New York City – WW I Monument
One Hundred Seventh Infantry Memorial
History
Sculptor Karl Illava (1896–1954) created this dynamic bronze figural group depicting seven larger-than-life-sized World War I foot soldiers in battle. The piece, set on a massive stepped granite platform designed by architects Rogers and Haneman, was donated by the Seventh Regiment New York 107th United Infantry Memorial Committee and was dedicated September 27, 1927. Taking advantage of its position at the end of East 67th Street at Fifth Avenue, Illava’s “doughboys” are in active poses, advancing from the wooded thicket bordering Central Park, as if mounting a charge. Illava drew from his own experience serving as a sergeant with the 107th, and even used his own hands as models for the soldiers’ hands.
One Hundred Seventh Infantry Memorial Details
- Location: Fifth Avenue at 67th Street
- Sculptor: Karl Morningstar Illava
- Architect: Rogers & Haneman
- Description: Group of seven figures (over life-size) with integral plinth, on a pedestal
- Materials: Bronze, North Jay granite
- Dimensions: Group H: 9’11” W: 15’8′ D: 10′; Pedestal H: 7’7″ W: 32’8″
- Cast: 1927
- Dedicated: September 29, 1927
- Foundry: Fond. G. Vignali, Firenze
- Donor: 7th Regiment and 107th Infantry Memorial Committee
- Inscription: SEVENTH REGIMENT NEW YORK / ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH UNITED INFANTRY / 1917 IN MEMORIAM 1918