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1stLt Oscar S. Swan, USMC
Headquarters Detachment, 6th Macine Gun Battalion
Oscar S. Swan enlisted as a Private in the Marine Corps in June 1909 and served
for four years. By excellent conduct and conscientious duty he rose rapidly in rank. In May
1914 Sergeant Swan re-enlisted and served until the time that he was killed in action in France.
He rose from the rank of private to Sergeant-Major; then to second lieutenant and finally,
first lieutenant. He saw service in Dominican and Haitian waters, also in Cuba.
Recognized for his ability as an executive and leader, he was given charge of several
recruiting stations throughout the country. He travelled from one post of duty to
another rendering assistance in recruiting and management of government bureaus.
SgtMaj Swan landed in France December 31, 1917 and participated in the battles of the Meuse
sector during March and April, 1918, also in Chateau-Thierry sector during the Summer.
He received citations for bravery on three different occasions, also the Croix de Guerre.
An excerpt of Swan's military record follows:
August 8, 1918 served in open warfare against the enemy in the Marbache sector, France.
Mentioned in G.O. 40, 2nd Division, A.E.F. dated July 5, 1918 for displaying undaunted
courage in receiving and sending messages, day and night, under severe shelling by high
explosive shrapnel and gas shells from June 1st to June 11, 1918.
Engaged in action against the enemy in the St. Mihiel Salient Offensive, France,
September 12 to 17th, 1918. Detached from duty to the Automatic Weapon School, 2nd Corps
School, A.E.F., September 26, 1918
He was killed at in action at age 29 on the night of November 10, 1918, by a high
explosive shell while advancing to cross the River Meuse between Villemontry and Sartelle
Farm in the Argonne-Meuse campaign. He was buried on Armistice Day in Sartelle Farm in
France, but through the efforts of local Buffalo,NY Marines the body was exhumed and laid
to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery. His funeral was with full military honors. Marines from
the local recruiting station acted as bearers. A firing squad from
Fort Porter fired a volley over the grave. A Marine Corps bugler blew taps.
In January, 1925 official notification was received in Buffalo that the Oscar Swan
detachment of the United States Marine Corps League was admitted into the national
organization with a full charter. The decision to name the local detachment in honor
of Lt. Swan was unanimous. Military records of other Marines active in the service
were examined, but Swan received priority recognition. In the beginning the detachment
had 250 members and maintained modern clubrooms at 654 Main Street. Alfred Saperston who
at the time was a local attorney was legal advisor and counsellor. Officers were Harry
Ennis, commander, George B. McGee, William E. Coit, James E. Gallagher, and Dean A.
Schnedker.
At the time of his death and burial his parents, William and Barbara Swan lived at 32 East Utica Street.
Today, the remains of 1stLt Swan lie in Lot 640 / Section 14, Grave 1 at Forest Lawn. (Enter cemetery at Main and Delevan. bear left about 80 feet from entryway arch to Sec. 14 sign. Note tree 30 ft W of sign. "Swan" headstone is 40 ft WSW of that tree. See "O.H. Brown" headstone prominent behind "Swan" headstone).
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