American Doughboy - Bessemer, AL - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

The Doughboy is a life-size bronze sculpture. In his right hand is a hand grenade, his left holds a Springfield Model 1903 rifle with bayonet. His body is adorned with a gas mask pouch, cartridge belt, and pack.

The inscription on the front plaque reads:

TO THE MEMORY OF
OUR WORLD WAR
HEROES WHO DIED
THAT CIVILIZATION
MIGHT NOT PERISH
FROM THE EARTH

Both sides of the base have honor roll plaques naming those killed or who died in service – 30 on the Doughboy’s left and 14 listed as "Colored" on the right. Presumably this is service men from Bessemer.

A rear plaque placed in 1999 reads:

This Doughboy Monument, Sculpted by E. M. Viquesney was erected
following World War I, "The War to End All Wars."

The City of Bessemer and The State of Alabama Historical Park and Historical Site Maintenance and Repair Grant Program restored and preserved this statue so that future generations may remember the struggles and bloodshed that preceding generations endured to protect the peace and liberties we hold dear.

We especially wish to honor the veterans who protected our freedom
with their lives.

Rededicated November 11, 1999

Restored and preserved by Karkadoulias Bronze Art Cincinnati, Ohio

(visit link)

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: American Doughboy Figure Type: Human Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: E. M. Viquesney Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1922 Materials used: Pressed Copper Location: DeBardeleben Park, bounded by 2nd and 3rd Avenues and 16th and 17th Streets, Bessemer, AL.

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