Pvt. Treptow was born January 19, 1894, in Chippewa Falls WI, near Bloomer, where he grew up. He worked as a barber in Cherokee, Iowa, when the United States entered the war in 1917.

There he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard, which became the 168th Infantry Regiment, 84th Brigade, in the 42d ”Rainbow” Division when it was called to Federal service.

Pvt. Treptow served as a runner for Company M in the battle of the Ourcq River. He was killed during the war while delivering a message between battalions on July 29, 1918.

Martin’s diary was found on his body and on the flyleaf under the heading, “My Pledge”, he wrote these words:

“America must win this war. Therefor I will work. I will save. I will sacrifice. I will endure. I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.” Pvt. Martin Treptow