The soldier widely recognized for dying in the last minute of World War I was Henry Nicholas John Gunther.
The Final Casualty of the Great War
Henry Gunther, an American soldier, holds the tragic distinction of being possibly the very last soldier among all belligerent forces to be killed during World War I. His death occurred at precisely 10:59 a.m. on November 11, 1918, just one minute before the Armistice with Germany officially took effect at 11:00 a.m., bringing an end to hostilities.
A Tragic End on Armistice Day
Born on June 6, 1895, Gunther's final moments unfolded near the French village of Chaumont-devant-Damvillers. Despite the ceasefire being imminent, his unit encountered German machine gun positions. Accounts suggest that Gunther, possibly feeling a need to prove himself after a recent demotion, charged a German barricade. The German soldiers, aware of the impending armistice, reportedly tried to wave him off, but Gunther persisted. Tragically, he was struck by a single bullet and died instantly.
His death serves as a poignant reminder of the immense human cost of the war, even in its final moments. Gunther's story highlights the chaotic and often arbitrary nature of battlefield casualties right up to the official end of hostilities.
Key Facts About Henry Gunther
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry Nicholas John Gunther |
| Born | June 6, 1895 |
| Died | November 11, 1918, at 10:59 a.m. |
| Nationality | American |
| Role | Soldier (U.S. Army) |
| Significance | Possibly the last soldier killed in WW1, one minute before the Armistice took effect |
For more detailed information on Henry Gunther's life and death, you can refer to his biographical entries, such as the one found on Wikipedia.
