Privates Chernecky (left) and Jones (right) of "M" Company, 15th U.S. Infantry Regiment. Taken around 1914 in
Tientsin, China. The two men wear the American version of the British foreign service helmet. These helmets at one
time been considered the height of military style were never popular with American troops who generally preferred a
slouch hat.

NEW INFORMATION

New information has come to light regarding Private Chernecky.

Gabriel Chernecky was born on 26 March, 1891 in Zastinki, Russia of as yet unknown parents. He left Europe on the
steamer
SS Oldenburg via Bremen, Germany and arrived in New York City on 23 April, 1910. He was shown as
being  5 foot 9 inches tall  with an occupation of weaver. His petition for naturalization also gives his birth name as
Ignac Korpinowicz.

He enlisted in "M" Company 15th Infantry Regiment on 27 December, 1913 and received his honorable discharge
on 15 October 1915 having served his entire enlistment with the 15th Regiment stationed in Tientsin, China.

When he made his declaration of intent to become an US citizen on 26 December 1913 (and the day before enlisting)
he was resident of San Francisco, California living on 84 Jackson Street. After his return from China he was resident
of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and working as a bartender. He later lived in Ansonia, Connecticut and was a notary
public.

Mounted Photograph
8 3/4 inches by 6 3/4 inches ( 22cm x 17cm )
Unknown Photographer
Tientsin, China
c. 1914
Detail of private Gabriel Chernecky and private Jones. Tientsin, China c. 1914