Fred E. Kurtz
Machinist Mate 2/c
October 4, 1893 - May 18, 1982
Fred Kurtz
Fred (Fritz) Kurtz was born to Gustav and Louise (Unger) Kurtz near Elkton, SD. When he was born, his father was in Oklahoma and Louise gave birth to him without a doctor or mid-wife to assist her. He attended school in White, SD and later went on to attend the School of Agriculture in Brookings, SD.
In 1914, Fred enlisted in the US Army at was stationed in New Mexico where the troops were stationed to battle the marauders led by Poncho Villa who were crossing the border to carry out their raids. He worked as a mechanic and kept the vehicles operating for the squadrons.
In 1917, Fred joined the US Navy where he was listed as a Machinist Mate 2nd class (2/c) for Aviation.
After giving so much time to the armed services, Fred came back to SD and married Elta Kretsinger with whom two children were born before Elta passed away. In 1929, Fred married Florence Newton of White, SD. Fritz and Florence purchased a farm two miles north of White. He passed away on May 18, 1982 due to a car-bus collision and is buried in Fairview Cemetery.
Machinist Mate 2/c, Aviation
Aviation Machinist's Mates (abbreviated as AD) are United States Navy aircraft engine mechanics that inspect, adjust, test, repair, and overhaul aircraft engines and propellers. More specifically, ADs install, maintain, and service various aircraft engine types as well as various accessories, gear boxes, related fuel systems, and lubrication systems; determine reasons for engine degradation using various test equipment; perform propeller repairs; handle and service aircraft ashore or aboard ship; and can also serve as air crewman in various types of aircraft.
Poncho Villa
Francisco "Pancho" Villa; born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula; (5 June 1878 – 20 July 1923) was a Mexican revolutionary and prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution. He was a key figure in the revolutionary movement that forced out President Porfirio Díaz and brought Francisco I. Madero to power in 1911. When Madero was ousted by a coup led by General Victoriano Huerta in February 1913, Villa joined the anti-Huerta forces in the Constitutionalist Army led by Venustiano Carranza.
Angered at U.S. support for Carranza, Villa conducted a raid on the border town of Columbus, New Mexico to goad the U.S. into invading Mexico in 1916. Despite a major contingent of soldiers and superior military technology, the U.S. failed to capture Villa.
