Edward C. Headman Post 217
2817 Van Alstyne Wyandotte, Michigan 48192

EDWARD C. HEADMAN POST #217

            When the former service men of Wyandotte, Ford City and Trenton decided to form a post of the American Legion for the entire Down River district, one of the most important duties was to decide upon a name for the post. After considering all of those offered, that of Edward C. Headman was chosen as the most representative one of that band of 23 immortals of the Down River district.

            Edward C. Headman was born May 29, 1892, and received his early education in the Wyandotte schools. He graduated from high school in 1911, with one of the best records, as student athlete, in that institution. He worked for one year following high school, then entered the University of Michigan. Here his record was even more brilliant than at high school, despite the fact that he earned his livelihood while there.

            Following graduation from the University “Whitey” Headman became connected with the engineering department of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Toledo, Ohio, where he soon made a name for himself by his thoroughness and willingness to learn. He was slated for advancement when war was declared, and almost immediately he laid down the civilian tools of his profession, and on May 2, 1917, he took his oath as an enlisted soldier of the Sixteenth Engineers.

            He reported for duty almost immediately, taking an active part in the Meuse-Argonne battle, performing work which required great personal bravery. During the latter part of August he rendered specially valuable service in erecting barbed wire entanglements, and at one time he crossed the Vesle River penetrated to the rear of the enemy lines in reconnaissance.

            On the night of August 30, Lieutenant Headman was to have directed the work of cutting lanes through enemy fire, but the work was called off. The next night he led a party far out in “No Man’s Land”, and never returned, for an enemy bullet found its mark and he was killed.

            The body of Lieutenant Headman was returned to the United States and arrived at Hoboken on the U.S.S. Wheaton on May 19, 1921, and was to be buried at Arlington Cemetery on June 9, 1921.