Considered an authority on World War I history, Laplander will talk about the heroism of Florence’s Medal of Honor winner, Charles Whittlesey of “Lost Battalion” fame.

Whittlesey commanded the “Lost Battalion” in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Of the 550 men under Whittlesey’s command, only 194 men survived being completely surrounded by better-equipped German forces and being subjected to friendly fire.  

Laplander investigates the first World War, especially the First Corps of the American First Army during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. He has been passionately researching The Lost Battalion for 20 years.

His book, “Finding the Lost Battalion, Beyond the Myths and Legends of America’s Famous World War I Epic,” has been used to teach historical small-unit tactics at the U.S. Army Infantry School. It is the most extensive book written on The Lost Battalion. This is his first book, with a second one to be published soon.

Charles Whittlesey

Laplander was featured in the third episode of the recent six-hour Public TV series on “The Great War.”

Whittlesey was born in Florence on Jan. 20, 1884, and lived in Florence for 10 years. He graduated from Williams College and Harvard University law school. He practiced law in New York City before and after World War I. He took command of the Lost Battalion as a major and was promoted to lieutenant colonel as the result of his leadership in the battle.

In addition to Whittlesey being awarded the Medal of Honor for his role in Lost Battalion fighting, two of his subordinates were also given the Army’s highest honor. Whittlesey was chosen to be a pallbearer at the ceremonies honoring the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Laplander will present information on Whittlesey, along with several other projects he has been working on about World War I.

Refreshments will come after the presentation, along with time to meet Laplander.

The Florence County Museum has a number of pictures and artifacts given to the organization by Laplander.

Laplander grew up in northern and southeastern Wisconsin. He lives with his wife, Trinie, and three children in Waterford, Wis.

He is partner in the World War I Centennial Commission and manages the Doughboy MIA and Lost Battalion portions of the commission’s web presence. He is also a partner in the Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars.