American Legion Gosz-Novak Post 199
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. As towns and villages throughout the country join together to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, constant reminders and memorials can be found throughout our area.
The Reedsville Area Veterans Memorial Park brings together the Reedsville AMVETS Post 1032 and the American Legion Gosz-Novak Post 199 to pay tribute to those who have served in the area. A main feature of the park is a T-33A United States Air Force military aircraft.
The plane itself dates to 1953, and has been on loan from the National Museum of the USAF since 1964. It arrived in Madison and was transported to Reedsville by the Legion, where it was proudly polished and put on display. There are 8 known Lockheed T-33 Shooting Stars on display in Wisconsin.
What makes Reedsville’s plane special is how it honors those who served. The American Legion Gosz-Novak Post 199 is named after two of Reedsville’s heroes, Joseph Gosz and Charles Novak.
Joseph Gosz was born in Grimms in 1895 and worked for the Union Lime Company, until he entered the service in 1917. As part of the Two Rivers contingent, he departed early after the draft call and fought in the Argonne. Reported "missing in action" in October 1918, the body of Joseph Gosz was recovered in 1921.The Manitowoc Herald News, November 10, 1921 edition wrote, “The remains will lay in state at Reedsville for one day in honor of the Legion post of that village, which has been named after the dead soldier, and then laid to rest with all military honor.”
A positive identification of Gosz’s body was made because of a letter sent to him from Vivian Attridge, of Reedsville. As the November 1921 Manitowoc Herald reported, “…the body of Gosz had been identified through a letter found upon his person, although the address on the letter was incomplete. Miss Vivian Attridge, whose name was signed to the missive, the torn address on which was Joseph M. G, the "osz" having been detached, identified the body and said that Mr. Gosz was the only service man with whom she had been corresponding. Report was made to the war department at Washington and the original information "missing in action" was changed in the later notice to relatives to "killed in action." Gosz is buried in St. Michaels’s Cemetery in Whitelaw.
The Reedsville Post is also named after Flight Officer Charles G. Novak, Jr. who was killed in 1942 in the crash of an Army plane at Biggs Field in Texas during a routine training flight. He was born in 1919 on a farm near Maple Grove and was a graduate of Reedsville High School. Before entering the service, Novak worked in Civilian Conservation Camps from 1938 to 1940. He enlisted and served in an anti-tank battalion. There he was promoted to supply sergeant and technician. He graduated from the Hancock College of Aeronautics in California before advancing his training at Williams Field in Arizona.
The Manitowoc Herald Times, March 2, 1943 edition states, “According to a letter written on Feb. 8 and received by Novak’s parents, he was the co-pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress and would have completed his training about the end of March.” Novak is buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Reedsville.
These men are just two examples of those who gave their lives for our country’s freedom. As you pass the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star aircraft in Reedsville and the Veterans Park, take a moment to remember Gosz, Novak, and those who fought and died for our country.