Oren Lyman Cole

“Oren is one of the four of our kin who were in the Spanish-American War, having served in the Philippine Islands as a member of Co. B of the 13th Minnesota Regiment. His first experience of actual war occurred soon after reaching Manila, when his regiment was ordered into the trenches and took a leading part in the first important land battle. At the time of his enlishment he was studying civil and electric engineering, and having acquired sufficient knowledge in that line to make him useful, was soon detailed for special service on a supply train under General Lawton. Having also readily gained some knowledge of the Spanish language, he was next assigned to a particular duty on the then much needed police force in Manila. By a mutual friend I was informed that he received special mention for his valuable service and bravery. A more minute account of his army life would have been very interesting, and many, I am sure, will hereafter regret that this sketch is so meager. Several letters I addressed to him appear never to have reached him, and—now I can not any longer delay the publication of this book” (from Heinrich Gernhardt and His Descendants, pg. 147).