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= Otis Merrithew = Otis Merrithew was a World War I veteran fighting on the Western Front (World War I). Unbeknownst to many, Merrithew captured 132 German soldiers, a feat of which the famous Alvin York took credit for.

Early Life
Otis B. Merrithew was born in Boston on May 26, 1896 to Otis Bernard Merrithew and Nellie Merrithew. His father was often absent, which led to him dropping out of school to work at a variety of different jobs to support his mother and four siblings. In 1914, when World War I started, Otis wanted to enlist. His mother, however, was very against it. But on October 3, 1917, he did, assuming the name William Cutting so his mother wouldn't find out.

Military Service
Merrithew fought the Germans on the Western Front of the war in France and Belgium. On October 8, 1918, he captured 132 German soldiers, including German officers. During this event, Otis was shot 3 times in the arm. Sergeant York is credited with this act of bravery.

Later Years and Death
Even though many other witnesses claimed that it was Merrithew rather than York who took the prisoners, York was still credited. It was only in 1964, a year after York's death, that Merrithew was awarded a Silver Star. In 1977, the years caught up with Merrithew and he died, still forgotten to this day.