Spirit of the American Doughboy

This E. M. Viquesney Doughboy was erected in Woodville in 1927 to commemorate the fallen American servicemen of World War I. The pressed copper Doughboy looks to be in a forward stride motion with a rifle carried low in his proper left hand while he reaches high holding a grenade in his proper right hand.

The plaque inscription on the front of the tall base reads:
TO COMMEMORATE THOSE
WHO SERVED THE UNITED STATES
IN THE WORLD WAR
1917 TO 1919
----------------------
DEDICATED TO THE
CLARENCE L. NIEMAN POST
NO. 455 AMERICN LEGION
WOODVILLE, OHIO
SEPTEMBER 5, 1927
-----------------------
ERECTED BY
THE EXCHANGE CLUB
AND THE CITIZENS OF WOODVILLE
While the plaque shows September 5, 1927, the monument was not formally dedicated until October 16, 1927.

A plaque inscription on the rear of the base reads:
LEST WE FORGET
(wreath)
1776
1812
1846
1861
1898
1917

A plaque on the outside wall leading to the sculpture reads:
Colonel Charles L. Meyer
U.S. Air Force June 01, 1964 to June 30, 1990
Flew 76 successful missions over North Vietnam and 276 total combat missions.
Specialty: F-4 Fighter Pilot, Commander, Squadron Operations Officer, Director of Operations, Air Operations' Officer, Flight Training Instructor F-4 and T-38, Officer Resource Manager, Technical Instructor
Decorations: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with twelve oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal



The original brick base was much taller than the current base and it was rebuilt under the direction of the Junior League of Woodville. A plaque on the front ledge of the new base recognizes that the sculpture and park was re-dedicated on May 31, 1971, which is when the park was renamed from Waterworks Park to Veterans' Park.

The Doughboy’s left hand once broke off and was reattached in about 1983, which may have been the last time any preservative/ restorative measures were taken. The sculpture is covered in dripping tarnish and is in general bad condition.