in the Beauregard Parish History)

Note: A veteran’s document shows that Corporal Cole was in the Headquarters Company of the 162^nd Infantry until July 7, 1918, at which time he transferred to Company H of the 23^rd Infantry. He was killed in action eleven days later.