Date: 1917-1918

 

Description: This is a family service flag, which was a flag flown by the families of soldiers during World War I. Families would hang these flags in the windows of their homes, indicating to passers-by that a family member was serving in the war. This particular flag was owned by the Linafelter family, and the single blue star in the center means the family had one member in service, Ray C. Linafelter. Ray Linafelter moved to Sioux City from Goodwin, Nebraska and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He served in the medical division of the army, which is shown by the three Red Cross pins adorning the flag. If a family member died in service, the blue star or stars would be changed to gold. Thus Sergeant Linafelter likely returned home safe from his service. As in other wars Sioux City served as a training ground for soldiers during World War I. Camp Eaton at Riverside trained soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, trench building, and other war skills and maneuvers. Over 4,000 men and women left the Siouxland area to serve in the war, and over 100 died in the service. Sioux City’s first casualty of the war was Edward H. Monahan, and the American Legion Monahan Post, which still exists today, was named in his honor. Among other services and activities, the Post was once home to one of the most famous bands in Sioux City’s history: the Monahan Post Band.

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Donor: Linafelter family