UV HISTORY OF the3o5~ine 305th Infantry A History of the 305th Infantry By Frank B. Tiebout Capfai)!, 305th Infantry, L'. S. .1. Published l>y The 3()5th Infantry Auxiliary 1S.9 Madison Avenue, Xcie York -PA Copyright, 1919, by Frank B. Tiebout Crosby Drauings Copyrighted by McClure Newspaper Sj-ndicate AliG Z3 1919 8iLJ Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford Company Printers and Binders Eighty Lafayette Street New York (eCI.A5»()682 T)edication T)ECAUSE his great ambition xJ was to return home with the 305th, still its Colonel — because that fine soldier and gentleman would have chcerftdly foregone his pro- motion to the raiik of Brigadier in order to remain with us — became he really loved his old outfit — because his old outfit was proud to be referred to as "Smedbcrg's Regiment," the book is affectionately dedicated to Brigcidit'r-Gcncnd jniliam R. Svmlbrrg, Jr. CONTENTS Page Frontispiece 4 Foreword 9 Chapter I — At Camp Upton 11 Chapter II— The Crossing 33 Chapter III— Flanders 39 Chapter IV — Lorraine 55 Chapter V— The Vesie Defensive 87 Chajiter VI— The Advance to the Aisne 121 Chapter VII— The Argonne 139 Chapter VIII— The Meuse 173 Chapter IX— The Hardest Battle of the War 193 Ajjpendix The Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry Auxiliary 231 Itineraries 234 Operations : Operations Report, September 26-November 12, 1918 238 Field Order for Attack of Nov. 1, 1918 249 Disposition of Battalions, Oct. 31-Nov. 10, 1918 252 Report of Battles, Skirmishes, etc 254 Official Reports vs. Some War Rumors 258 The Honor Roll 259 Decorations and Citations: The Distinguished Service Cross 267 Division Citations 271 Regimental Citations 292 Regimental Rosters: Officers 312 Enlisted Men 344 FOREWORD IT iill began on the banks of the Meuse Ri\-er. Xo sooner had a eolonel of French infantry ajiproached one of our junior otticers on .\ovemlx-r 12th, saying, "Tell your commanding officer that he can pull his regiment out any time he wants to," than a couple of the Old Timers found themselves of the opinion that an account should be written of our experiences. As a result, about the first of January, Colonel Sheldon decreed that one officer, to be designated as Historian, should not be compelled to spend all his time driving imaginary machine gun nests out of the wooded hills bordering upon Chau- mont. The work of writing A History of the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantr>' thus commenced, gaining headway by almost imperceptible degrees, for the Historian was rendered practically hors dc combat by the consciousness of his small degree of new-found, unprecedented freedom, incapable of sane, con- secutive effort. Nevertheless, three photographic teams were sent back over all the fighting ground, obtaining almost a thousand pictures from which two hundred have been selected for publication, and many men of the Regiment were persuaded to write of their adventures. Be it said that some made startling disclosures to which propriety and practice deny the light of print. Much of it is, howe\er, in the oft-times inelegant but graphic language of the American Doughboy, rough of speech but ever kind of heart and keen. If one or another company is quoted too frequently in the story it is simply because that scribe, squatting upon the floor of his billet, bending low in the flickering candle-light over a piece of Y. M. C. A. paper and a stubby pencil, succeeded better than his fellows in expressing the American soldier as he is. His ob- servations and experiences are but typical of all the others. The thought arises at this point that too much space may have been devoted to the rifle- men — that not enough has been said of the services of su])ply, of the runners, of the signal men and linemen, braving unspeakable dangers to perfect and maintain the "nerves" of the Regiment. Of the Auxilian,' — we cannot say enough. It was early a question, in the minds of those displa_\-ing the greatest determination that there be a ])ermanent regimental record, whether this book should be so prepared as only to thrill posterity with a recital of glorious deeds, or so constructed as to reveal the man in the ranks as he really is. Should it be an idealistic or realistic representation? Should it assume the guise of a glorified Operations Report, setting everything down in painstaking chronological order? Should it be a series of Comj)any Histories, or Battalion Histories or one big Regimental Story? A story it is, rather than a history. We do not go "o\er the top" in everv' chapter, waving the P'lag and shouting, "Forward!" as the posters de- pict. We spend a lot of time growling and grumbling with the other boys; we trv to show the mud on his shoes, the humor that ne\er deserted him even 10 A HISTORY OF THE 305th IXFAXTRY in the very blackest moments; we picture him with a suggestion of budding horns, instead of Cupid-wings — and have a lot of fun living over again with him the crowded hours of the last two years. When Captain Kenderdine was asked to prepare a roster of officers, past and present, he obligingly said, "Sure," expecting to be detained half an hour. Four weeks later he came up for air. You can therefore guess, without much difficulty, how stupendous was the task of Sergeant James J. Wliite who assembled the roster of enlisted personnel, with statistics pertaining to seven thousand men ! To Captain Garner goes the credit for the preparation of the maps, and to Captain Crosby — well, the book would not have been a true account of the Three Hundred and Fifth without his cover and his inimitable sketches. Of sage conclusion as to war, prohibition, Prussianism and politics there is none. Only this : that had there been such a thing as universal service, we might have got over sooner and back earUer. Some of our other ideas have changed a whole lot. No longer shall we sob if the bed seems short. No longer shall we scoff at eating warmed-overs. After twelve months of canned corned beef and hardtack the old hash will seem like a political banquet. When we think of chlorinated water, cold cofi'ee will be as welcome to us as cream to a cat. In short, we think that members of the Three Hundred and Fifth will be a whole lot easier to li\e with, and that America is the on\y real place in which really to live. F. B. T. CHAPTER I AT CAMP UPTON FORTY years hence, when little John clambers upon your knee with a " Grandpa, tell me a soldier story," you will not have to disappoint the child. If your memory has not survived the strain, if you still suffer from shell shock, you can at least look in the book for inspiration. The Regimental Story will remind you of all the stories it fails to record. On the other hand, if your imagination is too fruitful, it will serve as a check upon the irresistible tendency to tell a whopper. By all means, keep the child quiet; his mother will thank you; but at the same time fill him with a wholesome respect for the glory of American Arms, and of the Three Hundred and Fifth. Yet be careful! Get these few essential facts straight, or the boy will come back at you with embarrassing questions as soon as he is old enough to read the book for himself. However, the main purpose of this story is to record the fun and the facts as we found them. To be sure, we often had to manufacture the fun; though really, a laugh could be found in almost any situation, however tense, however hopeless and disagreeable. \'ou laughed your way through stump pulling, kitchen police, through the endless drilling; through the submarine zone, through marmalade and tea; through shell fire on the Vesle, through machine-gun fire in the Argonne; through the five months following the armis- tice — the hardest battle of the war. Your persistent good humor went a long way toward beating the Hun. Come back to Upton with us then; come over to France. Get into the old ramshackle billets again where you argued for standing room with the cows and chickens. Step down into the trenches once more; roll around in the muddy old funk holes. Get real muddy! Sleep on the floor of a cold hommes et chevaux parlor car. Sample the cold corned willie. See if the canned goldfish is any less delicious than it ustd to be. Grcwl and grumble as you used to and then — laugh, as you used to. Begin your story by telling how you and a host of other civilians, in the summer of 1917, knowing nothing of military life and caring less, were called upon by the United States to show the world, Germany in particular, that there are certain outrages we cannot stand for; how your local board instructed you to report on such-and-such a day, how the bands and the banners and the tears convinced you that the trenches were only a week or two away at most ; how you landed at Camp Upton near Yaphank, Long Island, and felt your heart sink. On that memorable day, you probably experienced no patriotic thrill. You and your trainload of comrades, mostly in old clothes, with little handbags or bundles containing the things your mother thought necessary to military life, a mob of boys of all the nationalities and creeds that go to make up the cosmopolitan city of New York; who couldn't keep step, of course; 12 A HISTORY OF THE 305 th IXFAXTRY who could scarcely align themselves in a "column of two's" — you couldn't have licked Germany on that afternoon ! Officers and men who that day saw you struggle toward the barracks often recalled the picture, ten months later, when they saw you filing silently through the communicating trenches in the pitchv darkness, single file, five paces apart, ever)' man keeping contact, tried, reliable, dependable. What a change — eh? "It was a Wednesday afternoon, at three P. M.," writes a scribe from F Company, "and raining like mad when our train pulled into a place called Camp Upton. They had a band of music at the station playing the Star Spangled Banner, to get us to feel like fighting. It did — the way they played it. A few roughnecks from the regulars received us. The Sergeant gave a command: 'Column of two's. Forward, ]\I.\RCHI' But we bums stood like a bunch of dopes, for we didn't know what a column of two's meant. All the way to the barracks, the one-month veterans were saying: 'Wait till you get the needle.'" Irvin Cobb, in the Saturday Evening Post, said: "I saw them when they first landed at Camp Upton, furtive, frightened, slow-footed, slack-shouldered, underfed, apprehensive — a huddle of unhappy aliens, speaking in alien tongues, and knowing little of the cause for which they must fight, *' ^ and possibly caring less. I saw them again three months later, when the snow of the dreadful winter of 1917-1918 was piling high about their wooden barracks down there on wind-swept Long Island. The stoop was beginning to come out of their spines, the shamble out of their gait. They had learned to hold their heads up; had learned to look every man in the eye and tell him to go elsewhere, with a capital H. They knew now that discipline was not punishment, and that the salute was not a mark of servility, but an evidence of mutual self-respect between officer and man. They wore their uniforms with pride. The flag meant some- rhing to them and the war meant something to them. Three short, hard months of training had transformed them from a rabble into soldier stuff; from a street mob into the makings of an army; from strangers into Americans. After nine months I have seen them once more in France. For swagger, for snap, for smartness in the drill, for cockiness in the billet, for good-humor on the march, and for dash and spunk and deviltry in the fighting into which just lately they have been sent, our Arni\- can show no better and no more gallant warriors than the lads who mainly make up the rank and file of this particular division." The Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry was a part of that 77th Division. Just when was the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry born? Some will say that the regiment began when the 77th Division was drawn up on paper and the words "Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry" written down for the first time. Others will maintain that it began with a handful of reserve officers, fresh from the First Plattsburg Training Camp, who boarded the AT CAMP UPTON train for Yaphank on August 29, 1917, who groped their way among a myriad of sweating workmen, teams, wagons, motor trucks, jitneys, lumber piles, stables, shanties; over fresh broken roads, felled trees, stumps, brush and sticky mud; who somehow found a hill upon which sat an unpaintcd shack and some vague personage who directed them to Barrack J, No. 21; who bought iron cots from colored workmen not unwilling to pick up an illegitimate penny on the side; who shivered for want of blankets and baggage, washed at the community spigot, got a dose of lead poisoning and swore off on water for many weeks; who presently found their names dangling from a sort of family tree with Colonel William R. Smedberg's name away up at the top, followed by Lieut. -Colonel James C. (Jim Crow) Rhea's; a little further down, the majors of the First, Second and Third Battalions, respectively — Walter W. Metcalf, Charles W. Dall, Harold C. Woodward; and spreading below them on the lower branches, each little cluster of company officers. While much of the success of the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry can be attributed to the Regular Army "idea," and to the high-minded principles and ability of Colonel Smedberg (a situation which found a parallel in manv another regi- ment of the National Army), a good deal of credit can be given, with ail fairness, to the Reserve Officers, business men, college men, volunteers — all interested, all enthusiastic. "When I gave an order," said Colonel Smedberg, "I knew that it would be well carried out." One morning they were roused as usual by the distant barrage of count- less hammers pounding away across the horizon, to find that the Rookies were due. Seemingly out of nothing, a city of barracks like a boom town in the mining regions had arisen down in the "R" .section to receive them, and thither journeyed each little family of company officers. What a scramble ensued for cots and bed-sacks and straw, for mess kits and blankets and civilian cooks, for stoves, fuel, ice-boxes and rations I And this is where most of you will doubtless say the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry had its be- ginning. "To half-finished barracks in a half-cleared forest, by the chances of the draft and the accidents of the Adjutant General's Department, there had come a handful of soldiers by j)rofession, some scores of men who for a few weeks had studied the military art, and nearly four thousand young citizens, ignorant of war, some eager, some reluctant, all unready for what they then considered hardship and restraint. Drill was to deal with their muscles; discipline, to bring incessant reminders of duty. They little knew how soon this great body would begin to have a militan.- semblance, aware of its ordered strength and conscious of a collec- tive purpose. Soon would both officers and men grow proud of themselves and of each other; the great traditions of soldiership would have laid hold of them." A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY The Regimental Y. M. C. A. Hut. What really laid hold of them without a moment's delay, was a Regular Army Sergeant who ordered them into the bath-house, QUICK. "Oh, but I've had a bath." "I don't care what you did last year; you're in the Army now." "But I took one this afternoon." "Hard luck; you've got to take another and be checked." Perhaps the water wasn't hot enough for those addicted to bathing; more than likely it was ice-cold. The artful dodgers were hauled out of bed by the strong arm squad for their first encounter with disciplinary action — whisk brooms and floor brushes vigorously applied by the First Sergeant's earlier and bitter victims. "When do we eat?" Almost the first words uttered by the new recruit. Expressive of the soldier's chief concern — his stomach. Heard later on the march, in battle, in billet; later still, the doughboy's victorious greeting to the armistice. Cer- tainly, the first words spoken at Camp Upton. He ate, and ate well, aston- ished to find so few beans, popularly rumored as the basis of army fare. To be sure, he was served "a thousand on a plate" very early in the game. However much he despised them then, he would later have given his overcoat for a single plate of those he earlier spurned. And having eaten, he stood around that first evening, by the large bon- fire kindled just outside the kitchen door, speculating as to his luck, his fate, telling his new-found comrades just what he thought of everything, particu- larly of his new officers. He had them sized up. He sang a bit. Heads bent close together as nasal agonies rent the night air. The bank clerk was AT CAMP U P T O N suddenly suqsrised to find his arm wrapped affectionately around the motor- man's shoulders. The street cleaner hooked up with the little pants-presser. Months later, they dug a funk hole together on the Aisne; and the street cleaner felt mighty sad when his buddy, the little pants-presser, "went west." "Lights outi Get to bed!" But not to sleep. Those wild Irishmen of F Company did not seem to care a bit if the occupant were still on the bed as it flew downstairs. Poor old Simon, already in a fair way to establish himself as the A Company barber, knew nothing of camouflage, failed utterly to detect in time the tricky genius of his new comrades, fell to the floor with a crash, all doubled up like a jack-knife in his folding cot, and reported to the orderly room that McGowan and his bunkies were a "geng uff loifers." Thus ended, as in a score of barracks, a perfect day. The same tough army sergeant who greeted you at the train, threw you into the bath and ordered you to bed, ordered you out. This was a bit too soon to curse the buglers. There weren't any. It was after hearing Reveille blown a countless number of times that you dreamed of the happy days to come, back in civil life, when, disgustingly wealthy, you could hire a bugler of your own, throw a brick at him, roll over and sleep as long as you dam pleased. You rose and made your own bed; a new experience, waving three blankets and a bed-sack into place. Thank Heaven, there were no sheets and pillows to battle with! Sour faces at breakfast. Then for a roll call, and off to the Infirmary for an examination. Here's where one might have seen at first, some great stalling. "I can't hear." "I can't see out of this left eye." "I've got flat feet." All the excuses in the world: but ahvavs the same answer, "You'll Interior of the 305th Infantry Y. M. C. A. Hut. 16 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY do." Then for the needle. You have seen them keel over before it ever touched their arms. And some of them played faint. But the supposed terrible after-effects of the Typhoid Prophyla.xis always got you twenty-four hours ofif; so, 'twas almost worth it. And five needles worth made you a veteran. The qualification cards which showed a man's entire pedigree and which took so many hours to make out also revealed a surprising assortment of nationalities, whose names ran the gamut of the alphabet, backward and forward. It is said that a Heutenant, calling the roll of his company, hap- pened to sneeze. Four men answered: "Here!" Side by side, on the H Companv roster, perched a Parrot and a Peacock. Nearby, towering well above tlieir fellows, stood "Great" Scott and "So" Long. There was a Mason, a Brewer and a Singer; a Jewel and a Penny. One of the first cor- porals to be turned out was called Trainer. Bosch proved himself a good patriot despite his name. Fries made an excellent cook. But how appro- priate, that Piper should have become a bugler! Is there any company commander who didn't complain that all the qual- ification cards ever did for him was to betray the presence within his flock of a prize mechanic, chauffeur, plumber or typist? And wasn't it a fact that every man thought himself either skilled in the care and handling of horses, or a motor cyclist — having, no doubt, the vision of riding through the war as a messenger or a general's chauffeur? Only by the basest sort of deception could the captains, wQd-eyed from an excess of paper work, retain any sort of clerical assistance. No one but an officer can appreciate the trials and tribulations of those early days: the first morning reports, with Recruits entered in red, Assignments in black, the ration figures, plus and minus, always wrong, the ever-changing rosters, the receipts demanded and given for all the men and equipment passing back and forth from one unit to another. Well, the cards were a lovely color, and beautifully theoretical; and they did provide some amusement. Questioned as to his age, a man answered, "Twenty-seven." W^ien asked when he would be twenty-eight, he scratched his head, utterly baffled, and ventured: "Either May or December." A private was asked if, within his military experience, he had attended any schools. "Yes," he repUed, "the School of the Squad and the School of the Soldier." It was true that even before any of these pertinent facts concerning your history were known, you were told to spit out that gum, stood up in line, heels together, stomachs in, heads back — well, see paragraph 51 of the I. D. R. That's the way you couldn't stand, then. Thus began the elaborate and painful process of teaching the difference between the right foot and the left foot; between the muzzle and the butt of the rifle; between a general and a private. Now and then, the Two Silver Bars would crawl out from beneath a stack of papers, forms and records and emerge from the sanctity of the Orderly Room to see how the work was progressing. All this preliminary work was of course up to the heutenants, many of whom without doubt wondered, when they first called their little bunch of beginners to attention. AT CAMP UPTOX m whether or not the order would be jjrumptly obeyed. Thank Hea\en, it was. One must not forget, while trying to analyze the success of the National Army, that the men were ready, willing and ambitious to become good soldiers. C'lcneral Ale.xander, after assuming command of the 77th Division, learned to feel that his men would and could do anything expected of them. It was the willing spirit which carried them through. The riot which greeted the first week-end passes proved that a system was necessarj' — discipline all the way into New York; dis- cipline all the way back. Passes kept the men alive and brought a rich harvest to the "news butchers" of the Long Island Railroad, though the labor of issuing them and issuing them fairly almost killed off the lieuten- ants. At first, only those with army uniforms could go — oh yes, white collars and all. Finally, the uniforms did come. Hats would insist upon covering only the back of the head, or else flopping down around the ears; despite the careful measuring, slee\es were too long, necks too big, leggings, size fi\e, wrapped looselx* about a number three leg, shoes a full inch too long, as the lieutenant had in- sisted upon giving them to you, the overcoat often looking like a bath robe. But with the uniform came a bit of swagger, a little thrill of pride, plenty of work for the new company tailor and — passes. IMindful of the first week's experience, 'most any captain might have been heard addressing his tribe on IMonday morning: "I want no pathetic telegrams to come pouring in on me this Friday. I don't care to hear that Solomon Levinsky has to be present Saturday morning, at the winding up of his pants business. Warn your grandmothers, aged brothers and cousins not to celebrate their marriages or burials Instruct all relatives knocking at death's door to wait in the Lt.-Col. Mc-tcn f Dc-moiistrating the "Position of a Soldier." aunts, sisters on Saturday. vestibule until your turn for pass comes 'round." A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY It was soon noised about that all Jews would be permitted to go to the city for the celebration of Yom Kippur. A knock was heard at a certain orderly room door. In the gloomy hallway stood a big, strapping fellow who made known his desire for a pass. "You want to go in for Yom Kippur?" "Yiss, sorr." "WTiat's your name?" "Patrick Shea." Good old Pat ; one of the best fighting Irishmen that ever struggled through the Argonne with his back- breaking burden, a Hotchkiss machine gun. Nearly every- body in the Regiment knew Pat Shea, of the Machine Gun Company, and felt mighty in the last few minutes of the war. yoii see. Sir, I had business to bitter when he lost his life at the Aleuse, It was after explaining the different facings to a bunch of recruits that an officer gave the sudden command, "Right Face!" The execution was far from perfect. " What's the matter with that man? I said, ' Right Face,' not ' Left Face.' " "Me no spigk English." About an hour later, it being Friday, the officer could have sworn that in response to his announcement concerning passes the same man answered: "Sure, I want a pass tomorrow." But there were compensations for your being denied a pass. " You knew that if you didn't get one, you would at least get a day off, and one of 'Dutch' Richert's juicy steaks," to quote from the reminiscences of F Company. "After inspection, there was plenty of fun in the old mess hall, 'Ed' Hoffman beating the box, the pool sharks playing 'Drop Dead' and old 'Dutch' behind his counter, all dressed in white like an Astorbilt chef, waving succulent beef- steak under the noses of the guys who had to go out on the morning train and who wouldn't get any. We lived high, there in camp, over the week-ends. So many of the boys going into the city made a big ration saving, and the money went into the company fund for chicken and ice cream and such things. And then, on Sunday, you'd meet your father, or your mother, or your sweetie at the eleven-thirty train. Not so bad, any wav you look at it." After parading around town of a Saturday with a new uniform on, it was pretty tough going back to camp on Sunday night, or on the Three A. M. "Owl," landing just in time for Reveille. No one was in any condition to drill on Monday, and the boys would stall around the Top Kicker for AT CAMP UPTON 19 In those days, sometimes the a while, looking for a detail that would keep them from drill. it was stump pulling which served as the hardening details whole battalion would turn out in a bod\-. In fact, our first offensive was under the command of Major Metcalf over a No-Man's-Land of Long Island brush and trees. One 15 Company veteran writes: "Armed with pick-mattocks, a.xes and brush cutters, the company marched dail\- to tlie task and all day long fought the foe with might and main. Caj^tain Purcell would go among his men, keei)ing up their morale, showing them personally how to use the axe. Some of his exhibitions were very — er, very. 'The will to use the bush-hook,' we'd cry, and go to it. After two months of such work, thin men increased unbelievably and stout men lost their excess weight; best of all, the jungle became a fine parade ground. Then came the work of clearing for the rifle range; but that was easier, for every organization in the Division took over a sector." B}- the middle of November, things had settled down and were running smoothly, everyone feeling fairly well experienced, and believing that the trenches were not very far off. Still, the manual of arms, executed at first with the ancient and honorable Krag-Jorgensens, later with the new Win- chesters, was rather rough in .sj>ots. In the Second Battalion, it even hap- pened that the ofticers were stood up jiublicly by Major Dall for drill in tlae art of criticism; but the appreciative mob which collected failed to appreciate that qualifying fact, and could not disguise its enjoyment of something which appeared to be the disciplining of their officers. „ - , ' "~r aroumo camp' The first schools for the training of non-commissioned officers had turned out some ex- cellent men, with abudding taste for authority. Yet the ofilicers have never ceased to regret the theorv' of the Division Comman- der who forbade the placing of any real responsibilities upon the shoulders of our non-coms Far better it would have been at camp and throughout all our subsequent e.xperience, if it hac not always been required that an officer be present, whether dl the fairly simple task of filling a bedsack, or at an incon- sequential gathering of any sort. It was all very much like going to school again. For some — for many, rather, there was the English school; much of our soldier material couldn't even speak the language. Imagine the difficulties of teaching the rudiments 20 A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY of military art to men, however willing, who couldn ' t understand ; officers have had some- times to get right down on their hands and knees to show by actual physical persuasion ()\v to "advance and plant the left foot." I magine, too, the difficulties of teaching the open order as prescribed in the I. D. R., and as advocated by the foreign instructors in all its diverse ramifications. Imagine tr_\ing to teach the methods of patroll- ing, or posting an outguard. After dis- coursing for three long hours, a lieutenant was finally satisfied that every man in his platoon had a passable idea of an outpost, outguard, picket, etc. Looking over his men, he asked the company barber: "WTiat is a picket?" The young man spoke right up, thoroughly sure of his ground, "Oh, yess, vat iss a picket? A picket iss a board mit sticks tacked on it." A period of intensive training brought instructors from overseas, shortly after Christmas. Having read endlessly of the Western Front and filled with the glamour of the trenches, we were thrilled to see and hear the men who had been there. Captain Nicot, charming personally, interesting in his lectures on bombs, but far more interesting when recounting far into the night his vivid, intimate tales of life in the trenches; the diminutive Lieutenant Geismar holding forth in broken English upon the intricacies of the French Chauchat auto-rifle — the "Ford Rifle" "Jitney Gun " as the men called it — pointing out ze movabble an' ze Jix-ed parts: "An' now, ze barrel I catch, she get coughed. Coughed I Do you not know what I say? C-a-u-g-h-t ! Coughed I" And Lieutenant Poire, too — Henri Poire, who went every step of the way with the Three Hundred and Fifth. At first, we thought of him as the champion blackboard artist of the world. He could erect and erase more and dustier battlefields than perhaps any other man living. Many an afternoon the great Y. M. C. A. haU on Eighth Street was AT CAMl' ITIUX jammed to ovcrtlowing with snoring, appreciative officers. They ai)i)reciated the rest. "1 love these lectures by dear old Poire," one of them was heard to remark at the hour of dismissal. "If I weren't required to be here, I'd be ordered out on something tremendously arduous, and then I'd never get any sleep at all." ''Very interesting and heljiful talk we've had tonight from Lieutenant Poire of the French Army," (ieneral \Vittenm\er would say. "But you'll find it all set down very clearly in your little blue bonk, the Platoon Com- mander's Manual." For the officers, the first blood-curdling thrills of the ba>-onet schools had been almost exhausted at Plattsburg. Their imaginations were stirred anew, however, by the vigor and originality of the burly British Sergeant-Major Covington, fresh from the training grounds of France. "In, out, on guar(il" became the popular catch-phrase, though scarcely more often heard than " Around me MOVE ! " and " Carry On." It was here that Lieutenant " Jim " Loughborough experienced a revelation, in which he saw himself as a future Master of the Bayonet, spearing eight (lermans single-handed, in mortal combat on the banks of the Vesle. The authorities apparently thought we might haw to do a little wrestling with the Boche, so they opened up a course in jiu-jitsu. Peculiar methods of choking and resuscitation seemed to be the Jap's chief stock in trade. It was Lieutenant "Phil" Gray who first submitted to the experience of being "[uit out cold," just to know how it seemed; whereu])on many others had the courage to follow suit. 22 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY Camp Upton in Winter. "Terrible Tony" Loughborough, as the lieutenant was called by the Signal Platoon, dropped in one afternoon to watch Colonel Smedberg and Lieut.-Colonel Rhea pairing off. Mr. Men Smith, the instructor, inquired if the lieutenant would like to join in. Assenting, he was matched against "Moocher" Rosenquest, private, who, for once in his life, displayed ambition — a strong desire to strangle the "loot." To quote the Headquarters Com- pany Historian, "he pressed and squeezed in forty different ways, not knowing that he had the lieutenant nearly dead of suffocation. How was he to know? There was no clapping of the victim's hands — token of surrender. Sergeant "Dan"Bunny, of "Bunny's Trained Fleas," oneof Loughborough's Intelligence squad, maliciously gave his buddy, Rosenquest, the high sign to press still harder, thoroughly enjoying the massacre of his chief. 'My God, man!' exclaimed Smith, happening along, ' do you wish to kiU the lieutenant? Let him go!' i\nd then, after vigorous denunciation, 'Quite correct, Lieutenant, you failed to clap your hands.' Unfortunately, no one had ever informed him of the distress signal." Nor to be forgotten are the old Sniping, Observation and Scouting courses in the "German" trenches out beyond the Depot Brigade; nor the three weeks' engineering course during the most brutal weather of Long Island's most brutal winter — when digging a practice trench with anything less sharp than an axe was impossible, when the boring of holes in the frozen ground for the construction of gabions, fascines and hurdles took hours to accomplish, particularly when someone of the class had the foresight to construct a huge bonfire. AT CAMP UPTON Many a day was spent indoors on ac- count of the cold, the thermometer at times venturing to twenty below zero. The wind whistled through the chinks of the draughty barracks; the cannon stoves waxed red hot; the thud of riiie butts on the mess hall floor resounded early and late. There was little else to do — until evening. New York never knew what really good times we had then ; thought us abused and discontented, perhaps. When winter had put an end to baseball and football, the Y. M. C. A. huts, the K. C. club rooms and halls were crowded, always populous with the eternal letter writers, the book worms or the roistering mob eagerly supporting their company show, a boxing contest, or a basketball game. Movies, too, and later a Liberty Theatre with gcninuc New York attractions. Or wafted over the "campus" on the dusty, gusty, night breeze might be heard the nasal whine of a straining cjuartctte: I took out ten thousand, Insurance; For bonds I gave fifteen bucks more ; To wifey and mother I 'lotted another Ten dollars, and then furthermore I ran up big bills at the Laundn,-, And finally pay day was there. I went up for my dough. But the answer was "NO I You've already drawn more than your share." — or perhaps the roar of a hundred voices rending "Robbie's" war-song limb from limb : .\t our hike and drill, To work with all our will, And fmd it fun to take a gun And "One, Two, Three, P^our." Put in every step, All our punch and pep. So we'll be one to hit the Hun An awful wallop! With English and with French, We'll leap from out our trench, 'T-will be to see Democracy sur\ive; And we'll open up a gap — Push the Kaiser ofT the map, Wlien the Three-0-Five begins its drive. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY When TheThree^'-Flv^^^^ Drive (Quand le Trois Cent Cinq Fera Son Avanco) Words by Music by Lt. L.H. DAVIDOW Lt. A. F. ROBIXSON Marcia Cojivright lel8 by L.H. Davidow AT CAMP UPTON 26 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Another favorite: There's only one side that can win — That's the Allies' side, of course, And 'tis because our Uncle Sam Has made himself the boss. His nephews, who will do the job Are the boys of the Infantr}-. So, let's all strive To make Three-0-Five Bring home the \'ictor)-. The idea, of course, was that we'd go over the top a'singing. "A singing army is a winning army," roared the long-haired leader from the War Camp Community to the entire Dixasion which was subjected in groups to his tutelage, the only recollection of which is "Keep your head down, AUemand," and its numerous parodies. But anon, the lights in a fleet of brilliant barracks would wink out, dimmed by the unpopular bugler, and calm would reign, punctuated only by the steady tread of a nearby sentry walking post. How he delighted to halt the belated pedestrian, particularly the officers returning late to quarters after their midnight inspection of barracks to see that all bunks were thoroughly partitioned off, as prescribed, by the hanging shelter-halves, and that the rows and rows of snoring men were following instructions, reaUy sleeping " head to foot." An officer was thus one night halted by an ine.\perienced sentry. "Halt! Who is there?" "Officer of the Camp." "Halt! Who is there?" "Officer of the Camp." "H-halt. Who the Devil are you, anyhow?" "OFFICER OF THE CAMP." "Then get the hell out o' here, quick; my orders is to challenge three times and then shoot!" February brought no let-up in the disagreeable weather, which greeted still another quota of recruits, entirely new to the game, lorded over by the remaining old-timers, stuck with the needle, outfitted and launched upon the now familiar course of rudimentary training. In November, December, February, and again in March, each company had been sifted down to a mere hundred or so; all over again, the company commander would have to organize his unit, re-size and re-distribute his men in order to balance the platoons! start in once more upon the rudiments of drill, spend long days at the rifle range teaching the infant mind to shoot. For it seemed that we might become a depot division; time after time, our ranks were depleted in order to bring AT CAMP UPTON another unit up to combat strc-nj^th. In those days, the mere receipt of a \vw blue barrack bags, not then an article of general equip- ment, would be the signal for deep agitation within the Regiment, it being ])opularly sup- posed that the men who had fallen into disfavor would be sent to Atlanta, Ceorgia, or, as it seemed in our eyes, to some other undesirable camp. That was not always the reason for their going; it was a matter of necessity. Popularly sung to the tune of "Marching through Georgia" was the parody, "Look out, look out! You'll get the bag of ])lue." But along with February's blustering weather came the rumor that the Division would reallv not become a depot; that it would really go, soon. More than rumor, it' proved to be. General Johnson, who took command while General Bell was abroad, gathered the officers together and announced that he had reported the Division ready! Ready! It was time that New York should see what a Ime body of troops she had sent down to the Long Island camp. On December ninth, eight thousand people had witnessed two performances at the Hippodrome of "A Day at Camp Upton," prepared by Lieutenant James E. Schuyler and enacted bv two hundred and eighty selected doughboys. New York was en- thusiastic' enough, and vielded up .$18,000 profit, which was once mtended to be used for the erecti'on of a winter drill hall. Luckily, a compromise was effected wherebv onlv the greater portion of it was wasted upon a huge tent, in which all of 'two shows were given prior to our departure, the balance being distributed among the regimental and company funds. Many a good dinner came out of those funds during the tedious, sodden months which followed the armistice. Again, Canada had been shown what New ^'ork was accomphshmg m the way of an army, when a select little coterie of the Hippodrome veterans journeyed to Montreal to participate in the Canadian Victor>' Loan Parade^ royally dined and entertained in leading hotels and Pullmancars, so different — oh, so different from our subsequent means of transportation. New York was to be shown. Not sufficient were the reviews held at Camp Upton; a parade was necessary. In preparation thereof the Regiment would march to the aggravating thumpings of the bass drum, up and down, up and down, in platoon front. .\nd about that time, too— whether by way of preparation for the parade or for our future hikings in France no one can say— there was instituted a system of battalion night marches, which dis- pleased everyone immensely. There would usually be a thaw, the night of the party. The Third Battalion delights in telling how Adjutant Grafmuller, who spent most of his time rushing up and down the length of the column, as a test of liaison perhaps, was not ver\- sure-footed and, as a result, was usually either picking himself out of a pud'dle, or falling into another one. Occa- sionally, the guide would become lost, jnitling e\-eryone into a sweet humor. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY While passing the Negro Barracks one night, there was j a rush of dark figures to the curbing. "Wha's de matter, Boss?" yelled a Darky. "Why, ain't you heard? The war's over!" "Whoopee!" the delighted rejoinder. Encouraged by the ap- parent credulity of repeated questioners the same doughboy attempted the sameextravagant replies again and again. "Say, wha's all de rumpus ovah?" "Why, ain't you heard? The war's over!" "Yeah," came the scorn- ful reply the last time. "I'll bet yo' wisht it was!" Washington's Birthday was selected for the parade, the movement beginning with the entraining of the Three Hundred and Fifth on the morning of the twenty-first. All along the route, eager crowds cheered the future Argonne fighters on their long journey up First Avenue to Fifty-ninth Street, thence down Fifth Avenue to Madison Square. The parade was a great triumph, despite the snow and the slippen,^ pavements— ruinous to the dignity of many a blushing doughboy or proud officer. Impartial critics expressed sincere admiration for the appearance, carriage and evident discipline of the troops, who erect, proud and purposeful, marched with a swing and a snap and a precision truly remarkable. Half of the men, and most of the city felt that we might move directly to the port. And, however much the prospect of leaving home ma>- have saddened the stoutest hearts, there were few men who looked forward with any degree of pleasure to another period of drillful waiting. But there was uch to be done, before the Division could leave. We had to return to Camp. The tables of infantry equipment, very uninteresting but highly imaginative, demanded that each man carry on his person, in his pack or in the barrack bag, nearly everything but the kitchen stove— a hideous amount of equipment, all very pretty and possible for garrison but a terrible handicap in the field, or even in training. All of it had to be issued, reissued and marked. Early and late, the mechanics tapped and hammered the num- bers, names and unit designations on leather and metal; the painters lost sleep over the job of marking the web equipment, blankets, bedsacks and bags. Inspections which proved that a man couldn't keep his two "laces, shoe, raw- AT CAMP UP T () X hide, extra" more than two minutes were held morning, noon and midnight; awful tales were told of company commanders being turned back in disgrace from the gang plank because one man of the unit lacked a single sock of the required five pairs. Five pairs! These were parlous times — worse even than the old regular Saturday morning inspections with their frost-bitten ears and subsequent mad dashes toward the New York trains. "Have you a tooth-brush?" "Yes, sir." "Let me see it." Whereupon the soldier would pull from a grimy pocket a still grimier tooth-brush with which he had been cleaning his rifle. An ominous twenty-four-hour leave in which to attend to final business affairs was granted early in April. The advance party of the Division had sailed. On Palm .Sunday, it seemed that every woman within a radius of a hundred miles came to see Johnny off; the camp never looked so decorative; tearful wives, mothers and sweethearts were there by the thousands to say "Good-by." Yet the agony had all to be gone through with again, another week-end. At last, on Sunday norning, the fourteenth, we were told to line up and empty our bedsacks of straw and to pack the barrack bags— more fuss than a bride might have packing her trousseau. Repeated formations; repeated inspections, eliminating this and that. Yet some of the boys carried away enough to stock a country store. Then, in the night, barracks were policed for the last time ere the troops marched silently to the waiting trains — a secret troop mox-ement which ail the world could have known about. Not The Field Music. 30 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY a man was absent from his place, a fact which speaks wonderfully for the spirit and discipline of these New York boys, about to leave home, the most wonderful city and the most wonderful people in the world— about to undertake the most difficult and heart- breaking job of their lives. At the very first stage of the journey, a most lamentable accident occurred, the derail- ment of a train bearing a greater part of the Second Battalion. "Just as everybody was falling asleep over his equipment, it seemed as though everv'thing began falling all over everything else. Therewasaterriblerumble and a crash and a grinding — and darkness; terrible moaning as someone crawled out from under the pile of seats, packs, rifles, glass and dirt, to strike a match. We were lying on the ceiling of the cars, gazing through the debris up toward the floor. Somebody chopped a hole through the floor, through which we clambered only to find the whole train in the same topsy-turvy condition. By the light of huge bonfires hastily kindled, the rescue work went on. Three of our good pals were killed ; Murphy, Mohan and Hudson, and sixty others were so badly injured that they didn't come across with us. Back to camp went the trainload for replacements. And that same afternoon, we staggered up the gang plank, looking as if just returning from France, instead of going." THE SONG OF THE SOLDIER Take the very blood within me. Pour it in the carnaged gore; It can be no more the noble Than the gifts of those before. Oh! the pain that waits beyond me May be more than I can bear, But the heart that throbs within me Knows me eager for my share. There was laughter where my pathway led in days of long ago, And the coming generation, — they must find it even so; There were schools that I attended, shaded groves in which to stroll, AT CAMP UPTOX 3^ And a just God dealt the measure by an old and ancient scroll ; There were garlands by the wayside with their fragrance all for me; There were tender thoughts to woo me when my dreams were young and free; There were tender loves to cheer me, wondrous hopes in hours of ease, — To the coming generation, — we must leave a share of these! Bring the shriek of battle round me. Throw me headlong in the flame, I may tremble, weaken, cower. But I'll soldier just the same. Spare me! God, I could not ask it, WTien the Cause is wholly Thine; All I ask of Tnee is courage And a goal beyond the line. There were cities builded for me; there were comforts never few, And no threatening foreign tyrant shall make them less for )ou; There was all a dreamer envied, all a dreamer craved, And now a Freedom's Conquest caUs that it be saved. We shall go with Glory silent, not one voice to cheer. Not one friendly handclasp, not one falling tear; — We can lay on Freedom's altar only that which Freedom gave, Nor applause, nor tender partings will we need to keep us brave. This is the song of the soldier. Finding a voice in a pen, Lost, perhaps, in the millions WTio champion the cause of Men; This is the heart of the soldier. Wistful and longing and young. There at the stern of the transport Wishing the song were sung; Watching his Liberty Goddess Cirow dim in the land behind, — Knowing the tug at his heartstrings Is meant for men of his kind; These are the dreams of the soldier Who prays he'll never forsake, And such are the dreams of the millions WTio yet follow in his wake. Ffom '' Up With tJic Rations, and Other Poems," By John Palmer Gumming, Sgt., Supply Company. <^l ''?s&M6CJiK.-«^.^--*- '■^'^'^'^J^^^c^cr^wj.^^^*'"'^ Capyiihkd by Life PiMiMng Co. CHAPTER II THE CROSSING WHAT! Everybody gotta go below decks! Not to have one last, long, lingering look at the harbor — at Old Girl Libert}- whose shape adorns all our baggage? There was nothing secret about the way we boarded the Cedric and the Vauhanl Despite the fact that when our ferry-boats steamed from Long Island City around the Battery to the piers the skyscrapers of lower New York waved countless handkerchiefs, and that whistles tooted like mad, someone thinks that if we all keep below while the transport steams down the Harbor in broad daylight no German Secret Service agent will sus- pect for a moment that American troops are crowded aboard! Oh, well, let's try to get a thrill out of fooling ourselves even though we fool nobody else. And must even the port-holes be closed up tight? Phew! It's stufTy enough below decks with 'em open. Just look at what we've got to sleep in, row upon row, double tier, scarcely room between those dividing boards for the shoulders to fit in, to say nothing of letting one roll over and be com- fortable. "As for those port-holes — keep your hands olf them, shut or open. Nobody but the crew is to touch them; they will open 'em up in the morning, and close 'em up at night." " and no man will be allowed to carry matches. Hand over all you have." (Wonder if he knows they are on sale at the canteen down on Deck D?) " and don't throw anything overboard, cigarette butts, papers or food scraps. (Perhaps it is that the hungry submarine crews, long at sea and sceuting food, will track us.) "Put your life belt on — no, you've got it hind side before; tie it down securel\- so that it won't crash up against }our chin and break your neck when you have to jump into the sea. Don't take it oil until you reach Liv — er, er, until you land." "Find out the number of your life-boat and go to it promptly- the moment you hear the drill call." "Keep your bunks policed constantly and la}- out your ecjuipment in the manner prescribed, each morning, (iet out on deck by eight-thirty, and staj' out." "Your green card that \-ou got at the gang plank shows what your sitting is in the mess hall. Be on time, or you're out o' luck." And so on. Perhaps it was just as well to preclude the heart aches which a free view of the receding coastline might have produced, to let the men focus at once all their attention upon the inconveniences and novelties of their life aboard ship. There were many of both. Though First Sergeants ate in the main dining-room of the Cedric, the messing accommodations for the men in 34 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY general were awful — crowded, rushed, confused, smelly and disagreeable, two or three sittings necessary. The fish was particularly discouraging, and fish-day was by no means limited to Friday. Already there was ample proof of the food shortage in England, if the service aboard an English vessel could be accepted as evidence. Many were the arguments and the fist fights precipitated by the insolent little buss-boys and the stewards. Particularly grating were the attempts to sell privileges, extra portions or favors by the crews. Those on the Vaiiban will not forget the gunner who frequently par- aded the top deck in all his glory, stinging the boys with his lemonade at five cents "per gloss." One afternoon, as he was shouting his old war cry, "Lemonade, nickel a gloss," Larry Sobecki inter- rupted him with: "I sye, ould choppie, fool the boys just once an' put a lemon in it." Not exactly a fight, this time, but the Englishman's angry retort: "Go wye, you bloomin' Yank; you 'aven't no bloody discipline hat all." Nobody was in very good humor those first days, anyhow. The Cedric was greatly overloaded, four thousand troops being jammed in where about eighteen hundred had previously been carried. Companies were split up and dragged around from one section of the ship to another, oftentimes the platoons separated in hopeless fashion, one platoon for'ard, another aft, two more tucked into the hold with the bilge. It was after being shifted two or three times that the disgusted Supply Company overheard one of the ship's ofiicers on the Caiwpic remark during his regular morning inspection: "1 think we'll take this company out of here and put them down in " "What's that you're going to do to my company now?" exclaimed Captain Buttner, while the bolts of a dozen service rifles cHcked in threatening fashion. Curiously, they were not again disturbed. Not disturbed excepting by the periodic drill held on their own diminu- tive portion of deck and at the particular time allotted to them, or excepting by the everlasting inspection of equipment — the knives, forks, spoons, tent pins and socks gradually evaporating — Lord knows where to. Enlisted men can give anybody lessons in losing things. And so useful, those tent-pins! Gradually, too, the four boxes of hard bread, reserve ration, which every man carried, became flap-eared and bedraggled, the blue meat tins battered and lost. Or eaten. It is hard enough to sleep in a hole with a hundred other men, in an uncomfortable, narrow, board bunk, to be cheated out of a half-hour's rest each morning by the daily eastward progress of the convoy and by the con- sequent readjustment of the clocks, hard enough to be roused betimes for the eternal inspection, drill and policing — why, we cleaned portions of those vessels for the first time in their respective careers; but atop of aU this, to take one's turn at guard duty is mighty inconvenient! THE CROSSlNCr At one of the eighty-seven useless posts aboard the Ccdric stood guard a big Swede, transferred with hundreds of other comparatively untrained men to the Three Hundred and 1' ifth from Cam]) Devens on the eve of our departure from Upton in order to bring us uj) to the required two hundred and fifty mt-n per company. The Officer of the Day, most of whose duties arc performed at night, while inspecting the guard asked this man what his special orders were. "Ahungh!" grinned the round face of the Swede. "Ay bane ka])e feller from das blace." .\n(l judging from the bulk of him and the determined way in which he gri])i)ed his riile, it seemed as if he might even be able to jirevent a torpedo from intruding upon the sacred confines of his post. Colonel Smedberg, sauntering on the deck of the Ccdric one e\ening was challenged: "Hey, youse can't go jjast dis gate!" "Is that the way you have been taught to challenge?" "Oh, I see you're one of them there lootenants. Pass on." "What do you call this?" asked the colonel, indicating the silver eagle on his shoulder. "Oh, er, er," stammered the sentry. "Why, it's a BIRD!" But all of the guard details were not so irksome; in fact, the Submarine Patrol, men selected for their intelligence and keen eyesight to stand upon the bridge, in the crow's nest and at other privileged points of vantage, derived considerable thrill from the importance of their work, being required during the tour of duty to detect and report the lurking periscope. "Say — look at this compass. We're headed southwest! Are we going to the Panama Canal? Holy smoke, now look at it! Veering 'round to the north. Halifax, without a doubt. And now, I'll be darned if she hasn't swung 'round to the southeast. We're going to the Mediterranean, sure! Naw, she's simply trying to throw the submarines off the track." The northern route it i)ro\-ed to be, for presently our small convoy was met by those ships bearing another portion of the Division which had put out from Halifax, and by an American cruiser, making thirteen vessels in all. The superstitious were accused of lingering at the rail for hours, hoping for the addition or subtraction of a vessel or t\\o, and under no circumstances to be separated from their life-preservers. Others, too, lingered at the rail ; for one day of our generally pacific vo\-age was marred by a tremendous plunging and rolling. Then it was that the food seemed particularly bad, almost useless, in fact. Much of it was thrown awa_\', despite the existing orders to drop nothing overboard. It was not until after reaching the so-called Danger Zone, on the twenty-sixth, that a real submarine scare developed. On that day, upon our first glance at the sea, it was a]i])arent that a group of destroyers had met the con\oy which then, flanked on either side by four or five "tin-lizzies of tlu' sea" constantly zig-zagging in and out. assumed e\'er t:hanging form 36 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY tions — now massed, now greatly elongated, first in a sort of diamond formation, then in column of two's, then staggered — the maneuvering of the vessels and the constant signaling back and forth proving of great interest. The afternoon skv was bright and the sea as smooth as glass. Troops were sunning themselves lazily on deck; officers lounged about in the smoking- rooms. In the midst of calm and quiet was suddenly felt a dull, ominous thud, much as if the hull of the vessel had grounded upon a submerged rock, repeated again and again in rapid succession. Stokers left their boilers, cooks left their soup, the sea-sick forgot their illness; men ran up from the baths clad only in life-belts, making the deck with a hop, skip and a jump, while others proceeded sedately (camouflage, of course) to inquire where the torpedo had struck. Somebody hit up the old refrain: "Throw out the Hfe-Iine." One of the destroyers, darting up through the lane of transports, was suddenly seen to turn about almost within its own length and race headlong down the column again, dropping depth bombs on the way. Some will tell you with evident pride that a torpedo just grazed the bow of their vessel; others, that at least six periscopes appeared immediately astern; others that the well- known proverbial oil was seen to come to the surface. It was ever easy to discern periscopes. Anyhow, the gunners on the stern took things calmly enough, some remarking that they had never yet seen a periscope, others seizing the opportunity to relate to eager ears how many times they had been attacked on the last trip over. The boat drill did appear a bit more seriously regarded that afternoon; and it was quite apparent that Major Woodward, obliged to take a position in Sir Ernest Shackleton's boat, was one of the lightest hearts aboard. The suppressed submarine thrill was not the only form of amusement. Among the few civilian passengers aboard the Cedric were the Archbishop of York, who seemed to think the war hopelessly lost, and Sir Ernest Shackleton, the noted Antarctic e\i)lorer, whose discourses were tremendously interesting. Among the troops were a number of corking entertainers who on many an evening filled the smoking-room with music and jest and noise. Major Woodward managed to stir up a bit of entertainment with his succession of rumors and practical jokes and a chess tournament which he instituted after triumphing over sc\eral of the other chess-fiends. Nor will the officers of the Second and Third Battalions and of Regimental Headquarters, on board the Cedric, forget how Lieut. -Colonel Winnia, then commanding the 304th Machine Gun Battalion, with shirt collar cleared for action and a pipe of tobacco handy, was continuously at home to the officers, and with whar absorbing interest they watched him day after day, lancing an old Gettysburg map with multi-colored pins. April twenty-seventh found us toward afternoon in English waters, our escorts seemingly more active than ever; near this point, someone soberly whispered, the Lusitania was sunk. Well, if we ever got to France, we'd show the Germans what a mistake they made when they sent all those inno- cent folk to the bottom! And there, presently, loomed the distant cliffs of THE ("ROSSINC; Wales. A welcome sight! Who wouhl e\er have thought, ^ a year ago, that at this time we would ])e sojourning on the ^, far side of the globe? How preposterous, that we should ha\e left our shops and trades and other diverse interests for this! Come; bring on the excitement; let's get into it! Now the vessels were assuming a new formation, jiarently stringing out into single file. Could anybody the wig-wag messages flashed by the adroit signalmen from the bridge? We strained our eyes and our field glasses in \-ain, picking up only a word here and there, mindful of all the hours spent in signaling, back in camp — how two squads would line up, opposite each other; if the squad reading the message could not make it out there was no harm done; all that was necessary was to shout out, "We didn't get it; what was the last word?" and the message in full would be shouted back. The gray outlines of Liverpool and an enormous advertisement for Spratt's Dog Cakes greeted our eyes at five A. T.I., as we rose Sunday morning, the twenty-eighth of A]5ril, our ships riding at anchor in the Mersey. Por- tentous, the men agreed; if they hadn't already eaten many a dog-biscuit on the way over, they were due for some. And there, just as the Ccdric was warped in to the clock, a vivid touch of home: a real, li\e Ford touring car bowhng down the wharf, greeted by a roar of eager anproxal from tlie populous decks. Missing nary a chance to hiu-l a friendly insult at the majestic English bobbies in the neighborhood of the railroad station, the men proceeded at once to the trains, moved to laughter by a sight of their tin}- six-wheeled and four-wheeled compartment cars and by the absurd little freight cars presently to be seen as the long train gathered momentum on its journey southward. To train for several months in the British camp at Winchester, was the general verdict, as we swept through the budding countryside, through villages of tidy, red-roofed houses or through the more i)opulous cities such as Leicester, where girls at the station served hot coffee, where women and girls and little boys and old men waved a God-speed to the Yanks. Some might have been a little suqirised to find the railroad stations just as fully plastered with signs, particularly those advertising beverages, as those in America. "What station is this?" someone inquired as the train slowed down perceptibly. "Wliy." said a lieutenant knowingly, and in all seriousness, "this is— er, BOVRIL." To be landed at Dover after a ten-hour ride, could mean only one thing: there would be no training period in England. A sight of the steej), steej) hill leading to Dover Castle, meant still another thing: that after lugging those murderous packs up the long grade, five thousand young men of America would be ready for whatever the British could offer in the way of a ration and a night's sleep. Despite their present initiation to the light British supper of tea, biscuit and marmalade, and the prosjjcct of sleeping on the bare board floors of the old stone barracks looming high abo\e the harbor, many had the 3S A HISTORY OF T H F: ,U) 5 t h INFANTRY energj^ and the curiosity to wander back into the seaport town to see what they could see. The sky was gray and the wind bitter cold. Those who gathered 'round the scanty fire in the British ofticers' club, listening intently to the post com- mandant, a wounded colonel, whose false right hand hung uselessly at his breast, felt that the war was coming very close. Current English newspapers told of the fall of Kemmel and of the almost certain loss of Calais in conse- quence. If the wind were just right, the thunder of distant cannon might be heard across the Channel. There in the harbor lay the battered hulk of the cruiser Vindictive, just returned from its heroic night raid on Zeebrugge. They listened in rapt attention to a recital of that famous e.xploit, as night came on and the windows were darkened against the possibility of German bombing i)lanes. Nor were hearts any less sober the next morning when we gathered on the quay for transportation across the Channel. A sentry striding the breakwater looked, oh, so realistic, in his full kit: helmet, gas mask, car- tridge belt, rifle and fixed bayonet! He must have come right out of the trenches we had read so much about. Good old Chaplain Browne, too, had straight dope that morning, which he whispered in confidence to some of the officers; that the Germans were breaking through toward the coast; that before night we would be digging somewhere in the support trenches; that the British felt Calais to be doomed, and that we were simph' being fed to the slaughter. Is it any wonder then, that the Channel passage seemed the most fiendish journey ever devised? It is thought by some that a destroyer put out from the breakwater in company with the one or two small steamers which bore the Regiment across; but nobody saw them after we fell off the towering crest of wave number one into the trough between that and mountainous wave num- ber two. How we e\Tr got over that second wave, and the next and the next, no one knows — except maybe the one or two copper-lined creatures who weren't seasick. Movement Map 305^-" Infantry France ano England West 2' from Greenwich East 2* Irtjm Greenwich chaptp:r III FLANDERS WAXEN, pale green faces leaned over the rail as Ihv ilny ('lian;icl steamers found smooth water and approached the wharves at Calais. From the landing stage, some British Tommies rudely inquired: "I sye, are you going to the war? Why, you're half dead now!" We were; and not at all enlivened by a sight of the long hospital train at the nearby station, with all its blood and bandages. Things were going badly at the front. Through the rain and the confusion on shore, through a maze of ambu- lances, all driven by women, the Regiment found its way to Rest Camp No. 6, East, past swarm after swarm of tenacious urchins either selling their sandy chocolate, bitter candies and sugarless cakes, or screaming, "Souvenir Ameri- caine; penny, penn-ee!" And still farther on and on, through deep, shifting sand, past gangs of German prisoners at work, to the "rest" camp. "Oh, you Dutchmen; wait till we get a crack at you!" With that first hike, our troubles started. "Look at the dinky tents they're going to put a whole scjuad into!" was the derisive cheer which greeted the rows on rows of conical tents. Imagine the disgust when a round dozen men were told off into each of them, which were sunk into the ground a couple of feet, and surrounded by a two-foot wall of sandbags, as protection against the lateral burst of aerial bombs; for night raids on Calais were of regular occurrence. Released for an hour or two in which to get rid of their sea-legs and a portion of their last pay, men wandered uj)town with passes to explore the questionable delights of the ancient city now darkened at night and showing evidence of recent raids. The doughboys' curiosity is insatiable. In Calais, the officers quickly began to discover that the English, with their ubiquitous clubs and messes, had at least learned to make themselves fairly comfort- able, despite the war. And no sooner were most of the explorers herded back within the wire gates of the camp at the appointed hour of nine-thirty, by those unlucky enough to be posted as sentries — only one of whom lost his rifle that night while on post — than the Boche aeroj^lanes came over. Like the drowsy hum of swarming bees could be heard overhead the ominous whir of the powerful Mercedes motors — a sound which everv'one rapidly learned to loathe and detest. "Cr-r-umph, croomph," fell the bombs, while everyone, according to instructions, lay close to the ground near the sheltering sandbags, although the attack occurred at some distance from the camp. That was apparently too much for the Chinese Coolies, employed as laborers by the British and quartered in droves hard by our section of camp. Ordinarily a happy, noisy lot, they had already serenaded us with their weird music, though had anyone been able to "parley Chinee," they might have 40 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY been urged politely to desist. While the Boche planes bombed Calais, the Coolies attacked the Boche prisoners. Hospitality and brotherly love was scarcely their motto; for next morning, having forgotten their enmity toward the common foe, their gentle demonstrations became more personal and inti- mate: they staged an honest-to-goodness Tong War, opening up a number of skulls, perhaps to make us think of New York's Chinatown. Such diverting little outbreaks were not infrequent, we were told. Oh, think of those days back at Upton when we "stood inspection," when we checked and rechecked the mass of equipment preparatory to the crossing, and were charged for articles short! Here in Calais, much of the labor of days and nights was undone. The blue barrack bags with all they contained — the extra uniform, the campaign hat, dress shoes, knitted wear, personal articles of ever>^ description and the comfort kits so patiently turned out and presented by the thoughtful women of our own Auxiliary were dumped into a pile and bidden adieu. In exchange for them, men and officers received a steel helmet and gas mask, after marching for hours to the "gas-chamber," where one or two imagined that they were actually in a hea\y concentration of the deadly fumes and swooned artistically. And oh, for the days at Camp Upton, where the efforts of the Mess Sergeant and the " greaseballs " were aU too scantily appreciated. The bread-cheese-marmalade threat, heard at Dover, was proving a fact. We had just suffered the gas-mask-helmet-hike episode, returning to the "rest" camji late for tea — the Tommie calls his supper " tea." All we rested at that camp were our stomachs. Cooks had not been notified that the Headcjuarters Company would be late; so, it was necessarj^ to make another "G. I." can of tea, while the men waited outside the mess-shack. Though supposed to be efficient at flag waving, they certainly were not gifted with the quality of patience. No hungry soldier is. Beating on the door, they yelled a number of uncomplimentar}- things at the management, least aggravating of which was, "Open up, you loafers, and let us in!" The Lance-Corporal inside, lowest ranking non-com in the British Army, shouted through a crack in the door, "You bloody, bloomin' Yanks, we waited three years for you; now you'D wait three minutes for us." That was altogether too good a gibe, thought the Headquarters Company who, beaten in argument, could still beat down the door, which they promptly did, utterly smothering Lance-Corporal in the ensuing rush. Another exchange was effected, the American Winchester rifles being turned in while the British Enfields and bayonets were issued. Just what did that mean? It certainly sug- gested that we were to be linked v/ith the British, somehow. Though not generally realized at the time, the 77th Division was to be stationed for its seasoning period in a position to back up the British behind the Arras front, virtually in FLANDERS 41 reserve, to block the German advance, should the break occur. Tlie military situation was grave. Our seasoning was likely to be a sj^icy one. (icrmany was striking at the channel ports, England rather expecting her to rcacii them. To our inexperienced eyes, Calais seemed defended b}' a mere handful of Archies or anti-aircraft cannon. Accordingly the Regiment moved to the region centering about Lic(|ues in the Pas de Calais, on May 2d, there to be trained by what was left of the M)l\\ British Division — one of those which had borne the brunt of the March offensive and which had been ver\^ badly shot up, a mere skeleton. "There's a hot meal waiting for you at the end of the march," was the lure, the bait dangled under the noses of the Third Battalion as they struggled under a boiling sun; at two A. M. in a sudden rainstorm the}- made Alembon and Sanghem. It rained every other minute, in those days. No such rash promises having been made to the other battalions, in their case no memory' of a broken promise remained to embitter the delights of billeting. The whole Regiment had set out from Calais bright and early, ridden a few minutes on a freight train from Fontinettes station to Audricjue, there to take up their burden — winter overcoat an' ever'thing, for a long afternoon afoot. (Hieerful enough at the start of its first real march, the long column wound through a pleasant rolling country', over go\-crnment roads such as abound in France, bordered by stately trees, the Regimental Band essaying at first "to put in every step all their punch and pep" but rapidly growing weak — growing weak, as evidenced by the bass drum's utter loss of rhythm. In the midst of the afternoon a new contrivance, the rolling kitchen, oNertook us, greeted by a roar of approval which quickly changed to a groan of disgust after the "coffee" was sampled. Some got none, and remained i-onsiderably more vigorous than those who partook. Toward evening, as H and G Companies stumbled into Le Poirier for their initiation to the matter of billeting, the old school-teacher was in the act of Jurying a cow from one of his outbuildings requisitioned for lodgings, aj)- parently making excuses to the poor thing. "My Cod," exclaimed Lieut. Henderson, "if that cow can learn French, I can." Those who did not strip at once, to plunge into the frigid stream which ran through the village street, sought to exercise their meagre knowledge of French in bartering with the townfolk. The price of eggs went soaring. Sergeant Felder, of the Signal Platoon, knew that "egg" in French sounded something like "oof." He asked the madanie for two. " Woof, wcof," he said ; but the old lady certainly did not "compree." Undaunted, Frank picked up a handful of hay, shaping a little nest of it, in which he tenderly placed two round stones. Then he hopped around the yard, flapping his arms and shouting, "Cluck, cluck, cutaw-w-cut," whereupon the good woman's counte- nance brightened perceptibly. He got the eggs and his platoon's nomination to the post of interpreter. An unsigned contribution from A Comjiany reads: "I'll ne\er forget the long, thirteen-hour hike from Audrique to Licques. We were marched A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY through a muddy barnyard to a stable ^ door and told to go in and make our- -. u , selves comfortable, and we were so tired .. '"''"' that we simply dropped on the floor ^ of the dirty place. It was not until ^\^^i morning that I thought again of my blistered feet; my partner woke me ^iH: [I Mf ' '^P ^y rolling over on them in his sleep, li" and wouldn't got off em. 'For the love 1 -loj^' o' Mike,' I said, 'get over on your own V . side and let me sleep.' Istruckamatch and found, to my great surprise, that my partner was a two hundred pound porker. Sleeping with hogs was no game for me, so I grabbed my blankets and straggled into another part of the barn. Here I had to put up with the cows, but nevertheless, I went to sleep. At Reveille I was out of luck ; for when I awoke at ' first call ' I found a mademoiselle milking the cows. I couldn't very well dress with her there and consecjuently got the Dickens for being late to Reveille. WTiich proves that one can't be a soldier and a perfect gentleman at the same time." Perhaps it is the writer of the above, who was severely reviled by his bunkies one night for making a dreadful racket and who replied with some heat " that he would get this damn pig out of the bed or know the reason why." The billets furnished other amusements, too. The Headquarters Com- pany tell how Jimmy Wild, who now doesn't like rats, was much amused to see one try walking a slack wire directly over his recumbent form; how the rat balled up his act and fell directly on Jimmie's face; how, with a yelp, James seized the rat by the tail, hurling it convulsively across the barn — at the blanketed form of the somnolescent Cor])oral Wliite; how he in turn flapped his blankets in the general direction of Fitzgibbon, who hastily made a pass at Mr. Rat with a bayonet — with the result, of course, that the rodent escaped. It was after a few days of billet life that the doughboy first confessed, bashfully, that he thought he had a cootie. Horrors! To think of OUR boys having — er, er, why, we could not bring ourselves to use the dictionary word for these new acquaintances. Acquaintances? Ay, bedfellows! Presently another, and still another victim. The thing lost its novelty as well as the stigma of being " visited." A certain preoccupation claimed the sjiare minutes. Along with a gesture characteristic of the monkey, bathing became more popular. Boiling the clothes was thought to be efl&cacious, though it was soon apparent that only a boihng of both the clothes and the soldier at the same time could bring about any marked degree of success. The Sanitary Detachment issued a sort of talisman to wear suspended from the neck — quite decorative and all right in its way, excepting that the little gra}' fellows seemed to grow fat on it. FLANDERS There may still be some who claim never to have "eiitcrtaiiuil \isilors." But others will tell you how their pets wore service stripes and wound chevrons, and would not only answer to name, but also fall in, count off, and do a perfect "squads right." ". . . On my shirt they do 'right dress,' Number off and march to mess, — They run wild, sim])ly wild over me." One e\ening, a grouj) of lieutenants sat within the only light-proof barn left standing in Thenorgues, jmtiently "reading their shirts" by the light of the flickering candle. None of them could po.ssibly have had a bath for at least two weeks. Presently a very superior voice issued from out the dej^ths of a comfortable corner: "Say, if you fellows would only be clean, bathe once in a while, you wouldn't be bothered by these seam-squirrels." Wow! Such impudence! They dragged him from his bed, promising that if so much as one cootie were found on his bragging person he would l)e sentenced to expulsion from the billet — without clothes. Would you belie\e it— for some unaccountable reason, they couldn't find a single shirt-rabbit! But just to punish him for his insufferable superiority he was thrown out, anyhow. But to the drill which, under the guidance of British officers and non- coms dragged us out of bed at an early hour, rain or shine, and let us oil just in time for supper! Perhaps you were unhuk\' enough to be quartered in Audrehem, where the Second Battalion had their headcjuarters, or in Le Poirier, and led to the summit of that unsjicakable hill every morning, there to grub away in the earth, learning how to ply the festive pick and sho\el on a trench system; how to throw live grenades, how to shoot, how to pla>' games for which the British are very strong, and how to wield the ba>onet. An English sergeant-major was endeavoring to arouse the will to use the ba>-onet, in a small group of very earnest though very awkward American soldiers. One of them made a terrific lunge at his imagined adversary as if he were going to finish the war right then and there, lost his balance and fell over a thoroughly wounded dummy. "Fine spirit," cried the sergeant-major, "but go slaow, there; go slaow. ^'e'll win the Victoria Cross that wy, hal- right; but yer mother'll wear it." And the gas-mask! It had to be carried constantly, in the hope that the soldier would come to look ujwn it as his best friend, his inseparable companion. Our jueliminarj' training in gas defense had in Camp Upton advanced to such a ]:»oint under the able tutelage of Lieutenant Kenderdine that scarcely a man in the Regiment was unable to don the mask in less than the required six seconds. Of course, there were the peculiar cases such as that of Private Wigder whose false teeth, gripping the mouth-piece, would insist upon leaving their proper hiding place, sallying forth and biting him in the cheek — or something like that; we forget just what the excuse was which sent him into the kitchen at Regimental Headcjuarters. 44 A HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY A British general, in whose area and under whose jurisdiction we hap- pened to be training, said to the American officer who accompanied him on tour of inspection one morning: " And are your men well trained in the matter of gas-defense?" "Oh yes indeed," replied General Johnson. "Gas!" screamed the general at a passing doughboy, for the jxirpose of making a practical test. Nothing but blank amazement masked the Latin- American countenance on the roadside. "Gas!" howled the general, thinking that the boy hadn't heard him. No response; not a quiver of intelligence. "Don't you know enough to put on }-our mask when }-ou hear that warning?" cried the excited dignitary. "Mc no speak-a da Eenglis," answered the x\merican. After all the strain and stress which characterized the gas training, one can easily imagine the diabolic grin which greeted the news that Lieut. - Colonel Winnia, while \isiting the English front, had momentarily mislaid his mask and had got a lungful. It was perfectly topping, the English said, for the Americans to brigade their fresh units with the British, as was once the plan — the Americans fur- nishing new vigor and "pep," the British furnishing the experience. But the idea didn't ajipeal to the American youth at all; temj)erament, perhaps. It was with great consternation that one of the British ofificers breathlessly reported to Colonel Smedberg one day that a disciuieting rumor was abroad : the American soldiers had said they wouldn't light. Just another instance of i- Copyright iy'Commillcc on Pi British Corporal Instrm-tiiiL: S-in. ■\ mui ^iuimIiihh in I -i Dayliglit Siynal Lamp, Watt^n, May IS. V L A N D I-: R S Ihe American doughboy's extravagant conversation being taken seriously. In all probability, some bragging British sergeant had undertaken to tell a crowd of willing listeners all the horrors of the trenches, real and imagined, spreading the butter too thickly; the American, envious of the older man's ex])erience, had maliciously given the impression that he was a near-Bolshevik. Nothing to it. While the Powers that Be, Those Higher Up, and "They" were sending each other congratulatory telegrams about the glorious reunion of the two sister nations, how the ^linute Man of '76 and the Red Coat had finally clasped hands, how blood would tell — Doughboy and Tommie were discovering that blood still had a lot to tell. For one thing, it stood to reason that the |)oor, downtrodden British Tommie was all to blame for the ration of cheese, tea, marmalade and dog-biscuit. Besides, it hurts the pride terribly to hear a better story i)ut o\-er than one's own about war and outrage and blood. A Tommie sits in a corner of the cafe beside a bottle of beer. "Come on ewer, Yank, and 'ave a bottle, he says. "You're on," replies the Yank, offering a (ioldflake,or a Red Huzzar,or a Three Castles, or something equally awful; whereupon, for want of something more cordial and brotherly to say, the Tommie remarks, "Well, we've been waiting more than three years for yer." "Yes," answers the doughboy, having thought up a good retort to this, since the first insult at Calais, "we had to come over and finish the job for \()u." They embrace with a crash of glass, and when reinforcements rush uj) from either side, the Allies break friendly bottles over each other's heads. With difficulty the blood brothers are separated, moving off to see what all the similar racket is about in the estaminet further down the street and fondly hoping for some real excitement. Many of us who hadn't accjuired even a cootie or two in the course of the hardening process — no doubt 'twas thought to stiffen our resistance to as many hardships as possible — either picked up a couple of "friends" while \isiting the British in the front lines of the Arras sector, or got them from those who returned. ¥ Company boasts that Sergeant Farmer came back with cooties clear to his shoe-strings, inoculating the entire P'irst Platoon and the officers, and planning to take home to Mabel eighteen trained coots in a l)ill box, which he "read" off McGee's shirt. Mothers' Day, May 4th, saw more letter writing than e\er before in the history of man; about that time, the first mail came through from the United States. Will }ou ever forget the thrill of those first letters — or the frightful lies you wrote in reply? Already, the Company officers, required to censor all outgoing mail, were busily carving out of existence the vivid accounts of fictitious raids, attacks, and heroic ad\-entures, and a scribe of Semitic origin was doing a big business in M Compan\- writing letters to the home folks for the boys — two stereotyped pages furnishing the necessary news, a third proving that Sonny was just as sentimental as e\er. Those who were fortunate enough to visit the British front line rcall_\- had something to write about, and were the center of interest upon their return 46 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY from the region of Gommescourt Wood and Fonquesvillers, ground which had recently been retaken from the Germans in their strategic retreat to the Hindenberg Hne. It was their first taste of shell fire, their first sight of an area pitted with shell holes, scarred by rotting tangles of wire, broken gun carriages, cannon, broken down tanks, bewildering mazes of disused and new trenches, battered chateaux, wrecked roads and villages, forests then nothing more than a flock of stark, withered skeletons. Some even experienced the thrill of night patrolling. The officers were particularly astonished at the nonchalance with which the English officers regarded the perils of the situation, at the impor- tance of their liquor, and at their formal dinners, surj^risingly well served under the ver>' noses of the Boches — a dangerous aggravation, one might think. But all came away more or less imbued with the feeling that the whole affair "up there" was too vast, too panoramic for rapid comprehension, and impressed by the tremendous amount of noise and metal required to kill a man. Of all the battles, skirmishes and engagements which this history will describe, there is no doubt that the Battle of Watten, of awful memory, has been most frequently alluded to. "Ah, the Rout of Watten," you will fondly say; "If .someone fails to make Watten as famous as Bull Run, future gen- erations will never fully appreciate the real horrors of war." When it was all over, though we had yet to hear the roar of artiller>' and the chatter of machine guns, there was not a man of the Regiment who did not agree abso- lutely with General Sherman's contention regarding war. For it was a war, a mimic war, the first of those terrible things called maneuvers; but very few of the officers and men realized until the battle was half over that the Americans were attacking the English, or the English attacking the Americans — something like that. WTiether or not the whole Division, or the Brigade, or merely the Regiment was concerned, nobody seems to know, to this day. Nobody knows anything about that famous affair ; yet everybody- talks about it. It will doubtless remain a mystery until the end of time. "This Battalion will march . . ." began the mere scrap of paper — a "chit" — which kept officers and men of your particular company awake the greater part of the night, packing up the full equipment, office records, trunks and bedrolls, (for the orderlies had not yet become skilled in the art of relieving the management of worry), and which sent you forth to perspire bright and early the morning of May sixteenth. " Kitchens wiU follow without distance." ("Yeah, an' without food," you grumbled.) A four-hour march under as hot a sun as ever a midsummer had to offer brought the First Battalion to Zouafques, the Second to Touches and the Third to Tournehem. All afternoon the weary came straggling in, dropping exhausted into billets where they fondly hoped to rest for the next two weeks at least. But such was not to be. Many of the boys, too weary to clean out the stables allotted to them, preferred to flop in the adjoining pastures under their dog-tents. I' L A N U E R S Four o'clock next morning, the seventeenth, was the hour at whirh you contemplated murdering the bugler; at five-thirty you were on tlie road, that is, if you were in the Second Battalion. The orders read that at sonu'- thing like eight-forty-three, thirty seconds and two ticks, roughly sjjeaking, the Regiment would assemble at cross roads So-and-So, in such-and-such order. Disorder! Can't you see "them," studying the Field Service Regu- lations, figuring the length of each column, the distance to be covered, the numlier of miles accompHshcd by a thirty-inch stej), a hunch-ed and twenty- eight to the minute, the tift>--minute jaunt, the ten-minute halt then rising triumphantly to announce that the Regiment would assemble from the four corners of France at the very stroke of, of Oh, well, the battalions assembled. Then for the real work of the day! The remarks that were passed on the march would never pass the censor. "We cursed and sweat, for the sun was ferocious; and that made the cooties happy." It was the officers' simple duty, besides carrying their own equii)- ment, to see that the men kept up and made ten kilos look like two, a heart- breaking task. During the most trying part of the hike, an officer noticed that one of his men, an illiterate Russian Jew, was just about "all in" and that his poorly made uj) pack was gradually falling ai)art, thin almost dragging on the ground. "At the next halt," he said in no uncertain tones, "you tear that pack apart f|uickly and make it up riii/it! (iet your corjtoral to help you." At fifty minutes of the hour, when the men fell out on the right, the \^ 'li^f- 4S A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY lieutenant sauntered down the column to see that the readjustment was proceeding swiftly just as the poor, exhausted Russian took from his roll a heavy Webster's Dictionary! Even the English Tommies at the head of the column for the purpose of setting the proper experienced pace, and who carried no packs, were weU-nigh overcome by the heat. Many were the schemes to rid one's self of some, if not all of his load. The brightest idea emanated from the brain of one Mr. Gash, who cut off and threw away the canister of his gas mask, averring that inasmuch as he still retained the face-piece he was fully protected. During one of the halts, a doughboy collapsed on the stone railing of a bridge bewailing his fate, mopped his brow and whimpered, "I've never had a bit o' luck since I ate that fish on board the Cedric.'" All were game at the start; everj'body wanted to stick it out. But the men simply were not in condition to carrv- their absurdly large packs in that sudden spell of warm weather. During the early stages of the march there were exasperating halts for no apparent reason, the men, of course, being required to stand in formation expecting momentarily to push onward again. That is what takes it out of a man — needless starting and stopping — the "accordion formation." At the fifteen-kilo mark, the boys started to weaken. Forgotten were the principles of route-marching as demonstrated so beautifully by the English platoon (which had nothing else to do). The big, the small and tall started to keel over. Whole squads collapsed; companies evaporated, "all along the rotten road to Wa-a-atten." "Then our captain told us," writes a doughboy, " that we had a mile and a half to go. He fooled us. Our water was low; many were without it. The sun had us melted. Throats were parched; feet were blistered; our bones ached all over. I saw black in front of my eyes. Fifty minutes on the hike, ten minutes rest: the fifty dragged like years, but the ten went like seconds. Sometimes the major's watch would stop and we would walk eighty minutes. He never seemed to worry, for he was on his poor horse which was also all in. I saw this horse many times look pitifully at the men on the roadside and from the expression on the poor beast's face I judged that he too would like to sit down by the roadside. "We landed in a field about two-thirty and thought it was the end of the hike, for there was old 'Dutch' Richert with his chow-wagon; and the stew he made uj) for us tasted like creamed turkey. But that was only the first part of the battle. With the stragglers still coming in, the major gave orders to sling i)acks, saying we had about three miles more to go. By that time, three miles was no more than a cootie bite to us. But we had to go ten more dreary miles before landing in the woods. 'Those packs are too hea\->- for even a mule,' we overheard an officer say. This made us very cheerful — made us feel like wagging our ears. "That night, we would have relished a bed of nails and barbed wire. Having gulped down some hot water, aHas coffee, and ready to 'coushay' I^" L A N D E R S 49 on the ground lloor of Wattcn Wood, I stcpjjed over into a nearby field for a minute and was tagged Ijy a s(|uad of Tommies as a prisoner. That was tlie first intimation I had that a war was on. Just then there were such shouts and yells through the woods that we thought the Boches had broken through the lines at Ypres. The yells were fierce: 'Put out that light; do you want to get killed!' 'Douse the kitchen fires!' 'Lights out, there!' '{'here he is, o\erluad.' Above the roar of the anti-aircraft Archies, we could hear the drowsy hum of the fierman aeroplanes. All t)ne could do was to crawl into a hole and try to drag the hole in after him, while the bombs drop])ed dizzily in the distance. Over to the east was seen the lurid glare of a burning ammunition dump. Searchlights flashed across the sky, and managed to pick up a Taube which dived and ducked and swerved while the Archies barked all around him. Finally he dodged out of the shaft of light, and despite the telltale buzz of his motor, it couldn't pick him uj) again. But what was the use? If he had landed a bomb, well — we couldn't stop his doing it, so we just naturally shivered ourselves to sleep." At about eleven o'clock, some frightened individual sounded a fake gas alarm and the boys rushed their gas masks on in record time. At Reveille next morning, a ])rivate of A Company, who fell asleep during the supposed attack with his mask on, awoke with a start and exclaimed with indignation to the sergeant standing near, "I wonder who in Hell put this on?" But w^hile G Company slept the sleep of the dead, "Abie" HofTman was up and doing. In response to the major's pointed inquiry, the company commander was able to reply, "Yes, sir. G Company's packs are all present or accounted for." Anybody who knows "Abie" can imagine how^ he took aside the driver of a British motor lorry, found him a drink somehow, sug- gested that they take a ride and returned triumphant with all the baggage which the company had shed along the route. Next day scarcely a man stirred out of his dog-tent until weird orders came in about reducing the weight of the packs. Away went the bed-sacks, O. D. shirts, extra socks and underwear, personal articles, the sweaters that Sweetie had laboriously knitted, the housewives that Mother had patiently put up so that one might be able to sew on a necessary button in the field. "I give you fair warning," said our lieutenants. "Your home- made sweaters, socks and other unauthorized articles are going to be con- fiscated if found in your packs. Open up." When inspection took place, many a man had on three pairs of prized socks, and a prickly sweater out of sight next his skin; but most of these articles were ruthlessly dumped into a pile through which the grasping Tommies rummaged to their heart's delight. When another dizzy order suddenly came through to give back the sweaters, our officers could scarcely look their men in the face. That was the second part of the fight. After " Duncan's Dizzy Division " had sjient most of the following morning in improvised and muddy trenches, the officers almost crazy because of con- stant and conflicting new orders, and most of the afternoon in a second series 50 A HISTORY OF THE 30 5 th INFANTRY of aggravating inspections for unauthorized equipment, we lit out for home. At nine o'clock we flopped into a wood, but scarcely anybody pitched a tent, knowing that he'd have to be up and doing at four in the morning, in order to escape the heat of the day. At ten A. M., we were back at the starting place, and the superhuman lirst platoon of F Company, having won the hundred francs put up by "Dan" Patchin for a relay race, repaired in a body to the corner cafe in Touches to drown its thirst; the Battle of Wat- ten was over. That affair certainly gave the Division a black eye from which only some real action in the trenches could help us recover. A rigorous course of training ensued, much the same as that which preceded the "battle," the Regiment meanwhile being regrouped about the headquarters, at Licques. Inspection by Sir Douglas Haig seemed to please him, in preparation for which Captain Achelis might have been heard to say, "Tet's see. When he comes I can have one platoon doing a snaj^py bayonet drill, another throwing bombs, another in a gas-mask race, and the fourth doing 'scjuads right' in the courtyard of the brewery." The boys were promised a complete holiday on May thirtieth; and anyone will wager that General Pershing, whose threatened dash through the area never materialized, would not have approved of our being held the entire day, with combat equipment, in readiness for his approach and probable inspection! "About June tenth," writes the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, "there came a real tragedy. It cost the lives of fifteen men of Company B and wounded about forty others. The extensive list of dead and injured caused it to be thought across the ocean that the Three Hundred and Fifth was already in action. The accident happened while Company B was on a British drill field near a Stokes mortar battery." Unlike the rest of the report, and contrary to the general belief, it was not a B Company man who picked up a "dud". A French soldier of a salvage unit dropped the unexploded shell which oc- casioned the tragedy among the platoon about to fall in near by. It was a rather cheerless company which fired on an adjoining range the next day; and the entire Regiment had learned by sad experience not to tamper with unexploded shells. American rifles again! In the middle of the night, orders came to turn in the English Enfields and draw the old Winchesters deposited at Calais, and which looked as if they had been left out in the rain ever since. The Regiment would move at one o'clock, June sixth, for parts unknown. Rumor had it that the American Sector would receive us "toot-sweet." It was too bad that Captain Achelis, familiarly known to "his boys" as "Peaches," had announced with dramatic effect that to glorify the departure he had bought a pig. For, in view of the sudden order advancing the hour of march to eleven A. M., the Captain sold the pig, while his boys hastily rolled packs and snatched a chunk of bread and rare beefsteak from the rolling kitchens. For months thereafter, — on marches, in billets, in estaminets, on the mess line or wherever C Company congregated could be heard, sung to the FLANDERS tune, "The I""armer in the Dell," the mournful verses: "The Captain bought a pig," "The Captain sold the J)ig," "Who ate the pig," and so on. Oh, the mockery of it! Having washed down the beef and bread with a few gul])s of chlorinated water, we stood for an hour thinking of the untouched potatoes, coffee, jam, and the possibilities of pig, before the order came from Battalion Headquarters to "fall out in thi' im- mediate vicinity." It was not until three o'( lock that the order came to fall in again, whic li started us on our long journey to the southeast. Not even those unfortunates who had done forty-two kilos in a day, while hel])ing the l.S4th Brigade in a little maneuver c scoff at the thirty kilometers with full packs, co morning. As usual, the men got away in splendid spirits on what pro\ed to be one of the most gruelling hikes of their entire experience, everybody "cov- ering off" properly, well to the right of the road, marching songs rising lustily from every throat. The burning sun gave way to twilight, twilight to moon- light, and still the fifty-minute marching period, still the ten-minute rest! "Gawd, how much further have we got to go?" While the men wobbled all over the road, majors, adjutants and scout officers sped up and down the ditch on horseback, testing out the liaison. "Liaison" was an enthralling word. "Er, er. Lieutenant, report to Major Metcalf that the head of this Battalion cleared cross roads Blankety-blank dash blink-point-blank at nine- fifty-two." The adjutant transmits this thrilling information to the Major, who returns the com])liment, thereby leaving the ultimate defeat of Germany a mere ciuestion of time — while the plodding doughboy wonders how much more time it will necessitate and envies the adjutant his horse. " ( >ne feature of the French kilometer," he observes, "is that you not onl\- kill a meter, but also kill yourself, particularly when >-ou've got this pack on your back." W^at did it matter if the mules and wagons of the Sujaply Comj)any barely escaped running over the prostrate bodies lying confusedl>' in the woods at Campagne-les-Boulonnais? Utterly fatigued, there was no thought but to lie and rest, and no welcoming cheer to greet the concerted action of the buglers ne.Kt morning. But just stop a moment to think of the poor old cooks. No easy life was theirs while on the move. To be sure, it was the easiest thing in the world for them to slip their j^acks on the kitchens and ration carts despite all orders to the contrary; but they covered the same ground you did, and got up in time to feed you — as they did that painful morning. It was soon apparent that this second day was not to be any grand and glorious achievement ; tormenting feet, aching bodies, insufficient rest and groan- ing backs soon began to take their toll. Man after man, struggling as long as 52 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY human endurance could maintain them, fell by the wayside, sick, exhausted and oftentimes unconscious. 'Long about midday, General Wittenmyer came upon a pathetic figure bv the roadside, propped against his pack which he hadn't the energ}' to takeoff. "Dogs," he soliloc}uized, gazing ruefully at his feet, "you've gone back on me. For many a year you've been my main support and you've done your duty noble. I've been careful of you right along; but I guess I was too easy with you. And now, because you've had to take some hard knocks, you're laying down on me, ain't you. But I guess you done the best you could an' I can't blame you for putting me out of the running.' Any feeble attempt at mirth and hilarity had long since failed. Con- versation was at a standstill; but what the boys thought about the army at that time was unfit for publication. Yet the hike was productive of many surprises, among them General Wittenmyer's decision, after hearing the dough- boy's lament, to order a lengthy rest at noon and — Sidney Wennick's quality of endurance. "Sid had been cooking for the Signal Platoon all the time we were out with the British climbing the hills of Northern France. We had carried the pack a bit, nearly every day in the week. Sid hadn't. So, when we started on this jaunt the hardened veterans thought that Sid would be one of the first to drop out. Along about the fifth hour, when fully ready to call it quits, there was Wennick marching blithely along, seemingly with no cares or wor- ries. He was in at the finish, and probably the freshest man of the lot. That night, his bunkie happened to be looking while Sid unrolled his pack. It comprised one blanket and a lot of straw; all the rest of his equipment was on the ration cart." At Embrey, eighteen kilometers away, the entire Regiment encamped in the rain upon a slippery hUlside. There ensued the customary foot inspection by delighted officers who would look solicitously at masses of blisters and callouses, giving the highly original and expert advice to prick the former and shave the latter. A few minutes thereafter, the nearby stream was full of soap suds and struggling humanity, the woods bright with naked bodies and brandished towels, and the price of wine advancing from two to six francs a bottle. "The 'I>ogs' of that town," the boys complained, "paid off their war debts with the money they took over from the Three Hundred and Fifth." One more day of it brought us into Wamin, on a Saturday night. But a Saturday night in Wamin is not exciting. We rested the Sabbath day and kept it wholly unto ourselves, lying about in glorious relaxation on the pleasant grass, attending Chaplain Browne's services, listening to the band and watch- ing F Company's ball team trim a group of Canadians to the tune of 9-5. Again we quote; "As we approached Hesdin, the morning of June tenth, it was our expectation to find accommodation in compartment cars, such as we had seen the French and British soldiers fly past in. But for us, there were only trains of dinky box cars which had been carting horses around France for three years and never cleaned. WTiile some men plied the busy pitchfork, our future Argonne scouts got some valuable pointers stealing straw. FLA.XDERS ■•The Uiu-Ni.cn.lcl I'Mrtinii ,,t the DayV Ratimis.- Hi)\v ])leased I'" Company's huiKli of hattlin^ Irishmen weiv U) I'lnd tlicir beds suddenly requisitioned by the major's horse! '(Juaranle hommes, hull che- vaux!' We would rather have been the chevaux, particularly after ha\'ing ridden three days and nights in these side-door Pullmans." But the boys would put up with 'most any sort of hardshij), for they were going to join up with real Americans. W'e passed through \^ersailles ; later, caugh t a distant glimpse of the EitTel tower, thinking that perhaps we'd see something of the wonderful city of Paris which lingered tantalizingly before our eyes; but just as everyone had primed himself for the treat, the engine puffed around to the rear of the train, and started us off in the other cUrection. Think of all the rumors that went the rounds. Think of all the difficulties of messing — rushing up to the kitchen cars only to find the train steaming out, and in a fair way to leave the greater part of its passengers in some unidentified portion of France. How many times did overwrought ofhcers howl at you to "get those legs inside the car?" At Nancy, it was the same old story — a beautiful city tcmi)tingly held before us a moment or two, only to be rudely snatched away before too many venturesome youths could sneak out of the side doors for a drink. Down near Blainville, we saw the first American campaign hats of loving memor\'. Old Rain-in-the-Face Overseas Caj) c( come up to the campaigner, could it? Either the sun smote tne e\ the rain trickled down through the ears into one's shirt collar. (Ireat excitement occasioned by the sight of these first Americans — engineers working on the railroads! We must be nearing the American Sector! ' Kattonenfuttcr ' ^^^^^--^ /- Adolf I •^ 055 i6t <:>0t Btei Hun6ert uxv6 funl", yet- t ^C_^_4 ch.\pt1':r IV LORRAINE WHEN the tired troops were dumped willi all their baggage out of the cattle cars at Charmes and Portieux on June 1 ,ith they were not thrilled. No crowd, no hurry and bustle, no transport, no cannon. No war. The country was beautiful ; but one is scarcely in a frame of mind to appreciate the landscape when for two days and nights he has been jammed in so tight with his fellow men and all their worldly goods that he has had to stand erect half the night to make room for his sleeping brother. Someone had sense enough to send the train bearing the First Battalion through to a point somewhat nearer the rendezvous; but these men had only the prospect of another infernal hike. They were unhappy, ninety-live per cent, having lost their bet that we were headed for Italy. They were hungry and just begin- ning to realize that all the money they had so generously given to the Red Cross a few stations back had virtually paid for the food handed out to the 306th Infantry on the ])receding train. Hike they did toward Baccarat as a result of the vague, tissue paper orders which the train commanders somehow accjuired. Had the billeting oflficers who were sent down beforehand, to pedal all over the countryside upon decrepit bicycles, rer|uisitioning the most palatial cow-stables in Lorraine, been given some really sane instructions, there might have been a place desig- nated for each and every company. Regimental Headcjuarters at Moyemont were soon advised by Division that the towns selected by the billeting officers — according to instructions — were not even in the correct regimental sector. In consequence, after rolling around in the grass for a good str-r-retch while the battalion transports with a bit of food were unloaded, the troops set off into the night, with inadequate maps to be studied at cross-roads by the light of a match, finally making bivouac in the fields and grumbling, "To Hell with it all." By three o'clock on the following afternoon, it was the joyous privilege of the Second Battalion, after marching an untold number of kilometers out of their way — again, according to instructions — to land in the beautiful city of Hallianville, which had not yet deemed it necessary to legislate against the construction of sky-scrapers and whose tv\o streets — one leading in, the other out — were flanked on either side by venerable manure piles, those stately monuments so characteristic of aesthetic rural France. The men are hungry, but there is no food in the kitchens wherewith to feed 'em. Having tucked away fifteen in this barn, thirty in that, ten some- where else, the headquarters platoon near the proposed orderly room, the officers repair to the billets indicated upon the chart in the INIairie. H Com- pany's officers advance upon a humble doonvay which has long since retired in modest self-effacement behind the most gigantic manure heap in town. 56 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Ha! The size of the pile is doubtless an index to wealth and standing in the community. The biggest pile, the biggest citizen. Correct. He is the genial Mayor, who is honored to place at Captain Dodge's disposal his best bedroom, the windows of which give immediately upon that prized monument resting so near the door-step. He is proud to sell one of his poor pigs for a mere fifteen hundred francs to the brave Americans hastening to the rescue of France; he opens up a bottle of one dollar cham- pagne in their honor and declaims grandly, "The Ameri- cans and the French are brothers; ten francs please." Since the ban was only on alcohol, many a case of French 2.75 went forthwith out under the trees; a Polish wedding had nothing on some of those parties. Chlorinated water was enough to drive a man to drink, anyhow; but after sampling the beer and light wines ladled out to the soldiers, one could readily understand why drunkards are so uncommon in France. There was no more temptation to become a wine drunkard there than to become a castor oil drunkard in America. Still, it relieved the tension — a little nippy now and then. "Our money was all exhausted," wrote one of the adA'ocates of moderation, "but there were a few of the boys who still had some. Jack was in one of the cafes playing cards and won bokoo francs; as fast as he could win them, I would spend them. 'By' was also in the corner; when Eetreat sounded, he and I were drinking champagne like water, out of beer glasses. I said to him, 'Wliat do you say. Jack?' He said, 'To Hell with it. WTien they're ready to go up into the line we'll be on deck.' Then we started on the champagne again, and I drank so much that I thought I saw the Boches, and began blazing my rifle, when who came around the corner under the barrage but the honorable captain, who walked into the cafe and wanted to know who done the shooting. Finally he looked at me and just guessed right. WTiile we were walking up Main Street, I dared him to transfer me into a fighting outfit. The lieutenant took me toward the guard house, when he heard sounds inside one of the billets. He opened the door, poked his head inside and sounded off, 'Stop this noise!' Someone hollered, 'Who in Hell are you?' He said, very dignified, 'Ofticer of the day,' and the doughboy said, 'Then what the Hell are you doing out this hour of the night?' I guess he had had some champagne, too. When the loot got me in the mill, he wanted to know why I done the shooting. I said, 'To celebrate the Fourth of July, for I never had a chance to, on the Fourth.' Next day the old captain called me down something terrible, but still he released me without trial, and I never heard any more about it." Leaving our earlier habitations, Rehaincourt, Orton- court, St. Genest, Hallianville and Moyemont, the billeting officers of the battalions and the billeting N. C. O.'s of each company had their fill of marching on ahead of their companions to Hst and apportion the available L R R A I X E cowsheds and other roofs. The Supply Company, which soon took uj) its abode in Azerailles, into which the railroad trains cre])t now and then and from which they could readily distribute supplies, was decidedly envied by the rest of the Regiment, even though Azerailles was a good target for aerial bombs. And not merely a good target, but the subject of a number of har- rowing attacks. The Supply Company suffered there more casualties than all the rest of the Regiment, in Lorraine. Through Domptail, P\)nteno>- la Joute, Glonville, Gelacourt and other villages, our billeting experiences ran. Our experiences hiked, rather; for the Infantry generally travels afoot. This entire period stands out in our minds as one of countless night marches, moving e\-er nearer and nearer the front, drilling the while, hoping and praying for the time to come when we could at last feel "safe" in the trenches. "Well, how is the Major feeling?" one doughboy would ask another. "Looks wor- ried," might be the reply. "Then let's start getting our jiacks ready, foi there's a hike on, tonight." All this territory had once been in the hands of the Cernians; they had advanced rapidly during the first days of the war. Stark and staring now, gaunt ruins reared their tottering heads into the moonlight, the churches shattered, the stars peeping through great gaping holes in their crumbling towers, the houses gutted and unfit for habitation. Pathetically, a few okl men, women and ragged children would gather in the moonlit squares to call, "Bonne chance, mcs enfants. Vive rAmerique!"as the troops filed through. On and on through the countryside, past an endless stream of motor trucks and transports into the next diminutive stone village, each one a bit itoorer A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY than the last and exactly as the retreating Germans had left it in 1914. One came to dread these marches, the consuming fatigues, the sore feet, the sud- denly discovered illnesses probably induced by too much vin rouge, the com- mandings, the drivings, urgings which are an inseparable part of every long journey afoot and which eat the heart out of a man. On the other hand, there was the encouraging tramj), tramp, tramp of the faithful, the ten-minute rest on the right of the road, and then the fifty-minute back-breaker. "I've tramped over every road in France but one," wailed an eloquent letter writer, "and I exi:)ect to cover that one tomorrow. A week or so ago, after we had been walking nearly all one night. Jack and 'Sauerkraut' shouted 'Rest!' from their place in ranks, and were given 'arrest' by the old captain; but they both preferred court martial to company punishment. Poor 'Sauerkraut' was transferred to the Q. M. and in Azerailles was fatally wounded in an air raid. He should have taken company punishment in the first place." Each new town visited meant a cleaning of both town and man; no sooner would the streets be swept, the civilian garbage buried and the men scrubbing their clothes at the public "lavoir" than off we'd go to another cleaning. The French never could comprehend the apparent eagerness with which the American shaved, plied the tooth-brush or rushed to the nearest swimmin' hole. But the French did wash their clothes now and then; and tremendously amusing was the sight of an old woman at the public fountain, lambasting the wash with a weighty paddle. Some of the boys reckoned that cooties could not survive such man-handling, and tried it out, ineffectually. L O R R A I X E In other ways, the civilian customs provided entertainment. The Head- quarters Company at Moyemont were daily aroused by the shrill blasts of the community stock-herder's trumpet. At the first peep of dawn, when all good doughboys were pounding the blanket hard, he would sound off, shamb- ling down street in motley garb — perhai)s the regalia of his high office — a'dragging his wooden shoes with difficulty o\er the cobbles. The first blast usually produced the desired result. Out of barns and yards tumbled sundry sheep, goats, cows and pigs, to fall in behind him. Returning from the fields at dusk, the animals would instincti\'ely fall out and retire to their respective habitations. Two members of the Regimental Band yearned for trouble. The machinations of their fertile brains sent the loudest and strongest First Cornet down street one morning long ere Reveille, blowing a Call to Arms. The Pied Piper of Hamlin boasted no such array. With stately tread, he conducted his unique platoon around the town. Whither he went, they fol- lowed. He stopped playing, but still they hung on. The thing was revealing complications. Showing signs of deep concern, the cornetist attempted the soothing strains of "Go to Sleep, My Baby," without result. Far be it from such loyal adherents to desert their leader in the midst of drill. But hark! What is that old familiar sound? The shrill call of the herder's old fish-horn resounding through the village! With tails erect, or flying, or kinked or not showing at all, as the case might be, the animals dashed off in all directions. Pandemonium reigned, during which the First Cornet made good his escape. At last, from the heights above Fonlcno)-, a somnok^nt village of several hundred souls and a few bodies, one could look off into ('.erman\-. There, in Tlie last civilians were ordered nut of Migiievillc First Battalion ai by the French authorities after the A HISTORY OF THE 30 5Tn INFANTRY the distant haze, were the Vosges Mountains. Down in tlie hollow, where the little \miis of smoke appeared, were the front Hnes, where the 42d Division were getting what we were pleased in those days to caU a "strafing." Over- head, the aeroplanes wheeled and ducked, the "Archies" planting their shrapnel bursts carefully around them, while a bugler stationed under a tree on the hill-top blew the warning Attention, his call being relayed to points wherever troops might be drilling. How we rejoiced whenever the call came which sent us flat into the grass, there to loaf and sleep until the birds dis- appeared and Recall sounded. Anything, to escape drill! And how we detested getting back again to that "Line of Half Platoons, Automatics on the Right Flank," as so beautifully and so uselessly charted in the red pam- phlet, Offensive Combat of Small Units! Wliether to train some more, or to go on hiking for the rest of our lives, was the question. Perhaps to relieve them of this soul-consuming anxiety, eight officers and about twenty-five men, mostly from the Third Battalion, were about this time sent down into southern France for two months of horse-buying. Think of the frightful worries they had down there — sleeping in a bed every night, knowing where their next meal was coming from, real towns to play in! It must have been terrible! Units of the Rainbow Division were now streaming to the rear, nights, through our town. It was evident that a relief would soon be accomplished. The warnings, taunts and gibes which those veterans of ninety days in the ^^ L O R R A I X illir— l!c.-:Mlquait>. front lines threw at us were not at all lommensiiivUe with the i^'ports of < officers. "What they won't do to you ain't worth mentionini:;!" " ^■eal is the fabled retort, "all the (lermans we'w seen ha\'e been sini^in', ' I'm alw; chasinsr Rainbows.'" Those who had ";one un into the front lines to reci P Ui«^-^. m» '"^^V- ^m^- mrZmm ille-.\ First-aid I'.L-t A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY noitre brought hack harrowing tales. The men were actually billeted, not living night and day in the trenches. The officers could with difficulty be pried out of their hammocks under the trees. The Germans would stroU into town now and then, inviting someone at the point of a gun to journey back with them; but as a war, it was a good picnic. To learn how inexact these stories were we again took up the march about June twenty-third, this time with the steel helmets where they belonged. d Velouterie as Seen Through the Wire of P. P. No. LORRAINE the little "g(i to Hell ca])s" tucked into the jiacks. Into a luxurious reserve position in (llonville went the Third Battalion, the Second into support at Pettonville and \'axainville. the First into the front line at Migneville and Herberviller, Regimental Headquarters at Hablainville. French guides had met the relieving units some distance in rear of the positions, cautioning silence and an absence of lights. Would the Germans shell during the relief? The strain was terrible. "Our first night in the Lorraine Sector, I was posted with a small detail on the edge of a wood; the open field beyond was No Man's Land. I was very cautious and worried all night lest the enemy advance and annihilate our gallant little band. But with the dawn's early light I beheld in the middle of our No Man's Land a I^-ench peasant cutting hay with a horse-drawn mower." Today, our war on the Baccarat Front (so called because the I)i\ision Headcjuarters were at Baccarat) seems like a i)eriod of unallowed hai)piness. Seemingly, by mutual consent, the forces on both sides indulged in the merest sort of aggressive tactics, sending thither for rest and recuperation such units as had exhausted their strength on other fronts. Though regiments of the Division suffered appreciably from spasmodic aggressive tactics by the Germans, to which they retaliated in kind, the Three Hundred and Fifth never had any nasty tricks played upon it. The French who so ably chai)eroned our first few weeks on this front, before withdrawing from their intimate association with us, were terror-stricken lest our artillery should fire on towns A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY held by the enemy, or that any pronounced offensive should be precipitated. Yet, however luxurious those days appear to us now, however much we longed to get back to them once more during the bitter, heart-breaking days which overtook us on other fronts, the worries of the Lorraine Sector were all very : «k Domiivre had of our -P. Xu. 4 and P.P. i\o. LOR R A I X I-; real, at the time. ISIajor Metcalf's battalion, the first unit of America's National Army to enter the battle line, probably did not sleep at all the first few days, what with the newness of it all, the minute reports of enemy activity to be made at unearthly hours, the stand-to at da\\Ti, the cjuestion of feeding. P.P. No. 10 at "Les S 66 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY It took live hours for a ration-carrying party to fetch to all the P. P.'s on the Herberviller section — through which the Boches could have driven in four- horse chariots, had they willed. Rifles blazed away all night at imaginary raiding parties; every bush furtively glimpsed over the parapet of the P. P. was without doubt a skulking German. The planning of a Defense in Depth, the arranging of G. G.'s or Groupes de Combat, the locating of P. P.'s or i^L-adiny irom G. C. "Gain^ettc" tu i'.P. Xu. lU. L R R A I X I-: Migiuvillo Where Most of Ocxurred. I'etites Postes, the placing of the P. C's or Postes de Conimandement, were brain-fatiguing taslcs. Just what should be done "en cas d'altacjue?" Who will forget the tirst shell that came over, or the sudden barking of a battery of 75 's seemingly right behind one's left ear? Who will forget the Cierman aeroplane landing signal which, with indefatigable precision, mounted the sky at periodic intervals during the night? Who will ever forget the first ghostly glare of \'(Ty ]\-cars obliterate the terrors of a gas attack whit Ii never occurred? It was here that we had been warned to have our weather eyes open for the Hindenburg Circus, which had shortly before been sprung by the Germans with considerable success. The old "gas wave" was thought to be well nigh obsolete, dependent as it was upon favorable winds, terrain and barometric conditions. Gas was now projected chiefly by shells or cylinders filled with volatile poisons which burst on landing with a slight detonation somewhat like a pistol shot, just enough to crack the cylinder or spray the liquid within a short radius. The Hindenburg Circus was thought to be an indefinite number of simple dischargers, like sections of gas pipe easily and quickly set up in a trench, all discharged simultaneously by means of an electric current, appearing in effect as a brilliant and sudden roar of flame and a smothering blanket of gas before masks could be adjusted. The result was that gas alarms, false alarms, were frec[uent. Down the line from right to left, and sweeping on into the back areas, would sound the beating of empty shell casings, the clanging of bells, the ominous whir of rattles and klaxons, and the frantically hurried adjusting of masks. Doubt- less the klaxon to many wiU yet mean, not the warning of an automobile's a])proach, but Gas! Cor])oral Humphreys of A Company likes to tell of the balmy days down in the G. C. "(liau\iret" where little Marcus Heim would hang his mask on an old apjile tree before going in swimming with the boys. "Morg and Carl resoh'cd to show him the terrible conseciuences of being without his mask, leltini; out a yell 'GAS!' tliat started Marcus on A HISTORY OF THE 30 5 th INFANTRY a mad rush for his mask. We all had ours on, and it was some time before we 'discovered' his, threw him on liis back and forced it on his face. Poor Marcus lay on his back gasping for breath while we made believe look up a doctor to come and pronounce him a victim. We found that our yells had been relayed back for miles. A ration carrying detail came up just about that time. 'What's the matter with you,' we said. 'Don't you hear the alarm of (ias?' 'Oh, that's all right,' they replied, 'we don't belong to this platoon.'" Company A, with its P. C. in the crumbling Chateau de la Noy, a relic of olden days, staged a war of its own. Why the Boches didn't loft a package of high explosive into its crumbling towers, no one could guess; it was in full observation, and full of troops. Feeling sure that the "entente cordiale" would be respected, the French and American officers took life there casually enough, dining in style, altogether too far above ground for safety. It was after several of our own unwieldy and noisy patrols had skulked about No Man's Land for several nights — "kill or capture" patrols, as they were desperately termed — neither killing nor being killed, that noises were heard in the moat one black night. A German patrol, without a doubt, coming to blow up the chateau! From the battlements, a squad of bombers listened. Again, a sound of footsteps "squnching" in the mud. Rockets were fired into the darkness, from a Ver\' pistol, without revealing a Boche. More stealthy foot noises, until at last a brave and bold bunch of bombers floundered down into the slime, only to scare out a flock of old herons. Sergeant Fortenbacker of Company A tells of another harrowing battle staged by his company. LORRAINE "Second Lieut. Morgan Harris was on the 16th day of July in the historic year of 1918 in full command of the old fighting fourth platoon in which I'm proud to say I was a corporal. We were at the same time stationed in the support position in front of the town of Vaxainville, in the Baccarat Sector. "Lieut. Harris had just received his commission with four other sergeants of the company. His first trouble as a commissioned officer was that we enUsted men would forget the salute which means so much to the newly made officer. He therefore placed his favorite runner, Private McPartland, in a place where all could see him and then passed up and down the line a few times so we would get the idea as McPartland did. "This just reminds me of the great feeling that existed between Lieut. Harris and his runner. Platoon headciuarters was occupied by Lieut. Harris and Sgt. Lathrop. On the above-mentioned morning, runner McPartland saw Sgt. Lathrop "reading" his only undershirt in an attempt to rid himself of the cooties which were always doing squads east and left on his chest and back. The runner, fearing his lieutenant would also catch these terrible shirt rats, informed him of his great peril. For this brave act Lieut. Harris made Sgt. Lathrop move to another dugout and allowed runner McPartland the great honor of sleeping in his dugout. "On the afternoon of this e\entful day the newly appointed lieutenants attended a farewell dinner given in their honor by our old company ofilcers. It seems, in the case of Lieut. Harris, that the French wine brought out his great fighting qualities; he was sure the Germans were about to make an attack on us. He was so sure of the Dutchmen breaking through l-i-rnili 111 r„>i. I'.anal. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY the front lines we held, that he got right on the job to make our position impregnable. "His first move was to send for a detail of nearly the entire platoon to get rifle and hand grenades. After getting all the bombs available he in- structed the men, saying to his detail, 'For your own safety I wish you ammu- nition carriers would keep two hundred \-ards in front of me while going through the woods ' LORRAINE "His second move was to call a meeting of the non-coms to get togctluT and j)lan a defense so that our Fighting Fourth would go down in histor_\' for holding the entire German army at bay. The non-coms assembled and the lieutenant called the meeting to order, and started as follows: 'Now men, give me your attention. You may smoke if you wish — who's got a cigarette?' As nobody was lucky enough to have a 'cig' our ])latoon leader had to be satisfied with the makings. 'Now then, men, tonight of all nights I want you all to stick to me. We have had our ins and outs, but let b>'goncs be bygones, because by morning some of us may be gone forever. We will stand-to all night. If something happens to me Sgt. Lathrop is second in command. I also want you all to put your heart and soul in this coming battle.' Just then Sgt. Lathrop walked up with tears running down his cheeks and shook Lieut. Harris' hand, saying, 'Morg, I want to be the first to say good-by to you.' Just at this point there was a snicker from the corporals, for they knew the only time they were good friends was only when one or the other got away with a can of the i)latoon's jam. Now the meeting broke up and ^\e got set for the big battle which would mean Kaiser Bill's Waterloo. "Well, to make a long story short, when Lieut. ]\Iooers insj^ected our position he found all the men unnccessaril)- standing-to, ready for action, the platoon leader himself studying a maj) and preparing for the grc'.tcst battle ever caused b\' a bottle of \'m blanc." Having spent their brief period in the front line, it was the First Bat- talion's turn to retire for rest, while others look uii the arduous duties of A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY maintaining control of No Man's Land. "It was our fifth day; the sun was shining brightly and the boys were gracefully draped over the green grass. In front of them was about forty feet of strong barbed wire to prevent a \asit from any square-headed sausage inhaler who might stray over on his way back from a fishing trip or outdoor pin- ochle game. All was quiet and peaceful when a messenger came up and gave us the information that we were to go back in support that night. Accordingly we rolled up our homes and reluctantly filed through the winding trenches to the support position in the wood. And there our troubles began. From the precautions our platoon lieutenant took in those support trenches, and from the worried look he always wore, one would think that the fate of the army, the safety of democracy and the political freedom of the ne.\t generation depended upon our staying up all night. "Directly night would begin to think about falling, the Chauchat teams would be marched out to their positions and given their countersigns and passwords. The latter usually sounded hke a cross between a Patagonian swear word and the name of a new patent medicine. One of our fellows actually remembered his password until morning, but he long since was evacuated for brain trouble. We were then left guarding the barbed wire in front of us until morning, with the injunction to stay awake under pain of court martial, death, starvation, corned-willie and other horrors. At various times of the night, the heutenant would come out with two or three sleepy non-coms to inspect us and wake up the guards. ' Ciee, this is the worst war ^ / ^s-ca- ^V ^^r ^^j^r- .Machine Gun Emplacement LORRAINE m r\e e\er been in,' I heard someone say. 'They won't even let a feller sleep at night.' Well, it was the best little war they had to offer." One of our most reliable ])rivates, coming from Battalion Ht'adfiuarters one night was halted by a sentrv. " Halt ! Who goes there? " cried the guard. l-urwurd ul rcttoinilk A HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY The answer, "Friend." But the private had forgotten the password — "Digne-Druot," or something like that — and was turned back. It was a rather long and lonesome journey back to Battalion Headquarters. Suddenly footsteps were heard approaching. Playing the part of a sentry, he halted the stranger, demanding the password, which he received without any trouble. Having saved himself a trip to headquarters, he then stepped over to the real sentry, gave him the password, and went merrily on his wa>-. Back in the sujiport lines of Pettonville and Vaxain\-illc the life was equally terrifying. Dog tents appeared along the grassy slopes of the Wittenmyer Line, where nights were spent digging perfectly useless trenches in the solid rock on a reverse slope, serving merely to call the Jerry-planes' attention to the fact that the Americans were there in force, daring them to send over a bit of artillerv' fire. Here, as further back in reserve, it was drill, drill, drill, when not carr\'ing rations up over the tiny railway in the Bois de Railleux, and coasting home at a speed which compared fa\()rabl>' with the best that the switchbacks at Coney Island could offer. There were some criticisms at the time because the 77th Division had been sent to a French sector after receiving its instruction with the British. It was unfortunate, perhaps, that the men had learned the British way of "carrying on" and had learned to use the British weapons, such as the Lewis machine gun, or light automatic rifle. This was replaced by the clumsy, clanking Chauchat which was Hghter and fired a delicate and troublesome clip of twenty rounds instead of forty. Again, the British used one type of grenade, the Alills, while the French used two "citron" tj-pes, one which broke L ( ) R R A I X ]•: up into rough and rugged splinters for use on the defense, and another wliich destroyed merely by concussion, for use on the offense. Both t},i)es were primed either by lever release, or by a plunger to be struck against the heel or helmet before being thrown. There is no doubt that these new weajions caused some embarrassment at first, particularly in the other regiments of the Division, which sustained vigorous raids by the enemy. And so, the da>s were consumed with practice in the use of these weapons. However poor the rations may have seemed at times, they didn't sto]i our daily music ration. The boys in the trenches needed aesthetic enjoyment and Cor[)oral Kosak of the Signal Platoon set out to provide it. Daily at three the band played at Regimental Headquarters in Hablainville. To relay this music forward to the trenches was a problem easily solved. At that particular hour the Corporal would call each Battalion Signal Detachment, and had them listen on the telephone while the band played. As the musicians were stationed directly beneath the room in which the switchboard was located, the melodies were audibly transmitted over the wire. P^or a long time these sessions continued, and the lieutenant in charge wondered as to the why and wherefore of all the connections on the switchboard. Here, too, the hard work of the Intelligence Section could be seen in persi)ective. There seemed, in a way, to be no positive division between French and German holdings. There were many German sympathizers on the French side, just as there were French sympathizers on the German side of the hues. It wasn't exactly a case of having an enemy in the rear, but the situation approximated that to a degree. Now, it is the duty of the IiUelH- JS A HISTORY OF THE M)5tk INFANTRY gence Section to appre- hend all spies, as well as to know what Ger- man regiments are op- posing, or to detect and report any indications of enemy acti\'ity. A page from a Ger- man-printed book is found in Migneville on which is penciled, as if by the merest beginner in the study of English, "Love to Joe." This suspicious bit is hurried down to the Battalion Commander by the In- 1 diligence Officer of the Kc-giment with the imperious command: "Search every library in town and apprehend the owner of the book from which this leaf was torn ! No one but a female spy could be so intimate with an American soldier." 7\t aU costs, we must be protected from the sinister workings of the . tcuiucd .M,:.;iK-villc. Ihc r. C. Note entrance to bomb-proof. buildiny nn tbi LORRAINE (ienium s])\" s\'sk'm witliin the ranks. I'liat \vc shall be so jirotec'tcd is made clear hv the re]Hirt: " I'rixate H , on May 7lh, was seen K'^'"" several of his comrades, "^'ou will recall that this is the an- niversary of the sinking of the I.iisitaiiia. This man will bear watching." Again, the doughboy hears a distinct and characteristic whizzing overhead, sees the dirt il\' on the hillside below Regi- mental Headquarters, hears the explosion and, in his ignorance, immediately jumps to the conclusion that the German is doing a bit of shelling. Ah, but one must be sure! Loughborough vaults into the saddle of his trusty, rusty bicycle, pedals madh' to the scene of the intrusion and reports the awful truth: One Oernian 77. (lerman activity cannot escape detection by our Intelligence I)ei)artment. A big factor in our lives was Va.xainville Pete, the short change artist of the V. ]\L C. A. If you asked him what time it was, he would cheat you out of h\e minutes. He was a wizard on this one-to-a-man stuff. He would take \our five-franc note, dig into his subway pocket for the change, wag his head sadly and say, "No centimes; be a good fellow." "Oh, that's all right," the boys would have to say, "buy a drink with it, all for yourself." We expect to hear that Vaxainville Pete has bought a farm with his winnings, and settled down. Terrible as the war was up at the front, it was equally terrible in reser\e — at Gelacourt, BrouviUe and GlonviUe. With the city of Baccarat near by, the boys longed for passes, but got precious few of them. It is rumored that A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY rifaii .1 iMj 'nBPB^^!*'¥H^?j{iLJ ^ill "^^'ho pleaded with ^ I S iiiilLMiliiBiMK ''^'^^'^'' lit-'u tenants in ^ ■aHM^H^^HI suspiciously earnest 1 ^^^^^^^^^^H fashion to be to I <3[ "^B^^^^^^H the "delousing" plant, I ^ i^^I^Ih^^^I somehow landed up in I _ 1^^ i^^^^^^^^^^l Baccarat for a holiday. And that four ( ) 'clock Reveille ! Whose bright idea was it which turned the Second Battalion out of billets at that hour of the morning, think- ing to escape the heat of the day? A fair idea it might have been for the men; but company commanders will tell you a long, soulful stor\' — how they would crawl back to bed at nine A. M., crawl out again to swat the pestering fly, lie down, get up to answer the battalion orderly's persistent knock, retire once more, at eleven o'clock fling on a few clothes and dash down to Battalion Headquarters in response to a peremptory summons. General Duncan, it appears, had breezed through town in his Hmousine, had seen a man in billets without his gas mask slung, another without his rifle and cartridge .er Sliut Up .Shup. Pettonville, Looking South Toward Hablainville, Location of Regimental Headquarters. L O R R A I N E First Battalion P. C. in M to the BoniI,-pr belt immediately beside his recumbent form, another outside the door of the barn in his shirt sleeves, and had demanded recourse to immediate disciplinary measures. Then, perhaps, the poor old captain would have to sit at the pay table from twelve to three, before drilling again, or inspect his kitchen, his ^,^^^^^' ''■ Camouflage at Entra 82 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Camouflage of French Posit billets, his men's equipment. Well into the evening he had his numerous reports to attend to. ^And the dubbin! Shoes must be dubbined at all times, though a man have but one pair, the roads dusty, the fields muddy. "The same morning that the first dubbin arrived, the lieutenant in charge of our company received an order to send a few N. C. O.'s over to the 37th Division to teach them practical machine-gun work — a few of us Lorraine veterans. Mem! He rallied his braves around him and picked seven for the job. We had to get our packs made and slung, eat, shave and get slathers of the awkward Chauchat stuff together in about twenty minutes, as usual. As each change in orders would occur to the lieutenant's mind, runners would be dispatched to the various billets to inform us. These runners, true to their caUing, would stick their heads inside the doors, yell the news and run. 'Take helmets.' Then, 'Overcoats on the packs.' 'Wear your overcoats.' And so on. Finally, one bright chap came looking for me — ' Corporal Lazarus, oh. Corporal Lazarus, Wilson says to take dubbin along; I don't know what platoon he's in, but ya gotta take him.'" It was a terrible war, but not so awful for those who got away, via motor truck, to study bomb-throwing or attend the school of the clankmg Chauchat at Fraimbois. They did not complain at aU about the late, luxurious Reveille, the easy classes, swimming in the river Meurthe or tripping to the big city of Luneville — or the grand parade of combined American detachments on July fourth, and the international field meet in which we gave the French such a drubbing. LORRAIX The others were just about ready to be tagged to the hosjiital for nervous aggravation, when news of the first American offensive came through -news that the French and Americans had advanced beyond Chateau Thierry, taking thousands of prisoners and liberating twenty towns. Great was the enthusi- asm and excitement. The men jumped with unwonted ^•igor into their bayonet drill, picturing the heroic deeds which they might at that moment have been doing. If others could fight, they could. Then along came the 37th Division looking for something to do, and merged for a week or so their inexperienced units with ours. Veterans we considered ourselves, superciliously regarding their initial efforts in a much less charitable spirit than that of the French who had led us through the mazes of the first dance. At least, we did not discharge Colt 45's out of the second-story windows of Pettonville during an imaginar\' gas attack, or try to shoot up one of our own tired units, as they did our C Company when it passed rearward through the support lines! It was pitch dark the night of August third when we started on a long, weary hike to the rear, the rain and lightning terrific — much less welcome than any shelling we had e.xperienced in that sector. Played out from their long stay in the dirty trenches, out of which they had carried most of the cooties, the men slopped and slipped in the muddy road, unable to see the pack in front, but keeping distance by holding on to it. Yet, such was the relief gleaned from the prospect of some different adventure, that men sang all the way — all the way back to Domptail, where the Second Battalion was herded into an old airdrome, the first good roof they had crawled under in some time. But there, the next day being Sunday, and though kilos and kilos behind the lines, they couldn't even go outside the building without rifie, belt, bayonet and gas-mask. And one of those irksome inspections ordered! Again that night they hit the long, long trail leading into the vicinity of Blainville, a railhead. Through Gerberviller the units passed by moonlight, the worst used-up town encountered thus far. It was said that during the Germans' 1914 advance an entire brigade had been stopped there by a mere handful of the French Blue Devils, who had been ordered to stay the advance for at least two hours. They held it up for half a day. To vent his rage, the German general had sacked and burned the town, torturing the civilians. Every time he raised his glass ten men, women and children were shot down. In the moonlight, the little town looked ghostly, scarcely one brick left standing upon another. We itched to try our guns upon Berlin itself. Before the entrainment on August 7th, there was time in which to practice "infiltration" as the Boche had worked it against the English. It was a beautiful word, uttered as fondly by the local Powers That Be as that "defense in depth," and "haison." But of real instruction, real information as to how it worked out in detail, there was none. It was left to the imagination of the officers. "You are now to get back to the idea of an individual warfare, man against man, everyone for himself. It is just like the games you used to ])lay A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY ^.^^ .itjUn^^Uj Frencli in the sand-lots when you were boj^s. Go out and 'infiltrate.'" And "now that 3'ou have given one morning to the teaching of 'infiltration,' we can let that drop." It was dropped, until September 26th, when something akin to it was tried out in desperate earnest. gi- Though vaguely sensed here and there in the ranks that life was not to be simply one journey after another, there were blithe spirits — of differing sorts — aboard the trains. This despite orders that nothing drinkable but water and coffee could be allowed. One of his men tells how Lieut. Robinson of E Company cemented the ties which bound him in affection to his French Children in the Back Arc. LORRAINE jMatoon: "When about a hundred kilos from Blainville, old 'Champy' Rol)- inson, the champagne hound, jumped out of the officers' coach and houi^dit six bottles of Monte BeUe. The train started while he was making the l)urchase. Robbie paddled desperately after the moving train, handing hol- lies through the car doors as they flashed by, ere he could make a landing. Some of the boys thought he was remarkably generous to hand oul such a beautiful drink to plain soldiers and lingered just long enough to toast liim; others never even hesitated, but sent it home with a greeting and a gurgle. At the next stop, Robbie started down the line to collect his hquor, but was out of luck. 'Must have been the next car, Lieutenant,' was his rccc])tion. 'Come on, boys, come across,' he would hopefully call al ihc doors in turn; but his language sounded like Chinese." Still blithe and carefree, the boys alighted at Mortcirf, to hilkt for a night in the neighborhood of Moroux, all unmindful of the ihrill awaiting them. 'fJU V %v ^k I >f How Dubb felt after his girl wrote and told him she hoped he would be decorated for bravery. CHAPTER V THE VESLE DEFENSIVE THE Americans had Ini'ii tearing up the Chateau Thierry salient like a bunch of wildcats. (Quoting from the Brooklyn Daily Eaglt% "they had broken down the morale of the Germans, squeezed them out and were driving the Huns before them with a dash that would not be denied. Jerry was moving back so fast that the divisions trailing him were exhausted, having given of their best until it was only the spirit which held them together. The 4th Division had relieved the 42d and taken up the advance through the Foret de Nesle. It had i)ressed madly on against stubborn, deadly, machine-gun resistance, and had forced the lighting to the banks of the Vesle." Through St. Thibaut, across the river and into the city of Bazoches they had advanced, there to be overwhelmed by ever>'thing the Germans could pour down upon their heads_from the ])re- cipitous hill rising out of the disputed cit}-. Companies of the 4th which had ventured over the river never returned, and their dead still lay in the burning sun of No Man's Land, unburied. On the southern bank of the river, the American line had stabilized, leaving the "Hell hole of the Vesle" strewn with the bodies of friend and foe alike. To reach them was out of the question. Quoting again, "the hold of the 4th r)i\ision, its ranks so sadly and terribly depleted, was getting very tenuous. Relief must come at once, for there was danger that at any moment the enemy might learn of the thin American ranks; he had complete domination of the air," their planes not only observing uninterruptedly all movement, but co-operating with the artiller>' by spotting targets and dro]:)ping air bombs at will. That Division was practically shot to pieces when the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry, vanguard of the 77th Division, swept into Fere en Tardenois. The 77th was through with its training; it was to be thrown into the breach with a suddenness that left no time for deliberation or conjecture or for screwing the courage to the sticking point. It was to essay the task of veteran lighting troops at a most important point though untried and un- tested — to oppose the most efficient fighting force the Crerman war machine could present. On Saturday, August 10th, captains were moved to ask their companies to forgive them for anything uni)lcasant that might ha^•e happened in the past. Rush orders had come in, to supply the men with all the ammunition A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY they could crowd upon their person and to be ready to move at any mhiutc. Marching, this time, was too slow. Into motor trucks we crushed, thinking of aU the stories read in the past, of soldiers being rushed into the thick of it by motor. These Avere painted the horizon blue of France, but recognized as an American Hoduct, driven by f^'' ^ ^ 111 lie brown devils ailed Annamites. \^' •■,,-" liackward along 'ic dusty route, K-re stretched out the distance, as r as the eye could ach, the seem- ngly endless motor isted hill er traffic- 1 iden roads Grim IL^t and a pathetic Lliort at skylarking which character- ized ;^the morning Water filled Shell Hnle<; near D L Diable. Very difficult to construct d rjsitniib it ChitLiu in the marshy ground. THE VESLE DEEENSIVE hours gave way to solemn looks after the passage through battered Chateau Thierry. There were the trampled wheat fields through which mad Amen\ an soldiers had forced the ad\-ance, making veterans of four years' Jightini; -asp over their seeming disregard of an enemy's murderous machine guns, "ihere A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Funk Holes Dug near Advance Bn. P. C., Along Railroad Tracks Chateau Diable. was the historic IMarne, deep and swift and blue, and the bridges wliich had cost American engineers so dearly to build. The route lay through Fere en Tardenois, where another frightful struggle had taken place, and beyond it as night came on, to the Foret de Nesle, where we debussed and made tracks for the concealing forest. To the north could be heard the muflfled roar of heavy artillery, and we realized that things were about to happen. Some there were who had lost blood brothers in that fighting and who were anxious to be avenged; aU knew that the gentle days of the Lorraine Sector were past and gone; but they 'lowed as how "tight" was painted all over 'em. The woods that night, so dense and black that a hand could not be seen before the face, reeked of horrid, ghastly smells. The men had aU been warned that there was likelihood of a gas attack, and in consequence precipi- tated a series of nervous alarms, ere the morning light revealed disgusting evidences of the Germans' hurried evacuation. An M Company ofhcer awoke to find close beside him the half -buried body of a dead Boche whose hand stuck straight up out of the soil like a sign post. There were uncounted thousands of shell, mutely testifying to the enemy's utter lack of intention to have quit the area without a grim struggle. Illimitable quantities of discarded equipment, rifles and helmets lay aU about; letters, postcards, belts of machine gun bullets, gas shells, Verj^ Ughts and bags of "kriegs tabac," which con- sisted of chopped oak and beech leaves. Wliile the chaplains next day, Sunday, heard confession, comforted, encouraged, counselled, received trinkets, keepsakes and other prized personal possessions, and pocketed the numerous in-case-I-never-can-write-again letters, THE Vf:SLE DEFENSIVE C^-r-K^- Kaiii-..,hl Ir.i, k, \\\.-.t of B; and while the lieutenants made sure that the helmets, gas-masks, rifles, bayonets, ammunition, bombs and stretchers were all present or accounted for, comi)any and battalion commanders went forward to have a peep, bringing back depressing and sobering tales. There were no trenches. The positions Forward of tlip ■Railroad Track, Wo'^t of Bazocllc? A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY A Defensive Position Was Dug in tlie Railr. we would move into, under shell fire, were nothing more than fox-holes dug here and there along a roadside, in the lee of any slight rise of ground, or in a railroad bank. A certain message sent back to one of the companies did not especially improve the morale of the men who heard it; it ran something like this: "The dugouts are mere holes in the ground. You wiU be shelled morn- ing, noon and night with shrapnel and high explosive, and during the inter\als between shelling, they will throw gas at you." Directly following this announcement, one battalion started filing past another which was still lined up along {the roadside. The air was tense. "My God! " a doughboy was heard to exclaim. " Look at that major's face." Before starting off for the relief at eight o'clock that night, ever>' man five paces from the one in front and single file, every rifleman carrying in addition to his full pack two extra bandoliers of calibre .30 ammunition, the auto- riflemen dragging an extra musette of Chauchat ammunition, all were cheer- fully and generally warned that they would doubtless be shelled on the way to their positions and that any casualties were to be left for the Sanitary Detachment to discover and pick up. Great for morale! It was a tumultuous tak'ng over of the lines. By devious shell-torn roads and lanes, through woods and muddy fields, the way led north toward the river, past a battery of naval guns whose sudden belching almost blew the wits out of us. Behind Les Pres Farm, where Regimental Headquarters was to make its stormy rendezvous, on the steep and slii:)per>- road, units of the 306th were encountered marching in double file. Back and forth in the inky ravine the hopeless jumble of troops buckled and filled, w^hile all around us THE V E S L E D E F E N S I X E -fTi ^..^--..■if-. ^ 1 < -'■ - Ink ^ S. .^^i^»«^.^^, ;»«.• , I irtiUery and U L nibtd mid bhcllL landed high explosive. Soon the pungent odors of mustard gas— to some it smellcd like'crushed onions— smote the nostrils for the first time. It was a wild night. The Third Battalion finally got into wretched \'ille Savoye, on a forward slope running down toward the river and facing the Bochcs; but the Munt St. .Mart 94 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY 1S^^^^A4^^^^)M^'^2 ^.^.^-^^.m^mmmm A famuub garrison ration of fresh beef was cleli\ered under shell-fire to the ruined church m St. Martni, and tlicre left to rot, inasmuch as telltale hres were taboo. greater part of the Second lay for hours on a hillside under the belching guns of the Cor]3s Artillery, lost, without maps, without guides, without instruc- tions. In the darkness and confusion the column had broken — a thing to be Mont St. Martin — Foncon Farm. THE VESLE DEFENSIVE feared during any relief. Major Dall, his guides, his Headquarters Detach- ment and a half platoon of G Company had hurried sereneh' on, blissfully ignorant of the circumstance in rear, while the offending parties who had'lost contact were severely reviled by their leaders, and scouts sent out into the night. At four o'clock, just as dawn was silhouetting the gaunt ruins of St. Thibaut, G Company hove into position on the right of the town, and the platoons of H Company struggled down the sunken road leading into the village, hurrying into position before the movement should be clearly visible to the observant Boches. Past the little brick house on Dead Man's Corner, around which the bullets whistled night and day, and into their several positions they crept. The Regiment took over a sector extending from well to the left of St. Thibaut to the Chateau Diable, the left of the line confronting Bazochcs, one of the most sadly wrecked towns imaginable. The Third Battalion was on the right, the Second on the left, F Company crossing the river and finding meagre shelter under the railroad track west of Bazoches. Because four regi- ments had not been able to make parallel advances by motor, and because there was not time for an instant's delay in strengthening the front, the Three Hundred and Fifth alone took over the entire sector of the exhausted 4th Division. After twenty-four hours in close support, the First Battalion went in on the extreme right, taking over a piece from the 28th Division. Jerry had opened up with his usual nightly entertainment. All the boys ofjA Company but one seemed to need no further encouragement to dive into their funk holes. The little fellow "got his wind up" a bit and ran to his Corporal exclaiming, "Wliat shall I do? What shall T do?" The s(|uad Man's Corner" in St. Thibaut. Machine gu and caromed off the buildings into bull.ts rati ir positions righi A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY loader poked his head out abo\-e the rim of the hole just long enough to say, "Do the same as I'm doing, you damn fool. Say your prayers! " How those Regulars scrambled out of their holes, the relief complete, minus equipment, caring only that their task for the moment was through! Ruins of the Tanner itions on the \ c k T H E \' I : S I , K D E I- E N S I \' E H Com])anv took o\er a position theoretitail)' held h\- two of ihrir companies which together could then only muster fifty-sexen effective men. Right then and there, our boys exchanged their ser\ ice rillts for the lighter Springliclds, with which the Regulars had been e(|uip])e(l. Materiel of all sorts which had been stripped from the dead and wounded lay about in (|uantit\'. 'i'his position outdid even our worst dreams. On that forward slope, there was no ])rotection whatsoever from shell and machine gun fire in moving from one ]ilatoon to another. .All da\' long, the "ash cans," "iron cigars" and "Minnies" tame tumbling into \'ille Sa\oye and St. Ihibaut, while the famous sni])ing piece of the .\ustrians, the SS, jilayed incessantly. Ordi- narily, there is time to llop on the ground or otherwise dodge the oncoming shell, the screaming whine of which is heard o\erhead for a considerable inter\al ere the exjjlosion. Some of them e\en .seem to float aloft and to hang there, as if contemplating where to make a big killing. It is said that one doesn't hear the shell that kills him. But the 88 or "whizz-bang" is ditYerent, and by far the most terrifying of all. Its flat trajectory and high \elocity make it a large calibre rifle, with which moving trucks or even indi- \iduals are often sniped. So fast does the shell tra\Tl that the explosion is ])ractically coincident with the whine. There is no time to dodge. The boys were later much amused at a definition of "whizz-bang" which a])iK"ared in the /^/^//(7/» published by the Regimental Auxiliary. "The 'whizz-bang,' " it said nonchalantl\-, "is a small shell, making a peculiar sound!" B\- some lucky mischance, shells seemed to a\()id the portals of house No. 1.^ in St. Thilxiut, in the shallow cellar of whit h H ('om])any made its 5^' A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Defiladed Entrance to Wine Cellar Firs H Company F. v_ . in .>!:. ininaut. P. C. Into the smaU, littered courtyard vagrant ammunition and ration- carrying details would scurr>' for shelter, though of actual protection there was none. Thither the rattling hand-drawn hmber would clatter at twilight down the sunken road and draw up with a flourish, much to the consternation of the company commander, who didn't want all the Boches in the world to think it the hub of the universe. Although it was almost beUeved that the Germans were sparing, as an artillery aiming point, the few remains of the church tower which stood be- tween that buUding and the front, and that in consequence it escaped destruc- tion, a more soUd though more damp old wine cellar was found in the lee of the crumbling church in which to establish the telephones, and to measure out the orders as they came through. This was taken over and later used by the several companies which in turn occupied that position. There had been accidents and minor casualties within our ranks before this time. But here we really began to see our brothers in arms faUing beside us. The first sight of a bleeding arm or a wounded shoulder was startling enough. But when, for instance, one first saw a Minnenwerfer drop its tre- mendous charge in the sand bank just above the point where several comrades had dug for protection, burying all, mangling two of them beyond recognition, a shiver ran through the heart. One knew then what war could be. It had been a popular superstition that soldiers new to the dirtier side of the game would somehow be initiated into it gradually, perhaps by brigading small units with experienced troops for a while. Yet, here were men who had never experienced a barrage, or a gas attack, or seen a man shot down or THE V E S L E D E F E N S I V E blown to atoms — men who had no mean-, of knowinj^, a-^idc I'loni their own spirit of determination, whether or not as a body they could \)l\v tn a inii^h a game at which veterans have been known to lose. Given the mn-t miimi' mt task of their lives, these boys j-- simph' had to do without ques- tion of failure or doubt of success the difficult job assigned to them. Yet everything was so new, and they so untried! They had much to 'earn, and had to learn it all at once. "Dutch" Richerts, early in the game, found out what a "dud" was; one passed so close to his ear that it knocked him i3at, scaring liim so that he talked Bohemian for fifteen minutes wdthout realizing it. Folks had talked about shell splinters. The platoon ser- | geants of I Company stood near the funk hole of the company I commander, to receive instruc- w Tae MAN mo ENUiT^O JO SU THE woftLO - tions. A high explosive shell burst'about five hundred yards away. Thirty seconds later, something was heard to fall near the funk hole. They dug a ragged ten-pound chunk of red hot iron out of the earth. Splinters! "Iron maidens," huge trench mortar shells with steel fins to maintain correct position during flight, had been lobbing over into the portion of the river bank held by the First Battalion. Soon the air was streaked with an unholy flickering of streaming lights, like an army of racing fireflies gone mad. Few had even heard of phosphorized cartridges, or tracer bullets. One swarthy little Italian, horrified and indignant, crept over to his corporal to say, "Gee, Corp, dey shoota da redda hot bullets!" We had heard before about shelling; but here we made its acquaintance. The German knew every foot of the ground like a book, and he read ever\- topographical line of it again and again, his artillery observers wearing their keenest spectacles. He threw at us everything but his own trenches, and yet the men found courage to joke and jest about their horrible experiences. Corporal Kelly of K Company was hit, but he still wore his Irish smile. "Jim," he called. "Come over here a minute. Take this message and send it for me." And then like the tired business man he dictated to his stenog- rapher while Jim wrote: "Somewhere in France. To Mr. KeUy of Buffalo. Died happy. Dennis." Jim and Denny both laughed heartily; and a few days later, back in the hospital, Dennis died. KM) A HISTORY OF THE 3()5th INFANTRY Dead bodies lay in some instances just beyond our parapets; an effort to reach them would have been madness. Dead horses lay in the streets insuf- ficiently covered by fallen masonrv,-. The bur>-ing details were terrible, the men wearing gas masks. Some bright youth disco\'ered that the work on dead horses could be speeded up, a smaller hole being necessary if the legs of the beasts were sawed oi^". Flies, naturally, were hideously thick, penetrating even to the blackest depths of a damp cellar. They swarmed into the "chow," on account of which, the men at first might have left it untouched. But hunger is no chum of fastidiousness. Presently, it was considered no hardship at all patiently to pick the frolicsome fly out of the mess-kit. The atmosphere reeked in the sultry sun of terrible carrion odors, burnt powder, mustard gas. sneezing gas and dust. Little wonder that on a diet of "goldfish," flies and water the men really suffered from dysenter\-. It is reported that an officer hoped to get a wound stripe for cutting his finger opening a can of salmon. Well, he deserves a wound stripe for eating salmon. A quantity of the salmon and gas-soaked bread had been left by the units relieved, and for a time the Quartermaster Department seemed unable to offer anything but fish as the meat component. Water was difficult to get. The water points of St. Thibaut were very soon shelled out, which necessitated fetching from a stream that ran through the bloody fields. P'ish and sunshine made it almost impossible to exist on one can- teenful a day. Into Ville Savoye the Germans poured a constant stream of machine gun fire, sneezing gas and high e.xplosive, and rained shrajinel into the water points at inter\als of about every two minutes. .\ man would rush to the fountain immediately after a shell-burst, hang a pail on the spout and re- tire, then run out again to retrieve the pail after the next burst. Safe in the back areas, a Coq)s inspector sought to raise Hob with someone, when it was admitted that Lyster bags of cool chlorinated water were not hanging out under the trees where the men might conveniently use them I In the Alairie of Ville Savoye still hung a list of the five remaining civilians whose actions had been closely observed by the Boches. Much of the wheat had been harvested by the enemy; gardens were in full bloom. Immense piles of firewood were stacked high against the coming of winter. The houses, terribly shattered, had been hastily ransacked, the furniture ruthlessly smashed; on the floors were litters of family records and correspondence, tin- t>-pes, and photographs of self-conscious brides and bridegrooms. Out of a great hall clock the brass works had been taken and done up into a neat bundle— but forgotten in the hasty retirement. German sign-posts were at every crossroad, the fountains marked "Trinkwasser." The Third Battalion, occupying this \-illage and the terrain in front, had decidedly the worst posi- tion, being subject to constant observation and machine gun fire. Battalion Headquarters functioned with difficulty in the cellar of an old house forward of the \illage church -in which were found bodies of an .\merican lieutenant and several men, dead for some time, and impossible to bury on account of the shelling. The entrance to the First Aid station in an abandoned wine cellar THE \- E S L E I) E E E X S 1 \ at the edge of the town was exjiosed to ritle tire. Dr. Luther J. ("alahan was in this meagre retreat administering to a numl)er of wounded when shells struck the building, setting iire to the roof, im])risoning him for a time under A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY g5fTTO£."»*^V--'om that moment he included us in his strafing of the town, but our ravine was so small and the sides so steep that he couldn't quite get us. His shells would drop on each lip of the ravine, but he never got more than a fragment of shell into the ravine itself, although he gave us ]ilenty of gas. His airplanes were what we feared most." FHK VKSLK DEFENSIVE Gradually the rations were ampliticd by the arrixal of hardtac k, (diu syruj), a little jam, a few canned beans, raw coffee and suicar. Still the salmon. To cook anything, to raise a smoke, or makt- a light was out of the question. — Except once: I^arly in the morning, after 1 )r. ("aiahan and his. wounded had been nearly burned out of the First .\id Post, McDonald and Eidlen, cooks of First Battalion Head(|uarters, ventured down to the burning building and made a dozen canteens full of steaming coffee oxer the glowing raflt'rs. The}- outwitted the Boihes and gave Battalion Hea(l(|uarlers their first hot food in ii\'e days. A grimy private made his wa\ to a lieuti-nant with the (omplaint: "They've got some raw bacon down there, but won't issue it." "Would you care to eat raw bacon?" "Yes, sir." "Raw? Vou know, it can't be cooked here." "Yes, sir." "Well- if you can eat raw bacon, I guess there's no reason \\h\' you shouldn't." And he did — they all did, and smacked their lips over it. If the doughboy stopped to think at all about the (juantity of stuff needed to keep him going, and of the amount his company needed, he realized what the Supply Company, making a constant effort to ser\e thi- Regiment in this regard, had to accomplish. He appreciated more than e\er the old canned beef. This touching eulog}-, which appeared in the Slurs dinl Sin'pis we read a few days later, back at Mareuil en Dole: 106 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY With Funk Holes, I lailmg to St. t ) remnant oi wrecked flesh, rent and torn asunder! Howe'er do we digest thy potency— I wonder? Greedily we eat thee hot or cold or clammish ; How welcomely thou thuddest on the mess-tins of the famished I O leavings of the jackals' feast! O carrion sublime! However much we scoff at thee we eat thee everv time — Corned Willie! Looking up the Bazoches Road Toward "Dead Man's Corner" in St. Th; THE V E S L E D E E E N S I \' E There were no serious kicks about the meagreness or the strangeness of the rations; that was all in the game, and relief would come soon A good batch of cigarettes would have been a happy thought; but the famous front echelon of the Y. M. C A. was not i)ersonally represented. Wait, though! Some battered cookies and a few cigarettes urrr sent up on a ration carrying party, to he sold! The only real comi)lainl was the result of the Germans' uninterrui)ted, undisputed supremacy of the air. The men had to grit their teeth while planes darted overhead, raked the positions with machine gun fire, threw hand grenades even, spotted batteries and unloaded their bombs. Some of the bomb holes on the river bank were large enough to bury a whole platoon. This, despite the reassuring utterances from the rear to the effect that Ameri- can and Erench airmen dominated the situation. Tt was some de])artment far in rear, too, which discovered at a time when the bullets whistled merrih- through our positions that the enemy had withdrawn, and ordered out daylight patrols on the afternoon of the 13th. Lieutenant Peter Wallis and eight men swam the Vesle to see. Only one of the party was ever heard from again, a sergeant wounded and taken ])risoner. Private McGee, of I'' Company, writes of several patrols: this photograph. Perhaps A HISTORY OF THE I \ F A N T R Y "F>om somewhere on the righl, a bunch of machine guns used to entilade us every night. We figured that the (iermans couldn't sta\- there all day long, and so Oa])tain Katon j)icked a desperate bunch of Indians, ten of the I H !•: \ !•: S L E D E F E X S I \- !•: lou wildest men hv cuvild limi in the company, to is.n out and lo( ati' tin- .L,ain |)ositi()ns and the places where the (iermans hun^' out durinj^ the daw Theri' were twelve in the party, all armed to the teeth. We started out het'ore dark for the purpose of getting there ahead of the enemy and, if possible, to see what holes he crawled out of, and to watch them take up their positions. It's hard to let a Boche crawl l)y without taking a pot shot at him; hut xou know that if you let him go, he's sure to gi\e awa\ a gun position. "in order to get there without being seen, we had to tra\el several hundred \ards through a big swamp that was all chewed up b\- shells and the mud uji to your neck in places. .\t the end of this swamp we struck a suspicious-looking place where there were se\eral dugouts from which teK'- phone wires ran up into a tree that might ha\e Ixvn used for an obserxation post. We figured that our (ierman friends might li\e in there, so we took an unhealthy position on the edge of the swamp and watched. "In this way we gradually located si.x gun positions, but the Boche sud- denly located us and acted as if he thought a general attac k was coming over, because he opened up a young hell in the filthy swamp with all the machine guns and some of his artillery with gas. high e.\plosi\e and shrapnel. We couldn't go through it, so Bob Farmer placed his men and said, 'Vou hang on here no matter what hapjjens.' That was nine P. M. and we had no over- coats and the night was cold; and sitting in the mud and cold did not feel like the first row in the Winter Garden. Here we lay under almost continuous artillery fire, with ])lenty of gas that don't smell wry .sweet, until about 4.,^() .\. M., and that was the time that old Jerr\- sure ()i)ened e\er\- gun he had A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY on the swamj). We just laid there and gasped for breath, and our dream of Hoboken was starting to evaporate, and we were wishing we were back with the company once more, praying our 304th, 305th and 306th Artillery would open all together and blow the Boches to HeU. "At 5.15 he swung his barrage over to our company position, but he kept looking at us out of the corner of his eye all the time. We figured this would be as good a time as any to work our way back to the company and wondered if there would be anytliing left of it when we got there. We got near the old trenches and sent out a scout, who said the company was O. K. We were happy but so exhausted we had to lay there half an hour before starting to crawl in one by one. The captain was amazed to see us back alive and thanked us for finding six enemy gun positions for the artillery to blast out. For our reward we received a full cup of coffee per man, thus beating Osfeld's patrol by half a cup." An interesting account of a reconnaissance patrol characteristic of many sent out to gain information of the enemy's positions and suspected move- ments follows : "We were under almost constant machine gun fire, without knowing absolutely where it came from. 'Mac,' said the Top, about four o'clock, 'how do you feel? Bloodthirsty?' "'Anything you say.' "'Then you're going out tonight with Osfeld, Soufiflas and Corporal Schwartz to find where those guns are.' THE VESLE DEFENSIVE "At eleven o'clock we gulped a bit, saying 'So long!' to our pals, and crawled over the top toward the (xerman lines about two hundred yards away. The shells fell pretty thick while we wi're crawling over badly chewcd-up ground that smelt gas-soaked; and tlie (lernian flares made us duck and lie cjuiet every few feet. "About a hundred and fifty yards out, I should sa)-, we heard what sounded like a bird whistle close by; wc decided that no birds would be out at midnight and besides, they don't like high explosive. So we lay quiet like cats watching a mouse. Presently we heard the steel click of a cartridge belt being fitted into a 'typewriter.' 'J'hey must have seen us, sure. But just then two Boches darted from behind an old tree stump, running up to the position with ammunition boxes. I'rom there they ran back to a corner of the chateau where another 'typewriter' started chattering. We could hear the Huns in front of us whispering and tinkering with their gun, .so we decided to make a getaway, having spotted three guns. "Our knees were very sore from the rough ground and Osfeld said, " What do you say we hike a bit?' I said, 'Anything you say, Phil,' and the quartet decided to run about twenty feet, then flop, listen and run again. At last we tumbled over the j^arapet, and reported the two guns, which our 75's blew out in the morning." Four days and nights the Regiment stood up under its first severe ]iun- ishment, the only reinforcements a live mule salvaged b\- I{ ("omjjany. The Germans seemed to know that the relief was due, and earl\- in the ewning eadqiiarters W; A H I S T O R \' () I \ F A \ r R \' Regimental Hea(l(|uarters at Cliartreuve Far of the 15th commenced pouring a steady streatn of ga^ and metal mto tlit American Hnes. It was a peculiarity of \"ille Savoye, which lhc\ knew lull well, that gas would linger in and about the village as in a pocket. The>- filled it full, particularly the sunken road leading therefrom and the areas behind the town. There was no wind to disperse the fumes. In the earl\ hours of the morning men were feeling the ettects despite the use of masks, all but ten of M Company's entire personnel being evacuated for mustard burns about the body and the eyes. Then and there, they adopted as their company song. Too Much Mustard. B\- daylight, the relieving company of the 308th Infantn,- found their way into the town, practically all of them being evacuated later that day as a result of coming in contact with the mustard gas. The relief of the battalion was not completed until the following night. As Companies I, K and L left their positions, they came into the gas-infected areas and many of them were also burned. All in all, the battalion sustained about four hundred casualties. Again, quotmg from the letters of Captain Kenderdine, then .\djutant of the First Battalion : "According to schedule, we were to be relieved at the end of the T.fth daw but the relieving battalion failed to get us on two successi\T nights and we were kept there se\-en days. Our supply of rations ran out at the end of the fifth day, and for two days we had virtually nothing to eat e.xcept a little that I managed to bring in on my way back on the last day. On the night before the seventh da>- the relieving battalion managed to get to our positions, but THE VESLE DEFENSIVE not until dawn. We tried to risk getting out even then, but to get out in daylight one was under constant observation, as the hillsides were almost bare. We sent out one company o\'er the hill at about seven .\. M., but the\' got pretty badly shot at, so the major wisely ordered the rest of the battalion to stand pat. By that time they had started to go out and had pulled out of their i)ositions in the valley. The only thing to do was for them to come into the ravine (which was at the base of the hill) until dark. This they did, and three-quarters of a battalion sat huddled in the ravine all day, j^raying that our luck would hold good and that the Boches would fail to register on the ravine itself. ******** "The major was naturally worrieil b\- the battalion not having got out. So I took a staunch little Irish boy as orderly and we made a dash for it over the hill and back to Regimental Headriuarters with a re])()rt of our situation. Instead of being angry at our failure to get out during the night the Colonel was all sympath\'. He took me in to report to the General. He pressed me to stay for luncheon, but I had only time for a cup of cofTee and a sandwich (and Lord, how good it tasted!). Then I went to the Y. M. C. A. hut and bought all the cigarettes, chocolates and crackers they would sell me. The Colonel loaded me up with canned food and hardtack, and I made m\' wa\- back to Battalion Headquarters, where I was welcomed with open arms and immediately relieved of my bag of food. "We all came out that night at dusk. Not a shot was fired. The men took off their packs on the main road beyond the crest of the hill. On that first trip to the lines they had carried everything they owned. I had been fortunate enough to arrange for four big trucks to come up that night and transport these packs to the rear. It was lucky I did, for the men were almost utterly e.xhausted. I stayed behind to supervise the loading of the packs and then rode out on one of the trucks. I was almost all in when I sat down on the soft leather seat by the driver. I immediately fell asleep, and one of my happiest moments in life was when some good soul of a Red Cross man stopped the truck in a village we jiassed through and poured a large cup of rich chocolate down my throat. The Battalion had arrived at their rest bivouac before I did. My striker had found my bedding roll there and spread it out under a tree. Never was an\- bed so comfortable. The Major, bless his heart! — gave orders that I shouldn't be awakened, and I slept for twenty hours straight." There were no irregularities in that first relief of the Second Battalion — nothing but the ordinary casualties and plenty of excitement. Shells fell thick and fast, while machine gun bullets rattled through the streets of St. Thibaut spattering savagely on stone walls. "Just take a look at this," said Captain Dodge, from the entrance to the okl wine cellar. Over to the eastward bil- lowing smoke and a flame-hued sky silhouetted the spectral walls of the ruined town. Spiteful bursts of rifle and machine gun fire and a thundering barrage A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY iV k! 1 Itfh-IHH^^ 1 •^ W RHprjl mv * III hM ^' -m iICPSi !uPv f^;!^^ *^i^ '^HUB^^IHE^^E ■iHMBpf. nm^ if W'ri-ckcd Cliurch at Clierv-Cliartreiivf. could be heard both right and left, earth rocking explosions and, comforting through it all, the scream of our own shells, live for one, winging northward. One recalled Alan Seeger's lines: "1 have a rendezvous with death At midnight, in some flaming toivn.'" Somehow in the darkness groping figures found their new places, while shadowy forms in single file hastened into the gas-filled, shell-torn road, hug- ging the comforting embankments, walls and ridges, ready to flop whenever a screaming whine came too close. No fear of the men losing contact! Jerry dropped a few 77's on the tail of the disappearing column and although the pace was increased to about four miles an hour, they miraculously closed up. Out of the darkness came a clattering team of runaway mules hitched to a limber, headed straight for the front hnes, crashing into the column of struggUng men, bruising and breaking bones. Anon, the cry of " Gas" as the head of the column would strike a pocket of it. Here and there an overturned wagon, supplies scattered bewilderingly o\Tr the road, the slain animals cast into the ditch. The hills above Cherv-Chartreuve belched forth their con- stant fireworks, deafening those plodding past who felt sure that by the fitful glare they stood revealed to German gunners. It was HeU let loose. Toward Mareuil, the roads seemed hopelessly jammed with artillery trains, camions, field pieces, grunting and clanking tractors prying the "heavies" into positions where whole companies of artUlerymen were sweating with pick and shovel THE vp:sle defensive against the oncoming dawn. Here and there a ruined truck blown across the road blocked the path temporarily, adding to the general confusion. On this terrible night, the men of the Sanitary Detachments i)ro\cd their mettle. Seemingly always forgotten when general orders were issued, "board- ing" at whoevcr's kitchen happened to be nearest to their station, nexer re- ceiving very much publicity, they were alwa}s there with the big, fat pack and quick to respond to pathetic cries of "First Aid!" During the reh'ef. Privates Coorman, (liordano and Liebman were the last to leave St. 'Iliibaut in the heavy concentration of gas and high ex])losi\-e. Proceeding slowly along the road, they searched all the dugouts and funk holes, picking u]) wounded and gassed men. It was impossible to see with masks on, due to the heav\- smoke. With just the mouth-piece and nose-slip adjusted, they continued their work, gathering together twelve wounded and gassed men who otherwise would ha\e in all probability remained there until the next da}'. As only one ambulance was available, it was necessary for them to remain on the road for three hours until all the wounded could be evacuated. It took four storni\- trijjs to and from Chery-Chartreuve to accomplish this. And then, although exhausted from the work and lack of sleep and sick from the effects of gas, the\- reported at noon of the next day, to assist in treating the casualties from Ville Savoye, persisting in refusing hospital treatment inasmuch as the>- were temjjorarily the only Sanitary Corps men available. Tlieir work in this instance is typical of the devoted, self-sacrificing service rendered to their brothers in the Regi- ment all through our battle ex])eriences. '^+i- Cross Roads Above Chery-Chartrcuve, Where the Katioii Trains Were Heavily .Shelled Every Night. Left road leading to St. Thibaut, right to Les Preb Farm, Mt. St. Martin and Ville Savoye. A HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY Here you are, all of a sudden, in your allotted portion of the Bois de Mareuil, loafing, eating to make up for last week, shaving, taking your shoes off for the first time in eight days, and daring again to think of home. WTiere Mareuil. The Enemy's Long Range Shells Rarely Bothered Us Much Behind This Point. T H K \- E S L E D E F E N S I \- E are those "in case" letters? Tear them up I Here is the long-delayed incom- ing mail! Old copies of the Saturday Evening Post! Pay — to gamble with. A little water to bathe in. Plenty of warm sunlight by which to "read \<)ur shirts." The woods are all cluttered up with the gas-burned, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and you are prompted to recount your own terrible expe- riences: how, for instance, to rest your weary legs by the roadside you sat At Mareiiil en Dolr, \o Effort was Spared to Perfect a Third Line of Defense. 118 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY m»^-- •— -s*®^. Bazoches — Wrecked Chateau Wl With the Enc down — in a little pocket of mustard; how, when you turned to the man sitting beside you to say, "Buddy, give me a drink," he didn't reply. He sat there dead. Next morning you discover that the rest isn't to be all idleness; you dig a system of support trenches and reserve trenches, while others at the front are taking up their share of the dirty work. After a brief period of days you move up into the woods behind St. Thibaut perhaps, in support, there to grub in the sand all day and dodge shells all night. From there you move on up, for your second tour of duty at the front, this tune less awed by what the Boche flings over, and hearing a fervently expressed desire "to take that hill!" During this time, when companies skipped from "red" line to "green" line to "blue" line and back to "red" again, feeling like a bunch of darned chameleons, first in brigade reserve, then regimental support, then division reserve, regimental reserve and so on, M Company comprised a body of forty stalwart vacationists, thorouglily familiar with the care and handling of horses. They had just returned from the horse-buying detail, to find practicaUv the entire company in the hospitals. During the month of August the French imder General Mangin began to exert a flanking pressure up in the northwest and the 77th Division, more used to the bitter fighting, increased its frontal pressure. In the words of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, "it could be seen that they were growing uneasy THE VESLE DEFENSIVE and it was important to establish the extent of the uneasiness — to learn if they were preparing to evacuate. "One of the great feats of the war resulted. Major William Mack, who was at that time a 1st Lieutenant in command of G Company, Three Hundred int Lt. De Rahm's ision to the .A.isne. 120 A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY and Fifth, and 1st Lieutenant Leonard Cox, then 2d Lieutenant of B Company, Three Hundred and Fifth, vohinteered to lead a patrol over the river in broad daylight to establish just what the situation was. They took ten other vol- unteers of Companies B and C of the Three Hundred and P'ifth Infantr>% Sergeant John Blohm, Coq^oral Peter J. Kiernan, Corporal Solomon Catalan©, and Privates Frederick Barth, Clarence H. Koehler, Raphael Cohan, Vincent Bisignano, Frederick M. Meury and Joseph Bridgeman. The party left the village of St. Thibaut in broad dayhght. "At the Vesle, Mack left the others and swam across. Cox followed, carrj'ing a heaw coil of rope. He crawled out into the river on sunken logs and other debris until he was up to his arm-pits in the swift flowing stream. Then, after repeated attempts, he managed to throw an end of the rope across to Mack, who fastened it on the other side. All of the patrol got across the river by means of the rope. On the other side, the patrol was divided into two parties of five men each. Mack taking one and Cox the other. "Mack and his men went into the village of Bazoches, making their way past the enemy outposts and getting along finely until they surprised four Germans in an old house. Mack and his patrol got the jump on the Germans, killed several of them and withdrew, fighting desperately all the while, although under heaw machine gun fire. All of the party except Sergeant Blohm were wounded, Koehler and Cohan mortally. AH of them made good their with- drawal, Mack having secured much valuable information. "On the way out, Sergeant Blohm took shelter in a shell hole and saw Corporal Catalano, bleeding profusely from a wound in the neck, just barely able to drag himself along through the grass. Blohm promptly left his shelter, carried Catalano behind a tree near the river, there dressed his wound, and then broke boughs from a fallen tree so as to make a raft. On this improvised raft he placed Catalano and pulled him across the river. Arriving on the other side, he carried Catalano over an open field fully 200 yards to the outpost line, all of the time being under continuous rifle and machine gun fire. And Sergeant Blohm had two brothers who were fighting in the German Army! "Lieutenant Cox, meanwhile, had led his part of the patrol into the chateau where he shot down two men as they were about to open fire on his men. He wounded another, and the party decided it was time to move. Although Cierman machine gun and rifle fire fairly blasted the air, the entire patrol got out without a man being injured and got back to their own lines. "The commander of the Third Army Corps, to which the 77th was attached, recommended all of the men in the patrol for a citation, and Mack. Cqx and Blohm were awarded the Distinguished SerA'ice Cross." But on the next morning, September 4th, Lieutenant De Rham and a patrol of thirty men from C Company swam the river and with slight oppo- sition gained the heights beyond, from which point their rocket signal "Ob- jective reached" precipitated a general advance. The Division was on its way to the Aisne. AIS NE SCALE 1-55000 Each 5„. °E-lK,LOM£TER-5^MaE CHAP'IKR \ I THE ADVANCE TO THE AISNE THK Second BaUalion had been reliexed again, dra.i;j;in<^ its wearv feet hack to Mareuil en Dole all through the night of Se])temher Lst, moving on backward the following night through Nesle to Sergy, twenty kilos from the front. " Next morning, we started in before breakfast to pick cooties from our clothes by the hundreds, to splash in the River ()urc(|, a dink>- stream hardly big enought to hold a fish, and to he around naked in the grass. First call for drill blew. We cursed like Bowery hoboes for we were tired, and the\ were starting to hand out their dizzy orders to drill. All we wanted was an opportunity to write home; but no chance, as they figured on getting all the work they could out of us. That was unfair, for we done our work well and figured we earned a rest for all the stuff that was pulled off up on the Vesle." The night of the .?d the tired troops were roused from their slumbers by a stirring Call to Arms. Messengers ran up with orders to roll combat packs and be ready to move out at a moment's notice. After waiting interminably, an officer hiked to Battalion Headquarters for further instructions, only to find the entire establishment sound aslec]). But by noon of the following day, it was rumored that the German was on the run. Off to the northward jxicked the troops in haste, picking up) rations, ordnance and ammunition amidst all the hustle and bustle and flurrv Fermt dcs Dames. Regimental Headquarters in Bnildins on Riglil Advance to the Aisne. A HISTORY OF THE 30 5 th INFANTRY of Longueval. at Nesle. As tar as the old positions at Mareuil en Dole the columns struggled under a broiling sun, only to be ordered onward to the Bois de Mareuil, where everjf man got two hand grenades, ammunition for rifle, pistol and Chauchat, and the weight}- old rifle grenades. The tromblons or grenade dischargers were long since conveniently "lost" on account of their weight. But there was no rest for wear\- bodies. The other battalions had crossed the river, and this one must occupy a strong position in old St. Thibaut. There it rested for the night, thoroughly spent. The success of de Rham's patrol had sent the entire First BattaUon under temporary command of Captain Purcell over the river to positions previously designated on the plateau to the north. The Third Battalion followed under command of Lieutenant Husband, Major Woodward having been evacuated, sick. An order to resume the advance kept the men on their feet most of the night. In skirmish line they ploughed around in circles, one company hope- lessly lost, accomplishing an advance of about two kilometers. How dift'erent St. Thibaut looked at dusk, as the Second BattaUon filed through, even more crumpled and twisted than it had been three days before. Old Number Thirteen was still standing. But instead of shells crashing right and left, instead of the streets being deserted, here were columns of troops in single file, motor trucks, limbers, fourgons, ammunition trains boldly occupying a^•enues down which had poured streams of machine gun bullets, waist-high and whistling. There was the old First Aid station, now a pile of stone and dust, and the embankment where the first casualties had occurred; but the curiosity seekers were to be denied further reminiscent investigation. Enemy shelling had diverted traffic to the west over a hastily constructed THE AD\ANCE TO THE AISXE 12/ bridge and through the old railroad yards where the 306th had a week before lost the better part of an entire company in attacking Bazoches. Here and there lay the dead of the previous month's fighting, although burying and salvaging parties had that day slartefl a search and a cleaning up of the former No Man's Land. The advance through Bazoches was as calm and cjuict as the seventh inning of a world's series game at the Polo (Grounds; there was shelling a little bit further up the river, the enem}- ha\ing the wrong tip on our bridges. We crossed the battered railroad track behind which forward elements had once dug for protection, and which we secretly ho])ed the engineers would rapidly reconstruct so that we could use it soon when mo\ing out to a rest area. vSkirting the town, other columns struggled through the jam of vehicular traffic to the Rheims-Rouen road, thence east and north around the base of the ominous hill which had confronted us for so many days, and from which the Germans had poured down on our heads a rain of machine gun bullets, "Minnies" and 88's. Full in the road lay the body of a (ierman soldier over which the trucks were passing, to and fro. ".\h" said the boys, "there's a good German!" About ten kilometers— for the most part a lofty plateau cleft at intervals b\- steep ravines— lay between St. Thibaut and the Aisne. Although the Hridire Hasti Bazoches wecii St. Thibaut and 124 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Germans were mighty anxious to reach the heights of the Chemin des Dames north of the Aisne, they sought to retard the advance of the Americans as much as possible while defenses were being prepared. Their machine gun fire and heavy shell fire swept the heights over which the Regiment passed; yet casualties were compara- tively slight. Major Metcalf had rejoined and on the morning of the 6th constituted aiid held down the front line all by himself. With a coupleofrunnershewentforward ofVauxcereandPinconFarmand located the large cave behind Longueval as a possible headquarters, sending back for his staff and corraUng the scattered companies. It had been reported that the 307th had rapidly advanced beyond that point on the right; that the 28th Division, further to the right, had reached the Aisne— and "for God's sake, hurr\^ up." They were First Battalion P. C. near Villers-en-Prayeres. Whenever Major Metcalf would bury his head in the funk hole and flash a tiny light under a blanket whereby to write or read a message, the enemy machine guns would open up. THE ADVANCE TO THE AISNE ;iieval Where 1st Bn. Made Its P. C. The enemy got the range at once and scored direct hits, inflicting casualties. nowhere near the river! The 307th was blocked at Petite Montague. On our right, the "front" extended sharply to the southeast, leaving about three kilometers of flank exposed. Our sector stuck out like a sore thumb! D B Company advanced here 126 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY V"f%lt Kuined Church at Loi Company had been ordered into position to the right of Villers en Prayeres, and had sought shelter from a terrific burst of shelling in a small ravine where they were virtually imprisoned for several days. B Company entered the latter village and took position in the outskirts of it, A Company extending to the left. The Third Battalion was hurried into the breach offered by the exposed fiank, unable to make much effective progress in the dead of night, but hoping to get there before the enemy could launch a counter attack, which would have been disastrous indeed for D Company in its precarious position. At this juncture, a message came through from the French to the effect that they politely and earnestly hoped for the capture of Longueval. Major Metcalf sat calmly on a log several kOos beyond it. A few minutes before, the 1st sergeant and clerk of C Company had stumbled into it seeking shelter, and hoping to find some point where the affairs of the company might be administered. Since it was "held" by a 1st sergeant and a company clerk was it not proper to report the town as already captured by C Com- pany? "In this locality there were numerous excavations and old limestone quarries which afforded considerable shelter, although likely gas pockets. These positions were consolidated by additional digging, and the Regiment entered upon another period of semi-stabilized warfare, such as had been experienced on the Vesle, while our artillery crowding up from the rear grad- ually increased the din. Shelling, during the days and nights of the advance, and particularly after the Regiment had dug itself in, was at times of the most furious densitv- The German batteries would seem to let loose in aU THE ADVANCE TO THE AISNE Co mnnniic: tin,, wit , D Company in wnocK (III right, near \'illfr<; en-Pra\<_r (111 niiH tlu- .lav ■ ' i-avy slielling and a.tiM hfttir pi inacliine gnn Miiping kipt tlu t of three da}S their power and shells would fall as fast as hundreds of guns, heavily concen- trated, could drive them." The doughboy, while he knows that without friendly artillery his task would be considerably more difhcult, can never Longueval, First Entered by the Headquarters Platoon o: C Company. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY overcome the feeling that he bears the brunt of the artiller\- duels. It is a case, he argues, of the opposing artillery units saying, "I'll blow your infantry to bits while vou trv to bust mine." Wire Defending Bois de Mauchamp, West of Villers-en-Prayeres. Company A in advancing to this point over open fields sustained heavy casualties. THE ADVANCE TO THE A I S N' E wT The lirst real attack participated in by the Three Hundred and Fifth was disastrous. Company A had been ordered to advance on the morning of the 7th against machine gun outposts which lined the Aisne Canal, in conjunction with a parallel advance b>' elements of the 306th upon the immediate left. At five A. M. everything was in readiness for a six o'clock jump-off; but liaison failed. A countermanding order which subsequently came to the other regi- ment did not reach Lieutenant Dwyer, commanding Company A, in time. One of his j)latoons proceeded successfully over a stretch of exposed terrain before the rest of the company took up the advance. Immediately, the Ger- mans who had perfect observation of the movement opened up from the left, A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY the front and the right with everything they had— machine guns, trench mor- tars and "whizz-bangs." The company commander was killed, the only other company officer wounded, and many more grievous casualties sustained. ^^^m \'iners-eu-Pra TH A1)\\\(K 1() IHE AISXK Without officers, the non-coms, kept the com])any gains until rehef could he i)rought u]) at nightfall (' (\)m]>anv went into that jtosition. "Our •Wi (1 hcM their IS, \()u might say, tranquil," one of its memht'rs writes. "We (h(hrt know who was on the riglit nor who was on our left, nor jusi huw nian\ there wi're on our front. (lerman flares appeared on three sides of us. liut, aside from that, the (on- stant sheUing and the machine gun jabbering, we had not a thing to worry about." In \'ilk'rs en Prayei'i's, the eni'my persisteil in shelling i kise to the com- pany P. ("., making it so uncomfortable that a change of heackjuarters was necessary. The street was termed "Shell Shock .\lley" and it lived up to its reputation. Shelled out of that second j^lace, they sought a third, finall\- doing a successful business in an old French sheet-iron dugout. During the day the men found not much to do, excepting to draw rations and axoid 88's, which came in more liberal doses than the rations. Back in tln' >u])- port positions of the Second Battalion near Pincon P'arm, the shelling was just as hea\'y and just as constant. "Yet," said Captain Briggs, " I maintain that this helmet is no earthly good, whatsoever." That apjiarently ended the argument, for the Captain disappeared around an elbow of trench. .\t that instant, a shell burst on the parapet; in a moment, he staggered again into view with a dent in the top of his tin hat as big as your hst. " F^eg par- don," he gasped; "you're right; I'm wrong." Naturally, the runners who almost without e.\ce])tion ])roved Ihi'msehes a game and loyal crew found their work in this situation |)articularl\- dangerous 132 A HISTORY OK THE 3U5th INFANTRY -"^.li—rr- - t this point in I at L Lnem\ obstrvation a and difficult. The poor little devils not only had to carr>' messages back and forth, morning and night, always in readiness, but took their turn at carrying rations, standing gas guard through the night, and the like. When all is said and done, the runners perform one of the most difficult and important jobs the army in the field has to otTer. Our hats are otT to them. Those who drove the ration carts up through Vauxcere at night under fire in an eiifort to bring hot food to the wear>% mud-stained men in the trenches deserve their meed of praise as well. Despite their good work, sup- plies were often low. Beyond the support line at Pincon Farm everything had to be carried, in order to sustain those units feeling forward as far as the Aisne. A doughboy from D Company has a storj- to tell which he calls Fifty-fifty in the Front Lines: "During the advance, all we had in the Une of eats was our iron rations, consisting of one can of beef and about half a pound of hardtack; our kitchens of course couldn't go right along with us. Yet, I was lucky enough to have grabbed off an extra can of beef. After I had shared this with two other men, I was stripped clean, as far as food was concerned. So were most of the others. But food has nothing to do with orders, so we were soon on our way forward again, without food. Later in the day I managed to get a few hardtack and half a canteen of water off a dead man. That night I received orders to report to Battalion Headquarters, to which I was sometimes attached as scout, and next morning I was handed a nice job — looking for one of the companies which hadn't been heard from for some time. Gosh, but I was hungry, yet I couldn't stop. After searching THE AD\'AXC"E TO THE A I S X the ground ahead lor about six hours, seeing no one but a (ierman airman who kei)t me ducking, 1 landed up on the left of our sector, fincHng a captain of the 306th about to have something to eat in his cramped dugout. \\'hen I arrived on the scene, there were about three sardini"^ nml four hardtack. He must have noticed how I „ — looked sideways at the ban- quet table, for he asked if I was hungry. I told him when I had eaten last, and he said, 'Well, I'll go you fifty-fifty,' and handed me a cracker with a llsli on it. I got what dope he could give me, and we went uj) top to have a look around. And then to my surprise he added, 'You'd better go down and tackle another shark and a cracker before you go.' I had often read how officers got ])retty familiar with the men in the trenches. He seemed on the verge of doing it so I risked slapping him on the back — and obeyed orders. " 5uPREMJ i^E-TTIt^L, SCI FRONT LiNf- AFT FOR Two DAYX .HF5 IN TH€ «lTH0urFC93 A HISTORY OF THE 3 5 t ii INFANTRY It was not long before the kitchens were herded under a shed at Vauxcere where cooks and " K. P.'s " ground out doughnuts, coffee and other good things, despite the shell tire. Even then, one ne\-er knew just when the next meal could be trundled u]) by a rurryinu; jxirty. "Sir," announced an orderly. Burned Genu.,,, Ai,„..ii THE Ai)\ wci'; lo I in-, A 1 s \ poking his licud around a traverse in the trench, "dinner is served." "What's on the menu today?" inquired the captain with an air. "Well, we have some ver>- fine quail." Not quite, but almost! Spitted and neatly broiled over a can of solidified alcohol was a scrawny old nondescri]it bird which a runner had picked up on the trail, killed b}- a shell fragment. The Third Battalion had taken over the front lines. Friday, the LUh. had been successfully tucked away without disaster, when 'long about the night of the 14th, came a welcome crowd of Italians trying to stuff both donkeys and drivers into the dugouts. The>- put six or seven men into a hole where two of us had felt crowded before, and left cabbage leaves, cheese rinds, and all sorts of garbage lying around. "Relieved by the Roman Arm}-, commanded by one of Old General Garibaldi's descendants," writes a doughbo\-. "They seemed to have precious little ammunition but lots of chow, which made them welcome. A very compact little army — men, mules, wagons, guns, everything all bunched up in the middle of the road as we had been taught not to do it. If Jerry had ever gotten a line on them and planted a few shells in their midst. Marc Antony would have had to write uj) another burial oration." It was a ten-hour affair — that hike to the rear through \'au.\cere, Bazoches, St. Thibaut, Chery Chartreuve, Nesle and Sergy lo Dra\ign\-. But awaiting the boys were the old ])acks and real food; grape jam, cookies and oodles of cigarettes from the .\u.\iliary; again a stream to bathe in, good co\er for the dog tents and a canteen in which to .spend our i)ay. Lots of mail. too. The 136 A HISTORY OF THE 30 5 th INFANTRY few officers and men who had to remain twelve hours to show the Itahan relief the ins and outs of the old positions went bowling to the rear next day in a French motor lorry, feeling as happy as if on the road from Camp Upton to New York. One could bask in the sun, finally out of shell fire, watching the old obser\ation balloons lazily riding up in the north, 1 hough potted now and then by ilic impertinent German aeroplanes. Had a young meal of beefsteak, l"itatoes, onions, coffee, bread, rice, ' I ullers, jam and four cartons of iij;arettes," boasted one of the grimi- U lustiest boys ever seen. ''I et ill I near bust." "Sa\e your money for the big luwn," was the word. The rumor spread that we were going into a rest area. The officers spread it. They announced it to cheering throngs. I'hey got it straight from higher up. Il ..... .,l:, ,.ij>l ..L ..lu ^1)111.; lu jjarade triumphantly in Paris. Great was our happiness — for we thought we deserved a rest, having been under a continual nervous strain and worse since the latter part of June. A day of inspection followed one night of undisturbed rest. At -1.35 a luscious meal was brewing merrily in the bursting kitchens, mess-kits itching for the welcome thud of chow upon their brilHant inner surfaces. But, "The battalions will be ready to march with full equipment at 4.30," read the order which dumped both fires and food upon the unappreciative ground while mystified men rolled up their baggage in preparation for the gruelling dash to Cohan and Coulonges. But that was all right. WTio wouldn't willingly sacrifice a dinner for the ride on lorries to "the big town?" "We'll sing till the lorries arrive," said a bunch of men sitting by the roadside at half -past eight. They did; but throats were raw, and the songs they sang dated back to the days of "Bedelia" long ere one o'clock, at which hour the stream of dusty camions drew up. Those French drivers had not slept under a roof for eight days, they said, having transported troops from one part of France to another without rest. Their driving showed it. With- out illumination of any kind, the trucks tore through the night. At dawn their speed in the direction of Verdun increased to the point of recklessness. Drivers dozed at the wheel and trucks collided, crushing the careless feet which hung over a tailboard; they ran into the ditch; they interviewed unyielding trees; one truck overturned, sending a couple of men with broken ribs to the hospital. Minor halts while in the districts of Champagne permitted hungry, THE A 13 VANCE TO THE AISNE 1.^7 thirsty men to leaj) from the camions for the |)ilferin,t,' of (hisl\ i^rapes from vineyards bordering the road; l)iit there msikd a raee to makr uj) for lost time. Through Eperna}' and Chalons the Americans were roundly cheered Ijy old women and children who seemed to care not at all if someone \aulted the hedge to steal an apple, hitching on as best he might when a following truck swe])t bw To live in dog tents in a slippery, hilly pine grove near Viel Dam])ierre, which was probably ne\er plotted on any living map, certainly did not resemble life in "the big town." "Red Mike" was scarcely ])roper food for a man on \acation. To be ordered out for drill and at the same time warned to kee]) under co\-er suggested no pro\imit\- to a Rest Camj). "Somebod\- is dizzy," was the general verdict. Yet, there was still hoi)e. Sudden orders arri\ed the night of the 19th not to turn in, bul to strike tents at once. Then an order to pitch tents! With the tents going up and tiie rain coming down, another order to roll them u]) again! At elexcn o\ lock the Regiment marched north. "Where are \vc going now?" Corj^orals asked their sergeants, and ser- geants asked their lieutenants. They, not knowing, asked the ])ri\ates who get things by wireless. "Why, to the big town; St. Menehould is just north of here!" You should have seen the men hike! It was a cinch to keep them from straggling — everyone in tine humor, believing that tinalh- he was on the way to the rail head. In tine humor until the column struggled lliroii'^h St. Menehould without stopping. This ([uite outdid anything jjieviously sutfered -e\en during the Battle of Watten. At X.M) next morning, the Regiment ho\e into Xeufour in two ugce^ Kctnrniii A HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY factions: the superhuman half of the Regiment, and the human half in charge of the provost guards. With blistered feet and aching bodies, a few found shelter: the others dropped from sheer exhaustion where halted in the street, despite the frantic protests of the French Cjuartered there who feared that enemy planes would discover the advent of American troops in a sector new to them. War gardens were plundered, for nothing edible arrived until the middle of the afternoon. When Colonel Smedberg remarked at Brigade Headquarters that the troops were much too crowded to enjoy this rest area the answer was, "We go into the line tomorrow." That night we relieved the French, taking over all but the forward out- posts, with heavy hearts. ARGON N E SCALE 1-50000 Each Square-1 Kilometer -- 5^ M,le CnAPTKR \II THE ARGONNE THE Western Front, siiuc the Autumn of 1<)14, had been a ,u;real fare protruding into France and frowning upon the Allied armies. The brow- rested on the English C'luinncl near Dunkerfjue, the features extending generally south to a point where the chin in Sei)tember i)r()truded as far as Noyon, in the direction of I'aris. Thence the jaw ran eastward past Soissons and Rheims to Verdun, whence the neck was drawn southeast toward the (|uicl of the Lorraine front. What might have been likened to the Adam's apple had been painfully amputated at St. Mihiel by the first .\mcriian .\rmy early in the month of Sejjtember. 'I'hat First American Army, of which the 77th Dixision was now a part, was to strike a blow at the jaw of the great German face. Sincx- July 18th, the French, British, Americans and Belgians, under the general (onnnand of JVIarechal Foch, had been hammering the Boche on his soft spots, u.sing up his reserve patience and strength. The time was ripe for a knock-out blow- on the jaw, the major objective being the railroads running through Mezieres to Metz and Luxembourg, one of the enemy's great supply routes. The German front at this time has also been likened to a gigantic door, the hinges of it secured at Mezieres, swinging open at Belgium and the northern coast. As long as the hinges held, the great door might be closed in the face of an intruder. It was the task of the First Army to smash the hinges, and break down the doorl It did. It was not until the night of September 25th, as the First and Second Battalions were quietly taking their ])laces at the jump-off on the Le P'our de Paris-La Fille Morte line that wc realized our show was to be only a ])art of the greatest battle of the war. I'Vom Verdun to the Belgian Coast the Allied armies were to attack. Stunned by surprise and the savagery of that initial onslaught in the morning fogs of September 26th the foe recoiled, though lighting tenaciously, bitterl}-, treacherously, until utterly routed and crying quits in the first w-eek of November. Not only had their life-saving railroads through Mezieres been cut by long range artiller}-, but were almost within the actual grasp of the Allied armies! No one had any hallucinations now about visiting " the big town." Vet, this had all the earmarks of a quiet sector. Only a few shells w-inged their way in now- and then. Nobody would clamor loudly for a rest camp if the\- could be allowed to spend Christmas here performing the ordinar\- routine duties of a defensive position. After months of mud and squalor wouldn't you like to step from a moonlit balcony through a door — a real, honest-to- goodness door with a knob on it and panes of glass — into \-our own pri\ate hallway, and after investigating the back passage which led to a bomb-proof A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY bmeilberg paring for the Attack of Sept. 26. deep in the bowels of the defending hillside, turn into your own room, a room with latticed window, stone fire-place, electric lights, real furniture, the heavy beams in wall and ceiling painted white, the panels a cool gray and topped by a frieze of dainty cut-outs from La Vie Parisienne? This was the strongest, the most unique and comforting system of trenches one could imagine. In the early days of the war, the wavering lines had come to rest at this point. Attempts at gain by either side through the heavily wooded, deep ravines and abrupt ridges of the forest had proved futile and costly. Black, gloomy, forbidding, this largest expanse of woodland between the Mediterranean and the Rhine stretches a distance of thirty-nine kilo- meters from Passevant and Beaulieu in the south, with the big town of St. Menehould in its southern confines, to Grand-Pre and the valley of the River Aire on the north. On the eastern edge of the forest are Varennes, Mont- blainville, Cornay and St. Juvin. On its western boundary are the towns of Binarv'ille, Lancon and Grand Ham. For four years the upper twenty-two kilometers of it, held by the enemy, was a region of dark mysten,', its densely wooded hills and ravines, swamps, brooks, marshland, tangled underbrush, trailing vines and briars adapted by them into a vast, impregnable fortress. From time immemorial, the Argonne had proved a stumbling-block to military operations. Julius Caesar went around it; Napoleon avoided it; in this war, neither Germans nor French could push all the way through it; it remained for Alexander to concjuer. P'our years of desultor)- shelling, just enough to let the other side know that the fight was still on, four years of T H p: a r g o n n e occasional raids and minor actions had carved out of the forest a long stretch of bald and barren ridges, s])lintered trunks, yawning shell-pits — a scarred and battered wreckage of landscape. All life at first glance seemed extinct. But here were the evidences of incredible labor. Officers and non-coms, who crept stealthily forward to the P. P.'s and listening j)osts found a torn, twisted and tortuous maze of earthworks, caverns, pits, dugouts, emjilace- ments and barriers — outposts which were scarcely more than shell-holes in which man still dared to eke out a precarious existence. Here he was, out of sight — a grim and silent poilu, Chauchat gunner or sentinel watching from his hidden recess for signs of enemy activity, shifting his jjosition ever so carefully from time to time, speaking at rare intervals to one of his fellows in the merest whisper, cautioning the American up there on observation to utter no word of English, lest the Ciermans sense the impending attack. Peering timorously over a parapet one might see, not more than thirty \ards off in places, the German trenches crouching low behind their mountains of rusted and barbed wire entanglements, cheveaux de frise, refuse, tin cans, broken bits of materiel and equipment, wire and more wire. Lanes would have to be cut through all of that before the attacking troojis could hoi)e to Peqiendicular to the front, each one carefully mapped and named, the boyaus or connecting trenches clambered abruptly down into the ravines, then labored up over the ridges, many of them carved with steps into the solid rock and camouflaged, leading to the support systems and beyond. Here, daily work by the very few men necessary had by degrees made the trenches almost perfect. Nouveau Cottage, the elaborate concrete residence of the The Forest Was Here Nothing More Than a Flock of Stark. Witliered Skeletons \ HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY Sunken Kiitrance lo French Ccnniiianiler'v Twelve Room P. C. — Xouveau Cottage. sector commander, was an underground chateau — a palace, it seemed to us then. The greater part of the men were held in readiness further back past a series of wooded and slipper\' ridges, where the forest had not been blasted fi^lC,. T HE A R G O N N E MS out of rxistence I)}' shcll-tirc. Somi' of ihcni found rom])arali\e coniforl on a forward slo])c in wide, dee]) Irt-ni hrs shaded 1)\- tall and stalri\- Irccs. Ollu-rs were (|uartered in reser\e in a cam]) on the reverse slo])es at La Clialade, \\here it seemed as though e\ery grou]) which had ever occu])ied that ])osition had contributed of its ingenuit}- and resource to make the s])()t more restful and inviting to the tired troops who might come after. Only by a process of evolution through many seasons could that little city have been built in the wilderness. Beautiful dugouts, walks, stairways, balconies, kitchens, baths^ even an open-air theatre; an electric light ])lant; furniture, hangings, bric-a- brac, and even pianos in some of the huts! It was Heaven, after all the blood- shed, miser)- and disappointment we had been through. Many a poker game was broken up by stories the sergeants brought back from the front — that a dri\-e was about to start which would mean the end of the war, and that many an extra iirst-aid man would be on the job. Hurried letters w-ere written to the folks at home. Vigorous preparation for the on- slaught ensued, two extra bandoliers of ammunition, hand grenades, rifle grenades, wire cutters being issued — everything convenient to kill a man with. A copious supply of cigarettes, bounty of the .\uxiliary, helped. E\er\-thing in the way of erjuipment, excepting rifle, belt and baxonet. gas mask, slicker and combat pack was turned in. Our ranks had been depleted by deaths, wounds and illness. While officers and platoon sergeants were assembled at headcjuarters for their thrilling instructions, a welcome issue of replacements was received from the 4()th Division. Most of these new men had been in civilian clothes on the Pacific Coast in July. The>- had had almost no practice with the gas mask. \'er\- few A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY Graveyard at La Chalade W'liere Some of Those Who Fell in the First Days of the Argonne Fight Were Buried. of them, if any, had ever thrown a Hve grenade. Some had fired not more than fifteen rounds with the service rifle. A Camp Upton veteran actually Cluircli at La CI Wlier^ Hospital Clearing Stati'jn Was Established for the Argonne Attack. THE ARGONNE s new comratli's how to iiT^crt What hf f\])cctf(l to do in yet it was just as safe in one collected a five-franc note for li;u hint,' one of 1 a clip, and thought he liad jjulled a ujood one the woods with a five-franc note, no one knew pocket as another. About fifty — went to each comjjany, though I when M Company hopped the bags, it comj)rised one sergeant , one coq)oral, fort\- men skilled in the care and handling of horses, and a hundred and fifty recruits. Thank (rod, most of j them were from the woods and could ordinarily dust the eye of a squirrel at fifty yards. They were cjuick to absorb the point- ers handed out by the older men though what we were to buck | up against, Methuselah, for all his years, could nothave taught. It had not been tried before. These inexperienced men were just as well ofT as others. They had the pro])er, s])irit which was the onl\' real eijuipment necessary. - ^^ > t^rc^^u n The moon was rising when the Second Battalion, under command of Captain Eaton, filed out of Le Claon whither it had been withdrawn a few nights before into the woods, past the burning house and popping ammunition dump ignited by shell fire, through La Chalade, with its gaunt spectral church, through Xouveau Cottage, where the last hot meal was due and which was not forthcoming, through the winding boyaus and up to the forward lines on the Route Marchand. It was to lead the attack followed in close support by the First Battalion and then the Third. On our left was the 306th Infantry, in column of Battalions also. The Division was to attack in line of regiments. .All night the men clung to that steep hillside, or herded into the dugouts awaiting the "zero" hour, while from their midst hea\y mortars in the hands of the French played havoc with the German wire. Back on the roads paralleling the front the artillery was massed hub to hub. Shortl\- after mid- night their ])andemonium broke loose; the steady roar of great guns was deafening, terrif\ing. Jcrr\' must ha\e thought a whole ammunition dumj) was coming at him. The chill September air was blue with fog and smoke and powder, the dawn just breaking as the silent columns filed up through the steep l^jv-aus toward the jumjiing-off places, ready to go o\er the toj) with onl\- raincoats and rations for baggage, armed to the teeth, and more thrilled than ever A HISTORY OF THE I X F A X T R Y mumsm '^I'i^^rr.i^'' mm Xf.ir crc>l ■■! ilistant hill may he seen faintly the Rniiie Marchaiid, a well-nigh obliterated road where the 2nd lin. la> the night of Sept, 25th awaiting the zero hour. Positions reached Ijy way of the lioyaus dipping into and across the valley. Guy Empe}' thought he was. This was just what we had all read about long before America got into the war; this was just what the home folks doubtless imagined us to be doing e\ery day. Could anyone who was there'ever forget THE A R Cx N \ i: ^^:^ the earnest, picturesque figures with their grim-looking hehnets, rilles and bayonets shar[)ly silhouetted against the eastern sky; the anxious consultation of watches: the thrill of the take-off; the labored adxance o\er a Xo Man's A HISTORY OF THP: 305 th INFANTRY ^^. Effect of Anu-ricai, SlR-ll-fire L'lum a (Icrnian Cam Land so barren, churned, pitted and snarled as to defy description; the tower- ing billows of rusty, clinging wire; the flaming signal rockets that sprayed the hea\ens; the choking, blinding smoke and fog and gas that drenched the val- Funk Holes on Road 400 Meters East of Barr H A R ( ; () \ \ 1 4') i himself al last within the \n\n th()U[.^ht imprcgnabJL-l (■ka,L,'L- of c'ni])la(. ■IV ])icki'(l u]) hi' only iTsislante 1 had i)ulli"(l onl hv thai fn-sl 1)1 •niL-nl, r V and ll ling a k is rapidl isl (.r (n \c at leys, and then -one's utler aniazenienl at Ihidi: German stronf^^hold whiih during four >ears lur This was certainl}- a long wa\- from Xew NOrk! A few cor])ses la>- strewn about in the wrei or dugout; a few dazed and willing ])risoners wi hut for the most i)art the Boches had lli'd, their shell tn-e, machine gunning and sni])lng. They possible - all who were not blown olT '':v I'artI midnight — to their second line of defen, > . Despite the intensity of the shelling, the ma/e of wire re\ealed no ojien avenues and there was difficulty in keei)ing up with our own rolling barrage as it swept over the ground before us al the rate of a hundred meters in live minutes. Pieces of cloth and llesh sta\ed with the rust\-, clinging barbs: a number of men were impaled on si)ikes cle\erl_\' set for that \ery ])urpose. With difficulty the leading and sup])orting waves were reformed in line of "gangs" or small combat groups before plunging on into the ravines, there to become lost or separated from their fellows until after climbing to some high point above the sea of fog they might determine again the direction of advance by a consultation of map and compass and a consideration of whate\er landmarks rose above the clouds. Xo concerted resistance was met with until about noon, after three kilo- meters of wooded terrain had been covered. There a stubborn machine gun resistance and a hea^■y shell fire persuaded the Second Battalion, reinforced by companies of the First, to dig in while they spread their ])anels on the t Junction of Boyau Breme and Boyau dcs CI 150 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY ground to indicate to the Liberty planes overhead the point of farthest ad- vance. At last we were to get some assistance from the air! Casualties there had been in great numbers from enemy shelling and from lurking snipers; but like North American Indians, we continued to stalk our prey from tree to tree. With difficulty the scattered units were gathered together from all points of the compass. Here and there a little "gang" had had its thrilling experi- ence. The scout, whose trying duty it is to advance far in the lead to observe or — failing in that — to draw fire from the hidden ambush, had detected a skulking sniper or hidden machine gun post. Signalling to his fellows, the rifle grenadiers had perhaps planted their missiles within the enemy nest, the automatic rifle had been noiselessly carried to a point of vantage, the riflemen and bombers had surrounded the group of the enemy and with their fire routed him out. How these men learn to work together in their own little "gangs" — four such units constituting a platoon — and how they sometimes come to love their old weapons is suggested by the homely statement of a private in B Company who says, "I had my most e.xperience on a Shawshaw gun, and number one and two men got wounded. Walter and Jim and I took the gun and held the position and got a helper from the same platoon and he got wounded and I held the position until I was called back by my sergeant and took up another position and held it until we moved out and never got wounded at all and all we had to eat is one can of corn willie and two cans of hard tack for two of us. But we got along with it and while on the front I used two mussets of ammu- nition on the Ciermans and m}- gun got hot and my gun got hit in the stalk and split it, but I carried it all along in the Argonne drive where I got gassed and had to lend it to some other boys in the platoon." The American doughboy is a curious bird. He wanders along most casually under shell fire, feeling — if he thinks about anything at all — that he stands as good a chance as anyone of not being hit. In the midst of what one might ordinarily consider fairly important or distracting duties all his thought is for something else. "Oh, Lieutenant, looka here," he says in the midst of an attack, pointing out some unusual bit of concrete trench in the German lines. He is more absorbed with his guess as to the number of nights someone has had to spend there in digging, than the probability of its holding a company of lurking Boches. Presently another one off on the right says, " Oh, Lieutenant, looka here." There are about seventeen fat Germans stand- ing outside a lovely dugout but all eyes are on the dugout instead of on the Germans. "Keep out of that dugout! Search 'em, cjuick," gasps the Lieutenant, fearing treachery — which they do, mindful only of the envied Luger automatic pistols they are to acquire. The prisoners are lined up, and one slightly wounded American private detailed to take them to the rear. "Come along, youse," he says, lighting up a cigarette, and making as if to start off at the head of the willing column, with the sling of his rifle over his shoulder and chest. T HE A R G O N \ I-: "Wait a moment ; I want to s] )cak to y( )U , " \flls t hv \v( )rr lieutenant, who then whispers in the cioughhox's ear, " Inw that rifle from your throat so you can use it." " Vessir. Giddap, youse Heinies!'" " Comeback here," shouts Mr. Officer once aj^'uin. " W'l the Hell do you think you're on a ])icnic? Don't turn yi back on that column! (iet behind 'em!" "Vessir, good idea," and oil he wanders. .\ strong outguard having been posted against the p()ssil)ilit\' of counter- attack in the night, and reliefs arranged, the remaining men crouch in the slime of their miserable funk holes, cursing the cold, clammy drizzle, and shiver- ing themselves into iitful sleej) under the meagre protection of an army rain- coat, gas mask slung in readiness, helmet covering one ear, rifle loaded, locked and in instant readiness. Perhaps it is arranged that two will occup)- the one hole — one man constantly on the alert, and so on down the entire line. .\t dawn they stretch their aching limbs, a warming lire not to be thought of, with no e.xpectation of a hot meal; for there are no roads as yet ojien to the pursuing cookers. Nothing in \-iew but the prospect of another day of advance. On the evening of the 27lli a determined though unsuccessful attack was launched against the strong positions on the extreme right of our line, at the ("arrefour des Meurissons. Into a pocket which the enemy had cleared out of the brush two companies unwarily advanced before meeting up with a barricade of unexpected chicken wire. Just at that moment, the machine guns opened up from three sides. Why those companies were not blown to atoms cannot be said. Night put a damper on further attempts, from which we desisted until morning, .\fter our third costly attack on this iK)int the enemy broke and ran. On the left, the Abri St. Louis fell to the Three Hundred and Fifth after four attacks. Through the Abri du Crochet and a bit l)e>-ond, the front was extended on the night of the 28th, the Regiment finding the brush even more thick almost impenetrable. For units to advance in attack formation and to keej) I)roper contact with each other was well nigh impossible. The kitchens suc- ceeded in moving up by road to the Abri, which was consoling, and carrying parties were furnished by those in support. WTiere breathes the good soldier who hasn't breathed yet more deeply at the sight of the old chow-engine, or whose magnetic hand has not at times i)ilfered a can of jam from the larrler!^ Did you ever threaten to raid the kitchen and the defending cooks with hand grenades? You certainly caused enough anxiety with your determination to congregate in their vicinity. Here was an ideal place for Regimental Headcjuarters to o])erate. When ad\ance elements first entered these ])alatial German dugouts, there lay beside the telephone a partially decoded message in German, forwarded of course with all speed to the Divisional Intelligence Department. But the real haul consisted of many bottles of "Sclzwasser" and some light wines which Lieu- A HISTORY OF THK 3 5x11 INFANTRY _ross Roads at the Abri du Crochet. tenant Puiic, being an expert on such things, decided to sample lest the un- witting Americans stumble into any trick stuff. That was the last seen of the wines. Nothing further was heard of them but the gurgle. But the Colonel's mess that night boasted of freshly cooked rabbit, fresh vegetables T H E A R C'r ( ) X \ and head lettuce, all of which had been in tlic course of i)re])aralion lor the absent Oerman dignitary's e\'ening meal. On the ist our front was extended to the left by companies of the First and Third Battalions, taking over ground ])reviously held b}- the 3ot)th, which brought them into the high, wooded ground of the Bois de la Naza, and in front of a ra\-ine which extended from the west up toward the center of the line. G, E and F Companies also went into positions on the left, and H was rushed o\-er to the extreme right flank of the Division Sector, to fill in a gap that was not closed b>- the 28th Division. The undergrowth in this jjortion of the forest was so dense that individuals could in some places with difficulty worm their way unobserved to within a few yards of the enemy b}' making extraordinari]\- careful use of cover, and by patiently a\-oiding the small clearings or traj^s cut in the forest by the Germans, where a false move would be certain to call forth enemy fire, point blank. An examination of these positions after they had been taken showed that the murderous machine gun fire which halted the advance was delivered from a line of gun pits at intervals of not more than twenty feet. During the initial advance, our men proceeded in thin lines and in combat grouj^s to the \'ery tip of these well hidden positions and were there mowed down. That troops could subsecjuentl)- push up to within a \er\- few }ards of the German gunners without detection — and likewise without being able actually to see the enemy — seems remarkable; and yet, the extreme right com{)any actually dug for protection while a searching machine gun fire sprayed through the brush, at a range of only thirty yards. It was accom- A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY LiNt 111 H iiUi. elie\ ukIkc Rciid Liiliiu ni lanes, cut through tlie tore plished only by extending into skirmish order and patiently, inch by inch, one man at a time, crawling ever closer and closer to the eneni}- until tired at point blank by the oj)posing gunners — then digging for dear Hfe. Locatioti at One Time of 1st and 3rd Bns. P. C's in Bois de la Na THE ARGOXNE 155 Both sides maintained an almost constant rifle and mac hini' gun tire, although for the most part our men failed to appreciate the demorah'zing effects of a grazing fire, taught as they were to aim at definite targets. This the enemy seemed to estimate of great \ahie, for our positions were swept b}- an almost constant fire. It can easily be understood how diflicult it was to j)romulgate orders for subsequent oi)erations, or to distribute fotxi. To pro- vide drinking water, one man would painstakingly crawl from one hole to another collecting on a stick a dozen or so canteens which he would l)ear to some point in rear. Movement or noise of any kind seemed to draw forth a raking fire of greater intensity than usual. Naturally, the runners led a precarious existence. The right companx had made an effort to swing forward the far extremity of its line, ])i\oting on the left. The air was blue with bullets. In the midst of all the hullaballoo a runner squirmed forward to the compan\' commander who at that momi-nt lay on his stomach, his gas mask slung o\er his back instead of his chest, that he might place himself just those three inches nearer the ground. Surely it must be a message of great tactical importance demanding that a soldier jeopardize his life to effect its prom]^t delivery! Breathless, wounded in the canteen, the brave lad handed over the vital message which ran like this: " Vou will send at once to Battalion Headcjuarters a man who will be detailed to attend a School for the Care and Handling of Army Asses." Constant patrolling was necessary in order to maintain the closest sort of contact, to learn at once not only of any offensive operation on the enemys' part, but also of any withdrawal or maneux'ering of their troops. Patrols of another nature were necessary, too- searching for those who failed to return. An adventure which was t\'pical of many that happened in the Bois de la Naza was that of Sergeants Tompkins and Collins, Corporal Neitziet and Private Arkman of L Company who crawled forward to within ten yards of the enemy guns, weathered the fire and the "potato-masher" hand grenades thrown in their direction, and carried to safet>- three wounded comrades who had been ambushed during an attempted advance. They were awarded the Distin- guished Service Cross. "We took Chaplain Johnson out on patrol," writes the F Compan}- scribe, "looking for snipers. One of the men salvaged a German rifle and while looking it over almost blew off the Chaplain's head. We got no snipers that time, but did get a bunch of blankets which the boys were glad to have. The Chaplain was game, and was always in the thick of it, comforting the wounded, and seeing to it that the dead got as decent a burial as possible." Both of the chaplains had plenty of work to do and contributed greatly to the maintenance of morale, during those trying days. We have seen funerals on the battle- field; we have seen funerals in French towns, magnificent with trai)pings, j)omp and professional mourners. Yet there was never one more impressive than that of Private ^Morgan of H Company, killed bj- the accidental exjilosion of hand grenades which he carried. In the first light of a chill October morning A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY [aute-Chevaiu-liee Road (LookiiiK North from Point near 3 Bn. P. C.). It was liere that the bloody attack of Oct. 5th in the Bois de la Naza took place, preceded by a barrage by twelve 3-in. and four 4-in. Stokes mortars throwing thermite and concentrated on a front of 200 yards. The battalion went through the gap thus made on either side of the road, but was held up by heavy machine gun fire and gained only an average of ISO yards. The Germans pulled out that night before any further attacks were made. The severity of this bombardment ,ind attack may well have been the cause of thu Germans' hasty retirement from this region. a group of his comrades gathered "round as the poor boy's body was interred, while his Corporal extemporaneously uttered a homely, heartfelt prayer. For the better part of four days, we strove against these positions. Artillery could not be used to advantage because of the proximity of our lines to those of the enemy and the likelihood of short bursts in the tree-tops. ■'The American Army never retreats," and those higher up would not consider for a moment withdrawing trooi)s while a sudden barrage might be laid down. We prayed for that artiller)-, but got precious little such assistance. Rifle grenades fouled in the trees. Stokes mortars were brought into play, and captured German " grenatenwerfer " w^ere used by the Mortar Platoon with damaging effect on the enemy. But, in order to register accurately, it was necessary for an observer to be on the spot — not thirty, nor fifty, nor a hundred >ards back, but within a very few yards of where the shells were calculated to land. On October 3d, such a barrage of Stokes mortars was attempted. The German fire was hea\y and incessant. Sergeant Sustick of L Company \olunteered to crawl forward to observe the effects of our fire. He therefore came not only under the fire of the enemy, but was virtually within our own mortar barrage. For that he, too, was decorated. The 2d of October brought forth a succession of bloody attacks on various parts of the line. Those in higher command could not or would not appreciate THE A R G O X X E the unspeakable difficulties of the situ;; be shattered at once. On the ,:;d, ("u]it had, under orders from autliority hig taken o\-er, man for man, ]iositions from the 306th in the Ravine de Fontaine aux Charmes, facing,' t northern slopes which came to I) known as Dead Man's Hill or Sui( id Hill. At this juncture, before an; tactical redispositionof themencouli be effected, a Marine Major had come forward in the capacity of Cor] )s Inspector to investigate the dela}-, had removed Cajjtain Eaton because his men were huddled into a ravine, and re])orted that the Three Hundred and Fifth were "soldiering" — King down on the job! This was rank injustice to a very able leader and to the jjoor devils who had been craw 1- ing around on their empty bellies for a week, seeing their comrades droj)- ping like flies. They were incensed. In the afternoon these companies under command of Captain "Bill" Mack stormed the hill. It was the same old story. F Com]:)an>- alone suffered over fifty casualties in that one afternoon. The right of the line under command of Major Harris, who was carrying on despite a broken collar-bone, attacked repeatedh- an impregnable line of machine guns. There we got artillery "support," but it fell short and must have knocked out as many of our o^\Tl men as those of the enemy. Brigadier General Wittenmyer, "Old Witt," as the bo> > affectionately called him, and fears nothing under the sun, cauK forward himself to lead the attack ii person. The dead lay thick in lh( brambles and shrubbery; tin wounded came back in dro\cs. All the casualties of that brief attack )n and demanded tha in Eaton with E, F ai ■r than the ReLrinH-: 'jht the ambulances lal fast as the dressing s )()rcs when I was in the States; I thought they w^ere a messy lot, a bunch of underweights; But if our Loot's a sample, why, I've got to change my mind — He's got the sand, the bean and go to pull us through the grind! 162 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY ^MT" % / t'l^^"- days in tlie Bois de la Xaza tlu- .Vd I'.n. 1' I lu-ld fnrtli under a few planks To be dragged out of a hell-hole, considerably the worse for wear, cold, muddy and hungrj-, and back into a sheltering ravine out of reach of the German machine guns, though not yet beyond shell fire, was great. After the first shave in ten days and a night's sleep under a stray piece of corrugated iron, what ho! — one is a man again. But some fared better even than that. "On the reverse slopes of these hills," quoting from the 77th Division History, "huge deep dugouts had been constructed — one of the famous rest areas of the German armies, where battle-worn and weary Boches were taken to fatten up and recover morale amidst amazing comforts and luxuries. On the heights above these dugouts, more pretentious abodes had been built for officers and non-commissioned officers. These were of concrete, with logs and concrete roofing, twenty feet in depth, and were ornamented to resemble Swiss chalets and Black Forest hunting lodges with peaked roofs and exterior fresco work of burnt oak. Within were oak wainscoted chambers, fitted with electric lights and running water, supplied from the power house in the valley below. Benches and tables in rustic solid oak were supplemented by plush arm-chairs and hair mattresses to cater to the comforts of weary warriors. Adjoining "Waldhaus Martha" was the bowling alley with the open-air restaurant and beer garden built above it, where once sat the onlookers, quaffing their beer, perhaps, and cheering the bowlers. Down in the ravine where the brook ran was the great concrete swimming pool, and here, also, were found spacious shower baths supplied with hot water by modern boilers and concrete fur- naces." These baths, you can bet, were put to immediate use. ARGONNE 99 00 SCALE 1-50000 Each S' to place 153d Brigade in proper position to attack. This was done, the attack launched and the objective gained. In the course of the operations a large number of prisoners, including officers of superior rank, were taken by the 153d Brigade. 2. This success, coming as it does, in the course of a campaign which has already lasted eighteen days, made under circumstances which have tested to the limit the courage and endurance of the officers and men, demonstrates once more the indomitable spirit and courage of the officers and men of this division. 3. The Division Commander, reiterating the commendation already twice made of the work of this organization by the Corj^s Commander, feels that it is indeed an honor to command such troops. Robert Alexander, Major-General, Comma)idi)ig. Transmitted to Commanding Officers 3()5th and 306th Infs. and 305th ]\I. Cr. Bn. For information. By Command of M.\jOR-CiENER.-\L Wittenmyer. E. Gary Spenxer, Captain, U. S. A., Operations Officer. H.Q. 153 Inf. Brig. 14th Oct. 10:55 P. M. The remainder of the Battalions then got their nerves severely wracked. From a ditch southeast of town it was difficult enough for Regimental Head- quarters to function, the place littered with the wounded, dying and dead, shells dropping all about from time to time. But it was even more difficult for troops to maneuver about the marshes and swamps of the Aire river-bed in which men were plastered from head to foot and their ec}uipment irretriev- ably lost, buried under showers of black mud tossed skyward by the crumping "210's." Extending its front to the west, toward nightfall, along the Grand- Pre road was another ghastly performance, rendered not a whit more delectable by the hea\y rain which fell and which continued to fall during the entire night. The troops of the Third Battalion lay in just as uncomfortable a position on the hills to the east of the town. Yet, this was one of the most happily expectant moments of our lives. The Division was to be relieved by the 78th! What did it matter if the rain came down in torrents? There was a rest a-coming. WTiat did it matter if the — say, was there anyone there so utterly miserable that he didn't feel sorr\- for the poor old 78th as it crawled into those hopeless, inadequate positions beyond St. Juvin? Didn't you feel like apologizing when you offered that slimy funk hole along the roadside to the clean, well-fed youth who came to T H E A R G O N X E take it over! Didn't you beat it, though, back through the town in the early morning light, heedless of the rain, past that shambles at the entrance to St. Juvin, past all the dead men sitting upright in funk holes along the left-hand side of the road, past the wire and the huts and meagre uprootings all along that crest, past the old dressing station and the headquarters at the ditch where you dropped off a few more men just then wounded during that \ery relief? It had been worth living through all the false rumors of relief just to realize the joy of that moment. After marching, marching, man hing all day through sloppy mud that was ankle-deep, you approached tlie old (ierman rest camp at Bouzon and Sachsenhain, far in the rear, where you would hear, thank God, only the occasional straying shell and pray that the bombing planes wouldn't come over too often. A lieutenant wrote: "I stood at the foot of the trail leading into Cam]) de Bouzon watching the stream of faces that ])assed— white, weary faces which told more eloquently than words of the utter fatigue, the ner\e-shallering strain, the loss of good comrades, the rains and the cold and the hunger of twenty-one days in the fighting^of twenty-four days in the line— of twenty- two kilos advance. Ragged, mud-caked, unshaven outcasts they seemed, scarcely able to plant one foot in front of the other, stumbling down the trail, eyes staring vacantly — hungry for sleep; bodies as hungr\- for shelter, warmth, baths and clean clothes as for hot food." They crawled into huts, or under Hill East of St. Juvin. Showing Funk Holes Dug 170 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY pieces of old corrugated iron, sank at once into a stupor, unable to sleep, — and dreamed, perhaps: Me! — a-leadin' a column! Me ! — that women have loved I Me a-leadin' a column o' Yanks an' tracin' Her name in the stars. Me that ain't seen the purple hills before all mixed in the skies. With the gray dawn meltin' to azure there; Me, that ain't a poet, growin' poetic; An' the flash o' the guns on the sky line. An' red wine — an' France! An' me laughin' — and War! .An' Slim Jim singin' a song; An' a lop-eared mule a-kickin' a limber An' axles 'thout no grease hollerin' "Maggie" at mel ]Me, that women have loved — An' War goin' on! ]\Iornin' comin'. An' me — a-leadin' a column Along o' them from the College .Along o' them from the Streets, An' them as had mothers that spiled them, and them as hadn't, — Lovin' names in the stars, An' Slim Jim singin' a song, An' folks to home watchin' 'em, too, An' Maggie, that never had loved me, lovin' me now, An' thinkin' an' cryin' for me! — For me that loved Maggie that never loved me till now. With War goin' on! Mornin' comin'. An' me — a-leadin' a column. An' a town in the \-alle3- Round the bend in the road. An' Ginger strainin' his neck An' thinkin' o' Picket Lines — An' me an' the rest o' them thinkin' o' Home and eggs down there in the village. An' Coney startin' to close at Home An' Maggie mashed in a crowd — An' me a-leadin' a column — An' War goin' on! THE argoxnp: Me that hollered for water, With a splinter of Hell in my side, Me that have laid in the sun a-cursin" the beggars an' stretchers As looked like they'd never 'a' come; Me that found (iod with the gas at my throat An' raved like a madman for Maggie, An' wanted a wooden cross over mel Me — knowin' that some '11 be ridin' that's walkin' loniglit Knowin' that some '11 never see Broadway again. An' red wine .\n' Little Italy, An' ^laggies like mine — ^le! a-murmurin' a prayer for Maggie An' stoppin' to laugh at Slim, An' shoutin', "To the right o' the road for the swoi-zant-canz!" Them babies that raises such Hell up the line. An' march in' An' marchin' by night, An' sleepin' by day, An' France, An' red wine. An' me thinkin' o' Home, Me — a-leadin' a column, — An' War goin' on I From '"Up With the Rations, and Other J'ornis," Hv John Palmer Cummint^, Seriiea>it. Supply Company. fu TniseraM/e Utile cootie ARGONNE-MEUSE CHArTER \in THE MEl'SE " Thry didift think urd do it, Intl ur did." WE heard ihc boastful Ari^^oiuic Players mv^ it in thr woods at Camp de Bouzon, and remarked nastily that we'd rather ha\e fought their kind of war. Or was it then too early for them to ha\e composed and dedicated to General Robert Alexander that modest ditty? Xo doubt at all that "when Jerr\- fell in the Argonne Wood," bot/i hv and we "got merry Hell and got it doggone good!" We Imd gone the route, and now felt sure "the big town" that was never reached would finally materialize. There was wide-open talk of an armistice. Everyone thought he had fought his last fight, that in the general order of things, before our depleted ranks could get into the line again, either the war would be over or the opposing armies would have dug in for the winter. It was growing too cold and wet for further operations; the men couldn't live through many more nights in the o])en. Even the daily drill in attack formation, the reception of replace- ments and the reorganization of combat "gangs," the incessant practice with grenades, with German "potato-mashers," with pistol, ritle and automatic and with captured German machine guns could not make all the clouds look a dark gray. The old Band was a-workin' o\ertime. The first leaves were authorized but Nobody got 'em. Although the French were of the opinion that the war was over as a result of the October campaigns. General Pershing rightly 'lowed as how the American Army was only just beginning to feel its oats. The French could call a halt if they wanted to; he was going on alone to knock the living day- lights out o' Germany and really finish the job. And the Commander in Chief seemed to feel that the 77th Division ought to be in at the finish. There was no bloodthirsty roar of eager approval when General Alexander massed the officers and non-coms, below the rostrum at Bouzon. Though we would like to have posterity think us a bunch of fire-eaters, with insatiable appetites for more and bigger conflagrations, we cannot truthfully den>' that gloom was abroad. However, if the General wanted to "smash the hinges," the 77th Division and the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry could still put weight behind its sledge-hammer. The sun shone beautifully on the 30th of October, making the overcoat seem a useless addition to the combat pack as the Regiment hiked north; but that was about the last good effort he put forth until the following spring. He gave up the fight, completely. The bulk of the Regiment lay cjuartered that night in IMartincourt Farm, south of St. Juvin and the River Aire, daring the Boche to wipe them out completely with his artillery, which he could ha\'e 174 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY IX Pierres, East of St. Ju lies lay low during the Ilea In funk holes dotting the hillsides, L and M Coiiipa- boinbardment preceding the jump-off, Nov. 1. done without batting an eye, but which he didn't. The Third Battalion, that morning, took over a line running northeast from St. Juvin to St. Georges, Over this "artillery" bridge, constructed by the 302d Engineers to supplant the one background, destroyed, our last hot meal was rushed up from Marcq and Martincourt Fa before the jump-oflf at St. Juvin, Nov. 1. THE MEUSK from units of the 78th and -'s attack was reached may be fairly laid to the fact that our Regiment had to advance along the main north and south road and, as was natural, that the enemy had put there his strongest resistance. But with the daylight of November 2d, it was found that the bird had flown. For a couple of hours, the advance was held up while our cannon playfully threw into Champignculle all their suq^lus ammunition left over from the day before — the time when it had been really needed. Only here and there was found and potted a hapless Boche who hadn't been al)le to sprint fast enough on the way through \'erpel to Thenorgues where the Regiment dug a defensive position in a pouring rain — not so much facing the north as the west; for the 78th was far in the rear, leaving our llank exposed. There, however, G Company would have had their hrst hot coffee had not some poor, witless, bone-headed boob tipped o\er the marmite can! Oooh! He was ]ioiuilar. Yet one need really never dcsjiair, either in camp or on the battle-field, when men sa\-, "When do we eat?" for it is quasi-humorous and really means, "We'd be tremendously happy boys if the chow were to be ^^ handed out this minute." Even when men are des-W" perately hungrj-, it betrays a persistent good humor, patience, \itality and a tenacity of purjiose. It is .so with the struggling infantryman A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY pushing on through the forest in the face of enemy machine guns, or when hastily digging a funk hole, weathering shell fire, cursing the rain and the mud or bailing out a trench. It is so with the wear}- doughboy coming back from a relief, or with the machine gunner bent beneath the ungodly weight of a tripod, stumbling over a drunken duck-board, groping for his file leader in the ap- palling darkness, slipping and sliding on narrow forest paths. It is so when he falls at last comparatively safe into a ravine, though the first of his four days of promised rest has been consumed in marching from the lines to the back areas through almost impassable mud; though the second day of the "rest" be spoiled by having to move in the rain from Camp de Bouzon over the hills to Camp Sachsenhain; though the third day be ruined by having to tramp — again in the rain and overwhelming mud — clear back to Yarennes for a cjuestionably efficient bath ; though the socks so lovingly put together by the Auxiliary are slow in arriving, and the letters from home are not promptly delivered. Just at the point where a Bolshevik inight la}- down his arms and refuse to pla\- any more a crisis is averted by the simple words, "Hey, when do we eat?" The foot race was resumed, the other Brigade leading the way through Buzancy, Bar and Harricourt. The towns flew by so fast that the panting doughboys howled for rest, stopping not even long enough really to enjoy a chunk of bully beef and half a succulent cabbage snatched in passing from the Franco-German war gardens. Ever test the refreshing efJects of raw cab- bage leaf? Nibble a piece of it while hastening to the office some morning; see if it doesn't cjuench your thirst, your thought, your ardor and everything else. t t X- A HISTORY OF THE ,U)5th INFANTRY "Alexander's Rag-Time Band" was on its last legs. The rapid advance over rough ground was little more than a route-march in attack formation, with little food, little rest and spasmodic bursts of intense shell fire. A touch of gas flung over the first day was gradually claiming its victims; men were dropping from sheer exhaustion, bronchitis and disappointment. Units had great difficulty in keeping contact, while runners cursed the day they were born, and signal men romped all o\er the place in an effort to tie up the various elements fore and aft with wire. Colonel Lewis Morey, w'ho prior to the attack had taken over command of the Regiment when our good old Colonel Smedberg was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, was gen- erally with the front line troops, making his P. C. in a shell hole, a battered house or his motor car — switching the lights on momentarily, perhaps, by which to read a map, then opening the throttle wide to escape the sudden flock of shells seeking to perch on the tip of the radiator. In Fontenoy and St. Pierremont, there was time for a breathing spell, while the 154th Brigade took up the forward line — though men of the Second Battalion, who huddled into a tremendous railroad cut through which the 3()8th Infantry passed in single file all during the day of the 4th, will tell you that the shelling which enemy observers of the movement directed into their snug retreat was no joke. They buried good comrades there, and wondered how shells could land upon the very rails and not kill off all the men who flopped in the adjacent ditches. More shelling overtook the long columns of the Third and Second Bat- talions as they snaked northward, all day long, in single file through the Bois ARGON NE-MEUSE THE M E U S E de St. Pierremont, pasl La Polka farm, wIktc a number lie l)urif(l wlio fell when a dozen "H. E.'s" scored direct hits. It was as l)lack i)itcii and raininj^ cats and dogs when they emerged uiton the east and west road near l.e Cen- driere Farm and dug into the sochk-n road hank for the most miserahk- niglit of their lives. Dig in! The rifle was many times on the point of Ix'ing discarded in favor of an extra shovel. If New York ever wants to build another subway, the Three Hundred and P'ifth can furnish enough expert exca\-ators to finish the job in a week or so. A word of advice to those who visit a friend in the suburbs over a week end: master the habit of months sjjcnt under the magic sjoell of pick and shovel. Don't be found in your evening clothes digging a funk hole on the front lawn; use the bed your host provides. Wlien his little boy touches off a fire cracker under your chair, don't yell "Down," and lloj) on the floor. WTien upon the links, don't ])oint out a good position for thi' night in the lee of some bunker. ( )n the other hand, if the ordinary comforts of home begin to lose their charm, select some nice rainy afternoon lor the resurrection of your old haversack from the cellar. If you haven't the haxer- sack, strap a bag of meal upon your shoulders; take an old shot gun, a bag of rocks, a can of salmon, an em])t)- flask, a crazy (juilt and no umbrella; walk ten miles out into the country; dig a gra\T, lie down in it and tiy to fall asleep before it fills to the rim with water. If b\- morning you haven't shi\ered yourself into a state of thanksgiving for the blessings of peace, sta\- there. You won't deserve even the old brass bed and the cracked water pitcher in the little hall room. At Cros* Roads, E.ist Entrance to St. riorremoi a temporary P. C. in his motor car, a bulle A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Chaplain J(ihnson paints a vivid picture of that night at Le Cendriere: "In the tirst arduous laps of the march, a sturdy private produced a burlap bag out of which he rolled three two-pound cans of beef, a like number of jam, two cans of sardines, some condensed milk, considerable prunes— and was almost murdered for his great wealth. He invariably staggered under such a load of food that the observant eye was confounded. Thanks to him and his peculiarities many weary, hungry men had often tasted food when thev could reasonably have expected none — and this hap])ened with a fre- quency which begot expectancy. "To the superficial observer, this bounty should seem to have depleted his store but to one knowing him, it was plain, on close inspection, that in addition to the complete equipment of the soldier, there hung from one shoulder a sack tied in the middle with bulging ends; from the other a two- quart German can; and through the tight lacings of his haversack peeped a bright can or two. "The day was well nigh spent and wrapped in drizzling rain. The trail was narrow, sUppery and interminable in its windings. Angry tree trunks seemed unrelenting in their opposition; saplings struck out in smart revenge for one's brushing them. FeUed trees must be scrambled over in the trj'ing darkness which came on quickly. But the wean,- column struggled through the wretched way. finally emerging upon an open road. In a veritable down- pour the troops dug meagre protection from the incessant shelling, in the sodden banks. THE iMEUSK Le CcndriiTe Farm. P. C. of 3rd and 2iiil '^e civilians encountered by tin ' _'-'. ''Near the lines of weary, wet men, who lay on the roadside for the ni^^ht, were a few farm buildings. A long, narrow cow stable sf[ueezed between two dwellings was tilled with wounded men who had been there all dav without Regimental P. C. at La Besace. Whither French Women and CliiUlren Kuslietl fr Protection During Shell-fire. ]j<4 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY succor. In another building lay more wounded, hungry and suffering. The farm was in total darkness except for one small room crowded with men and officers, some of whom were lying asleep, others standing or sitting as best they could, a few bending over the tattered battle maps upon a table. "Suddenly there spread through ever>' building in the place the words, ' There's Ratti ! ' bringing new life and cheer. That old burlap bag and the German two-ciuart can furnished ever}' wounded soldier a mess of steaming rice and all the coffee he wanted. Everyone had something out of it." By some miracle of mules and persuasion the cookers had come up over badly mined and muddy roads to a point behind La Besace, to which point some were fortunate enough to be allowed to repair at dawn — in the unceasing downpour. Then through La Besace which was a sea of mud, there finding the liberated civilians grouped ecstatically in the streets, the Third Battalion followed by the rest of the Regiment took up the advance again and plunged sharply eastward into dense woods, m the direction of the Meuse. On the 6th their advance was continued, now supported by the First Battalion which had been under command of INIajor Frank Sloane since the 1st. Would the Boche never make a stand? Even a fight would have saved us that everlasting hike! The Commander of the First Army Corps evidently appreciated the rapidity of the advance : He-^^dquarters 77th Division American E. F. 6th November, 1918. General Orders No. 36. I. The following is published for the information of this Command: "964/03 Headquarters 1st Army Corps Nov. 6, 1918. "From: C. G. 1st Armv Corps, U. S. To: C. G. 77th Division, U. S. Subject: Commendation. "1. The following telegram just received from the Commanding General, 1st Army, is repeated for your information. "Widewin'G, Nov. 5-6, Commanding General, 1st Coqis. "Number 238, see G. S. The army commander desires that you be informed of his full appreciation of the excellent work done by your corps during the last three days. He realizes fully the special efforts exerted and spirit that has prompted the troops of your command during these operations. The rapidity of the advance notwithstanding hostile opposition has been remarkable and prevented the enemy from reorganizing. The result has been to force the enemy back on his whole front. The army commander desires that you transmit his congratulations and appreciations to the troops of your command for this work. — Drum." wmct'mmti'f^m 'a "c •"•3 ii E J_ i iilx: THE ME USE "2. To the foregoing the ("orps Commander desires to record his warm rongraUilations and a])i)reeialion of the work done by the divisions of the Coi-])s. "3. He desires that the forcgoinj;; commendation l)e communicated to all concerned, including especially tlie engineers, signalmen, sup])ly and laborer troops, without whose splendid efforts the results obtained could not have been accomplished. By command of Major (kneral Dickman, Mai.ix Craic, Cliirf of Sldlf." 2. In publishing the above high commendation for the work done Ijy the oflicers and men of the 1st Army Corps, I wish to e.N])rcss m\- jjersonal gratitude for the untiring and successful efforts made b}- all ollicers and men of this Division, especially since this Division alone remains in the line of those present at the beginning of the general operation November 1st. In the face of the greatest difficulties caused by continuous rains, enemy demoli- tions, and active resistance, this Division has pushed forward magnificently, overcoming all obstacles met in our advance. It is no exaggeration to say that this Division has taken more ground and material from the enemy since September 26th than any other Division in the American Army, and j)robably more than any other Division in any allied Army in this period. Without the most strenuous exertions and the most loyal co-operations on the part of the entire Division — officers and men^ the results secured would have been impossible. 3. I desire especially to commend the conduct of the attached units, viz.: 12th Aero Scjuadron; 2d Balloon Company, Co. G, 53d Pioneers; and the 506th S. S. U. Section. Robert Alex-^ndkr, Major-Gcncral Co»imd}idiiig. It was expected that troops of the Third Battalion could do no more by the night of the 6th than to occupy the heights west of the INIeuse, sending patrols through Autrecourt and to the river. But the entire L Company, willing to undertake 'most anything in their quest of food, was joyously received by the inhabitants of Autrecourt that night, and it may have been due to its great capacities that these civilians had to be rationed immediately after the 11th by the Americans. K Company sent a platoon into Mouzcn and to Villers-devant-Mouzon. The remainder of the Regiment pulled into the former town, footsore and weary on the afternoon of the 7th, expecting to go on, for so read the orders. Engineers at \'illers were having the Devil's own time erecting a bridge, under machine gun fire and shelling of ever-increasing intensity, to oppose which, K Company sent two platoons across, holding them there until nightfall. The First Battalion was rushed to the scene to cover the building o])erations, while other elements scouted the towns for raft and bridge building materials. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY \'illers became a hell-hole, with its constant shelling, the deadly machine gun fire and its blood. Yet A Company, all its officers lost and its ranks sadly depleted, succeeded in getting two platoons across, relieved the tired \'illers-devant- 77th Div. to THE MEUSE troops of K and routed out oncm}- guns, sullering terribly the while. On the next day it was considered a needless sacrifice to hold this bridge head, the troops being withdrawn some to the heights and others into shelter in the towns, where only occasional shelling took place as though forbidden ])\ some previous arrangement with the inhabitants, and where there was food. The night of the "Hh found troops of the Second Battalion struggling through the woods far to the left, taking over positions of the 307th, the First maintaining its occupanc\- of the right front. I-'or the Division was extending its front to the north and west to a point almost within sight of Sedan. There were rumors of relief — there had been, constantly; it was certainly due. There would have been gnashing of teeth could the plodding doughbo\-s, then almost ready to w^eep from exhaustion and exposure, ha\e known that an order was already started on its way (fortunately killed) for the 77th to take over the positions on the extreme left where the 42d had in the last few days relieved the 78th. As it was, they had to go through the formalit}- of maintaining a strong outpost line, patrolling the wide front, though their eves had taken on a stupid stare. " Stay with it, boys. The rations will be coming along in cjuantity soon. But in the meantime, feed on this, drawing whatever consolation vou can from the last three lines of the second paragraph:" Headquarters 77th Division American E. F. November 10th, 1918. General Orders No. 37. 1. The following General Order of the 1st Arm}- is published for the information of all concerned: "After constant fighting for over one month, the 1st American Armv launched an attack against the German Army which had established itself for determined resistance. In five days it had penetrated 25 kilometers and had driven the enemy in retreat before it. Its brilliant success, in connection with the 4th French Army on its left, forced the Germans to retreat on a broad front. This Army has fought and marched and endured the rigors of campaign with the most superb indift'erence to everything except the deter- mination to go forward and im]>rint upon the enemy the mark of its courage and resolutions. "All arms and services of those in advance wht) smashed the way, inclu- ding those in the air who rendered aggressive and meritorious ser\ice, and those in the rear who, b>- their untiring industry made possible the continued advance, are worthy of the highest praise and gratitude of their admiring country. The Army Commander is proud of such an army; he thanks it for A HISTORY OF THE ,U)5th INFANTRY \■illeri-devant-^^ n, Reached bv the 305th Inf. the splendid results already achieved and looks with confidence to the still greater successes that lie before it." By Command of Major-Gener.al Alexander. C. O. Sherrill. Colonel, G. S., Chief of Staff. Official: Louis B. Gerow, Adjutant-General, Division Adjutant. What greater success could lie before anyone at this point than to find a roof, to build a fire, and lie almost on top of it? The world is dark at five o'clock. At ten you and your bunkies take turns rubbing each other to keep warm. You cover your head with the blanket so as not to waste the warmth expelled from your lungs; enough fresh air can get through the pores of that blanket anyhow. The sentr}- you are due to relieve awakens you at dawn. The frost is on the pumpkin — er, that is, it would be, if there were any pump- kin. But if there had been any wild pumpkin roaming about loose, it would have been caught and eaten raw, long since. Under the lee of the steep hill- sides which defilade this position from intermittent artillery fire, the grass is pure white. And so are the long ravines and the steep slopes leading down into the river mists and over to the enemy Hnes at Ablimont — where Lieutenant MacDowell and Sergeant Earth have been prowling about, three kilos deep into the enemy system, gaining information at the risk of their lives; Barth, with his knowledge of German parleying successfully in the dark with enemy sentries; both deserving the Distinguished Service Cross, but only the officer T H E M !■: I' s !•: getting it. Sergeant, you too sliould have l)een decorated, ^■<)ur citation appears in the "icebox" at the back of the book, along with a host of otlier deserving recommendations. For the moment, there is peaceful silence, just as if the war were over — only the hushed voices of half-frozen men. I'Or the most i)art, it is a silence of utter e.xhaustion. Occasionally, the short little words, "When do we eat?" Those last days were terribly hard. We had never had any play days, no real rest or recreation — under shell lire and worse practically since June 2()th. Time and again it had been rumored and actually announced by comi)etent authority that NOW the 77th was to get a rest! But ahva>s, there had been just one more pressing job for the 77th to do. Over four months in the line! An ad\ance of thirty-se\eii kilometers since November 1st. An advance of tifty-nine kilometers since September 26th, under tire all the way! The men were fatigued when they began their advance of November. Losses had been hea\'y, particularly on that first day. Jerry had pulled out so fast that wean,' troops could not catch him. The frightfully torn condition of the ground, the abandoned ordnance, limbers and wagons and the slain horses, from which half starved civilians had hastily cut the steaks, attested the murderous work of our long-range and lighter artiller\- which had ])revented the Boche from re-setting his pieces into jiosition, and which had made such a rapid advance possible. That, and sheer grit. The troops had far (>utstri])pe(l the suppl\- trains. One of the chiefest difficulties of the Argonne-Meuse Offensixe had been the inadecjuacy of the roads. What there were had been bombed and mined to f)ieces by the retreating Boches. Of course, it would ha\e been different jj«^.v-^rf^ Autrecourt, Looking Toward tl Across tlie Mcuse River. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Capt. C.ariur Worn liy the truck full of hay. On the hay rode tail coat, and stove-pipe hat, carrying a child that he l)elon''ed to the 6th I)i during these last days, had it been known that newspapers were first screaming, "Peace," and then, "Fake," as early as the 8th. WTiile little old New York was rehearsing its part for Monday the 1 1th, the innocent doughboy was still plodding his weary way along the heights of the Mciise, em])ty of food, but full of rumor rumor of the relief which didn't come. A thrilling order had once been re- ceived announcing in Paragraph No. 1 that the First Army Corps to which the 77th then belonged would be at once relieAed by the Fifth Army Cor|:>s; in Paragraph No. 2 it went on to say that the 77thDivision was thereby transferred to the Fifth Army Corps! But to offset this. Buck had a buddy who was a runner at Brigade. The runner had been back in St. Juvin and had sure dope. He had seen a strange supply doughboy dressed in a civilian swallow- pink parasol. .\nd Jir said — THE M E U S E Here was news, indeed. About to be relieved by a bale of ha\- and a ])ink parasol! As a matter of fact, the 6th was hastening from the rear: but it had been unable to catch uji. ("onseriuentlv, the rumor died. " Veah, same oldlnill!" On the night of the 10th, the Second Battalion's total of a hundred and fifty-two effective men were outposting the Meuse from Villers to the Pont de Garde. The 'phone jangled nervously; G Comi)an}' was ordered out as a combat patrol over the river at Villers, and the scout officer with his crew and a reel of wire in the hands of the signal men ran a phone over the bridge to the old mill on the German side. The Battalion was in readiness to cross the river for an attack at any minute. Then, at midnight, a mysterious call from headquarters, not to act upon the information sought and to withdraw the ]Kitrols! At dawn. Battalion Headquarters lay shivering in its funk-hole. Some- where under the Adjutant's right shoulder blade the telephone rang again. It must have been a tremendous message; for not until the Staff had heard it repeated a number of times did its full import sink into his cranium; where- upon he (the Staff), his telephone, his entire equipment and the roof of the bi\-vy fell with an ecstatic crash upon the Battalion Commander's neck. Headquarters First Army Corps American Expeditionary Forces 11, November, 18. ( General Order No. 17. 2. An armistice with (iermany has been signed. All hostilities cease at 1 1 Hour, 1 1 November. All communication with the enemy is forbidden pending delinite and detailed instructions to the contrary. The fact must be emphasized in no uncertain manner that the present state of affairs is an armistice only and not a peace, and that there must be no rela.xation of vigilance on the jiart of your command. .\dvantage will be taken of the occasion to rehabilitate cqui])menl, push training and prepare troops for furllier operations at any instant demanded by the situation. .\\\ unit commanders will take special steps to insure a high state of dis- cijiline, and to this end division, brigade, regimental, battalion and smaller 192 A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY unit commanders will personally inspect organizations daily with a \iew to reporting their units equipped, trained and ready for service. By command of AIajor-Gener.\l Dickman. Malin Craig, ChieJ of Staff Official: W. A. Haverfield, Liciit.-Colond, A. G. D. The Armistice was a reality I There never was such a celebration as the one which ensued. No. There was very little noise. There were no horns to blow, no cow-bells to ring, no strangers to pound on the back, no jobs to cjuit, no holiday. All such nonsense is for silly, civilized people who live in houses and work when not celebrating. The few men who were still in their holes — one could never keep the American doughboy under co\er where he belonged — got out and stretched; stretched the kinks out of their rheumatic limbs. But wait! It was not yet eleven, and there was to be no forward move- ment of troops after that hour. Under cover of the mist, Martin snaked his telephone back to the mill, crossing the rickety bridge at ten-fifty, while the Boches took their last devilish fling at him with their artillery. The men not on actual outpost duty were dragged forward into a couple of luxurious cow- sheds, where the reserve cans of Corned Willie were cracked oj^en with festive cheer and a bayonet. Oh — it should be said that the first thing they did was to build real, honest-to-God fires — big ones, hot ones such as they hadn't seen for weeks, calculated to take the chill out of one's marrow in no time at all. And lights at night, a whole row of them, without fear of calling down the aerial bombs and "whizz-bangs." Ever since we'd been in France, we had longed for the comfort of lights at night. Here they were, not only on our side of the river, but on the enemy's. "Oh, I say, when do we really eat?" 297 36 99 300 01 OZ 03 305 06 07 08 30a C HAPTKR IX THE HARDEST BATTLE OF THE WAR ^^ ¥ T.\,hal Thought I'd die laughing. Remember those last lew shells I I the\- sent over? Well, one of them landed ])retty near to 'Mess- Kit's' funk hole, an' just when one lit, I cracked ol' 'Mess-Kit' on the dome with a rock. He thouglil he was hit an' }'elled somepin awful. 'I'm hit; first aid! first aid!'" "Hey there, don't bunch up!" ''Five ])ace intervals." "Fall out on the right and dig in!" ''Put out that light!" A smile shone through the dirt>', bearded faces as you sy)rang all those old wheezes during the night march back through Raucourt to St. Pierremont, where you couldn't sleep even on a nice, soft board now that the guns were silent. You promptly stuffed those corking Kentucky men, who joined us there, full with the stories of how you won the war. Well, you helped. The Di\-ision of which you were a part feels that when General Pershing addressed to the First, Third and Fifth Corps his Oeneral Order No. 232, he was not unmindful of the work of the 77th: G. H. Q. American Expeditionary Forces France, Dec. 19, 1918. General Orders, No. 232 It is with a sense of gratitude for its s])lendid accomplishment, which will live all through history, that I record in General Orders a tribute to the victory of the First Army in the Aleuse-xArgonne battle. Tested and strengthened by the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient, for more than six weeks you battered against the pivot of the enemy line on the western front. It was a position of imposing natural strength, stretch- ing on both sides of the Meuse River from the bitterly contested hills of Verdun to the almost impenetrable forest of the Argonne; a position, more- over, fortified by four years of labor designed to render it impregnable; a position held with the fullest resources of the enemy. That position you broke utterly, and thereby hastened the collapse of the enemy's military power. Soldiers of all the divisions engaged under the First, Third and Fifth Corps— the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 7th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 32d, 33d, 35th, 37th, 42(1, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82d, 89th, 90th and 91st— you will be long remem- bered for the stubborn persistence of your progress, your storming of obsti- nateh- defended machine gun nests, your penetration, yard by yard, of woods and ravines, your heroic resistance in the face of counter attacks supported by powerful artillery fire. P'or more than a month, from the initial attack of September 26th, you fought your way slowly through the Argonne, through the woods and over hills west of the Meuse; you slowly enlarged your hold I'U A HIS T O R ^' () I H I X F A N T R Y on the Cotes de IMeuse to the east; and then, on the first of November you cleared the entire left bank of the IMeuse south of Sedan, and then stormed the heights on the right bank and drove him into the plain beyond. Your achievement, which is scarcely to be equalled in American history, must remain a source of proud satisfaction to the troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The American people will remember it as the realization of the hitherto potential strength of the American contribution toward the cause to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater reward for a soldier or for a soldier's memory. This order will be read to all organizations at the first assembly formation after its receipt. John J. Pershing, General, Commander in Chief, Ameriean Expeditionary forces. Official: Robert C. Davis, Adjiilant-General. In his first com])lete report to Secretary of War Baker, the Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces said in part: "The strategical goal which was our highest hope was gained. We had cut the enemy's main line of communications and nothing but surrender or I an armistice could save his army from complete disaster." I , ^ Of those who went on leave at that critical // ^r^J juncture, is there one who doesn't now credit ij:5s|^^^g^ himself with being a wise old owl, having es- caped one of the hardest hikes in history? There ^^ is another order which carries the memor\- back over those nine days of hiking from St. Pierre- mont to the sea of mud in the Chaumont area; over the ground so bitterly contested during ^- ■" the two months just past ; over a dinnerless Thanks- giving and well beyond the rumor which would have placed "* you on the water by December 10th; over the stiff rebukes you sustained for bellowing derisively, "Who won the war? The M. P.'s!! Who laid down the barrage? The Y. M. C. A. ! ! " HE.A.DQUARTERS 77tH DIVISION American E. F. December 1, 1918. Memorandum: The 77th Division has taken part in the campaign which has just closed; a campaign which with its successful termination marks the end of the war I' 1 1 1-; H A R I) E s r H A r i" l I'. ( ) I' I' H I ; w a k 1 05 in which we ha\X' Ijccn cnt^a^cd so far as iht' imnu'diatc active operalidns art' concerned; with cre(Hl to itself and ri'sultinj,' ])rot'it to our country and our cause. The Dixision in tiie |)ast tiiret' months of its history has nolhint,' whale\er lor which to apologize, ll has carried out the missions intrusted to it and has possessed at all times the aggressive spirit essential to success in war. We are now about to enter u])on another phase of our service as soldiers of the United States. That phase invokes a continued readiness i"or such oy)erations as may become necessary in the future. Ihis invokes improve- ment in our knowledge of the finer techni([ue of the military ])rofession so that even should no active operations now ensue, each olTicer and man of this Division will carry back with him into civil life such knowledge of his service as a soldier as will render him, individually, as trainer and commander, most available to the country in the e\ ent of another emergency. With this pur])ose in view the Division is now to go into a |)eriod of training. It must have been e\ident to all that our success in the operations in which we have been engaged has t)een due in great measure more lo the aggressive spirit of our officers and men than to our knowledge of the fuier technique of the military profession. .As a consccjucnce of this, whiU- we ha\ e been successful, while we ha\-e accom])lished the results which superior authority has expected of us, we ha\e at the same time ])robabl\ ])aid more dearly for that success than should ha\e been the case had our training been further advanced. The Division Commander therefore expects that a real- ization of our deficiencies in the finer technicjue of training will suffice to keej) our hearts in the work which lies before us. The Division now has an excellent reputation; it is our duty and our j)rivilege to demonstrate, during the period of training ujion which we are about to enter, that that rei)utation is founded not merely upon the evanescent success of battle where we have the e\c itinient of combat to keep us keyed uj) to the jiroper ]iitch, but that we also jiossess that steadfastness of heart and determination which will cause us to do our best under any concHtions which confront us. The Division Commander is convinced that we do possess those ((ualities of steadfastness and determination and that no criticism can be made against us on that score. Those who will observe us will ])ass judgment uyion the outward marks of discipline and instruction. As a matter of fact no other standard is ]K)ssible. Those outward indications are: jiromptness and smartness in saluting, neat- ness and cleanliness in dress and erjuipment, good condition of animals, and cleanhness and good order around billets and cantonments. The Division Commander is convinced that all will endeavor to set an exam])le in these items and thus maintain, during the period of training set before us. the high esteem which the Dixision has won in combat so that we may return lo our homes, when the i)roper lime comes for such return, retaining that esteem as A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Copyright by Commilire on I'ltblic In/ormalinn Maj.-Gen. Robt. Alexander and Staff, 77th Div. Front row, left to right: Col. J. R. R, Hannay. Gen. .Alexander, Brig.-Gen. E. M. Johnson, Lt.-Col. C. Garlington. Back row : Lt.-Col. John- son, Lt.-Col. Lewis Morey (later Commanding- 305th Inf.). Capt. F. N. Insinger, Lt. A. de Cop- pett. Lt, R. H. Whiton, Capt. A. M. Wolff', Capt. E. S. Haile. the result of a demonstrated ability to do our full duty not only in combat but under any and all circumstances. Robert Alexander, Major-General, Commanding. The above memorandum will be read to all organizations at the first formation after its receipt. By Command of Major-General Alexander. M. W. Howze, Acting Chief of Staff. Distribution down to include companies, •'Now that we've won the war, they're trying to make soldiers out of us," wailed the everlasting critic in the ranks. When not pushing through the thickest woods on the rainiest days, surrounding some "greaseball" banging on a canteen with a rock as you should have surrounded machine guns in the Argonne, you were climbing a hill to the happy drilling grounds or were on ona weird, all-day maneuver at the other end of the Province Haute-Marne THE HARDEST BATTLE OF THE WAR l')7 where someone was probably trying to justify the action of tlie "Lost Bat- talion." At three-thirty a runner found you and the rest of your imaginary unit in the middle of a wilderness, with the iheerful message that tlie ])rol)lem had been called off at twelve-fifteen. In the Httle towns of Autreville, X'aldelancourt, St. Martin, La \'ille- neuve and Alontheries, now in command of Cotoiu'l Raymond Sheldon, the first and never-ending duty was to clean up, to remove the aforementioned indices to ci\"ilian wealth and position as discussed in the Lorraine ("ha])ter; ne.xt, to ])olice yourselves and remain ])oliced despite the mud and the shortage of clothes; then, to dodge the Cor])sand Di\ision inspectors or to satisfy them on all the little points listed in the ])ami)hlet. It was difficult enough to please them. In the words of the Regular Army men : "These Reserve Officers are nice enough boys. They mean well ; but they don't know — they just don't kiiow. Yet they are being paid " Here the Reserve Oflicer feels like remarking caustically: "Yes, a short while ago we were earning far more than the one-sLxty-sLx, sLxty-seven, whereas those who are now getting much more, were then earning the one-sixt_\--sLx, sLxty-seven." An inspector approaches a company commander; he sa\s nothing. "'Mornin', sir," says the captain, saluting punctiliously. "Well? Is that the way you address yourself to an insjiector?" "Reckon it is, sir," drawls the captain, smiling in real Southern fashion. "Tell me who you are," imperiously. " Cap'nClarkcommandingCompanyE305thInfantry ! " "Very good. Now let me see one of your billets." Inspector and in- spected walk olT in tremulous silence. "\\Tiat is this doing here?" The inspector kicks a pile of blankets lying in a corner. "Look out there 1" whines a feeble voice as its tousled owner peers from beneath the blankets, hastily covers his head in mortification, unco\ers it again and makes as if to salute. "Why aren't you drilling?" "'Cause I'm sick." "Wliat's the matter with you?" "I dunno, sir." "Did you rejwrt on Sick Call last night?" "No, sir." "Why didn't you?" "'Cause I wasn't sick then." Having ascertained that the American Army is in good health, the in- spector moves olT to another part of town. "Show me the nearest kitchen," he says to a member of the neighboring comj^any; the latter, being a man of infinite resource and sagacity, conducts the officer to a kitchen behind the Chateau. "Whose kitchen is this?" growls the inspector. "It's the filthiest thing I've ever seen!" A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY Brig.-Gen. Michael J. Lenihan and Staff. lS3d Inf. Brig. Lower row. left to right: Maj. D. T. McLoughlaii. 1st Lt. H. Grose. Brig.-Gen. Lenihan, 1st. Lt. R. D. Boberg. Maj. B. Martin. Upper row: 1st Lt. D. Park, 1st Lt. \V. M. Phipps. 1st. Lt. F. D. Sanford. "That's the Colonel's Mess," grins the adroit youth, who can hardly conceal his gloating satisfaction. "Take me to your company commander!" orders the dignitary; where- upon the aforesaid Intelligent Youth conducts Inspector to the company's best looking billet, excuses himself and hastens to warn the captain, who reports in haste. The first captain interviewed has already tipped otT the other as to the proper mode of address; consequently the preliminaries are quickly over. "Where is the sign which should aj^pear on the door of the billet stating how many are (|uartere(l here and who is in charge?" "The rain must have washed it off. sir," hoping that the other billets willnot be inspected. "These beds are pretty crowded. .\re the men sleeping as prescribed?" "Yes, sir; nose to — er, head to foot, sir. I inspect the billets every night." "That underwear should not hang in the sleeping quarters." "It must dry somewhere, sir." "Don't dry it in the sleeping quarters. Set aside one of your rooms for a sort of laundry. Put a stove in it, and keep it hot." THE HARDKS'l" HAI Tl.K O I' FHE WAR 1')') "Sir, (.'ver\- availal)le room is used for sleeping purj^oses. This is a mighty poor town. The Mayor cannot give us another inch of space. Besides, no stoves have been issued. This is the only fireplace in the building; but then, the issue of fuel is so meagre that it all goes to the kitchen lires. These clothes dry out a little during the day, and are further dried by whate\er sort of lire the men can scrape together at night." (They steal the wood.) "Mv bov," begins the inspector, feeling that he approaches the point where he can jnill the fa\'orite old Army gag and ])ass the buck; "don't say it can't be done. That word is not in our dictionary. Now, the real soldier, the real officer, is the one who utilizes every means at his dis])osal to accom- plish his object. When the proj)er materials are not forthcoming, he must exercise his ingenuity and initiati\e. He takes e\en the old tin can from the— Have your men shower baths?' Then take a number of tin cans, ])unch holes in the bottom and " The Company Commander begins to get a little red beiiind the ears, for lie hates to be calJed down before e\en the lew men who haiiixn to be sick in ([uarters, and sileiitlx follows llie rasping vokv of the insiuTtor through the building into the _\ard. "That pit is full of water. Dig a new one." "That pit has just been dug, sir. The ground about here is so low and the rains so constant that " "Oh, I know. We had all those very same things to contend with in the Fhilijipines. It can be done somehow. Do you hang a lantern in that door- way at night?" "No, sir. There have been no lanterns issued, and we cannot buy them even with the company funds. The Supply Company can issue no oil for the few lam{)S we'\-e obtained from the civilians. Twelve candles are issued each da>- for two hundred and fifty men; but most of them have to be used in the Orderly Room, where the work is going on far into the night." "Do you maintain at the kitchen the two barrels of boiling water, one soa])y and' the other clear, and another of cold water, for the men to wash their mess kits in?" "No, sir. We haven't been issued the (1. i. cans; and besides, there is only enough fuel to cook the food with." ■'Have you anj- recreation room, where the men can read at night.-'" " I should say we haven't, sir. .\s I said before, all the available rooms are used for the billeting. There are no books in town; there are no candles by which to read— if the men felt like doing anything after a hard day of drill but rush to the warm saloon. There is a Y. M. C. A. hut with a dirt floor and no ecjuipment. Sir, I felt a few minutes ago that }-ou did me a great injustice, calling me down before m_\' men. I admit I haven't been in the service quite two years; but I've been in it long enough to know that I'm sick and tired of this 'passing the buck I'" He ho])es the inspector has a sjxirk of human sym])athy left, after the rigors of the Philippines. "What do you mean— passing the buckl" This indignantly. 200 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY "Sir, I mean just that. I am ordered to do things without the necessar>' wherewithal. If the Army really wanted those things done, it would supply the equipment, instead of passing the buck. I am the only officer on duty now with this company. I am ordered to attend Reveille and to conduct in person the ten minutes setting up exercise preceding it. I am ordered to be at the kitchen to inspect the serving of all meals; I am ordered to inspect the billets before drill. I drill all morning, rain or shine, as the orders require. I inspect the noon meal. I drill in the afternoon, inspect the guard detail, and perhaps perform the duties of the Officer of the Day. I stand Retreat. I conduct the non-com. 's school for another hour. I inspect the evening meal, and then attend to all the foolish orders which arrive at night. In the mean- time, I have to live, and am recjuired to be neat in appearance at all times. I am held personally responsible for equipment, the cleanliness, the health and happiness of this company. And yet I am told to do fooHsh things with tin cans! The men aren't happy. They have miserable quarters and get too much bully beef. .An order says that only the Brigade Commander is author- ized to permit the drill indoors during inclement weather. Not one day yet has been decreed inclement. The other morning we drilled until noon in a terrible downpour. At one o'clock I sought permission to remain indoors, but we were sent out again in wet clothes in the continuous downpour. The men have no change of clothes. They come back drenched to the skin, with no welcome but a dirt floor on which their blankets are stretched, with no wood for a lire, with no candles for light, and meagre cheer. They are out there now drilling in wet clothes!" "It isn't raining now. WTiy aren't the blankets out airing?" "Because it was raining when the men went out to drill, and in all prob- ability it will be raining again, in a few minutes." "Well, there are some things which the supply departments might im- prove. I will make a note of the wood situation. Oh, be sure to keep the men's shoes well oiled, and don't let them put their drying pair too near the fire. How are your other billets? " "Er, about the shoes. They ha\e on now their only pair. There is no dubbin. The shoes cannot possibly be kept neat and clean, for the mud they drill in reaches almost to the shoe-tops. I'll take you to the shacks where two other platoons are gradually sinking out of sight in the mud. Ha! It's raining now." "Well, I'll see what I can do," and he's off to inspect someone else. The poor, down-trodden doughboy has something to say, too: In the army they call me a Private. It is a misnomer. There is nothing private about me. I have been questioned and examined by fifty physicians, and they haven't missed a blemish. I have told my numerous occupations and my salary. I have confessed to being unmarried. THE HARDEST BATTLE OF THE WAR ioi I have nothing in my pasl that is not revraled. I sleep in a room with fifty men. I eat with three hundred and wash my mess kit in the same can. I take my bath with the entire company. 1 wear a suit of the same material and cut as fi\c million other men. I have to tell where I want to go when I take a walk and e\en then I never see an)-one but soldiers — privates like mj-self. 1 ha.\e ne^•er a moment to myself. And >'et, the_\- call me a private. Private I What the hell! (For three years I sui)ported a wife and child and now I'm told when to go to bed!) Aw — but it wasn't all as bad as that — not until the first few days after the move to oMayenne. Things straightened out somehow. The Y. M. C. A. bucked up and did some good work. The canteens opened. I Comy)an}- worked up a pretty good show% the chief attraction of which was Private Martin, the female impersonator, who exercised his wiles upon numerous celebrities of the Regiment. With the funds donated by the faithful Au.xilian,- wonderful Christmas dinners were purchased in Chaumont — whither those with large company funds would journey each w^eek-end to return with a cart- load of veal, or mutton, dried fruit and vegetables. One enteqirising company bought, for a fortune, as many as sixty hens from the neighboring towns, fattened them up and had a wonderful feast. But there were those who missed their Christmas dinner. It was said benignly in the newspapers that President Wilson spent the da\' with his sol- diers. Would he have done it, had he realized that in order to manufacture that riot of a review at Humes, two hundred and fift}- picked soldiers from each regiment had to drill all Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in the rain, board motor trucks at four o'clock in the morning and spend nearly all of Christmas day on the road? Yet, those who were chosen were flattered, got new equipment out of it and the envied Liberty Insignia which looked as if Goldberg had designed it. Already, it is January. A few leaves are granted; but — oh, if we could only be sent home! The 27th Division is going to sail. The 77th hangs on, though it preceded the other division to France. It cannot go, of course, until the threatened epidemic of txphoid is suppressed. "I gave orders two weeks ago," thunders the General, "that this typhoid fever should stoj). // lias not stopped!" A doughboy found himself on leave in Aix les Bains. It was in the xcar 1930. There was Uncle Sam coming down the street. "Hello, Nephew!" said Uncle Sam. "Hello, Uncle," said the doughboy. A HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY "What are you doing here?" asked Uncle Sam. "I thought all the American soldiers were back in the States." "Still here," replied the boy dejectedly. "What division do }-ou belong to?" "The 77th." "By Heck! That's so," exclaimed the dear old absent- minded fellow. "I'd plumb orgotten all about you!" Rumor has it that early n February we are to move own to the celestial Le Mans area to be cleaned up, prior to the saihng for home. The town crier passes through the streets, beating his drum and shouting to all good citizens that the Americans are leaving shorth — and that all claims, justitied and imaginary, should be put in at once. The citizens bestir thcmsehes, take inventory of every scrap of refuse that has been hanging around for years, and tile their claims with the Mayor. Madam Haschette has been feeding her pigs on the leavings from the Supply Company kitchen, the Mess Sergeant being only too glad to have her take the stuff away. For some days, she has been casting a loving eye in the direction of a kettle full of beef drippings, which the cooks suddenly use for a batch of steaming doughnuts. Ciesticulating wildly, almost tearing her hair out by the roots, the good woman descends in voluble wrath upon the Company Commander with a claim for fifty francs! Those beef drippings rightly belonged to her. (This is about the only claim which the Americans succeed in side-stepping.) Four or five pickets disappear from a fence built just after the War of 1870. Claim: forty francs. The coping has fallen from a stone wall; ten meters of wall — at ten francs per meter. Claim: one hundred francs. Two bee-hi\-es are overturned, the bees absent, the honey unaccounted for. Since the burden of proof in such cases lies with the accused, the company whose area lies nearest the hives is the loser. An imaginary pile of wood is claimed to have been stolen; fifty francs. But since the Americans and French, as said before, are brothers. Monsieur Marechal comes down to ten, and sets up the drinks. But ah ! Here is a deep one ! The Town Commandant writes to Captain Siebert: "One of your neighbors reports that one rooster and five hens dis- 'I'HK HARDKS'I' B A T T L K ( ) I' I' H I- WAR MIS a|)i)c;uT(l from a shrd noar xour Sit^mal I'latixiii. 'lliis is nothin^t,' less than jilain stealing; and canndl he .ii;l(issL'(l owr. Inwsti.i^ale." 'I'lu' ('ai)lain goes over lo one of his neit^hljors and sa_\s in lluent I'rench. ••A\\y \-oo lost cinci chickens?"" The neilain reports the hndin.us to the Town Commandant, who 'lows as how that ain't the riijht nei,t,dil»or, and proci'eds to in\i'sti,u;ate, for himself. Hi're is the shed; foot-|)rints, gore, feathers. L'imiislakable signs of a terrible carnage, l-'ive hens are still cowering wild-eyed in a corner, suffering from ner\-()us ])rostra- tion. If ?kIonsieur Legrand formerly had ten and a rooster it is certain that the others must be A. \V. (). I.. Oh, nol He couldn"t ha\e sold thcml 'I'he Sui)])ly ('ompan_\- advertises a big chicken dinner for the coming Simda\'; but such e\i(k'n(i' is purely circumstantial. H ('om])an_\- is billeted in the next street over; looks bad for H. K C'om])any had a coui^ie of recal- citrants i)icked up in the street that fatal night; i)ut that is nothing out of tlu' wa\-. The fmgcr of susi)icion undoubtedly i)()ints to the Ileadciuarters l'(>mi)an>-, though the I'irst Sergeant swears the l^lood on the Orderly Room door-sill resulted from the comjjany mechanic ha\ing cut a t'lnger. Therei'ore. all four com])anies are tuially ordered to chip in, jjurchasing out of their com- pany funds an t-phemeral ])ortion of wanishod chicken for ever_\- man in town. At last, we are off, in the coldest touch of winter since the bitter days at l"l)lon. At the most incon\enient hours of tlu' night, the comiianies file through the snow drifts to Hricon, leaving enough e(|uipmi'nt behind losupi»l_\- the next shift of troops, (le^pite the I'arnot efforts of ollicers and noii-(<)ms to lea\e not a trace of the occupation. Hut the laxit\- of the front lines is A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY lit of First-aiil Post in St. Denis d I.t. Porter. Capt. Husband. I.t. \\'. I : Major Van- Kingsley. gradually passing. Xo longer can the men have an issue of clothing for the asking. They enter the Province of Mayenne with all their possessions listed upon the "Form 637." Here is a different sort of country; rather picturescjue but muddy and aU cut up by foolish little ditches and hedges. But real people Hve in the neighborhood, many of the nobility, with spacious grounds and large chateaux. The bulk of the Third Battalion captures the prize, when it draws the town of St. Denis d'Anjou. Bouere, w^here Regimental Headquarters and most of both the Plrst and Fourth Battalions are quartered, is so promising that Major Metcalf —now a Lieutenant-Colonel — has all the houses numbered, and gives perfectly grand names to all the streets: "Rue Marechal Foch," "Place Wilson," and all the rest. For a couple of weeks the Second Battalion shifts disconsolately 'round and 'round Bierne, like a dog tr>-ing to make up his mind just where to sit down, and hnall>- locates enough outlying farm buildings for its needs. "All subordinate commanders will immediately take steps to improve the condition in and around billets of the organizations." An order beginning in this wise overtakes one of the company commanders while high-stepping through the miles of mud which separate the five farms in which his two hundred and fifty babies are billeted. They are in disconsolate hay lofts, stepping about gingerly lest they fall through the cracks, debating whether to stuff the borrowed straw into the chniks against the wintr>^ blast, or burrow into it for warmth. Stoves, if thev had 'em, would doubtless set THE HAR])EST BATTLE OI- THE WAR 205 fire to the bams — and so, stoves and fires are forbidden, (rrulj time; they clamber down a ladder into the darkness of the cow-stable, wiure comrades not so fortunate make their home. "If I am going to sleep here," wails a \-oice in the darkness, "steps must be taken to clean that cow." The order continues: "Kitchens: Particular attention will be given to kitchens. (1) Walks will be laid and suitable steps will be taken to keej) the ground well drained in and about the kitchens. (2) Bins, etc., for the storing of rations will be constructed from the boxes in which the rations are received. (3) Stringers will be laid on the ground to prevent all foodstufi"s from touching the ground in any way." A kitchen presupposes a range of some sort with Urv under it. I'or a week there is one small field range to the comi)an_\-, suitable for feeding perhaps a hundred and fifty; but the government has utterly forgotten the question of fuel. Those who still have a little money in the company fund buy some wet rotten roots at an exorbitant price from the neighbors, and the few small boxes which come with the rations provide the onh" scraps of dr>' kindling with which to start the fires. Particular attention is given to the kitchen without command; the men take steps toward it three times a day, assembling from the more distant parts of France; but they see no bins until the government takes another half-step and provides a bit of fuel — a species of pressed coal dust which sifts through the grates without burning. Stone is poured into the yard which serves as kitchen, but it sinks out of sight in the mud. At- tempt is made to drain the area, but still each foot print fills at once with water. Stringers are not provided. If they were, who could resist the tempta- tion to steal the first real piece of inflammable wood to enter the area? But to continue reading the order: "(4) All steps necessary for a most sanitary condition about the kitchen will be taken." The Surgeon of the area has no horse. He succeeds in the course of one half day in making the rounds of one company, returns to his billet in disgust, scrapes the mud off his legs from the knees down, and makes criticisms from his desk thereafter. "Dig a hole and bury the garbage," he sagely writes, thus earning his salary for the day. Holes are dug, which fill with water, ere any garbage can be thrown in. "Assembly Rooms: (1) P>ach organization will set apart a ])articular room or rooms where the men can assemble." If there be an empt}- room an}"\vhere about the area suitable for assem- bling, why, in Heaven's name not take a few unfortunates out of the cow stable and billet them properly? Besides, orders ha\'e been given for the men not to assemble, lest epidemics spread among them. " (2) These rooms will be used for writing rooms, and be i)rovided with such ecjuipment as will enable the men to amuse themseh'es in their spare time." Warmth — stoves anfl wood — paper, ink, pens; tables, benches or the w^ood to make 'em out of; checkers, cards, reading matter; candles or lamps. Here is a great chance for the company commander to use his proverbial A HISTORY OF THE I X F A X r R V ym If*-..- ingenuit}- and his far-famed, well-known initiative, fabricating these things out of nothing. Ah, slo\-es arri\-el But the issue of fuel is so microscopic that none can be di- ^■erted for any use but that of the kitchen stove. " (3) The co-oper- ation of the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., K. of C. and other similar or- ganizations will be sought in securing the necessary equipment for these rooms." In the course of four weeks, a few full steps are successfully taken. Six games of checkers arrive ; a table has been borrowed, a room found and a meager ' issue of candles pieced i'.rij;.-(,i:;. L>;.;: ,. , .:.. ,...1 .:.,;; , i ,,^ out with wluit the men t., the Ju5ih. can buy. Ah! Here is the paragraph which the company commander always ex- pects: "This work calls for considerable initiative uj)on the part of all officers, and it will be the duty of each and e\er>- organization commander to detail an officer and make it his especial duty to get this work well under way and super- vise it. By the exercise of initiative and ingenuity, considerable progress can be made with this work to the great benefit of the troops." Initiative and ingenuity I How the buck is passed! Invariably the Regular Army Officer in higher command passes off the lack of proper supplies and equipment by saying: "I've been a company commander and I know these things can be done." Yes, we say — to ourselves — you had three officers, sergeants with years of service, and about eighty men in your company ; there was no real war; no French town to billet in; and no homesick mob on your hands. But the steps must go on. One supposes that if on some fine, cold night the steps should be taken from the porch of the Mairie, immediate steps would have to be taken to replace the steps which had been taken. The iMachine Gunners are off by themselves in miserable billets; but they have a good ball-field; and presently a gO(jd ball team is evolved to play in the Division League. But even without a ball-field, G Company in Bierne considers itself in luck. On that first cold night of their arrival, February 11th, seven officers of the Second Battalion were not at all happy over the T H K HARD I- S T H A T T L E ( ) I • H W A R prospect of walking a kilo out into the country, to dine with the Mayor. Hut when they entered the lovel\- Chateau de la Barre, and were there f,M\en the keys to the city by the genial Baron de C'hivrc and his attractive family, things were looking up. In fact, a great man>- oflK-ers of tlu' Ri'ginienl promptly came over to look up those who were on the inside- until within a very short time, almost any bright afternoon might disclose a grou]) of en- thusiasts playing "bazz-boU" in the courtyard. Many an indoor baseball fell into the moat. And many a cup of tea was stirred after four — at any day of the week one chose to sneak away from the irksome militar\- routine. Major Bozeman Bulger, who came over to guide the Second Battalion through the perils of March and Ai)ril, after Major "Bill" Mark had made a tirrible mistake and elected to attend a French University, at one time made the following report to the Division Publicity Oflicer: "The officers and enlisted men of Comi)any (i are engagetl in soKing a problem so absorbing in detail that for the present it has made them forget the anxiety over heading for Amerif[ue — that interesting country across the seas. "Naming a horse, especiall_\' a petite femme che\al, is not as eas\- as one might think, especially after studying the specifications laid down by llie three young daughters of the Baron de Chivre. Any soldier having any douljt on the subject may report to the commanding officer of Co. (i and get a try out. "This ])etite femme cheval, as the Baroness calls it, came into existence in the stall next to that occupied by a coqioral and squad of Company (1. This compan)-, b)- the way, is entirely billeted in the stables of the Chateau de la Barre, where the Baron de Chivre, a former Major in the P'rench Drag- oons, breeds race horses. This thorough- bred atmosphere has given a lot of morale to Company G; and Lieutenant Murphy, commanding, has had little difficulty of late in making the men kee]) their heads uji. They also like tlie Baron ven,' much ; and any soldier corner to present arms by intuition when (uu of the Baron's young daughters pasx - the P. C. But' that is all aside from the problem. That petite cheval ha- got to be named. Mile. Catherine de Chivre says it must also have an America n name, on account of it coming into life "" " ' '" '"" ' '""■'' among American soldiers; also that the name nnist begin with a 'T' on ac- count of the ancestry of the tiny little animal. Wm nia\- not know it. but this petite cheval has a grandfather who won the (Irand Prix de I'aris and an uncle who won the Derb\-. r ■ ■ 1 - m HHi ^ A HISTORY OF THE 305t I X F A X T R Y " Tl faut que les soldats Americains give to the cheval its name," insists the Baroness." "'Aussi,' chimes in the seventeen-year ]\Ille. Jacqueline de Chivre. 'II est necessaire a remem- ber que it iss une petite femme.' '"C'est ca,' ob- ser\es the first sergeant, that being all that he knows how to say ; but the corporal adds 'Ex- act e m e n t , ' making everything all right. "The first name suggested was 'Toot- sweet, ' a private having an idea of speed, espe- cially toward home. Objections were raised on the ground that it was not 'Americaine.' Then came 'T. N. T.' (heaw stuff) from a buck who lives down near Sheepshead Bay. Lieutenent Murphy suggested 'Tippecanoe,' but it was impossible to get the idea of the American Indian home to the French nobility. Somebody then suggested 'Topsy,' 'Tennessee,' 'Totem,' 'Trop Vite,' 'Take Cover,' 'Top Sergeant' (here there was a chorus of noes), 'Tip Toe,' etc. ".\nd there it stands. Nothing has been decided. None of them are sufticiently 'jolie' or suggestive of all the specifications according to the Mademoiselles; and the soldiers have gone back to their stalls to think it over. "In the meantime Lieutenant Murphy is preparing a memorandum for the Intelligence and Operations Officers with request that helpful aid be given 'by written indorsement hereon.' "The Baron says that, if necessary, the official christening can be put off until word comes from America. This petite femme cheval is not in the army and the dam and sire do not recjuire a report submitted 'not later than 6 P. M. today.'" The Regimental Show begins to take on a professional air; the Jewish Welfare Board oj^ens up a tent in Bierne and invites the Episcopalian Chaplain to conduct a Catholic Mass therein; the entertainment officers and the athletic officers find plenty to do. Life wouldn't be quite so bad if it weren't for the constant reviews, hiking at four in the morning with the unexpended portion Second Battalion P. C. at Bierne. Left to right: Lt. Rut Lt. Mendelson, Lt. McHargue. Major Bulger, Lt. Kilrne. THE HARDEST BATTLE ()!• 1 H E WAR 1 £ A! embers of llie Colonel's Me.s. Turner, Miss Weeks, Lt.-Col. Met Capt. K. G. Me Above; Cliai.lain ISrowne. Lt. Rodgers. l.!'-C'ol.' Tier Major Vaiulevoort, Lt. Mc Hargue. of the day's rations in onk'r to go over into the next county to show the General that the shoes are still muddy. Many a company commander has often wondered what would ha])pen if he should yield to temptation and bring his company upon the field with j^acks full of straw instead of the ordinary weighty contents — what would happen if he were then unexpectedly gi\en the command to lay out full equipment! He might be seen leaping over the dis- tant horizon like a gazelle, headed jvi \ straight for the nearest base port. [o,?aut(hl'l As an alternative, he might burst l%^(j^'a»*^- <: into tears and sav "Do vour worst, Vf Gen." Miss Turner and ]\Iiss Weeks, who operate the Y. AI. C. A. canteen in Bouere, swear that they never did say, sweetly, "Bring your cui)s to Mother, Buddy." Nevertheless, the chocolate they pour out and which they indefatigably cart to all points wherever troops gather, threatens to put some of the cafes out of business. I he madame who runs the estaminet across the street can't understand why the authorities should close up her shop at an early hour, while the "Cafe Christian" runs full tilt. 210 A HISTORY OF THE 3()5th INFANTRY One has to confess at this point that for some, the " Y. M. C. A. cognac" did not appear completely satisfying — not with the Prohibitionists voting America dr\-, while they were far off and could have no sa}-. Despite the constant pressure, cognac continued to be sold, which occasioned a bit of work — sorry to admit — for the Courts Martial. The General Court convenes in Bouere at ten-thirty, to ladle out justice. By eleven o'clock, all but two of the members have arrived. No doubt the feather-beds and wash-stand detract somewhat from the dignity of the court- room. But no matter! "Hullo, Bob! How are you? Billets comfortable? That so? Yeah, same old storj-, isn't it."" Only one missing, now. "I declare, it's warmer with the window open than with it closed. No, I guess it's warmer with it closed. Close the window, will you. Bob? Some- one see if they can't steal a few bits of fire-wood from the old lady. These tile floors are brutally cold — particularly for a bedroom. How the devil do you work this fireplace? — Oh, ah, oui, oui, Madame, beaucoup."' Ah! Eleven-thirty; all present. "There, Lieutenant, sit down at the extreme right." Counsel enters with the accused. The judges are sworn. The court is sworn. The reporter is sworn. Everybody swears to everything, so help them God. The accused — is he the accused? He 'lows as how he is. Does the accused object to being tried by any member of the court as constituted? Passing up the opportunity of telling what he really thinks of the third officer from the left, he steals a furtive glance at the members who glower dignifiedly from their uncomfortable bench and rest their august elbows upon the plank- and-saw-horse table. The trial proceeds. Court is closed. Court is ojiened, but justice is delayed until the prisoner, who has just stepped over to the cafe, can be found. Ah, here he is. The cigarettes are hastily subdued beneath the table. Court closes again. It opens again. It cjuivers. A little more of this setting-up exercise, and the court will be able to open and close at will. Accused elects to make a statement, setting forth the mitigating circum- stances : "When I was very young I couldn't talk. In fact, for a long time I couldn't talk at all. But when I got a little older, I finally learned to talk a little better. Then I went to school. I went to school and was very nervous. All this time, I was learning to talk " "The accused is reminded," suggests the President of the Court, breaking all precedents, "to confine " "I object," interposes counsel. "Objection sustained," from the Judge Advocate. " learning to talk. Then I left school. I wasn't very strong. Oh, I forgot — I was born in Brooklyn. I wasn't strong. I was weak. And I went to work in a box factorv — in Brooklvn — making boxes. I couldn't get THE HARDEST BATTLE OF THE WAR :i 1 along very well -makin,!i; boxes l>m 1 rould talk a little ln'tter by thi> time. Then, one day, a ])iano fell on me. I learned to i)la_\- the ])iano " Come to the facts," risk.s the President. (Short and sna])i)\-like, ere the counsel can leap to his feet and object.) lioljby Morgan's Siberian mouse- hound thinks he heard a command of execution, emerges from beneath the table, yawns, and sniffs the prisoner. Ca]itain McKa>'s wandering jx'ncil decorates another scjuare foot of board. The members begin to lulget, hoping the court will soon be closed again, and feel of their coat pockets to sec if the cigarettes are handy. " the piano. Then T got a job in a feed place. in Hrooklxn. Hay .f the loft, and 1 couldn't talk for lut of the second storw i decided nd so I got anothei as oS. No, .\< New ^'ork ll\- sure it and straw and feed. One day 1 fell out two days. Then a bale of hay fell on me that this work was loo hard for m this time, 2S \'esey Street, 1 think was 2S." Twenty-eight minutes later the di-fense rests. "Six-and-six." Justice is done. What point have we got to now, in this stor}-? shut u]) shoj) and call it a war? Aren't the troo])s o Fifth about to leave for the United States? Not just yet, for there is still to be a merr>-, mad whirl of inspections— inspections for this, inspections for that — all eciuipment, no ecjuipment; ins])ections for, er — cooties, too. "You will report by such and such a date," the order reads, "that your regiment is free from louse-infestation. The Division Surgeon reports tliat the degree of infestation in }-our command is one per cent." The adiutanl Isn't it almost time to the Three Hundred and } wonders if that means one louse per man ; but being a stickler for precise English, he finds it very sim])le to comply with the order. He ])igeon- holes it, and on "such and such" a date writes to the Powers That Be: "In compliance with Order so and so, this Regiment is reported free from louse-infestation." But that doen't seem to purify the command. .\ machine is brought to town which looks like a cross between an incinerator and a farm traitor. It is most efficient — it burns not only the cooties, but the clothes. ,\ couple of privates in the Sanitary Coq^s choose at random out of a thousand men m ,ic\v of the 305tli. A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Lt.-Col. Hcrr, Capt. G Lt.-Col. Metcalf at Regimental in their Battalion a certain number to be purged. But liaison is lacking, the companies are not informed, and again, the company commanders "reply by endorsement hereon" why the men are not free from "louse-infestation." The matter is becoming serious. A "louse" officer is designated in each company, whose delectable task it is to go right down the line Pffr->sf^*-fti «aifcM«sc&«JaJUvi«sAe;«iP< Second and First Battalions in THE HARDEST BATTLE OE THE WAR ..*^«.otel '^- :^feU^ Second Battalion in Close Line, Passing in Review, I; i A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INPWNTRY ffiiikb. ii scrutinizing in the broad light of day the inner surfaces of man's most intimate apparel. Segregation, new clothes, sunshine, the water cure, kerosene, gasolene — every known means of i)urif}ing the command is attempted. But the process does not end with that. After Review at P.. Capt. Tw riiK HARDKsi- liAiii.i'; o I' ihi: w a W^'- It is said that the one hundre Occupation — the Army of no occ that the lousiest company with its officers will go as well. Why treat the Third Army in that fashion? Or the ( "lermans, for that matter? Anyhow, these threats and an utterly incomprehensible louse contest succeed in boiling down the Regiment to a handful of known offenders. We boil their clothes. Only one case of infestation remains. Presently the marked man reports that a new outfit of clothes and a rigorous ob- servation on the part of the Sanitary Detachment ha\e rendered him absolutely free. As he speaks a big gra>-baek saunters over the neckband of his blouse, and "shimmies" three times around the collar lousiest men wi )alion. the bov; be sent to the .\rmy of all it. It is said, lot), 216 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY ornament ere dying by the hand of the officer to whom the report is made. The Regiment is pure ! Now for a round of gaiety, to make us think that the A. E. F. is a great institution! The General gives a royal party at his castle in Sable. All officers are ordered to a lecture in that same town, to hear what tremendous things the A. E. F. accomplished. Major Harris gives a dance and Promotion Party for the Chaplain at the Hotel St. Denis. A formal luncheon is staged at one of our numerous chateaux in honor of the nobility of the region who have been so kind to us ; two of them ap- pear. Dear old Poire, demobilized, comes down to gloat overhisold com- patriotsstillintheArmy,andiswined and dined for three days straight, the following tribute being paid to him by Captain Kenderdine — assoon as "Phil" Gray would stop talking: "Two or three pictures of Lieutenant Poire stand out vividly in mv mind. ^"c'n'r^' ;'\v{tcir'Fm!r-,;^™''-'iic-nH t'nlv' ^" ' " ^"'^ of thcsc i s a t C a m p 305'th Infaiury. LT. S. A" ' ' Madelon, where we were in reserve position before the jump-ofT of Sep- tember 26th. It was here that Lieutenant Poire i)ei-]H"t rated the greatest fraud ever perpetrated by a Frenchman on the AiiKTi( an ( iowrnment. He convinced us that the one way to solve our transporta- tion problem was by the use of twelve French asses. Furthermore, Lieutenant Poire in- sisted upon our calling these little animals asses when they were nothing but mules. Their title and presence around Regimental Headfjuarters caused much amusement and gave the cue for manv ^"^ '"'^ ^^^'^"^""'^^'^ a way-" jack" Ke.iderdine in costume ser- ? ■ enades Miss Turner, ably chaperoned by Miss Weeks and jests. Chaplain Browne. H I-: HARD I-: s r b a t t l e o i- t h k w a r "Personally, I cannot remember ever having seen these asses. 1 am sure they existed, though (I believe in a little, abandoned water hole near Regimental Headquarters), fen- Lieutenant Poire kcpl reminding me of their existence by insisting that they could not travel more than half as far in a (la\- as we- wanted them lo, and ^- ': that their ration of ha\- "-' . and oats had to he "v* weighed to the last auit Hu^ k\m,u \,,ii r.-ini.- s.Mt.M. i,ii i.. ri^ht : l.t. ounce before each meal K'i'Ikiis Caiit '■■"^'"r. ■•< , 'J'l' ' i'"-'";- "-'"i '-t" Turmr. and fed to them with -■ - ^^^^ i'.nuiti. i\t '('atannn. ' "" a sjioon. "One day when I was (Hz/.y with details i)re])aralory to the jum])-olY, a very seedy-looking French soldier wandered into the P. (". and told me he wanted to see the I'^ench asses. ]\ly suspicions were aroused. I suggested to him that he communicate with them in writing and that I would have them answer by indorsement. But after jiestering me with several minutes of ' Comprenez-vous ' and '(|u "est ce que c'est,' he convinted me that he reallv had to see the asses. "I had convinced him that he might have his wish, however, and bawled out 'Runner! take this man to the French asses,' and dismissed the matter ifteen minutes the runner returned, saluted and reported: from my mind. 1 'Sir, Lieutriiant 1 rep Following which, the First Battalion gives a dance in Bouere. For enlisted men only. Oh — there is one oflicer present, beating a dilaitidated ]iiano. .\ second lieutenant. Look at the old court- house. The rough brick lloor. Hob nails. A HISTORY OF THE ,. 5 r h INFANTRY .t. Roberts and Ca|)t. Wi >ught of Leaving France. Seven girls, re- cruited from the neighboring canteens. Four milHon men awaiting their turn. They Avear red, white, or blue ribbons. At seven P. M. a burly sergeant of the guard with a small but select detachment parades once about the floor, subtly reminding the boys to don their party manners. Master of Cere- monies blows the whistle and shouts, •'Reds." The fight is on. The red ribbons dash madly for the seven trembling girls. Two sergeants grab at a slender right arm. Two corporals clutch the left. The same victim is variously attacked by five others, simultaneously: But the private whose O. D. clasps her waist retains the prize. Twice around the floor. The whistle blows again. "Blues." Master of Ceremonies wears blue. He is suspected of having waited until that little blonde came near. Four times around, this time. "Whites." The whites swarm over the dancing blues. He loses who taps the dancing male politely. The cave man always wins. Perspiring red faces. Ye Antique Boston Dip, knees bumping the floor. Bodies bobbing up and down like jumping-jacks. Shoulders quivering like insane walking-beams. Breathless conversation. Reds, whites, blues again and again in rapid succession. And then some. No relief for the Queen Bees. M I ; 1 1 A R 1 ) I : s I i; a i' i' 1. 1'. ( > i' j n v. w a r ^a-^.., r A Trainluad Headed for Home, and Thrilled by the Si.yht oi .1 At 10.30 the four remaining candles are spluttering. The Second Lieutenant at the jiiano is now pounding on wood. He is unconscious. The war is over when Lieut. -Colonel Herr mercifully appears to in\ite se\-en weary heroines, hair di-.he\eled, boots streaked with mud, blue aprons awry, to ])artake of sandwiches and coffee at Heachjuarters. ■'(loo-night, ]Miss. See y" at th" Canteen termorra." ^/■■3' ■<■•«< Hiking with Full Pack for A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Second Battalion Boar llommes et Chevanx" at Grez-en Boiktc "Hgure it out for yourself," says the doughboy. "We've been in this area two months, a hundred and fifty miles from Brest. The Atlantic Ocean is three thousand miles wide. Figure it out." The hardest battle of the war 4 i iimj Lt.-Col. Herr and Major Dodge at Grez-en-Bouere hnpiiis that Miss Turner will offer the some of the 2nd Battalion's "V. M. C. A. cognac. " THE H A R I ) E S T B A T T LI-: ( ) I • 1' H I . W A is nol >l1 won. Bui jtresently, the couriers' niotorc) lirs wrar out; (he rom- mandin.L,' oflircr's rar falls ai)art; the telei)hones are lal<.en down; the ration hnihers are scrubbed. jJoHshed, examined under a microscojje and turned in, the l.Mh of April ai)proathes and IJeut. -Colonel Herr can hardl\- wait until A HIST(1RV OF THE ,^ () 5 r ii INFANTRY his Regiment pulls out with a clean bill from the inhabitants. An American locomotive rustles us down to Brest overnight. There we are amazed at the order and efficiency of a debarkation camp \\hich calamity howlers had pro- nounced a hole. The men are examined, inspected, and pronounced perfect. Tender About to Leave Brest Witli 700 of the 305th Infantry. HK HARDKSr H A I' I I. K. Ol WW. WAR ir '^'^W'mm/^ -*-*.-.,-.; Vn >* ^:ip^|kf!^|^-i Wc sec the Moiiiil Vcnion sail nii the isth, hearing the 1 )i\ ision ( "(Hiiniander. Our Aquildiiid ]m\h out of ])ort \.hr ne\l (la\- and i)asses it. We sur\i\e an epidemic of the "llu." We h'sten to the hand which 1)\- this time is soiur band. We see the i)oor old Personnel ( llTicer ,ii;raduall_\- ^"''1,^^ ^liU'l^ "i^i'' I''""' f ^i^ mi'ir -^^-^^^^^^ --^^ A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY ing C Compa a surfeit of paper work. We prick our thumbs sewing a second gold service stripe upon the left sleeve and feel that when the Auxiliar\' steams down the harbor with the Committee of Welcome the>- will feel mighty darned proud of us. THE HARDEST B A I' l' E E ( ) I' THE WAR They do — on the 24th. The Statue of Liberty would look prett_\- good, if the rain didn't almost com])letely obscure it. "Old ("lirl," says an old- timer, "if you ever look me in the face again, you'll have to turn 'round on your pedestal!" Jb« "Did you like it over there?" someone yelleiL Ai sent tlie embarrassed questioner in niortil 22(, A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY "Willie, Oh, Will-ee!" shrieks a voice up from a tiny gasolene launch. And Sergeant Bill, too bashful for any display of emotion, at the same time perfectly willing to convey the impression that he has forgotten all the English he e^•er knew, shouts back at his sweetheart, "No compree." How did these men feel about their home-coming? Who knows? They were too happy to express it. All they cared about was a reunion with the folks. They got it soon. Those ten days at Camp Alills, j-jreceding the jiarade up Fifth A\enue on the 6th of ]\Iay, going through the formality of another cleaning, issuing passes to bulky groups, losing all track of the A. W. O. L.'s, performing the hundred and one paper precautions leading up to the discharge at Camp Upton on the 9th, were a perfect riot. The Regiment evaporated. It seemed as if at one minute there had been a well-organized and functioning unit, and that in the next, it was nothing. There was no time for sentiment. Those who wanted to say "Farewell," forgot to. No one could do anything. About all they really cared for was getting back to the home they had left — as they had left it — and back to the old job — or a better one, which they deserved. Not, of course, forgetting the Army's sixty-dollar bonus. Yet, at a spread where the old Camp Upton veterans of one company tried to blow in at one fell swoop the unexpended portion of their Ration Savings, there was something akin to sentiment displayed. Speeches were iiii; nARi»i;sT ha r ilk oi- riii'; war 21 demanded. 'Vhv noisit'sl. loudest non-coms, and prixates in the wurld wei suddenly strickt'n dumh. " ni .say lo you men just wliat you .said to mv when I was onre sent o to school," .said the 'I'o]) Serjeant, in resjKin.se to a toast, the mi.xtun- hciii the juice.s of canned jiineapple, canned peaches, canned apricots, oranges an gra])e-juicc. "(lood hick aii- with this ice-cream to ha\e anything to do with you," was the gracious effort of the first i)latoon leader. "I'll give you the shortest address 1 know," said the Sergeant of the fourth platoon: "Twelve twenty Beaufort .\veiuie, Richmond Hill; droj) in any time." Then cries rent the air, demanding a word from him who had originated during the Rout of Watten - the jihrase, "No eat -no fight." .\ swarthy little fellow was boosted to the table-top, where he launched into a burst of Italian which will probably never ajipear in print, but ended in broken Knglish : "All-a right. We through-a da war. Now we be all-a lime like-a we be in da Arm' — good-a .solge', good-a boy, good-a luckl" APPENDIX THE THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTH INFANTRY AUXILIARY If there is any one thing which the se\-cral units of the Regiment are pleased to hold in common, it is our recollection and heartfelt appreciation of the Auxiliary's work — the admirable intent with which it was founded, the loyal, self-sacrificing, helpful spirit which kept it alive, the moral and material benefits it extended to the soldiers of the Three Hundred and l-'ilth Infantry and their families. When creature comforts were few in training areas and trenches, such articles as were placed in our hands by the efforts of the Auxiliary— jam, cookies, cigarettes, tobacco, socks, sweaters, funds for Christmas dinners — brought joy to the weary heart. When news from home was scarce, there was the latest copy of the Bulletin attesting the good cheer and helpful co- operation of wives, mothers, sisters and sweethearts. It comforted; for it proved we were not forgotten. It encouraged us to more and honorable deeds. When on the point of yielding to miserable self-pity we were helped to remember that the hardships of war existed for both sides of the Atlantic. A complete story of the Auxiliary deserves to be written, though we i)rint here but a modest statement of the Auxiliary's puq:)Ose and work, written by Mr. Stephen H. Olin of New York, patron saint of the Regiment: In Februan.', 1918, at Mrs. Smedberg's house on Long Island, soldiers' wives and mothers formed a society for the ser\-ice and the honor of tiie Three Hundred and Fifth Regiment, Infantry. MEMBERS OF THE 305th INFANTRY AUXILIARY AS GROUPED OX OPPOSITE PAGE Fib Row Mrs. Nelson Henry. Mrs. Duncan Harris. Mrs. Walter Metcalf. Mrs. Stephen H. Olin. Mrs. Duncan H. Browne Mrs. Charles D. Miller. Second Row- Mrs. Frank B. Tiebout. Mrs. Louis Steckler. Mrs. Julius Buttner. Mrs. Gus Grafmullcr. Mrs. Roger Lapham. Mrs. PhiUp St. G. Cocke Mrs. Edward Rodgers. Third Row :\Irs. Alvin Burt. Miss Caroline Hunter. Mrs. FeHx Rosen, ilrs. Joseph Fogarty. Mrs. Frank L. Jones. Mrs. L. H. Garner. Mrs. A. J. Cordier. Mrs. Durham. Mrs. C. B. Towns. FofRTH Row- Miss HohKn. Mrs. David Remcr. Mrs. Joseph Stair. Mrs. W. H. Stair. Mrs. William Siegrisl. Mrs. Frank Sloium. Mrs. George Knapp. Mrs. MacGuire. Mrs. H. C. Campliell. Sixth Row Mrs. .\. B. Hubei, Mrs. J. L Xewhorg. Mrs. .\nson Robinson. Mrs. M. R. Washburn. Mrs. Theodore C. Jessup. Mrs. M. Gait. Mrs. Charles de Rham, Jr. Mrs. F. P. Brenneis. Mrs M. Preston. Mrs Silas Green. 2i2 A HISTORY OP^ THE 3 05th INFANTRY The work of this Auxiliar>' began with the making of thirty-seven hundred comfort kits and its first task of sympathy and encouragement was set when an accident to a troop train killed and wounded some of the soldiers on their way to the transport. An office was opened at No. 280 Madison Avenue. A roster of the families was made and they were invited to unite in doing for the Regiment what each did for its own soldier. Company organizations were formed and there were regular meetings, sometimes grave and sometimes joyful. Visiting and corre- spondence were regulated. If sorrow or misfortune came to any household there was sympathy and methodical assistance. Funds were collected, a monthly paper was published, news from the front was posted and distributed, and home news was sent in return with messages of congratulation and affec- tion. It might be possible, from the pages of "The Bulletin" or from files and records, to put together statistics of all this — so many hundreds of visits and letters, so many thousands of dollars for tobacco or chocolate or for holiday presents, so many thousand socks knitted and sent — but the important thing was not a matter of statistics, but the broad fact that even,- one who shared in the work was the better for it. All these scattered families took counsel together; a plucky letter from the front brightened a hundred homes. The bravest and steadiest voices were oftenest heard at the Company meetings. All these women grew more helpful, more hopeful, more cheerful, more jealous of the renown which the gallant Regiment was gaining. The Auxiliary held three general meetings. The first was at the Engineers Club, on March io, 1918. A few hundred people came together, anxious and doubtful what they could find to do. At the same place on May 20th, was the second mass meeting. It was then announced that the Regiment had arrived in France, and that the Auxiliary was ready for work. The Committees reported progress to a thou- sand members in the upper room and then to almost as many more crowding the halls below. The third was a festival on December 14th. The Lexington Opera House, gay with flags, was crowded to the doors. Madame Alda, Miss Dressier and other artists appeared. The Reverend Doctor Stires told of his visits to the Regiment in its rest billets. That fine soldier. General Bell, spoke of the formation of the 77th Division at Camp Upton. Cable messages were heard from Colonel Sheldon, General Smedberg, General Wittenmyer, General Alexander and General Pershing. These were welcome citations of the Regi- ment and of the Auxiliary. At General Wittenm>er's phrase "There is nothing better than the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry," the audience thrilled with pride and joy. Thus there was the meeting of Assembly, the meeting of Organization and the meeting of \'ictorv. Of the three jiarades of the Regiment in New York streets a like descrip- tion might be given. THE 305th infantry A U X I L 1 A R \' 233 Thus in the first the Regiment streamed uncertainly towards the muster at Camp Upton. In the second, on February 22d, it marched with unlooked- for steadiness down Fifth Avenue, and so, trium])hant, its work done, its fame secured, the Regiment made its last parade. The Auxiliary', too, working at its task, gained greater unity, a brighter purpose, and even, at times, something of disciy)line. The Auxiliary joined the 77th Division Home Auxiliary Association and contributed its quota toward the expenses of prejiaring the old Astor Library for the returning Division Association. When the Regiment came home the Auxiliary received its members at 189 Madison Avenue, a spacious and comfortable club house, with reading rooms and billiard rooms and rooms for company reception, and there in a few weeks the acti\ities of the Auxiliary will end. ]\Irs. Smedberg has been Vice-President of the .Vuxiliary, Mrs. Duncan H. Browne, Vice-President and head of the Social Welfare Committee. Mrs. Charles D. Miller has been Secretary and also Chairman of the Headcjuarters Committee. Mrs. Duncan Harris has been head of the Publicity Committee, Mrs. Walter Metcalf of the Tobacco Fund and Mrs. Stephen H. Olin of the Wool Committee. y\T. Olin has been President and Dr. Edward H. Peaslee, Treasurer. A HISTORY or THE 3()5tii INFANTRY ITINERARY OF REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS STATIOX ARRI\' Liverpool April Dover Calais Licques May Tournehem " Watten Woods " Eperlecques Woods " Tournehem " Licques " Campagnc June Embrey Wamin Hesdin On Train Chatel " Moyemont " Domptail " Hablainville '" Fontenoy la Joute Aug. Franconville " Blainville " On Train Mortccrf " Mouroux " On Motor Trucks " Foret de Nestle " Chartreuvc Farm " Mareuil en Dole " Ferme des Dames " St. Thibaut Sept. Vau.i;ccre '' Dravigny " On Motor Trucks " Viel Dampierre " Neufour " Camp Madelon " Nouvcau Cottage " Woods " Carrefour des Meurissons ... " Abri du Crochet " LEFT April 28 " 29 Mav 3 51 JL ST.ATIOX ARRIVED LEFT LaViergette Oct. 9 Oct. 10 LaBesogne " 10 " 13 Near Cornay " 13 " 14 St. Juvin " 14 " 16 Camp de Bouzon " Ki " 30 Martincourt Farm " 3U " 31 St. Juvin " 31 Nov. 2 Thenorgues Nov. 2 " 3 St. Pierremont " 3 " 5 Cendriere Farm " o " (i La Besace " (1 " 7 Nouveau ilont-Joie " 7 " 7 Autrecourt " 7 " S Le Laveau " S " 9 Monl-Joie " 9 Le Laveau " U St. Pierremont " 12 Buzancy " 19 Chatel Chehery " 20 Le Four de Paris " 21 Le Claon " 22 Senard " 26 Laheycourt " 27 Robert Espagne " 28 Sommelone " 29 Dec. 1 Wassy Dec. 1 " 2 Dommartin St. Pere " 2 " 3 Bouzoncourt " 3 " 4 St. Martin " 4 " 5 .Autreville " 5 Feb. S Bricon Feb. 9 " 9 On Train " 9 " 11 Bouere " 11 April 1.5 On Train \pril lo " 16 Brest " 16 " 18 H. !SL T. ,\quilania " 18 " 24 Camp Jlills, N. V '• 24 May .") New York (Parade) May ."> " 7 Camp Upton, N. Y "7 "9 ITINERARY ITINERARY OF THE FIRST BATTALION STATION ARRUKD LE Liverpool Vpril L's Dover " -'ll Calais Rest Camp Xo. 6 . . . . " HO Licques Ma>- -I Zouafques " Hi VVatten Woods " 17 Eperlecques Woods " I'D Zouafques " '-'O Herbinghem " 'M LeMarneKangcs (Xorbci'ourt) Juiu- 'J Herbinghem " 1 Campagne " '> Embrcy " 7 Wamin '• s Hesdiii •' <1 On Train " U Ortonamrt and St. Genest. . " l'-' Domplail " 1^ Migneville " ■.':f GlonviUe July :i Pettonville " 11 Migneville " M Fontenoy la Joutc \ug. 'S Landrecourt " •> On Train '" 7 Les Parichets " > On Motor Trucks " in Foret de Nestle " HI VillcSavoye " 11 Ravine near Ville Savoye. ... " Ki Foret de Nestle " Hi Woods behind St. Thibaut. . . "21 St. Thibaut Sepi. 1 Near Longue\'al " ■"> Near ^'iller3 on Prayeres.. .. " (i Woods near Cohan "14 On Motor Trucks " Ki ST.XTION \'icl Danipierre Woods near Neufour I. a Chalade Woods near Neufour. .\rgonnc Forest Ravine near I.a Besos Campdc Bouzon . , .. .Marlincourt Farm... '■■astofSt.Juvin l''ontenoy St. Picrremont Hois de Voncq .\ulrecourl I.e Lavcau IN Si. Pierremont. Chatel Chehery. Lc Four de Paris r,c Claon Laheycourt Robert F.s[)agne Chanrenav Brest H. M. T. .\(|uitania Camp Mills. N. Y... N'ew York fParadfV Camp I'pton A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY ITINERARY OF THE SECOND BATTALION STATION ARRIVED Liverpool April 28 Dover " 28 Calais, Rest Camp No. 6 .. . . " 29 Audrehem and Le Poiric-r. . . May 4 Lousches " 16 Watten Woods " 17 Eperlecques Woods " 20 Lousches " 20 Landrethum " 27 Licques " 31 Campagne J une 7 Embrey " 7 Wamin " S Hesdin " 10 On Train " 10 Charmes " 11 Hallianville " 13 Fontenoy la Joute " 18 Pettonville " 25 Migneville July 2 Glonvillc " 12 Gelacourt " 17 Pettonville " 20 Domptail Au<;. 4 Lamath and Xermameniel ... " 5 Blainville " 7 On Train " 7 Moroux " 8 On Motor Trucks " 10 Foret de Nestle " 10 St. Thibaut " 12 Mareuil en Dole " 16 Bois de Mareuil " 20 St. Thibaut " 28 Mareuil Sept. 2 Sergy " 3 St. Thibaut " 4 Vauxcer^ " 5 L'Homme Mort " 6 Longueval " 7 Dravigny " 15 Motor Trucks " 17 Viel Dampiere " 17 Neufour " 20 La Chalade " 20 LEFT April 28 « 29 May 4 " 16 " 19 " 20 June 6 Sept ST.ATION ARRIV Neufour (woods) Sept. Route Marchand " Woods " Abri du Crochet " Bois de la Naza Oct. Abri du Crochet La Viergette " Bois de Marcq " La Besogne " Pylone Cross Roads St. Juvin Camp de Bouzon " Camp Sachsenhain " Martincourt Farm " St. Juvin Thenorgues Nov. St. Pierremont " Cendriere Farm " Bois de Yoncq " .\utrecourl " Le Laveau " La Biche St. Pierremont " Buzancy " Chatel Chehery Le Four de Paris " Le Claon " Senard " Laheycourt " Robert Espagne " Somelone " .\llichamps Dec. ViUenblois " Buzancourt " Gillencourt " X'aldelancourt and .\utreville " Bricon Feb. On Train Biern^ " On Train " Brest " H. M. T. Aquitania " Camp Mills. N. Y " New York City (Parade) May Camp Upton, N. Y " LEFT Sept. 25 Oct. 5 " 8 " 9 " 10 " 13 " 14 " 16 " 17 " 30 " 31 Nov. 1 " 3 " 5 " 19 " 20 " 21 " 22 " 26 " 27 " 28 " 29 Dec. 1 " 2 " 3 " 4 " 5 Feb. 8 " 8 " 10 " 15 " 16 " 18 " 24 May 5 " 7 ITINERARY- ITINERARY OF THE THIRD BATTALION SrATION ARRIVKD Liverpool \|)ril iN Dover " L's Calais Rest Camp No. 6 " '2'.^ Alerabon Ma>' 1 Watten Woods " 17 Eperlecques Woods " li) Tournehem " 20 Alembon " :il Le Marne Ranges (Norbecourl) Juno ;i Alembon " 1 Campagne " (i Embrey " 7 Wamin " S Hesdin " it On Train " !t Charmes " 11 Rehaincourt " 12 Fontenoy la Joute " IS Glonville " 2:> Pettonvilk Jiil\- 2 Migneville " 11 Gelacourt " 20 BlainviUe \u-. -i On Train " 7 Les Parichets " S On Motor Trucks " 10 Foret de Nestle " 10 Ville Savoj'e " 11 Mareuil en Dole " 17 Bois de Mareuil " 24 St. Thibaut , Sept. 1 Blanzy les Fisnies " 4 Villers en Prayeres " ."> Near .\isne Canal " s Woods near Cohan " 14 ST.\TIOX ARR1\- < )ii .Motor Trucks Sept ("ivry sur .\ute " Woods near Neufour " LaChalade .\rgonne Forest " Camp de Bouzon Oct. St. Juvin Thenorgues Nov. St. Pierremont " Ccndricre Farm La B^^ace Autrccourt Cliamblage Farm " St. Pierreraont " Buzancy " Chatel CheluTv " Le Four de Paris " Le Claon " .\ubercy " Laheycourl " Tremont " Chancenay " Wassy Dec. Dommartin St. Perc " Cirey sur Blaise " La Villeneuve " Bricon Feb. On Train St. Denis dWnjou " On Train .April Brest H. M. T. .Aquitania Camp Mills, N. Y New York City (Paradei .... .May Camp Upton, X. Y OPERATIONS, SEPT. 26— NOV. 12, 1918 IT has been imi:)nicticable to give, in the foregoing narrative, minute details as to exact disposition of troops and full operations from September 26 to November 12, 1918, inclusive. We print, therefore, the complete official report covering this period, as made to General Robert Alexander, Commanding 77th Division, through military channels. orERATIONS REPORT, 305TH INFANTRY, September 26 to November 12, 1918 ARGONNE FOREST MEUSE RIVER 1. Situation at beginning of battle of the Argonne Forest: The enemy held a strongly organized position in which the same Landwehr Divisions had li\cd quietly for as long as two years. The French position was also highly organized. There had been little activity for many months, a complete stabihzation having taken place after the desperate fighting of 1915. Having come by trucks and marching to a supposed rest area, our troops relieved French elements with the exception of an outpost screen left to cover the presence of Americans in the sector. Preparations for the attack were complicated by the arrival of 900 replacements, most of whom were recent arrivals from the United States, on September 24th. The order of battle was 154th Brigade, 306th Infantry, .305th Infantry, 2Sth Division. Situation at beginning of attack of November 1st: The Battle of the Argonne having passed into semi-stable warfare, this regiment was relie\ed for two weeks' rest and training period at Camp de Bouzon. The line was not advanced by the 78th and S2d Divisions during this time. The 305th, as the attacking regiment of the 77th Division, relieved all except an outpost screen of the 82d Division on a front of 2>2 kilos, on night October .30 and 31. The order of battle for the 1st Corps was 7Sth, 77th, 80th 2. September 25//:.— Regtl. P. C, 20H, Nouveau Cottage. By midnight the 2d BattaMon moved to jumping-off line along Route Marchand, 1st Battalion in support, 3d Battalion taking over an outpost line from the French Infantry. September ^(5;//.— Regtl. P. C, Nouveau Cottage. loH, Route Marchand, with Advance P. C. at 90.9-70.3. Disposition for attack: G F Combat Liaison No. 1 Moppets up from 1st Battalion 1 Plat., Co. L H E D \ Combat Liaison No. 2 B C 1 Plat., Co. L .\tter extensive destructive artillery fire, the 2d Battalion went over the top at 5H55, following a barrage at 500 yards. Little infantry resistance and light shelling met until afternoon, when the line had reached the road at Barricade Pav. on the left and within 500 meters of Carr. des Meurissons on the right where it was held by machine gun fire. The 1st and 2d Battalions were mixed in two groups — on the right. A, less one platoon, C and F Companies, Capt. Eaton (2d Bn.) commanding; A Company was in the lead in trench at 00.25-70.7. On the left, B, D, E, G, H, and one platoon, of A, Capt. Purcell, Company B. commanding, along road to Barricade Pav., in liaison with the .30Gth. Third Battalion in reserve moved during the afternoon to 00.0-69.9. September 27//;.— Regtl. P. C, 99.9-70.3. Slight artillery preparation failed to destroy wire or to affect enemy machine guns which held our lines throughout the day along the road. Machine gun, trench mortar and artillery fire on our troops. Third Battahon was sent into the line where I and K Companies received heavy fire without being able to advance. OFF. R A T I ( ) X S September ^.S7/j — Regll. P. C, 200 meters suutliuest Carr. des .Mcuriisons at 14II. After offering resistance, enemy retired about SH, followed by 1st and 3d Battalions, with 2d Battalion in support. 1st Battalion group reached Abri du Crochet at 1.10 p.m.. Company E leading. Position was organized for the night with 3d Battalion in close support. Scptanber 2glh. — Regtl. P. C, .\bri du Crochet, Oil. .\dvancc resumed without opposition to east and west road, 98.5-74.5, where machine gun resistance was met and position consolidated before noon. L and M Companies were in front for the 3d Battalion. .-Vmong patrols to the front was one of Lieut. Brandt, Scout Ofliccr, 3d Battalion, and two men, which met a larger group of the enemy with whom they exchanged fire. One man returned unwounded and later search discovered the body of the second scout, but no trace of Lieut. Brandt was found, though continued search was made. September 30th. — .\bout 4 p.m., orders issued to 3d Battalicm to advance to Bois de Ic Xaza. \t dark, halted on ridge reported 97.0-75.7 to 98.0-76.0, which was later discovered to be the ridge just south thereof. M L K I 1st Battalion in support ."jOO meters, 2d Battalion in reserve, Ahu du Crochet. October ist. — Orders to continue the advance to Binarville-.Aprcmont Road (La Viergette). Diiliculty of orienting in the thickly wooded terrain caused much confusion. One patrol which reported reaching the vicinity of La Viergette was really one kilometer south of that point. After advancing to a line on the reverse slope of the next ridge (98.3-75.9 to 97.3-75.7) our troops were halted by machine gun fire from front and left flank. Companies D and B following 3d Battalion in support followed a path bearing northwest and when resistance was met these companies wore in the line, where they remained for several days. Formation: B, D, M, K, L, I October zd. — Only a few yards advance in face of enemy machine guns. Patrol activity and fire on suspected enemy positions. In the afternoon H Company was sent to the right of the 3d Battalion to connect with the 111th Infantry and to flank the machine gims holding up Company L, but was stopped at 98.25-75.95. At 16H.30, the 2<1 Battalion and Regtl. M. G. Co. moved to relieve 1st Battalion, 306th, which was crowded into valley around 96.9-75.4. This position was under heavy machine gun and trench mortar fire. F E B D M L H C G A K I Oc/oftcr jr/.— Company E (300th) was sent to the left of the 2d Battalion to connect with the 3U7th. 15H, Capt. Mack, Company G, assumed command of the battalion. loHSO battalion attacked ridge south of Rau de La Fontaine aux Charmes, but was held at crest of the ridge by annihilating machine gun fire. .Advance of 75 yards was made at heav>' cost. The 3d Battalion was unable to advance. Machine guns attempted to advance with the attack but were forced to withdraw. Lieuts. Sherman and Mont- gomery took up position on ridge southwest of ravine to enfilade valley in rear of enemy. Movement was observed by the enemy who opened with heavy artillery fire just before machine guns began to operate. Lieut. Sherman was killed and Lieut. Montgomery fatally injured. Position for the night: E, 306th— F and 1 plat. C— E and 1 plat. .\— D, K, M, L, 1 plat. H— 2 plats. B— 3 plats. H 3 plats. C G 3 plats. A 12 plats. B October 4th.— The. 3d Battalion and H Company on the right attacked at 10H30 after a preparation of 8 three-inch stokes (our own and those of 306th.l and 4 four-inch Corps stokes throwing thermite, concentrated on a front of 200 yards. M and L Companies advanced, followed by K and I Companies, with intention of spreading to the right and left and taking enemy machine guns in flank. .\n advance of 30 to 150 yards was made, but the enemy line was not reached. The companies dug in after heavy losses. The 2d Battalion failed to advance after some artillery preparation Two platoons of C Com- pany were sent around nose 96.6-75.6, where they were held by machine gun fire. October 5th.— M Battalion consolidated position and 2d Battalion established liaison with the 307th. 21H, our regiment relieved by 306th. Second Battalion received casualties en route to support position. October 6lh. — 1st and 3d Battalions in support along the line of east and w^est road which passes through 98.-74.0. Secomi Battahon in Division Reserve near .i^bri du Crochet. 240 HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY October 7//:.— Enemy retired, the 306th following him to La Viergette road. Late in the afternoon the Brigade Commander ordered the 1st Battalion to push to the railroad just north of the " 7Sth " parallel. This position was in advance of that of any other element in the division and the left flank of the battalion was exposed throughout the night. The 3d Battahon was sent by the Brigade Commander to a support position along La Viergette east and west road with Company K as outpost on the left at about 95.5-76.5. October Sib— line remained practically unchanged. First BattaUon improved position by readjust- ment of companies. Company L Iniried dead in Bois de la Naza, and before dark 3d Battalion moved to ravine around 96.S-76.5. October pZ/i.— Regtl. P. C, 300 meters west of La Viergette crossroads— .\dvance P. C. for the night, 93.7-79.97. Enemy continuing retirement and this regiment followed the 306th to Bois de la Taille. Order received at nightfall to march along the road to La Besogne. Column was partly formed, but later information that the enemy had counter attacked and regained Comay caused a halt in the old positions. Capt. Eaton assumed command of the 2d Battalion, which moved at 16H30 to La Viergette, remaining there for the night in Brigade Reserve. October lOth.—Rcgil P. C. with troops during the day. ISH, 300 meters west of La Besogne. Advance continued, reaching open country at La Besogne where the 1st Battalion passed through the 306th about noon. At UH30, advanced over the open slopes toward the Aire River under fairly heavy artiller>' fire to the Chevieres-Marcq road. C Company on the right advanced across the Chevieres-Marcq road to the bank of the Aire River, but was forced back to the road by intense machine gun, trench mortar and artiller)' fire. Third Battalion in support 800 meters north of La Besogne. 8H30, 2d Battalion moved to Bois de la Taille at 93.9-80.35. October j7//t.— Patrols developed enemy machine gun and artiller>- fire. Night patrol failed to find ford in the river. Second Battalion moved to ridge 600 meters southwest of La Besogne. October 12th. — Same. October /_j(/j.— Same. Late in the afternoon counter-attack on 82d Division on our right achieved no success. First Battalion reUeved by 308th and went to Division Reserve south of La Besogne. Second and 3d BattaUons moved to Pylone after dark. Major Dall assumed command of 2d Battalion in the morning. Third Battalion Brigade Reserve. October i4th.—'Regl\. P. C, hill northwestern part of Cornay until 15H. P. C. for the night, ravine 98.3-80.7. .\ttack resumed by 306th in conjunction with S2d on the right, 154th Brigade on left. Second and 3d Battalions, 305th, in support. 306th failing to cross river in face of artillerj- fire, the Brigade Commander, about 3 p.m., directed attack on St. Juvin from the east. General Smedberg was sent forward via Fleville to take charge of the situation with the 2d and 3d Battalions, 305th Infantr\', and 2d and 3d Battalions, 306th Infantry. Company H, 305th, and 2d Battalion. 306th, occupied HiU 182, north of St. Juvin, capturing prisoners in the town. Remainder of troops along ridges east and southeast of St. Juvin. Liaison with S2d to northeast. October isth. — Very hea\-}' barrage on our positions from about 6H to 7H30, covering counter- attack on the 82d. 14H. 2d Battalion (G, F, H, E) advanced west along St. Juvin-Grand Pre road to about "86th" parallel, where they were held by machine gun fire. This movement was for the purpose of connecting with the 307th, one battalion of which had crossed the river east of Grand Pre. Liaison was not made until early morning. Relief begun at midnight by 78th Division, 309th and 310th Infantry, not completed for 2d Battalion until 9H, October 16th. October 16//;.— Regtl. P. C, Camp de Bouzon, 17H. Regiment marched 17 kilos, to Camp de Bouzon, near Montblainville, for training and rest period. October lylh to October zoth. — Training and rest period. October 26th. — General Smedberg assigned to command 153d Brigade. Lieut. -Colonel L. S. Morey assigned to command 305th Infantry. October 30th. — Captain Eaton commanding 2d BattaUon, Major Sloane commanding 1st BattaUon. 2d and 3d BattaUons marched from Camp de Bouzon at 13H. Third BattaUon went into shelter just east of St. Juvin, relieving one battaUon of the 325th and one battaUon of the 326th Infantr>', a battalion of the latter remaining as outpost. Second BattaUon marched 'to Martincourt Farm where it was joined about dayUght by the 1st Battalion which had left Camp Bouzon at 24H. O P E R A 'I I ( ) \ S 24 1 October jisl. — Regiment remained in position during tlie day. After dark M Uattalion took over front line positions in the Ravine aux Pierres, relieving the 2d Battahon, :{2r)th Infantry on the line of departure. Formation for attack ; 1/2 B n V. MI. 1 2 H Combat Liaison (i F K I Combat Liaison Second BattaUon moved to position for the attack 400 meters west of St. Juvin, 1st Battalion in reserve to shelter east of St. Juvin, Company B being detached for combat liaison on both flanks. November isl. — With heavy artillery preparation and support, the 3d Battalion began the attack at H hour, 5.30, 2d Battahon advancing at H plus 20. In the face of stubborn resistance, Companies L and M reached the intermediate objective (Road ChampigneuUe-St. Georges) from 97.0 to 98.0 at 1.5H30. Second Battalion met heavy machine gun fire from the trenches southeast of Champigneulle and from Min. Mohin. About 14H Captain Eaton took charge of operations in person and by machine gun fire drove the enemy out of trenches at 96.4-87. Captain Eaton was wounded by machine gun fire and Captain Dodge, Company H, assumed command of the 2d Battalion. E and F Companies swung off to the right earlv in the attack, and in consolidating the position for the night the following formation was adopted: f H Jl 2 plats. I L Captain Dodge . Conclusions of Captain R.G.ISIcKay are herewith attached, ".\nnex C." 37 m m. pl.itoon alladu-d lo the' U-adini; bat- talion carried guns accompanying the infantry. (f) No tanks have been used with this rc'unment owint; to tb.e broken terrain on which its attacks have been made. lire with thermite' by the CoH's fourdnch Stokes wa- umcI ,,n tw casions with good ctTect. (g) Ileav>' concentration of artillery and large mortars was elTective in destro\ing enemy ]io-iti,ins and resistance in the forward zone, but all wire was not cut and the remaining stretches cauM-d mm li clilti culty in the original jumii oil. Twci jiirate pieces attached to the forward battalion were unabU' to .ic|\ .m. e for three days. (h) The terrain is a wooded series of steep valleys and ridges with mimerous trenches and wire sy.s- tenis. No Man's Land and the first Clerman trenches as far as the \alley of the Meurrissons had been turned into a series of craters by the artillery fire. .\ heavy fog during the e.]rl\ hours of the attack added to the difficulties. (i) The enemy, having advance information of our attack, planned onl_\ slight mai liine gun resist- ance in his forward zone. This was ineffective because of our artillery pre]iar.ilic;n and tlie poor morale of his troops. His artillery fire was also slight, due to either withdrawal of his guns or good c oiiiuer b.iitery work of our artillery. The greatest difilculties during the first days were those of the lerr.iin, fog and keeping contact over a front of two kilometers with one Ixittalion in the line. September 2~lh. (a) -10(1 meters. (g) Inadequate artillerv' fire on wire and enemy mac hinc' gun- due in pari to failure of infantry com- manders to give definite targets by their co-ordinates, and in p.irt to in-ullii ieni notili, alion gi\en to in- fantry to enable them to take advantage of the artillery program. (h) Same as for 2(;ih, with fewer artific ial obstacles. September 2,Stli. fa) 2 kilos. (b) l,by2dBn. (e) 37mm. gun fired a few rounds on Iw.. ... . a-ion- driving enemy ma. hine gun out of positi.m and enabled infantry to advance. The '■',' mm. tired no m..rc' in the .\rg,)nne I'oresl. (g) Effectiveness of artiller,' fire- was shown by considerable de-tru. ti..n in . aplured enemy Irene hes. (1) Wooded terrain and smaller and more r..lling ravine-. September 2(jt/i. (a) 2y2 kilos. (h) Same as for 2.Sth. September 30th. (a) 600 meters. (b) 1, wounded, "I" Co. (e) A rifleman wounded 244 A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th INFANTRY (h) Same as for 2Sth. October ist. (a) 40 ) meters. (b) 4, "M". Co. (e) Machine gmis and rifle grenades used, effect unknown. (g) Our artillery support was imsatisfactor>- during the period the regiment was held in the Bois de la Naza. Heavy underbrush made the location and description of targets difficult and the closeness of our line to the enemy (there being orders against any withdrawal from occupied ground) increased the difficulties of the artiller>- and caused some "shorts" to fall among our own troops. Pirate pieces had been brought up as close as possible for indirect fire, direct fire being impossible in this terrain, but encoun- tered the same difficulties as the other artillen.-. (i) The enemy's position which was at first thought to consist of scattered machine guns was really a continuous line of guns at about 20 meter intervals on the ridge to the north. Their fire grazed the crest of the ridge below which was our position, prohibiting its passage and causing heavy losses at every attempt. The dense underbrush prevented our locating these positions accurately. The positions were improved during the days of the battle. Many patrols attempted to flank the guns but in every instance were met by the protecting fire of other guns. October 2d. (a) 25 meters. October 3d. (a) 75 meters. (e) Stokes mortars were used, but on unlocated targets. It was later found that many rifle grenade were duds, some being found actually on the parapet of the enemy machine gun emplacement. .A. small number of phosphorous grenades were used. Effect not known. (i) The impossibility of advancing in the face of a continuous line of machine guns which had a good field of fire was demonstrated. .Attempts to flank the guns were unsuccessful, because as one company commander reported, " there is no flank to the damn things." The guns were echeloned in depth and their crossfire covered all lines. The enemy's excellent artiller>' observation was demonstrated when they destroyed a section of our machine guns just as they were ready to fire. October 4th. (a) 150 meters. (e) 8 three-inch stokes and 4 four-inch stokes firing thermite put up an effective barrage on a front of 200 yards. (i) The attack failed largely because of the thick woods. The troops were slow in rushing through the breach made by the barrage, which was effective in that there was no enemy fire for ten minutes after it lifted. Subsequent reconnaissance showed that it reached many of the machine gun positions, but these were of such a character that the guns could be hidden in the ground during the fire. October jth. October 6th. October yth. (a) Wi kilos. (i) In this and other withdrawals of the enemy he was able to pull away without loss of men. Liaison was difficult throughout the advance in the forest. Octobir Sth. October gth. (a) 3 kilos, in support. (h) The afternoon's advance reached terrain which was less heavily wooded and more level. (i) For an hour one enemy aeroplane flew over the forward line directing artillery with no inter- ference from our planes. Several times during our advance there has been an absence of division planes accompanying infantry. October lotli. (a) .3 kilos. (h) Terrain north of La Besogne is open rolling country with little co\er and commanded from the heights rorth of the river. OPERATIONS Octohir nth. (a) None. (e) Pirate piece was able to fire effectively on enemy positions observed north of llu- rivir. Our artil'ery fired on designated targets with unknown effect. (i) In a position where there was practically no danger from an enemy attack the entire battalion was put in exposed positions*. These postions could have been held l)y outposts witli the main body of troops under better cover on the heights to the south. October 12th. (a) None. (e) Same as above. October islh. (a) 2% kUos. (e) Same as abo\-e. October 14th. (a) None. (b) 127, including a major, 2 captains and 2 lieutenants. (h) The Aire River, flowing through a fairly open valley, was crossed b\ liriiiu'e west of l-'leville which was not under fire. North of the .\ire terrain is a series of bare hills and valleys. (i) Flank attack made at St. Juvin without losses, whereas the attempt to cross the ri\er directly south of the town had been found impracticable. Confusion was caused by the mi.\ing of units of the 305th and 306th which were not placed definitely under one commander, t October isth. (a) None. (e) Stokes mortar used against machine guns which were holding up 2d Kn. were ineffective because of the 12 rounds carried, 3 were duds and the remainder were used up in registering. (g) Our artillery support was very meagre. November ist. (a) y2 kilo. (e) Machine gun fire forced enemy machine guns to retire. 37 mm. used effectively, knocking out three machine guns in one instance. (f) 4 corps Stokes using thermite were used at the beginning of the attack. EtTect not reported. (g) Good artillery support, but the infantry on account of machine gun fire on the Hanks was not able to follow it rapidly enough to gain full advantage. (h) Open country with small patches of woods broken by deep and steep ravines, with a town and mill offering cover to the enemy. (i) Failure of company commanders to report frequently and accurately on their positions and the conditions was noticeable. This was due in the most flagrant case to the ine.xperience of the officer left in command after the C. C. was killed. The advance of one company without support on either flank enabled it to drive out resistance which remained in its rear and held up the advance of the company on the left. Company L had pushed forward and reached the road at about 10H.30 without the elements on either side advancing, being subject to fire from the woods at 99-87, which was in the sector of the SOth Division. Fire from trenches at 97.3-87.3 and 97.3-87.4 and from woods 97.5-87.4 and 97.1-87.5, had held up M Company and brought enfilade fire on L. .>\bout 14H30, L Company brought fire on these woods with which the fire on the trenches under Captain Eaton's direction enabled M to advance to the road and join L. November 2d. (a) 7 kilos. (e) During the remainder of the advance until reaching the Meuse River the absence of resistance resulted in practically no fire by our troops. (g) Artillery fire too long on ChampigneuUe held up the advance of the 2d Bn. after the enemy had Rvacuated. * Editor's Note.— Under orders from above the Re<;imental Commander. t Editor's Note. — Should read, "... 305th and 306th until placed definitely under one com- mander." 246 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY (h) Open rolling countp,- with towns and other buildings. (i) The remainder of the advance to the Meuse was chiefly a matter of transportation. Poor roads, made worse by rain, cut up by heavy traffic, delayed supplies. The troops suffered chietl\' from loni:; marches, wet weather and failure of regular ration suppply. November jd. (a) 10 kilos, in support. November 41)1. (a) None. November jlh. (a) 7 kilos, in support. November 6tli. (a) 7 kilos, in support. November ytli. (a) 3.3 kilos. (e) .\ machine gun operated by Captain ilcKay drove out an enemy gun and inflicted casualties. Our own 37 mm. guns and a gun of the 1st Division drove out enemy machine guns. Rifle fire used on enemy fleeing over open ground east of the Meuse. (g) No artillery support. (h) Open slopes west of the Meuse with towns and buildings — heights on opposite side of the river dotted with bushes which the enemy used to the fullest extent for concealment. (i) It seems evident that the enemy held back his fire disclosing only a few of his machine guns until after the bridge was completed and our troops crossed the river; he then opened hea\^ fire with all arms on these positions, continuing for about five hours. His fire was not accurate, dark having come on, but the following morning he was able to make the position untenable causing heavy casualties. Our machine guns suffered losses by being grou|3ed close to the bridge. November Silt. (a) None. (g) Artillery fire on suspected targets with unobserved results. November glh. (a) None. (g) Artillery fire seen to fall on enemy who had been discovered digging trenches. VERNON W. BOLLER, Lieut.-Col., 305th Infantry, Commanding. R. L. GARNER, Captain, 305th Infantry, Operations Officer. ANNEX "A" List of material captured by the 305th Infantry, September 20th to October 17th, inclusive- Machine gims 57 Machine gun ammunition (in strips) 150 boxes Machine gun carts 2 Rifles 250 Trench mortars 14 Trench mortar ammunition 40 boxes Trench mortar spare parts and tools 8 sets Hand grenades Large quantities 105's 2 .■\rtillery ammunition — Cal. 77 4 boxes Cal. 77 (loose) Large quantities Cal. 105 Large quantities Flares Large quantities Dynamite 150 cases () P ]<: R A T IONS Lumber yards — several Large quanlitit-s, i>l' all ilimt-iis Barbed wire 600 rolls Shovels 400 Picks 100 Posts 250 Poles, over 15 feet long 250 Wire cutters 150 pair Grind stones — small 50 Freight cars — large 12 Freight cars — small 7 Railroad ties 1 pile (noi (ounu-.l) Railroad tracks 1 pile (not (ounte.l) Concrete slabs 1 pile (not (ountedj Material captured November Isl to lUli. inclusive: Machine guns 20 Anti-tank rifle 1 Small arms ammunition 1 car i not i lunUeil) Gas masks 1 storehouse (not counted) Helmets 1 storehouse (not counted) Hospital completely c(|uipped— large Inventory not taken. Horses 7 Wagons 9 AWKX C" Report of Captain R. G. McKay. HO.'jth M. (;. Co. Employment of infantry weapons; Machine Guns. — In the first advance, beginning October 26th, througli the .\rgonnc the machine guns were attached to infantry companies in the advance with orders to facilitate that advance from the actual infantry positions and help in the consolidation of positions taken. Each man in squad attempted to carry two boxes of ammunition (11 boxes — 3,168 rounds). Very little effective fire was brought to bear on account of wooded country, lack of knowledge of location of infantry and invisibility of targets. Guns often left behind owing to speed of infantry advance, but always gained position in time to take up defensive in case of counter-attack. J7 mms. — Useful in semi-open country used in conjunction with machine guns. Stokes Mortars. — Great trouble in getting up ammunition and heavy e(iui|iment. ^^ck■^5 in rapid advance. Good in preparatory fire. Rifle Grenades. — Lack of experience in use of this weapon spoiled a most useful arm. .\lso no pro- vision made in soldier's equipment for carrying grenade. Rifle. — Used for anything but firing by ovir infantry. Conclusions: Machine Guns in Attack. — Machine guns were sent forward with attacking battalions in attacking •companies whose objectives were not limited and whose positions in the line were constantly changed by orders and conditions of the attack. Machine guns (Hotchkiss) in the attack in open warfare lose their offensive qualities. The gun and its equipment is so heavy and difficult to carry that the personnel cannot keep up with rapidly advancing infantry without serious loss in ammunition and men. Infantry carriers always fail, as they are invariably attached too late to become part of squad. Sections wliich are to go forward with attacking battalion in set piece attack should not be called upon to make difficult reliefs on nights preceding attack. The Hotchkiss in these attacks was trying to do the work which should have been done by the automatic rifle, our infantrv lacking any adequate automatic rifle. Owing to its heaviness and lack of mobility it 248 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY failed. Light, strong parts capable of being hauled by man power should be part of equipment. Ammu- nition boxes badly made and badly conceived. Strap should be on side. By crowding this weapon, capable of shooting effectively at 4,000 meters, into the front line, irre- placeable casualties were caused in trained personnel. Employment of auxiliary' weapons: Gas troops. — No results noticed. .4 ero/'/aMcs.— Apparently no connection between our aeroplanes and our artillery. Superiority of air by weight of numbers alone. Artillery S ii p port .—ZxceWenl when prearranged. Poor liaison and observation (viz., aero) made quick targets impossible. Forward gun with battalion pushed too far forward for natural use. OPERATIONS FIELD ORDER FOR ATTACK OF NOV. 1, 1918 SECRET. Headquarters 305th Infantry, American E. F., 2Slli October, litis. Field Orders No. 15. (Issued pursuant to F. O. 59, 77th Div. F. 0. 15 and Operations Memo. No. 52, Hq., 153d Brig. E.xtract copies of Brigade Orders attached.) I. This regiment will lead the attack on I) day at H hour. (For (,'eneral situation sec paragraph 1, Field Order No. 59, 77th Division.) II. See paragraph 2, Field Order No. 59, 77th Division. III. (a) The regiment will attack in column of Battalions supported by 30-lth F. .\., one Battalion 30Gth F. A. (heavy) , the attached troops given below, and the co-operation of French .Artillery, .'Vero Squadron (Red nose and yellow circle on body). Balloon and Engineer Companies mentioned in paragraph 2, F. O. No. 59, 77th Division. The attack will be made according to verbal instructions given Com- manders following plan below outlined. First PHASE^From H hour up to the intermediate objective f 1st Battalion in the front line (the ridges running east and west generally along the \ 3d Battalion in support parallel 287.6) t 2d BattaUon in reserve f 3d Battalion (less one Co., plus one Co. Second Ph.ase — Up to the first objective first day's attack I of 1st Battalion) front line (see map accompanying F. O. No. 59) 1 1st Battalion in support [ 2d Battalion in resen-e I .\ssignment of Battalions to the front Third Phase — Up to second objective first day's attack (see J line and support will be determined attached map) 1 upon the progress of events [ 1st Battalion in reser\-e (b) Commanders of Battalions and attached units as follows: 1. 1st Battalion — 305th Machine Gun Co. — the 37 mm platoon and the Stokes Mortar Platoon of Headquarters Co., 305th Infantry; one section Field .\rtillery from Battery 304th F. A.; one platoon 302d Engineers under command of Lieutenant Cunningham, Commanding. 2. 1st Battalion, Co., , 305th Machine Gun Battalion. 3. 3d Battalion, Co. C, 305th Machine Gun Battalion; one 37 m/m gun Headquarters Co., 306th Infantry, one platoon 30'2d Engineers under command of Lieutenant Romeo, • , Commanding. (c) 1. .-Attached to copies for Battalion Commanders is a tracing for artillerj' fire which indicates the progress of advance in conformity with verbal instructions to the Infantry. 2. .Attached to copies for Battalion Commanders is a tracing giving areas of assembly on D day and time of movement therefrom to effect the passage of Battalions. (d) 1. The Liaison Officer from the 304th F. .\. will accompany the front line Battalion in each phase, changing posts during the reorganization at the close of the phase. 2. The Engineer platoons attached to the units are to be used for cutting wire, making safe from mines, dugouts, routes of approach and to assist in constructing shelter. 3. The Commanding Officers of the Machine Gun Cos., 37 m/m and Stokes Mortar Platoons and the 75 mm gun will be in close liaison with the Battalion Commanders and acti\'ely super\-ise the execution of the mission by their units. 250 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY IV. COMBAT LL\ISON. (a) One Company from the 2d Battalion will be assigned for duty throughout the first day's attack with the Commanding Officer of the front line Battalion for use as combat groups together with the four machine guns assigned from 305th Machine Gun Battalion. These groups are to maintain liaison between the front line units of the Regiment and the Divisions on the right and left. The Company assigned for this duty must have at least two e.xperienced officers with a view to their being assigned as Commanders of these combat groups. The Commanding Officer of the Company for this duty will report to the Com- manding Officer, 1st Battalion, on or before D day, H minus 12 hours. V. LIAISON. (a) The axis of liaison, system of ground obser\-ation, movement of P. Cs.'s., liaison by telephone, liaison by runners, liaison by signal fireworks, aerial liaison, liaison by pigeons (pigeon station No. 1 at P. C, 305th Infantrv', pigeon station No. 2 at P. C. 1st Battalion, pigeon station No. 3 at P. C. 3d Battalion) , keys, codes and ciphers, and liaison by visual signals, all given in Annex No. 3 to F. O. No. 59, in so far as they apply to the Regiment will be carried out as prescribed by officers and commanders concerned. (b) Signal to be given when ready to advance from intermediate objective — white flare with para- chute. VI. (a) Regimental Aid Station will be established in ST. JUVIN. Battalion Commanders will provide for the establishment of suitable dressing stations. (b) .-^n advance Ration Dump will be established prior to D day at ST. JUVIN. (c) An ammunition dump will be established on D day in ST. JUVIN. VII. (a) The attention of Commanders is called to the provisions of paragraph 4, F. O. No. 59. (b) A copy of a draft of this plan of attack furnished the Artillery is hereto attached. VIII. BATTLE P. C.'s. 305th Infantr>- 297.3— 2S6.3 (East of ST. JUVIN) 1st Battalion— D day These P. C.'s. will open on D day, H minus 4 hours. By order of Lieut. -Colonel Morey. J. D. Kenderdine, Captain, jojih hifaiitry, Adjulaiit. Copy to All Bns. All Cos. Brigade. File. 304th M. G. Bn. Headquarters 305th Infantry, American E. F., 30th October, 1918. 11..30A. M. Addenda to Field Orders No. 15 and Division F. O. No. 59. II. (a) First Phase f 3d Battalion in front line to read ■{2d Battalion in support |_ 1st Battalion in reserve c „ f 2d Battalion (less one Co. plus one Co. Second Phase , „ , .„ ,. . , ,■ ^ , J of 3d Battalion, m front Ime) 1 3d Battalion in support [ 1st Battalion in reserve Third Phase to read Sd Battalion in reserve (b) 1. 1st Battalion to read 3d Battalion, with Major Harris, Commanding 2. 2d Battalion, to read 1st Battalion, with Captain Tator, Commanding 3. 3d Battalion to read 2d Battalion, Captain Eaton, Commanding OPERA T I X S (e) 2. Tracing changed accordingly. IV. (a) "One Company from the 2d HatUilimi" U> n-ail ■'Om' (;om[);iny from llir 1st Ball.ili,)ii." "Will report to the Commanding OlTucr, 1st liattalion" to read "will report to the Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion." VII. (b) Draft changed accordingly. F. O. No. 59— 77th Division. 3. (x) Second sentence to read "This Division will advance from First Objective at H jiliis 3 hours." Liaison .Annex No. 3. 9 and 10. Message understood, to read "White signal one star." Ky order of l.iF.rT.-Coi.ONEL Morkv. J. D. Kendf.rdine, Distribution: Ciplaiii, 305th Infantry, Adjutant. All Cos. All Bns. Brigade. 304th M. G. Bn. Regt., 7cSlh Div. 78th Div. File. ADDENDA General Plan of Attack (.f 30.5th Infantry on D day, per Field Order No. 15, H. Q., lo.'W Infantry Brigade. I. (a) The .\rtillery tire within the sector is to jump from strong point to strong point and in addition to cover certain zones by creeping barrage, all indicated on time table hereto attached. (b) The attacking battalion will advance along the axis of advance in the right part of the sector. It will follow the jumps of the artillery cleaning up the northern slopes and ridges and following the creeping barrage of the artillery into the ne.xt ravine. The time table hereto attached will govern the movement of this battalion in its attack. (c) The support battalion is to move from cover along the axis of advance in the left part of the sector, at H plus 25. Its leading company will be in position to attack, clean up, and cocupy CH.AMPIGNEULLF. and the immediate vicinity, following the creeping barrage of the artillery tire indicated on attached lime table. II. Co-ordinates will be given for targets which may develop during the attack and which the infantry is unable to overcome with the arms at its disposal. The kind of target, kind and amount of resistance encountered therefrom, and the accurate position of our own troops must also be given. Extract from Operations Memorandum No. 52, H. Q. 153d Infantry Brigade. . 3 (d) Commanding Officers to whom .\rtillery, Stokes Mortars and One-Pounders are attached will furnish all necessary assistance to further the advance of these arms when called upon l)y the C'om- manding Officers of these arms for such assistance. The Commanding Otlicer, 305th Infantry, will call upon the Commanding Officer, 30f)th Infantry, for such of his one-pounder guns and Stokes Mortars as he may have occasion to use. (f) ********* * .Arrangements will be made by all front line commanders to insure the marking of the front line. In staking out the front line the P. C.'s. of commanders of leading companies will also be staked out at the stated hours, and also those of the commanders of front line battalions. When practicable panels should be dis- played in groups of two or three. Patrols or skirmishers in front of the line shoul-, 1919 To Commanding General, 153d Bric.ade: Report of battles, skirmishes, etc., during tlie present war, in compliance with Memorandum No. 11, Operations, 77th Division : (a) Baccarat Sector, 24th June to 4th August, 191S: Tkooi -Strength June 24 Company Officers ]Men A 6 20o B o 179 C 6 210 D 6 217 E 4 208 F 4 208 G 2 205 H 6 213 1 6 210 K 3 208 L 5 205 M 6 215 Hqrs 8 302 M. G 5 167 Supply 3 150 August 4 Officers Men 5 214 5 1S2 3 217 4 21S (b) Vesle Sector, 11 August to 18 August, 191S: Troops Engaged — Strength Companv- August Officers ; 11 Men B 6 191 C 3 216 D. 4 211 E 6 204 F 188 G 220 H 6 214 I 186 K 4 202 August 18 Officers I\Ien 5 191 6 152 3 194 4 191 4 203 4 181 5 208 5 205 4 53 2 171 OPERATIONS 255 L 4 199 o 170 M 5 200 :4 115 Hqrs 299 5 29:i U.G II 103 no Supply 2 150 2 151 (c) Oise-Aisnc Offensive, IS August t.i 10 SeptemOer. 191S: Tko.ips 1:x(.\..li.— Strexctii AuKUsI IS ScplemlHT 10 Company Olii.crs Men Ollkers Men A 5 191 1 102 B 6 152 2 va C 3 194 2 155 D 4 191 3 172 E 4 203 3 174 F 4 ISl 3 1S7 G 5 20S 3 199 H 5 204 4 190 1 4 53 4 101 K 2 171 2 199 L 5 170 2 170 M 3 65 4 .S9 Hqrs o 293 4 274 M. G 5 156 (i 141 Supply 2 151 I 151 1. Advance to the Aisne, 4th September to 5lh SeplemOer. Patrol of Company C crossed the Vesle on mornin.n of 4lh Se|)tember, folliuved by 1 si anil ;{il Hal ta lions which occupied Bazoches and Perles. On 5th September, remainder o£ regiment crossed and the 1st Bat- talion passed through Longueval and captured Yillers-en-Praeyres on the Aisne Canal, with patrols across the canal. The line on the right ran back due southeast, leaving a gap which was not closed until our troops were put in on 6th September. fd) Mcuse-Argonne Offensive, 20th Seiitember to 10th October, 191S; Tkours |-;N.,\oi;i,-SrKr.\..Tii September 20 OUobcr 10 Company Oincers Men OlTicers M.n A 3 222 5 152 B 3 232 4 127 C 4 220 130 D 4 233 5 121 E 3 227 5 111 F 3 223 3 105 G 4 ISO 4 131 H 5 224 2 123 1 4 225 4 UN K 3 237 4 179 L 2 231 2 130 M 3 242 5 175 Hqrs 4 303 201 M. G 105 3 lis Supply 1 149 3 143 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY 1. Battle of Carrefour-des-Mcurissons — Barricade Pavillion, 26th September to 28th September. The 1st and 2d Battalions attacking, with the 3d Battahon in support, from departure line east of Le Four de Paris, on morning of 26th September, reached general Une of road Carrefour-des-Meurissons — Barricade PavilUon by nightfall. Following day, repeated attacks netted little ground, but the enemy retired on morning of 28th September, after the attack. 2. Engagement of Bois-de-la-\aza, 29th September to 5th October. All battalions in line and in support during this period. On 29th September, our advance reached Varennes-Binarville Road (98.5-74.5, Foret-d'Argonne map, 1/20,000), meeting machine gun resistance. On 30th September, advanced to Bois-de-la-Naza, where strong enemy machine gun positions held under repeated attacks until 5th October, when regiment went into reserve. 3. Engagement of Aire River, 10th October to 13th October. On the afternoon of 10th October, this regiment passed through the 306th and attacked the enemy positions along the river from Chevipres to Marcq. reaching and consoUdating Une along the road between these places. This position was held until we were relieved on 13th October. 4. Engagement of St. Juvin, 14th October to 16th October. The regiment was in support on morning of 14th October. In the afternoon, 2d and 3d BattaUons were sent across the river near Fleville to flank the town of St. Juvin. Second Battalion in conjunction with troops of the 306th Infantry captured St. Juvin and Hill 182, taking a number of prisoners. On October 15th. 2d Battahon pushed west to connect with the 307th along Grand-Pre-St. Juvin Road. Relief by 78th Division was completed by 9H., 16th October. (e) Meuse-.\rgonne Offensive (2d Phase), 30th October to : Xc .'mber. Troop.s Engaged — Strength October 30 Xovember 11 Company Oll'icers Men Officers Men A 4 150 3 117 B 4 149 3 112 C 5 164 3 128 D 6 159 2 120 E 4 144 2 85 F 3 153 2 121 G 3 137 3 85 H 3 144 2 89 1 3 158 4 138 K 4 164 3 120 L 5 14S 3 115 M 5 159 3 126 Hqrs 4 304 4 274 M. G 3 lii7 4 149 Supply 3 136 3 138 1. Battle of Champigneulle, 1st November to 2d November. Returning to Une at St. Juvin, where we had been relieved, the regiment attacked on 1st November with 2d and 3d BattaUons in line. We advanced to the southern edge of Champigneulle and the Cham- pigneuUe-St. Georges Road, in face of heavy machine gun resistance. The position was held in face of counter attacks on the right battaUon (3d). On morning of 2d No\embcr, we drove out remaining machine guns and advanced without opposition until after dark our advance guard of the 1st Battalion was held up] on the southern outskirts of Buzancy. 2. A vance of the Meuse River, 6th November to 7th November. The regiment passed through the 3 6th Infantry on rhorning of 0th November, at La Besace, with 3d BattaUon in front, 2d Battalion in support. Troops of the 3d Battalion reached Autrecourt and Villers- devant-Mouzon during the night 6/7th November. On the 7th November, the 3d and 1st BattaUons OPERATIONS covered the building of a bridge at ViUers, and in Ihe aflernuon the 1st Battalion took over llie front tending from \'illers to Mouzon (cxcl.). Two platoons of Company A crossed the britlgc whidi had b completed and took an outpost position on the eastern bank of the river. On the morning of Sth November, the bridge was destroyed by heavy artillery and niorlar I'ire ; the outpost was driven back, some men crossing after nightfall. Early on November 11th, cossack post was established on the east bank of the river at I'tc. de (iai In each battle, skirmish, etc., for which credit is claimed in this report, the number of compai participating and the strength (shown for periods of the major operations) was sulhcient to entitle i regiment and its companies to credit within the terms of par. 2-H. .\. R. For the Commanding ( llTu er, By R. L. GARNKR, Captain, 30oth Infantry, Operations Olhcer. A HISTORY OF THE 30 5 th INFANTRY OFFICIAL REPORTS FS. SOME WAR-RUMORS* EVEN though the war has been over for more The Second Division is second. To quote a new; than half a year rumors of war-records con- dispatch which accompanied the official announce- tinue to linger around in such profusion and ment from Washington: unreUabihty that anything bearing the stamp of an The 77th Disision. <)rg:i official govern- ment report is sure of a wel- come. Two gov- ernment reports concerning the records of the various Ameri- can divisions in France h a \' e lately been issued, and l«>lh are calculated to settle a number of claims and counter - claims that have been more or less dis- turbing the peace of the country The table on this page, based < )n figures issued b\- Gen. Peyton t'. March, Chief of Staff, represents the number of kilometers of enemy territory gained by each division. Claims have been ad- vanced on behalf of four different divisions for the honor of making the greatest ad- vance. The Second Division's champion, a weekly paper called The Indian, recently pub- lished a series of tables, said to have been compiled from official figures, according to which the Second was shown to lead in kilometers gained, as well as in most other particiJars. The 77th Division, which was not mentioned in the Indian's table, is now officially credited with the greatest number of kilo- meters gained by any Afnerican division in France. OIV, KILOMETRES ADVANCED MO. n 2 42 1 89 3 80 26 32 33 91 3/ 30 5 90 4 78 3b 79 82 35 27 28 92 : 7 77.5 60 55 51 48 41 38 37 36 36 34 30 29.5 29 29 24.5 21 21 19.5 17 12.5 11 10 7 5.5 ^"'^"'^ ■■■^■1 wmm^m wm^mm "'^" """ " E.iiCH DIVISION'S .ADVANCE IN KILOMETERS. New York City, wliich recently returned from overseas under command of General .Alexan- der, holds the distinction of liaving made the largest advance of any of the .\merican troops during the fight- ing in France. Announcement to this effect was made today by Gen. P e V t o n C. March, Chief of Staff. The total gains made by the 77th Division, General March said, ag- gregated 77.5 kilometers, or 9.14 per cent, of the entire ad- vance of the .American forces. Tlie 2d Divi- sion, a unit of the Regular .Army, was second with sixty kilometers to its credit, and the 42d, the famous Rainbow Division, third, with fifty - five kilometers. "The records," said General March, "show that the 77th made its greatest advance in the Argonne-Meuse battle, going through (and beyond) the Argonne Forest for a distance of sixty kilometers from September 26 to November 11." •Reprinted from an article in the June 7, 1919 issue of the Literary Digest, with special pennission of the publishers. Ed . ON OR ROL THE HONOR ROLL 1st BN. HEAIXJUARTERS Shaw, J. Scranton .... Ca])t. Dwycr", Richard .M. . . Isl I> COAIPAXV .\ Abbicntc, Domenico . . . Pvt. Axelson, Olaf . Pvt. Banome, Joseph A. . . . Mech Blakemore, Roy .... Pvt. Boldt, Charles H. . . . . Pvt. Bronilev, Charles . . . . Pvt. Colli, Louis . Cpl. De Barbiery, Josei)h . . . Sgt. Dowd, John E . Cpl. Dwver, William J\. . . . Pvt. Gohl, William R. . . . . PFC. Guenthner, Robert J). . . Pvt. Hines, Joseph L. . . . . Pvt. Kennedy, Peter F. . . . Pvt. Leary, Timothv H. . . . PEC. jMcGlinchey, William . Sgt. Alclntvre, Edward . . . Pvt. McMillan, John .... . Pvt. Mackmer, Herbert W. . . Pvt. Moore, Harold A. . . . . Pvt. Naegclv, Max 0. . . . . Pvt. Onorio, Creno .... . Pvt. Raab, Leon E . PEC. Ryan, Thomas F. . . . . Sgt. Smith, Charles J. . . . . Cpl. Smith, Paul I) . Cpl. Thurber, Lvnn A. . . . . Pvt. Weber, Henrv W. . . . PEC. Wiley, Edward J. . . . Cpl. COMPANY B Roat, Robert H. . . . 2d Lt. -Anderson, Nils 0. . . . Pvt. Ashe, George .... . . Pvt. Bair, Tom C . . Pvt. Biggins, Thomas . . . . Pvt. Brand, John J. . . . . . Pvt. Caputo, Domenico . . Pvt. CarroU, William J. . . . Pvt. Clemente, Eugene . . . . Pvt. Comeau, Armand J. . . . Pvt. Damone, Ralph . . . . . Pvt. De Long, Clarence . . Pvt. D'Esposito, Frank M. . . Sgt. Desimore, Generino . . . Pvt. Dunne, John J. . . . . . Pvt. Freitag, Frank . . . . . Pvt. Geidel, Christian E. . . . PEC (;l)nn, William . . . . . Pvt. Gorham, Richard j. . . . Pvt. Hauser, Walter C. . . . . Pvt. Holdsworth, Arthur . . . Pvt. Hospoduros, John . . . . Pvt. Johnson, John . . . . . Pvt. Johnson, Peter B. . . . . Pvt. Keating, Michael . . . . Pvt. Koserski, Joseph . . . . PEC Lambo, Michael . . . . Pvt. Levinson, Sol .... . . Cpl. Loring, David . . . . . PEC McGillis, Fred . . . . . Pvt. Marrone, John . . . . . Pvt. IMuscietro, Giovanni . . . Pvt. Nelson, William H. . . . PFC O'Dea, JohnF. . . . . . Sgt. Papa, Pasquale . . . . . vvc. Purificato, Benjamin . . . Pvt. Rowan, Charles H. . . . Pvt. Ruoff, Edwin V. . . . . Pvt. Rvan, William M. . . . . Pvt. Schwab, Frederick (1. . . Pvt. 260 A HIS T () R \' I N I- A N T R Y Tarkagakes, Nichokis . Pyt. Patterson, James B. . . Pvt. Torsiello, Frank . . . . . Pyt. Pehl, Gustav . . . . . Pvt. Tuckerman, Emil . . . . Pyt. Pell, George . . . . . Pvt. Umina, Gaetano . . Pyt. Person, Lloyd B. . . . Pvt. Waters, Philip T- • ■ . Cpl. Pickett, George . . . . Pvt. Prentice, Russell L. . . Cpl. COAIPAX^' i Sangston, Joseph . . . Pvt. DeRahm, Chark^s . . 1st Lt. Schoonover, Charles . Cpl. Ecav, Ehncr L . 2dLt. Szreder, Zygmunt . . . Pvt. Anderson, John R. . . . Pvt. Wolff, Alarick R. . . . Pvt. Bays, Jess J . Pyt. Wyczhrski, Josejih C. . . Pvt. Brock, Jidius , Pyt. Cohen, Raphael . . . . . Pyt. COMPAN\ I) Cartazzo, Emilio . . . . Pyt. Wesoloski, John M. . . 2dLt. Davis, Edward . . . . Pyt. Barber, Homer . . . . Pvt. De Badts, Orie . . . . Pyt. Beckman, William E. . . Sgt. De Nering, John D. . . Pyt. Carson, John P. . . , Cpl. Di Angelis, Anthony 1. . PEC. Cavello, Giovanni . . . Pvt. Eustace, Richard . . . PEC. Ceccarelli, Hannibal . . PFC. Finnertv, Edward T. . PFC. Corcoran, Patrick J. . . Pvt. Goldklang, Max . . . . Pyt. Dileo, Antonio . . . . PEC. Gunger, Lawrence M. , Cpl. Uwver, Alexander . . . PEC. Hagarty, Michael J. . . Pyt. Engel, Hubert . . . . Sgt. Hilton, Charles . . . . Sgt. Evans, William H. . . PFC. Jacobson, Harrv H. . . Pyt. Gallaway, Howard . . Pvt. Johnson, Carl H. . . . Pyt. Gar ton, Luke . . . . . Mec. Kieskowski, V'aldv . Pyt. Gosselin, Wilfred J. . . Pvt. Koehler, Clarence H. . PEC. Haskins, George I\L . . PFC. Lanyon, Cecil E. . . . PEC. Hayden, James N. . . PFC. Lerario, Guiseppe . . , Pyt. Hussey, Thomas P. . . . Pvt. Lout, Charles H. . . . Pyt. Jarvis, David . . . . . . Pvt. McMaster, William G. . Pyt. Kyne, Patrick . . . . . PFC. McCaulev, Charles . . Pvt. Lefkowitz, Benny . . . . Pvt. Martin, James F. . . . Pvt. Levine, Samuel . . . . . Pvt. Mason, Henry C. . . . PEC. Mass, Abraham . . . . . Cpl. Mathis, Rudoljih . . . Pvt. Margasuta, Andrew . . . Pvt. Meury, Frederick M. . Pvt. Miller, Frank E. . . . . Pvt. Montano, John M. . . Pvt. Milone, Alphonse P. . . . Pvt. Muzzy, Charles E. . . Pvt. Pace, Donato . . , . . . Sgt. Nelson, Ora R. . . . . . Pvt. Peroni, John . . . . . . Pvt. O'Brien, William . . . . Pvt. Richardson, John R. . . , Pvt. Old, Efton R . , Pvt. Robinson, Austin P. . . . Cpl. Optofsky, Moses . . . . Pvt. Shaevitz, .\be . . . . . . Pvt. HONOR ROLL 1(>\ COM PAW K CO.MPAXV F Briggs, Leon K . Cai.t. Hcver, William I Isl Lt. Gardner, Alfred W. . . 1st Lt . Montgomer\-, Charles S. . Jd Lt. Sexton, James J . Isl LI . .\ghina, SiKio .... . IM. Athanaskas, Evangeles i'vt. Ali, Rocco . Pvt. Bahr, Edward J. . . I'vt. Andrew, Moe ... Pvt. Bair, Charles H. . . I'vt. Anziano, Alfredo . . i'vt. Carey, Edgar . Pvt. Bergeor, Wkuhslaw . IM. Cazier, Oscar i'vt. Clark, Frank .... IM. Chandler, G rover C. . . Pvt. Cooley, Chester . . . IM. Cherry, Earl L Pi'C. Davis, Charles J. . . Pvt. Clifford, Eugene A. . . (pi. Desmaris, Samuel . . Pvt. Clune, John C Pvl. Diele, Guiseppe . . . IM. De Rover, Frederick A. Pvt. Dissick, Harry . . . IM. Dicarlo, Angelo ... Dollarhide, lohn C. Pvt Pvt. Pvt. Line, William .... Pvt. Donovan, William ]. Pvt. Golden, William . . Pvt. Engle, Harry R. . . Pvl. Golob, Nat Pvt. Cavalier, Joseph . . Greenspan. Philiji . Pvt. (Irogan, William J.. . Pvt. Pvt. Hastings, James J. Cpl. Intcllisona, John . , , Pvt. Hoffman, Edwin Hud.son, Oswald . . sgt. Pvt. Laurence, ( )mar .... Mec. Lee, John Levine, Jacob Lewis, Alma PFC. Pvt. Pvt. Israel, Louis .... Johansen, Johannes Katsoules, Treantefilos Pvl. Pvt. Pvt. Krichevsky, Joseph McGovern, Thomas . (pi. Lieberman, Nathan . Pvt. .Mcc. McCarthy, Erancis P. . (pi. Maher, John, Jr. . . PFC. McGovern, Bernard I). . PFC. Mannerino, Grcgorio Pvt. McGuire, Patrick . . . Pvl. ^Llndel, Ben (pi. McKeernan, Arthur F. . Pvl. Miller, Bert . . IM. Ahirion, Edmond . . Pvl. Mohan. Edward . Pvl. Mitchell, Patrick . . . (pi. Monguso, .\ngelo . . . IM. Otto, Frank PFC. Mui"])h\', (ieorge A. IM. Porter, Robert L. . . . PF(\ Murra\', William F. (pi. Schlessinger, Herbert Pvt. Opi^el, William , . IM. Schuessler, August, Jr. . Sgl. Phili]), Joseph . . Cpl. Sutherland Tames S<'\ Radlotl Edward C IM Trawrig, Hvman . . . IM. Robinson, Tom A. . P\ I. Winehart, Earl T. . . . P\l. Ryan, Lewis Cpl. Zillo, Benjamin PFC. Schindler, Adol],h, Ir. . s.gt. Zweigel, .Aaron .... Pvt. Schloen. George . •■•'■ 1 262 A HISTORY OF THE 305 th INFANTRY Scutari, Peter Pvt. Seelv, Chester J PFC. Seifts, Oscar PFC. Semro, Arthur W Pvt. Spacjer, John Cpl. Spaitch, Jacob PFC. Stevens, John Pvt. Stone, Folsom R Mec. Ware, Wnham F Pvt. COMPANY G Place, Otto B 2d Lt. Beattic, Joseph S Pvt. Bloom, Louis Cpl. Bohm, Emil J PFC. Brady, William J PFC. Brennan, James AI. . . . Cpl. Buck, Roy A PFC. Burrows, John C]:)l. Casey, George A Pvt. Clainos, Charles Pvt. Crames, Charles .... Pvt. Di Paola, Peter Pvt. Hesterburg, Cornelius . . PI"C. Helgerson, Harold B. . . Pvt. Kane, James P\t. Katsohlis, Treantilos . . Pvt. Kelly, Eugene Cpl. Levins, Leslie Pvt. Lombardo, Vincenzo . . . Pvt. MacDonald, William F. . Pvt. McDonald, E. T Pvt. Major, G. F Pvt. Mullin, Richard J. ... P\t. Rodgers, William .... PFC. Russell, Sterling Pvt. Sheridan, T. Willard . . . Pvt. Stokes, George J Sgt. Sweze}-, Louis H PFC. Walsh, Richard J PFC. Zuckerman, Louis .... Pvt. COMPANY H Dickey, Stephen W. . . 2dLt Fuge, Edward . . . . 2dLt Getman, James E. . . . 2dLt Ornsteen, Albert J., Jr. . 2dLt. Beebe, William H., Jr. . Mec. Brown, William W^ . . Pvt. Buiokas, Baltras . . . Pvt. Bunce, James B. . . . Pvt. Donahue, William J- ■ . Pvt. Figlioli, Mario . . . . Pvt. P'rederick, William . PFC. Gersch, George . . . . Pvt. Hacker, Truman . . . Pvt. Helhnan, Carl W. . . . Pvt. Herries, Alexander, Jr. . Cpl. Kastel, .\lbcrt M. . . . Pvt. Kendrick, William E. . Pvt. Kunkel, Frank . . . . Cpl. Marrigan, Michael A. . Pvt. Minney, Mose, Jr. . . . PFC. Morgan, Verner I. . . . Pvt. Nelson, Ernest R. . . . Pvt. Piscitelli, Alphonse . Pvt. Rasmussen, Einar . . . Pvt. Rcdfield, Frank H. . . Pvt. Revnolds, William L. . Pvt. Roth, Monroe, M. . . . Pvt. Slater, Jesse E. . . . . Pvt. Slonecker, Wilbur . . . Pvt. Sonnick, Frank J. . . . Cpl. Steck, Fred R. . . . . PFC. Thompson, Douglas . . Pvt. Udelewitz, Don . . . . PFC. WTiitted, Robert R. . . Pvt. Werner, George Cpl. Winniford, Vincent . Pvt. Wrotzlaskv, Bennie . . Pvt. Zakas, Anton .... . Pvt. Zeis, Peter A . Pvt. HONOR ROLL COMPANY 1 Aliiiton, Charles A. . 1st Lt. Wallis, Peter . . . . 1st Lt. Burdick, Jess L. . . . Pvt. Cabe, Fred C. . . . Pvt. Carbone, Andreo . . Pvt. Clanccv, Barllev Pvt. Clayton, Jerry . Sgt. Conwav, Cornelius J. PFC. Dietrich, (ieorge J. PEC. Dow, Alfred N. . . PFC. Garus, Stephen . . Cpl. Halbersen, Oscar Pvt. Hand, Walter C. . Pvt. Hasting, Thomas O. PFC. Helberg, Gustav Pvt. Johnson, Ernest E. PFC. Kampomies, Costa Pvt. Keller, Harrv W. . Pvt. Kolsbv, Max . . . Pvt. Kuttler, William Pvt. Lang, Stephen . . PFC. Larson, Gudmund . Pvt. Larson, Marton . . Pvt. Lauritsen, James . Pvt. Le\y, Julius . . . Cpl. Luoma, Sam . . . Pvt. Masucci, Henrv E. PFC. Matnev, Earl . Pvt. Meanev, Frank A. . PFC. Mohr, John A. . . Pvt. Mullaney, William T. PFC. Murphy, Albert M. Pvt. Nelson, (ieorge R. . Pvt. Risse, Michael B. . PFC. Sargent, William R. PFC. Semling, Ole . . . Pvt. Sheehan, John . . Cpl. Sidorovich, Nicholas . PFC. Staff, Harnv' . . . . Sgt. Suntzinick, Charles . Sgt. Swank, Clarence . . PFC. \"aughn, William . . I'vt. Walker, Samuel Cpl. West, Earl T PFC. COMPAW K Johnson, Carl 2d Lt. Bendotti, Atillio . . . Pvt. Bower, William (j. . . Pvt. Campbell, John A. . . Pvt. Cusack, Timothv F. . . Pvt. Denowitz, Jacob . . . PFC. Dolan, John J Pvt. Figligno, Carmine . . . Pvt. Kelleher, Michael . . . Sgt. Kcllv, Dennis D. . . . Cpl. Lorenz, Paul E Pvt. Massingall, Walter A. . Pvt. Merola, Luigi I'vt. ]\Iirabella, Liberio . . . Pvt. ]\Iurphy, Joseph F. . . Pvt. Page, Max J I'vt. Stenchever, William . . Pvt. Vecedomenio, Frank . . Pvt. Wahlstedt, Harold . . Mec. COMPANY L Brandt, Otto H 1st Lt Muri)hy, John 0. . . . 1st Lt Epstein, William. . . . id Lt. Anderson, Richard 0., Jr. Pvt. Antkowiaka, Joseph . . Pvt. Barber, Jerrv B. ... Pvt. Baver, Frederick H. . . Sgt. Berdahl, Henr>' P. . . . Pvt. Branson, Lewis L. . . . Pvt. Bvrne, Christopher J. . Sgt. Callahan, William E. (pi. Dalv, William L. . . . Pvt. Danziger, David . . . Pvt. Dixon, Joseph H. . . . PFC. Eckberg, Edward H. . . Pvt. Finnigan, Cornelius . . . Cpl. 264 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Cireenblatt, Harry . Hanlon, James M. . Hansen, Carl . . . Harle, Gabriel . . Hawkins, Joseph H., Hornstein, Isidore . Kenny, Charles J. . Kunow, Harold W. Lcfkovitz, ]\Iorris . McDade, John . . JNIarden, Ray . . . Marino, Paul A. Messer, Edward . . Miller, Harvey . . Moe, Christian . . Perr>', Emanuel W. Piazza, Guise])])i (^)uirk, August . . R}-an, Thomas . . Salmi, Albert . . . Sanders, Earl . . . Shanahan, Michael Simonds, Merrill L. Socenski, Stephen . Steiniield, Charles H, Trehoulis, Demitrios Yedder, Asa C. . . Wangsness, Periy L. COMPANY Schneider, Benjamin ]\lalindy, Raeburn A Beach, Joseph . . Collamore, Jesse B. Crane, Walter C. . Christopher, Conrad Donnelly, Roland . Foster, Henrv' A. . Galvin, Daniel E. . Gisholt, Lars J. . . Guisness, Christopher Hanson, Hans, J. S. . Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. Cpl. Pvt. Pvt. Cpl. Pvt. Pvt. Cpl. PFC. Cpl. Cpl. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. PFC. PFC. Pvt. Pvt. Cpl. Pvt. Pvt. PFC. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. 1st Lt. 2dLt. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. PFC. Pvt. PFC. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. King, Harry A Pvt. Klein, Herman Pvt. Lehman, John Pvt. Lund, Soren Pvt. McLoughlin, Francis . . PFC. McNerny, John J Pvt. Maggio, Luigi Tvt. Mays, Roy Pvt. Miller, CJrover L P^■t. Morris, William M. .. . Pvt. O'Brien, John B Pvt. O'Brien, John J PFC. Pyritz, John M Pvt. Romano, Lawrence ¥. . . Cpl. Rosen, Isidor Pvt. Schindler, Joseph E. . . , Pvt. Silverts, Ingrald Vvt. Silverstein, Max .... Pvt. Spozatta, Angelo .... P\t. Wade, Homer S Pvt. Ward, Ercel Pvt. Williams, Robert D. . . . Pvt. Yost, Francis M P\t. HEADQUARTERS COMPANY Deicke, Herman G. . Fruchtman, Harr>- . Harmon, Howard L. Hollywood, James A. .McCauley, Daniel . , Schierhorst, Conrad B. Silber, Martin . . . , Steinberg, Mandel . Steneck, Henr>- W., Jr. Strauss, Julius . . . . Wischart, Ra}mon(l Zimmerman, Louis . PFC. Muse. SC. PFC. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. Pvt. PFC. Sgt. Pvt. Pvt. Cpl. MACHINE GUN COMPANY Shearman, Reimer . . Foster, Frederick . . Montgomery, Frank T. 1st Lt. 2d Lt. 2d Lt. HONOR ROLL Barber, Homer . Case, Henr\- J. . Daley, James . . Eckhardt, Walter Flaek, Herbert . Foss, John A. . . (Iriftith, J. A. . . Hall, (ieorge \\. Hii^uinbothan, I. 1 Hu('lsi)eth, Silas H jacciljson, Harry Keatting, James Kerley, James J. Lam])hier, Frederick I>an(lman, Jacob Melarv, loseph L. O'Donnell, Charles Owen, Guv . . . . Plakakis, John . Schnieller, Otto , . Sthoonov'er, Charles Shea, Patrick . . . Sievers, William . . Siiitelnick, Michael W'halen, William H. Williams, Robert 1). I'vl. I'vt. SANFFARV DFIACHMENT ( lalinauskas, Constantine FFC, I'alT, Herman P\ t. Southworth, Christopht'r . Sgt. SUPPIA' C().\n'A.\N' Bouchard, Oliver .... I'vt. Elliott, James Wag. Finnegan, John P i'l'C Rosalia, Charles P\ t. Santi, .\nthony Cpl. Woodhouse, Spencer F. . Sgt. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS THP^ citations which follow gi\e the language in which every one of the men concerned was recommended by higher authority for the Distin- guished Service Cross. Though a comparative few were awarded the coveted medal by the Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, though a somewhat larger group received official commendation from the Division Commander in General Orders, though a third group have as yet been cited only in Regimental Orders, they have one and all performed a like service for the Country. That a man's name should not have appeared in one or another of these lists really means little. That his name does aj^pear upon the roster of his unit, in the back of the book, means much; for it signifies that he was a soldier of the United States and that he went overseas fully expecting, if necessary, to do what any mortal man could do — to give his life for his Country. T THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS HK Distinguished Service Cross has lieen awarded hy (ienerai IVrshing to tlie following officers and men of the Three Hundred and I'ifth In- fantry for extraordinary heroism in action: Arkman, Pvt. Frank, 142943S, Co. L, 30oth Inf.— In the .Argonne, near the Bois de la Naza, a1)out Oct. .5, 1918, with three others, went forward in the face of sweeping and continuous machine gun fire and enemy grenades, with utter disregard for his personal danger, and with great courage and coolness aided in bringing five seriously wounded men to a point where they could be given first aid. Ne.xt of kin — Eris Jarshaw, friend, Bellingham, Minn. Best, Pvt. Edward G., 1697579, Co. E, 305th Inf.— In the .\rgonne Forest, on the afternoon of Oct. 3, 1918, in an attack on a series of strong German machine gun nests, this soldier took charge of com- pany liaison and personally carried messages to all platoons of his company, exposing himself beyond the call of duty to sweeping machine gun fire. Ne.xt of kin— Mrs. Belle Preston, mother, 305 West 47th Street, New York, N. Y. Blohm, Sgt. John, Co. B, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Thibaut, Sept. 2, 1918. From a shell hole in which he had taken shelter while returning from a successful daylight patrol across the Vesle River, Sgt. Blohm saw a corporal of his patrol dragging himself through the grass and bleeding profusely from a wound in the neck. He unhesitatingly left his shelter, carried the corporal behind a tree near the river bank, dressed his wound, and using boughs from a fallen tree as an improvised raft, towed the injured man across the river and carried him 200 yards over an open field to the American outpost line, all under continuous rifle and machine gun fire. Ne.xt of kin— Rudolph Blohm, 4S22 New Utrecht Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Clementson, Pvt. Harry B., 3130713, Co. A, 305lh Inf.— Who, near Carretour-des-Meurissons in the Argonne, on the evening of Sept. 27, 1918, after his company had retired from enfilading machine gun and trench mortar fire, with two other soldiers crawled out in the face of a machine gun barrage and brought in wounded comrades, thus showing utter disregard of his own personal danger, and being the means of saving the lives of at least two of his wounded comrades. Ne.xt of kin — Mrs. Hannah Clementson, mother. Eagle Bend, Minn. Collins, Sgt. Robert L., 1G98435, Co. L, 305th Inf.— In the Forest of the Argonne, near llie Hois de la Na/.a, about Oct. 5, 1918, went forward with three others, in the face of sweeping and continuous machine gun fire and enemy grenades, with utter disregard for his personal danger, and with great courage, coolness and good judgment succeeded in bringing five seriously wounded men to a point where they could be given first aid. Next of kin— Margaret Miller, sister, 190 Hewett St., Bridgeport, Conn. Cox, 2d Lieut. Leonard, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in action on the Vesle River, near Bazoches, Sept. 2, 1918. Lieut. Cox left St. Thibaut in broad dayUght with another officer and a patrol of ten men to reconnoiter the enemy's positions across the Vesle River. The patrol divided, and Lieut. Cox conducted his half to the chateau, in Bazoches, a recognized German post. He entered the yard of the Chateau, met parties of the enemy, personally killed two and wounded another, who were firing on members of his patrol, continued his obscr\-ations, though fired upon by machine guns, and with great skill withdrew his patrol under fire without loss, having gained valuable information. Next of kin— Mrs. Leonard Cox, wife, 1.57 East Slst St., New York City. Crandall, Pvt. Robert L., 3127323, Co. A, 305th Inf.— Who, near Carrefour-des-Meurissons in the Argonne, on the evening of Sept. 27, 1918, after his company had retired from enfilading machine gun and trench mortar fire, with two other soldiers crawled out in the face of a machine gun barrage and brouglit in wounded comrades, thus showing utter disregard of his own personal danger, and being the means of saving the lives of at least two of his wounded comrades. Next of kin — Andrew T. Crandall, father, I'eva, Utah. 26S A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY Gardner, 1st Lieut. Alfred W., (deceased), Co. E, 305th Inf.— Who, in the Argonne Forest, on the after- noon of Oct. 3, 1918, in an attack on a series of strong German machine gun nests, with utter disregard of his personal danger, led his company up the steep slope of a ravine in the face of murderous macliine gun fire, and was himself killed in the action. In so doing he afforded the men of his command an example of exceptional devotion to duty and bravery and self sacrifice, and in his life and death has been a constant inspiration to his men. Next of kin— Mrs. Mary E. Gardner, mother, 325 West 89th St., New York City. Hall, Pvt. G. W. (deceased), 2444063, Co. F, 30.5th Inf.— In the advance from the Vesle, near Pincon Farm, on Sept. 5, 1918, while under heavy shell fire and after being ordered by his ofiicer to a place of safety, left his position with absolute disregard of his personal danger, returned to a trench which was being shelled at the time and succeeded in bringing back two seriously wounded men belonging to another unit; in so doing exhibiting the highest devotion to his comrades. Three days later Pvt. Hall was himself killed. Next of kin— George Hall, father, 5709 West Giddings St., Chicago, 111. Harris. Maj. Duncan G., 305th Inf. — In the Forest of the Argonne, throughout the attack following Sept. 26, 1918, this officer, then a captain, commanding the 3d Bn., showed disregard of his personal danger ant' exception devotion to duty. On Sept. 28, 1918, near Abri du Crochet, this officer fell and broke his collarbone but refused to be evacuated and, notwithstanding his injury, continued in command of his battalion, showing coolness and good judgment under machine gun and shell fire until his regi- ment was relieved from the front line on October 16, 1918. Next of kin — Mrs. .Mice Harris, wife, 509 Fifth .\venue, New York. Lcvine, Pvt. Jacob (deceased), 1697649, Co. E, .305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroi.sm near St. Juvin, Nov- 1 , 1018, while his company was being attacked from three sides and the terrific enemy fire had caused many casualties in the ranks, Pvt. Levine volunteered and carried a message to the left flank. .After he had advanced about ten yards he was killed by a deluge of machine gun bullets. Next of kin— Nathan Levine, father, 127 Forsythe St., New York City. McDowell, 2d Lieut. Elliott E., 305th Inf. — With extraordinary heroism this officer and one soldier on Nov. 8, 1917, crossed the Meuse River between Villers-devant-Mouzon and Mouzon, though the east bank of the river and the ridge to the east were known to be held by the enemy. They penetrated the enemy's lines to a depth of three kilometers in the vicinity of Amblimont, once evading a challenge of an enemy sentry, and were able to bring back definite information relative to the enemy's occupation of this territory. Next of kin— father, 132| Oxford Street^ Cambridge, Mass. Mct;linchey, Sgt. William J. (deceased), 1696992, Co. A, 305th Inf.— Who, near Carre four de-Meurissons in the .Argonne, on Sept. 28, 1918, when his platoon was subjected to an intense barrage, left his funk hole to quiet and bring to a place of safety a member of his platoon who was running about suffering from shell shock. He showed utter disregard of his personal danger in attempting to save his comrade and in so doing lost his own life. Next of kin— Mrs. Francis M. McGlinchey, wife, 696 President Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. _ Mack, Capt. William, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in action on the Vesle River, near Bazoches, .Sept. 2, 1918. Capt., then 1st Lieut., Mack, volunteered to leave St. Thibaut in broad dayUght with another officer and a patrol of ten men to reconnoiter the enemy's lines. Upon reaching the Vesle River, Capt. Mack swam across it and arranged a rope by means of which the remainder of the patrol crossed the stream. He divided the patrol, and taking five men with him, advanced on the village of Bazoches, which was occupied by the enemy. He attacked enemy hiding places in an old house, in which he encountered four Germans. Although under machine gun fire he gained valuable in- formation, having actually penetrated the enemy's advanced posts, and with great skill withdrew his patrol. Capt. Mack and four of his men were wounded, two mortally. Next of kin — W. Lewis Mack, brother, 811 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Mich. Mackmer, Pvt. Herbert W. (deceased), 1712678, Co. .A, 305th Inf.— Who, near Carrefour-des-Meurissons, in the .Argonne, on Sept. 27, 1918, while on the flank of his platoon during an attack which met intense machine gun and trench mortar fire, used his Chauchat rifle to cover the retirement of his comrades. This soldier showed an utter disregard of his personal danger, remaining in the open at the post he had I'ln-: 1) is'i I x(; u isH i:i) skr\ick cross >m selected himself, and by his coolness and good judgment and self-sacrifice enabled his comrades to retire to a better position in good order, at the sacrifice of his own life. Next of kin — George Mackracr, father, Main street, Collins Center, N. V. MaragHa, Pvt. Batista, 1681474, Co. L, 305th Inf.— Who, in the .Argonne Forest, on Oct. 1, I'.IIS, ulien a runner belong to the platoon of which this soldier was a member, strayed in front of a machine gun nest and received a broken leg from machine gun fire, volunteered and went forward aljout 7o yards in the face of continuous sweeping machine gun fire practically to the front of the gun, and dragged his wounded comrade back to a place of safety, in absolute disregard of his own personal safety. .\ few days later this soldier was himself wounded in action. Ne.\t of kin— Joseph Maraglia, father, 1731 Central St., Stoughlon, Mass. Ncitzeit. Cpl. Isaac, 1699169, Co. L, 305th Inf.— In the .\rgonne, near the Bois de la Na-^a, about ()( t. 5. 1918, with three others, went forward in the face of sweeping and continuous machine gun fire and enemy grenades, with utter disregard for his personal danger, and with great courage and coolness aided in bringing five seriously wounded men to a point where they could be given first aid. While engaged in this work of rescuing wounded comrades, Cpl. Neitzeit was himself w^ounded. Next of kin— .\nna Neitzeit, c/o D. Alperin, 99 .\venue C, New York, N. Y. Roclikind, Cpl. William, 1699263, Co. I, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism, Oct. Iti, lOlS near the town of St. Juvin, Cpl. Rochkind was placed in charge of a reconnaissance patrol of about eight men; when the patrol had reached a point northwest of the town, it ran into heavy machine gun fire and was forced to take cover. During a lull in the firing the corporal attempted to move his patrol for- ward when one man was killed and Pvt. P. L. Marquez, Jr., 1715417, Co. I, 305th Inf., was seriously wounded and fell in a position exposed to the enemy fire. Cpl. Roclikind ordered his patrol to a place of safety, and he himself, with utter disregard for personal danger, crawled out under fire, placed the wounded man on his back and carried liim to a jilace of safety, within our lines, always under hca\y machine gun fire. Next of kin — Hodes Rochkind, father, Obtchuga, Russia. Scott, Pvt. Regnoll, 3134234, Co. L, 305th Inf.— Who, during the advance in the Argonne on Oct. 3. 1!)1S, after being wounded in the arm and leg, carried a message back from his company to the Commanding Ofiicer of the company in support and instead of obtaining first aid, in the face of sweeping machine gun fire and enemy grenades, with utter disregard of his personal safety, and with the utmost coolness, returned and assisted in carrying back wounded comrades to a place where first aid could be given and refused to accept aid himself until his wounded comrades had been taken care of. Next of kin — Mrs. Carol Scott, wife, Jone, Washington. Shahwood, Pvt. Solomon, 2444687, Co. A, 305th Inf.— Who, near Carrefour-des-Meurissons, in the .-Vrgonne, on the evening of Sept. 27, 1918, after his company had retired from enfilading machine gun and trench mortar fire, with two other soldiers crawled out in the face of a machine gun barrage anTi, N. Y. Tompkins, Sgt. Harrison, 1698550, Co. L, 305th Inf.— In the Forest of the Argonne, near the Bois de la Nasa, about Oct. 5, 1918, went forward with three others, in the face of sweeping machine gun fire and enemy grenades, with utter disregard for his personal danger, and with great courage, coolness and good judgment aided in bringing five seriously wounded men to a point where they ccjuld be given first aid. Next of kin — Mrs. Mar>' Tompkins, mother, 125 Wavcrly St., Yonkers, N. Y. 270 A HISTORY OF THE 305tii INFANTRY THE CROIX DE GUERRE On March 31, 11)10, the Belgian Croix de Guerre was awarded to Coyne, Pvt. John J., 1698736, Sanitary Detachment, 305th Inf.— During the period from Aug. 12th to 15th, inclusive, in Ville Savoye, near Fismes, on the Vesle, this soldier, regardless of personal danger, repeatedly exposed himself to hostile shell and machine gun fire so as to render first aid and carry to the aid station and carry to the rear wounded members of the command to which he was attached On April 13. 1919, Marechal Petain awarded the French Croix de Guerre to Harris, Maj. Duncan G. 305th Inf. — Sustaining a fracture of the shoulder just as his battalion advanced to the attack, he refused to be evacuated and despite the fact that one arm was rendered useless, remained for fifteen days at the head of his battalion which he bravely led in pursuit of the enemy. DIVISION CITATIONS THE following officers and men of the Three Hundred and Fifth Infantry were recommended by superior officers for the award of the Distin- guished Service Cross and were as a result cited in General Orders of the 77th Division for extraordinar}' heroism in action: G. U. 27, April 10, 1919. Ahner, PFC. George W., 1098984, Hdqtrs. Co., 3U5th Inf.— On or aboul Sept. 2S, 191S, near the cross- roads south of Abri du Crochet, Argonne Forest, as a member of a crew advancing with a 37 m, m gun while approaching a bend in the road was suddenly enfiladed by a German machine gun. Without hesitation and in the face of intense fire, this soldier and the others of his crew assisted the gunner in setting up the piece without taking cover, driving out the enemy by their successful manipulation of the gun and rendering valuable assistance to the troops they were supporting. Ne.xt of kin— George P. .\hner, father, 157 Maple St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Anderson, PFC. Edward T., 169G463, Hdqtrs. Co., .305th Inf.— Driver of the Regimental Commander's motor car, on Sept. 27, 1918, showed extraordinary courage in taking ammunition to troops in the front line at Barricade Pavillion. Hearing that the ammunition supply of the troops on the left flank was nearly exhausted and that more ammunition was needed immediately, Pvt. Anderson volunteered to take it forward in his motor car. He drove about 8 kilometers over an unfamiliar and shell torn road to the front line. While unloading there, under enemy machine gun fire, the radiator and a tire of his motor car were punctured by machine gun bullets. Next of kin — Mrs. Christiania .Anderson, mother. Fort Salonga, N. Y. G. 0. 41, November 23. 1918. Ascher, Cpl. Oscar, 1698293, Co. K, 305th Inf.— Who, in the Argonne Forest, on the 6th of Oct., 1918, while on special duty at Bn. Hdqtrs., was used as a messenger between an advanced observation post of the Battalion Commander and the commanders of two front line companies, making an attack at the Bois de la Naza. Four times he carried important messages to the most exposed positions, each time under hea\y machine gun fire and with utter disregard of his personal danger, on one ocas- sion carrying up a message from a company commander to a platoon sergeant, who was at that moment actually in the act of charging the enemy, and not more than 50 yards from the enemy machine guns. His personal coolness and courage enabled him to deliver verbal instructions correctly and thereby contribute to the success of the attack. Next of kin— Mother, Mrs. Sophia Ascher, 69 West 107th St., N. V. C. G. 0. 1, January 4, 1919. Babbitt, Cpl. George, 2448427, Co. I, 305th Inf.— Before the Aisne, in the early part of September, this acting scout sergeant not only performed most efficiently his duties as such, but led a reconnaissance patrol into the Aisne Canal north of V'illers en Prayeres and ascertained the general location of the enemy outpost line, .'\gain he led an ambuscade patrol north of Villers en Prayeres, and on the day of the attack by the Brigade on our right took an observation patrol of three men and himself beyond our own right flank into No Man's Land and observed the attack on Revillon and Glennes, sending back reports to Bn. Hdqtrs. While on this observation the patrol was heavily shelled by the enemy and driven from their position, but this acting sergeant moved his patrol, took up another position, and sent in valuable reports. In all this work and during this entire period, this non-commissioned oflicer showed repeatedly absolute disregard of his own personal safety and exceptional dc\otion to his duties. Next of kin— E. H. Babbitt, father, P. O. Dept., Solicitors OflScc, Washington, D. C. A HISTORY OF THE 3U5th INFANTRY G. O. 31, April 16, 1919, and G. O. 20, March S, 1919. Barth, Sgt. Frederick, 1697303, Co. C, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in action in Bazoches, on the Vesle River, on Sept. 2, 1918. With a patrol of four men and one officer, this soldier (then a PFC.) crossed the Vesle with great difticulty, in daylight, and penetrated their lines to reconnoiter their positions. There, the patrol was practically surrounded by machine guns, and subjected to intense fire. Barth, though wounded, and seemingly with no thought for his own safety, engaged in a running fight with the enemy which secured the safe withdrawal of the patrol and brought back valuable information. Again, on Nov. 8, 1918, this soldier (then Cpl.) distinguished himself by his extra- ordinary heroism when he and one officer alone crossed the Meuse River, between Villers-devant- Mouzon and Mouzon, though the east bank of the river and the ridge to the east were known to be held by the enemy. They penetrated the enemy's hues to a depth of three kilometers, in the vicinit)' of Amblimont, once evading a challenge of the enemy's sentry by Barth's answer. The patrol was able to bring back definite information relative to the enemy's occupation of this territory. Next of kin— Mrs. Carrie Barth, mother, 21 Cornelia St., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. O. 41, November 23, 1918. Bayer, Sgt. Fred. H., 2448431, Co. L, 305th Inf.— In the Forest of the Argonne, on the Haute Chevauchee Road, on the morning of Sept. 26, 1918, the combat liaison to which he belonged suddenly came under a murderous fire from machine guns, trench mortars and steady shrapnel fire. In this critical period, by his coolness, by his care of the men of his group, many of whom had never before been under fire, and by his utter disregard of his own personal safety, this soldier afforded to the men an example of the highest personal courage and exceptional devotion to duty, and in so doing was himself severely wounded. Next of kin— Mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Bayer, 2010 Arthur Ave., N. V. C. G. 0. 14, February 12, 1919. Beckmann, Sgt. WiUiam F., 1697424, Co. D, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism near Villers en Prayeres on 7th Sept., 1918, during the advance to the Aisne Canal. During this advance the company came under heavy machine gun fire. Sgt. Beckmann showed the greatest bravery and skill in the handling of his platoon. On two occasions, despite the heavy fire, he risked his life to bring in wounded men, thus exhibiting the highest devotion to duty and to his comrades. Next of kin— William F. Beckmann, father, 1401 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. O. 41, November 23, 1918, and G. O. 14, February 12, 1919. Bernstein, Bn. Sgt.-Maj., 1696981, Hdqtrs. Co., 305th Inf.— Near ViUe Savoye, during the period of Aug. 12 to 16, 1918, this soldier displayed great devotion to duty at the Bn. P. C, which was frequentl\- under heavy shell fire. When the corporal of the orderly section was evacuated, he took over the duties of that position in addition to his own and for practically three days and nights went without sleep, and to him is due much of the credit for the proper functioning of the Bn. Hdqtrs. during this period. Again, in the Aisne Sector, at the Bn. P. C, near Pincon Farm, on Sept. 5, 1918, this soldier performed more than his duty by assisting in the care and evacuation of the wounded. Next of kin— Father, Jacob B. Bernstein, 1868 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, N. Y. G. 0. 10, February 2, 1919. Birmingham, Pvt. Joseph F., 1680685, Co. H, 305th Inf.— In the attack on ChampigneuUe, on Nov. 1, 1918, when his company came under withering machine gun fire, this soldier, with utter disregard of his personal safety, helped to carry wounded men from the field, and in so doing showed the utmost bravery, devotion to duty and to his comrades. Next of kin— Mrs. Anna Higgins, sister, 342 Tenth St., Niagara Falls, N. Y. G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Bisignano, Sgt. Vincent, 1697184, Co. B, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism during a patrol action in Bazoches the morning of Sept. 2, 1918. This patrol of an officer and four men having crossed the Vesle River and entered the town of Bazoches, his skill, alertness and courage in investigating build- ings and dugouts to the flank of the patrol contributed directly to the rapid and successful advance 1)1\ISI()X (IT AT IONS of the patrol under exceedingly adverse conditions; while later his vvatclifulness cnal)led his patri)! to avoid a much larger German patrol sent out to meet them. Later still he heroically carried batk a message under machine gun fire, getting valuable information back to higher conimaiiders more quickly than would otherwise have been possible. Next of kin— Anthony Bisignano, father, 62o East KiOth St., New York City, N. V. G. O. 13, February 12, 1919. Blass, Sgt. Walter, 1699302, Co. E, 305th Inf.— For extraord.nary heroism near .Si. Thilmut. on llie night of Aug. 29, 1918, when Sgt. Blass was sent out with a detail of 16 men to evacuate 1 wounded men from Co. F, who were wounded in the attack of the previous night on Bazoclies. Under murderous machine gun fire he led his carrying party over the Vesle. When one-fourth mile from its destina- tion, near a flat, the party was caught by a German barrage, and the men scattered. Sgt. Blass immediately rounded the men together and it was only through his courage and coolheadednei^s that the woimded were carried to safety. Again, in the Forest of the Argonne, on Oct. 3, 1918, Sgt. Blass went forward at the head of his platoon in the face of sweeping and continuous machine gun fire and enemy grenades, with utter disregard for his personal danger, and with coolness and good judg- ment succeeded in reaching his objective, when he was seriously wounded. This act of courage was an incentive to the men of his platoon. Next of kin— Mrs. Caroline Blass, wife, Box Xo. 6, Ft. Hamilton, Brooklyn, N. V. G. 0.31, April 16, 1919. Boysen, 2d Lieut. Ernest J., 30.')th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in action. During tlu- attack on ChampigneuUe, on Nov. 1, 191S, when his platoon was held up l)y very stubborn resistance from machine guns and snipers, this officer, doing more than his duty, took a rifle, went forward in advance of his platoon, and in utter disregard of his personal danger brought down three enemy snipers, whereupon the boche machine gunners in this section fled, leaving behind their guns, thus permitting the advance of his platoon without serious losses. In accomplishing this, this oflicer showed excep- tional skill and daring, devotion to duty and initiative in pushing forward the attack. Next of kin — Hans Boysen, father, Jarlan, Iowa. G.O. 10, February 2, 1919. Bridgeman, Sgt. Joseph (then Pvt.), 2-143704, Co. C, 30r)lli Inf. — For extraordinary heroism during a patrol action in Bazoches on the morning of Sept. 2, 1918. This patrol of an olliccr and four men having crossed the Vesle River and entered the town of Bazoches, his skill, alertness and courage in the investigation of dugouts and buildings contributed directly to the rapid and successful advance of this patrol under exceedingly adverse conditions; while later his heroic carrying of a message entirely alone back to his own lines placed the valuable information gained at the dispo.sal of the higher com- mander much earlier than would otherwise have been possible. Next of kin — Tames Bridgeman, father, Robertson. Ferns, Ireland. GO. 31, April IG, 1919. Brodie, Sgt. Daniel H., 1699GS4, Sup. Co., 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism at Vauxcere on Sept 7, 1918, during a bombardment of heavy artillery concentrated upon the village street. During the shelling, the entire regimental ration train was loaded and ready to proceed, animals were in wildest confusion attempting to plunge into a deep ravine at the side of the road to their certain death. Sgt. Brodie, with four others, left the shelter of the caves where men had been ordered for safety, succeeded through his initiative, good judgment and daring in unhitching many of the animals and conducting them to a place of safety. Although four animals were killed in his presence by the concussion of one of the bursting high explosive shells, Sgt. Brodie did, beyond the line of his cluty, remain in the village streets until the other twenty-eight animals were conducted to a point of safety either by him or under his direction, and for the full hour of the bombardment. In this act, he not only saved the lives of many animals but preserved the daily issue of rations in such a manner tliat they were delivered to front line troops on schedule time. Sgt. Brodie further volunteered, during the scarcity of ofBcers, to act as Transport Oflicer, and throughout the entire campaigns of tlic regi- 274 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th 1N^^\NTRY ment on the Vesle and the two advances in the Argonne, was entrusted with the regimental ammuni- tion train, which he handled in a manner that reflected the most extraordinary disregard of his per- sonal safety, with an initiative and daring, thereby earning the highest commendation from his superior oSicers and instilling his comrades with an exemplary devotion to duty. Next of kin— Mrs. Estelle Brodie, wife, 26 Randall Ave., Lynbrook, Long Island, N. Y. G. 0. 32, April 17, 1919. Broughton, 1st Lieut. Averill M, Hdqtrs. Co., 305th Inf.— On Nov. 1, 1918, on the occasion of the attack on ChampigneuUes, being in command of the Signal Platoon, did supervise the operation of, and when necessary, did himself operate lines of communication, after he himself was severely wounded, thereby setting a valuable example to his men and causing lines of communication to be kept open and thereby greatly facilitating the operations of the regiment. Also, in the Baccarat, Vesle and Argonne Sectors, by his tireless effort, and by his ability, he did constantly keep lines of communica- tion in operation under the most trying of circumstances, exposing himself frequently to shell and machine gun fire. Next of kin — Mrs. A. M. Broughton, wife, 13 Cambridge Place, BrookljTi, N. Y. G. 0. 10, Browne, Captain Duncan H., Chaplain, SOolh Inf. — In the Argonne, during an attack of September 2Clh, 191S, near the Haute Chevauchee Road, this officer without regard to his own safety personally attended more than 10 wounded men close to the firing line, and under sweeping machine gun fire. During the night of September 26-27th, 1918, this officer with utter disregard of personal danger and under intense shell fire of the enemy, remained with wounded men, otherwise unattended, rendering them efficient aid and comfort. During the entire dri\-e through the Argonne Forest this ofiicer repeatedly showed his devotion to the men of the command by repeated attendance on wounded men under enemy shell fire and at all times exhibited the highest sense of duty, disregard of personal safety, and spirit of self- sacrifice. Next of kin— Mrs. Alice L. Browne, wife, 76 Franklin Ave., New Brighton, N. Y. G. 0. 35. Calahan, 1st Lieut. Luther J., M. C, 305th Inf.— On the night of Aug. 14-15, 191S, Lieut. Calahan was in charge of the aid station in \'ille Savoye (near Fismes, on the V'eslc). During a heavy bombard- ment and gas attack, the roof of the house in which the aid station was located was set afire by enemy shells, and though exposed to shell and machine gun fire, Lieut. Calahan, disregarding the danger to himself, put out the fire and at once resumed the care of the wounded and carried on until his eyes became so irritated from gas that is was impossible for him to see. G. O. 36, May 8, 1919. Catalano, Cpl. Sol, 1697260, Co. C, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism during a patrol action in Bazoches on the morning of Sept. 2, 1918. One officer and four other men crossed the Vesle River entered the town of Bazoches, and reconnoitred the enemy's positions. Having done so, the patrol was practically surrounded by the enemy and subjected to heavy fire from machine guns. During the heroic withdrawal which followed, Cpl. Catalano single handed drove off a group of six enemy rifle- men, being thus largely responsible for the successful withdrawal of the major part of the patrol with their valuable information. During this heroic performance he was severely wounded and continued fighting until exhausetd by loss of blood. Next of kin— Mrs. Nellie Catalano, mother, 104 East 94th St., New York City. G. 0. 1, January 4, 1919. Ceccarelli, Pvt. Hannibal (deceased), 1699426, Co. D, 305th inf.— In the advance to the Ainse on Sept. 6, 1918, when the leading half platoon, of which this soldier was a member, was stopped by heavy machine gun fire, this private, with the highest courage and disregard of his personal safety, endeavored to push ahead with the idea of flanking the machine gun and in this attempt sacrificed his life. Next of kin — Giovanni CeccarelU, father, Via Dante, Anagne, Pr., Rome, Italy. DIVISION CMFAPIONS G. O. 32, April 17, 1919. Cherry, Pvt. Earl L. (deceased), 1786999, Co. E, 305th Inf.— In the Bois dc la Naza, Argonnc Eort-st, Oct. 3, 1918, this soldier displayed extraordinary devotion to duty while acting as a company runner. He not only performed his share of the company runners' duties, but many limes volunteered to convey messages to front line platoons, although realizing that he would be sniped at all the way. He was finally killed while carrying a message. Ne.xt of kin— Arthur Cherry, father, P. U. Box 4(12, Sidney, Mont. G. O. 31, April 16, 1919. Clokey, Capt. Gerald T., 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in action on or about Oct. 10, 1918, in the vicinity of Marcq, at the northeastern edge of the Forest of Argonne. Though no more than partially recovered from a serious wound sustained on the Vesle front a short time before, Capt. (then 2d Lieut.) Clokey had refused sick leave, returning to his regiment just in time to be put in command of a company and to enter into an attack. With remarkable dash and vigor, he led his company across two kilometers of open ground, under the full observation and heavy shell fire of the enemy. The unit on his right was held up. Quickly grasping the situation which threatened to leave his flank exposed, he extended his front so as to enter and hold the town of Marcq, going out of the regi- mental sector to do this, and this in spite of more than ordinary discouragements. With utter dis- regard for his personal safety, by virtue of his own personal energy, activity and qualities of leadership, he gallantly brought his men through a ditficult advance with a minimum of losses, through the very positions of a disorganized unit, established his line upon the designated objective west of Marcq, and pushed his outposts to the River Aire. Next of kin— Mrs. Kate Clokey, mother, 319 Wyoming Ave., Maplewood, N. J. G. O. 41, November 23, 1918. Colli, Cpl. Louis, 1C96999 (deceased), Co. A, 305th Inf.— Who, near the Court Chausc'C, in the Argonne, on Sept. 2G, 1918, while a member of a mopping-up-party, time and again entered the enemy dugouts alone, refusing to allow his men to enter until he had satisfied himself lliat there were no hidden traps, thus showing his men an example of courage and exceptional devotion to duty and to the welfare of his squad. While engaged in this duty he was himself killed. Next of kin— Landro Colli, fatlier, 7 Baxter St., N. V. C. G. O. 35. Cotter, Pvt. Arthur C, 1698718, San. Det., 305th Inf.— On the night of Aug. 14-15, 1918, at Ville Savoye (near Fismes on the Vesle) , during a heavy bombardment and gas attack, the roof of the building used as a dressing station was set on fire by enemy shells. This soldier, disregarding personal danger, voluntarily exposed himself to heavy shell and machine gun fire to assist Lieut. Calahan, M. C, in extinguishing the fire, and, having accomplished this, at once resumed the care of wounded. Next of kin— Mrs. Florence L. Cotter, wife, K. F. D. No. 1, Corning, N. Y. G. O. 41, November 23, 1918. Crook, Pvt. Edward L., 1699148, Co. L, 305th Inf.— In the Forest of the Argonne on the Haute Chevauch(5e Road on the morning of Sept. 26, 1918, when the combat liaison group to which he belonged suddenly came under murderous fire from machine guns, trench mortars and steady shrapmel fire, this soldier showed exceptional devotion to duly, coolness and utter disregard of his personal danger while caring for his wounded comrades, and while carrying a litter to the rear he was himself struck by a piece of shrapnel and severely wounded. Next of kin — Edward L. Crook, father, Mission, Texas. G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Darenberg, Cpl. George, 1697015, Co. A, 305th Inf. — In the advance from the Vesle to the Aisne during Sept. 7, 8, 9, 1918, near Pincon Farm, after his company had suffered heavy losses in Ihe field, this corporal remained in the vicinity and repeatedly, day and night, in the face of sweeping machine gun 276 A HISTORY OF THE 3 5th I N P\\ N T R Y fire, attempted with Sgt. Rae and Sgt. Downing, to bring in tiieir dead and wounded comrades from the field and in so doing displayed complete disregard for his personal safety and exceptional devotion to his comrades. Next of kin — Mrs. Carl Darenberg, mother, Nassau Avenue, Frceport, L. I., N. Y. G. O. 31,.\prill6, 1919. Dean, Pvt. James E., 3138140, Co. M, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in the Argonne Forest on Oct. 1, 1918; while on a patrol this soldier purposely exposed himself in order to draw machine gun fire from his commanding officer and other members of the patrol, thus exhibiting utter disregard for his personal safety. On the same day, he had assisted in the capture of four prisoners in the midst of several machine gun nests under heavy fire. On Oct. 5th, he aided his commanding officer, who had been wounded, to the first aid station, under heavy machine gun and shell fire, thus showing again an utter disregard for his personal safety and a spirit of self-sacrifice. Next of kin — Mrs. Olive Snyder, mother, Burson, Cal. G. 0. 20, May 8, 1919. Dellano, Pvt. Guiseppe, 2674174, Co. B, 305th Inf. — For gallantry shown in action south of Champig- neulle, on or about Nov. 1, 1918. During a heavy machine gun barrage, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, he went out to an exposed position and rescued a wounded comrade, Pvt. James F. Moser, 3133368, carrying him to a place of safety. Next of kin — Antonio Dellano, father, Gcsinal, I'rov.. .\vellinii, Italy. G. O. 13, February 2, 1919. DeLuca, PFC. Umberto, 1097616, Co. E, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in the Argonne Forest on 3d of Oct., 1918, and again near St. Juvin on the 1st of Nov., 191S, while being used as a messenger between his company commander and platoons. PFC. DeLuca carried important messages to the most exposed positions, each time under heavy machine gun fire, with utter disregard of his personal danger. On one occasion, he carried a message from his company commander to a platoon sgt. who was actually in the act of charging the enemy at that time, and not more than fifty yards away from the enemy machine guns. His personal coolness and courage enabled him to deliver instructions to withdraw temporarily upon orders from higher authority in order to consolidate the position. Next of kin— Giovanni .Augiero, brother-in-law, 404 West 35th Street, New York City, N. Y. G. 0. 14, February 21, 1919. de Rham, 1st Lieut. Charles (deceased) 305th Inf. — Under great difticulties, led the first patrol of his Brigade to cross the Vesle River and gained the heights beyond. This he did immediately upon re- turning from another patrol, having been compelled twice to swim the river during the night. Near Barricade Pavillion, this oflScer led his company in five successive attacks against machine gun nests. On the last of these attacks he was killed. Next of kin— Mrs. Charles de Rham, wife, 27 Park Ave., New York City. G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Derringer, Pvt. William P., 1()90518, Hdqtrs Co., .305th Inf.— Before Ville Savoye and during the advance from the Vesle to the .\isnc to Aug. and Sept., 1918, when the battahon to whose headquarters he was attached was repeatedly under heavy machine gun, gas and shell fire, this soldier repeatedly deUvered messages, and aided in bringing in wounded men, without thought of personal danger and with e.xcep- tional devotion to his comrades. Next of kin— Johanna Derringer, mother, 465 West 104th St., New York City, N. Y. G. O. 41, November 23, 1918. Di Gregario, Cpl. Joseph, 1697147, Co. D, 305th Inf.— Who, near Pont a I'Aune, on Oct. 1, 1918, volun- teered to take a patrol to locate the body of Sgt. Donalo Pace of Co. D, missing more than ten hours. This soldier, under sweeping machine gun fire, succeeded in locating and bringing in the body of Sgt. Pace. During his search he found and brought in a sergeant of the 305th Machine Gun Bat. who had DIXISIOX CITATIONS bci-n wmirulcd by machine gun fire and had been lying on the ground all night unable to return to our lines. In carrying out this mission this soldier showed utter disregard of his personal danger and exceptional devotion to his comrades, and furnished to them a splendid example of courage and (li\(>- tion to duty. Next of kin— Antonio Di Oregario, brother Sli llieh St., Wappingers lalls, .\. V. G. O. 3L', .\pril 17. 19111. Donohue.I'vt. Joseph X., 171.')IS3, Co. K, :?(l.".th Inf. -On Xov. I, lOI.S, at St. Juvin, this soldier advanced from his own shelter to the aid of tliree wounded cimirades who had fallen in the enemy barbed wire. He faced a storm of machine gun fire in getting them to safety. Later he volunteered to aid in carry- ing them to the Bn. first aid station, although he realized that to do so he would have to cross a wide area that was being combed by hostile snipers. Next of kin -Mrs. Xora Domihue. wife, SIO F.ast S:!(l Si. New V..rk Cily. X. >'., , „ Whikehart G. O. 10, February 2, 1910. Downing, Sgt. John H., lfi<)705(), Co. .X. 3()5th Inf.— In the advan(e from the \'esle to the .-\isne, during Sept. 7-8, 1918, and Sept. 9, 1918, near Pincon Farm, after his company had sulTercd heavy losses in the field, this sergeant remained in the vicinity and repeatedly, day and night, in the face of sw^eeping machine gun fire, attempted, with Sgt. Rae and Cpl. Darenberg, to bring in their dead and wounded comrades from the field and in so doing disjilayed complete disregard for his personal safety and excep- tional devotion to his comrades. Xext of kin -William P. Downing, father, Honesdale, Pa. CO. 31, April 16, 1919. Dwyer, Bn. Sgt. Maj. Claude, 1096985, Hdqtrs. Co.. SO.Jth Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in the advance from the Vesle to the Aisnc on Sept. 0, 191S. Bn. Sgt. Maj. (then 1st Sgt. Co. A) Claude E. Dwyer, with another man, left some trenches and went out into the open, in full view of the enemy and exposed to continuous shell fire, to administer first aid to wounded and carried them to a place of safety. Again, near \"illers-en-Prayeres, in the attack on the Aisne Canal, on Sept. 7, 191S, after his commanding officer had been killed and the other officer seriously wounded, this sergeant reformed his company and took command. His coolness inspired confidence in the men under him in spite of the most adverse conditions. Xext of kin— Mrs. Ethel M. Dwyer, mother, in.-. Stuyvcsant PI.. St. George. Stalcn Island, X. Y G. (). 14, Februan,-21. 1919. Eaton, Capt. Henrx- T.. .30.')th Inf. — Commanded the 2d Battalion, 3().5th Inf., through the fighting in the .\rgonne Forest and in the attack of Nov. 1, 1918. On that date Capt. Eaton went to the leading companies of the Baitalicm and personally led an attack on the town of ChampignucUe. While so doing he was severaly wounded. Despite his wound, this officer stayed on the field until he had com- pletely explained the situation to the next senior officer and then telephoned the Regimental Com- mander full details of the condition of his command before he would allow himself to be evacuated. Both before and after being wounded, this otTicer displayed courage and leadership of the finest sort. Next of kin-Mrs. Henr>- T. Eaton, wife, Sa\ville, X. V. G. O. 23, April 10, 1919. Eddy, 2d Lieut. Harold M., 30.5th Inf. — For [lersonal braver}' and extraordinary de\otion to duty. During the attack on Champignuelle on Nov. 1, 1918. while his company was subjected to withering machine gun fire, this ofiicer, with utter disregard to his personal safety, exposed himself to enemy fire to give aid to a wounded man and in so doing was himself severely wounded. Ne.xt of kin — Mrs. H. Jedermann, mother, 77 Pearl St., Middleboro, Ma.ss. G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Egan, Pvt. John P., 1697059, Co. A, .305th Inf.— During the advance from the Vesle to the .\isnc on Sept. 4, 5, 6, 1918, this soldier repeatedly carried wounded on the road from Pincon Farm to 1st Battalion HISTORY OF THE 30 5 th INFANTRY aid station, althougli the road was continually under shell fire, and in so doing showed exceptional devotion to dutv and absolute disregard for his own personal safety. Next of kin-Mrs. Michael Egan, mother, 584 Washington St., New York City, N. Y. G. 0., 32, April 17, 1919. Elstein Pvt Aaron, 1697620, Co. E, 305th Inf.-In the attack on the Bois de la Naza, Oct. 3, 1918, this soldier advanced boldly into the open before the enemy positions to aid three wounded comrades. He applied first aid although under constant fire, and later succeeded in carrj-ing the three men to the Next of kin— .\aron Elstein, father, 1829 Sterling Tlace. Brooklyn. G O. 41, November 23, 1918. Fascella Pvt Michael, 1G98021, Co. H, 305th Inf. -On the night of Oct. 15, 1918, while his company was in a position along the east and west road running through St. Juvin, taking as protection a ditch along the roadside, the enemy began shelling of the most intense character. After four men had been wounded position became untenable and the platoon was ordered to withdraw. At this moment the hole in which this soldier was lying was blown in and a man next to him was buried by the same shell explosion- but, instead of seeking lus own safety, this soldier, with utter disregard of his personal safety and under heavy shell fire, dug out his buried comrade and brought him back with him in safety to the' new position of the platoon. In so doing he showed exceptional heroism and devotion to his comrades. Next of kin— Dan Buffano, brother-in-law, Bridgehampton. \. V. G. O. 31, April 16, 1919. Fox 1st Lieut Andrew C, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in action on or about Nov. 7, 1918, near ' 'viUers-devant-Mouzon. This officer (then a 2d Lieut.) was sent out in command of a patrol to cover the building of a bridge across the Meuse by a party of engineers. The engineers and the patrol were under constant shell and machine gun fire, much of the latter coming from an enemy outpost which Lieut Fox detected. He not only facilitated the building of the bridge by materially suppressing this fire but as soon as the stream was spanned, went after the gun, of his own volition and his own initia- tive though realizing fully the danger of that undertaking. His patrol of the 3d Bn. were the first troops of the 77th Div. to gain a foothold on the eastern bank of the Meuse. The enemy machine gun post was silenced by this patrol, which held their position until two platoons of the First Bat., 305th Inf . , egected a crossing that day. _ Next of kin— Mrs. Barbara A. Fox, mother, 1871 Fremont St., Chicago, 111. G. O. 10., February 2, 1919. Freedman 2d Lieut. Samuel, 305th Inf.— During the advance from the Aisne, near Pincon Farm, on Sept 7 1918, when his companv was obliged to faU back on account of heavy shelling and after suffering heavy casualties, after bringing his men from the field to their new position, with absolute disregard for his own personal safety, returned and directed the work of bringing the dead and wounded in. and in so doing was himself severely wounded. Next of kin— :Mrs. Sadie Freedman, mother, 85 Morton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. O. 13, Februar)' 12, 1919. Galinauskas, Pvt. Constantine (deceased) , 1698716, San. Det., 305th Inf.-During the attack in the morning of Sept. 28, 1918, this soldier without regard to his personal safety, and while the company to which he was attached was under heavy fire, went about caring for wounded men, and had just finished binding up the wounds of one man when he heard another calling for aid and ran to his assistance and was killed in the act with his scissors and bandages in his hands. In so doing he exhibited the highest type of courage, devotion to his comrades and a spirit of self-sacrifice. Next of kin- Mrs. Yrena Galinauskas. mother. 719 Main St. Cambridge, Mass. I) I V I S I O N C I T A r I () X S 279 G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Generaux, Pvt. Walter, 17153S8, Co. A, 305th Inf.— During the advance from the Vesle to the Aisnc, near Pincon Farm, on Sept. 7, 1918, wlien his company was under heavy shell fire, this soldier, with absolute disregard to his own personal safety, went among the wounded, helped in dressing their wounds and in giving comfort to them in the woods in the rear of the company's position. Ne.xt of kin— Joseph N. Generaux, father, S Rene PI., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. O. 31, April 16, 1919. Goodwin, Wag. William B., 1082289, Supply Co., 30.")th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism at Vauxccn5 between the Vesle and the Aisnc rivers, on Sept. 7, 1918, during a terrific enemy artillery bombard- ment concentrated on the village street. When the shelling started the entire regimental train was loaded and waiting to proceed; animals were thrown into the wildest confusion, attempting to plunge to their certain death down a nearby embankment. Wag. Goodwin with four other men voluntarily left the cave where all men had been ordered for safety, and succeeded througli his initiative, good judgment and daring in unhitching many of the animals and conducting them to a point of safety. Four animals were killed in his presence by the concussion of one of the high explosive shells and flying shrapnel, but Wag. Goodwin, beyond the call of duty and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, remained in the open under the shelling until the twenty -eight remaining animals were con- ducted to a place of safety, which required the utmost daring, initiative and coohiess. In this act he not only saved the lives of many animals, but assisted in preserving the entire ration issue for delivery to front line troops. On other occasions throughout the regimental campaigns on the Aisne and the Argonne fronts, he volunteered and acted as Transport Officer, assuming the responsibilities of such on account of the shortage of ofTicers, and did at all times display a marked courage, devotion to duty and daring in the many trying situations into which such responsibilities led him. Ne.xt of kin— Mrs. Marian Goodwin, mother, 54 Howard St., Lynn, Mass. G.O. 32, April 1, 1919. Gray, Capt. Philip M., 305th Inf.— As Battalion Scout Officer, and later as acting Regimental Intelligence Officer, showed unfailing courage during the entire action of his regiment, instilling in his sul)ordinalcs an eager devotion to duty under most trying circumstances. Near Chateau du Dialjle, this officer made a valuable personal reconnaissance under shell and machine gun fire, of a position to be taken over by his battalion. He then guided a company of the battalion to that new position over most difficult ground. On or about the 15th of .\ugust, when his battalion was awaiting relief by a battalion of another regiment, Capt (then 1st Lieut.) Gray went out despite a heavy concentration of gas to locate and guide into position the relieving unit: in the heavy gas and H-E bombardment they had become somewhat broken up and had lost their way in the darkness. It was due solely to this officer's courage and ability that the relief was accomplished that night, .•\gain, during the drive through the .\rgonne and from the .\ire to the Mcusc River, this officer was efficient and untiring, obtaining valua- ble information by personal reconnaissance of the forward positions and in speeding the deUvery o information to his higher commanders. Next of kin— James M. Gray, father, 747 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, 111. G.O. 41, November 23, 1918. Gross, Sgt. John 11., 1696423, Hdqtrs. Co. (Signal Platoon), 305th Inf.— Who, in the Forest of the Argonne, following the attack of Sept. 26, 1918, worked on the lines intrusted to his care, on many occasions under shell and machine gun fire, and on one occasion with a small detail ran a lateral line connecting two forward Bn. P. C.'s along a path which was constantly swept by machine gun fire. In all of this work this man showed a complete disregard of his personal danger and through his devotion to duty and constant effort communication with his battalion was maintained. Next of kin— Mrs. Elizabeth Gross, mother, 921 Melrose .^ve., N. Y. C. G. O. 32, April 17, 1919. Halls, Cpl. .\nton C, 2786693, Co. L, 305th Inf.— During the first phase of the Argonne attack, this soldier was a member of and present with the 3d platoon of Co. B, which operated as the liaison group between 280 A HISTORY OP^ THE 305th INFANTRY the 77th Division and the 2Sth Division on our right. On several occasions in the forefront of activities, by his fearlessness and pluck doing much to encourage his comrades, aiding greatly the accomplish- ment, during the difficult days of September, of the detachment's mission. Next of kin— Christian E. Halls, father, Hills, Minn. G. O. 20, March S, 1010. Hallquist, Sgt. Fred. 1697134, Co. D, 305th Inf.— For gallantry in the Forest of the Argonne, near the Barricade Pavillion Road, on Sept. 26, 1918, while the company was advancing under severe artillery fire, Sgt. Hallquist (then Cpl.) was wounded in the leg by a piece of shell. His platoon sergeant was severely wounded at the same time. Sgt. Hallquist assumed command of the platoon and reorganized it after the bombardment had slightly subsided in violence. He not only refused to be evacuated, but would not permit the first aid man to dress his wound, insisting that the more seriously wounded be attended. During the entire .'Vrgonne campaign this soldier led his platoon with remarkable gallantry and skill, and remained in action until, on November 8, 1918, he was again wounded and evacuated, much against his will, to a field hospital. His conduct in action at all times was most creditable and afforded the finest example of devotion to duty. Next of kin— Gus Hallquist, father, 168 45th St., Corona, N. Y. G. O. 32, April 17, 1019. Hampson, Sgt. Alfred A., 16075S2, Co. E, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism on Oct. 3, 1918, in the Bois de la Naza, Argonne Forest, where this soldier showed an absolute disregard for his own safety and a most conscientious devotion to duty. With two privates he was sent forward as a point, during the advance, and despite a withering machine gun fire he advanced to within thirty yards of the enemy line where he was painfully wounded and his two comrades killed. Despite his own injuries he held his ground until advancing troops came to his position, from which point he later helped two wounded soldiers to shelter, and carried a third back to the First Aid Station. Next of kin— Mrs. Arthur Hampson, mother, 540 West 51st St., New York, N. Y. G. O. 1, January 4, 1919. Hanson, Pvt. Julius, 1677472, Co. D, 305th Inf.— In the advance to the Aisne, on Sept. 6th, the leading half platoon of which this soldier was a member was stopped by heavy machine gun fire. This soldier pushed forward along with his Chauchat to a good position, and, unaided, loaded and fired his gun until all magazines were empty, thereby showing initiative, good judgment, and disregard of his personal safety and devotion to duty of the highest t\T3e. Next of kin— Chris. Hanson, father, R. F. D. No. 3. Schaghticoke, N. Y. G. O. 20, March 8, 1019. Hayden, Sgt. James S., 1699005, Co. G, 305th Inf.— Was in command of an outpost in front of St. Thibaut for four (4) days, and made patrols each night to the river bank to locate German machine gun positions, under heavy machine gun and snipers' fire, requesting to be allowed to remain in the outpost without relief, until he could locate a one-pounder position which had caused losses to his company. Next of kin — Mrs. Mary A. Hayden, mother, 1784 Brooklyn Ave., Brookhm, N. Y. G. O. 41, November 23, 1018. Hess, Pvt. William A., 1698724, Sanitary Detachment, 305th Inf.— Who, in the Forest of the .\rgonne, following the attack of Sept. 26th, and particularly on the afternoon and during the night of Oct. 2, 1918, continued to render first aid to wounded men under intense machine gun fire. During this time this soldier showed an utter disregard of his personal danger and his work contributed greatly to the comfort of his wounded comrades. Next of kin — Albert W. Hess, father, Linri, West Virginia. 1 ) I \' 1 S I () X CIT A IK) X S (;. C). 3(i, Mays, 1919. Holmes, Pvt. Percy S., 1682036, Co. K, 305th Inf.— During the attack on liuis dc la Xaza, (), t^ r>. 19IS, this soldier performed the duties of runner between the battalion and his com[)any whii h was sub- jected to continuous machine gun fire at exceedingly close range. Despite the fact that any sort "f movement drew a deadly machine gun fire from the enemy he performed, without rest and without hesitation, his duties throughout this period in an exceedinlgy heroic manner, re[H'atedly volvnitcering to carry messages. He was of inestimable value to his company (ommandcr during this altac k. Next of kin— Mrs. Edward Holmes, mollu-r, ShclTichl, Ma:-s. G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Huber, Sgt. Arthur F., 1697407, Co. D, 30.5th Inf.— In the advance from tlic \'.sk-, ncir St. -lliilLnit on .Vug. 31, 1918, while his company was proceeding with packs, over a heavily shell-swcpl .area, this sergeant, at the risk of his own life and without regard to his personal safety, returned over lifly yards to rescue Pvt. Evans and carry him to cover. While doing this his own rifle was struck with HI'", shell splinters. His act was an example to the men of his company, of high devotion to his comrades, and great personal courage. Next of kin— Mrs. Mabel Huber, wife, 280 St. Nicholas .\ve., \ew York, \. V. 0.0. 41, November 23, 1918. Humphreys, Cpl. William J., 1696996, Co. A, 30r)lh Inf. -Who, near Carrefour -des-Mcurrissons, in the Argonne, on Sept. 27, 1918, bandaged the w-ounds of two members of his platoon, and personally carried them back to safety, returning to his post of duty through a heavy machine gun barrage ,ind with utter disregard of his own personal danger. Next of kin— H. J. Humphreys, uncle, 112 Cathedral Parkway, N. Y. C. G. O. 31, April 16, 1919. Jensen, Pvt. Otto, 3138240, Co. E, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in action on Nov. 1, 19 IS. at St. Juvin. During the advance E Co., of which Pvt. Jensen was a member, became isolated from, and somewhat in advance, of the rest of the battalion. By a flanking movement, and by a heavy machine gun barrage, the enemy killed, wounded or gassed 33 men of this company — more than a third of its effective strength. After the remainder of the company had retired under orders to a more protected locality to reorganize, Pvt. Jensen with one other man voluntarily left their shelters to advance in the face of heavy fire to the aid of the wounded. Pvt. Jensen was himself seriously wounded in the attempt. Next of kin — Karsten Jensen, father, Nykobuig, Mors, Denmark. G. O. 32, April 17, 1919. Kaplan, PEC. Morris A., 1697585, Co. E, 305th Inf.— On Sept. 30, 1918, in the Argonne Forest, this soldier displayed extraordinary heroism and devotion to his comrades. Having learned that the members of his company had no food in the front line, and although he had performed his full share of duties as battalion runner, he volunteered to and did carry food to the front line, thereby contributing in a large degree to the maintenance of the morale of his company. Next of kin— Jacob Kaplan, father, 234 East 4th Street, N. \. C. G. 0.36, May 8, 1919. Kearney, Cpl. John, 1698203, Co. I, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism during the day and night of Oct. 4, 1918, in the Bois de la Naza, at which time his company participated in a series of attacks upon a line of German machine gun nests treacherously concealed in the brush. Cpl. Kearney con- tinually displayed great courage and exceptional qualities of leadership, repeatedly and without regard for his personal safety exposing himself to a terrific machine gun fire at close range in order to render first aid to wounded men of his platoon, and to evacuate them properly. Through his own example, his bravery and personaUty, he succeeded in maintaining the morale of his platoon under most diQjcult conditions, and kept his lines intact. Next of kin— James McCarney, uncle, 216 East 47th St., New York Citv 282 A HISTORY OF THE 30 5th INFANTRY G. 0. 36, May 8, 1919. Kelleher, Sgt. Michael (deceased), 1692867, Co. K, 305th Inf.— On Sept. 26-27, 1918, with his platoon per- formed the duties of a combat liaison group in the .\rgonne Forest between the 77th Division and the 28th Division on our right. At one time the artillery fire to which he was periodically subjected became particularly severe, 16 men of his unit being wounded. Despite this fact Sgt. Kelleher, with cheerful disregard for his own safety, personally dressed and aided his wounded men and successfully main- tained the morale of his unit, held his position and continued efficiently to carry out his mission without interruption. He was later killed in the Bois de la Naza, Oct. 5th, while gallantly leading his platoon in action. Next of kin — Mrs. M. Donnell, aunt, 178 Devoe Street, Brookl>-n. G. 0. 10, February 2, 1919. Kiernan, Cpl. Peter J., 1697137, Co. D, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism during a patrol action in Bazoches on the morning of September 2, 1918. His patrol of an officer and four men having crossed the Vesle River and entered Bazoches, his skill, alertness and courage in providing security to the rear contributed directly to the rapid and successful advance of the patrol mider exceedingly adverse circumstances, while later his courage in making his way back to his own lines under fire set a fine example to the rest of the patrol. Next of kin— Mrs. Catherine Kiernan, mother, 750 Melrose .-\ve., Bronx, N. Y. G. O. 27, April 10, 1019. Koebbel, Cpl. Arthur, 1696554, Hdqtrs. Co. 305th Inf.— On or about Sept. 28, 1918, near the crossroads south of Abrl du Crochet, Argonne Forest, as a member of a crew advancing with a 37 m/m gun while approaching a bend in the road was suddenly enfiladed by a German Machine gun. Without hesitation and in the face of intense fire this soldier and the others of his crew assisted the gunner in setting up the piece without taking cover; driving out the enemy by their successful manipula- tion of the gun, and rendering valuable assistance to the troops they were supporting. Next of kin— Mis. Mary Koebbel, mother, 91 Penn St., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. O. 32, .\pril 17, 1919. Lederthiel, Cpl. Paul E., 1697977, Co. L, 305th Inf.— In the Argonne Forest, near the positions of the 3d Bn. on the Haute Chevauch^e Road, on or about September 26, 1918, and again in the Bois de la Naza, .■\rgonne Forest, on Oct. 4, 1918, this soldier displayed conspicuous bravery and devotion to his comrades in rescuing the wounded while under heavy machine gun, trench mortar and high explosive shell fire. Next of kin— Mrs. Margaret A. Lederthiel, wife, 332 Frank St., Rochester, N. Y. G. 0.41, November 23, 1918. Liebman, Pvt. Joshua, 1698744, Sanitary Detachment, attached to Co. L, 305th Inf.— Who, in the Argonne Forest during the advance following the attack of Sept. 28, 1918, responded eagerly and quickly to every call for aid and at all times executed his duties with exceptional devotion and skill, frequently under machine gun or shell fire and with utter disregard of his personal safety. Next of kin— Isaac Liebman, father, 411 Christopher Street, Brooklyn. G. O. 41, November 23, 1918. Lindner, PFC. Abe. S., 1696560, Signal Platoon, 305th Inf.— Who, in the Forest of the Argonne, following the attack of Sept. 26, 1918, showed exceptional devotion to duty and on numerous occasions repaired lines at night under the most difficult conditions after they had been cut by shell and machine gun fire, and on one occasion aided in running a lateral line connecting two forward Bn. P. C.'s along a path which was constantly swept by machine gun fire, and in so doing showed a complete disregard of his personal danger and exceptional devotion to duty. Next of kin — Mrs. Lena M. Lindner, mother, 8 Fernbrook St., Yonkers, N. Y. DIVISION CITATIONS G. O. 31, April 16, 1919. McCarthy, Pvt. John Frank, 1690064, Hdqtrs. Co., ;!().")Ih Inf. -For cxtnu.nlinary lieroisin on Oit. li, 1918, in the Buis dc la Naza, Argonne Forest, wliile siTving in the Pioneer Platoon of the 1st Hn., 305th Inf. Responding to the call of his Regimental Chaplain, Pvt. McCarthy di' enemy sheU fire, and at the same time Lieut. Montgomery mortally wounded. Yet, he took conamand and refused to be evacuated until he had given orders for the carrying out of the mission. In so doing, he not only set a fine example for his men, but also displayed exceptional devotion to duty. Next of kin — James Montgomery, father, 612 Franklin St.. Wausau, Wis. G. 0. 32, .\pril 17, 1919. Mooney, Sgt. Thomas H., 1698572, Co. L, 305th Inf. — When his company first encountered the strong line of enemy machine guns hidden treacherously in the heavy brush of the Bois de la Naza, on or about October 1, 1918, the casualties among the .\merican troops were exceedingly heavy. Throughout the numerous attacks which followed, before the enemy could be driven from these positions, Sgt. Mooney fearlessly led his platoon against the enemy, by his own abiUty, personality and unswerving devotion to duty, encouraged his men to greater efforts, bolstered their morale and in general con- ducted himself in a way that merits honorable mention. Next of kin— Miss Anna Mooney, sister, 765 EHn St., Peekskill, N. Y. G. O. 14, Februan,- 12, 1919. Moran, 1st Sgt. Martin J., 1697557, Co. E, 305th Inf.— Near St. Juvin, in the attack on Champigneulle on Nov' 1, 1918, when his company came under withering machine gun fire, this sergeant with utter disre- gard for his personal safety, succeeded in bringing in wounded men and by his coolness and bravery in- DIVISION CriA'r ION s spired confidence in the men under liini in spite of the most adverse conditions. Again on the 2d of November, 1918, during the ciiHure of C'hampignculle, he sliowcd similar courage and coolm-ss, cxrcplional devotion to duty and to his oiinrailcs until he was himself wounded. Next of kin--Micliael J. Cosgrove, friend. -JdOS f.ighlh Ave., New York, N. V. G. (). il,\oveml)er-':i, 191S. Murphy, Pvt. William 1'., :Vi i'.'SSi. Sanitary Detachment, attached to Co. C, 305th Inf.— Who, in (he Argonne. on Dctober 10, 191.S, during the attack on Marcq. accompanied the front line of atlark through a severe enemy barrage, when according to his orders he might have stayed in the rear in comparative safet>-. With utter disregard of his jjersonal safety, he administered first aid to more than 25 seriously wounded men and assisted in the work of getting them to the shelter of a dugout. By his courage and skill in bandaging their wounds, he contributed largely to the welfare of his wounded i-omrades. Next of kin— .Mrs. Mary Murphy, mother, llUO Kosciusko St., Brooklyn. C. O. 31, April li;, I'.IIO. Nemec, Pvt. Jom ph, lli'.)lil7ii. Ihhitrs. Co., 30.Jth Inf. -For exlr.iurdinary heroism in the Bois de la Na/.a Argonne Forest, on Oa. o, 1U18, while serving in the Pioneer Platoon, attached to the 1st Bn., 305th Inf., responding to the call of his Regimental Chaplain, Pvt. Nemec did, under heavy enemy shell fire, at a time when the morale of our troops had suffered greatly from hardship and very heavy losses, assist in the burial of companions who had been killed by shell fire, and continued that assist ance until the burial had been completed, thereby exhibiting both high personal courage and propel respect for the country's dead. His indifference toward danger contributed in no small degree to the encouragement of the troops. Again, on Nov. 8, 1918, at Autrccourt, close to the Meusc River, this soldier performed a like service for a lieutenant and six soldiers, under full observation of tlie enemy and with shells falling close to the place of burial. Next of kin— Mrs. Mary Nemec, mother, 1239 Intervale .\ve., New York City. G. O. 14, February 21, 1919. Noonan, Sgt. James A., 1G98273, Co. K, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism on the morning of Sept 7, I91S, to the right of Villers en Prayercs, near the Aisne River. He took out a combat patrol in an effort to engage a machme gun next that was causing considerable trouble and damage to Co. 1), 305th Inf. In the face of heavy machine gun fire and regardless of his own personal danger, and by his own example brought the patrol back to s;ifety after having achieved the purpose for which the patrol went out. Next of kin— Mrs. Margaret .\oonan, mother, 291 Clinton St., Lockport, N. Y. G. O. 31, A[iril 10, 1919. Nowak, Capt. Frank, 3()Jth Inf. — I-'or extraordinary heroism in action. In the Argonne F'orest, on Oit. 6, 1918, in the attack on the Bois de la Naza, this officer (then a 1st Lieut.), in command of Co. I., 305th Inf., led his company up to within twenty feet of a line of Boche machine guns which was found to be so formidable that the emplacements were only thirty feet apart over the whole sector attacked by this company. Having been driven back he repeated the attack four times, on each occa- sion leading his men. Throughout the attacks he showed the highest degree of courage, entire indif- ference to his personal safety, took personal risks not retiuired in the ordinary performance of his dut\- as company commander, exhibited coolness and sound judgment in handling his company under fire, and by his devotion to his men and the unfailing cheerfulness with which he shared their hardships maintained their morale at a high standard. Next of kin— Frank Xowak, Sr., father, 1220 Broadway, Buffalo, N. Y. • G. O. 31,.\pril Hi, 1919. O'Donnell, Pvt. Patrick, 1699403, Hdqtrs. Co., .305th Inf.— F-or e.xtraordinary heroism on Oct. 3, 1918, in the Bois de la Naza, Argonne F'orest, while serving in the Pioneer Platoon of the Isl Bn., 305th Inf . Responding to the call of his Regimental Chaplain, Pvt. O'Donnell did, under heavy enemy shell fire. 286 A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY at a time when the morale of our troops had sufEered greatly from hardship and very heavy losses, assist in the burial of companions who had been killed by shell fire, and continued that assistance until the burial had been completed, thereby exhibiting both high personal courage and proper respect for the countr>''s dead. His indifference toward danger contributed in no small degree to the encourage- ment of the troops. Again, on November 8, 1918, at Autrecourt, close to the Meusc River, this soldier performed a hke service for a heutenant and six soldiers, under full obseri'ation of the enemy and with shells falling close to the place of burial. Next of kin— Mrs. Ellen O'Donnell, mother, 88 Walcott St., Brooklj-n. G. 0. 41, November 23, 1918. Oelschlager, Cpl. Charles A., 1696477, Hdqtrs. Co., 305th Inf.— Who, in the Forest of the Argonne, in the Bois de la Naza, on Oct. 4, 1918, while the battalion to which he was attached was under heavy shell and machine gun fire, by his coolness and good judgment secured for the troops of his battalion much needed food and ammunition, and in so doing showed exceptional devotion to duty and utter disregard of his personal danger. Next of kin— Mrs. Caroline Oelschlager, mother, 443 East 86th St., N. Y. C. G. O. 31, .April 16, 1919. Olsen, Cpl. Ralph J., 1696586, Hdqtrs. Co., 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in action in the Argonne Forest, from Oct. 5th to Oct. 8th, during an attack on the Bois de la Naza, Cpl. Olsen took over a telephone on the forward slope which was being abandoned as untenable on account of heavy shell and machine gun fire. At this time, this telephone was the only means of wire communication between 2d Bn., 305th Inf., 1st Bn., 306th Inf., and elements of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf., and the Regimental Commanders. Cpl. Olsen operated the switchboard continuously for three days and nights in person, besides keeping his two men at work on the lines which were repeatedly shot out. During this period, the corner of the room in which the telephone was located was shot away by shell fire and the walls of the building were repeatedly pierced by machine gun buUets. Several men were wounded while passing the building. On several occasions during this period, Cpl. Olsen was compelled to wear his gas mask, while operating the switchboard, for several hours at a time. Next of kin— Charles Sorensen, friend, 1429 Bath Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. O. O. 10, Februar>' 2, 1919. Osterman, Pvt. John, 1698064, Co. H, 305th Inf.— In the attack on Champigunelle on Nov. 1, 1918, when his company came under withering machine gun fire, this soldier with utter disregard for his personal safety help to carry wounded men from the field, and in so doing showed the utmost bravery, devotion to duty and to his comrades. Next of Kin— Mrs. Mary Johnson, mother, 847 55th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. 0.31, April 16, 1919. Pirinoli, Pvt. Mike, 1645874, Co. E, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in action on Nov. 1, 1918, at St. Juvin. During the advance Co. E, of which Pvt. Pirinoli was a member, became somewhat isolated and somewhat in advance of the rest of the battalion. By a flanking movement and a heavy machine gun barrage, the enemy killed, wounded or gassed 33 men of this one company — more than a third of its effective strength. After the remainder of the company had retired under orders to a more pro- tected locality to reorganize, Pvt. Pirinoli, with one other man, voluntarily left their shelters to advance in the face of heavy fire to the aid of the wounded, his companion being seriously wounded in the attempt. Pvt. Pirinoli went forward alone carrying back to safety two wounded men and also the man who started out with him. Next of kin— Peter PirinoU, brother, Sebastool, California. G. O. 14, Februar)- 2, 1919. Quinlan, Pvt. Daniel W., 1698748, Sanitary Detachment, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in action. During an attack in the Argonne on Sept. 28, 1918, this soldier, without regard for his personal safety and while the company to which he was attached was under heavy fire, went about helping 1)I\'IS1()X CITATIONS Pvt. Galinauskas to care of wounded men and continued this work after his comrade had been killed In so doing he exhibited the highest type of courage, devotion to duty and to his comrades. Next of kin — Daniel Quinlan, father, Poughquag, Dutchess County, N. Y. G. O. -11, November 23, 191S. Rae, 2nd Lieut. Thomas, 1G97033, Co. A, 305lh Inf.— Who, then Sgt., in frontof the Aisne Canal, for three nights in succession and under heavy machine gun fire, went out into No Man's Land in search of the body of Lieut. Richard M. Dwyer, whose body he ultimately recovered, and in so doing showed excep- tional devotion to his commanding officer who had been killed in action, and utter disregard of his own personal danger. .Again, near Marcq, on Oct. 13, 1918, he reconnoitercd along the bank of the River Aire, exposing himself to fire of numberous snipers and machine guns, and narrowly escaping with his life when a trench mortar shell exploded within two feet of him. In spite of this, he continued his work of reconnaissance until he had accomplished his mission and brought back information of great value. Ne.xt of kin -Morgan Wing, friend, 30 East 55th St., N. Y. C. G. O. 1, January 7, 1919. Rehm, Pvt. Edward, 1699280, Co. I, 305th Inf.— Along the Aisne, early in Sept., 1918, having been given a message showing the location of a company which had become temporarily separated from the rest of the battalion, although wounded, continued to search for Battahon Headquarters until he met an officer to whom he could deliver the message. In so doing he exhibited a high type of devotion to duty. Next of kin— Stephen Rehm, father, 258 Himrod St., Brooklyn, N. Y. G. O. 10, February 2, 1919. Roikowitz, Pvt. George, 1716397, Co. L, 305th Inf.— Before Ville Savoye, and during the advance from the Vesle to the Aisne, in Aug. and Sept., 1918, when the battalion to whose headquarters he was attached was repeatedly under heavy machine gun fire, gas and shell fire, this soldier repeatedly delivered messages and aided in bringing in the wounded men without thought men. Next of kin S. Sutherland, falhcr, 7L>S West :)lsl .St., Chiaigo, III. G. (). 31,.\pril 10, H)I!). Thompson, 1st Lieut. Orlen, liOoth Inf.- Kor extraordinary heroism, first near St. Thibaut, on or about Aug. 13, 1918. This olTicer (then L'd Lieut.) was leading a detail of about 40 men, carrying machine gun ammunition into St. Thibaut, when they were caught in a barrage and the .sergeant of the detail wounded. Utterly disregarding his own danger, he administered first aid to the wounded man, brought him to a place of safety, and did not himself take cover until he had checked up every man to ascertain whether or not he had sufficient protection. The ammunition was delivered, against the advice of Capt. Roelker, 306th M. G. Bn., to the various machine gun posts. Again, on Sept. 2(ith, by his devotion to duty, his bravery and self-sacrifice, Lieut. Thompson greatly encouraged his men in the attack. In the course of the advance, after taking ten German prisoners, Lieut. Thompson was severely wounded in the head by a shell fragment; but after regaining consciousness, refused assistance, was careful to transmit all orders and information to the second in command, and then, tliough weak from loss of blood, brought in the prisoners single handed. Throughout all experiences, Lieut. Thompson's courage and personality have been a constant inspiration and incentive to the coiTunarul. Next of kin— Charles E. Thompson, father, 282 Frederick St., San Francisco, Cal. G. O. 31, April 16, 1919. Van de Voort, Maj. Horace, M. C, 30.jth Inf. -For extraordinary heroism on the night of Aug. II, litis, near Chery Chartreuve, while another regiment of the division was effecting a relief. Major (then Capt.) Vande Voort, regimental surgeon of the 30.Jth Inf., responding to the cries for first aid, personally organized a relief party and under heavy enemy shell fire conducted his party up and down the Chery Chartreu\-e-St. Thibaut Road administering first aid, carrying the wounded and dying to places of safety, returning a number of titnes until all the wounded had received surgical aid, thereby exhibiting both a disregard for his personal safety and the highest sense of duty as a Regimental Surgeon. Next of kin — Mrs. Horace Van de Voort, wife, Camden, Alabama. G. (). It, February 2, I9I9. Wallis, 1st Lieut. Peter L. (deceased), 305th Inf.— Who, on or about Aug. 15, 1918, near Chateau de Uialile, Vesle River, asked permission to lead a reconnaissance patrol. In his aggressive search for enemy posi- tions he fearlessly exposed himself. The patrol came under heavy machine gun fire, and Lieut. \Vall!s, in covering the withdrawal of his men, was cut off and is missing in action. (Since reported dead). Next of kin— William X. Wallis, father, 117 Thomas St., Jersey Shore, Pa. G. O. 41, November 23, 191S. White, Cpl. William J., 169G450, Signal Platoon, 305th Inf.— ^\'ho, in the Forest of the Argonnc, following the attack of Sept. 26, 1918, showed complete disregard of his personal danger and exceptional devotion to duty, personally working on all lines intrusted to his care, often making repairs at night under difficult conditions and sometimes under heavy shell and machine gun fire. By liis coolness and sound judgment in directing the work of his detachment, he maintained communication between his battalion and the Regimental P. C. Next of kin— I\Irs. Theresa C. White, mother 1680 TOth St., Brooklyn. G. O. 34, May 4, 1919. Wiseman, PFC. Earl R., 3139475, Co. I, 305th Inf.— Throughout the day and night of Oct. 31, 1918, preparatory to the attack about to be launched, wlien his company was located on the roadway ex- tending eastward from St. Ju\'in, this soldier rendered invaluable services to his company and to his battalion in the carrying of messages; repeatedly he volunteere ed extraordinary heroism and great devotion to duty in attempting to reorganize his unit after it had been heavily shelled and more than thirty men killed and wounded. .Although himself mortally wounded by the first burst of fire, Sgt. Casey quieted the men of his platoon and directed the evacuation of his men, refusing to 2<>4 A HISTORY O P^ THE 305x11 INFANTRY have his own wounds dressed until the men of his platoon were evacuated, and himself directed the placing of outposts so that the position might be retained, giving an example of the finest courage, which was a source of inspiration to the men of his company. Next of kin — Miss Alice M. Casey, sister. Cold Spring-on-Hudson, X. Y. Chisholm, Pvt. Donald, 2787105, Hdqrs. Co. . . 30oth Inf.— On November 8, 191S at Autrecourt, close to the Meuse River, this soldier, responding to the call of his Regimental Chaplain, assisted in the burial of a Lieutenant and six soldiers in full observation of the enemy and under heavy shell fire continuing such assistance until the burial had been completed, thereby exhibiting both high personal courage and proper respect for the Country's dead. Next of kin— Al Chisholm, father. Box 124, EUingson, South Dakota. Comeau, Pvt. .Armand (deceased), 1682471, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the .^rgonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin— James Comeau, father, St. Anne, Derestigouches, Quebec, Canada. Conboy, Sgt. Patrick, 1716592, Co. K, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism on or about Sept. 7, 1918, near Longueval, south of the Aisne River. This soldier was one of a patrol of three men sent out with a Chauchat ,\utomatic Rifle to locate and silence German machine guns which were inflicting casualties upon Co. D, 305th Inf., in the front line. Fully conscious of their danger Sgt. Conboy and his companions advanced in the face of increased enemy fire, which was evidently the result of their being observed, and by which one of the party was wounded, across an open field toward the German positions. They advanced about a hundred yards practically without cover of any sort for the terrain was very flat, and setting up their automatic very near the enemy, silenced the fire and brought back information concerning the enemy outposts which enabled us to lay down an effective trench mortar barrage. Next of kin— Miss Mary Conboy, sister, 12 East 116th St., New York, N. Y. Coorman, PFC. Harry J., 1698737, Sanitary Detachment, 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism in action. On the evening of .\ug. 13, 1918, Pvt. Coorman answered a call for first aid on a very steep hill on the forward limits of St. Thibaut, where a company of the .304th JI. G. Bn. was estabUshed. Though the enemy fire was heavy and the entire town constantly lit up by enemy flares which showed up everj-thing clearly, Pvt. Coorman with Pvt. Liebman ran to where the wounded men lay. In order to save time, they left the road which led around the hill for a distance of one mile and chmbed up the face of the hill bearing toward the enemy, the steepness of which required holding on to the trees and shrubs. They found a sergeant and a private severely wounded, carefully brought both down the steep hill on improvised litters and carried them in safety to the Aid Post in St. Thibaut. Coorman climbed the hill twice, to perform this duty. On the night of Aug. 15, 1918, during the relief of the 2d Bn., the enemy put over a heavy concentration of gas and high explosive. Pvt. Coorman and two others were last to leave the town. Proceeding slowly along the road, they searched all the dug- outs and funk holes, picking up wounded and gassed men. It was impossible to see with gas masks on, due to the heavy smoke. With just the mouth piece and nose clip adjusted, they continued their work, gathering together twelve wounded and gassed men who otherwise would have in all probability remained thereuntil the next day. As only one ambulance was available, it was necessary for Coor- man to lie on the road for three hours until all the wounded could be evacuated. It took four trips to and from Cherry-Chartreuve to accomplish this. Though exhausted from this work and lack of sleep, Coorman and the other two proceeded to the station of the 3d Bn., 305th Inf., at noon Aug. 16, 1918, and assisted in evacuating and treating the many men who had been gassed in Ville Savoye the night before. .After their work was over, they persisted in refusing hospital treatment as they were temporarily the only Sanitary Corps men with the 3d Bn. Their extraordinary heroism was a great encouragement to the troops. R E Cr I M E N T A L C I T A T I () X S On Oct. 3, 1918, in the Bois de la Naza, the Aid Post was established about oO yards behind (he front lines where enemy projectiles were bursting all about. Here P\-t. Coorman with two oihirs worked untiringly in the open, and gave the .surgeons valuable assistance, their coolness and 'n, N. Y. REGIMENTAL CITATIONS JM? Grande, Wgnr. Francisco, 1G96712, Sup. Co., 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism at a crossroads south of Cornay, in the .Vrgonnc Forest, on the morning of Oct. 15, liJlS, when driving four animals of a Supply Company wagon train. A bombardment of enemy artillery was concentrated on the wagon train. Wgnr. Grande leaped from the General Service wagon attached to the animals and slood holding the leading team. During the bombardment, one man was killed, one seriously wounded, six animals killed and three wounded, all within sight of Wgnr. Grande. His own wagon was struck and shattered, but he remained with h4s team; one of the animals he held was struck and, pulling the other dead animal with him, dragged Grande for a distance of fifty feet toward an eighty-foot em- bankment. Grande did not relinquish his grasp on the lines, the wounded horse broke completely away, but Grande remained on the road until he had secured the three animals, and not until then did he seek cover. In so doing he displayed an utter disregard for his personal safety, and showed a devotion to duly of the highest calibre, exercised with coolness and initiative at a time when the shortage of animals in Ihc company was extremely serious. Next of kin- l-'il.niuna Grande, wife, Zungoli, I'rovincia. .\vdlino, llaly. Grecnberg, Pvt. Michael, 1099099, Co. K, 305th Inf. — As a company runner near Villers devant Mouzon on Nov. 7, 1918, this soldier was tireless in the performance of the arduous duties which devolved upon him. As a member of the patrol which was first across the Meuse at that point under heavy artillery and machine gun fire he displayed extraordinary heroism in volunteering to carry messages back and forth between the point of farthest advance on the cast bank to his company headquarters on the west bank. Realizing fully the dangers to be incurred in crossing a foot-bridge at a lime when it was enfiladed by enemy fire, he several times performed Ihis duty, in the pcrformani e of whi( h he was seriously wounded. _ Next of kin— Mrs. Kachael Grcenliorg, mi.lher, IL'I) Smith llh St., Hnx.klyn, \. V. Grillilh, Pvl. Roy .[., 1712(iCi:i, alia, hni to Ihr H.lqlrs. group nf ihv Isl Bn., .-lOoth Inf.-Partiuilarly distinguished himself as a runner and sc.mt by liis faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisnc, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both ofiicers and men. Next of kin— F. A. GrilTith, brother. East Concord, N. Y. Griffon, Sgt. Reggie, 1696970, Co. A, 305th Inf.— During the advance from the Vesle to the Aisnc on Sept. 7, when his platoon was exposed to heavy machine gun and shell fire which caused his company heavy losses, this sergeant, through his own efforts, kept his men well under control and through his coolness and good judgment was successful in bringing his platoon from their forward position without a casualty. Next of kin— Emil V. Griffin, brother, 4.36 Prosjiect Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Hannon, Pvt. Neal, 1G90.542, attached to the Ildiitrs. group of the 1st Bn., .305th Inf.- Parlii ularly dis- tinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalioi, were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and .Msne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought informa- tion. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin — Mrs. Katherine Hannon, mother, 305 St. Nicholas .\ve., Brooklyn, X. Y. Hecht, PFC. Harry S., 1698294, Co. K, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in the Hoi^ de la Naza, Argonne Forest, when the battalion was held up by heavy machine gun fire fnim ()i t. I to 5, 1918. PFC. Hecht continuously delivered messages to .3d Bn. Hdqtrs. and alsD m.iinlaiiied liaison with Cos. M and L, 305th Inf., who were on our right at the time, lieing at all times subjected to machine gun and sheU fire. Next of kin— Tilly Hecht, 72 East 4th St., New York Citv, N. Y. 2M,s A HISTORY OF THE 305th INFANTRY Hever, 1st Lieut. William J., 30uth Inf. — When commanding Co. F, 305th Inf., Lieut. Haver exhibited great personal courage and good leadership from the 2C)th of Sept. until he met his death, leading his company in an attack on a strong German position in the Bois de la Naza on Oct. 3, 191S. When the attack was ordered, Lieut. Hever advanced with the first wave of his men, setting a splendid e.xample of courage and daring in a situation in which utter disregard of personal safety was necessary for successful leadership. Next of kin— Mrs. WiUiam J. Hever, 292 Maryland .\ve., Rosebank, Staten Island. Hirschberger, Pvt. Louis, 1697639, E. Company, 305th Inf— On Nov. 1, 191S, during the early hours of the attack begun at dawn, liaison was extremely diflicult to estabhsh with units on the right of the company. Reahzing fully the dangers of the undertaking, he volunteered to carry a message under heavy machine gun fire and succeeded in doing so, thereby greatly facilitating the advance, although a machine gun gun bullet had pierced his helmet. Next of kin— .Mr. .Sam. Hirschberger, father, 100 Columbia St., N. Y. C. Howard, Wgnr. Thomas J., 1696776, Sup. Co., 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism at Vauxcer^ on Sept. 7, 1918, during a bombardment of heavy artillery fire concentrated upon the main street in the village. During the shelling, the entire regimental ration train was loaded and ready to proceed. The frightened animals were in wildest confusion, attempting to plimge down a steep embankment at the side of the road which would have meant their certain death. Wgnr. Howard, with four other men, voluntarily left the shelter of the caves where all men had been ordered for safety, and succeeded through his own initiative, good judgment and daring in unhitching many of the animals and conducting them to a place of safel}-. Four animals were killed in his presence by the concussion of one of the high explosive shells and flying shrapnel, but Wgnr. Howard, beyond the line of duty and with an utter disregard for his own personal safety, remained in the open under the shelling until the twenty- eight remaining animals were conducted to a place of safety, a deed which required the utmost coolness and courage. By so doing, he not only saved the lives of many animals, but preser\-ed the daily issue of rations so that they were delivered to the front line troops on schedule time. On another occasion at Vauxcer^' the ration transport, lined up on the road in front of Regimental Headquarters, was heavily shelled about dusk. At least one animal was mortally wounded and several injured by the bursting shells. During the bombardment, Wgnr. Howard ran out to the teams, unhitched a number of the animals and led them to a point of safety. Next of kin— Irene Halligan. sister, 325 East 37th St., New York City. Hurley, Pvt. John. 3139552, Co. M, 305th Inf. — While acting as a company runner in the .Vrgonne, Sept. 26 to Oct. 5. 191S, under the most trying conditions — dense woods, darkness, shell and machine gun fire, he performed his duties with celerity and courage and never failed successfully to perform his Next of kin— Jolui J. Hurley, father, 1111 Farrell St., Butte, Mont. Kearney, Cpl. John, 1698203, Co. "I", 305th Inf. — For extraordinary heroism during the day and night of October 4, 1918, in the Bois de la Naza, at which time his company participated in a series of attacks upon a line of German machine gun nests treacherously concealed in the brush. Cpl. Kearney continu- ally displayed great courage and exceptional qualities of leadership, repeatedly and without regard for his personal safety exposing himself to a terrific machine gun fire at close range in order to render first aid to wounded men of his platoon, and to evacuate them properly. Through his own example, his braven,- and personality, he succeeded in maintaining the morale of his platoon under most ditTicult conditions, and kept his lines intact. Next of kin— James McCarney, micle, 216 East 47th Street, New York City, N. Y. Kenderdine, Capt. John D. (then 1st Lieut.), 305th Inf. — In the advance from the Vesle to the .\isne on Sept. 5th, being in charge of a battalion hdqtrs. group which was being severely shelled, this officer did fearlessly expose himself and by his splendid example of coolness and devotion to duty instill courage and confidence in the organization and insure its ability to perform its normal functions. Later on the same night, when enemy sheila caused severe casualties among the group, this officer, REGI MEM A LCI I' A 1 I o \ S n-ise the with( Innval ( )f the wounded men Argonnc-iMou. If Seito -rs, this oHk-cr, first without regard to his personal safety, did personally su| places of safety. In tlic Baccarat, Vesle, Argonnc ani Battalion Adjutant and later as Regimental Adjutant, rendered cxceininnal service to his regiment and by his unswer\-ing loyalty, devotion 111 duly and personal lourage set an invalualile exam|ile to the regimental personnel. Ne.\t of kin— Mrs. Mary F. Kendcrdine, mother. r>\r,l Wayne Ave , Philadelphia, I'a. King. Cpl. Patrick, lf)0S34S, Co. K, m-)th Inf. I'or extraordinary heroism on Srpl 7. Mils, when -ml o„ a lialrol whose mission was to engage and locate (terman machine guns that were causing consideralilc damage to Co. 1), :W.")th Inf. The patrol crossed an open lield in full view of the enemy and wen- immediately fired on. Cpl. King was acting as a Cliauchat Cunner. located himself and returned tlu- fire although protection afforded by tiie terrain was siant. I'Vom that time until the patrol was lalled in he performed his duties thoroughl\ and cooly and with nn thought of hi- own safely, tlnxiizh umler a most destructive machine gun tin'. Next of kin- Mrs. Mary Walsh, -i-tcr, :«)! W c-i 1 17th Street, \. V. C. Koch, Si;t. Kdwanl C. 1(;<.I711S,-,, 11 Company. :;().")! h Inf. ( )n the Lorraine, Vesle. .\insc, Argonneand .Meusc of a commissioned officer, commanding a ]>Iatoon with considerable skill. In the Hois de la N';iza, he pushed his troops to within thirty yards of a wall of German machine guns, and there established his line, patrolling constantly throughout the several days that followed, gaining little by lillle against almost inconceivable dilTiculties, during all thai lime sustaining the morale of his men despite the fac t that not an hour failed to claim its casualties. Next of kin -Mrs. William Koch, mother, Sll Seaside Building, South Reach, X. V. Koebbel, Cpl. Arthur, 1696.554, Hdqtrs. Co., 30r,th Inf.— On or about Sept. 2S, lOIS. near the crossnKi.K south of .\bri du Crochet, .\rgonne Forest, as a member of a crew advancini; with a 37 m m. y,uu while approaching a bend in the road was suddenly enfiladed by a German machine gun. Without hesitation and in the face of intense fire this soldier and the others of his crew assisted the gunner in setting up the piece without taking cover, driving out the enemy, by their successful manipulation of the gun, and rendering valuable assistance to the troops they were supporting. Next of kin— Mrs. Mary Koebbel, mother, 91 I'enn St., Brooklyn, X, V. Kopp, PFC. WiUiam E., 16983,50, Co. K, 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism in the Bois dc la Naza Argonne Forest, when the battalion was held up by heavy machine gun fire from Oct. 1 to .5, I91S. PFC. William Kopp continuously delivered messages to .3d Bn. Hdqtrs. and also maintained liaison with Cos. M. and L, 305th Inf., who were on our right at the time, being at all limes sulijected to machine gun and shell fire. Ne.\t of kin— John Kopp, 213 Ten Eyck St., Brooklyn, .\. V. Koser, 2d Lieut. .Alvin F., Co. K, 305th Inf.— On or about n,t. ID, 191s, uhilc tl.i- .onipmy was in the .iVrgonne Forest, this officer was severely gassed with fourteen nun of hi- pKiloon, who were r\acuated. He accepted only what medical assistance the first aid man could offer, and refused to leave his unit, continuing to perform all his regular line duties as platoon leader, crossing the River .\ire with his company and taking a position in the line on the heights east of St. Juvin. Xot vinlil the regiment was relieved, on Oct. 16th, did he permit himself to be evacuated for the medii al attention he so much needed. Next of kin— John Koser, father, 31S Dodge St., Jefferson, Wis, Krakower, Cpl. .\braham, 1697643, Co. E, 305th Inf. — This soldier, then a private, displayed extr.aodrinary heroism while a battalion runner to Co. E, during the attack on the Bois de la Naza, .\rgonne Forest. Oct. 3, 1918. On several occasions, after bringing imp >rtant messages to the com])any, he volunteered to carry the resulting messages on up to the attacking platoons, for the reason that most of the < ■)m- pany messengers had become casualties. Next of kin— Mrs. Henrietta Krakower, mother, 293 Henrv St., New York Cilv. 300 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05 th INFANTRY Lander, PFC. Walter M., 1697364, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During ail the periods that companies of his battalion were In the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Ne.xt of kin— Howard \V. Lander, brother, Elmsford, N. Y. Lane, Pvt. Roger, 168133S, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly dis- tinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the .Vrgonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin — Mrs. Carrie B. Lane, mother, Springfield, Mass. Langhammcr, PFC. Joseph H., 1697155, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Par- ticularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin — Joseph Langhammer, father, West Wilmington, Conn. Liberator, I'l-'C, Carmen, 1679957, Co. G, 305th Inf.— Did on Oct. 3d, in the Bois de Naza, display great courage and devotion to duty, in volunteering for outpost duty after the line of outposts had been completely wiped out by enemy machine gun fire. Although completely exhausted and himself ill at the time, this soldier willingly remained within thirty-five yards of a German position for two days and drove off by his fire an enemy patrol that sought to penetrate our position. This soldier at all times showed the same aggresive spirit, and gave an example of the finest sort to his platoon and Company. Next of kin— Antonio Liberator, father, St. Guivanni, Kiatino, Dechiedi, Italy. Lieb, PFC. Max, 1697077, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly dis- tinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the .\rgonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difiicult the mission given him, he efiiciently maintained communication or sought informa- tion. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin — Morris Lieb, 59 Varet St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Lunin, PFC. Benjamin, 1697027, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of (he 1st Bn.. 305th Inf.— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion w^ere in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin— Samuel Lunin, father, 124 West 69th St., New York City. McCabe, PFC, Thomas, 2444071, Co. G, 305th Inf.— Did at St. Thibaut perform a service of great value to his Company, on Aug. 29, by volunteering for patrol duty to the Vesle River to locate possible bridge sites after patrol had been repeatedly driven in by heavy machine gun fire. In doing so he showed utter disregard for his own personal safety, and gave a fine example of courage and devotion to duty for his Company. Next of kin — Mrs. Felix McCabe, mother, Edgeworthtown, County Longford, Ireland. R E (; I M E N T A L C I T A T I ( ) \ S McHargue, 1st Lieut. VV. R. (then 2d Lieut.), Regimental Scout OlTiter, 305th Inf.— Did, in the Argonnc, continually visit the front lines, gaining much valuable information for his suix-riors, and by his energy and cheerfulness, inspiring officers and men. Also, on or about Oct. 3d, this olVicer person;illy operated a telephone switchboard under heavy shell fire and gassing, after the I'. ('. had been abandoned, thereby keeping open important lines of communication. Nc.Nt of kin— 2-14 West 17th St., \.-nv Nnrk City. McKay, Capt. Paul V. (t'len 1st Lieut.), 3()oth Inf. |)iv|,la>.d iiiuisual cncr«y and abilily a- U.malinn Adjutant in handling the administration and sui.pl) of hi^ b.illalion, durini; tirial pha^- ..f ihr .\rgunnc Meuse offensive. Prior to that time as a platoon commander in the Hois dc la \a/.a his (oiilinued presence in the forefront of his unit was a source of constant entouragrmcnl tn ilu- nun of his conipanv. Next of kin — Mrs. Paul McKay, mother, Waterford, Pa. Xagengast, Cpl. riiilii.. liitLS.-.l.",, I„ fom|.any, ;ill.",lh Inf.- For extraordinary iKn.i.m in a, linn n.ar .\ulrr court on the Mcu>e River. ..n the night of Nov. 111. llll.S. .\n oliicer. this soldier and four other nicii crossed the river and penetrated the strongly held lines of the enemy. The patrol was halted b\- a strong enemy patrol, but due to the coolness and courage of this soldier in answering their challenge, they succeeded in deceiving the enemy, thus enabling the patrol to return safely, bringing bai k delinili' information relative to the enemy's occupation of this territory. Next of kin— George Stenglein, step-brother, 304 West lOtli Street, N. V. City. Nelson, Sgt. Robert C, 1G!)797S, H Company, 305th Inf.— On or about Oi tober4, litis, when lii-..onipany was in a very trying position in the Bois de la Naza, this soldier displayed great initiati\ e and encr,i;\ in patrolling to the front of his platoon. Alone, he pushed forward through the brush to a point thai was practically within the German lines where he saw a group of the enemy in ;i sheltered posilinn mar the mouth of a dugout. Regardless of danger, he advanced still farilur and with an aulnniatii rillc- inflicted casualties upon the enemy and dispersed them. Next of kin— Mrs. .\lice M. Nelson, mother, Bellevue St., Medlord Hillside, .Mass. Nemec, Pvt. Joseph, 1696476, Hdqtrs Company, 30oth Inf.— On October 4, 1918, in the Bois de la Xa/a. Argonne Forest, distinguish himself by an act of extraordinary heroism, when an ammunition dump near which he was stationed was struck and ignited by heavy enemy shell lire. Braving not onl\' the danger of shell tire but also that of an almost certain e.xplosion of the dump, he extinguished the flames, by his courageous act doubtless saving the lives of others who were in imminent danger. Next of kin — Mrs. Mary Nemec, mother, 1239 Intervale Avenue, Bronx, New York City. ^Llrshall, Cpl. Ely C, 1697138, attached to the Hdrjtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 3()r)th Inf.— Particularl>- distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faittiful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of ins[>iration to both officers and men. Next of kin— Mrs. Agnes F. Marshall, mother, 966 East 34th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Meadow, Cpl. Paul, 1698852, Co. M, 305lh Inf.— When the 3d Bn. was in the front line on the Canal south of the Aisne near VilliTs en Prayeres. Cpl. Meadow, acting as ((impaiiy runner, pirforriud his duties with a total disregard for his personal safety, carrying messages day and night over roails anri forest paths swept by shell and machine gun fire. Next of kin— Paul Meadow, cousin, 110 Delancey St., New York City, N. Y. Metcalf, Lt.-Col. Walter W., 30oth Inf.— Commanded the 1st Bn. until Oct. 25, 1918, with briUiancy and untiring energy and with utter disregard of his personal safety. In advancing to the .Visne to establish a Battahon P. C, he preceded his battalion on personal reconnaissance and, having found a location for his headquarters, refused to use its protection until the entire personnel of his head- quarters had been safely disposed. All this was accomplished under hea\-iest shell lire. Next of kin— Mrs. W. W. Metcalf, wife, 331 West 83d St.. New York Cilv. 302 A HISTORY OF THE 3 05th INFANTRY Miller, tst Lieut. Charles D., 305th Inf.— When badly gassed, near the Vesle River, refused to be evacu- ated until he had returned to his commanding officer with important information. Ne.xt of kin— Mrs. Charles D. Miller, %vife, 4 Fifth .\ve.. New York City. Moan, Sgt. James P., 1698284, Co. K, 305th Inf.— During the attack on the Bois de la Naza, .\rgonne Forest, this soldier accompanied his platoon in its advance to a position, reinforcing other units of his battaUon, and though the platoon was subjected to a constant searching machine gun fire of the enemy, which plowed through the brush inflicting many casualties. Because there was no first aid man with his unit, this soldier volunteered to move from place to place about the position occupied by his comrades, administering aid to the wounded. His work in this regard was e.\ceedingly eflicient and his cheerfulness did much to encourage his comrades to a better performance of their duties. Next of kin— Mrs. Marj' O'Halloran, mother, 458 Pulaski St., Brookl>Ti, N. Y. Moore, Sgt. Joseph F., 1721613, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly disintinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and .\isne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin— Mrs. Lillian Moore, wife, Kings Park, Long Island, N. Y. Morey, Lt.-Col. Lewis S., G. S., then commanding the 305th Inf.— Did, on Nov. 7th, personally supervise the troops w^ho were covering the building of a bridge over the Meuse River at \'illers-devant-Mouzon, under enemy machine gun, rifle and artillery fire. His aggressiveness and disregard of personal safety were in a large part responsible for the keeping down of the enemy fire as well as the rapid construc- tion of the bridge. Newborg, 1st Lieut. Leonard D, .Vdjutant, 3rd Bn., 305th Inf.— For extraordinary heroism at the Bois de la Naza in the Argonne Forest on Oct. 3, 191S, during an attack on a strong enemy machine gun nest. This oftjcer who was battalion adjutant went up to an observation post in the front line not fifty yards from a line of enemy machine guns wliich had held up the regiment's advance although repeatedly attacked. He remained at this post while a pirate gun registered on the enemy line, helping direct the shots o\-er a telephone within earshot of the enemy who kept a continuous machine gun fire on the observation post. The next day at the same spot he was for one half hour exposed while a barrage was put down on the enemy line and helped direct the subsequent attack from this advanced position under withering machine gun fire regardless of his own danger and offering a fine example to the men who were coming up from behind to follow up the barrage. Next of kin— Joseph Newborg, father, Belnord, Broadway and 86th Street, New York City, N. Y ^ O'Mara, Cpl. Francis A., 1696448, Hdqtrs. Co., 305th Inf.— In the Forest of the Argonne, following the attack of Sept. 26th, personally worked on all lines intrusted to his care, making repairs at night, often under shell and machine gun fire. He was always cheerful despite hardships, and by his devotion to duty and his personal example kept the men of his detachment in good spirits and by his excellent work maintained communication between his battalion and the Regimental P. C, until wounded by shell fire on the night of Oct. 13th-14th. Next of kin— Elizabeth O'Mara, mother, 390 Hicks St., Brookhii, N. Y. Palmer, Cpl. Henry A., Jr., 1697516, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to Ixjth officers and men. Next of kin— Mrs. Henry A. Pahner, Jr., mother, 1019 Nelson .Ave., New York, N. Y. R E (; I M E X T A L CI T A T I () X S Palmer, Sgt. Sidney H., 1G9806G, Co. H, 305th Inf.— Did, on or about Oct. 5, 1918, in the Bois dc la Naza .-\rgonneForcst,immediately after an unsuccessful attack upon enemy machine gun nests volunteer to crawl forward through the brush under intermittent searchingmachinegunfiretothepointoffartliest previous advance in order to rescue, if possible, three members of his platoon reported missing in the action. In the oncoming darkness, the body of only one could be found. Then, although in territory considered to be held by the enemy, he and two comrades ventured to call aloud. .Xnswer came from one of the missing, who was seriously wounded and helpless. Despite the renewed machine gun fire which greeted this hazardous effort, he and his associates succeeded in reaching the wounded man, and c.irried him back to the American lines. In so doing, he Phec, mother, 1223 Halsey St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Reiwald, Pvt. I-Mward, 1697.521, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless ser\'ice. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difiicult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin— Conrad Reiwald, father, 314 East 163d St., New York City. Rodgers, 1st Lieut. Edward T., 305th Inf. — In command of the transport of M. G. Co. throughout opera- tions of his regiment, showed untiring energy and great skill in keeping his company supplied with hot food, taking convoys forward frequently under heavy shell fire. Next of kin— Mrs. E. H. Rodgers, mother, 561 West 141st St., New Y'ork City. Ryan, Cpl. Alexander E., 1699270, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf.— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the R K (i I M E X r A J. (' 1 T A T 1 () X S M)5 \esle and Aisne, in the Argonnc, or on the Mcusc, with utter disregard tor danger, no matter how tired he was or how diflicult the mission given him, he cfliciently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both olhcers and men. Next of kin-Mrs. A. K. Ryan, wife, lOiW \\'ooectcd of a commissioned officer. .\s First Sergeant, he displayed extraordinary disdain of danger in maneuvering the men of his company during the attack on Champigneulle, Nov. 1, rendering elTicient aid to his company commander while under heavy fire of the enemy. Next of kin— Mrs. Jessie Schultz, wife, 192 Enfield St., Brooklyn, N. V. .Sebylano, PFC, Angelo, 16128091, Hdqrs. Co., 30.5th Inf.— On November 8, 1918, at Autrecourt, close to the Meuse River, this soldier, responding to the call of his Regimental Chaplain, assisted in tlie burial of a lieutenant and six soldiers in full observation of the enemy and under heavy shell fire, continuing such assistance until the burial had been completed, thereby exhibiting both higli personal courage and proper respect for the Country's dead. Next of kin — Matilda Sebylano, sister, Engui, Mabarra, Spain. 306 A HISTORY OF THE .^0 5tii IX F AX TRY Smith, Sgt. William J. (then 1st Sgt.), 1696283, Co. K, 305th Inf.— On Aug. 14, 1918, while his company occupied a position on the Vesle River near Ville Savoye, it was apparent that the enemy had the range of a certain portion of his company's sector where severe casualties resulted. Though aware of the danger, this soldier moved voluntarily to the aid of two wounded and helpless men, whose funk hole had received a direct hit. Braving the almost continuous shell fire which fell upon this spot, he rendered efficient first aid and moved the two men to a less dangerous position. Ne.xt of kin — Miss Lillian Smith, sister, 411 Lenox Ave., New York City. Smithwick, Cpl. Vincent ,\, 1699466, attached to the Hdqtrs. group of the 1st Bn., 305th Inf— Particularly distinguished himself as a runner and scout by his faithful, brave and tireless service. During all the periods that companies of his battalion were in the line, whether in the Baccarat Sector, on the Vesle and Aisne, in the Argonne, or on the Meuse, with utter disregard for danger, no matter how tired he was or how difficult the mission given him, he efficiently maintained communication or sought information. His example was a source of inspiration to both officers and men. Next of kin— Mrs. M. Smithwick, mother, 456 52d St., Brook^-n, N. Y. Spadafora, PFC. Frank .\., 1698088, H. Company. 305th Inf. — This soldier performed the duties of com- pany runner for nearly a year, always on the alert and wiUing to deliver messages at any lime of night or day, and never missing a day of duty on any front where his Regiment took part in the fighting. On September 13, near the ;\isne River, he delivered a message to his battalion commander under heavy shell fire, receiving a slight flesh wound which he treated himself without delay. In the Bois de Naza throughout the bloody attacks which characterized five days of hard fighting, this soldier when not carrying messages assisted in bearing the wounded from the outpost line. On Nov. 1, in an open posi- tion where his company came under intense machine gun fire, this runner made his way from shell hole to shell hole, though sniped at continuously, and thus back to the battalion commander, with an important message. Next of kin— Mrs. Marie C. Spadafora, wife, 2