PFC Sidney Severns had received an Honorable Discharge as a U.S. Army Sergeant, on 4 August 1914, from M Company, 4th Cavalry. He had served from 26 August 1911, enlisting at Fort Bliss, Texas. The 4th Cavalry served primarily along the Mexico-Texas border from 1911-1913. Previously, the 4th had served in the Philippines during the Philippine Insurrection.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps from Pima, Arizona, 6 June 1917, listing his occupation as rancher/stockman. (Note: enlistment is also listed as Los Angeles in Muster Rolls). Based with 30th Company, Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia Base Detachment, 5th Regiment. (Other residence listed as Martinez, California where his mother, Ella, and brother, Erle, lived.) By January 1918, serving with 20th Company.

While serving with 20th Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, AEF, he was killed in action in the attack in Bois de Belleau, Bouresches Sector northewest of Chateau Thiery, 6 June 1918.

Severns, Sidney D., PFC