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​Clarence Lund

Clarence was born to Nels and Carrie Lund of Marshall Township, Iowa on November 5, 1896. His younger brothers Harry and Elmer were born there as well. After the family moved to Sherman Township, Brookings County, South Dakota, 2 additional brothers and 2 sisters were added to the family.

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In June of 1918, Clarence registered to be drafted and on July 4, 1918, his number (41) was listed in the Brookings Register. By July 10th, he was enlisted and a Private for the 74th Balloon Company. Eight months later, the war was over and he was decommissioned on March 26, 1919. 

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On his return to South Dakota, he lived briefly with his parents before marrying Jessie Cowles on March 14, 1923. They farmed near Brandt, SD and then returned White where they farmed until 1935 before returning to Brandt. They purchased a farm west of Clear Lake in 1944 and they farmed there until 1971 when they retired to Clear Lake. Clarence and Jessie had two sons (Burl and Robert) (information from Obituary notice for Jessie Lund). 

 

Clarence passed away in July of 1978 and was buried in Fairview Cemetery. His wife Jessie lived until November of 1987 and then joined her husband in Fairview Cemetery.

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American observation balloon service in World War I

At the start of World War I, the organization of the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Force included observation balloon units organized into companies, squadrons, and wings and each company was equipped with one balloon. Five companies comprised a squadron, and three squadrons made up a wing. By the end of the war 110 companies had been created. In the field, Balloon companies were allotted to the ground units they supported as needed. In 1918 June, with squadron organization discontinued, company designations were numbered and organized into groups. Only 35 companies made it to France with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). 17 companies served at the front, making 1,642 combat ascensions, while six other groups were en route to the front at the armistice.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_observation_balloon_service_in_World_War_I