' :- : - : v-r: 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GENERAL CLARENCE R. EDWARDS 
 Daddy of the 26th Division! 
 
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON was pro- 
 claimed as the Father of his Country, and now a 
 similar title has been bestowed upon another be- 
 loved General. Every lad in the 26th Division hails Gen- 
 eral Clarence R. Edwards as the Father of our Division. 
 He was familiarly called (behind his back of course) 
 "Daddy," and he was in every sense a true Daddy to liis 
 boys. Their welfare and protection were his one interest. 
 Pie fought so hard down at G. H. Q. for his boys that 
 he gained the disfavor of many of the hard-boiled army 
 politicians, which eventually resulted in bis losing one 
 of his prized worldly possessions — His Own Division. 
 General Edwards was relieved from bis command in the 
 middle of a terrific battle (October, 1918) and returned 
 to the United States to form a new division. This re- 
 moval of General Edwards was part of a bold step to 
 relieve such officers of combat troops who had established 
 a record for achievements and put into command many 
 of the favorite clique who bad not seen active service 
 previously, and they could then gain the honor of such 
 command and perhaps by this service be allowed to retain 
 their temporary war rank, which in most cases was 
 several ranks higher than their permanent status. 
 
 Our boys cried out — "Generals may come and Gen- 
 erals may go, but in our hearts General Edwards will 
 remain forever." 
 
COLONEL EDWARD L. LOGAN 
 
THE 101st Infantry was indeed proud of its leader. 
 In Colonel Logan this famous regiment had a 
 righting Colonel in every sense. His one interest 
 was the men whose lives were intrusted to him, and he 
 can justly report to the parents or relatives of his men 
 that his steward-lii)) was performed in the highest degree. 
 
JAMES T. DUANE 
 
 Holder of every rank from Private to Captain of K Companj during the 
 
 World War. 
 
Heroism Is Simple, and Yet II Is Rare. 
 
 Every One Who Does the Best He Can Is a Hero." 
 
 Josh BlLLINGS. 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
 
 1 9 2 2 
 

 Copyright, 
 
 /:>/ Jam,* 7. Duam 
 
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 ©CI.AHM935 
 
PREFACE 
 
 It was at the request of the Clinton (Mass.) Historical So- 
 ciety, through its President, Judge Jonathan Smith, a member of 
 the G. A. R., that this brief history of K Company, 101st Infantry 
 (of Clinton, Hingham, and surrounding towns), was written. 
 
 (The members of "K" were originally from the above towns, 
 but as casualties occurred, replacements were made by men from 
 other sections of Massachusetts and from other states.) 
 
 I have arranged the story in diary form, giving a brief 
 history of happenings from day to day. I have made no attempt 
 to show that K Company won the war, or was entirely respon- 
 sible for winning it; but I present this Company as a shining 
 example of the brave and fearless acts of heroism and devotion 
 which were exemplified by all the American boys who fought in 
 France, Belgium, and Italy; and of those boys who did not reach 
 the firing line through no fault of their own. 
 
 The boys of "K" possessed those qualifications which are 
 typical of our forebears of Concord and Lexington, of '61 and '98. 
 
 I sincerely hope that my story will please all. Owing to the 
 strict orders issued during the war, that no diaries or notes be 
 kept by the men, it has been very difficult for me to record abso- 
 lutely all movements and incidents of the Company. But I have 
 tried to make the story as complete as possible. 
 
 I have made special mention of some names of the members, 
 but, this fact does not mean that they performed greater service 
 than the others. These names I mention simply because they 
 were the first ones which came to mind during my task of writing 
 the story. 
 
 If, in any part of my humble story, I have given the im- 
 pression that the war was fought alone by "K," or that I, per- 
 sonal^, have absorbed any particle of the spot light, I ask your 
 pardon, for it is all unintentional. That is caused merely in 
 my desire to tell the good relatives and friends of "K" a few 
 of their experiences. It is devoted to the deeds of enlisted men, 
 rather than officers. Neither pen nor tongue can ever fully 
 picture their glorious deeds and patient sufferings. May their 
 deeds inspire the boys of future years, as the deeds of our fore- 
 fathers inspired us ! 
 
f ifiT" Tin iir* "^TriiT* "fiiTTf ^Gf^'"l^ar fc J33lifl...'irflir ^kjluT lu: 
 
 * 
 
 WE SHALL NOT SLEEP 
 
 "In Flanders fields the poppies blow- 
 Between the erosses row on row. 
 That mark our place; and in the sky 
 The larks, still bravely singing, fly. 
 Scarce heard amidst the guns below. 
 We are the dead. Short days ago 
 We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 
 Loved and were loved, and now we lie 
 In Flanders fields. 
 
 "Take up our quarrel with the foe. 
 To you from falling hands we throw 
 The torch — be yours to hold it high. 
 If ye break faith with us who die, 
 We shall not sleep, though poppies grow 
 In Flanders fields. " 
 
 Lt. Coi . Dr. John McCrae. 
 
 BaOBOnUOOOoOQBm 
 

 
 
 
 rj^IIIS BOOK I dedicate to my Mother and 
 
 
 
 X to the Mothers, both living and dead, of the 
 
 
 
 boys of "K," 101st Infantry, for it is to them that 
 
 
 
 all glory is due. James T. Diane. 
 
 
 
 
 
(."\ri\i\ PkTEB F. COXSEIXY 
 
 The splendid officer who commanded and 
 put K Company in the fine physical condition 
 to stand afterward all the hardships it suffered. 
 
 11< was later selected for Provost Marshal 
 of Nice the most famous pleasure resort in 
 all Europe. 
 
DEAR OLD "K 
 
 FTER the return of Company K from its tour 
 of duty on the Mexican border, the boys once 
 more settled down to the old routine of affairs ; 
 they brushed the dust and sands of Texas 
 from the breech blocks of their rifles and 
 placed them in the racks in the Armory, say- 
 ing to each other, "Well, I hoped we would 
 get a chance to use these babies against those Mexican Greasers, 
 but we were out of luck on the sport, so we will have to sit 
 around and grow old waiting for Japan to come in through 
 Mexico and start something, and then we may take another trip 
 south." 
 
 Such was the opinion of most of the boys of Company K. 
 The war in Europe had been going on so long and no signs 
 of America ever getting into it, that hardly a second thought 
 was given to our going across to France to fight. As the boys 
 said, "No such luck." 
 
 The peaceful habits of Clinton prevailed until one Sunday 
 late in March. On Sunday, March 25th, the people of this 
 town arose early to be greeted by a bright and glorious sun- 
 shine. They did their usual Sunday-go-to-meeting primping, 
 and the church-goers attended their respective services. 
 
 The day was one of the finest we had had in months, and 
 all the people seemed exceptionally happy. But as the old 
 adage goes, "After sunshine comes a storm." Late in the after- 
 noon our quiet little town was awakened to a sad surprise. The 
 word passed about like wild fire that our good President of the 
 United States had issued a call, and K Company was ordered 
 mobilized to prepare for a war emergency. The boys assembled 
 at the State Armory and were greeted by their ever-smiling cap- 
 tain, Peter F. Connelly. As they arrived they were given their 
 instructions, and those members who were out of town were notified 
 by wire or phone to report at the earliest possible moment. 
 
 It was not long before the great majority of the townspeople 
 were assembling outside the Armory to see the excitement and 
 
 1 
 
2 D E All OLD " K " 
 
 trv to learn the real news of what, had and what was to happen. 
 The members of the Company made their appearance in an 
 exceptionally short period, and they were seen strutting around 
 the Armory with happy smiles, for they felt, as nearly all young 
 Americans did. this was a chance of a lifetime for a lark and 
 some excitement and adventure. 
 
 After about a week's hanging around the Armory, definite 
 orders were received, and K Company was ordered to move by 
 train to Concord, Mass., to act as guards on the railroad bridges, 
 powder plants, etc. 
 
 The first days of the Company's stay in Concord were enough 
 to discourage less strong-hearted boys, for it snowed and sleeted 
 for days, making living in tents uncomfortable. After a few 
 days in Concord, orders were received dividing up the Company 
 and sending groups to Marblehead to guard the air station there, 
 to Lynn to assist as guards at the General Electric Plant, and 
 to Dedham to guard the Sturtevant Aeroplane Plant. 
 
 The usual peaceful events occurred at these various places, 
 the boys making many new friends and winning great praise 
 from the management of the places at which they served as 
 guards. 
 
 Early in July the Company was once more assembled and 
 moved to the state camping grounds at Framingham. Here 
 the entire Ninth Regiment was assembled, to take up a strenuous 
 course of intensive training to prepare for their future participa- 
 tion in the great conflict in France. It was not until then that 
 many could be made to believe there was a chance of our American 
 boys ever going across the water to fight, but signs indicated 
 then that there was no mistake that the boys would be soon in 
 the thick of it. 
 
 Our President, early in July, had issued an order mobilizing 
 all the National Guard organizations which were not called to 
 arms in March, and also ordered all the men who were on the 
 Reserve list of the National Guard to muster on July 25th. 
 
 July 25th found the Dandy Fifth Mass. Regt. under arms, and 
 they were now ready for any duty which might be assigned to 
 them. The Fifth Regt. mobilized at Camp Darling, Framingham. 
 
 All kinds of drills and games were indulged in to condition 
 our boys. They were put through a course of trench digging 
 
101st I N F A N T R Y 3 
 
 and making barbed-wire entanglements. All this was taken in a 
 light-hearted spirit, as is the custom with Americans, for we 
 must be shown before we will take things seriously ; and especially 
 so with this war, which was so far away that it had neither 
 touched us nor been brought home to us yet. 
 
 Early on the morning of July 31st we had the first real 
 message of the war and its grim realities delivered to us. On 
 the arrival of the daily newspapers in the camp we were shocked 
 beyond description. There in bold, black type was the announce- 
 ment that Perley Hamilton, of Clinton, had been killed in action 
 with French troops. This was our first lesson, and the Germans 
 could not have committed any deed that could have saddened 
 the Clinton boys more. This news was the topic of conversation 
 for the entire day, and every Clinton boy in camp with K Com- 
 pany that day took a solemn oath that Perley Hamilton's death 
 would be more than repaid, if the opportunity ever offered itself. 
 
 Perley Hamilton was our first inspiration, and although not 
 a member of our Company or Regiment, we all admired his pluck 
 and spirit in volunteering and going across to assist poor, bleed- 
 ing France by joining the Princeton Unit, American Field 
 Ambulance Corps, a very important and extremely dangerous 
 branch of service. We were proud to learn later that France 
 had bestowed her cross of war on Perley for his bravery. 
 
 The American Field Ambulance Service was an organization 
 formed by Colonel A. Piatt Andrew, of Gloucester, Mass., of 
 brave and patriotic young Americans — mostly college boys — who 
 went to France early in the war and gained undying fame. 
 
 On August 5th, by order of the President, all National Guard 
 organizations were federalized and became part of the United 
 States Army. Under this order the Ninth Regiment, which had 
 held so many traditions and glorious records, was to be stripped 
 of its name and henceforth would be known as the 101st United 
 States Infantry, thereby being made the first National Guard 
 outfit in the new United States Army. An order was then issued 
 ordering the merging of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment with 
 the 9th, to form the remainder of the 101st Infantry. Thus 
 were combined two splendid fighting units, which we knew would 
 later bring fame to our dear old State. The consolidation took 
 effect on August 23d. During the merging ceremony a terrific 
 
4 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 thunder and lightning storm broke over the camp, and during 
 the storm two members of L Company (9th) were killed by 
 lightning and about twenty men of various companies were 
 injured. 
 
 News was given out that our Regiment was soon to break 
 camp and move to some point far away. Rumor had it we were 
 to go south, another said Long Island, and still others to France 
 and even Russia. Rumor followed rumor, and each Sunday was 
 to be our final day at Framingham, and each Sunday would 
 bring many thousands of visitors to the camp to see the final 
 review, but we kept sticking right to camp. Things remained 
 about the same until about noon on September 5th, when definite 
 orders were given that all baggage would be prepared for ship- 
 ment and all large tents lowered by 4 o'clock that afternoon, 
 and the half-shelter (or pup) tents would be put up. Cheering 
 could be heard all over the camp, for the boys were glad of the 
 chance to move, regardless of whence it might be. 
 
 That night the camp presented a wonderful sight, with its 
 small tents and several large bonfires in each Company street. 
 Many of the boys were able to telephone to their relatives and 
 friends, telling them of our moving the next day, and this news 
 brought crowds of relatives and friends to the camp that night 
 and the majority remained until the wee small hours of the morn- 
 ing, singing, telling stories around the bonfires, and bidding last 
 farewells. 
 
 On September Cth, all the boys were up early and it did not 
 take very long to lower tents, pack barracks bags, and police the 
 grounds. All day long we stayed about waiting for word to move. 
 At 3.05 o'clock we were ordered to fall in and move out, thus 
 starting our historic march which ended in German territory. 
 There were very few people on the grounds to bid the boys good- 
 by. There were not more than ten or twelve Clinton people 
 present. This to the boys was a perfect start, for there is nothing 
 that pulls harder on the soft part of the heart than bidding dear 
 ones good-by, especially with the horrible vision of war in one's 
 mind. 
 
 We marched through the gates of the camp grounds and on 
 to the main streets of Framingham, and as we marched through 
 the center of the city the bell on the Catholic Church was tolling. 
 
101st INFANTRY 5 
 
 That caused a strange feeling, for it, too, well reminded us of 
 what we had before us and those we were leaving behind. Many 
 of the boys were seen to have tears trickling down their cheeks. 
 
 We left Framingham about 5.30 p. M. by train, and were 
 taken direct to the large freight yards at Harlem, N. Y., arriving 
 there early next morning. Baggage was unloaded and prepara- 
 tions made for the transfer of our goods to a boat which awaited 
 us there. Goods were loaded aboard a boat called the Ajax, 
 and about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 7th we were sailing 
 down the East River toward Hoboken. Hoboken reached, we 
 unloaded equipment on the pier and transferred to the transport 
 which awaited us. This transport proved to be the Henry Mal- 
 lory, which was formerly a fruit boat converted for transporting 
 troops. Although named Henry Mallory, all felt that some 
 mistake had been made in naming it, for we were certain that 
 it must be the same Ark that Noah carried two of a kind in 
 during the high tide away back. At 4 o'clock that afternoon, 
 with orders for all men to remain below, we left our mooring 
 and were soon passing the Statue of Liberty toward France. 
 
 September 8th was a day of real rest for all. But on Septem- 
 ber 9th everything was unrest. The sea was running rough and 
 I, as well as many others, was a bit rough in the stomach. This 
 day was the starting of our troubles. We were now having a 
 heavy rain and rough sea, which continued on September 10th, 
 and the way many of us were feeling, any undertaker would 
 have been a welcome visitor. There is an old saying which just 
 fitted our case, "At first you're afraid the boat will sink, then 
 you're afraid it won't." That was us. Why, even a submarine 
 held no terrors, for they couldn't get us mad with fifty tor- 
 pedoes. 
 
 On September 11th, things cleared up and many were able 
 to sit up and crawl to the deck for air. It was great sport to 
 see the sick lads lined up with ring-side seats at the rail, taking 
 no chances on being out of reach, the healthy lads all around 
 betting to see which one would be first to throw up the sponge, 
 and everything else. Incidentally it might be said many of us 
 made the trip across by "rail." The thing that was as much 
 responsible as anything was our menu. Everything had to be 
 steamed — steak, liver, bacon, etc. It was a rough deal on a poor, 
 undefended stomach. 
 
6 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 On September 16th we had to don our life belts and orders 
 were to continue wearing them at all times during the remainder 
 of the trip, as we were now in the real danger zone. Father 
 O'Connor read Mass on the aft deck on this day, and Chaplain 
 Rollins held his services on the fore deck. A concert was given 
 by some very fine talent among the boys and the band also 
 entertained. 
 
 One of the boys of M Company, George T. Ahearn, of East 
 Boston, was taken seriously sick with an acute case of appendi- 
 citis. About 4 o'clock signals were sent to the battle cruiser, 
 which accompanied our convoy, to stop, and the boy would be 
 transferred to the hospital ward for an immediate operation. At 
 4.30 o'clock our boat stopped, as did the cruiser. One of the 
 large lifeboats was lowered. In this boat were six boat hands to 
 row. the sick boy, the ship's doctor, and Father M. J. O'Connor. 
 There was a rough sea running, and it was a perilous trip. At 
 times the small boat would be out of sight for minutes at a time. 
 Row-boating in the middle of the ocean is rough sport, but Father 
 O'Connor volunteered and, against the advice of the ship's officer, 
 he made the trip. It was a-- brave an act as I saw in the war. 
 A few months later the boy was reported as completely recovered. 
 
 All the boats of our convoy, which consisted of nine trans- 
 ports, two destroyers, and one cruiser, were now zigzagging 
 along the course, to avoid and deceive any U-boats that might 
 be lurking about. Shortly after dark our boat had a very narrow 
 escape from being rammed by the Princess Irene, another boat 
 of the convoy. Rumor had it that the pilot of the Princess 
 was placed under arrest for his attempt at this ramming. About 
 4 a. m. our boat struck a whale which was of medium size. Target 
 practice was indulged in by the gun crews of the boats, and some 
 excellent shots were made. 
 
 On September 18th we entered the Bay of Biscay, which is 
 a very nice, rough little place. It was storming again, which 
 did not make things any smoother, so many of us were once 
 more on the verge of mal de Jner. A wireless was received on this 
 dav which told of the boat which we passed on September 12th, 
 going toward the United States, being torpedoed thirty-six hours 
 after it passed us. On this night we were treated to a grand 
 sight. No lights were allowed on the boat and all was in dark- 
 
101st INFANTRY 7 
 
 ness, this being true of the whole trip, but now the entire sea was 
 illuminated by the phosphorus in the water. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 19th we were told we would be 
 met by a convoy of destroyers sent out from France. Needless 
 to say, we were all out early to see our friends. About 7 a. m., 
 through the heavy mist, smoke could be seen on the horizon in 
 different places. We watched these specks as they approached, 
 and very shortly twelve very speedy little torpedo boat destroyers 
 were close by, greeting us. They were all in camouflaged colors 
 and reminded one very much of so many barber-poles. It was 
 a grand sight to watch as they came up and circled about, dart- 
 ing in all directions in order better to guard and get us through 
 safely. The two destroyers and battle cruiser which left the 
 United States as our convoy turned back as soon as our foreign 
 convoy arrived. We were escorted through the Bay toward the 
 channel leading to our port. Shortly after dark, with all eyes 
 strained for the first glimpse of a sign of land, we spotted one of 
 the great harbor lights of St. Nazaire. We entered the channel 
 and anchored just inside the mine nets of the harbor. 
 
 The following morning, after receiving our French pilot, we 
 steamed up the channel, passed Belle Island and into the locks 
 of St. Nazaire. While being carried through the locks all the 
 boys lined on the deck and, accompanied by the band, sang the 
 "Marseillaise," which we had been rehearsing on the way over, 
 and the "Star-Spangled Banner." The shore was crowded with 
 people, including many American and French sailors, who gave 
 us a royal reception. There was a French band on the shore to 
 serenade us. The people on the shore just bombarded the boys 
 with fruit, flowers, and cigarettes. 
 
 All hands were ordered to remain on board that night, nobody 
 to go ashore until the following morning. There were Marines 
 on guard on the dock, but even these held no terrors for some 
 of our warriors, for Howard Cummings, James (Dolly) O'Toole, 
 and Bill Roach braved the dangers of the guard and slid down 
 the long rope to the dock and escaped uptown, exploring the 
 town first and incidentally being the first three National Guard 
 men to set foot on French soil. 
 
 Early on the morning of September 21st, all were ready for 
 the word to pass down the gangplank. After our journey of 
 
8 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 fourteen days on the water we were a happy crew, to be on 
 terra firma. It certainly was a wonderful fooling when 1 placed 
 my feet on Mother Earth once more, and at that moment I 
 decided that life was still worth fighting for. The Machine- 
 Gun Company marched off first and then lv Company, thereby 
 placing K Company as the first Infantry Company of National 
 Guard to land in Franco. 
 
 We wore formed in line on the docks here, and after stacking 
 arms were allowed to fall out and look things over in the im- 
 mediate vicinitv. Our first impression of France was rather a 
 gloomy one. for nearly every woman one -aw on the streets was 
 dressed in deep mourning, indicating the loss oi some dear one 
 in the war. 
 
 About noon our first march on French soil started. We 
 hiked to the reception camp, which was a distance of about -i\ 
 kilometers from the boat. This was a camp situated on a high 
 hill overlooking the City of St. Nazaire. Our quarters were 
 wooden barracks with dirt floors. It was lure that we saw our 
 first German prisoners. There were about 5,000 prisoners in 
 St. Nazaire, and these were used for all kinds of policing and 
 cleaning up. With the usual soft American hearts, our boys felt 
 sorry for the prisoners, ami they threw them many cigarettes 
 and much tobacco. 
 
 Our second day in camp gave us a chance to wash all the 
 clothes we soiled on the trip over. The laundry work over, 
 our next move was a trip to town to see the sights. Most of the 
 boys in the Regiment made a visit to the city to look it over ami 
 to buy a few souvenirs. 
 
 On our arrival into port we found an advance guard of 
 Marine- stationed in this city, anil it was their duty to act a- 
 guards and military police. The sightseeing of the boys oi the 
 101st Infantry lasted well into the evening. On our arrival in 
 port, won! was passed around by the Marines that a crowd 
 of National Guard rookies had arrived, and they politely informed 
 us that they and the Regulars would take care of the tin soldiers. 
 A rather pleasant greeting from neighbors in a foreign land, but 
 our boys had gone to France to tight, and it made little difference 
 to them when it started or where it took place: and believing the 
 story of the Good Book, that he who hesitates is lost, they de- 
 
Ma.ioh Thomas F. I Feakless) Foley, of Worcester. Mass., 
 who commanded tin- Third Battalion of which K Company was a 
 
 part. 
 
 His motto was, ••Conic on'* wrvcr ordering anybody to go 
 ahead. 
 
I. II i I I s in 1 I I li . V.DAMS 
 
 S led with K Co. and was the onlj officer to 
 sail across and return with " K." 
 
 mule up iii pep for what he lacked in 
 height. His platoon was alwaj s n great booster 
 for him. A l»>i> sold at. 
 
 Lieutenant Kih.au K. Densmore 
 Selected ti> return to l.S as Instructor 
 and promoted t<> Captain. 
 Lieut. Densmore was an old stand-by 
 in *' K," he having been connected 
 with tin- Company for :i great many 
 \ <"ir-N. 
 
Lieutenant Albert S. Lane 
 Sailed across with K Co. Was selected to return to 
 
 United States as instructor. 
 
 B<-rf was a master ':• at calisthenics. He was the 
 
 Company's official host, especially on pay nights. A 
 
 prince of good fellows. 
 
Lieutenant Donald S. Fhan< is 
 
 Sailed across with K Company. Was selected to return to United Slates 
 as inst ructor. 
 
 Donald was a bear with the bayonet stuff. Ask him what he wiped his 
 bayonet with. 
 
101st INFANTRY 9 
 
 cided that right here and now was the time the festivities started. 
 On great display posters, later distributed as a means of recruit- 
 ing by the Marines, they claimed to be the first American troops 
 to fight in France. They were. But it was in St. Xazaire on the 
 night of September 21, 1917, and it was a defensive battle with the 
 Marines on the short end and the 101st Infantry on the offensive. 
 It was a lovely tuning up for what was later to come. 
 
 St. Xazaire is a medium-sized French city, rather untidy 
 and morals not to be bragged about. At the Sunday services 
 on September 23d both our chaplains gave very strong sermons 
 on the moral conditions of the country, and issued a real warn- 
 ing that I am sure impressed every man present, so that the 
 lesson was kept continually before him during the remainder 
 of his stay in France. 
 
 To keep the men in good physical condition short hikes out 
 into the surrounding country were indulged in morning and 
 afternoon. It was on these hikes that we saw some real sad 
 effects of the war. In the fields and gardens very old women were 
 doing work that strong men should be doing. They were handling 
 large plows, digging and carrying on work that would never fall 
 to their lot if it were not that the war had taken away all 
 their men. 
 
 Several former Clinton boys who learned of our presence in 
 camp came over to see us. and old times were talked over. Frank 
 Downey, a friend of most of the boys, was a guest. He was with 
 the 23d Infantry. Regular Army. Frank said that a German 
 barber drove him into the army. The barber was too pro- 
 German in his utterances when Frank had some patriotic spirits 
 in him. so he decided the army was the place for him, and the 
 Kaiser's and barbers relatives would have to suffer. 
 
 Our first shower baths were allowed on the 28th. Sixteen 
 men were rushed into the showers, the water turned on and all 
 must bathe and be ready to dress in just four minutes. Later, 
 on the evening of the 28th, we received orders that on the morrow 
 we would pack up our equipment and move on into the first 
 training quarters. Sergeant John F. Meiledy and a detail of 
 four other men were sent ahead to arrange for the billeting in 
 the new camp. 
 
 At -i a. m. the headquarters of our Regiment moved out, and 
 
10 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 each battalion moved on in its turn. Being in the Third Battalion, 
 "K" moved last. Our battalion moved at 4 o'clock in the after- 
 noon. As we lay around camp waiting for the hour of moving, 
 we saw four sections of the Ambulance Units make their start 
 for the front. They were Yale, Bucknell, New York University, 
 and Cornell Units. These units were equipped with Ford Am- 
 bulances. As they drove out of camp on their first lap to the 
 front, they flew their unit colors, as well as large Red Cross 
 flags ; and while the band played, all the boys lined up along 
 the road, saluted, and called good luck to all the ambulance 
 men. It was an inspiring sight. 
 
 The old saying, that "a soldier never has anything in his 
 pocket but a hole," found much truth in many cases in K, for we 
 had not been paid for three months ; but fortune once more smiled, 
 as one of our lieutenants gave me a dollar bill for some work 
 which I had done for him. Alas, I was well-to-do, so a few of 
 the boys and myself went forth to the canteen and invested the 
 bulk of our wealth ($1.00) in bread and jam sandwiches. This 
 was our first luxury since leaving home. 
 
 At 7 p. m.. after a four-mile hike, we reached the railroad 
 freight yards. There was a short halt after which I was ordered 
 to throw my equipment into a certain freight car, but I informed 
 our captain that I was going to take my equipment into the pas- 
 senger ear with me, and the reply was that these were our passen- 
 ger ears. I looked them over; and as the rest of the boys gave 
 them the once-over, there were many funny remarks made. On the 
 side of each bos ear was marked "40 Hommes — 8 Chevals," which 
 means that either 40 men or 8 horses can be crowded in. One 
 lad said, "We came across the water like a bunch of bananas, 
 and now we are to be shipped like a lot of horses." The only 
 thing missing to give the right atmosphere was a few pitchforks 
 and some straw. In a short while we wire all huddled in and on 
 our way. 
 
 There was no such thing as sleep that night, for it took 
 nearly all our time preventing each other from marring our 
 beauty with hob nails and keeping elbows from crushing our ribs. 
 
 Daybreak came as a great relief, for we could at least pass 
 our time taking turns at looking out of the side door, which was 
 our only opening, except the splendid view we could gain of 
 
101st INFANTRY 11 
 
 the rail-ties through the rents of half a foot or so in the floor 
 of the car. All day long we admired the scenery, for it was all 
 strange and novel to us. Many very beautiful chateaux on 
 the high hills, homes built out of ledges on the sides of hills, and 
 along the roads we saw many of the famous old dog-drawn milk 
 carts. 
 
 On October 1st, we were still in our cars, "de luxe, a la box," 
 and going strong. The boys were telling their experiences of 
 last night, and it was a scream to hear one lad say he dozed 
 off until Jack woke him up hollering, "Keep that foot out of my 
 mouth." One fellow heard Marty say, "That knee of yours 
 has been in my ear for the last half hour," and still another was 
 heard calling for Pete to stop scratching his shoulder instead 
 of his own. 
 
 All day we rode until 4.30 p. m., at which time we reached 
 our destination, Neufchateau (Vosges). Here we detrained, 
 packed our equipment, and started on the hike to the camp, which 
 was three and a half kilometers from the city in a little village 
 named Rebeuville. On reaching camp and being assigned to a 
 section of floor space, we spread out our blankets and, tired, 
 weary, and hungry, laid our heads down for a long-looked-for 
 sleep. 
 
 Our little village is situated down in a valley between high 
 hills in the Vosges district. There is a population of about 
 two hundred people. The village is fifteen miles from the Swiss 
 border, and about thirty-five miles from the firing line. On a 
 very clear night the heavy guns, when firing, could be heard. 
 This village was the scene of one of the fiercest battles during 
 the Franco-Prussian War. There are several large crucifixes 
 erected about the village, marking the spots of bloody conflicts 
 during that war. 
 
 As is the rule in all towns and cities where troops are sta- 
 tioned, there is a Board of Military Officers appointed over the 
 town. The American Town Major appointed me Town Clerk. 
 This was my first step in foreign politics. Our companies were 
 the first American troops to occupy this village, and as a matter 
 of fact, our Regiment was the first American outfit to reach this 
 section of France, so to the people we were somewhat of a 
 curiosity. 
 
12 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 On October 12th, the cure, or village priest, arrived home on 
 a furlough from the army. This priest had been at the front 
 for three years as an enlisted man. During the first three years 
 of the war there were 25,000 Catholic priests serving in the 
 French Army, and during the first two years 7,000 of these 
 were killed in action. It was a great sight to see the villagers 
 gather around the little old cure on his return to the village. 
 Although so very small, Rebeuville had furnished forty men to 
 the army, sixteen of whom had died in the service. This average 
 has been true all over France, and I daresay that there is hardly 
 a single home in the country that has not been affected by the 
 grim hand of the War God. 
 
 How different from our own churches was this village church 
 — stone floor, no heat all winter, small, old-fashioned lamps on 
 the side walls, and antiquated statuary. While the priest was 
 giving his sermon, a large number of the village children came 
 in and marched up through the church with their wooden shoes. 
 Laughing and pounding louder than a set of looms in a weave 
 shop. All this was quite a contrast from our own warm, com- 
 fortable, and noiseless churches at home. On this afternoon we 
 received word that Bar-le-duc was bombarded by aeroplanes, 
 and a large portion of the city destroyed. 
 
 Neufchateau, which is our Division Headquarters, is a very 
 quaint, old-fashioned city, with low roofs and very narrow >treets, 
 ami at night no lights are allowed for fear of air raids. During 
 the evening, with no lights, it is very difficult to navigate unless 
 one is thoroughly acquainted with the street-. One need not 
 fear crooks in those cities at night, for the crooks are afraid 
 that they might be running up against another man of their 
 own trade. 
 
 On October 6th we received our first mail from the dear old 
 l'. S. A. On the announcement of mail, there was a mad rush 
 and crush that looked like the effects of mess call. My, how 
 good it was to receive news direct from home and the dear folks. 
 
 October 7th. our first Sunday in camp, we held field services. 
 Father O'Connor said Mass and Chaplain Rollins held servi 3, 
 both on a small plain down at the foot oi our village. At 9.80 
 music could be heard in the distance, and very shortly the band. 
 leading the first battalion of our Regiment, could be seen, winding 
 
101st INFANTRY 13 
 
 clown the road over the hills. It was a beautiful sight to see, the 
 colors waving, and to hear our own American airs sounding 
 through the hills of the Vosges Mountains. After the church 
 services, two baseball games and one football game were held, and 
 there was much sport until late in the afternoon. 
 
 On our arrival in this village it rained and continued to rain 
 or hail every day for nearly six weeks. This is very pleasant 
 when one knows of the beautiful barracks we had to live in. These 
 were 100 feet long by 20 feet wide, dirt floors and sieve roofs. 
 These barracks were built by German prisoners and the roofs 
 were covered with tar paper, but just to carry on their low- 
 toned tricks, which are typical of the Boche, they perforated the 
 entire roofs with nails so that it did not show until it rained, 
 and then we had shower baths right in our apartments. The hoys 
 had to prop up their half-shelter tents inside the barracks to 
 keep dry. Later, when the thermometers went down out of sight 
 and we nearly froze stiff, we were issued two small wood stoves, 
 one to be placed at each end of the barracks. When these stoves 
 were well regulated and assisted by a favorable wind and there 
 was plenty of wood, we could get a little heat if we could crowd 
 within three feet of them. But the most cheery part of it all 
 was that the boys had to go on detail every second morning and 
 hike three miles into the woods and carry wood back for these 
 stoves and the kitchen. 
 
 As we sat around the barracks telling lies and stories, and 
 so forth, we were surprised with a batch of Clinton Items which 
 just arrived. Some of the boys who could not get first call on 
 one of the Items sat around and nearly had nervous prostration, 
 for the boys who had them were reading from beginning to end 
 and not missing a single line. One fellow wanted to make a bet 
 that he could recite almost every advertisement on the paper by 
 heart. Even the ads looked like late news to us. Jack Knowles 
 received a copy of his famous Hull East Wind, so the Cape boys 
 had the latest news also. 
 
 On October 12th, Captain Connelly, Lieutenants Lane and 
 Adams, and Sergeant Howard J. Cummings left camp at 6 a. m. 
 for a course at the 1st Corps School at Gondrecourt. During 
 the absence of Captain Connelly at the 1st Corps School of 
 Instruction on Advanced Warfare, 1st Lieut. Edgar R. Densmore 
 was in command of "K." On the return of Captain Connelly 
 
14 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 from the above course, Lieutenant Densmore was then assigned 
 to the school, it being necessary that all officers attend for a 
 certain period in order that they might adopt the new system 
 of warfare as taught by the French and English. 
 
 October 14th brought the first sad news from home to any 
 of the boys. Father O'Connor notified Bill Moynihan, of 
 Maynard, one of our crackerjack soldiers, that his mother had 
 been called to her heavenly reward. Poor Bill was all broken 
 up, but he received the news like a real soldier. 
 
 October 15th gave us another pleasant day. We marched 
 from our camp to the City of Neufchateau at 7.45 a. m., to be 
 received by Marshal Joffre and General Pershing. On arrival 
 in the city shortly after 8 o'clock, the Company took a posi- 
 tion along one of the city streets in company front, and stood 
 at rest awaiting the arrival of the guests. It rained most of 
 the morning and cleared around noon. About 2 o'clock it 
 started to rain again, and still we retained our position on the 
 road; darkness came on and at (5.30 word was passed along that 
 the guests had arrived and for us to stand erect and look our 
 prettiest. This, of course, was an easy task, for outside of being 
 drenched to the skin and with nothing to eat all day, we were 
 in perfect shape. At last the Marshal and the General had 
 reached the head of our line, and we were to be reviewed by the 
 highest officer in the French army and the ranking officer in the 
 American army, quite an honor. 
 
 As is always the rule with high officers, when traveling they 
 are accompanied by a score or more other officers, ranging down 
 to second lieutenants. The review at last had started, and we 
 were being inspected in the dark with the only rays of light, 
 that made it possible to know that troops were on the street, 
 coming from an automobile following the party. As our General 
 walked along, not once did he as much as turn his head so that he 
 might see our Company, but hiked right along about his business; 
 and the only inspecting or reviewing we received was by a few of 
 the second lieutenants with the General's party. From that time 
 on we were through with generals, and our affections ran toward 
 the much-abused and overworked second lieutenants. 
 
 At last we have been assigned regular instructions in war- 
 fare. The 162d Infantry French Regiment were designated as 
 guardians during preparations for our entrance into the trenches. 
 
101 st INFANTRY 15 
 
 The officers and men of the 162d taught us the composition and 
 uses of grenades and other trench weapons and trench maneuvers. 
 The first day on which this French Regiment and our 101st Regi- 
 ment met was the starting of a great friendship which still exists. 
 
 When we reached the French training grounds, the Colonel 
 of the 162d formed his men in line; our men did likewise; the 
 regiments saluted each other and then the French soldiers came 
 over and all shook hands. The 162d was considered one of the 
 bravest and most splendid outfits in the French army. Previous 
 to our meeting it had been recruited eleven times and had lost 
 over 22,000 men. After one battle it had but twenty-two men 
 left. 
 
 On October 17th, while at the French training grounds, we 
 witnessed a very thrilling aerial battle. Our planes destroyed 
 six German planes during this battle, and drove six others down 
 out of control. In one of the planes driven down and captured, 
 the pilot of the plane was a lad of only sixteen years, and his 
 observer was only thirteen years. These facts we later learned 
 from a French officer. 
 
 Hard times, no pay, and no supplies have driven the boys 
 to stealing coffee from the kitchen, grinding it with stones, and, 
 using toilet paper for a covering, they rolled cigarettes. These 
 are tough lines, but, as the saying goes, "Necessity is the mother 
 of invention." This was necessary because small packages of 
 Bull Durham were costing twenty-five cents each, or could be 
 exchanged for ten two-cent stamps at a certain welfare canteen. 
 
 For the past two weeks we have been drinking our coffee 
 raw, as there has been no sugar, and of course we have not had 
 any milk since our arrival; but today we are a bit harder hit 
 than ever — no coffee at all, no bread, or no hard tack; just plain 
 beef stew. 
 
 On the evening of October 20th an alarm was given that an 
 air raid was expected, and all lights about the camp were 
 ordered out, but nothing out of the ordinary happened. The 
 following morning we learned that five monster Zeppelins, after 
 an attack on London, were lost in a fog and went off their course, 
 heading toward the interior of France. As soon as these 
 Zeppelins were discovered, our aviators went up, and after a 
 short battle brought one of them down, just outside of Neuf- 
 
16 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 chateau. This machine had accommodations for forty-two 
 passengers, and carried three months' stores. 
 
 On October 23d, we went by auto trucks to a town called 
 Midreveaux, for practice in laying out and digging trenches. 
 This was the beginning of a long session of excavation. The 
 poets have sung of "The man with the hoe," but where, oh! 
 where is the poet who can do justice to "The lad with the pick 
 and shovel"? 
 
 It was about this time that we met a lot of the Colonial 
 troops of the French army. Among the most interesting of 
 these were the Algerians. These colored troops, whom we later 
 met more frequently, were a peculiar race. They were used more 
 for moping up in battle than for any other purpose. These 
 Algerians possessed many queer habits and beliefs, among which 
 was that if they had in their possession some portion of the 
 body of their enemies, they would go straight to their heaven. 
 In Neufchateau there were several of these Algerians, who were 
 in the hospital recuperating from wounds, and on their tour of 
 the city they made the acquaintance of our boys. Our boys 
 and they became very good friends, and of course the desire to 
 learn English struck them. The bo} r s agreed to teach them, but, 
 sad to relate, it was not always the purest of English, for slang 
 phrases and an occasional emphasizing phrase were mingled in. 
 One Algerian, who insisted on chumming with the boys, was told 
 his long sneezing name meant in English, "Cat's Paws." On 
 one occasion when "Cat's Paws" was about, the boys arranged 
 a meeting between him and our two chaplains. When introduced, 
 the Algerian immediately proceeded to try out his English; but 
 before he had gone far, our chaplains were gasping for breath, 
 for he was using an English far from anything Brother 
 Shakespeare ever dreamed of. 
 
 Of course, even in hard times, one must have diversions, so 
 on October 25th Pinkey Crothers announced this as his birthday. 
 Just twenty-one years ago this cold world was blessed by the 
 arrival of our "Will." He passed the day peacefully, reading 
 two-months-old Literary Digests and borrowing butts. A more 
 elaborate celebration was planned but postponed to a later date 
 because of lack of funds. 
 
 On October 26th we received our first individual instructions 
 
LlEUTEKAXT NKAI. H. FlSHKlt 
 
 Sailed across with K Co Was selected to return 
 to United States as instructor. 
 
 Although Neal did not remain with the best Com- 
 pany all through the jam, he was always one of the 
 boys, especially in athletics. 
 
Douglas R. Ross 
 
 Of K Company, winner of the Distinguished 
 
 Service Cross 
 
l I st INFANTRY 17 
 
 in the French automatic weapons. These instructions were under 
 the direction of Sergeant Dyrcke, a member of the 162d French 
 Infantry. This man was an expert, and told many thrilling tales 
 of the early days of the fight. In one battle in which he partici- 
 pated, he was caught in an advance trench with water to his 
 waist, and had to remain there for thirty-five days. When 
 they were choking for water they had to drink the water in shell 
 holes close by, which their comrades had been lying dead in for 
 many days. The Boche would take all French girls and childless 
 married women between the ages of fourteen and thirty years, and 
 many of the younger, good-looking girls were forced to act as 
 orderlies to the Boche officers. 
 
 Like all organizations, "K" had its star boarders. Among - our 
 stars was one lad called "Mother Eaton." Ills appetite was 
 only exceeded in dimension by Bruce's feet, Faddy Furcell's 
 mustache, or Mike Cunningham's list of debts. One evening the 
 boys gathered around the cot of "Mother," and among them- 
 selves planned on going to the kitchen to get a feed of hamburg 
 which was left after supper. The plan worked like a charm, 
 and at once Eaton suggested that he be allowed in on the feed. 
 In a few minutes one of the boys handed Eaton a dish with the 
 hamburger on it, with instructions to go in a dark spot so that 
 not many of the boys would be wise to the late feed. In a few 
 minutes loud laughing was heard, and the sound of pebbles 
 bouncing on the floor announced that "Mother Eaton" had been 
 given a feed of sand and mud. 
 
 On October 28th we had our first snow storm of the year. 
 October 29th we received the first mail for more than three 
 weeks, and only a small bundle of letters was received. Those 
 who did not get a letter were standing about envying the lucky 
 ones. One does not know what a real down-hearted feeling is unless 
 he has been at war and seen a few of the boys getting letters 
 from home and he received none. To add to our sadness, we 
 had been looking for the paymaster for quite some time. Along 
 with the few letters received this day were a few Clinton Daily 
 Items. 
 
 The weather was now very cold, wet and disagreeable. In 
 the Items received we read of the terrible sufferings of the boys 
 at Ayer, Mass. (Camp Devens), caused by the shutting off of 
 
18 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 the heat plant. Just then all our boys got tog-ether and drew up 
 a set of resolutions, extending their sympathy and reprimanding 
 the authorities for not issuing individual heaters or fur coats at 
 the home cantonments. 
 
 On October 31st two great events took place. We were paid 
 a visit by the paymaster, and our shower baths were completed 
 and ready for working. As for the pay ; well, that night was an 
 event long to be remembered. Air raids inside the barracks were 
 numerous. Hob-nailed shoes were used instead of aerial bombs. 
 As to the baths — when Mike Madden asked Hughie Hanna if he 
 had taken a shower bath, Hughie said: "No, why? Is there 
 one missing?" 
 
 After getting paid, the boys got together and contributed 
 five francs each to a fund, and a committee was designated to go 
 to Neufchateau to purchase a piano. Al White, who was a 
 human auto piano and song bird, did the choosing. Al is without 
 question, in the minds of the Company, one of the cleverest piano 
 players in the army. 
 
 November 5th, the first cloud hung over our Company, for 
 we received word that William Johnson, of Hingham, had died 
 on October 29th. On the night we left St. Xazaire, young John- 
 son was taken sick and had to be carried back to the city hospital 
 in St. Xazaire. Poor fellow, we all certainly felt bad, for he 
 was our first loss. 
 
 A large detail of men from K Company was sent to the 
 corral to take the mules and horses to the brook for water, and 
 then to clean them. They were told to take their pick, so on 
 arrival at the corral (Leo) Pat Ellery found a dead mule, so he 
 said he would pick that one. Hence, he was out of the detail. 
 
 On our arrival in Rubeuville we were confronted with a very 
 difficult job — Sanitation. Rubeuville, like most of the villages in 
 the northern part of France, was real old and antiquated in its 
 customs, and especially so with reference to sanitation. In nearly 
 every home the barn in which the family cows, horses, pigs, and 
 hens were kept was adjoining and leading off from the family 
 kitchen, and often these pets spent much of their time in the 
 kitchen. When the manure was taken from the stable it was 
 usually piled in front of the house, and in many cases directly 
 under the kitchen or parlor window. It can truly be said that 
 
101 st INFANTRY 19 
 
 these peasants were artists at arranging the manure in piles. 
 They took great pride in seeing that all corners were squared 
 and looked neat. It has been said that you could almost judge 
 the wealth of the people by the amount of manure in front of 
 their homes. The more — the wealthier. The streets were un- 
 clean. Refuse was thrown about carelessly, etc. It now evolved 
 to the American soldats to make the village a model of sanitation. 
 Details were taken from each Company in the battalion and 
 given scrapers and heavy brush brooms,: and put to work clear- 
 ing the ankle-deep mud from the roads. Stone walks were built 
 and incinerators made in which to burn all refuse. In a short 
 time the improvement was so great that the French people were 
 bewildered. They had not been used to such cleanliness of all 
 quarters. When our battalion left Rubeuville there was a vast 
 difference in its general appearance from that before our arrival. 
 Our white wings had gotten in their good work. 
 
 On November 8th we were given a very interesting lecture 
 by Major Carlo, of the English army, on "Bayonetry." He read 
 a copy of a proclamation issued by the Kaiser entitled "Butchery 
 as a Duty." This was a pleasant little essay on "Cut him deep 
 and often," rather interesting. 
 
 During the early stay in France, not being entirely satisfied 
 with the regular menu presented by our Uncle, the boys made 
 many visits to various French homes in the villages and also 
 to the small French cafes. It was very humorous to see our boys 
 with their small book on "How to Converse in French" held in 
 one hand, making wild motions with the other, and then giving im- 
 personations of a hen cackling in an endeavor to secure some 
 eggs. About the only phrases which were learned immediately 
 by the boys were "Have you got?" and "Please give me." It 
 was here that the "Gimme Club" was originated. One of the first 
 members of "K" to master the French language was the old 
 standby, Timmy Wallace. After about one month at burning the 
 midnight oil, and attending classes in the village cafe, Timmy 
 became so proficient that he could ask the pretty barmaid for 
 any number of bottles of beer from one to three — this by raising 
 one or three fingers and mentioning the word "beer." 
 
 On securing a feed in one of the above-mentioned cafes, you 
 ^vere presented with a fork, but no knife. Every soldier was sup- 
 
20 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 posed to carry his own knife. This was a queer custom, and it 
 was hard for us to get accustomed to it. At first the long French 
 loaf was much abused by being torn to pieces. The boys suggested 
 that inasmuch as the French are supposed to be great lovers 
 of peas, that each man was to carry his own knife, because he 
 could then know exactly how to balance the peas with it and 
 thus prevent them from rolling off. 
 
 We were now issued our first underwear in France. We 
 donned the new fleece-lined garments of real army type, and the 
 Germans never kept us half as busy as that underwear. On No- 
 vember 10th our Regiment paraded for General Edwards. On 
 November 11th, after working all night getting things about the 
 camp to shine, we shined our shoes, so that we might line up on 
 the muddy village road to be inspected by Generals Pershing and 
 Edwards. The impression made by General Pershing on the boys 
 on this visit was anything but favorable. His remarks and ac- 
 tions werq about as sarcastic as could be made. 
 
 November 12th we learned of the initial skirmish between the 
 Americans and the Boche, which took place on October 25th 
 between the Artillery, and on November 2d between the Infantry. 
 Our men had just taken over a position on the line, and were in 
 only ten minutes when the Boche attacked them. A real hard 
 fight followed, and twelve of the Americans were taken prisoners ; 
 but all twelve were so badly wounded they could not continue, 
 which accounts for their capture. This fight was by men of the 
 1st Division, which was a splendid outfit and always made good 
 wherever they were put in to fight. 
 
 On arrival in France we found a terrible shortage of sweet- 
 meats ; and not receiving sugar or candy in the rations, we 
 had a great craving for candy, so most of the boys wrote home 
 requesting that large boxes of various candies be sent to them. 
 
 An order came through ordering the transfer of James A. 
 Brickett from "K" to Divisional Headquarters. Jim was placed 
 in the office of the Judge Advocate General of the Division, and 
 he certainly made good with a bang. Jim was later recommended 
 for a commission, but, like the cases of a large number of other 
 good and deserving fellows, the wheels of reward were slow, and 
 the commission did not come through until long after the armis- 
 tice. Jim's brother, Ralph M. Brickett, was later transferred 
 
101st INFANTRY 21 
 
 to Division Headquarters along with Harold F. Barnes. Ralph 
 was later commissioned a Second Lieutenant. 
 
 On November 15th we were greeted with a very pleasant sur- 
 prise. The clouds opened up and a ray of sunshine actually burst 
 forth, the first sun we had seen for more than three weeks. By 
 this time the boys had decided that the poets had too strong an 
 imagination when they were writing of "Sunny France," for we 
 had found about as much sun in France as we found silver in the 
 "Silvery Rio Grande" on the border. 
 
 This day I received a large box containing twenty pounds of 
 fudge made by the girls in Miss Nellie Moran's cooking class of 
 the Clinton High School. I could hardly believe such wonderful 
 candy ever existed. These little girls were wonderful to go to all 
 this trouble and expense, but if they could have heard all the 
 very complimentary things said about them by the boys as I 
 distributed the candy they would feel well repaid. November 
 18th Companies K and M played a game of football. K Company 
 won, 12 to 6. 
 
 Each night about 9 o'clock the Catholic boys of "K" would 
 assemble in one of the barracks and recite aloud the Rosary. 
 Many boys from the other companies of our battalion joined in 
 this practice. One thing the boys always kept in mind was their 
 religious duty, whether it was Catholic, Protestant, or Jew. They 
 felt it would make the folks at home happier if they knew they 
 were faithful to their duty to God. And they were faithful. 
 
 November 19th was a big day. K went to the village of 
 Frebercourt for instructions by the French officers in the new 
 formations for battle. We learned that the date of our going 
 into the trenches had been set, and all the boys were happy. On 
 the return of our heart-breaking sergeant from school yesterday 
 we learned that what has been said about cooties is all too true. 
 The Sergeant stripped down and we had our first experience in 
 shirt reading. This day three of our boys were put under quar- 
 antine for scarlet fever. 
 
 November 21st saw quite a scare on the scarlet fever and half 
 of K Company is now under quarantine. When the word was 
 passed around that the barrack was converted into a pest house, 
 a mighty cheer arose from the occupants, for it meant that the 
 boys would not have to get up early mornings and there would 
 be no drills or work. 
 
22 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 When they were sure of being caged in, a few of the boys ran 
 down to the mess shack and took the piano up to the pest house 
 (barrack No. 1) so that they might keep up the gleeful spirit. 
 Three cases of scarlet fever developed among our boys, and one 
 case of Infantile Paralysis in the company stationed with us. 
 
 All the men under quarantine were forced to eat in a separate 
 line at the back door of the mess shack. These suspects, which 
 by this time were composed of nearly half of K Company, were 
 nicknamed the "Germ Brigade." Dolly O'Toole was caught in 
 the quarantine and was having things pretty soft as to work and 
 so forth; said he knew a fellow who had a bottle of measle germs 
 which he could borrow as soon as the scarlet fever died out. This 
 he thought might be a good plan to keep him on the "bunk fa- 
 tigue" detail, which means nothing more than nothing at all to 
 do. The quarantine was not lifted until November 28th. 
 
 On November 25th we were visited by a terrific hail and wind 
 storm. The wind blew the roofs off several of our barracks. 
 November 27th, like a gift from heaven, a load of soft coal was 
 delivered to the officers* barracks. This was left out in the snow, 
 which now was nearly two feet deep, until after dark. Of course 
 to use general etiquette, which is required in a case where a pri- 
 vate or Non-Com is planning to steal from his superior officers, 
 it is customary to wait until after dark before taking. This we 
 did, and considerable soft coal from the officers' one-half ton was 
 used for heating purposes in our private barracks. The above- 
 mentioned coal was the very first we had seen since leaving home. 
 November 29th. "Thanksgiving Day." For this day great 
 plans had been made. Each company was furnished with a turkey 
 dinner and all the "fixins." Athletic games were held, and every- 
 thing that might tend to make the day a cheerful one; but. try 
 as they would, it was hard for the boys to keep their minds on 
 any but the folks at home. A Thanksgiving in France at war 
 is not a Thanksgiving. There was a big football game between 
 the 101st Infantry and the 101st Engineers (formerly 1st Corps 
 Cadets). 101st Infantry won, 3 to 0. 
 
 During the course of the game, one of the officers of the En- 
 gineers thought his team was not getting a square deal, so after 
 a slight argument with Chaplain George Connor, of the M. P.'s, 
 who was acting as referee, he pulled off his sweater and rushed 
 
101st INFANTRY 23 
 
 into the game. As he reported to play, one of the buglers in our 
 band sounded Officers' Call. In the very first play this Engineer 
 Officer was knocked out, and as they carried him off the field, th< 
 same bugler sounded Taps. 
 
 The 162d French Infantry were guests at the game. The 
 French colonel said after the game, "It is wonderful — but it is 
 no game." 
 
 On November 30th, 1st Sergeant John F. A. Melledy and 
 Supply Sergeant Paul L. Devaney left the Company to attend 
 an officers' candidate school at Langres. The members of the 
 Company lined up and gave the two boys a grand send-off. 
 
 December 2d it started to snow and continued at intervals 
 every day until December 7th. December 4th we were marched 
 from the barracks to a hill two kilometers away for trench drills, 
 digging, and camouflage instructions. This was known as Hill 
 No. 361. It was a real stony and heavy-ledged hill, and afforded 
 plenty of exercise when trying to dig trenches. The pick and 
 shovel did not always work as gently as one would like. Day 
 after day the companies would march to the hill and have various 
 maneuvers. The weather at this time was very cold, and the 
 ground covered with snow; it was a real taste of war. The men 
 did not have gloves, and shoes were not very plentiful, so standing 
 around in the snow and water from early morning until late after- 
 noon was severe on the men. 
 
 Before daybreak each morning the Company would line up for 
 a meal of well-done bacon (two pieces) and a supply of hard 
 tack, and then march to Hill No. 361. After maneuvering and 
 digging there until late afternoon, the companies would be dis- 
 missed to return to their barracks and line up for supper, another 
 sumptuous feed of two or three well-done slices of bacon and 
 more hard tack. It is too bad we all couldn't look at the hard 
 tack like Willie Pitts. The first time he saw our Mess Sergeant 
 giving out hard tack, Willie immediately announced, "Oh, boys ! 
 we are going to have cookies for supper." After two weeks of 
 this drilling in the snow and wet our shoes and clothes were in 
 bad shape. At night, the boys would take off their shoes and 
 leave them near their bunks, the shoes would freeze, and on several 
 mornings when they could not get them on they were compelled 
 
24 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 to put a piece of paper in the shoes and set it on fire to melt the 
 ice. They could then pour out the water and put them on. 
 
 Talking about bacon reminds me of a good one: Late one 
 evening, one of our real "hash hounds," who lived always looking 
 forward to his next meal, asked Sergeant Bill Roach what he was 
 going to have for breakfast. Jim Kirby, always alert to add his 
 bit of humor, broke right in and said: "What do you want to 
 ask that question for? Why don't you ask, 'What kind of 
 bacon?' " 
 
 On December 5th the turn for stevedore work fell to the lot 
 of K Company, each company taking it in turn. This work was 
 performed at the railroad yards in Neufchateau. While in the 
 Neufchateau yards, a number of troop-trains bearing French sol- 
 diers entered the yard and stopped for a few minutes. I was told 
 that when one train started a number of French soldiers rushed 
 to a stack of American mail bags which were on the platform and, 
 grabbing up eight bags of American mail, threw them onto their 
 train and disappeared. A report was immediately entered and 
 word was telegraphed ahead, but only a few empty sacks were 
 found. This was a splendid form of showing thanks for our 
 having joined France in her cause. 
 
 On Sunday, December 9th, after dinner, two football teams 
 which had earlier in the week been selected repaired to the battle 
 grounds to see which platoon in the Company was the best. The 
 first platoon was named the "Bucket of Bloods" and the second 
 platoon the "Cut Throats." The platoon officers made several 
 bets on their favorite platoon, and soon the mud was flying. The 
 game had not been in progress long when it was decided that both 
 teams had at least chosen their proper titles. It was a pleasant 
 little game — that is, as pleasant as one might expect when hob- 
 nailed shoes are worn. The "Bucket of Bloods" won, 36 to 0. 
 
 December 15th we had a visit from the Hoover Congressional 
 Committee, Messrs. Mitchell, Lord, and Reed. They remained 
 with us for two days studying conditions, food, and other things. 
 
 A very familiar trip for our boys on Sunday was to visit 
 Domremy, the home of "Joan d'Arc." Domremy is a very small 
 village, about eight kilometers from Neufchateau. The home and 
 church in which Joan worshipped are still standing, and are in ex- 
 cellent condition. A large basilica, which is being built in memory 
 
1018 1 I N F A XTRY 
 
 of Joan d'Arc, is on the i the high hill overlooking the 
 
 villa g re she had her vision and was to lead her 
 
 - time the mail man was heaping mail and pacl _ 
 on us in large quantities. Every night parties were held and old 
 r. and, in real soldier fashion, thanks were 
 ■A to the donors. Each donor w 5 vol 
 
 Christmas was now close at hand, and absolute! mind 
 
 in our Company turned to the folks at home. You could hear the 
 lads saying: ] ' _nd the resi 
 
 ome or worrying about : 
 Christmas arrived, and although ev< _ " - * hand to 
 
 make the day pleasant, it was hard to feel that way. If it 
 were not for all the grand pact . -rived it would I 
 
 been a dark, gloomy day given a real g 
 
 holiday feed. In the evening the ared a special meal 
 
 for * • any officers and sergeants. It was a genuine banquet, 
 
 • - _ int and c tainb void prepare 
 
 ing meal. 
 
 The :. Lst, 1918, started in with a howling 
 
 blizzard and : g weather. It wat I that shing 
 
 up - towi g trough I •: on our hands 
 
 ..em. 
 
 Januar; _ w the first pay day of the r r, and of 
 
 isuaJ "Pay D^; 
 low and freez g weathei 
 and this caused a deep slush to form, wbj We 
 
 had rubber boo* rt while before, but 
 
 not to be worn. 
 h company had to have its own . for the 
 
 ~med to be awfully slow in picking ] 
 of French. "*K' ieed fortuna- si] of 
 
 the I could parlez Frarocai-i, but the two main star. 
 
 -ard (T .' riin and Alexander E. Fluet. Th 
 
 - ften called into action to help, even 
 
 to the lending of the:, issistai gi -rung the 
 
 fortnnal - -a.g^ queens. It 
 
 must ha _ t tc make love through an interpret 
 
 :aiy 13th produced the first spark of excitement 
 
26 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 our arrival. A fire broke out in one of the lofts occupied by some 
 of the boys, and in a very short space of time the flames had 
 gained quite a headway. The entire population was out at the 
 very first announcement by the village bells that trouble was in 
 their midst. The French Town Major rushed back into the house 
 to get from the vest of his Sunday suit the key of the shed which 
 stored the fire-tub. The fire chief, no other than the town cut-up 
 himself, rushed about trying to give orders and get down to bus- 
 iness. By this time the shed was opened, the fire-tub out, and, 
 with about thirty doughboys pulling, the bus was soon on the 
 scene of the conflagration. The cover of the well was removed 
 and a number of buckets secured. These were filled from the 
 "old oaken bucket which hung in the well," and each pail was 
 passed from one to another along the line until it reached the 
 tub, where all the water was deposited. In a short time, by 
 steady and speedy work, the flames were under control, and 
 work on the pump of the fire-tub let up. The hand-tub was dated 
 184<7, and this was the very first time it had been used at a fire. 
 The hose which was attached to the engine was of leather. All in 
 all, it was a great day for our boys, because 1 of the excitement ; 
 and for the inhabitants, because they knew they would be well 
 paid for their losses. 
 
 On January 16th, during rifle and grenade practice, a grenade 
 exploded and blew up the tromblom, injuring one officer and two 
 sergeants. These were the first casualties during our training. 
 
 January 19th saw the first serious blow strike Company K. It 
 was on this day that Captain Peter F. Connelly received his or- 
 ders that he was to be transferred to a new line of work. Captain 
 Connelly left Company K that day with a sad heart, for he 
 loved those boys whom he had been with so long and who had 
 worked so faithfully under him until Company K was one of 
 the best outfits in the A. E. F. 
 
 On January 21st we received orders to turn in all surplus 
 equipment. This indicated that a move was near at hand, and 
 all were happy, for, like all Americans, we were swollen with con- 
 ceit. We had an idea that the generals were not aware of our 
 ability as fighters, and that if we were only put up in the lines 
 for a few battles, there would be nothing to it. The Germans, 
 as soon as they knew we were facing them, would throw up their 
 
1 1 s t INF A N T R Y 27 
 
 hands and say "Kamerad." On this same dav we received our 
 first mail since Christmas Day. 
 
 January 24th, the kitchen belonging to Company L was 
 burned out and on investigating the cause it was learned that the 
 cooks served bacon for breakfast and also for dinner and were 
 preparing bacon for supper, when the boy-, were tipped off and 
 they were bound to prevent it, so they simply set the kitchen 
 on fire as a protest. You may lead a horse to water, but you 
 can't make a doughboy eat bacon three times a day. 
 
 We now knew that the time for our going into the lines was 
 near at hand. The boys all attended divine services, so we were 
 now ready for orders of any kind. Many took baths in small 
 bacon cans of water and put on the new underwear just issued, 
 and some of the boys suggested that we sew ourselves in for the 
 winter. 
 
 On January 31st the order was issued and put into effect 
 that all the old campaign hats would be discarded and all would 
 henceforth wear the bonnet de police (overseas cap). 
 
 February 1st, Sergeant Howard J. Cummings and myself 
 were notified that we had been commissioned as Second Lieuten- 
 ants, dating from January 29th. We were both discharged from 
 pany K to accept our commissions, and on our acceptance 
 were both aligned temporarily with K Company. The following 
 day was spent by us in shopping tours, trying to buy Sam Brown 
 belts and other equipment which might prove to the men that we 
 were honest-to-goodness brand-new Second Lieutenants. 
 
 February 3d our entire Regiment marched to Xeufchateau 
 and assembled in the square of Joan d'Arc. Here a large stand 
 was erected on which Chaplain M. J. O'Connor offered up Mass 
 and Chaplain Lyman Rollins gave a very stirring sermon. It 
 an imp: service. Directly after the service, General 
 
 Edwards presented to Colonel Logan a set of colors which were 
 donated by the Governor and his Council of Massachusetts and 
 sent by the Governor to the 101st Infantry in France. 
 
 February 6th. The big event has at last happened. Orders 
 were issued that our battalion would make up packs and at 4 
 o'clock fall in, ready to move out. At this announcement I 
 boys cheered and sang and made merry. One would think it was 
 a picnic they were going to instead of into battle. At 6 o'clock 
 
28 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 the bugle announced Assembly, and within a few minutes we were 
 marching through the muddy streets of the village on our first 
 lap of the journey. 
 
 As we marched away, all the inhabitants were out with lanterns 
 waving a last farewell, and in nearly every case the older people 
 were crying, for they realized only too well what we were about 
 to face, as they had suffered their share from the effects of the 
 war. Our boys bid them a fond good-by, and many made prom- 
 ises that if they were spared they would pay a return visit to 
 the village. 
 
 As the line cleared the bridge leading from the small village, 
 a prayer was offered up by the boys that God in his mercy would 
 protect all and give us the courage to do our duty properly. At 
 last the freight yard was reached and we were huddled together 
 in the famous 40 or 8's, and on our way to a point somewhere, 
 we knew not where. 
 
 After being huddled into the space allotted our Company, 
 the signal was given, and away we started. Leaving at 8.30, 
 we rode all night and the next day until 9.30 at night, when 
 we reached the detraining point, Braine le Chateau. We hiked 
 at once to a camp about seven miles distant, and were billeted 
 for the remaining few moments of the night. It was a stiff 
 hike after riding so long in the crowded cars, but all were anxious 
 for our new experience. Hard as our portion of the hike was, 
 we had a simple task compared to the first and second battalions 
 of our Regiment. They were hiked from the same detraining 
 point right up to the front ; the first battalion marching twenty- 
 four kilometers and the second, eighteen. The first battalion 
 was placed in the front line and the second in the support line. 
 
 One incident which occurred during this trip in the trains : — 
 A member of M Company, of Hudson, was sitting on an old box 
 in the doorway of his car and fell asleep. During his sleep 
 another train coming in the opposite direction rattled by with 
 great speed; the noise frightened the sleeping lad, and he jumped 
 up and walked right out of the car door and against the fast 
 moving train on the opposite track, putting his hands through 
 one of the car windows and then falling to the ground between 
 both trains. We all felt that he surely met his death, but reports 
 that reached us later said the only injury he received was two 
 broken or sprained ankles. 
 
101st INFANTRY 29 
 
 The following afternoon (February 9th) at 3 o'clock, orders 
 were given to break camp, and at dusk start for our position, 
 which was in the Reserve line. The hike was a tough one, for 
 we had to cross fields and climb hills which had recently been 
 blown up during a terrific battle. It was about 11.30 p. m. 
 when our destination was reached, and right here was one of our 
 greatest surprises of the war. When we reached the crest of the 
 hill our "dug-out" was pointed out to us ; it was necessary to go 
 down a steep incline for about one hundred yards to reach its 
 entrance in the side of the hill. On reaching the entrance we 
 marched into the dug-out in a column of squads. First to behold 
 electric lights, then a stable containing about twenty horses and 
 many wagons, a blacksmith shop, a canteen, a hospital, and a 
 chapel. Our impression of a dug-out was a small hole in the 
 ground covered with a few feet of dirt, but this dug-out certainly 
 "started our wonders," for it could accommodate nearly twenty 
 thousand people. 
 
 This particular spot was originally a "chalk-mine" {Rouge 
 Maison). The story we later learned was that German firms 
 had contracted with the French Government for this chalk and, 
 shortly before war was declared, complained to the French 
 that the chalk which was used for dolls, etc., was being mined 
 poorly, and requested leave to put their own German workmen 
 on the job. This request was granted, and the Germans ar- 
 ranged the mine so that later it might be used for an army post. 
 
 This position was at the very edge of the famous Chemin 
 des Dames section which had seen such terrific fighting. This 
 at one time was one of the beauty spots of France, for on it 
 the kings and their ladies enjoyed long strolls. Thus it gained 
 its title, "Chemin des Dames." In October, 1917, one of the 
 most bloody battles of the war occurred on this Chemin des 
 Dames plain. For fourteen days the French continued to bom- 
 bard the hills which were held by the Germans for more than a 
 year and were now strongly fortified by them. During these 
 fourteen days the French had their cannon lined hub-to-hub for 
 a great distance, and at the end of this time, by a marvelous 
 bayonet attack, they drove the Germans back and won the hill 
 and plain. 
 
 As a result of this battle, on the side of the hill just out- 
 
30 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 side this famous dug-out entrance, were buried close to thirty 
 thousand bodies. The dead were so thick here it became necessary 
 to dynamite the hill to cover the bodies. This number of bodies 
 may be exaggerated by the French officers who told us, but on 
 a warm day the stench was such that we felt it must be true. 
 One of our boys saw a good pair of leather boots sticking out 
 of the ground, and, on approaching them, was elated at his 
 luck until he pulled them up and found a leg in each boot. 
 
 We remained in this position for seven days. One of our 
 greatest difficulties was to secure rations, which had to be brought 
 up from the rear. On several trips it was necessary to take the 
 horses and mules out of the wagons and have the men pull and 
 lift the wagons over the shell-torn roads and up the hill. 
 
 In our dug-out the French, to show their appreciation and 
 joy at their victory in winning back the Chemin des Dames, 
 carved a very beautiful chapel out of one section of the chalk. 
 There was an altar, statues, images, and passages from Scrip- 
 ture, all carved on the walls. It was an impressive spot. The 
 chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory. In this chapel 
 Father O'Connor said Mass on our first Sunday in the lines, and 
 Colonel Logan acted as altar boy ; several of the boys acted as 
 soloists. On this same day Chaplain Lyman Rollins also offered 
 up services in this dug-out, and all the boys were present. Both 
 chaplains gave splendid sermons and prayed that above all the 
 boys would be granted courage to carry on their task as they and 
 the folks at home would like to have them. 
 
 From our position here we could see many air battles and 
 artillery duels. On our second day we witnessed a German scout 
 plane dart out of the clouds and set a French observation balloon 
 on fire. The observer jumped in his parachute from the balloon 
 and landed safely. After setting the balloon on fire, the German 
 plane headed toward the German lines, but two French planes 
 which had been lying in wait took up their position and attacked 
 the German, sending him crashing to earth a kilometer from 
 where he hit the balloon. 
 
 On February 12th, Lieut. George Corbin (of Worcester) 
 returned to the Regiment from Officers' School, as did Lieut. 
 Edgar R. Densmore, of K Company, and on their arrival Lieuten- 
 ant Corbin was placed in command of K Company and Lieutenant 
 Densmore transferred to G Company. 
 
101st INFANTRY 31 
 
 About 6 a. m., February 13th, a reconnoitering party con- 
 sisting of Lieutenant Corbin, three non-commissioned officers, and 
 myself went forward to look over the front line position which 
 "K" was to take over in a few days. It is always necessary that 
 a party from each unit go forward to inspect the new position, 
 get all instructions, see maps, and find the shortest and safest 
 way to bring the troops into their new position. The relief 
 of units in the front line is a very dangerous movement, for the 
 least sound of moving men or extra noise places the enemy on 
 his guard and makes him extra cautious and often causes raids 
 to be made or a barrage of artillery to fall in the hope of catching 
 you unaware. To reach our front lines it was necessary to pass 
 through miles and miles of trenches, through barbed-wire lanes 
 and over a ground filled with shell holes, leaving hardly a square 
 foot of solid earth. 
 
 Putting up barbed-wire entanglements in front of the ad- 
 vance trenches is also very interesting. An Australian officer 
 describes a wire detail very closely in the following lines : Like 
 black shadows they sit back on their heels in the trench. They 
 are but a handful, and to most this game is new. All are think- 
 ing — some doubtless praying. It is past midnight. They may 
 not see another dawn. 
 
 An abrupt "Stand by !" and each man lifts a coil of barbed- 
 wire or a bundle of screw pickets. A fervent "Good Luck !" 
 from the near-by sentry, and the men crawl singly over the 
 parapet, and, like ghosts, vanish into the blackness. 
 The game has started. 
 
 Out in No Man's Land the ghosts work rapidly and silently ; 
 no need to speak ; each knows his task. 
 
 Like a spark, a star shell shoots up into the sky, and as it 
 bursts into a flare the ghosts remain rigid — kneeling, crouching, 
 or standing. Movement means discovery, probably death. The 
 star shell slowly floats to the ground a few yards from the 
 ghosts, and dies out. At its final flicker, like a machine set in 
 motion, the ghosts spring into movement. Time is precious, 
 and these interruptions are frequent. 
 
 Less than a hundred yards away comes the occasional spurt 
 of fire from the rifle of an uneasy Hun sentry, and the bullet 
 whines overhead. 
 
32 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Suddenly a machine-gun rattles out and the rapid splatter 
 of bullets hitting the ground a few feet away. The ghosts vanish. 
 The game is now exciting. 
 
 Prone upon the ground the small party lie, a few panting 
 heavily from excitement. Each has his rifle thrown forward, 
 every muscle tense. Their thoughts? Who can guess? The 
 officer in charge feels the tension acutely. Were they seen? The 
 situation is "up to him." 
 
 His low-spoken "Some game this, boys," reassures the men, 
 and they breathe more easily; but the tension does not relax. 
 
 The machine-gun again rattles out — a low sigh of relief from 
 the party, who instinctively feel they are not now in the line of 
 fire. The zip of the bullets is heard to the right and high. 
 
 "Carry on," quietly says the officer. The ghosts reappear 
 and the wire entanglement rapidly grows. 
 
 Their task completed, the ghosts file silently back. A 
 sibilant "Halt !" from the sentry ; a muttered password from the 
 officer. The ghosts pass one by one over the parapet, and the 
 game is finished. 
 
 Back at home in the trench they are no longer ghosts — 
 just stout-hearted lads who know that it is good to be alive. 
 For they can see the dawn of the new day brightening the sky 
 in the east. 
 
 It was sad to look over this once beautiful section and see 
 places that were once splendid villages and now only small 
 rubbish piles ; and in several places there does not remain even 
 as much as a rubbish pile, for there is not the least sign of a 
 village having been there, the ground being perfectly clear from 
 even debris. The only proof of a house or village is by its being 
 indicated on the maps. 
 
 During the fighting in this particular section in 1916, when 
 the French had made elaborate plans for their attacks, greater 
 success would have been attained but for the unfortunate inci- 
 dent of the "Austrian Mistress." A high French official had 
 an Austrian mistress in his house, and when she learned of the 
 proposed attacks with which the Allies had hopes of ending the 
 war, she communicated all the information to the Austrian 
 agents ; so when the French reached a certain point in their 
 
Daddy (General Edwards standing beside large gun captured bj 
 
 -26th Division 
 
Sergeant Edward \V. Bhadv on left : Corpob 
 .1 >mi * 1". ' Dolly ) 0'Tooi e on right 
 Two Croix de Guerre members of " K." 
 
101st INFANTRY 33 
 
 attack they were surprised by the enemy and fell into a trap 
 and suffered tremendous losses. Had these attacks gone through 
 as planned, it was felt the war would have come to an end before 
 1917. 
 
 One incident that happened on February 5th, the day of the 
 entrance of our Division into the lines, is well worth relating". 
 It was on this day that the Germans first learned that there was 
 effected some kind of a change in this section of the line. On the 
 west edge of the Aisne Canal there was a small wooden bridge 
 which had stood for some time, and troops from the German 
 side had been allowed to go to this bridge to get fresh water; 
 and by not being disturbed it was considered a friendly agree- 
 ment not to bother the Frenchmen who had been going out in 
 front of their lines to another well. On the above date the 
 divisional observers reported to our batteries that for a start 
 they might eliminate this bridge and shatter the so-called friendly 
 agreement. The first target chosen was the foot bridge. The 
 first shot fired landed about five yards east of the bridge, and 
 the second in the center of the bridge. This was a shock to 
 the Germans, and they decided that some mistake had been made, 
 so they rebuilt the bridge that night ; but on the following morn- 
 ing all doubt of a mistake was dismissed, when our boys with 
 one shot once more demolished the bridge. Our boys have now 
 and forever decided that there can be no friendly agreement in 
 battles or war. It is either you or the other fellow, and the other 
 fellow learned this to his sorrow later. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 14th, Lieut. Dave Brickley was 
 leading his platoon, of the Machine-Gun Company of our Regi- 
 ment, out of the lines after seven days of very little excitement 
 when a barrage fell and boxed them in. Dave sure had his hands 
 full, for it was a tough job trying to handle a lot of mules, 
 with shells falling on their heels, as well as look after his men. 
 Several mules were killed, but not a casualty occurred among the 
 men. On this date a very thrilling air battle took place near 
 our position between five German planes and one French plane. 
 The lone Frenchman was on patrol duty when the Germans 
 swooped on him and a lively time followed. The Frenchman 
 drove down two Germans and then escaped to his own rear. 
 Later, the same afternoon, a number of Germans flew over and 
 
31 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 dropped three bombs very close to our dug-out. Needless to 
 say this caused a great scramble by the boys, who were lounging 
 outside the dug-out, and in the mad scramble of dodging into 
 a shell hole several fellows landed on top of one another, one land- 
 ing on my leg and wrenching same. It was here that I decided 
 that Bainsfather's Cartoon of Bill and Alf saying, "If you 'nows 
 of a better 'ole, Alf, go to it," was all too true. 
 
 This date marks the historic event of the issue of our first 
 "cootie cream." It also marks the second of the discovery of 
 said "cooties in our midst." Little did we realize what a lot 
 of inconvenience we were to be put to by the above pests. 
 
 On February 16th our joy was great, for we were ordered 
 to go by platoons to the Town of Vailly, at the foot of the hill 
 about one kilometer to the rear, to get a bath and to separate 
 ourselves from our newly-acquired companions. On our reaching 
 the bath house, which had been put up by the Croix la Rouge 
 (French Red Cross), we were disappointed to find it not work- 
 ing, as the pipes in the boiler, steaming plant, and water tank 
 were all frozen. We were told, after an hour's wait, that it was 
 no use and to return that afternoon; but, like all outfits, we had 
 our "handy man" around in the person of Dolly O'Toole. Dolly 
 decided he could remedy it all, so he set to work and before he 
 finished he had turned every wheel and valve in the plant. All 
 the boys ran out and waited to see Dolly and the boilers go 
 heavenward, but through good luck rather than knowledge of 
 boilers something gave, and, in a little while, we were having 
 our long-promised and much needed bath. 
 
 About 19.30 o'clock (7.30 p. m.) the advance guard of K 
 Company, which included Sergeants Martin H. O'MaUey, George 
 Mealy. Corp. Stanley McLeod, Corp. John P. Kane, and myself, 
 started for our new position in the line. After roaming a few 
 kilometers out of our way, we finally reached the P. C. (Post of 
 Command) of our first position in the fighting line about 24* 
 o'clock. The place which was assigned to K Company was located 
 directly in front of the west edge of the Aisne Canal. Our sub- 
 section was laid out in a large ravine which formed a sort of 
 horseshoe effect, our two advance positions being out near the 
 ends of the shoe and the P. C, or Company Headquarters, about 
 where the cork of the shoe would be. 
 
101st INFANTRY 35 
 
 The distance between our advance posts and the German 
 lines was about 600 meters, with the ruins of an old farm lying 
 between us. There was a French unit on our Immediate right 
 and another on the left. This was the formation all along our 
 particular section, as the Regiment was placed here with the 
 French troops for preliminary training in trench warfare. 
 
 For our advance party to reach the point of entrance to 
 the P. C. of the new position, it was necessary to go down a 
 very steep hill a distance of about fifty yards. The hill was so 
 steep that a rope was provided and tied to trees from the top 
 of the hill to the path into the P. C. On our attempt to descend 
 by means of the rope, it was dark, and we lost our footing. To 
 us it was a joke, so we allowed our spirits to hurst into laughter. 
 As soon as we reached the foot of the incline, a French officer met 
 as, and on our answering his challenge, he informed us that he was 
 sorry we came at this time, as they were being attacked by the 
 Germans. 
 
 Our little party prepared immediately to lend our aid to 
 the outfit located there, and as each one of us (ambitious, but 
 rookies in the game) looked out ahead into the trees and 
 shrubbery, it looked to us as though each twig was a German. 
 After great excitement and anxiety, much on our part, it turned 
 out that all the fuss was caused by two Americans losing their 
 way coming in from the advance post. 
 
 Early next morning our detail drew a sketch of the assign- 
 ment of platoons, so that one of the advance party would meet 
 each platoon, and guide it directly to its assigned position. 
 
 The famous City of Laon, which was a great German head- 
 quarters, was directly in front, at a distance of approximately 
 fifteen kilometers. While we went about our new position on 
 the 17th studying the terrain, we witnessed the French and 
 American artillery bombard the City of Laon. 
 
 At 22.35 o'clock (10.35 p. m.) K Company arrived and, 
 without any great fuss or delay, all men were taken to their 
 posts. From the time the Company arrived within range of 
 sound of the enemy, not a word was spoken; and if breathing 
 could be stopped, I am sure there would have been no breathing 
 for fear of the enemy hearing it. All instructions and orders 
 were given by guides in a low r whisper. One would think the 
 enemy were within a few meters of us. 
 
3S DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 lines and returning with one of the enemy dangling from the end 
 of his bayonet. An order is given for a patrol, and more than 
 enough volunteers are found. All arrangements are completed, 
 the men are well supplied with ammunition, grenades, trench 
 knives, rifles, and bayonets. As the hour of departure draws 
 near, the officer in charge of the patrol assembles his men. and 
 all go to the point of departure in the front lines. The H hour 
 is at hand, the officer gives the signal, and with a whispered 
 "So-long" and good-luck farewell from the boys who remain in 
 the trench to hold the line, they hop up on top of the parapet, and 
 are on their way toward the enemy lines. Our own barbed-wire 
 must be passed through, and now they are in "No Man's Land.*' 
 Now. it is a case of the greatest precaution. One slight sound 
 might give the enemy the information that a patrol is out. and 
 this will draw fire from the opposite lines. 
 
 As you advance in the formation arranged before the start, 
 you exploit every shell hole, in all clumps of bushes, back of large 
 stones, etc. Your eyes are straining in an endeavor to discover 
 any movement in front of you. and in a short while your imagina- 
 tion is working and every blade of grass or bush turns into Boche. 
 The enemy is constantly sending up flarelights, which illuminate 
 the entire terrain. These lights are used to discover, if possible, 
 whether or not there is anybody prowling about in the front. As 
 soon as one of the flares goes up. the report of the gun firing it 
 can be heard; if the patrol is quick, they fall to the ground and 
 remain prone until the light fades, which time varies from five 
 seconds to three or four minutes. 
 
 A- you fall to the ground in many cases you fall across dead 
 bodies that have been exposed for many days, and it is impossible 
 to move, for every stir would be detected. On the burning out 
 of the flare, you crawl on your stomach over the bodies ami debris, 
 and if all is quiet, you arise and advance in a crouched position. 
 If a flare is sent up and lights before you have a chance to get 
 down, you stand in a statue-like position with face toward the 
 ground and hands behind your back. You will thus look like part 
 of the terrain, or shrubbery. A single move will secure a volley of 
 bullets. It is perfectly safe to stand up if the flare is in front oi 
 you. but if it is in your rear, you are out of luck, for the light 
 would then silhouette you against the skv line. You are now within 
 
101st INFANTRY 39 
 
 a few yards of the enemy wire; machine-guns sputter and sweep 
 the front of the wire. This he does intermittently for pre- 
 caution. You now crawl forward on your stomach until you 
 reach his wires. The men designated creep along the wire to 
 see what condition it is in, and if any new work has been done 
 recently. This will give information as to his activities, and 
 whether or not this point is being held strongly. As you lay 
 there with nerves alert, and hoping against hope that you will 
 not be discovered, one man wants to cough ; he stuffs his mud- 
 covered handkerchief into his mouth. Another man wants to 
 sneeze; he strains his energy trying to hold the sneeze back, and 
 he finally succeeds. The mission is accomplished, the signal is 
 passed along, and the patrol start to withdraw. 
 
 As they withdraw, a small group is left a little in the rear to 
 cover the withdrawal and to prevent the patrol from being sur- 
 prised by an attack from the rear. When halfway back in "No 
 Man's Land" some one stumbles over a stray grenade, and it ex- 
 plodes. Immediately there is a series of flares sent up by the enemy. 
 He opens his machine-guns and throws several grenades from 
 his front line. The patrol is now prone in the mud, in water- 
 filled shell holes, and among the corpses. All remain motionless. 
 After several minutes, the fireworks cease and the signal is given 
 to proceed to our lines. After giving the prearranged signal 
 to our own outposts, they crawl over and through our wires, and 
 are once more back in our own trench. A sigh of relief is given. 
 
 The boys who remained in the line shake hands and embrace 
 the returned ghosts to show their joy at the safe return. The 
 men are covered with mud ; their equipment is covered with mud ; 
 every man is pale from the excitement, and all admit they had 
 obtained their desired thrills. The officer checks up and finds 
 that one man is missing. The officer and two or three volunteers 
 return into "No Man's Land," and after several minutes of 
 searching find the missing buddy lying in a shell hole where he 
 had crawled after being hit by a machine-gun bullet. On learning 
 that the wounded lad cannot walk, one of his buddies carries 
 him on his back to our lines. Everybody is happy and all have 
 the spirit of the old story, on the return of the prodigal son. 
 A hurried examination is made, and it is found that a bullet 
 pierced his knee. He is rushed to the First Aid Station, where 
 
38 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 lines and returning with one of the enemy dangling from the end 
 of his bayonet. An order is given for a patrol, and more than 
 enough volunteers are found. All arrangements are completed, 
 the men are well supplied with ammunition, grenades, trench 
 knives, rifles, and bayonets. As the hour of departure draws 
 near, the officer in charge of the patrol assembles his men, and 
 all go to the point of departure in the front lines. The H hour 
 is at hand, the officer gives the signal, and with a whispered 
 "So-long" and good-luck farewell from the boys who remain in 
 the trench to hold the line, they hop up on top of the parapet, and 
 are on their way toward the enemy lines. Our own barbed-wire 
 must be passed through, and now they are in "No Man's Land." 
 Now, it is a case of the greatest precaution. One slight sound 
 might give the enemy the information that a patrol is out, and 
 this will draw fire from the opposite lines. 
 
 As you advance in the formation arranged before the start, 
 you exploit every shell hole, in all clumps of bushes, back of large 
 stones, etc. Your eyes are straining in an endeavor to discover 
 any movement in front of you, and in a short while your imagina- 
 tion is working and every blade of grass or bush turns into Boche. 
 The enemy is constantly sending up flarelights, which illuminate 
 the entire terrain. These lights are used to discover, if possible, 
 whether or not there is anybody prowling about in the front. As 
 soon as one of the flares goes up, the report of the gun firing it 
 can be heard; if the patrol is quick, they fall to the ground and 
 remain prone until the light fades, which time varies from five 
 seconds to three or four minutes. 
 
 As you fall to the ground in many cases you fall across dead 
 bodies that have been exposed for many days, and it is impossible 
 to move, for every stir would be detected. On the burning out 
 of the flare, you crawl on your stomach over the bodies and debris, 
 and if all is quiet, you arise and advance in a crouched position. 
 If a flare is sent up and lights before you have a chance to get 
 down, you stand in a statue-like position with face toward the 
 ground and hands behind your back. You will thus look like part 
 of the terrain, or shrubbery. A single move will secure a volley of 
 bullets. It is perfectly safe to stand up if the flare is in front of 
 you, but if it is in your rear, you are out of luck, for the light 
 would then silhouette you against the sky line. You are now within 
 
10 1st INFANTRY 39 
 
 a few yards of the enemy wire; machine-guns sputter and sweep 
 the front of the wire. This he does intermittently for pre- 
 caution. You now crawl forward on your stomach until you 
 reach his wires. The men designated creep along the wire to 
 see what condition it is in, and if any new work has been done 
 recently. This will give information as to his activities, and 
 whether or not this point is being held strongly. As you lay 
 there with nerves alert, and hoping against hope that you will 
 not be discovered, one man wants to cough : he stuffs his mud- 
 covered handkerchief into his mouth. Another man wants to 
 sneeze; he strains his energy trying to hold the sneeze back, and 
 he finally succeeds. The mission is accomplished, the signal is 
 passed along, and the patrol start to withdraw. 
 
 As they withdraw, a small group is left a little in the rear to 
 cover the withdrawal and to prevent the patrol from being sur- 
 prised by an attack from the rear. When halfway back in "No 
 Man's Land" some one stumbles over a stray grenade, and it ex- 
 plodes. Immediately there is a series of flares sent up by the enemy. 
 He opens his machine-guns and throws several grenades from 
 his front line. The patrol is now prone in the mud, in water- 
 filled shell holes, and among the corpses. All remain motionless. 
 After several minutes, the fireworks cease and the signal is given 
 to proceed to our lines. After giving the prearranged signal 
 to our own outposts, they crawl over and through our wires, and 
 are once more back in our own trench. A sigh of relief is given. 
 
 The boys who remained in the line shake hands and embrace 
 the returned ghosts to show their joy at the safe return. The 
 men are covered with mud ; their equipment is covered with mud ; 
 every man is pale from the excitement, and all admit they had 
 obtained their desired thrills. The officer checks up and finds 
 that one man is missing. The officer and two or three volunteers 
 return into "No Man's Land," and after several minutes of 
 searching find the missing buddy lying in a shell hole where he 
 had crawled after being hit by a machine-gun bullet. On learning 
 that the wounded lad cannot walk, one of his buddies carried 
 him on his back to our lines. Everybody is happy and all have 
 the spirit of the old story, on the return of the prodigal son. 
 A hurried examination is made, and it is found that a bullet 
 pierced his knee. He is rushed to the First Aid Station, where 
 
40 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 temporary relief is given. The officer makes out his report and 
 includes great praise for his brave men, the members of the patrol 
 return to their dug-outs, and after a few minutes of telling their 
 experiences to their pals, they lie down on the (chicken) wire- 
 covered bunks and fall right off to sleep, a tired, weary, but 
 happy lot. 
 
 The intelligence sections of the various armies have in their 
 possession the complete history of every unit in the enemy's 
 organization. 
 
 Each army, as a rule, knew of the general plans of their 
 enemy, almost as soon as the plans were drawn up. In other 
 words, the English knew when the Germans were to attack and 
 the Germans knew when the English were to attack. It then 
 became a battle of wits to throw the other fellow off by a variance 
 of decoys, etc. 
 
 It was on the second day in the line that the long-looked-for 
 moment of thrills arrived. An order was received from the com- 
 mandant of the French battalion in command of the sector asking 
 that one officer, two non-commissioned officers, and seventeen pri- 
 vates be selected for a patrol to go out from our lines that night. 
 It was to be a reconnaissance patrol, the duty of winch was to 
 proceed to the front of the enemy position and reconnoiter to 
 gain information of the condition of the ground, his wires, etc. 
 This information was to be used in a short while to lay plans for 
 a raid on this very point. Several officers asked permission to take 
 the patrol, and our Company Commander, Lieutenant Corbin, 
 assigned me to the duty. I at once asked for volunteers, and in 
 a very few minutes three times the necessary number of men had 
 begged to be allowed to go, so the entire patrol was organized 
 and plans completed for the party, as the boys called it. 
 
 At 19.30 o'clock (7.30 p. m.) I gave the order for the start 
 over the top. Every man in the party had previously adjusted 
 his equipment so that there would be no rattling; hand grenades 
 were distributed; each man made certain his automatic pistol 
 was loaded and in good working order, and all bayonets firmly 
 set and every helmet covered with cloth to prevent noise when 
 crawling through barbed-wire, and also to act as camouflage. In 
 front of our position there lay four double rows of wire, and 
 fifty yards in front of that there were two more double rows 
 
1 1 st INFANTRY 41 
 
 of it. As a general rule, each row of wire is constructed with a 
 chicane, or lane in it. But this wire had no such lane. As soon 
 as the order of "Up and At 'Em" was given, every man was on 
 his nerves' end, and away they started with the whispered good 
 luck of their buddies in the trench they had just left. Then 
 the difficult task of climbing through the wire started. Any one 
 who has never crawled through a few yards of barbed-wire has 
 no idea of the great number of jabs and scratches one can get 
 from those lovely pointed barbs. We were having splendid luck 
 for a while. All except two of the patrol had gotten through 
 the last strand of wire when the thrills started to come in bunches. 
 It was at this moment that the enemy opened a barrage right 
 onto our position, and the stunts that it took the Frenchmen 
 nearly four years to learn we learned in four winks of an eye. 
 I hollered "Duck," and I hadn't the word even half out when 
 every man was down in a shell hole and hugging Mother Earth 
 with a clasp that would have made an}^ of the girls back home 
 envious. The number of peculiar and weird thoughts that come 
 into one's mind at such a moment are too numerous and uncanny 
 to record. My first impulse after striking the hole and trying 
 to pull it in after me was to turn up my coat collar to protect my 
 neck. That, of course, sounds foolish, but it is a typical thought. 
 Why, I have seen boys get in under an ordinary half-shelter 
 tent stretched over the trench seeking protection from the shells. 
 It is like the old story of the drowning man grasping for the 
 straw. This barrage lasted twelve minutes, which seemed like as 
 many weeks. When the barrage lifted the patrol started to ad- 
 vance toward the German line; but after going about 150 meters, 
 we were greeted by another shelling, this time not so severe. 
 There were about twelve shells, all air-burst high explosive, break- 
 ing directly over us. This let up, and the advance was started 
 again. We were now nearly 500 meters from our own lines, and 
 directly in front of an old ruined farm house. In this house the 
 enemy had placed for some time a machine-gun post from which 
 they had a direct line on our trenches. Our duty, on this patrol, 
 was to take a position around this house, and five men were to 
 go inside to learn if it was now being used. This mission was 
 accomplished, but no enemy was found, so the journey was again 
 taken up. 
 
42 DEAR OLD "K'' 
 
 The patrol continued until the enemy wires were reached. Our 
 task was now to learn the condition of his wires, etc. So the 
 patrol was divided into small groups. Each group being assigned 
 a certain section to guard, so that no enemy patrols could come 
 out and surprise our party. While at his wires another spasm 
 of shelling took place. He dropped fifty-four shells in a straight 
 line directly back of the patrol, and many of these shells con- 
 tained gas. Our fears began to arise, for the prospect of fight- 
 ing in a strange territory with gas masks did not appeal to us ; 
 but, like a hand from heaven, a strong breeze blew up and drifted 
 the gas to our rear. This made it unnecessary to wear the masks. 
 The mission accomplished, the signal was passed and the patrol 
 started back for our own lines. After as much difficulty as before 
 we passed through our wires and down into our trench. The first 
 thing was to check up and look for casualties, but luck was with 
 us. Only one man was slightly wounded. He received a cut 
 near the right eye. 
 
 Two nights later another patrol was ordered, this time to go 
 up to the edge of the enemy's first line. I asked the boys who 
 were on the first trip if they cared to go again, and even in view 
 of the terrible experience of the other patrol, every man with one 
 exception said, "Count me in on it." Of course we all will admit 
 that our appetites for thrills were somewhat appeased by the 
 night before, but no man wanted to miss a scrimmage if one was 
 to take place. Patrols seemed to produce the most exciting mo- 
 ments outside of an attack, for there is so much to worry about. 
 Every blade of grass grows into a German; a fellow wants to 
 cough and it means death if he does, so he stuffs his dirty glove 
 or his handkerchief into his mouth to smother it. Oh, boy ! 
 
 About one hour prior to starting out on the above patrol the 
 Ration Detail made their appearance, and along with the "always 
 looked for eats," there were several bundles of mail. 
 
 The person who has not received mail while living in a dug- 
 out on the firing line, can never really appreciate to the full 
 extent what the word "MaiZ" means. Among this mail was one 
 large package addressed to me, so the boys all gathered around 
 and decided that we would have a little party before our adven- 
 ture. While the knots in the heavy rope were being untied by 
 anxious fingers, all sorts of visions of angel cake, fruit cake, 
 
101st INFANTRY 43 
 
 various kinds of fudge, and perhaps ;i roast chicken, were in the 
 minds of the boys as they stood around. Jn life, Fate plays many 
 strange tricks. At last, the knots were untied, and the covering 
 removed, and "Oh, boy, what lovely stockings and Turkish towels 
 were found!" Even with this disappointment, the home address 
 on the outside of the bundle looked like a late news item in one 
 of our local papers. 
 
 On February 21st, at least nine air battles took place directly 
 over our position. About 11 a. m. this day, three French or 
 American planes flew over our position and into the German lines 
 at a very high altitude. We were quite surprised to see articles 
 being dropped from the planes, which gave the appearance of 
 a sort of snowflakes; and greater still was the surprise, when the 
 wind carried several of these articles right into our position, and 
 we found that they were propaganda papers, being a speech by 
 President Wilson on his fourteen points, and so forth, printed 
 in German. 
 
 On this evening, a billeting party was sent to the second 
 line to prepare for the relief and the moving of K Company 
 to that position. In order to reach this second line, it was 
 necessary to cross over the famous Chemin des Dames road, which 
 was being heavily shelled and was all torn up. About two hours 
 prior to the relief of the Company, which was to take place at 21 
 o'clock (9 p. m.), warning was given that the Germans were 
 about to attack our position, and all men were ordered to stand 
 to; and as in all cases, while in the lines, the orders are very 
 explicit that every man stand fast and the position was to be 
 held at all cost — fight to the last man. But, much to our relief 
 and delight, this attack did not materialize. 
 
 About 19 o'clock, Lieutenant Cummings received word from 
 Company P. C. that he was assigned to a school of instruction 
 at Gondrecourt; he to leave immediately. One of the men of the 
 first platoon, of which he was in command, volunteered to show 
 Lieutenant Cummings a short cut back to Company J*. C. ; but 
 while en route to this short cut, they were both lost. On his 
 approach through the brush, one of the outposts discovered two 
 forms in the dark, and immediately set up an alarm. It was 
 through the good headwork of Lieutenant Cummings that they 
 both were not shot. It was quite a scare to all concerned. 
 
44 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 At 22.30 o'clock the Company was relieved by L Company 
 of our Regiment. K Company was then going back to the 
 second-line position, a distance of about one kilometer, and was 
 quartered in a large dug-out called the "Pantheon." This was 
 also, formerly, a large chalk mine. After the relief of K Com- 
 pany, an order was issued for Lieutenant Duane and twenty-two 
 men to proceed immediately for the German position, to recon- 
 noiter along with a French patrol, who were to advance on our 
 right. Our duty on this patrol was to guard the entrance of the 
 small bridge crossing the canal, and to protect a French lieutenant 
 who was to cross the bridge and make certain of the safety for 
 the passing of troops, which bridge was to be used the next night 
 for a raid, and on which our present patrol was to accompany the 
 French troops. It was to be the first raid executed by the 
 American troops along with the French. This patrol went out 
 at 21.30 o'clock. It succeeded in accomplishing its purpose, and 
 met with no difficulty, although at one time a German patrol was 
 seen; but, if a combat took place, the purpose of our mission 
 would have been lost. The Germans were allowed to retire with- 
 out an} r difficulty. 
 
 Our patrol returned to the new position at 24.40 o'clock, 
 nearly exhausted and covered with many inches of mud. Shortly 
 after the patrol started, rain began to fall, making it a difficult 
 and exhausting task ; but not a single casualty occurred during 
 the entire trip. 
 
 On the night of February 23d, the raid mentioned above was 
 to take place, but about 7 o'clock (a. m.) a French messenger 
 arrived at our headquarters, handing me a message from the 
 French Commandant, stating that the proposed raid was post- 
 poned, owing to the fact that a French unit on our right had 
 executed a raid at 5 a. m. and were accompanied by American 
 troops from other companies of our Regiment. They succeeded 
 in taking many prisoners. 
 
 The Headquarters of K Company at the present time, "The 
 Pantheon," was located eighty feet under ground, and contained 
 narrow-gauge railroads, the cars being hauled about by small 
 burros. Great sport was found by the boys, for they soon dis- 
 covered that if food was given to the burros, they would refuse 
 to move from the spot when ordered by the Frenchmen. The 
 
101st INFANTRY 45 
 
 food was given to the little animals when the Frenchmen's backs 
 were turned, and it took some time to discover the cause of the 
 unusual balking by the favorite burros. 
 
 On February 24th our position was being heavily shelled by 
 the German artillery and considerable damage was done. About 
 200 yards to the left of our present position was located the 
 Fort de Malmaison, which was considered one of the strongest 
 forts in France, but at this time was a heap of ruins. In one 
 section of these ruins was located a French ammunition dump. 
 One of the shells from the enemy artillery landed squarely on the 
 ammunition dump, and caused a great explosion and a wonderful 
 display of fireworks. 
 
 After the bombardment, a group of our boys reported that 
 they had seen a dud (unexploded shell) in a field where they were 
 putting up barbed-wire, some distance from our headquarters, 
 with wording painted on the side of the shell, "For the American 
 soldiers." 
 
 Once more we were treated to a happy surprise when mail 
 was distributed with the rations. 
 
 On the night of February 25th the Ration Detail arrived in 
 the dug-out, and immediately a great cheer was sent up when it 
 was discovered that a real honest-to-goodness turkey supper 
 awaited us. True, there were not the fancy arrangements which 
 one would have at home ; but my word can be taken that this 
 turkey, with its present arrangements, was treated as roughly 
 as any bird could be, even in the Waldorf-Astoria. 
 
 By this time our newly acquired friends, the "cooties," were 
 getting in their desperate work, and the dug-out looked like a 
 reading room in a large library. Nearly every man with his 
 shirt spread over his knees, straining his eyesight, as well as his 
 thumb nails. One of the boys invented rather a handy scheme of 
 procedure to capture these pests. He used a candle and put a 
 drop of candle grease over each one. This would encase them 
 and he later went over and collected all the grease and its con- 
 tents. This was a time-saver, and also did not allow any escapes. 
 
 February 2Gth two observation balloons were brought down 
 close to our position — one a German and the other French. In an- 
 other French balloon, located to our right, the observer feared 
 that a German plane, which was hovering near, was about to get 
 
46 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 his balloon and shoot it down, so he leaped out and landed with his 
 parachute; and, much to our surprise, the German aviator did 
 no harm to the balloon, and it remained aloft until it was pulled 
 down later. 
 
 On February 27th the boyan (communicating trench) in front 
 of our dug-out was blown up by the German artillery and a large 
 shell, which proved to be a dud, fell at the edge of the entrance of 
 the dug-out. If this shell had exploded, the entrance would have 
 been completely closed in. About this time the boys were en- 
 countering much difficulty in trying to heat their coffee with the 
 use of candles. When candles were not issued, another scheme 
 used was to take a small can of dubbin, which was issued for 
 water-proofing shoes, put a piece of string or cord in it, and 
 use in lieu of a candle. Gun oil was also used in the same way. 
 
 On February 28th a heavy snowfall greeted us. On this same 
 night K Company was relieved by M Company, 102d Infantry. 
 As the Company was about to leave the "Pantheon" and start 
 to the new position in the third, or reserve line, a terrific bombard- 
 ment fell directly into our position, some ver}^ large shells falling 
 at the entrance of the dug-out. This made it difficult to leave, 
 but after carefully timing the shells, we left in small groups and 
 proceeded along the Chemin des Dames road to the new position, 
 which was in a small, devastated village. 
 
 After a long and tedious hike, we reached the position in the 
 Town of Celles, which was to be our location in the reserve for 
 the coming week, at least. This small village, which had been 
 shelled and blown up for three years, at the present time con- 
 sisted of a few cellars and several skeleton buildings. Some of 
 our boys were quartered in these buildings, which were merely 
 shells of their former walls, and during the morning of March 1st, 
 when the boys were out putting up barbed-wire and other neces- 
 sary work, the roofs of three of these buildings caved in, covering 
 the bunks occupied by the men and all their equipment. It was 
 a turn of good fortune, and another proof that a man is better 
 off out working, for if this accident had occurred during the time 
 the men were asleep on their bunks, at least twenty of them would 
 have been killed, or badly injured. The only inhabitants left in 
 this village were a tribe of very large and healthy rats, which 
 made it difficult for the men to protect the reserve rations, which 
 were usually left tied up in their packs. 
 
101st INFANTRY 47 
 
 On the morning of March 2d I received instructions to take 
 my platoon and go down to the general dump, secure barbed-wire, 
 pickets, picks, shovels, and other material; and to go out to put 
 up a new line of defense in front of our present position. Being 
 a stranger in the town and no traffic cops around, I proceeded 
 down the road with the platoon, and at a crossroad saw a number 
 of French soldiers under command of a French lieutenant. We 
 stopped and after several weird attempts at French, my arms fall- 
 ing by my side from overwork in an endeavor to secure informa- 
 tion as to the location of the dump from this French officer, in 
 my splendid French vocabulary, I lost all patience and used 
 another language in which I was a little more proficient. After 
 
 using several strong words of this language, I said I wished 
 
 that some of these Frenchmen could only understand my 
 
 French, or speak English. Then, my surprise and embarrassment 
 were beyond description. The little French lieutenant used very 
 splendid English and said: "Why in hell don't you Americans 
 use your own language, and we French fellows probably could 
 understand you so much clearer than your chopping up of the 
 French language ! The place you are looking for is about fifty 
 yards down the road." After that I always made it a point to 
 try my English first. If that didn't work, then I used the arm 
 movements. 
 
 Speaking about languages, our boys always said that just 
 two languages were universally spoken by our American soldiers, 
 they being English and profane. During the course of the war, 
 I am sorry to admit that the latter probably had a shade better 
 as for length of service, and so forth. 
 
 In this Town of Celles, the church still had three walls stand- 
 ing. The roof and other wall, as well as the altar, had been 
 blown to pieces. It was a sad sight to see Avhat remained of the 
 images and the pictures which were painted on the walls having 
 been desecrated. 
 
 Father O'Connor said Mass in this ruined church on Sunday 
 morning, March 3d. 
 
 Several of the boys were not feeling very well, and were finallv 
 evacuated to the hospital by the battalion surgeon. Among these 
 was Bob Hunt. Bob had been suffering from a bad cold and 
 fever for several weeks, and was finally sent to the 103d Field 
 
48 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Hospital, which was located in the City of Soissons. After two 
 weeks* treatment at the field hospital, Bob complained strongly 
 of the food which was given him, and demanded that he be dis- 
 charged and returned to his Company. The food had been very 
 poor for more than a week, but the final break came when he was 
 served canned tomato soup in pans which very recently had con- 
 tained oil. This caused the above demand for discharge. On 
 being discharged, no transportation was available, and with more 
 than a two days' hike ahead of him, Bob and two others started 
 along the highway. After making about half the distance, and 
 being foot-sore and weary, an M. P. Mas met in a small village. 
 The M. P. stopped Bob and his pals and demanded to see their 
 pass or discharge paper from the hospital. Not having either 
 they were hiked the full distance back to the field hospital, there 
 to secure their paper and once more start on their journey to 
 their company in the lines. Bob said the hike was worth the 
 effort, just to get away from that food. 
 
 On March 4th our Company marched five kilometers to a 
 French "Human Renovating" Station. There we received a bath 
 — the first water available for bathing in five weeks. All during 
 this time, the boys had been sewn up in their heavy underwear. 
 After our so-called renovation, it was necessary to put back the 
 same underwear, but even this little relief was appreciated by all. 
 
 March 6th the Regiment was marched a distance of twelve 
 kilometers to a large field just in rear of the lines to pass in review 
 before a French general, who was to present decorations to a 
 number of the boys of our Regiment that participated in a re- 
 cent raid. This field was situated just in the rear of the Town 
 of Chessemy (Aisne). It w 7 as quite a treat to us to watch the old 
 general, after pinning the Croix de Guerre on the breast of each 
 of the boys, then kiss them on the cheek. After the review the 
 boys decided that women should be generals, instead of men, as 
 long as this custom prevailed. 
 
 Among those decorated at this time was Rev. Osias J. 
 Boucher, a Knights of Columbus chaplain, who was serving with 
 our boys. Father Boucher insisted on accompanying the boys 
 on the raid, and for his excellent work was now being decorated. 
 Father Boucher was the first chaplain in the entire A. E. F. to be 
 decorated. 
 
Remnants of hotel in Soissons 
 
 The results of a heavj shelling on a village Cil\ of Hai 
 
Tin- canine mascot of "K" with 
 his valet. Sergeant Roach, and his 
 assistant, Sergeant Cummings. Bud 
 was gassed in action and died Over 
 There. 
 
101st INFANTRY 49 
 
 March 7th, at 18.30 o'clock (8.30 p. m.) we left the Town 
 of Celles and marched to a new position called the "M. 1). Shel- 
 ters," these being a number of demolished trenches with little or 
 no 'covering for the men. There originally had been a number 
 of dug-outs in this place, but owing to the heavy shelling, those 
 had caved in. In many cases the men simply spread their blan- 
 kets out and slept on rows of shells, which had been left by the 
 enemy when they were driven from the plain of the Chemin des 
 Dames. 
 
 During their dull moments the boys did a great deal of writing 
 to relatives and friends at home. All of these letters had to 
 be censored and signed by the officers of the Company. Many 
 books and stories could be written from the witty remarks and 
 funny sa}ungs which many of the letters contained. One fellow 
 in writing to his mother, telling her about the unpleasantness of 
 his association with the cooties, described them to her. and said: 
 "Gee, Ma, they are awful. I hope you will never have them." 
 
 About ten yards from where K Company Headquarters was 
 situated was a German cemetery, which, of course, added to the 
 pleasantness of our residence. 
 
 Prior to leaving Framingham, Mass., an Irish terrier 
 (blooded) was presented to the Company as a mascot by Philip 
 H. Gibbons, of Berlin Street, Clinton. This dog, true to his breed, 
 would rather fight than eat, although he was very fond of eating. 
 The great difficulty which Mess Sergeant Bill Roach had was in 
 keeping him out of gang fights. If wound stripes were given to 
 dogs for each scar obtained in a fight in France, Bud would have 
 been covered from head to foot with wound stripes. The greatest 
 sport which Bud found was chasing rats through the trenches. 
 He was a very efficient rat eradicator. None of these pests ever 
 bothered the dug-out where Bud was residing. He remained with 
 us during the trip over and later participated in several battles. 
 Bud was either stolen or strayed away. Some say the gassing 
 which he received during our stay in the lines in Chemin des 
 Dames affected him so he may have died from same; but Bud did 
 not return to the United States with us, and the boys were very 
 sorry to lose him. 
 
 When a stranger is in a strange land, what greater joy could 
 
50 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 there be than meeting a fellow townsman, and especially an old 
 friend ! About noon of March 8th, while going along the Chemin 
 des Dames road, a number of boys met Captain George Parker, 
 son of Attorney Herbert Parker, of Lancaster. Captain Parker 
 was in command of C Battery, 101st Artillery, and was much 
 loved by all his men. The Captain later made a visit to the Clin- 
 ton boys, and a very splendid hour was spent talking about home 
 ties. 
 
 On March 10th, about 20 o'clock (8 p. m.), a heavy burr 
 was heard in the skies. Within a short time we were aware that 
 a great number of aeroplanes were flying directly over our posi- 
 tion, headed toward Paris with the intention of executing a raid 
 on Paris. In a very few minutes the sky was flooded with great 
 streams of light from the aerial search lights, there being eighteen 
 or twenty of these lights endeavoring to locate the planes, so 
 that the anti-aircraft guns might get in their work; but all this 
 without result, as locating and destroying planes at night is an 
 almost impossible task. 
 
 The following day, official reports stated that sixty aero- 
 planes had raided Paris, leaving a casualty list of 150 dead and 
 wounded civilians. 
 
 As one looked over all these lights in the skies, one could 
 not help but cast one's memory back to Coney Island, and, of 
 course, such pleasant thoughts always helped some. 
 
 David Rome, of Hingham, was on gas guard. A few yards 
 away were the remnants of two old trees. After standing out in 
 the cold for several hours, Dave's mind began to roam back to 
 America, and he was thinking what a splendid sight the Statue 
 of Liberty would be, when suddenly he was aroused by a loud 
 shriek and screeching coming from the direction of the trees. 
 After several minutes of weary, watchful waiting with bayonet 
 alert, and the bolt of his rifle set, it was discovered that the voice 
 and screeching came from an old owl in one of the trees. Dave 
 said he never did like owls, anyway. 
 
 On the night of March 13th equipment was packed, packs 
 slung, and the Company marched into the front line position. 
 This time "K" was located in the Town of Filain. We realized 
 that this was formerly a town only because it said so on the map ; 
 
101st INFANTRY 51 
 
 otherwise, no one would recognize it as such. It looked like or- 
 dinary debris seen in the dumps in the cities or towns at home. 
 Only a few months before this particular location was the scene 
 of terrific fighting, and at. present indications looked for an en- 
 core of the same thing. The dug-outs used were formerly old wine 
 cellars (now without wine). All movements going to and from 
 the front lines were made after dark. As one fellow said, "We 
 are living the life of a burglar, for you have to sneak in and 
 sneak out again before daylight." 
 
 The boys were huddled in the various dug-outs. In one in- 
 stance, one whole platoon, consisting of fifty-one men, were 
 crowded into a dug-out which had accommodations for twenty-two. 
 One fellow said that he was going to write home immediately and 
 tell his mother not to send any more socks or sweaters, but to 
 please send a hammock, so that he might hang it from the ceil- 
 ing and thereby dodge elbows and knees while taking a wink or 
 two. 
 
 On the night of March 14th the first platoon was ordered to 
 furnish a patrol to go out to a small clump of trees, a distance 
 of about 200 meters, and locate the position of a sniper's post, 
 which had been doing much damage. The sniper had a direct 
 line of the door of Company P. C, making it dangerous to 
 enter or leave, especially during the daytime. A sniper was 
 also located in the same vicinity, using a thirty-seven millimeter 
 gun. It was exceptionally poor for our health while located in 
 this section. The patrol was under the command of Lieutenant 
 Schoonmaker and Sergeants Brady and O'Malley, with fifteen 
 privates. Lieutenant Schoonmaker was a very brave and fearless 
 officer, and on all occasions men were always glad to be numbered 
 on a patrol which he was to lead. They had perfect confidence 
 in him, for his cool head and dashing courage. The sniper's post 
 was located and destroyed by this patrol. 
 
 The last two days, heavy shelling was carried on by the ar- 
 tillery on both sides. Much of our barbed-wire was destroyed 
 bv this shelling, so on the night of March loth it was necessary 
 to send a party out to repair the damaged wire and to strengthen 
 our position. 
 
 On the morning of March 16th, just as day was breaking, 
 the hum of a German motor could be heard, and in a very few 
 
52 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 minutes a German aviator circled around, flew down to within 
 a distance of about seventy-five meters above our trenches, making 
 two trips up and down over the trenches, and on the second trip 
 opened his machine-gun, firing directly into the trenches. This 
 same stunt was followed out the following morning by the same 
 aviator. It was the most daring stunt of aviation we had seen 
 up to this time. A great many men endeavored to shoot him 
 down, but without any success. His plan was to draw fire from 
 our machine-guns, which would disclose their position, and allow 
 the enemy artillery to fire on them. 
 
 On the evening of March 16th, after an all-day bombardment 
 by the enemy, a gas attack was started, the German artillery 
 laying a barrage of gas directly between our position and that 
 of the 102d, 5300 meters on our left. He continued to raise the 
 artillery, passing the gas between the two positions, our position 
 and the 102d, thereby forming a perfect screen of gas. He 
 would then extend his range to the rear of our positions, making 
 it difficult to bring up food or ammunition. This gas attack con- 
 tinued for a period of thirty-six hours, being much milder during 
 the last ten hours. The Company of the 102d on our left suf- 
 fered 1(58 gas casualties. Not a single casualty of gas occurred in 
 K Company during this time. This shows that gas discipline in 
 our Company was very good. 
 
 During the early part of this attack the gas guard in front 
 of all dug-outs was strengthened. Great precaution was necessary. 
 Gas curtains were lowered and sprayed with the preparations 
 furnished, and in cases where no preparations were handy plain 
 water was used. The man being on gas guard and relieved was 
 not allowed to enter into the main dug-out. Directly inside each 
 dug-out blankets hung as gas curtains. Three to five feet beyond 
 the first was another curtain. The space between curtains was 
 known as the safety chamber. The gas guards after relief would 
 remain in this chamber until their clothes were thoroughly free 
 from the gas fumes. Many cases of gassing were caused in the 
 French and English armies during the early stages of the war 
 by men whose clothes were saturated with gas entering dug-outs 
 and remaining there, thereby causing the comrades who were 
 asleep unconsciously to become gassed. On the start of this gas 
 bombardment, word was passed along that all posts and every 
 
101st INFANTRY 53 
 
 man must be at the alert. This for fear that the enemy might 
 follow the gas and execute another attack on us. Mingled with 
 the gas shells were many incendiary shells, one of these shells 
 landing into one of our machine-gun positions, setting the camou- 
 flage over the guns on fire, and causing some anxiety to our men. 
 The machine-gunners, under the command of Lieutenant Dave 
 Brickley, took off their coats and several used their shirts to 
 smother the flames, and in this way succeeded in extinguishing the 
 fire. 
 
 A small observation post was located fifty yards in front of 
 our main trench. This was being held by Corporal John Savage 
 and Privates John Quilty and James M. King. 
 
 During their watch three large shells landed within ten feet 
 of where they were located, but, fortune being with them, all three 
 were duds (unexploded shells). Although these shells did not 
 explode, the anxiety of waiting for the explosion was plenty of 
 cause to shake even the strongest of nerves, but all three boys 
 stuck to their post until relieved. 
 
 Early in the morning of the 16th, a warning of a proposed 
 gas attack was discovered in the form of small toy balloons which 
 sailed over our position from the enemy lines. These were often 
 sent up in anticipation of a gas attack in order to learn the direc- 
 tion and speed of the wind. Gas is usually sent over when the 
 velocity of the wind runs from three to fifteen miles an hour. 
 
 On March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, our Regiment, bearing 
 many traditions from the above Saint, felt that this day should 
 be celebrated in some manner. So at 4.30 o'clock a. m. our artil- 
 lery decided that a reprisal was due the enemy for their contribu- 
 tion of gas. At the above hour the American artillery opened 
 one of the most terrific bombardments we had ever seen, starting 
 directly in front of our wire and extending at short intervals 
 until the entire enemy lines, for a depth of five kilometers, had 
 been combed by gas, high explosives, incendiary and shrapnel 
 shells. There was joy in our lines as we witnessed the damage 
 being done by the artillery. On the start of the bombardment 
 the German lines were completely lighted with very-lights, which 
 were used as signals. If the Germans had any one thing that was 
 beautiful, it was their lights. On this occasion most appropriate 
 ones were used, which we felt were quite in cooperation with our 
 
54 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 celebration, they being a great variety of green lights and many 
 snake rockets. We felt these two were quite appropriate to St. 
 Patrick's Day. For two days smoke could be seen rising from 
 the German positions, caused by incendiary shells. 
 
 On March 19th, at 22 o'clock (10 p. m.), K Company was 
 relieved by a company of French soldiers. On being relieved we 
 marched to the support position in the Town of Vasseny, reaching 
 there at 4 a. m., the 20th. At 5 a. m. on the morning of the 20th, 
 the Germans made an attack on the position which we had just 
 left, and were repulsed. 
 
 On the night of the 20th, the French, who had just relieved 
 us, executed a raid on the enemy lines, penetrated beyond their 
 third line trench, and the success was far beyond their expectation. 
 On reaching their final objective, two carloads of special raiding 
 troops (enemy) had just arrived, with the hope of executing a 
 raid on the French lines. The French immediately collected all 
 the enemy from these two cars and marched them back to the 
 French lines, there being seventy-nine prisoners in all. 
 
 On March 21st, at 2.30 o'clock a. m., the Germans started a 
 terrific artillery drum fire which extended from the left of the 
 position just evacuated by "K" all along the English front. This 
 drum fire continued for eight hours, and was followed by their 
 terrific infantry attack of the 21st. We felt indeed fortunate for 
 having the good luck of just being relieved. At 2 a. m. this day 
 we left Vasseny and marched to Braine. We rode all day on our 
 cars de luxe (freight), reaching Braine le Chateau at 2 a. m., the 
 22d. 
 
 March 22d. Here we detrained and started on another tour 
 of France, sight-seeing (on foot). After hiking 2214 kilometers 
 we reached the Village of Thiel, about 10 o'clock. Here we were 
 billeted for the rest of this day. 
 
 On reaching Thiel we learned that at 10 o'clock, the 21st, 
 the depot at Braine, which we had left at 7 o'clock, was bombarded 
 by German artillery, destroying the depot and a great deal of 
 our baggage which it was not possible to move in time. 
 
 On March 23d, at 9 a. m., the hike was continued, passing 
 through the Town of Nully, Doulevant, "Donmartin la Petite," 
 arriving at "Donmartin la France" at 16 o'clock (4< p. M.). We 
 billeted in this town that night. On the following morning, March 
 
101 st INFANTRY 55 
 
 24th, this being Passion Sunday, a Military Mass was held in 
 the village church, it being attended by the entire battalion. The 
 regimental band played during the service. As Father O'Connor 
 read the Mass, Colonel Logan read the Passion from the pulpit. 
 In the afternoon our band gave a concert, which was a great treat 
 for the inhabitants. Chaplain Rollins held his service in the 
 public square, and the whole Regiment attended. 
 
 On Monday morning, March 25th, the hike was resumed, leav- 
 ing Donmartin at 7.30. On this hike we passed through Moran- 
 court, and reached the City of Joinville at noon, Joinville 
 being the big brewery city of France. During this hike 
 great plan-, were laid on what was to take place on the stop 
 in Joinville. Timmy Wallace had been fingering over a half-franc 
 piece in his pocket with great visions of a cool bottle of beer at 
 the end of his hot march ; but when things came to pass, and Timmy 
 extracted the one-half franc, to his chagrin he found that it was 
 a small medal which he had instead of a half-franc. So Timmy 
 was then forced to use his power of persuasion on one of his 
 friends, who was in a position to get two bottles, splitting 50-50. 
 
 March 26th, the Company left Joinville and proceeded on 
 the hike, reaching the so-called rest area, Trarnpot, about 11 a. m. 
 March 27th. 
 
 As one outfit passed another, the first question always asked 
 was, "What outfit, buddy?" Shortly after dusk, one evening, 
 just as we were coming out from a stiff battle, we passed some 
 troops on the road. One of them hollered out, "What outfit, 
 buddy?" and Stanley McLeod replied, "The 101st Painters and 
 Paperhangers." Some one else said it was Y. M. C. A. replace- 
 ments. On each occasion it was a new name. 
 
 March 28th, the Company was ordered to secure the baggage 
 which had previously been stored in this village. 
 
 March 29th, orders were given to collect and repack the bag- 
 gage and turn it back for storage as the rest period was then 
 over, this being nearly twenty-four hours for rest. 
 
 At 6.30 o'clock, April 1st, Easter Sunday, trucks arrived at 
 Trarnpot. The Company was piled into the trucks, and imme- 
 diately rushed to the Toul front, this being necessary in order to 
 relieve the First Division, which was to he transferred to another 
 
56 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 sector, for things looked a bit gloomy, owing to the stiff attacks 
 being made by the Germans. The Company arrived at the Town 
 of Roulecourt at 18.30 o'clock. We remained here in the support 
 position until April 12th, then moving to the Village of Buconville. 
 The Company entered the trenches at Boqueteau, a part of the 
 Buconville sector, at 1.20 a. m., April 13th, relieving the units of 
 the First Division. This position was held for several days. Then 
 the Company marched to Xivray. We remained in these trenches, 
 which were in very poor condition, for sixteen days and nights. 
 Men would stand on watch all night in water above their knees, 
 and when relieved at daybreak would return to their dug-outs, 
 leaving only a small outpost in the advance positions. It was 
 then necessary to pump the water out of the dug-out before the 
 men could sloop. 
 
 It was during our stay in Xivray that Austin Ryder had his 
 name placed on Hie tablet with great men of famous sayings. In 
 our present trenches, the mud and water was nearly hip-deep. 
 About the thirteenth or fourteenth night, and during a rain-storm, 
 Austin Ryder began to feel peeved; so, turning to one of the non- 
 commissioned officers, he exclaimed in his rich touch of Irish 
 brogue: "Hero we've come 3,000 miles to fight those birds over 
 there and now we are stopping in these holes within a hundred 
 yards of them ! Are we afeared of thim, or phat !" Austin wanted 
 action. 
 
 During the night of April 19th-20th, the Germans put over 
 a terrific bombardment, consisting of a great deal of gas, on the 
 Town of Seicheprey, this being held by 102d Infantry. The 
 bombardment continued for about five hours, and was followed 
 by an attack on the town by the so-called "Hindenburg Traveling 
 Circus," consisting of about 1,200 selected troops. The town 
 was taken by the Germans, inflicting great losses on our men, they 
 being nearly five to one superior in numbers; but the courage and 
 devotion displayed by the men of the 102d Infantry and 102d 
 Machine-Gun Battalion were beyond description. The fight con- 
 tinued all day the 20th. 
 
 During the heavy bombardment by the enemy in preparation 
 for the attack on Seicheprey, a very heavy shelling of gas fell 
 on Xivray and Rambucourt. I Company, which had been located 
 in the Village of Marvoisin, was being relieved, and on its way to 
 
101st INFANTRY 57 
 
 Rambucourt, when this gas started. Many casualties were caused 
 in I Company. One whole platoon was trapped in a field and 
 was in desperate straits. Bill Roach and a ration detail from 
 "K" happened along and directed and led these men to their vil- 
 lage. Several gas casualties occurred in "K" on this occasion. 
 
 On the morning of the 21st, two companies of the 101st In- 
 fantry were sent forth from the support line under the command 
 of Capt. Thomas F. Foley to act as counter-attacking troops. 
 These counter-attacking troops had to pass through the German 
 barrage to reach the position just in the rear of Seicheprey, but 
 through the good judgment and cool-headedness of Captain Foley, 
 not a single man was lost. About noon of the 21st, the Germans 
 were driven from Seicheprey. This attack was a German suc- 
 cess, but for their twenty-four hour possession of the town, 
 the}' paid dearly ; about 350 German dead were found in and 
 about the town. American casualties were quite heavy, and 
 a great number of Americans were taken prisoners. This was 
 the first attack made on American troops ; and although the gen- 
 eral opinion is that no victory can be claimed by our troops, the 
 Germans learned to their sorrow the kind of material our army 
 was made up of. They realized for the first time the unlimited 
 courage of American men and the great fighting spirit which they 
 possessed. 
 
 When talking about the trenches, those who have not at one 
 time or another had an abode in them always form a mental pic- 
 ture of a set of beautifully dug-out lines with all kinds of bracings 
 and improvements. This idea, of course, comes from seeing the 
 training camp trenches. But those are things that at the front 
 never happen. 
 
 The front line trenches sometimes consist of roughly dug lines 
 with caved-in sides ; often shell holes are connected up in rough 
 form ; in fact, any place that will act as a covering point to keep 
 the men from too great an exposure, is called a trench. 
 
 Instead of the dry bottoms seen at the camps, many trenches 
 in the lines are regular bogs ; water in some is three feet or more 
 deep, and the mud is almost impossible to wade through. In 
 general, the living conditions of most front line trenches are in- 
 human, for between the water, mud, rats, and vermin, as well as 
 the enemy — only a few yards away — one has plenty to keep his 
 mind occupied. 
 
58 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 At one point on the Toul front, a great engineering competi- 
 tion took place. The front lines of both sides were on the slope 
 of two small hills, and during the rainy spell both sides were 
 flooded with water. At one point the Boche ran a sap through 
 his line and over into our trench and pumped the water from his 
 front line right into ours. This was a good trick, but one good 
 turn deserves another. On noting the terrible amount of water 
 in our trench, it was discovered from whence it came. The sap- 
 pers from the Headquarters Company were called on and, choos- 
 ing a point about fifty meters below the place of the Boche water 
 pipe, they run a line over and into the Boche line; then a pump 
 was attached and the same water, with what we had ourselves, 
 was pumped back into Jerries' line. It was a case of take and 
 give. 
 
 To show how alert it is necessary to be at all times in the 
 lines, there was a distance of at least two kilometers between 
 the Town of Seicheprey and "K" position on the left. To protect 
 this space from enemy possession, a patrol of ten men were sent 
 each half hour from both positions. One of the real novel inci- 
 dents of the war happened one night while the 102d Supply Com- 
 pany had a wagon going over this road with beef and other sup- 
 plies to the company in the front line. The Germans had worked 
 their way up to this road. On the arrival of the wagon, the 
 enemy bounced on and captured it, but not until the driver, who 
 drew his automatic and killed five of the enemy, was taken a 
 prisoner, wounded. The mules were killed, so the enemy pulled 
 the wagon over the fields and into their own lines. 
 
 On a later date another wagon was sent over a road to the 
 right of the Town of Seicheprey. The driver mistook his direc- 
 tion and turned over the wrong road, and drove directly into the 
 German lines. It must have been a sweet surprise to have a load 
 of beef and American mail and other supplies delivered right to 
 their dug-out door. 
 
 Among the real characters of our army were the mule drivers, 
 better known as mule skinners. Their tasks were quite varied 
 and, although they were not in the front lines, they were sub- 
 jected to many narrow escapes; for let it be known that the 
 average army mule is no playful pet. One driver warned me as 
 I was passing his team of mules one morning, "Look out, Captain, 
 
1 1 st I N F ANT R Y 59 
 
 don't go too close to that off mule, for she can kick the head off 
 a cent." 
 
 On May 1st, a billeting party was sent from Xivray to the 
 Town of Mandres (Meurthe et Moselle) to arrange for the 
 moving of our Company. Late this night the Company was 
 relieved and marched back to Mandres. 
 
 On May 3d, Lieut. Howard J. Cummings, who had been acting 
 as Battalion Gas Officer, was promoted to Regimental Gas Officer. 
 
 During the recent fight at Seicheprey, all the trenches were 
 broken, so it became necessary to repair them. On the night of 
 May 3d, K Company furnished the digging detail to repair these 
 trenches and dig new ones. They returned at daybreak, about 
 
 4 A. M. 
 
 During our stop in this town, the Company acted as a bury- 
 ing detail for those who were killed during the last fight. We 
 buried about seventy-five of the boys of the 102d Inf. Chaplain 
 Rollins read services for all of the burials. On the placing of the 
 bodies in boxes, which was the custom for burial, Sergeant Ed. 
 Brady, who had charge of the listing and recording of these 
 burials, received a great surprise. On taking out the identification 
 mark from one of the bodies it was found that he was also a Ser- 
 geant Edward Brady from C Company, 102d Infantry. A firing 
 squad, under command of Corp. Walter Gutmann, fired the volley 
 over the graves as the bodies were lowered. 
 
 In order to protect the right flank of the Town of Seicheprey, 
 it became necessary to reinforce the American position in the 
 Bois de Remier, which was a distance of one-half kilometer from 
 the town. So, on May 6th, I was ordered to take a detail of 
 twenty-five men to these woods and put up a complete new set 
 of barbed-wire reinforcement. While putting up these wires great 
 machine-gun lanes were made, so that the enemy on entering the 
 woods might step into the lanes, which looked very clear for 
 passage, and machine-guns properly set would mow them down. 
 Several German and American dead were found while putting 
 up the wires, these remaining from the Seicheprey Battle of 
 April 21st. 
 
 In the Town of Mandres, there was just one French inhabi- 
 tant, this being an old woman who lived in her partly demolished 
 home, which had been her abode since childhood. This woman 
 was a very kindly and motherly lady of about sixty-five years. 
 
60 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 On two different occasions she had been evacuated from the town, 
 but upon her pleadings with the French officials, she was allowed 
 to return. .V large shell-proof dug-out was built by the American 
 engineers on the street across from her home. As soon as shell- 
 ing would start, this old lady would run across and into her 
 dug-out. She, at all times, carried a gas mask slung over her 
 shoulder, and it many times became necessary for her to wear 
 it. It was great to see our boys around asking the old lady 
 if there was not something they might do to help her, and the 
 boys took advantage of every opportunity to share their food 
 with her. 
 
 On the night of May 7th, seventy-five men from K Company 
 were ordered down to dig trenches at Seicheprey. At 19.30 
 o'clock the detail left their billets. It was then raining very 
 heavily. To reach Seicheprey it was necessary to go around 
 Dead Man's Curve and through the Town of Beaumont. Within 
 a few minutes after our start the rain was coming down in torrents, 
 and the thunder and lightning were terrific. In going around 
 Dead Man's Curve, the lightning flashed frequently, almost blind- 
 ing the boys and at the same time a heavy bombardment was laid 
 along the road by the enemy. The detail reached Beaumont safely, 
 but with great difficulty. It was a wild night between the flashing 
 of the big guns and the lightning. It was a bit uncomfortable 
 and one was not able to judge from which way the firing was 
 coming or going. No work could be accomplished under these 
 conditions, so the detail reported back to their billets. On our 
 arrival at the billets we found that Chaplain Rollins had arranged 
 with the Red Cross to furnish hot chocolate, which was very much 
 appreciated. They also furnished us with new socks which also 
 added to our comfort, for every one was drenched to the skin. 
 
 Sunday, May 12th, was Mother's Day. On this day, as on 
 all other days, the boys devoted most of their thoughts to their 
 dear mothers, both at home or departed. A great deal would be 
 given by many of the boys if they could extend their Mother's 
 Day greetings in person. Several of the boys had, through the 
 Y. M. C. A. and Salvation Army, sent cables of greeting in ad- 
 vance. It was in this Town of Mandres that our boys first met 
 the dear old Salvation Army. 
 
 On our early meeting the Salvation Army, two girls were 
 
101 st INFANTRY 61 
 
 running the canteen, furnishing doughnuts, coffee, pies, and so 
 forth. They were later relieved by a man who was well along in 
 years. The canteen used was in an old barrack, but this was hit 
 by a shell and destroyed, so he moved his goods to an old cellar 
 under a ruined house. This cellar was dark and dreary, but the 
 spirit displayed by the Salvation Army lad (fifty-five years old) 
 made it seem bright and cheerful. Our boys volunteered to do the 
 detail work, such as pumping the water out, cleaning the Lamps, 
 etc. Our boys said the doughnuts, pies, etc., given by the Sallies 
 were the only foods we got which did not come in tin cans. In 
 letters home the boys advised trying the bouncing qualities of 
 silver on t-wry Sally's tambourine. 
 
 A very strange incident happened in this cellar. One Sunday 
 morning while Chaplain Rollins was holding service there, it being 
 one of the few safe places about, the enemy began to shell. A 
 young fellow from "K" was passing close by the entrance of the 
 cellar when a shell landed a few yards away. This young fellow 
 dove into the Salvation Army canteen right in the middle of the 
 Chaplain's sermon, and with great fright at his narrow escape 
 as he landed in a great pool of water, just inside the door, he 
 exclaimed in a very loud tone, "Christ!" The Chaplain, who 
 was always alert to take advantage of all openings, said : "Greet- 
 ings. You've come to the right place." The young man, who 
 rarely used any but the very choicest of language, said that he 
 meant it for a prayer. 
 
 It was while in this town, too, that the famous Dolly O'Toole's 
 Doughnut Patrol did duty. The Y. M. C. A. suggested that if 
 we were able to secure flour, sugar, and lard they would make 
 doughnuts to be distributed on "Mother's Day." After much 
 persuasion we were able to get 100 pounds of >ugar, 20 pounds 
 of lard, and 2 bags of flour. We then learned that the Y. M. C. A. 
 could not secure a cook to make the doughnuts. Hence, a cook 
 from G Company, of Worcester, volunteered. The night before 
 "Mother's Day," K Company marched into Seicheprey, relieving 
 G Company. Dolly, with two other men, returned to Mandres 
 to secure the doughnuts which were "K's" share, and the man in 
 charge of the canteen said he was very pleased to be able to give 
 them their share, which amounted to twenty doughnuts. Dolly, 
 in his usual "emphatic" language, occupied the major portion 
 
62 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 of two hours in letting the secretary know what the boys thought 
 about him, his system, and the organization which he represented. 
 This not being the first incident of this kind certainly did not 
 tend to create any better feeling between the "Y" and the boys 
 in the lines. 
 
 Directly in front of our sector was Montsec, a large hill 
 which commanded a view of our whole front. In the rear of this 
 hill was located a tremendous amount of artillery. As we stood 
 in the trenches and looked up at Montsec, it seemed as though 
 an observer on top of it could almost look down into our throats 
 and see our Adam's apples. We were told that the French at one 
 time in the early part of the war took the hill from the Germans 
 and held it only about thirty-five minutes, losing nearly 30,000 
 men in doing so. 
 
 May 14th. the Company moved from Seicheprey to the support 
 position, which was in the Rahanne Woods. On the relief of "K," 
 several non-commissioned officers were left in the lines to show the 
 new unit all details, and so forth. Among those left was Sergeant 
 John J. (Mooney) O'Toole. About 2 o'clock (a. m.), great con- 
 fusion was heard on the right end of Mooney's sector. On the 
 suggestion of the officer in command, he being of another regiment, 
 O'Toole and a sergeant of the new unit proceeded to where the 
 bursting grenades took place. On the way through the trenches 
 they were held up by a sentry, who challenged them. On giving the 
 passing signal, which consisted of two taps of the hand on the pis- 
 tol holster and repeating a verbal signal, the sentry dropped his 
 rifle and with both hands clutched O'Toole around the throat. 
 O'Toole, not knowing the meaning of this, threw his arms about 
 the man's waist, and used his knee to good effect, knocking out the 
 sentry. This was a good stunt, for O'Toole, who was about five 
 feet, four inches in height, certainly did not let size interfere with 
 his progress. He proceeded to where the trouble was, and found 
 most of it was imaginary. He gave some good advice to the men 
 on that post. He then returned and found the big sentry just 
 coming to. He asked him why he attempted to take hold of him 
 after giving the signal and the sentry replied, "I am hard of hear- 
 ing and I thought you were speaking German." 
 
 Our stay in the Rahanne Woods was quite a relief from that 
 strain which we had been under up to this time, it being the first 
 
1 1 s t IN I ' A X T R Y 63 
 
 time in many weeks that the boys were able to move about with 
 their heads above ground and to talk in a loud voice. 
 
 On May 21st, for the first time since we reached France, our 
 battalion was treated to an entertainment by real honest-to-good- 
 ness American talent. Miss Elsie Janis, stage star, came and 
 gave a full hour's entertainment, singing, dancing, and telling 
 stories. It was a great day for the boys, and we all appreciated 
 Elsie's spirit in coming so close to the lines and entertaining us. 
 On May 27th, General Passaga, Commander of the 32d French 
 Army Corps, spent several hours watching the rehearsal of our 
 battalion for the first "All-American" raid to be executed on 
 May 30th. These rehearsals had been going on for several days. 
 The General was very much impressed with the spirit of the boys, 
 and said he felt sure that the raid would be a success. 
 
 The entire day of May 28th was spent rehearsing, and that 
 night at 10 o'clock a final rehearsal was held. All was now in 
 readiness for the big affair. The boys had chosen the famous 
 saying which originated at Verdun during the terrific fighting in 
 1914, when one badly wounded Frenchman called to his dying 
 comrades, who had been hit with shells which landed right in their 
 midst, to fight on, "Debout le Moris" ("Up, you dead, and at 
 them"). He succeeded in holding back a whole company of 
 Germans who were advancing in an attack, and almost single- 
 handed he held his section of the line for several hours. 
 
 On the morning of May 30th, Mass was held near our quarters 
 by Father Farrell, of the 101st Artillery, and directly across the 
 path, a distance of about fifty yards, Chaplain Rollins held 
 service for the Protestant boys. Every man in the battalion at- 
 tended either one or the other of these services. A very beautiful 
 sermon was given by both Chaplains, the subject of which was 
 "Courage." Most of the boys received Communion. After the 
 distribution of the paraphernalia to be used this night, the re- 
 mainder of the day was spent in resting up. The raid was to 
 take place west of the Town of Seicheprey, passing over a very 
 dangerous terrain into the German lines on the east edge of the 
 Town of Richecourt and to the west of Leahyville. Rumor had 
 it that this position was being reinforced with troops in anticipa- 
 tion of an attack. The intention of this raid was to get general 
 information and find out if this fact was true. 
 
64 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 The following is the final order issued for the raid: 
 HEADQUARTERS 
 
 3d Battalion 
 101st Infantry 
 
 MEMORANDUM OF EXERCISES. May 29, 1918. 
 
 1. At 21.30 the Engineers will have six gaps cut in our wire, 
 three for each group (represented), with tape running back to 
 point of assembly. 
 
 2. The Liaison Officer will arrange to have a man at each gap 
 in wire and a man at each 75-meter interval in the prolongation of 
 the line to the enemy's wire. Also relays of runners at each 500 
 meters. 
 
 ;>. The troops will entruck at this cantonment at $0.45. On 
 arrival at destination they will detruck quietly and proceed to the 
 assembly point. After a short rest they will proceed to a point 
 50 meters in front of our wire, where they will arrive at 22 
 o'clock. The men will be cautioned not to expose themselves, and 
 to crawl. 
 
 4. Flares will be sent up at 10-minute intervals from '2'2 o'clock. 
 
 5. Group A Lt. Dunbar on reaching objective will fire Red Very- 
 Light. 
 
 Group H It. Schoonmaker on reaching objective will fire 
 Green Very-Light. 
 
 (>. At 11 plus •_'?. signal to return will be a snake rocket from 
 Battalion Headquarters. 
 
 7. All helmets must be burlapped. During the advance all rifles 
 will be slung. All bayonets must be blued or smoked. 
 S. Engineers will blow gaps in enemy wire. 
 
 By order o\' M vjob Hicxey 
 
 l.t. Dunbar John d. Riley, /./. Atljt. 
 
 •• Schoonmaker 
 
 " Johnson 
 
 " Bennett 
 
 *■ Duane 
 
 " Price 
 
 " Strong 1 
 
Dug-outs in Chemin des Dames Sector 
 Support position 
 
 Smtk AmoOuaou 
 
 Those « ho did not m " Kamerade " and surrender are there j el 
 
Rheims Cathedral 
 Note the condition of the building, and see how the fig- 
 ure on the crucifix is left standing even with the arms shot 
 away. This same thing has happened in many of the shell- 
 destroyed churches. 
 
101st INFANTRY 65 
 
 On May 30th, at 21 o'clock, the entire raiding party was 
 loaded into ten trucks. The boys had previously been supplied 
 with grenades, automatic pistols, trench knives, and clubs. Some 
 of the boys wound barbed-wire about the end of the club, and a 
 more dangerous looking weapon could not be imagined. The 
 trucks proceeded to the Town of Mandres. Here, the entire party 
 detrucked. All watches of group leaders were synchronized. As 
 soon as observation would allow, the raiding party marched in 
 groups to the Town of Seicheprey. The men who carried the 
 torpedoes for blowing up the wire proceeded the party on the 
 hike. It was a happy party, although not a single member failed 
 to realize the seriousness of the whole affair. As we left our 
 billets to start the trip, the officers and men who were left behind 
 bade us good-by and good luck and promised to pray for the 
 entire crowd. 
 
 Soldiers, of course, always believe in "Signs." Some of the 
 signs which bade fair for good luck were the insignias on the 
 trucks which carried us forward. Each truck train, like the 
 Regiment, had its own insignia. We noticed on a number of 
 trucks which were used that the Liberty Bell, Bunker Hill Monu- 
 ment, and the Four-Leaf Clover were painted. We, therefore, 
 decided that the old Liberty Bell shall ring again and the spirit of 
 Bunker Hill must prevail ; and with the luck brought by the 
 Four-Leaf Clover, that crowd of boys could lick a whole army. 
 Hence, they went forward determined to win. Leaving the Town 
 of Seicheprey, we went to the jumping-off point, and at 1.30 all 
 was in readiness. 
 
 There was now a whole hour to wait for the eventful moment. 
 All muscles and nerves were at tension, and an hour seemed a long 
 time to lay on that ground with the Boche throwing up flares to 
 light the terrain. A single movement might give the party away 
 and betray the whole show. There is a very deep thrill always 
 attached to a wait for the signal to go "Over the Top," but it is 
 like the little fellow with a terrible toothache. He suffers greatly 
 and is sent to the dentist to have the tooth extracted ; but as soon 
 as he takes hold of the knob on the dentist's door the pain dis- 
 appears, and the youngster feels better. When you start "Over," 
 it is a new and wonderful sensation. 
 
 To make passage into No Man's Land possible, and without 
 
66 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 detection, it was necessary to cut large gaps in the wire in front of 
 our position. Therefore, a detail was sent out with large wire 
 clippers, and they had to work with great precaution, as they 
 were under observation and machine-gun fire was sweeping that 
 part of the line at intervals of ten minutes. 
 
 One of the great essentials to the success of all engagements 
 is the line of liaison (line of communication). All branches par- 
 ticipating must be in communication with each other, so that 
 those in the rear will be informed of the success or failure of the 
 exploit, and thus in case of need reinforcements can be sent up or 
 more artillery can be used upon a certain point, and resistance 
 therefore reduced. In a raid such as this nearly every form of 
 communication is used. Lieut. Mark King, of the Headquarters 
 Company, and four assistants worked for four hours laying a line 
 of telephone wires from Regimental Headquarters down to the 
 front line. This was to keep the Colonel informed of every move 
 by our attacking troops. The actual distance from the temporary 
 headquarters of the Colonel to the point of departure of the raid 
 was one kilometer ( r> s of a mile), but the telephone men laid 
 nearly ten miles of wire, it being necessary to lay about five 
 different lines, so that in case one or more wires were cut by shell 
 fire, at least one would remain intact. Owing to the difficult 
 ground, which was filled with shell holes and mine craters, the wire 
 men had difficulty in getting connection ready for the start of the 
 party. The hour of departure drew near. Word was passed by 
 the Major requesting the phone box be brought to him, but the 
 return message was that no telephone connection was ready. 
 There was much strong language and some confusion and excite- 
 ment. Messengers were sent over the sector in search of the line- 
 man in charge, but with no success. It was now within two min- 
 utes of starting time. Would the phone be there for the first 
 message? Just one minute remains, and up rushes a little lad with 
 phone in hand and reports to the Major that connections had 
 just been completed, and at this moment "H" hour arrived and 
 the Colonel was notified by phone that the boys were ready to 
 start on their way to German territory. 
 
 The party now being ready, adjusted equipment, fixed bay- 
 onets, and with a slightly nervous feeling awaited the signal. "H" 
 hour, which was the starting time, was set for 2.30 o'clock. At 
 
101st INFANTRY 67 
 
 2.05 the men, carrying along the 30-foot torpedoes, passed 
 through our wire and took up a position twenty-five meters in 
 No Man's Land, ready for the signal to start. At exactly 2.30 
 o'clock, one 75-millimeter shell soared over our heads, and then 
 the heavens opened. Never in our lives had we heard such a noise 
 before. The sky was completely illuminated for kilometers. More 
 than 200 pieces of artillery of all caliber were used for this bar- 
 rage. A box covering both sides and back of the section to be 
 raided was covered by artillery. In addition a barrage was placed 
 on the first line position and advanced in jumps of fifty meters 
 until the entire area was combed. In addition to all this, 72 
 machine-guns under the command of Major John D. Murphy, of 
 Natick, also covered the side brackets and back of this barrage, 
 thereby preventing any enemy supporting troops coming from the 
 sides or rear into the raiding area. 
 
 On the signal of the first shell of our barrage the boys leaped 
 out of our trenches and over the top with a yell and were on their 
 way. No Man's Land was crossed, German wires blown up, and 
 the first line reached without any great difficulty. This position 
 had been built for an anti-tank defense, the trenches being 10 feet 
 wide at the top and 10 to 11 feet deep. Our first difficulty came 
 in crossing these trenches. Some duck-boards were carried, but 
 it was necessary for most of the boys to jump into the trench, 
 boost their pals up on the other side, and then pull their pals up 
 out of the trench with the aid of their rifles. Many of the enemy 
 were met and disposed of in the first and second lines. The 
 Germans who were found in the concrete dug-outs were first asked 
 to come out and surrender, and if they refused to do this, one of 
 the torpedoes made in small square boxes, containing 20 pounds 
 of TNT powder, was thrown in, and the entire dug-out blown up. 
 Prizes of several hundred francs were offered to the one man or 
 one group who took the largest number of prisoners ; also a trip 
 back to America with Chaplain Rollins was offered. All these 
 offers were forgotten the moment the boys came in contact with 
 the enemy. They rather followed instructions given them by our 
 Brigade Commander, General Traub, who suggested that they 
 might kill all but one, and he would give sufficient information. 
 
 On reaching the final objective, the rocket signal was sent up 
 and all troops began to withdraw. The withdrawal was covered 
 
68 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 by two flanking groups of the automatic rifle men. At 3.25 all 
 men were reported out of the German position. Our casualties 
 during this raid were two killed and five wounded, with one miss- 
 ing. William Dunphy, of "K," was never seen after entering the 
 lines. No account of him has ever been received. Several prison- 
 ers being taken back to our lines by the boys showed signs of 
 fight, and the result was that they remained in No Man's Land, 
 dying there of bullet wounds. One lone prisoner was allowed to 
 survive, and he only for the reason that he became very agreeable 
 after his capture. It is said that during this raid more artillery 
 was used than in the entire Battle of Gettysburg, it being termed 
 as the "Million Dollar Raid." 
 
 It was a scream to see all the boys who were in the Town of 
 Beaumont as the one poor little lone prisoner was being led up 
 through the streets. Every fellow that was near enough tried 
 out his German. The most of it was confined to "Wiegehtes." 
 The little fellow, who was later termed the original million dollar 
 kid, was frightened almost to death. 
 
 What is a Raid? (The French call it Coupe de Mad). When 
 information is gained by our Intelligence Branch that a new 
 outfit has taken up a position directly in front of us or that 
 extra activities are taking place on our particular sub-sector, ar- 
 rangements are made and strong patrols organized and sent into 
 No Man's Land in an endeavor to capture prisoners or to secure 
 definite information. It is the duty of the commanding officer in 
 each sector to know at all times just what unit, the fighting 
 strength, and quality of troops which face him. If the patrols 
 sent into No Man's Land fail to gain the required information, 
 then a raid is ordered. The size of the raiding party varies from 
 about twenty to four or five hundred men, depending entirely on 
 the difficulty of the terrain and the approximate strength of the 
 sector to be penetrated. 
 
 The above raid, which was the first All-American raid con- 
 ducted in the A. E. F., had a strange significance. It was Memo- 
 rial Day, and on this very morning back in America our old bud- 
 dies of the Grand Army of the Republic and the veterans of the 
 Spanish- American War were decorating the graves of their com- 
 rades. This morning our boys were decorating with great rever- 
 ence the graves of our buddies who had recently died and were 
 
101st INFANTRY 69 
 
 now lying in a little cemetery just back of the small village nearby. 
 As the boys placed their token of love on the rough mound of 
 earth with a prayer for the lad resting beneath the mound, little 
 did they realize that before another dawn had come upon us some 
 of the decorators might also be numbered on the immortal roll of 
 honor and probably rest side by side in this same little cemetery. 
 
 No man in the world could ever fittingly describe every angle 
 of so small a thing as a little raid like this, but a humble effort 
 may in part show a few phases and allow the reader to use his 
 imagination for the remainder. 
 
 Having learned of the proposed raid, a very eminent corre- 
 spondent proceeded to Regimental Headquarters and requested 
 permission of the Colonel to accompany the raiding party into 
 the German lines. Realizing the danger which faced the party, 
 the Colonel suggested, "You stay right here at Headquarters 
 during the show, as that telephone on the Adjutant's desk is 
 really the web center of all things occurring in this sector tonight." 
 The correspondent accepted this suggestion and remained. He 
 then wrote a description which in part is his impression of what 
 he saw and heard. 
 
 At just 2 o'clock this morning, the Colonel summoned me to 
 come to the roughly built table in his dug-out and explained the 
 night's plans. The Colonel, smoking a long pipe, sat in front of 
 a map on which he conducted an exposition. 
 
 "Here," he said, placing his finger on a section of the line 
 marking the American trenches, "is the point of departure. That's 
 the jumping-off place. These X marks running between the lines 
 are the enemy wire, and here and here and here we blow it up. 
 We reach the German trenches at these points and clean up. 
 Then the men follow the enemy communicating trenches, penetrate 
 300 meters to the east edge of Richecourt, and return. 
 
 "Our H Hour is 2.30. It's now 2.10. Our raiders have left 
 their trenches already ; they are out in No Man's Land now. The 
 engineers are with them, carrying explosives for the wire. There 
 are stretcher bearers in the party to bring back our wounded, and 
 also signal men right behind them with one telephone. Reports 
 from that wire are relayed here and we will also be kept informed 
 by runners. The whole party has thirty minutes in which to crawl 
 
70 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 forward and place explosives under the wire. They will have 
 things in readiness by 2.30, and then the show begins." 
 
 Five minutes before the hour set I stepped out of the dug-out 
 and looked at the silent sky toward the front. Not even a star 
 shell disturbed the blue-black night. The guns were quiet. Five 
 minutes more and all this was to change into an inferno of sound 
 and light, flash and crash. There is always that minute of un- 
 certainty before a raiding hour when the tensity of the situation 
 becomes almost painful. Has the enemy happened to become 
 aware of our plans? Have our men been deprived of the needed 
 elements of surprise? But for thousands of meters behind us we 
 know that in the black battery pits anxious crews are standing 
 beside their loaded pieces, waiting to greet the tick of 2.30 with 
 the jerk of the lanyard. 
 
 Suddenly the party trembles. Through the dug-out window 
 facing back from the lines, I see the night sky livid with light. A 
 second later and the crash reaches our ears. It is deafening. 
 Now we hear the whine of shells as they burn the air overhead. 
 The telephone bell rings. 
 
 "Yes, this is Boston." The Adjutant speaks into the re- 
 ceiver. We listen breathlessly. Has something gone wrong at the 
 last minute? 
 
 "Right, I have it," says the Adjutant, hanging up the re- 
 ceiver and turning to the Colonel. "X4 reports that the barrage 
 dropped on schedule," he adds. 
 
 "Good," says the Colonel. "Now, gentlemen, here is what's 
 happening. Our shells are this minute falling all along the Ger- 
 man lines, both in front of the part selected for the raid and on 
 the flanks. Now, then, this section of the enemy's position is 
 confined in a box barrage which is pounding on his front and is 
 placing a curtain of fire on his left and his right and another in 
 his rear. Any German within the confines of that box will have a 
 damned hard time getting out of it, and so will any who try to 
 come through it to help him." 
 
 "Boston talking." The Adjutant is answering over the tele- 
 phone. He repeats the message. 
 
 2.33. "All wire blown up right." 
 
 "Fine!" says the Colonel. "Now they are advancing and 
 right in front of them is another rolling barrage of shells which 
 
101 st INF AX TRY 71 
 
 is creeping forward on the German lines at the same pace our 
 men are walking. They are advancing in extended order behind 
 it. At the same time our artillery for the lasl three minutes has 
 been dumping gas and high explosives on every battery position 
 behind German lines. That*- called neutralization." 
 
 "Boston talking." The room grows quiet again as the Ad- 
 jutant takes the message. 
 
 2.36. "Yl reports O.K.** 
 
 "Everybody fine and dandy," the Colonel observes, smiling. 
 
 "Boston talking." Pause. 
 
 2.39. "G7 reports enemy is sending up three vd rockets 
 east of A10. Operator thinks it's a signal for outposts to with- 
 draw and also for a counter barrage." 
 
 "Too late." snaps tin- Colonel. "There is a reception in Hades 
 waiting for 'em right now." 
 
 2.41. "Yerree good beginnings." remarks a short, fat French 
 Major, who sits beside the Colonel. He represents a French army 
 corps. 
 
 2.43. "Boston talking. Kernan reports everything quiet in 
 his sector." 
 
 2.45. "Boston talking." The Adjutant turns to the Colo- 
 nel and repeats, ''Pittsburgh wants to know if there is much 
 coming in here."' 
 
 "Tell them nothing to amount to anything," replies the Colo- 
 nel. As lie stops, one German shell did land so close to the dug- 
 out that the door blew open. An officer steps to the opening 
 and calls out into the darkness, 
 
 "Gas guard !" 
 
 "Shell anything.'*' 
 
 "Nothing, sir. Think they are only high explosives." 
 
 2.47. "Boston talking. Enemy sent up one red rocket, one 
 green rocket, and then three- green rockets from ."3-14."* The 
 Adjutant repeat-,. 
 
 "Be ready for some gas, gentlemen," says the Colonel. "I 
 think that's Fritz's order for the stink. Orderly put down tin- 
 gas covers on tiie doors and windows." 
 
 2.49. "Boston talking. Z3 calls for barrage." 
 
 The Colonel and Major turn to the wall map, pointing out Z3 
 position. 
 
72 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 "Hum," says the Colonel, "counter attack, hey? Well, the 
 barrage will take care of them; but get me Watson on the line." 
 
 "Connect me with Nantucket," the Adjutant asks the opera- 
 tor. "Hello, Watson ! Just a minute." Turning to the Colonel, 
 "Here's Watson, sir." 
 
 "Hello, Watson!" the Colonel says. "This is Yellow Jacket. 
 Watch out for a counter attack against Z3. Place your men in 
 readiness and be prepared to support Michel on your right. 
 That's all. Get me Mr. Lake," he adds to the Adjutant. 
 
 While the Adjutant makes the connection, the Colonel explains 
 the quickly planned flanking movement on the map. "If they 
 come over there," he says to the French Major, "not a damned 
 one of them will ever get back alive." 
 
 3.00. "Boston talking. X19 reports gas." 
 
 3.04. "Boston talking." Pause. "X10 reports gas in Bois 
 des ." 
 
 3.06. "Boston talking. Hello ! Yes ! No, nothing coming 
 in here to amount to anything. Just had gas warning, but none 
 arrived yet." 
 
 3.07. "Boston talking. Yes. All right." (Is turning to 
 the Colonel.) "Operator just received the message from storm- 
 ing party (so far so good)." 
 
 "Not bad for thirty-seven minutes after the opening of the 
 operation," remarks the Colonel. 
 
 3.09. "Boston talking. Watson reports all quiet around Z3 
 now." 
 
 "Guess that barrage changed their minds," remarks the Colo- 
 nel. 
 
 With my gas mask at alert, I walked out for a breath of 
 French aii. The guns were roaring in the rear, and from in front 
 came the sound of shells arriving on the German positions. The 
 first hints of dawn were in the sky. I returned in time to note 
 the hour (3.18) and hear: 
 
 "Boston talking. Reports enemy dropping lots of shells from 
 B4 to B8." 
 
 "Trying to get the boys coming back, hey?" remarks the 
 Colonel. "A fat chance. They are not coming back that way." 
 
 3.23. "Boston talking. Z3 reports that barrage is called 
 for in their sector because the enemy has advanced within 200 
 
Reading the home papers 
 
 Even the advertisements were late news items. 
 
 Corporal James Mohan on ground ; Lieutenant Duane 
 and Lieutenant Cummings reading Clinton Daily Items and 
 Boston Posts nine weeks old, just in rear of front line. 
 
 "K" mess shack at Bois-de-Ranzier (Rear of Hatton 
 chatel). The crew in the picture are world's champion beef- 
 stew makers (the onlj member missing is Cooper's Bat, 
 
 which was always used to mix stews . 
 
'*&'■■- ' 
 
 Miles of these communicating trenches had to be passed through before 
 reaching the front line. 
 
 Searching the skies at night for enemy planes. Sometimes as many as 
 twenty of these lights were used at one time, and it was a wonderful sight. 
 
» TX»* k»&o»«» Into >-i wc NcAg AgoioiHCQU* 
 
 French tanks going up to position to start attack 
 
 A direct hit on a German tank. The shell hit directly in center of tank. 
 
American Inns following tanks at start of attack 
 
 A Companj Kitchen back of the lines ( 1 Co up my Detail ) 
 
1 1 s t INFANTRY 73 
 
 yards of his first positions. Evidently wanted to start some- 
 thing, but the barrage nipped them and they fell back fast." 
 
 3.25. "Boston talking. Two green and two red rockets sent 
 up by the enemy from behind llichecourt." 
 
 3.28. "Boston talking. All O.K. in Z2. Still waiting to 
 hear from Michel." 
 
 "I rather wish they had developed their counter attack," says 
 the Colonel. "I have a reserve that would certainly have given 
 them an awful wallop." 
 
 3.30. "Boston talking. More gas in Bois des B ." 
 
 3.37. "Boston talking. Blank white stars reported 
 from ." 
 
 "They must be on the way back by this time," says the Colo- 
 nel, looking at his watch. 
 
 3.38. "Enemy now shelling on north end of town, a little 
 gas." 
 
 3.40. "XI reports some enemy long-range retaliation on." 
 
 "They had better come back the other way," says the Colonel. 
 
 3.42. "Signal man with party reports everything O.K." 
 
 "We don't know yet whether they have had any losses or got 
 any prisoners," the Colonel remarks, "but the mechanism seems 
 to have functioned just as well as it did in the last raid. We 
 didn't get a prisoner that time, but I sorter feel the boys will 
 bring back a couple with them tonight." 
 
 3.49. "G9 reports some of raiding party have returned and 
 passed that point." 
 
 "Come back pretty quick, don't you think so, Major?" says 
 the Colonel, with some pride. "Must have returned over the top." 
 
 3.55. We hear fast footsteps on the stone stairs looking down 
 to the dug-out entrance. 
 
 Two men enter, carrying something between them. Sweat has 
 streaked through the charcoal coating on their faces, leaving 
 striped, zebra-like countenances. 
 
 "Lieutenant Blank's compliments, sir," says the first man. 
 "Here's one of their machine-guns." 
 
 "Who got it?" inquires the Colonel. 
 
 "Me and him, sir." 
 
 "How did you get it?" 
 
 "We just rolled 'em off of it and took it." 
 
74 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 "Rolled who off of it?" 
 
 "Two Germans, sir." 
 
 "What were they doing all that time?" 
 
 "Why? sir, they weren't doing anything. They were dead." 
 
 "Oh, very well, then," says the Colonel, "how did you happen 
 to find that machine-gun?" 
 
 "We knew where it was before we went over, sir," says the 
 man simply. "We were assigned to get it and bring it back. We 
 expected we'd have to fight for it, but I guess our barrage laid out 
 the crew. Anyhow we rushed the position and found them dead." 
 
 I went out with the machine-gun's captors and walked with 
 them to the road. Daylight was pouring down into the ruined 
 village street up which marched the returning raiders without a 
 thought of order. They were a happy, gleeful party. As they 
 approached, I saw the cause for some of the jocularity. It was a 
 chubby little boyish figure, who sat perched upon the right 
 shoulder of a tall, husky sergeant. 
 
 But there was no smile on the face of the thus-transported 
 object. His chubby countenance was one of easily understood 
 concern. He was not a day over sixteen years old, and this was 
 quite some experience for him. In fact, he was one of the German 
 prisoners, and these happy youngsters from across the sea were 
 bringing him almost with as much importance as though he had 
 been a football hero. 
 
 "Juggers, here's the Colonel's dug-out," one voice shouted. 
 "Put him down to walk now." 
 
 Little Frit/ was lowered to the ground. He caught step im- 
 mediately with the big sergeant, and took up the latter's long 
 stride with his short legs and feet encased in clumsy German 
 boots. 
 
 "For the luvva Mike, Tim," shouted an ambulance man, "do 
 you call that a prisoner?" 
 
 "Sure. He does look like a half-portion," replied Sergeant 
 Tim, with a smile. "We get two hundred francs for a whole one. 
 I don't know what we cash in for this one." 
 
 "Sergeant, I'm not kidding," came one serious voice. "Why 
 turn him in as a prisoner? I like the kid's looks. Why can't we 
 keep him for company mascot?" 
 
101st INFANTRY 75 
 
 The discussion ended when the sergeant and his small charge 
 disappeared in the Colonel's quarters for inevitable questioning. 
 Several wounded men were lying on the stretchers in front of the 
 First Aid dug-out, waiting for returning ambulances and passing 
 the time meanwhile smoking cigarettes and explaining how close 
 each of them was to the shell when it exploded and "got 'em." 
 
 But little of their talk was devoted to themselves. They wire 
 all praise for the little chaplain from New England, who, without 
 arms, went over the top with "his boys" and came back with them. 
 It was their opinion that their Regiment had some sky pilot. And 
 it's mine, too. 
 
 During the artillery preparation for this raid considerable 
 gas was used by our artillery, it being laid in the Town of Leahy- 
 ville. Unfortunately, there was a change in the wind direction a 
 short while before the hour set for starting, and the wind tarried 
 the gas through a small ravine back into our own lines and back 
 onto our raiding party. There being so much smoke and fumes 
 from the bursting shells that the odor of gas was not detected. 
 The result of this was that at 11.30 on the morning of May 31st, 
 the first of the boys showed signs of gas poisoning. Within the 
 next twenty-four hours 368 out of the 400 who were on the 
 raid were either evacuated to the hospital or treated in their 
 quarters for phosgene gas poisoning. Several died as the result 
 of this experience. Among them was Robert A. Murray, of "K." 
 Murray was laid at rest in Menil-le-Toul, and his grave was 
 looked after by Jim Bricket, who was stationed in this town with 
 Division Headquarters. Two of the boys who were killed during 
 the raid were killed by our own grenades. One of the boys, a 
 grenadier, was carrying a bomb bag over his shoulder with about 
 twenty-five grenades in it. A cotter pin dropped out of one 
 grenade and this released the firing cap, thus setting the bomb 
 off; this one set most of the grenades in the bag off, and the 
 fellow carrying them had his whole side blown off. One of the 
 boys rushed to his assistance, but was too late to help any but 
 just in time to be hit with fragments of delayed grenades, and 
 later died on the field. 
 
 June 2d, K Company once more moved up to the reserve posi- 
 tion in and near the Town of Bernecourt. 
 
 Of all the weapons used b}^ the Americans, I am of the im- 
 
76 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 pression that the Germans were most fearful of our trench knife, 
 this being a very dangerous weapon to those who were to come 
 in personal contact with it. The trench knife was made with a 
 wooden handle grooved to brace the finger hold. This, with a 
 steel guard protected by pointed projection and the blade, was 
 about ten inches long, triangular shaped, with all three points as 
 sharp as a razor blade and the end ranging down to a needle point. 
 In using the trench knife, after making a thrust at the enemy, 
 should the blade come in contact with part of his equipment, mak- 
 ing it impossible to perform its regular duty on the enemy, the 
 man then made an upward thrust, using the knuckle guard some- 
 what in the same fashion as the old brass knuckles used by the 
 thugs of previous days. One good story connected with the 
 trench knife came to light when several boys were talking over 
 the results of a certain raid executed by our battalion. A mem- 
 ber of G Company was listening very intently to one of the boys 
 telling of his buddy, who thrust the trench knife into one of the 
 enemv as lie rounded a turn in the trench. The lad lost his grip 
 on the trench knife and the victim continued to run, but only for 
 a short distance, when he staggered and fell against the side of 
 the trench, dead. In explaining how this man ran with the 
 trench knife thrust in his side, the G Company boy immediately 
 exclaimed, "What, did the blinkety-blankety-this-and-that-Boche 
 get away with that perfectly good trench knife !" 
 
 The usual routine work was done each day, the Company fur- 
 nishing trench digging and barbed-wire details. The Germans 
 had a very bad habit of continually shelling this town. The 
 Company Headquarters was located in a small, corrugated-iron 
 covered shack about 25 feet long and 10 feet wide. During one 
 of these shillings a 77 landed directly in front of Company Head- 
 quarters, several pieces penetrating the corrugated-iron door. 
 One piece, about three inches in diameter, after passing through 
 the door, hit Hughie Hanna in the stomach, but, very fortunately, 
 the heavy army web belt stopped the blow. This belt was cut 
 almost in two, but Hughie was not injured, only jarred a bit. 
 After this piece of shell hit Hughie, it bounced from his very 
 elastic stomach across the room and into the lap of Company 
 Clerk Charles Bent. Bent was only slightly injured. This is just 
 one of the many close calls which the boys had. 
 
101st INFANTRY 77 
 
 On the next couple of days more shells landed close by, in- 
 flicting wounds on the Company soup gun (rolling kitchen), but 
 "fortunately" the beef-stew range finder was not injured. At 
 the close of festivities in November this soup-gun possessed seven 
 wound stripes. 
 
 On the night of June 7th, one of the billets occupied by M 
 Company in Bernecourt was hit with a shell and caved in. 
 One of the large beams which held up the ceiling fell and crushed 
 several of the boys, killing one fellow. The rescuing of the in- 
 jured from this house was made very difficult by the continued 
 shelling, but Major Bayne-Jones was on the job and did wonder- 
 ful work. Too much praise cannot be given to this medical man, 
 who was always out in the thick of every engagement, and no place 
 was too dangerous for him to go to assist boys. One time he 
 was offered a promotion from the .Medical Corps into the In- 
 fantry. This was offered as a reward for his brave acts. He was 
 Later decorated with the Croix de Guerre. He had previously 
 been awarded the British Distinguished Service Cross. 
 
 June 11th, Divisional Citations were distributed to a number 
 of men who diel good work in the recent raid. 
 
 On June 12th, a large review and decoration ceremony was 
 held at Roymeaux. Among those decorated by the French Gen- 
 eral on this occasion was Sergeant Edward W. Brady, Corporal 
 James F. (Dolly) O'Toole, and Private Adelbert Bresnahan. 
 These boys were decorated with the Croix de Guerre. One little 
 incident which I have overlooked in reference to the recent raid 
 executed was that which happened to Dolly. On reaching a dug- 
 out, during a raid, it would be suicidal to stand in front of the 
 entrance requesting those inside to come out, so one man stands 
 on each side of the entrance, and, when possible, one man stand-, 
 over the entrance and calls for the enemy to surrender. The 
 incident to which I refer is one where Dolly was designated to 
 stand over the door of the dug-out, which was of concrete and 
 built into the side of the trench. In the excitement, one of the 
 boys, with twenty pounds of TNT, heaved the same into the dug- 
 out before Dolly could remove himself from aloft. The result 
 was that Dolly rode twenty feet into the air and landed into the 
 lap of the fellow who threw the torpedo. He had one rib crushed 
 
78 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 and was badly shaken up, which gave him three weeks in the hos- 
 pital. 
 
 Later on, medical officers who had recently lauded from the 
 United Stales were assigned to the hospital of which Dolly was 
 the star patient. In his anxiety to know all about the front and 
 whit takes place during raids, etc., one of the new officers asked 
 Dolly how far into the German lines he had none, Dolly telling 
 him slightly beyond the third line. He wanted to know how it 
 was possible to get in so far, and Dolly's reply was, "They issued 
 bicycles for each raid." 
 
 One of the most prominent men at the ceremony of decora- 
 tion was Chaplain Lyman Rollins, of our Regiment. Chaplain 
 Rollins was a member of the raiding party, and for his conspicu- 
 ous bravery and devotion was now receiving his reward — a Croix 
 de Guerre. There never was any activity that the 101st Infantry 
 took part in that this Chaplain was not in the thick of it, and he 
 was one of the most prominent chaplains in the A. E. F. When 
 it came to handing out a sermon in real honest-to-ffoodness "he"- 
 Language, Chaplain Rollins had no superior. 
 
 On June 12th, warning was sent to all units to be prepared 
 for a proposed German Projector Gas Attack, but the attack 
 
 did not take place. 
 
 Many stories drifted to America, telling of the terrible moral 
 conditions in France ami of how our boys were exposed to the 
 temptations, and also their terrible flirtation with the French 
 drinks. Although I am not qualified to .judge the morals of men, 
 I can assure the mothers, relatives, and friends of practically all 
 of the boys with whom I came in contact that their morals were 
 very splendid, and I daresay in many cases the boys kept more 
 on the straight and narrow path than if they were hack in 
 America. The chaplains and officers dwelt considerably upon 
 maintaining the moral standard of the army, and our boys lived 
 up to this standard in excellent shape. 
 
 June 13th, Capt. Thomas F. Foley. G Company, of Worcester, 
 a man always Loved by the men of Company EC, was assigned to 
 command the Third Battalion, of which K Company was part. 
 
 On dune 16th the enemy made a strong attack on the Town 
 of Xivray, which was now five kilometers on our left. The enemy 
 
101st INFANTRY 79 
 
 was repulsed with heavy loss. During this attack they con- 
 tinually shelled our position, and also the towns iu the rear, for 
 a distance often kilometers. As the shells soared over our heads, 
 sailing for the rear, the boys all exclaimed that at last the enemy 
 had used good judgment in handing the men in the rear a little 
 touch of war, for many of those there hardly knew there was a 
 war going on. 
 
 A wooden shower hath, which had been erected in the Town of 
 Bernecourt, was being used on this afternoon. When the shelling 
 started, a whole platoon of men were under the showers. After 
 four or five shells landed close to the frail bath house, it was good 
 sport to see the boys rushing out and through the streets with 
 their clothes under their arms, headed straight for their shell- 
 proofs. A windy day on Boylston and Tremont Streets, Boston, 
 never- had a thing on Bernecourt that afternoon. 
 
 On June 19th, at 2 a. m., our engineers, who had been pre- 
 paring for the last ten days, sent over a Projector Gas Attack on 
 the enemy of 1,000 shells, each containing thirty pounds of 
 Chloropicrin Gas. It was a beautiful sight to watch the flash of 
 the powder as these shells were sent over. It was later learned 
 th.it terrible damage was done by the gas, for at the time of the 
 sending over of the projectors, an entire battalion was in process 
 of relief. This gas covered an area in depth of five kilometers. 
 During the retaliation which the German artillery put over, one 
 shell landed directly outside the window of Regimental Head- 
 quarters, and on its bursting a gnat many fragments were thrown 
 into Colonel Logan's office. One large piece landed directly over 
 the head of a chair in which Colonel Logan had been sitting less 
 than two minutes before. Another piece hit ('apt. Harry Com- 
 erais on the hand, he losing three fingers. Another piece hit Lieut. 
 Bill Blake back of the ear, inflicting a four-inch wound. To prove 
 that there is humor, even in the most serious event, Lieut. Pat 
 Healey, on seeing Bill Blake's wound, t\rc](\t<{ that the thing 
 necessary was a tourniquet, so he immediately proceeded to put a 
 tourniquet on Blake's neck; hut Pill protested. 
 
 Another incident which occurred during the shelling concerned 
 Hughie Hanna, who had been acting as Battalion Runner. lie 
 was standing outside the battalion office. I asked him to deliver 
 
80 I) E A R OLD " K 
 
 a message, and in less than ten seconds later, two large shells 
 landed in almosl the exact spot on which he had been standing. 
 
 At 22.45 o'clock, On June 26th, our entire battalion moved 
 
 from the present area, marching through the Town of Ancexillc, 
 
 and entrained on a nice little scenic railroad which carried us 
 
 through fields and woods and reached the City of Toul at 6.80 
 
 o'clock, June 27th. On detraining at Toul, the hike was started, 
 and after covering a distance of fifteen kilometers, the Town of 
 Blenod le-Toul was reached. We remained in this town for the 
 
 next three days. That was quite a pretty town, and very clean. 
 
 It was a change from what ue had been finding in most towns and 
 
 villages where we had Stopped. The people were very kind to us. 
 We being the first American troops in this section. 
 
 At 7.45 v. m., dune 80th, we lefl Blenod le-Toul and marched 
 
 to the City of Toul, entraining at 11- o'clock for an unknown 
 
 destination. Rumor had it that our Regiment would parade in 
 
 Taris on duly llh. Other rumors had it that we would he billeted 
 
 iieai- Paris. 
 
 Early the morning of duly 1st, when we reached a small sub- 
 urb nine miles from Paris, we thought that rumors for once were 
 correct ; hut our hopes were soon shattered, for our stay here was 
 only long enough to switch engines and start out on a new line. 
 
 We then reached the Town of Trilpot, a suburb of the City of 
 
 MeauX. We detrained here and marched to the Village of Nan 
 teuil-les-Meaux. While detraining a very pretty girl dressed in 
 
 the very litest fashion came over and watched the hoys unload 
 
 the baggage and remove the wagons from the cars. Many of the 
 hoys, not having seen such a pretty maiden for some time, pro- 
 ceeded to "make eves," passed witty sayings, and so forth, hut 
 without any great success. The young lady seemed interested in 
 all that was said and done, hut would not take up a conversation 
 
 with any one. Ahout an hour after leaving our presence, several 
 
 of our hoys who went to the cafe in the Trilpot Depot were greal lv 
 
 surprised to see this same maiden walking between two French 
 gendarmes (policemen). They watched proceedings, and fifteen 
 minutes after the gendarmes brought her into the French Town 
 
 Major's office, to make her appearance before the Prefect of the 
 
 Police, tin- same two gendarmes came out and this pretty girl was 
 
 still with them. Hut now she Carried her hat and her very heauti- 
 
Iy|M 1 I • i HOWAHD J. ( ,01 " K. " 
 
 who on .Jul;, >.',. ]!*iH. received ■■< compound fracture of the 
 ^kull while assisting in rescuing men who were wounded 
 by enemj iir<-. He has recovered from Ins injury. 
 
t 
 
 Chateatt-Thiek It V Hit ldge 
 Blown up by Germans to prevent the Americans crossing 
 
 Vaux, the town in which "K" was located at the time of the July l">th 
 attack and from which point the apex of the bi# Marne offensive started. 
 
 It was on the West Edge of this town that the first " K " boys fell in action, 
 July U to 19. 
 
101st INFANTRY 81 
 
 ful blond wig in "his" hand. It turned out that this was a German 
 spy. Later we learned that he was shot that same day, this 
 privilege being given to an American soldier. 
 
 During our stay at Nanteuil, with Regimental Headquarters 
 in the City of Meaux, an air raid took place. Seven aerial bombs 
 were dropped in both of the above towns with the loss of nine 
 lives, all children. 
 
 On the warning of these air raids, all the inhabitants rush for 
 the bomb-proof cellars, which were built as protection against 
 such raids. During the above raid the inhabitants took to these 
 bomb-proofs. The following morning the air raid was the chief 
 topic of conversation, and it was then learned that at least half 
 of our boys had slept through the entire raid. 
 
 July 3d, feeling that K Company should be represented in the 
 City of Paris for the 4th of July celebration, Lieutenant Cum- 
 mings and I, after securing permission, designated ourselves as 
 a committee of two to go to Paris and represent our home town. 
 How w r ell this was done I will leave to your imagination. We 
 stayed out the night before and carried on a real celebration, just 
 as our friends would like to have had us do. We remained in 
 Paris until 6 o'clock, July 5th, at this time returning to the City 
 of Meaux, where we entrucked with the Regiment. After a six- 
 hour ride, we detrucked and marched to a woods located back of 
 
 the Town of . On reaching these woods the boys immediately 
 
 threw off their packs and falling on the ground, thoroughly fa- 
 tigued, fell asleep. This sleep was short, for within two hours 
 it was necessary to wake the men and start them digging a new 
 line of trenches. This was the support position, and was the 
 farthest advance of the Boche in his June drive. Shortly after 
 our arrival in this position, we saw our first refugees leaving their 
 homes, fleeing to the southern part of France — old men and 
 women pulling carts loaded with what furniture could be placed 
 thereon. Behind these carts and wagons were the animals. It 
 certainly was a sad sight and drove the war home to us, for it 
 reminded us of our dear folks at home, and we thought what 
 might have been the feeling if it were our folks instead of these 
 poor French people. 
 
 On the night of July 7th, a reconnoitering party from each 
 company and battalion left by camions for the front line. We 
 arrived at our destination at 4 o'clock, the morning of the 8th. 
 
82 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 We reconnoitered the Villages of Vaux and Monneaux, the 9th 
 Infantry, 2d Division, being at the present time located at these 
 positions. It was the Second Division which stopped the Germans 
 on their drive towards Paris in the middle of June. They were 
 now to receive a well-deserved rest. 
 
 The Towns of Monneaux and Vaux were situated directly on 
 the Paris Boulevard. On the night of July 8th, the entire Regi- 
 ment moved into this present position, one platoon of K Company 
 going into the Town of Vaux and three platoons acting in sup- 
 port. The advance points were held by the First Platoon of K 
 Company and three platoons of M Company, the latter being 
 under the command of Lieut. William Fitzgerald, of Worcester, 
 a nephew of Rev. Edward J. Fitzgerald, of Clinton. Lieut. Ed. 
 Price was commanding "K's" platoon. To reach the Town of 
 Vaux it was necessary to pass through the Town of Monneaux, 
 a distance of about 500 meters. This was an open stretch, and 
 the enemy was situated on Hill 204, which was directly over the 
 Town of Vaux, the latter resting in the hollow. From the hill 
 to the right of Monneaux and Hill 204, snipers worked continu- 
 ally, covering the road between the two towns. Hence, great pre- 
 caution was necessary in passing over it. 
 
 From our entrance into the lines at this point until the morn- 
 ing of July 15th, the usual front line activities took place. Pa- 
 trols were sent out. Small skirmishes with the enemy were frequent. 
 
 The most disagreeable thing of all was the continual enemy 
 artillery fire. They used considerable gas, for the reason that the 
 present positions held by our Division were situated in hollows. 
 Hence, a heavy concentration of gas could be placed down. We 
 received a 24-hour diet of these shells, with the exception of a few 
 moments that the enemy artillery-men stopped for refreshments. 
 And in speaking about gas, many stories have been told of the 
 dreadful effects of gas in its use during the war ; but to one who 
 has come in contact with it, and who has actually seen its terrible 
 results, words are inadequate to describe it. 
 
 I listened with great interest to the story of the first gas 
 attack of the war. It was launched against the Canadian soldiers 
 at Ypres early in April, 1915. The soldier who related the story 
 to me was in the Scotch Unit on the right of the Canadians at the 
 time of the attack. With no means of protection, those poor men 
 
101st INFANTRY 83 
 
 just rushed at the Boche and ignored the fumes which were being 
 shot at them, and the effect was hideous. In a few moments men 
 were rolling on the ground, choking to death ; others had their 
 eyes almost burned out. In all, the Canadians suffered about 
 15,000 casualties from this gas. After this attack and subsequent 
 ones, new devices were being perfected to protect the men, and 
 when the United States entered the war, we were fortunate to 
 have a gas mask that was near perfection itself. 
 
 There were many forms of the poisonous gases, and many 
 schemes used in delivering the gas. There was the projector 
 shell (each shell containing about thirty pounds of gas), the 
 regular artillery shell, hand grenades, and cloud gas. The cloud 
 gas was contained in cylinders, usually placed in grooves in the 
 front line trenches, and with tubes attached leading over the top 
 of the trench. At a given signal the cylinders are opened and 
 with a loud hiss the gas is sent on its way into the enemy lines. 
 This gas rolls along at a height of about six feet and in the form 
 of a cloud. The effects of the cloud gas are terrible, for it 
 gives the men in the front line only a few seconds to put on their 
 masks. On one occasion the effects of a cloud gas attack 
 were felt in the enemy lines to a depth of twenty-five kilometers. 
 The projector gas penetrates nearly five kilometers. The depth 
 of effect depends entirely on the wind velocity. 
 
 The regular gas shell can be identified from the other ex- 
 plosive shells very easily by the burst. The gas shell lands and 
 bursts with a sort of splashing thud instead of the usual sharp 
 report, as with the others. 
 
 The enemy used many tricks in sending over their gas. On 
 many occasions they sent over the gas known commonly as "Tear 
 Gas." This would affect the eyes and make it difficult to see for a 
 long period. They would follow that with the commonly called 
 "Sneezing Gas," which would keep one sneezing for a spell, and 
 after putting on the mask it was a difficult feat to keep it on, 
 owing to the sneezing. After the above slightly harmful gases, 
 and while the men had their masks off for relief, they would follow 
 with their mustard, chlorine, or phosgene gas, and either of these 
 would cause the desired effect if all were not alert. 
 
 It was difficult to detect gas at times if one was not familiar 
 with it. One gas had an odor similar to new-mown hay. Another 
 was like sweet chocolate and many other appealing odors. 
 
84 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 On the arrival of gas shells in the sector, an alarm was given 
 by the sounding of klaxon horns. This alarm would be taken up 
 by the groups on the right and left and rear. In the event of a 
 cloud gas attack the alarm was given by the sounding of a 
 strombos-horn. This horn could be heard for a considerable dis- 
 tance, and allowed those in the rear to get their masks on. If at 
 night, a red rocket was sent up from the front lines as a warning. 
 
 The following report gives an idea of one of the methods used 
 for shelling with gas : 
 
 PREFERABLE HOURS FOR FIRING YPERITE SHELL 
 
 Translation of a German Document : From French Xth 
 Army Bulletin, August 23, 1918 
 
 The following document, captured on the army front, shows 
 that the Germans choose preferably the late hours of the night 
 to fire their yperite shells, in order to take advantage of the 
 evaporation of the morning hours to increase the chances of 
 poisoning. 
 
 To the 222d Division. August 11, 1918. 
 
 The IXth Army telegraphs: 
 
 Pairing with yellow-eross shell being in order for your unit tonight, 
 I quote you the following passage extracted from the Study of the 
 Chief of the General Staff, II, 93,-194, of August 7, 1918: 
 
 "Bombardment with yellow-cross shell will be executed 
 preferably between 1 and 4 a. m. At first the bombardment 
 compels the enemy to wear his masks. A few hours later, 
 when the presence of the gas is no longer revealed by the 
 odor, the enemy will probably take off his mask, but will be 
 overcome later, when the sun rises, by the action of the 
 evaporation. For this reason the principal lines of resist- 
 ance of the enemy — especially groups of dug-outs, machine- 
 gun replacements, and observation posts which have been 
 located, as well as battery positions — should be bombarded 
 with yellow-cross shell whenever the weather permits. 
 
 "Every attempt of the enemy to nullify the effects of our 
 night gas bombardment in the morning should be neutralized 
 by volleys of rifle, machine-gun, minnenwerfer, and artillery 
 fire." 
 
 To pronounce the technical names of the various gasses, one 
 would suffer almost as much as he would from the effects of 
 
101st INFANTRY 85 
 
 the gasses themselves. Just a few of the chemicals used by 
 the Germans : 
 
 Allijl Jsothiocyanate 
 (Allyl Mustard Oil) 
 It is a lachrymatory and respiratory irritant, affecting especially 
 the eyes, nose, and throat. 
 
 The vapor is 3.3 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Benzyl Bromide 
 It is chiefly a lachrymator, but also irritates the respiratory organs. 
 The vapor is 5.7 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Bromoacetone 
 This mixture is a lachrymatory and respiratory irritant, even in 
 low concentrations. 
 
 The vapor is 4.5 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Brominated Methylethyl Ketone 
 (Brome Ketone) 
 It causes lachrymation, and is to some extent a respiratory irri- 
 tant, in that it causes a burning sensation in the throat, but no feeling 
 of constriction in the chest. 
 
 The mixed vapors are about 6 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Bromine 
 
 The effects of bromine are much the same as those of chlorine. 
 Bromine is, in addition, very irritating to the eyes, even in low con- 
 centrations. 
 
 Bromine is soluble in water, and is readily absorbed by alkalis, 
 alkaline sulphites, and thiosulphates. 
 
 Bromine vapor is 5^ times as heavy as air. 
 
 Chloracetone 
 It is a lachrymator and asphyxiant similar to bromoacetone, but 
 not so powerful. 
 
 The vapor is 3 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Chlorine 
 
 Chlorine is chiefly a respiratory irritant, although in high con- 
 centrations it affects the eyes also. It causes spasm of the glottis, 
 burning of the nose and throat, and, at a later stage, bronchitis and 
 oedema of the lungs. 
 
 A man exposed to a low concentration for a time is likely to 
 develop bronchitis. In a concentration of 1-10,000, the struggle for 
 breath becomes acute and it is probable that a man would be incapac- 
 itated within five minutes. 
 
 The gas is 2% times as heavy as air. 
 
86 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Chlaromethylchloroformate 
 (Palite) 
 It is chiefly a respiratory irritant, resembling phosgene in its 
 effects. It gives off acid fumes, acts slowly on metals, and decomposes 
 in contact with water. 
 
 The vapor is about 4.3 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Chloropicrin 
 (Nitrochloroform) 
 Chloropicrin is a lachrymator and a respiratory irritant. Repeated 
 exposure causes increased susceptibility. It induces cough, nausea, 
 and vomiting, and in high concentration may cause unconsciousness. 
 Secondary effects are bronchitis, asthma, shortness of breath, weak 
 irregular heart, and gastritis. It may cause acute nephritis. 
 The vapor is 5.7 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Chlorosulphonic Acid 
 The liquid produces dense white fumes in the air, is irritant and 
 corrosive, and produces severe burns when it comes in contact with 
 the skin. It is decomposed by water with explosive violence. 
 
 Dichlorodiethyl Sulphide 
 (Mustard Gas) 
 
 This oily liquid is now very largely used in German shell. It has 
 but a faint smell, resembling that of garlic or mustard. 
 
 This gas is characterized by the absence of any immediate effects 
 (except in some cases irritation of the nose) and by its serious after- 
 effects. In the milder cases these after-effects may be limited to 
 nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the eyes, and slight bronchitis, 
 while the skin on various parts of the body may become reddened or 
 blistered. In the most severe cases the larynx, bronchial tubes, and 
 lungs may be seriously inflamed, and there will be widely spread 
 burns on the skin. A prolonged exposure to a low concentration 
 causes the same general effects as a short exposure to a higher con- 
 centration. 
 
 There is usually a considerable period of delay before these after- 
 effects manifest themselves. In the majority of cases the inflamma- 
 tion of the eyes does not become apparent until an hour or two after 
 exposure to the gas, and it is sometimes postponed as long as twelve 
 hours or more. No cases of permanent injury to the eyes have been 
 reported. The inflammation of the eyes and of the skin clears up 
 fairly rapidly under treatment. 
 
 The vapor is 5.3 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Diphenylchloroarsine 
 
 This is a yellow solid of slight odor, which is used either alone or 
 mixed with "Diphosgene" and chloropicrin in high explosive shell. 
 
 In small amounts diphenylchloroarsine causes intense sneezing. 
 Large amounts cause jaainful irritation of the respiratory tract. 
 
101st INFANTRY 87 
 
 Hydrocya n ic Acid 
 
 (Prussic Acid) 
 This substance is a "paralyzant." Moderate quantities cause 
 vertigo, headache, palpitation of the heart, nausea, vomiting, and dif- 
 ficult gasping respiration. The next stage is spasm, then collapse. 
 With inhalation of large quantities, death ensues practically immedi- 
 ately. 
 
 Methyl Cklorosulphon ate 
 It is a lachrymator and asphyxiant. 
 The vapor is about 4.3 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Phenylcarbylamine Chloride 
 It is a lachrymator and somewhat of an asphyxiant. 
 The vapor is about 6 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Phosgene 
 
 (Carbonyl Chloride) 
 
 Phosgene is a colorless gas, which is used, mixed with chlorine, 
 for cloud gas attacks. It is used as pure liquid phosgene in trench 
 mortar and other shell. It is mixed with trichlormethylchloroformate 
 and with diphenylchloroarsine. 
 
 Phosgene has a peculiar odor, described as that of "musty hay." 
 It acts chiefly as a respiratory irritant, hut is also lachrymatory. The 
 effect differs from that of chlorine in that, in small concentrations, 
 its influence is limited mainly to the terminal air cells of the lungs. 
 This effect leads to oedema of the lungs, accompanied by interference 
 with the passage of oxygen inwards, and consequent cyanosis — a 
 grave condition — and often death. It usually takes some hours for 
 the serious symptoms to develop, and in the interval there may he no 
 sign of danger. The first symptoms are dizziness and cyanosis on 
 exertion. Phosgene incapacitates a man more slowly than the same 
 concentration of chlorine, but is more poisonous in its after-effects. 
 
 Phosgene may be recognized by its odor. Tobacco smoked sub- 
 sequently by a man lightly gassed by phosgene has an unpleasant and 
 objectionable taste. This is the well-known phosgene tobacco re- 
 action. 
 
 Sulphur Trioxide 
 
 This is a white solid, which is used, mixed with chlorosulphuric 
 acid, in hand grenades, and also in shell containing high explosive. It 
 evolves dense white fumes. 
 
 Sulphur trioxide is irritating to the nose, throat, and lungs, but 
 its effect on the eyes is negligible. 
 
 TrichloromethulcJiloro fo r m a t e 
 (Diphosgene) 
 "Diphosgene" is an oily liquid, with a disagreeable, suffocating 
 odor. It is largely used in shells, replacing "Palite." It is mixed. 
 as a rule, with chloropicrin and phosgene. 
 
88 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 The physiological effects of "Diphosgene" are almost identical 
 with those of phosgene. It is less lachrymatory than "Palite," but 
 more suffocating and more toxic. 
 
 The vapor is 6.6 times as heavy as air. 
 
 Trioxy methylene 
 
 Trioxymethylene is an imperfectly crystalline solid, which has 
 been found to a small extent in specimens of "mustard gas" from shell. 
 The vapor is very irritating to the throat and lungs. 
 
 The total quantity of poison gas used by the Germans on 
 the Western Front was very large, and probably amounted to 
 several thousand tons every month. On one stretch of front 
 alone it was estimated that a million gas shells of various kinds 
 were used within thirty days. 
 
 One of the saddest sights of the war was to see the men 
 who wire badly gassed being taken to the dressing stations, 
 groaning and squirming in agony, with their bodies burned 
 raw by mustard gas, their eyes burning, clutching their throats 
 as they were gasping for breath. It was indeed a sad picture 
 w lien one thought of the contrast of these same boys only a few 
 days before as they marched up in the direction of the lines, 
 singing, whistling, and with a gay spirit as they swung along 
 the highways. They now looked so different as hundreds of 
 them came back to the field dressing stations, some walking, 
 dragging their tortured bodies along on exhausted legs, others 
 being carried on stretchers, and a few of the blind being guided 
 by less seriously wounded buddies. The scenes of gas cases in the 
 hospitals were also pitiful ones. Ward after ward was filled 
 with these gassed forms, some with oxygen tubes in their mouths 
 in order to maintain what little life there was left, others with 
 arms strapped and bleeding from incisions made just above the 
 elbows in order to free all the poisonous black blood in the 
 system. The after-effects of gas are to be feared much more 
 than the effects of most wounds. 
 
 During our early training in gas warfare, defensive meas- 
 ures for personal protection were taught. Great stress was 
 laid upon the fact that it was absolutely necessary for personal 
 safety to shave daily and keep the face clear, so that the mask 
 would fit snug and not allow gas fumes to penetrate through 
 the edges. With these thoughts in mind, every man shaved 
 
1 1 s i INF A N'TRY 89 
 
 daily, and all decided that no chances would he taken. The 
 letter of the law was carried out. Shortly after our arrival in 
 the lines, several of the older French outfits were met, and here 
 we found many of the Frenchmen, who had been in the war for 
 four years, waring long beard-. Our boys stared in ain 
 ment and then decided that their first guess was right — that 
 when the call comes you just must answer it, and shaving daily 
 was no great barrier. 
 
 The Town of Yeaux possessed a railroad which connected 
 Chateau-Thierry and Paris, the railroad station being on a 
 high banking over the town. Belleau Woods, in which the 
 Marines made their famous fighting name, was situated one 
 kilometer on the left. The railroad bridge a short distance 
 from the station crossed the Paris road, and this point was con- 
 sidered of great value. 
 
 Our boys were ever alert to play with the Boche at his own 
 game, and as time went on and experience was gained, they 
 invented several vtry useful little devices. One of the stunts 
 was the -ending out of patrols and laving of traps in No Man's 
 Land. Grenades were set out with strings or wire attached. 
 These strings were then tier! to long sticks of wood or other 
 debris, which the enemy were liable to step on or trip over, and 
 cause the grenades to explode. At one time a large number of 
 German potato mashers (grenades with long wooden handles 
 similar to a potato masher) were placed about seventy-five meter-, 
 in front of our barbed-wire. The strings were attached to t 
 mashers, which were on a line covering our whole Company front, 
 ^<r<: carried forward to our own line-, and placed in the trench. 
 If an enemy patrol was out in front, they were allowed to advance 
 until they arrived between our wires and the grenade-traps, and 
 then the string was pulled, setting off the trap. At the same 
 time all the men in our trench opened up and the patrol was in 
 a bad mess. Only those who had charmed lives escaped whole. 
 
 July 12th, we heard of a message which was intercepted about 
 a week ago from a Boche colonel to his headquarters in the rear. 
 He said, "Those damn Americans are harder fighters than the 
 British or Canadians ever were.*' That's the lesson the boys 
 ;ng. 
 
 On the night of July 14th there seemed to be exceptionally 
 
90 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 heavy shelling laid on our positions. At 3.30 o'clock on the 
 morning of the 15th a heavy barrage was started by the enemy. 
 It continued until 4.30, and at this moment was followed by 
 an attack. On the start of the attack our boys sent up the 
 rocket signal requesting a barrage. Less than one minute later, 
 our artillery was playing on the German lines. The attacking 
 forces drove in in large numbers, coming from various directions, 
 centering their attack toward the railroad station. 
 
 Fierce fighting took place with one platoon of M Company 
 on the left edge of the town, it becoming necessary for this 
 platoon to withdraw about 100 meters, leaving the left flank 
 of K Company's platoon open. A large detachment of the 
 enemy swung in on the left of "K." The right groups of the 
 town held fast, making it impossible for the enemy to take the 
 railroad bridge. After one hour of stiff fighting, a great deal 
 of which was hand-to-hand and with odds of ten to one, the 
 enemy succeeded in gaining a position in the railroad station. 
 No sooner had they gained the station, than the platoon from 
 "K" and one platoon from M Company reorganized and made 
 a combined attack. M Company men cleared the banking to 
 the left above the station and drove the Germans back. One 
 section in "K's" platoon took a position on the right of the 
 station and opened fire on the depot, making it impossible for 
 any one to pass between the station and the banking without 
 becoming a casualty. At the same time, members of "K" crawled 
 up the side of the banking in front of the station and opened a 
 barrage with grenades. Some put grenades through the windows 
 and others were thrown far up, so that they would pass down 
 through the broken roof and into the rooms of the station, and 
 thus drove out or killed every German located in the station. 
 
 One member of the German party seemed to be immune to 
 all rifle and grenade fire. There seemed to be this one man 
 running at regular intervals between the banking and the en- 
 trance of the depot, a distance of ten meters. Every time this 
 man or number of men passed, a heavy concentration of rifle 
 and automatic fire greeted him. Although apparently hit many 
 times, he never seemed to be affected or become a casualty. After 
 daybreak, on the driving out of the Germans and the reoccupying 
 of the position by our boys, it was found that it was a large 
 
101st INFANTRY 91 
 
 stuffed dummy that was used to draw fire, and on examination, 
 said dummy was completely riddled with bullets. 
 
 After driving back what few men were located near the 
 depot, our lines were once more reoccupied, and a distance of 
 fifty meters of the German lines taken, we having our outposts 
 there. Our troops now took possession of the group of houses on 
 the left edge of Yaux. These houses had been occupied by Boche 
 during the time the 9th Infantry were in the town. 
 
 The group which executed the attack on the depot and did 
 such splendid work was under the direct command of Lieutenant 
 Price and Sergeant Martin H. O'Malley, with them being Sergeant 
 Christopher Sullivan, John Maroney, David (Duke) Templeton, 
 Reginald Bates, Michael J. Tierney, Douglas Ross, Reginald Beal, 
 Francis Krause, Ernest Bryant, Arthur Irwin, Lester Curtis, 
 James Kirby, Edwin Armstrong, Alfred Hall, James Creswell. 
 This group stook the bulk of the fighting for some minutes, and 
 on their retaking of the depot, it was found that about sixty 
 dead Germans were in and near the depot. 
 
 This group also assisted at the defense of the railroad bridge 
 crossing the Paris Road. Of course, this entire battle was not 
 fought alone by "K" and "M" Companies. Much splendid work 
 was done by L Company, of Xatick, who were situated on the 
 left of "K," and I Company, of Boston, on the left of L Company. 
 
 During the attack, Edwin Armstrong, Lawrence Litchfield, 
 William Burgwinkle, Mike Suzinski and Michael J. Tierney 
 were badly wounded. John J. McKenzie and Paul Mansfield, 
 both of whom were acting as stretcher-bearers, were taken pris- 
 oners. These two men were in the act of dressing wounds of 
 their comrades when they were taken. 
 
 The heav}' shelling which preceded the attack was responsible 
 for the death of George Mealey, Everett Minigan, and Charles 
 S. Myers. Of those wounded, Tierney, Litchfield, and Armstrong 
 were the most serious, Armstrong having got in the direct line of 
 the enemy machine-gun and Tierney being hit on the side of the 
 head by a German grenade. While rounding up the wounded, 
 several boys came across Tierney lying in a shell hole. After 
 examination they thought him dead, and threw a blanket over him. 
 A short while later, more men passing by the same shell hole lifted 
 the blanket to look at Tierney, and discovered a slight movement. 
 
92 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 They then took off one of their woolen putties and wound it about 
 his head. Very little hope was entertained for his recovery, for 
 later reports received from the hospital said that he would be 
 disabled for life, even though he should survive. Armstrong died 
 at a hospital in Le Ferte the following day and in his death "K" 
 lost one of its old standbys. Ed. Armstrong was a happy, con- 
 genial buddy and a corking good soldier. Litchfield, although 
 badly shot up, recovered and returned to the company. 
 
 As soon as he was hit, George Mealey became excited and 
 started to run through the wheatfields toward the First Aid Dress- 
 ing Station in Bourboulin. On reaching the dressing station, 
 it was found that one piece of shell had gone through his back 
 and punctured his lung. The exertion of running was such a 
 strain, and he had lost so much blood, that his chances of re- 
 covery were very poor, and he died the following day. 
 
 Everett Minigan was hit at almost the same instant as 
 Mealey. A piece of shell fragment pierced his back just below 
 the left shoulder blade. As soon as he was hit he turned to his 
 pals and said, "Boys, give me a drink of water, for I guess 
 that I'm all in." The boys did everything within their power 
 to assist him, but in a very few minutes, with a bright smile 
 on his face, he bade the boys "Good-by" and passed away. 
 
 The other victim of this shelling was Charles S. Myers. As 
 he was preparing to go over the top a shell landed within a few 
 feet of him, and he was killed instantly. 
 
 All these boys were buried by the lads of "K." There are 
 many duties a soldier is called upon to perform, but the one 
 that is hardest of all is the burying of his pals who have fallen 
 in battle. Not only do happy moments of companionship flash 
 over one's mind, but the thoughts of those dear ones at home 
 who probably at that very moment are awaiting a letter or 
 praying for the safety of the lad who has given his all for his 
 God and Country and is now lying in a blanket or a plain wooden 
 box about to be lowered into the ground of a strange land, 
 thousands of miles from home and loved ones. 
 
 There is no Taps sounded and no ceremony; the only volley 
 fired over his grave is by the Germans as their machine-gun 
 bullets whiz overhead. The plain pine box made by the Com- 
 pany mechanics is lowered into the roughly dug hole. With 
 
101st INFANTRY 93 
 
 helmets in hand, the boys say a prayer — and if ever prayers in 
 this world come from the heart, they are these — and then the 
 box is covered. Thus another plot of French soil is made sacred 
 by the body and blood of a real American hero. As soon as 
 the grave is covered and a rough cross is placed over it with 
 the hero's iron helmet on top and one of his identification tags 
 tied on the cross-arm, the boys take up their rifles and bayonets 
 and return to their grim task. 
 
 As the casualties occurred we dreaded the effect they would 
 have back home. It is not always the man who is wounded 
 that deserves the most sympathy. The man who goes through 
 the various battles seeing his pals picked off wounded and killed 
 has to contend with a terrible mental strain, not a case of fear 
 of being killed; but as the others fall he wonders how long he will 
 have to wait for his wound, and will it be as bad as the other 
 fellows'? 
 
 On receiving word at Headquarters of the above attack, 
 Captain Foley, Battalion Commander, immediately organized 
 his Headquarters, laid plans for liaison between Battalion and 
 Regimental Headquarters, and from Battalion Headquarters 
 to the front line. He proceeded immediately through the wheat 
 fields from the Town of Bourboulin over the Paris road and into 
 the woods on the left of Vaux. Here he established his Head- 
 quarters, and then ordered a counter attack. The counter attack 
 was made with great success. After the counter attack, and the 
 American lines being once more established, Captain Foley went 
 about through the Town of Vaux and the other positions held by 
 his battalion, encouraging his men and praising them for their 
 wonderful work. He gave special commendation to the members 
 of "K," who had stood the bulk of the attack. 
 
 It was during this engagement that Lieutenant Fitzgerald 
 was killed, he being out in the front with a small group of 
 bombers attacking a group of about fifty Germans. After corner- 
 ing the Germans, he ordered them to surrender. They all threw 
 up their hands, crying "Kamerade," but one German, concealed 
 behind a building, used hi- revolver, shooting Lieutenant Fitz- 
 gerald in the back of the head, he dying instantly. The fellow 
 who had been acting as the Lieutenant"- orderly and who was 
 
94 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 with him during this fight, was driven almost insane by the loss of 
 his officer; and, turning about, he thrust his bayonet into the 
 assassin several times, putting him among the rest of the "good 
 ones." 
 
 During this attack, 1st Lieut. George Moyse, of Waltham, 
 was in command of K Company. Lieut. Edward Price was 
 in command of the first platoon. Lieutenant Price had direct 
 supervision of all the "K" boys who were in the thick of this 
 attack. During the entire Battle of the Marne (Chateau- 
 Thierry) Lieutenant Moyse was in command of "K;" Lieut. 
 Edward J. Price was in command of the first platoon ; Lieut. 
 Stephen T. Schoonmaker was in command of the second platoon ; 
 Lieut. Donald S. Francis was in command of the third platoon; 
 and Lieut. Leo A. Adams was in command of the fourth platoon. 
 
 Owing to the great exposure in the positions held by the 
 entire battalion on the line, it was not possible to prepare 
 meals either in the Town of Vaux or Monneaux. So the roll- 
 ing kitchens were placed in the woods in back of the Town 
 of Monneaux, at a distance of about one kilometer. Meals were 
 prepared here and carried to the men in the lines by ration 
 details. This was a very difficult and dangerous task, for hardly 
 a single detail passed through without at least one casualty per 
 trip. 
 
 Never was there a more faithful and willing crowd than the 
 mess sergeants, cooks, and K. P.'s in preparing meals and send- 
 ing them to their pals in the line. For K Company, Ed. Reddy 
 was a trump. The "K" boys always felt that if it were possible 
 to have meals, "Breaky" (Reddy) would have meals there for 
 them ; and when no meals were furnished, there was very little 
 complaint, for they felt that it was impossible to secure them. 
 
 On the starting of the above attack, all the cooks and 
 K. P.'s of K Company and the other three companies of our 
 battalion organized into one platoon. As soon as they had 
 organized, doing this of their own free will, they immediately sent 
 word to Captain Foley that they were all ready, and requested 
 that they be allowed to accompany him to the Town of Vaux 
 and participate in the counter attack. 
 
101st IXFAXTRY 95 
 
 This spirit, and the wonderful spirit displayed by the men 
 in the line at looking after their buddies who were wounded, 
 is far beyond words of praise. The fellows who were fortunate 
 enough to escape without wounds or being gassed, insisted upon 
 placing themselves in exposed positions to carry in their buddies 
 and get them back to the First Aid Station. No thought was 
 given to their own difficulties, but these wounded pals had to be 
 taken care of. 
 
 The effects of the attack were dying out, and things were 
 becoming normal once more, until about noon, when several 
 German machine-guns took up positions directly opposite K 
 Company's location. These machine-guns were able to enfillade 
 the posts held by "K," making it almost impossible for the boys 
 to make any move during the daytime. This thing became acute, 
 and a quick consultation was held. Sergeant Douglas Ross, 
 calling to several of his pals, decided that the machine-gun 
 nests must be dispersed. So Ross, accompanied by Ernest Bryant 
 and James R. Kirby, proceeded to crawl forward about 14 o'clock 
 (2 p. m.) with the intention of capturing or driving out the 
 above-mentioned machine-gun nests. These hoy- had gone about 
 twenty-five yards when an opportunity presented itself, and all 
 three opened fire. Two of the five Boche machine-gunners were 
 killed, but by this time all three "K" boys were in a very danger- 
 ous position, having very little means of cover. They again 
 attempted to attack the nest, advancing on hands and knees, when 
 all of a sudden a sniper who had hidden in another nest fired, and 
 Kirby rose and said, "Good-by, Doug." He then fell backward 
 dead, being shot through the heart. The other two boys re- 
 turned safely, but with great difficulty. This was an act of rare 
 courage, and all three should have been decorated for same. 
 Later Ross was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross 
 for this and other acts of bravery during the above attack. 
 
 To reach the front line with reinforcements, Captain Foley 
 was compelled to take the reinforcements and counter-attacking 
 troops across a large wheatfield which was directly under obser- 
 vation by the Germans. This was always a very dangerous per- 
 formance, but the thoughts of danger were far from the minds of 
 either Captain Foley or his troops. He was determined that 
 
96 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 all Germans who had reached the American lines be killed or 
 captured, and the lines once more reestablished. While crossing 
 through this wheatfield on my second trip, it being necessary for 
 me to return to Battalion Headquarters to establish the liaison 
 by runners, I was carrying a number of bandoleers (sacks car- 
 rying extra ammunition) when a sniper put two holes through 
 the canvas straps less than two inches under my knuckles. Need- 
 less to say, Mother Earth and I became very close friends. I 
 endeavored to hug same tighter than ever. When a fellow is 
 prone on the ground with snipers' bullets whizzing within a dis- 
 tance of only a few inches over his head, he feels that every blade 
 of grass is holding his body at least a couple of feet up from the 
 ground. It is anything but a grand and glorious feeling. While 
 trying to avoid the bullets of the snipers, we crawled through 
 the wheat in an endeavor to get back of a small knoll which might 
 be some protection. After crawling on our stomachs for about 
 twenty-five meters, we reached what from a distance looked like 
 a nice clear spot; but found ourselves right in a group of 
 about fifteen dead Boche and three dead Americans. These men 
 had been dead for two or three weeks and were now in a decom- 
 posed state. Any person who has never crawled into a nest like 
 that and been compelled to remain there for some time, being 
 almost choked from the stench, cannot appreciate what a weird 
 sensation it is. In burying these dead it is often necessary to 
 wear gas masks, owing to the odor. 
 
 A member of the 2Cth Division, Photographic Section, who 
 was on his way to take some moving pictures-of-action, accom- 
 panied us through this field and had the very pleasant sensation 
 of having at least one hole shot through his camera. During the 
 attack a large number of prisoners were taken. These were 
 marched back to Battalion Headquarters, and as usual the detail 
 bringing them back secured many souvenirs. 
 
 There had been several rumors that the German Government 
 were complaining that their men who were taken prisoners were 
 not treated with consideration as per the rules for prisoners of 
 war. This was simply propaganda, for when the above prisoners 
 were taken to Battalion Headquarters, they were then presented 
 by the Y. M. C. A. Secretary with a package of American cig- 
 
General Von Hindenburg bulldozing his boys 
 
 '.r TlitGirrwAnsrerrfit *r i l Mem*:' ; 
 Streel scene near St. Mihiel after attack 
 
So this is Paris ! 
 
 View of Boulevard taken from steps of Madeleine Church 
 in the heart of Paris. 
 
 Community Center, Rubeuville (Vosges) 
 All hands meet here to drink (water), wash, and gossip 
 
The Americans made a wonderful impression in the Paris celebration ot 
 Julv L 1918. 
 
 K Company at drill wearing ^as masks. These make mighty uncom- 
 fortable veils'. 
 
1 - I 
 9 JJS0 - 
 
 1?He. fiM WHO VYENT 
 A.V/.O.L.-TO PAi^ts RjR a * 
 MflKW ( BEFORE. H6. WAS CAUitfr) 
 WA-. ALVX/AY^ A ftoMANTK HERO To THE. S. O. L.S 
 
 Courteaj at American Legion Weekly 
 
 Punishment thai was n pleasure 
 
101st INFANTRY 97 
 
 arettes and a bar of American chocolate This was quite a 
 contrast to the treatment accorded to our own men in the lines, 
 w ho, on account of not being able to secure I he money, wire denied 
 these luxuries by the same Secretary for the past two weeks. 
 
 Prisoners taken later during the Chateau Thierry Drive, who 
 were members of the same organization as those participating in 
 the attack, informed us thai their regimenl Losl approximately 
 500 men who had been killed, wounded, or captured during this 
 attack. 
 
 Perhaps it would be well to give a slight explanation of the 
 reason for the above attack by the enemy. Aboul 16 o'clock 
 ( I- p. m.), duly 14th, the Germans started their second big drive 
 to smash theirway into Paris. This attack was to take place along 
 the front from Chateau-Thierry to Rheims, and .'is is the usual 
 plan for an attack of this size, some scheme Is devised whereby the 
 enemy might he induced to withdraw certain portions of their 
 troops from certain points to be attacked, thereby weakening 
 the line. So, this attack taking place from Chateau-Thierry to 
 the right, the Boche executed a diversion attack on the left of 
 Chateau-Thierry, the hulk of which was against the Town of 
 Vaux. The enemy artillery, having started at 16 o'clock on the 
 afternoon of the 14th, continued until about 9.\ o'clock (8 p. m.), 
 at which time the attack started. The French and American 
 troops along the entire front being attacked, fought desperately, 
 and not only retained their original line, hut in many places 
 
 advanced and drove the Boche hack several kilometers. 
 
 On the night of the 15th the enemy artillery was exceptionally 
 active for several hours. During this artillery activity there was 
 a heavy thunder and lightning storm. It. was a weird sensation 
 to watch the flash of the guns mingling with the flash of the 
 lightning, and hear the roar of thunder and cannon as you waited 
 in the muddy shell holes awaiting another attack from the enemy. 
 Two patrols sent out to secure information lost their bearings, as 
 the electric storm interfered with the working of the compa 
 carried by the men on the patrol, and they came very mar enter- 
 ing t hi German lines. 
 
 About £3 o'clock (11 p. m.) a battalion of the enemy was dis- 
 covered opposite our present line, evidently with an intention to 
 
98 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 attack. Word was sent to our artillery and a heavy barrage was 
 laid on the very spot where this battalion had assembled. The 
 enemy dispersed and withdrew. All day, the 17th, "K" was sub- 
 jected to heavy shelling with gas and high explosives, this in 
 retaliation for the enemy losses of the 15th. During this after- 
 noon final orders were received by the officers for the monster 
 counter offensive to be launched by the Allies. Late in the eve- 
 ning, word was passed to the men that they would prepare for the 
 attack which would start on the morning of the 18th. The neces- 
 sary extra ammunition, flares, etc., were distributed. The boys 
 destroyed all mail and other identification marks in their posses- 
 sion which might be of value in identifying our units in the event 
 of capture by the enemy. 
 
 When final instructions for the attack of tomorrow were 
 issued, one of the men who was most affected in feelings was 
 Chaplain Boucher. Father Boucher gathered all the boys who 
 were available together in the old barn at Taffourney Farm 
 (which was Battalion Headquarters) and after giving words of 
 encouragement, all the boys knelt down on the manure covered 
 floor and Father Boucher gave them a general absolution. He 
 then offered up a prayer for both the Protestant and Catholic 
 boys, for in time of battle, there is but one religion with the men 
 about to enter the battle, and that is a soldier's creed. "All for 
 one (God) and one for all." Father Boucher was a very much 
 loved man, for he lived in the front lines with the boys continually, 
 and the boys of his battalion never went on raids or attacks 
 without him. 
 
 The plah of attack by the Allies was to pivot on Chateau- 
 Thierry, extending on the right of Klieims and on the left of 
 Soissons. The Town of Yaux at this time was to be the moving 
 pivot of the line. The 101st Infantry being the right extreme 
 of the line in the Town of Yaux, and the French unit having their 
 extreme left joining the 101st, the movement was to be made as a 
 pincers. The movement started from Soissons and Rheims closing 
 in, thereby forming a pocket, each moving in succession from 
 left to center and right to center. 
 
 On the morning of the 18th, the attack started. The move- 
 ment continued during the day with success. 
 
101st INFANTRY 99 
 
 On the 19th, at 1(> o'clock (4 p. m.), the signal was passed for 
 the center of the line to advance, narrowing the pocket. The 
 signal was given, and our boys started to advance. We had 
 not gone very far when we were confronted by an enfillading fire 
 which seemed like fifty machine-guns. To advance, it was neces- 
 sary to go up a steep banking and across an open plain. The 
 enemy were situated in a woods directly in front, and it was in 
 these woods that the heavy machine-gun fire was located. Our line 
 advanced about 100 meters. Our losses were so heavy that it 
 was necessary to hold the line and consolidate until artillery 
 assistance could be secured. Our position was also subjected to a 
 heavy minnenwerfer fire. These minnenwerfers are very deadly, 
 and oftentimes are called "Flying pigs." The shells range in 
 size from three to fourteen inches in diameter. When the order 
 was issued for our point of the line to advance, one of the first 
 men to step up out of the trench and into the open was Sergeant 
 William S. Carlyle. He was directing his section of automatic 
 rifle men when an explosive bullet from an enemy machine-gun 
 struck him and killed him instantly. In the death of Bill Carlyle 
 the boys of "K" lost an excellent soldier and a whole-hearted bud- 
 die. His platoon mourned the loss of a brave leader and the 
 Company the loss of one of its oldest and most fearless soldiers. 
 Lieut. Donald Dunbar, of Springfield, and Lieut. James Mans- 
 field, of Concord, were both killed within a few minutes after the 
 start of this attack. 
 
 In preparing for the attack, Captain Foley was lying prone 
 on the ground, answering the telephone, which was brought for- 
 ward by the signal corps men and was several times completely 
 covered by sand caused by the landing of the minnenwerfers. A 
 Runnei- who had just come through with some messages from 
 Regimental Headquarters concerning the attack, also brought 
 several letters which had been at Headquarters for several days. 
 One of these letters Captain Foley opened and found it was from 
 his brother and contained some very good news. While reading 
 the letter between machine-gun bullets and minnenwerfer shells, 
 he repeated one passage in which his brother told how happy he 
 was that the war was so nearly over and was pleased to know that 
 we were having it easy. This caused a laugh, for such news as 
 
100 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 the letter contained could not be imagined at this moment. I 
 suggested to the Captain that it was much better that the people 
 at home did not know the real news, for it would cause them a lot 
 of extra worry. 
 
 Several prisoners were taken at this point, and under great 
 difficulty (several punches in the jaw, etc.) were made to disclose 
 the location of the "minnies." On discovering the exact location 
 of these, our artillery very shortly put them out of commission. 
 
 At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, once more the advance 
 was started. This time orders were that nothing in the world 
 was to stop our troops. The right end of our line swung along 
 the Paris road toward Chateau-Thierry, connecting with the 
 French troops on our right. Original orders had it that the 
 Americans would take the city, but the French had requested 
 that they be allowed the honor of taking the city, and this was 
 accorded to them. So, with the French in the city and Americans 
 on both edges, thus was Chateau-Thierry captured. The attack 
 continued up the sloped-in front of Vaux along the Paris road, 
 through ravines, through woods, and over a wide stream. The 
 resistance was now confined almost entirely to machine-gun and 
 minnenwerfer fire, the Boche retreating and fighting a rear guard 
 action. P»y the determined attacks of our troops, all these hin- 
 dering points were wiped out, and the occupants either captured 
 or killed; and on account of the losses in our ranks during the 
 early part of this engagement, the great majority of the enemy 
 were listed among the latter class. Very few prisoners were 
 taken during the entire Marne Battle. 
 
 It now was apparent that the enemy felt the power of the 
 Allied punch and was withdrawing. He was successful in carry- 
 ing off considerable of his larger guns, but still a great deal of 
 artillery material was left behind in the rush. After four hours 
 of fighting, the outskirts of the City of Chateau-Thierry were 
 reached, and a small community located here was partly de- 
 molished. This section passed through, there faced us a long 
 and almost perpendicular hill which had to be climbed. The hill 
 looked as though it were straight up and down, and to a lot of 
 boys who had been fighting for many days with no food or rest, 
 and with the usual load of accouterment resting on their backs, 
 
1 1 st I NF ANTR Y 101 
 
 I assure you that the climb was not a very welcome one. But 
 hill or dale makes no difference in the heat of an attack, and after 
 the heart-breaking climb we faced another set of woods. These 
 were cleared and a few prisoners taken, they being older men 
 who assured us that they did not fire against our troops (their 
 usual cry), and were there only because they were forced to 
 remain by the officer of their battalion, who threatened to shoot 
 them if they retreated. Our boys were now on the plain on the hill 
 overlooking the city, and on the west edge of the city (Chateau- 
 Thierry). This city, although in the hands of the enemy for some 
 time, and having been shelled frequently, was not as badly de- 
 molished as some cities and towns we had been in. The outer edges 
 of the city suffered most. When first taken a great number of 
 elderly French inhabitants were found, who had been there all dur- 
 ing the stay of the enemy. They were forced to live in cellars 
 while the Boche lived in the luxurious quarters of the large homes. 
 In the cathedral of the city, which had been wrecked considerably, 
 were found bundles and heaps of loot which had been taken from 
 the houses of the city. It was stored in the cathedral, awaiting an 
 opportunity to ship back to Germany. Much of the real art of 
 the city that was not stolen was daubed with paint and grease or 
 spoiled in other ways, thus showing the spirit of the enemy. 
 
 Many lights were left burning in the houses, indicating that 
 the Boche left in a great hurry. A halt was made in order to 
 reorganize and prepare for further advance. While rounding up 
 prisoners through the woods and farmhouses on the hill over- 
 looking the city, three mines or traps exploded, killing one and 
 wounding about eight other members of G Company, of Worces- 
 ter. Late in the afternoon the advance was continued. A railroad 
 track and embankment were reached. Here we reorganized and 
 waited for further orders. 
 
 During the night of the 22d the farm at which Regimental 
 Headquarters was located was set on fire by enemy shells and was 
 extinguished only after great effort by the headquarters men. 
 
 On the morning of July 23d, at 3.30 o'clock, the advance was 
 continued. The third battalion, on account of its hard fighting 
 during the drive and the several days prior, were assigned as 
 reserve for the Regiment. C Compan}^ of the first battalion hav- 
 
102 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 ing lost a great number of men, the first platoon of K Company 
 was assigned to reinforce C Company, and they were to continue 
 in the attacking battalion. In advancing through wheatfields and 
 woods, the south edge of the Town of Trugny was reached. The 
 102d Infantry was to cover Trugny, and the 101st Infantry the 
 wheatfields and woods on the right. The first battalion of our 
 Regiment proceeded through Trugny Woods and the second bat- 
 talion followed in support, at a distance of 500 meters. The third 
 battalion followed in reserve. The first battalion was successful 
 in passing into the woods. The second battalion also followed 
 without any great resistance, but as soon as the third battalion 
 had reached the woods, terrific machine-gun fire was opened by the 
 enemy from both flanks and the front. The enemy was successful 
 in cleverly camouflaging these machine-gun nests, although it 
 meant absolute death to the German machine-gunners if they re- 
 mained at their position and continued to fire. While this deadly 
 machine-gun fire continued, a barrage was laid by the enemy 
 directly in rear of our battalion. This barrage started to shorten. 
 It was then necessary for our troops to withdraw through the 
 barrage 1 for a distance of about 100 meters, to take up a line of 
 resistance in the center of the woods and clear the enemy nests 
 with snipers and automatic riflemen. During this fight, as the 
 machine-guns and the enemy artillery continued to play on our 
 men, a large number of casualties occurred. It was in these woods 
 that Scotty, the fifteen-year-old Brookline boy, made his name 
 famous by doing such wonderful work with his automatic rifle. 
 When Scotty was found he was leaning over on his automatic rifle, 
 dead; but directly in front of him were thirty-one German bodies 
 which he had mowed down before a sniper had picked him off. This 
 was just one of the many acts of heroism displayed on this occa- 
 sion. I saw two boys carried in by First Aid men badly wounded. 
 Each one of these wounded boys had a First Aid Tag tied on his 
 coat. These tags had been placed there about an hour previous, 
 and both were on their way to the First Aid Station in the rear. 
 Learning of the difficulty in which their comrades were, and of the 
 number of casualties among their pals, they returned to the fight 
 absolutely ignoring their original wounds, and were now carried in 
 wounded for the second time within one hour. Another lad who 
 
101 st INFANTRY 103 
 
 had been shot through the shoulder was lying on a stretcher suffer- 
 ing from the effects of a very serious wound, hut he insisted upon 
 getting up and walking in order that some huddle more seriously 
 wounded would he carried on the stretcher. He walked three 
 kilometers to the First Aid Station. These are just a few of like 
 incidents showing the love of the hoys for their buddies. Personal 
 suffering was second consideration. 
 
 When things looked awfully gloomy, eight large Allied planes 
 were seen coming in our direction. At last we fell that assistance 
 was near, and all were happy, for these planes could locate enemy 
 artillery positions and notify our artillery, and they could be 
 counter-batteried and put out of commission. The plane- came 
 nearer, sailed low directly over our troops, and much to our 
 surprise, as well as discomfort, all eight planes opened their 
 machine-guns on our men. We then learned that these planes 
 were occupied by German aviators. They had been captured 
 during the March drive at Soissons. 
 
 It was during this engagement that Lieut. Howard CummingS 
 was mortally wounded. He was assisting in carrying out the 
 wounded near Regimental Headquarters when a shell landed close 
 by where he and two pals were working. A shell knocked all 
 three in one heap. On the arrival of a First Aid man, if was 
 discovered that the man on the bottom was dead, the man on the 
 top was dead, and Lieutenant ( 'umiiiings in the center had received 
 a compound fracture of the skull. Howie's last message before 
 his long lapse into unconsciousness was to the doctor, asking him 
 to tell the boys of K Company to continue their good work, for 
 the folks at home were proud of them. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of the 23d the advance was resumed. 
 On the continuing of the attack it was necessary to clear the 
 wheal field extending from the Village of Trugny to Trugnv Woods 
 on the east, a distance of one kilometer. The wheat field was on a 
 slope running up toward Epieds. As soon as our troops started 
 to cross through the wheat, a regular hail of machine-gun bullets 
 met them. It was now necessary to maneuver about and clear the 
 machine-gun nests which infested the field. After about two 
 hours of perfect hell, the boys succeeded by infiltration to clear 
 
104 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 the advance nests, and then, by a circular movement from the 
 front and from Trugny Woods on the right, all the Boche ma- 
 chine-gunners were either killed or driven off, most of them the 
 former. Even in all this hell it was a funny sight to see some of 
 our boys running and chasing the Boche with bayonets and throw- 
 ing grenades after them. 
 
 On taking this wheatfield, we found that the Germans had a 
 well-organized system of nests, these averaging one to every seven 
 or eight yards all along the field in the deep wheat. As the 
 casualties occurred here, our First Aid men, with their Red Cross 
 flags and brassards, proceeded to go out and bring in the wounded ; 
 but the enemy saw fit to break all the unwritten rules of warfare 
 and shot and killed these First Aid men even as they displayed 
 the insignia of the Red Cross. 
 
 On the morning of the 24th, the Town of Epieds was reached. 
 Continuing in the direction of Courpoil, the Regiment was success- 
 ful in driving the enemy from each position which they held. 
 During the afternoon of the 24th, we were facing a very heavy 
 shelling. It was during this shelling that Lieut. Lawrence Fla- 
 herty, of Boston, and Capt. Francis Leahy (who was commanding 
 the Second Battalion) were killed. Late in the afternoon of the 
 24th the Bois de Tary and late in the evening the Bois-de-Fere 
 were taken. 
 
 At night, as "K" advanced, we could see the reflection on the 
 sky of the illumination from the ammunition dumps which the 
 enemy set on fire as they retreated. 
 
 During our stay in these woods we were subjected to terrific 
 artillery bombardment. This was placed down to prevent our 
 advance, so that the enemy might have more time in withdrawing 
 his heavy guns and material. Prior to the starting of every 
 attack, picks and shovels are given to the men to carry, so that 
 they may be able to dig in on establishing a new position. All 
 during this present drive, I had carried a shovel with expectation 
 that as soon as our objective had been reached, or that it became 
 necessary to dig in, I would be equipped with the necessary tool 
 for digging. On reaching the Bois-de-Fere, in which our battalion 
 halted for reorganization, we decided that some cover was neces- 
 
1 1 st I NF ANTR Y 105 
 
 sary for safety. After throwing off my pack, I took the shovel, 
 as did many of the other hoys, and endeavored to dig in; but, on 
 touching the shovel to Mother Earth, much to our disappointment, 
 we found that nothing less than dynamite would make an impres- 
 sion, for we had halted on a rocky section. Hence, I discarded my 
 pet shovel, collected several large limbs of trees, and made a lean- 
 to with the hope that this might stop shell fragments. During 
 this shelling, Colonel Logan and his entire staff were located in 
 a gutter alongside the road near Bois-de-Fere. This was a splcn- 1 
 did spirit shown by the Colonel for being exposed this way, as it 
 gave added courage to his men. It is just one instance of the 
 reason Colonel Logan was so well loved by his men. 
 
 There were two classes of men who did wonderful work and 
 whose brave deeds and heroic efforts were carried on and often 
 unnoticed and never recorded — the "Litter Bearers" (stretcher 
 bearers). These men worked like busy bees during every en- 
 gagement. They administered First Aid to the wounded and 
 often had to carry a buddie on a stretcher for two or three kilo- 
 meters before reaching a dressing station, and this work was done 
 under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. Their motto always was, 
 "FTelp your buddie first and never mind yourself." 
 
 "The Runners" — these boys who carried messages through .all 
 kinds of bombardments and never found time to allow shell fire or 
 gas to prevent the delivering of a message which they were in- 
 trusted with. There were many means of sending messages from 
 the front lines to the rear — telephone, telegraph, dogs, pigeons, 
 wireless, buzzer phone, rockets, blinker lights, and runners. The 
 always sine and reliable course was the runner. He could be 
 depended upon. It was inspiring to watch these runners as they 
 passed through gas-covered and shell-swept territory, and in a 
 short while after the message which meant so much to the result 
 of every engagement was delivered safely, they could he seen rush- 
 ing back with a reply message, often calling for reinforcements or 
 much-needed ammunition, etc. To show the danger under which 
 these runners worked, it might he mentioned that often ten or 
 twelve runners were killed before a single message was delivered. 
 When the full history of the war is written, I hope the "Stretcher 
 Bearers" and the "Runners" will receive just recognition and 
 their full share of praise. 
 
106 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Much has been said about America coming into the war late, 
 and that the French and British had fought for so much longer a 
 period than the Americans. This may be true in length of time 
 of participation, but the old adage once more has proved its 
 worth, when they say, "Actions speak louder than words." One 
 of the best examples, which might prove that the United States 
 made up in actions what they lost in time, is as follows: 
 
 When this present drive started (2d Battle of the Marne), 
 joining the 101st Infantry at the apex of the movement was the 
 154th French Infantry Regiment. When the advance started on 
 the 19th, this regiment advanced alongside of the 101st. On the 
 night of the 21st, the 154th French Regiment was relieved by the 
 140th French Infantry Regiment. The 146th Infantry Regiment 
 advanced and on the night of the 22d was relieved by the 150th 
 French Infantry. This regiment continued the attack until late 
 in the afternoon of the 24th, at which time the 156th French 
 Regiment was relieved by the 101st U. S. Infantry. Thus, the 
 101st Infantry, with the entire 26th Division, continued to ad- 
 vance, while three French Infantry Regiments, advancing along- 
 side of it, were relieved; and the Third French Regiment to be 
 relieved was relieved by the 101st Infantry. 
 
 If this situation occurred with our Regiment, I have reason 
 to believe that it must have occurred with others. It gives a very 
 good idea of how fast and hard Americans worked during the 
 length of time which they participated in European festivities. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of July 25th, our Regiment was relieved 
 by the 168th V. S. Infantry ( 42d Division). We then marched 
 back and acted as support until the afternoon of the 26th. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of the 26th, the 101st Infantry started 
 for the rear, marching through a heavy rain and deep mud to the 
 Laconois Farm, which was situated on the crest of the hill on the 
 west edge of Chateau-Thierry. Here in the woods, surrounding 
 the Farm, our battalion was to be billeted. With the heavy rain 
 and no shelter, most of the boys stood up for the rest of the 
 night, hoping that daybreak would bring sunshine, to dry up 
 the ground in order that they might have a chance to lie down 
 and rest. Although exhausted from the terrific strain under 
 which they had been fighting the two weeks previous, no great 
 
1 1 st INF A XT R Y 107 
 
 amount of complaining or kicking was done; hut one could hear, 
 all through the woods, the famous saying which was used by the 
 French soldiers when anything went wrong, "C'est hi Guerre." 
 (It is the war.) We remained in the woods for the next three 
 days and the rain continued for two of the three days, stopping 
 only at intervals. 
 
 The 29th, the Regiment moved hack to the Town of Bezu. On 
 the night of the 29th, the billeting partj was sent out to the 
 Village of Caumont. 
 
 July 30th, at 10 a. m., our battalion arrived in the Village 
 of Caumont. We were to remain in this town for several days, 
 it being our first rest in six months. The town itself had been 
 evacuated, there remaining hut two families. The Boche having 
 advanced close to this village, all the people moved to the in- 
 terior of the country. This section was also the scene of tin- first 
 Battle of the Marne. As was the case with the City of Meaux, 
 where we billeted prior to the Chateau-Thierry Drive, this was 
 the farthest advance of the enemy in 1914. 
 
 We remained in Caumont until August 5th. Regimental Head- 
 quarters was located at this time in the Village of St. Auld, and 
 the Divisional Headquarters in the- Town of Nanteuil. During 
 our stay here, regimental and divisional maneuvers were held in 
 preparing for our next engagement. Also, while located here, 
 an order was issued granting each officer and enlisted man (who 
 could scrape the price together) a forty-eight-hour pass to visit 
 Paris. .Many of the members of K Company took advantage- of 
 this trip. Lieutenants Dave Brickley and John Riley (the fighting 
 Irishman) and I secured our forty-eight hours. We felt that in- 
 asmuch as we had helped to save Paris, it was no more than right 
 that we should help to paint the city. Hence, our plans were laid 
 accordingly. Following the old adage, "When in Rome, do as 
 the Romans do." we applied this adage to Paris. Several mem- 
 bers of "K" also visited the city. 
 
 While in Paris on a visit, .Major Foley and several other offi- 
 c< rs were invited to visit one of the schools in which English was 
 taught. To show off the children, the teacher had them recite 
 in English for the visitors. To show that they were familiar 
 with all the countries of the Allies, the teacher asked if any child 
 
108 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 knew the National anthem of England. One child arose and said, 
 "God Save the King." When asked if he knew the anthem of 
 France, the reply was, "La Marseillaise." When the question as 
 to the National anthem of America was asked, nearly every child 
 raised his hand. Calling on one boy, the teacher said, "Tell us 
 the name of the National anthem of these brave Americans who 
 came so many thousands of miles and fought so heroically for 
 France." The boy replied, "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here!" 
 
 On August 10th, a Divisional Athletic Meet was held at 
 Nanteuil (sur Marne). 
 
 Often the sarcastic cry of "Who won the War?" has been 
 heard, and the usual reply is called back, "The Y. M. C. A." or 
 "The M. P.'s." The people wonder at the universal feeling 
 against these two branches. As to the former (the Y.) I have 
 nothing to say, for I feel that a tremendous lot has already been 
 heaped upon it. But our friends the M. P.'s were ever a despised 
 set. It certainly is too bad that the disfavor of an entire army is 
 drawn down on this branch of our service, and all on account of 
 a small percentage of overbearing individuals who wore the in- 
 signia (M. P.). The greatest complaint against the Military 
 Police was raised in Paris. It was here that the much heralded 
 "Hard-Boiled Smith" held sway. If a fellow on pass missed one 
 train, and chanced to be a few minutes overtime in the City of 
 Paris, he was handcuffed, rushed to one of the dungeons for which 
 Paris is so famous, and in this he would go through various forms 
 of torture almost equal to those of olden days. He was beaten 
 by fists and clubs, from two to five M. P.'s assaulting one lone 
 doughboy ; and if he was ordered to do a special work, he was 
 made to move at a double time with his hands held high above his 
 head. This was nice treatment of boys who had fought in the 
 lines, been wounded, gassed, etc., and were now having a breathing 
 spell, to be administered by a lot of "official slackers" whose lives 
 were being protected by these same boys who they were now beat- 
 ing up. It cannot be said that this was going on and not known 
 to the high officers of the Paris district. Complaint after com- 
 plaint was sent in ; but it did no good, and the custom prevailed. 
 If the prayers of the doughboys are ever heard and their requests 
 granted, I fear that the M. P.'s of Paris will lead rather uncom- 
 fortable lives. 
 
1 01 st INFANTRY 109 
 
 August 13th, at 19.15 o'clock (7.15 p. m.), a hike was started. 
 After marching sixteen kilometers, we reached the entrainment 
 point. Our trains left at 1.45 (a. m.), and after passing through 
 Chateau-Thierry, Dormans, Epernay, Chalon-sur-Marne, and 
 many other large cities and towns that had been used up during 
 the last offensive by the Allies, we arrived at our destination at 
 19 o'clock (7 p. m.). 
 
 After detraining, a hike was started, marching twenty kilo- 
 meters to the Town of Reil-les-Eaux. Here we were to he billeted. 
 Although it was 1.30 (a. m.) when "K" arrived, the news of our 
 coming had reached the inhabitants, and they were out to extend 
 a very cordial welcome. We were the first American troops to be 
 billeted in this section. 
 
 August 15th was the Feast of the Assumption. This Feast 
 was celebrated by all the inhabitants of the town. Late this eve- 
 ning, the town "cut-up" was out with his violin. He had been cele- 
 brating most of the day, for it was also the anniversary of the 1st 
 Battle of the Marne. After mixing his drinks during the day, 
 the tunes which he endeavored to play were like his drinks, very 
 much mixed; but his crowning effort was reached when he en- 
 deavored to serenade the Americans by playing the "Star- 
 Spangled Banner." This effort might have been anything from 
 a Jazz tune to "Coming through the Rye." This was our first 
 real rest, and all that was required of the men while- in this rest 
 area was to drill and participate in athletic exercises for eight 
 hours per day. The usual soldierly games wcr^ played while 
 located here, such as replenishing the ration bill with potatoes 
 and other vegetables, taken from back gardens, etc. Several 
 Frenchmen discovered that their potatoes were wilting and were 
 at a loss to find out why until a thorough investigation was 
 started. It was then learned that the boys had pulled up the 
 potatoes and placed the stalks back into the ground. Hence, the 
 solution of the wilting. 
 
 When it comes to putting over a good deal and taking a trick, 
 you could always lay your odd francs on the fellows from God's 
 Own Country (U. S. A.). When a leave was granted to them 
 or when the evil spirit of that monster A. \Y. O. I>. (Absent With- 
 out Leave) overtook them, they started on their way. Of course 
 
110 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 to get to any place a trip on the train was necessary, and one of 
 the things that seemed most foolish to our boys was the custom of 
 paying fares on trains. When the French conductor would ap- 
 proach and ask for fares, they would hand out a long line of real 
 foolish talk and appear as though they were there proceeding on a 
 very important mission. Often they would shrug their shoulders 
 and say "Pas comprenons," and if this didn't work they produced 
 any kind of a paper which had an official looking stamp on it ; and 
 as the conductor could not comprenait Anglais, the boys got away 
 with it. Once in a while even a United Cigar Store coupon was 
 presented, and with success. The conductor on the train carried 
 a small mouth horn which was blown as the signal to start the 
 train. It did not take the boys from home very long to get onto 
 this scheme and in a short time more than a dozen of these small 
 horns were blowing on each train. These horns in the hands of 
 our boys were the bane of the conductor's life. 
 
 On August 21st, the Regimental Band was secured from Head- 
 quarters, which was located at Chatillon, to come to Reil-les-Eaux 
 and give a concert. This concert created a great stir among the 
 inhabitants. The belle of the town came forward and presented 
 the band-leader (Mr. L'African) with a large and beautiful bou- 
 quet of flowers. He returned the compliment, and also aroused 
 the envy of the entire battalion by kissing the fair maiden on both 
 cheeks. This was the first band which was heard by the inhabi- 
 tants of the village in forty-eight years. In 1870, a band marched 
 through the village with French troops after the driving out of 
 the Germans in the Franco-Prussian War, and played as they 
 marched by. It was a big day for Reil-les-Eaux. We were to 
 have movies in the evening, but it rained and this sport was 
 canceled, so instead Fred Thayer and Pat (Lawrence) Nugent 
 furnished a few of their side-splitting acts. 
 
 It would indeed be thoughtless if I did not say a word for our 
 regimental band. Ask any man in the 101st Infantry which was 
 the best band in the A. E. F. and he would reply, the 101st In- 
 fantry Band. That might seem like bragging, but to prove that 
 it was so, one can point to the various orders issued by General 
 Pershing himself requesting that he be given the use of the band 
 for several ceremonies in which he took part. Later a letter of 
 commendation was issued by the General, telling of the splendid 
 
10 1st INFANTRY 111 
 
 quality of the band, and he requested that other organizations 
 arrange their bands according to the system of the 101st In- 
 fantry Band. And still as further proof, about the middle of 
 August an order was sent from G. H. Q. (General Headquarters), 
 by order of Genera] Pershing, taking twenty-two members of our 
 band and attaching them to the General's own band. This made 
 a great dent in the band, but Mr. L'African started in and built 
 up another out of all green material. Among the buglers in 
 the bugle section of the band was Tommie Hamilton, of "K." Tom- 
 mie was considered one of the best buglers in the A. E. F. An- 
 other leading member of the band was Francis L. Smith, of "K." 
 He played a cornet. Amasa Grovesnor was also a member in the 
 bugle section. 
 
 The old sa3 r ing is, "Music hath charms." I wonder if the 
 originator of this saving ever heard our bugler Ted (Edward) 
 Safford blowing Reveille or Mess Call. When he pressed his lips 
 to the mouthpiece of that bugle and put on pressure, he cer- 
 tainly put expression into it. His calls always stood out from 
 the other buglers — they were so different. Mike Madden said, 
 "As a musician he would make a good K. P." (Kitchen Police). 
 
 August 29th the Regiment left this area, leaving Reil-les-Eaux 
 at 14 o'clock. After marching twenty-one kilometers, arrived at 
 La Tracy about 21 o'clock. 
 
 August 30th, left La Tracy at 3 o'clock a. m. Arrived at 
 Tronville-en-Barrois, and then hiked five kilometers to the Bois- 
 de-la-Garrenie. Left these woods at 9 o'clock and marched nine- 
 teen kilometers to the woods between Couly and Rasson, near 
 Bel-Au-Farm. 
 
 We remained in these woods, making ourselves as comfortable 
 as possible on the damp ground, for it had been raining during the 
 past two days. 
 
 The night of September 6th, it was decided that it was cheaper 
 to move than to pay rent, so we moved from these woods and 
 hiked about ten kilometers through the rain and mud caused by the 
 rain of the past week to another set of woods. 
 
 Our present location was to be held awaiting the start of the 
 St. Mihiel Drive. We were now located about one-half kilometer 
 on the left of the Town of Mouillv. 
 
112 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 The close calls a fellow has to making a visit to St. Peter ju-c 
 many and varied. Among the real close calls and one with a thrill 
 and a hit of humor thrown in was the escape of Lieut. George 
 Corbin, former commander of "K." Lieutenant Corbin had been 
 on the sick list for more than two months, and in July had re- 
 covered sufficiently to be chosen to return to America as an 
 instructor for the troops then under training in the home camps. 
 The Lieutenant, with a party of others who were under orders 
 to return to the United Stales, proceeded to the division entrain 
 ing point, the depot at Le Ferte. They just missed the late 
 afternoon train for the sailing port, so they had to remain at 
 this station until early the following morning. No quarters could 
 be hired in the town, so the party made improvised bunks on 
 the floor of the basement under the depot. All went well until 
 2 o'clock (a. m.), when a flock of German aviators came across 
 the Allied lines and chose a course leading over the Le Ferte 
 Depot. When directly over the depot, one of the machines 
 dropped an aerial bomb. The bomb wrecked tin- entire depot, 
 and the concussion threw Lieutenant Corbin in the air and out 
 through the basement window, and clear across Hie street. Out- 
 side of a slight jarring up and being covered with mud, he was 
 unhurt. The others escaped with only slight injuries. 
 
 September 7th — more rain. This is the first anniversary of 
 our sailing from the shores of the dear old L. S. A. Oh, how 
 many strange things have happened since we started on that long 
 journey ! 
 
 September 8th — more rain. 
 
 September Dili, 10th, and 11th— still more rain. The men by 
 this time were drenched to the skin and mud-soaked. Still they 
 maintained a wonderful morale where one would expect to hear 
 continual complaining and grouching; instead, voices could be 
 heard through the woods singing and telling stories. This seems 
 almost unbelievable, hut it is absolutely true. 
 
 The night of the 11th, there was a meeting of all of the offi- 
 cers of our Regiment, each battalion-group meeting in its own 
 respective location. Maps were distributed, general instructions 
 for the attack of tomorrow were given, and plans thoroughly 
 
is the Vaux 'Sur Marne depot in which "K " boys had a desperate 
 fight <ni .inl\ 15. J Ik- run , I «;is a warm fighl while it lasted. 
 
 The remaining walls of the church in the Village of 
 Etambicourt. 
 
 " K "' boj - •'■ ere stationed very close to this church when 
 it was hit. 
 
German front line at St. Mihiel as K Company crossed it in starting battle of 
 St. Mihiel Salient. Note destruction by American artillery. 
 
 Main Street, Vaux. after K f"ompany had advanced in Chateau-Thierry battle. 
 Hill 204- at upper right. It was on the hill, upper left of picture, that Jim Kirby 
 and Bill Carlisle were killed. 
 
1 1 s t INFANTRY 113 
 
 gone over. This meeting broke up at 4 o'clock (a. m.). As the 
 meeting dispersed the barrage for the- attack could be heard start- 
 ing. The officers at tempted to secure an hour's rest before going 
 forward to the point of jumping off. 
 
 On the morning of September 12th (4 ,\. m.), the Allied bar- 
 rage started — hell opened up — and the great Battle of St. Mihie] 
 Salient was then on. The artillery continued to pound the enemy 
 lines until 8.55 o'clock. At "H" hour (8.52) the signal was 
 given and the fight was on. Our line started to advance at this 
 time. Our first objective was to cross the Tranchee-de-Cologne, a 
 very strong German line. Lying between this Tranchee-de-Cologne 
 and our jumping-off point was approximately 300 meters of 
 barbed-wire entanglement. The artillery was successful in break- 
 ing down and demolishing a great deal of this wire. Still, passage 
 was difficult. Many machine-gun nests were hidden in strong 
 points at various locations; thus the passage through the wire 
 was a tough job. After passing through this wire, there was 
 then a deep ravine to go through. The ravine contained a greal 
 number of concrete trenches and concrete pillboxes. These also 
 added to our discomfort. About noon of this day, the first ob- 
 jective was reached. A halt was then made to reorganize and 
 consolidate, and prepare for further advance. Thirty thousand 
 French troops were lost in an attempt to capture this same terri- 
 tory which we were now passing over. 
 
 The first battalion was the assaulting section of our Regi- 
 ment. The second and third battalions acted as support, with 
 the 102d Infantry in reserve. The 101st Infantry was to ad- 
 vance on the left and the French Infantry on the right of the 
 101st. Owing to casualties and a greater interval than was ex- 
 pected existing between the right of our Regiment and the French 
 troops. Captain Foley, Battalion Commander, ordered his K 
 and I Companies to enter the assault line and act as liaison 
 between organizations, L and M Companies to advance in support. 
 During the advance to this point, one member of "K" was lying 
 on the ground, firing in the direction of a machine-gun nest, when 
 a shell from the German artillery landed, hitting him in the middle 
 of the back. This was the only death which occurred in K Com- 
 pany during the advance. When this shell landed, there were 
 
114 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 men all around the lad who was hit, but not a single other casualty 
 occurred with this shell. It was just one of the freak pranks of 
 a shell. 
 
 In many attacks and on large raids the Boche delighted in 
 using liquid fire as a weapon. That liquid fire is a dreadful thing, 
 for it is sure death. Everything that comes in contact with it 
 burns to a crisp. It was during this present drive that our 
 troops used for the first time a new weapon to counteract 
 liquid fire. A platoon of Trench Mortars accompanied our bat- 
 talion, and in places where machine-gun nests were stubborn, the 
 Trench Mortar crew would fire a few of their stokes shells which 
 contained thermite, and these thermite pills would disperse the 
 nests of machine-gunners. The shells would rise from the mortars 
 to a height of about seventy-five meters, then burst and spray a 
 shower of real liquid fire which covered a radius of twenty-five 
 meters. These shells did the trick every time. 
 
 About 16 o'clock (4 p. m.) the 102d Infantry passed through 
 the 101st to act as the assaulting troops. 
 
 About 21 o'clock orders were issued from Headquarters, 26th 
 Division, that the rate of advance be increased and the final ob- 
 jective of our Division would be the Towns of Hattonchatel and 
 Vignelle. To reach these towns, it was necessary to cover a dis- 
 tance of approximately twenty-two kilometers through woods 
 which were strewn with barbed-wire and other entanglements. 
 
 The 101st Machine-Gun Company was ordered to proceed to 
 the Town of Vignelle. This Company, under the command of 
 Capt. John Comerford, reached the above town about 1 o'clock on 
 the morning of the 13th. One hour later the 102d Infantry 
 reached the same location. 
 
 The 101st Infantry reached its objective, Hattonchatel, about 
 4.30 o'clock. All objectives were reached about daybreak, and we 
 found the entire town had been set on fire and mined, buildings 
 blowing up at regular intervals. It was very dangerous, and no 
 man was permitted to go inside a building. Hattonchatel is on 
 the crest of the hill overlooking the Woevre Plain, which stretched 
 out on a level plain between this point and the City of Metz, which 
 was a distance of thirty-one kilometers, northeast. Vignelle lay 
 at the foot of the slope leading from Hattonchatel, resting on the 
 
1 l st INF ANTR Y 115 
 
 open plain. It was a sad sight to look over the entire plain and 
 see villages in all directions being burned, smoke and flame rising 
 from every village. About one-half kilometer to the left of Hat- 
 tonchatel was the Town of Vieville. In this town could be seen 
 many Germans moving about. A number of the "K" boys re- 
 quested permission to go to the town and bring in these Germans 
 as prisoners. About fifty prisoners were thus brought in. 
 
 The first four fellows to reach this village were passing by a 
 partly demolished house and, much to their surprise, two old 
 French ladies stepped up from the cellar and looked at the boys 
 in amazement. At first they were afraid, but when Ted Safford 
 spoke to them in French (with a little exertion and much arm 
 movement Ted could speak French) they asked who the boys 
 were ; and on learning that they were Americans, and were there 
 to release them rather than to abuse them, as they had been led 
 to believe by the German soldiers that the Americans always 
 abused people, both of the old ladies ran over and threw their 
 arms about the boys' necks and kissed them. They then began 
 to cry with joy. It was just exactly four years to the day and 
 almost to the hour from that time that their village and the people 
 were captured by the enemy, that they were released. It was on 
 September 13th, 1914, at 10 o'clock, that the Germans captured 
 this section. When the village was taken in 1914 the enemy 
 placed all the elderly people under guard, forced all the men and 
 boys to march to Germany and assist at manual labor, and made 
 all the unmarried and childless married women act as orderlies to 
 their officers. These are facts gained from these old women just 
 released. 
 
 It was during this present attack that Lieut. Ralph Donnelly, 
 of Worcester, was killed. He died the day on which he was pro- 
 moted to Captain, September 13th. 
 
 During the attack Lieut. James R. Kelly, of Worcester, re- 
 ceived thirty-three pieces of shell fragment in his body, but Jim, 
 being a tough old warrior, came through with flying colors. 
 
 Ralph Donnelly's loss was a severe blow to his company and 
 regiment. He and I had been pals since our arrival in France, 
 and I desire to state that no braver or more loyal soldier ever 
 lived than Ralph Donnelly. His record is his eulogy. He was 
 
116 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 shot through the lung while advancing at the head of his own men, 
 a German sniper causing his death. His was a case of being brave 
 to a fault. He knew not what the word fear meant. 
 
 We remained in Hattonchatel until the afternoon of the 14th. 
 
 The wiping out of the St. Mihiei Salient, whi?h had been a 
 German stronghold all during the war, was a splendid piece of 
 strategy by the American forces. The 26th Division, coming from 
 the left end of the Salient, was to be met in the center by the 
 First Division, they coming across the open plain and the French 
 troops coming from the apex of the pocket (St. Mihiei) forward. 
 Thus, on the closing of the 26th and First Divisions, all of the 
 enemy which remained in the pocket were taken prisoners. Sev- 
 eral other American Divisions participated in this drive, advanc- 
 ing from the center of the movement with the French. 
 
 These two divisions (First and 26th), according to schedule, 
 would have met about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 13th, at the 
 center of the Salient east of Yignelle ; but the 26th Division, 
 driving with great force, reached their objective by 1.30 o'clock 
 and the First Division did not reach their objective until 10.30 
 o'clock. It was a great sight to stand on the crest of the hill 
 at Hattonchatel and watch the cavalry and tanks crossing the 
 plains, driving the enemy before them, many of the Boche falling 
 into the hands of the waiting 26th Division men, who made them 
 prisoners. 
 
 As the Infantry of the First Division closed in toward Vign- 
 elle, they saw troops in Yignelle and Hattonchatel and imme- 
 diately deplo} r ed to attack, for they thought that the enemy was 
 still occupying this area. It was a great surprise to them to 
 discover that these towns had been taken and were now occupied 
 by American troops. Less than an hour after a number of troops 
 had passed over the main road leading into Yignelle, loud ex- 
 plosions were heard and the road and portions of the field along- 
 side the road for a distance of 500 meters were blown up, it hav- 
 ing been mined by the enemy. Many roads were discovered as 
 having been mined, but the American engineers, ever alert, dis- 
 covered the mines and destroyed them, thereby preventing much 
 damage and great casualties to our troops. This is just one of 
 the great feats accomplished by our engineer troops. They should 
 
1 1 st I NF ANTR Y 117 
 
 be given credit for a considerable portion of all victories, for theirs 
 was a difficult and dangerous work. 
 
 During the advance of our entire Division in this attack, many 
 hundred prisoners were taken. So many, in fact, that large 
 groups of prisoners were sent back to Headquarters with only one 
 or two boys in charge. 
 
 One of the funny incidents which occurred in taking prisoners 
 was that which happened to boys of K Company. Peruda 
 Maudsley and Joseph Gillis, during one of the halts along the 
 road leading to Hattonchatel, discovered a small wooden shack 
 which had been used by the enemy for a First Aid Station. They 
 decided to explore the shack and see if any souvenirs might be 
 lying around. On reaching a small piazza in front of the building 
 a door was thrown open and a large chorus of "Kamerade" was 
 heard from within. Both boys, having left their rifles standing 
 against a tree a few yards away, were armed with a stick and were 
 as much taken with surprise as the men inside were with fear. On 
 regaining their bearing, Maudsley commanded the men to step out, 
 and out walked fourteen husky Germans and Austrians. The 
 boys marched them to the Battalion Commander and turned them 
 over. Gillis was ordered to take the fourteen men to the rear. 
 He started along the main road, had gone about two kilometers 
 and decided that he had better check up and see if all the four- 
 teen prisoners were in line. On making the count, to his surprise 
 there were twenty-two in line. Gillis began to feel that he did 
 not know how to count or that for once figures lied. On second 
 count he decided figures were right and started on his way. On 
 reaching Headquarters, three kilometers further on, he reported 
 to the officer in charge that he had twenty-two prisoners. The 
 officer made a count and found thirty-four in line. After a thor- 
 ough investigation of how these figures lied, it was discovered that 
 manv of the enemy which had been camouflag-ed and overlooked 
 by the advance, on seeing the prisoners marching by, would look 
 out of the woods, and when Gillis was not looking would step into 
 the line and march along. They felt that this was much safer 
 than to stay in the woods and be captured or killed there. 
 
 In the group of prisoners taken was one who seemed inclined 
 to talk freely, so the Intelligence Officers asked him if he 
 
118 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 knew what he was fighting for. He said, "Yes, Germany was 
 fighting to preserve the Fatherland from being overridden by 
 England." The officer then asked him if he knew what the other 
 countries were fighting for and he said, "Yes, England is fighting 
 to destroy my Fatherland, Belgium was compelled to fight on 
 account of her stubbornness, France for protection and to regain 
 possession of Alsace-Lorraine, and the Americans for souvenirs." 
 It was a common and encouraging sight to see two or three 
 hundred prisoners marching along the road to the rear. One 
 group which had been captured numbered about two hundred, and 
 in this group was a complete Regimental German Band. We were 
 later told that when this band reached Headquarters, they 
 were forced to play the "Star-Spangled Banner" and the 
 "Marseillaise." 
 
 Men were not the only prisoners that were taken, for a great 
 number of horses and large auto trucks were also captured. 
 Among the most noted of the animal captures was a horse which 
 was totally blind and a one-seated buggy taken in by the 
 mechanics of "K" under the leadership of Timmy Wallace, 
 George O'Malley, William Young, and Frank Mullen, all mechan- 
 ics (in name only). All voted that Timmy was to be the coach- 
 man. The blind horse and the carriage were to be used for detail 
 work with the kitchen. This one-seated buggy was compelled to 
 carry almost as many passengers when going on a detail as a 
 Ford on its way to an excursion. 
 
 A large supply shed, which was captured in one village (Vie- 
 ville), contained a great amount of vegetable supplies. Coach- 
 man Wallace and his detail started for some of these supplies for 
 "K," but going only halfway, Friend Horse decided that he did 
 not understand English commands after being with the Germans so 
 long; so he halted in his tracks and refused to move. An hour's 
 labor and hard expressions were wasted trying to induce it to 
 move, but without result, and from latest reports, I believe the 
 horse is still in the same spot. 
 
 For several days prisoners were being taken in various parts 
 of the woods in which we were now located. Six of these prisoners 
 were taken to K Company's location and made to act as kitchen 
 police for two days. Our boys refused to wash even their own 
 
101st INFANTRY 119 
 
 mess-kits, and the newly acquired help had to do all labors. After 
 two days, these prisoners, who were Austrians, were sent to the 
 rear. 
 
 The following letter from the Parish Priest of Mouilly, a 
 town which our boys had just liberated, displays the gratitude 
 of the poor people: 
 
 " Rupt-en- Woevre, 
 September 13, 1918. 
 "Sir: 
 
 "Your gallant Twenty-Sixth American Division has just set us 
 free. 
 
 "Since September, 1914, the barbarians have held the heights of 
 the Meuse, have foully murdered three hostages from Mouilly, have 
 shelled Rupt, and on July 23, 1915, forced its inhabitants to scatter 
 to the four corners of France. 
 
 "I, who remain at my listening post upon the advice of my bishop, 
 feel certain, sir, that I do but speak for Monseigneur Ginisty, lord 
 bishop of Verdun, my parishioners of Rupt, Mouilly, and Genicourt, 
 and the people of this vicinity in conveying to you and your asso- 
 ciates the heartfelt and unforgettable gratitude of all. 
 
 "Several of your comrades lie at rest in our truly Christian and 
 French soil. 
 
 "Their ashes shall be eared for as if they were our own. We 
 shall cover their graves with flowers and shall kneel by them as their 
 own families would do, with a prayer to God to reward with eternal 
 glory these heroes fallen on the field of honor, and to bless the Twenty- 
 Sixth Division and Generous America. 
 
 "Be pleased, sir, to accept the expression of my profound respect. 
 
 "A. Leclerc, 
 Cure of Rupt-en-Woevre." 
 
 An addition which we acquired at this particular location were 
 rather unwelcome companions. The boys had been affected with 
 our friends, the cooties (often referred to as Trench Dandruff), 
 for some time; but now there was to be competition, for a great 
 number of German fleas attached themselves to us to assist in our 
 daily exercises and tortures. As I told one of the boys, these 
 fleas were really part of our daily life, for we were now living the 
 life of dogs. 
 
 At 17 o'clock, September 14th, "K" was relieved by French 
 troops. We then marched about seven kilometers to the rear and 
 were billeted among a lot of old straw and hay, which had been 
 left in the St. Remey Bois. We remained here until 21 o'clock, 
 September 17th, at which time we moved forward to Waddonville 
 
120 DEAR OLD • • K ' ' 
 
 Sector, a distance of t en kilometers. K Company was billeted in 
 the Town of Hannonville. I Company was assigned to Waddon- 
 ville, Unci' kilometers in front of Hannonville on tin- plain. I 
 Company was reinforced with one platoon of "K," Battalion 
 Headquarters being placed on the hill directly in back of Hannon- 
 ville, with I- and i\I Companies in reserve, they being located in 
 
 the woods; also, directly in hack of Hannonville. 
 
 When K Company reached Hannonville, a number of French 
 civilians still remained in the village; but, immediately upon taking 
 over the town, the Germans opened heavy artillery fire, which was 
 continued each da \ and night, making it impossible for the civil- 
 ians to remain. So they packed up what equipment they might 
 move on t rinks and baby carriages and started tor the rear. 
 
 Speaking about baby carriages, in practically every section of 
 I he northern part of France, one will see baby carriages all about 
 them; lad these are used only for carrying in vegetables ami wood 
 from the fields. "Thai was our idea of nothing at nil," that baby 
 carriages should he used alone for carting vegetables and wood. 
 
 On the evacuation of the people from Hannonville, a large 
 
 number {>( rabbits, which are favorite animals of the French, were 
 
 left. So with the fully equipped homes, plenty of rabbits, lots of 
 vegetables, and a good deal of dessert, the boys of "K" lived the 
 
 life of luxury for a week at least. At meal time, the Mess Sergeant 
 
 would not have more than eight or ten men at the Company 
 Kitchen, for banquets were taking place all over tin- village in 
 ever} dug-out, regardless of the shelling by the enemy. These 
 banquets were a greal blessing, for supplies and rations wore 
 Coming very slowly from our own supph company. 
 
 Thi' usual front line activities, consist inn- of a steady, daily 
 and nightly diet of shells and gas, took place in this sector. Com- 
 panies exchanged places between Hannonville and W'addonville 
 unt il the relief of the bat talion. 
 
 On the night of September 22d an attack executed by the 
 
 enemy on Waddouvillc resulted in the death of 2d Lieut. Andrew 
 Gerdin, who had been with K Company for only two weeks. Also 
 of Ralph \Y. Douglass and Leon \Y. Josselyn. Lieutenant Gerdin 
 
 was killed while calling to several Germans who had cried "Kam 
 erade" to come forward. Another German lying in ambush shot 
 
I I si I N F A N T BY 121 
 
 the Lieutenanl as soon as he exposed himself. This was a favorite 
 trick of the Germans. The bodies of the Lieuti riant, Douglas, and 
 Josselyn were taken back to the little cemetery in Hannonville 
 and buried by the boys of "K," the Company mechanics making 
 the coffins and a very nice railing to place aboul each grave. 
 Theirs was a sad but wonderful funeral. 
 
 During the stay in Hannonville, several casualties occurred. 
 On one occasion a shell Landed in the dug oul where a number of 
 "K" boys were billeted. The following men were wounded with 
 this shell: Patrick .J. McDevitt, John M. Curtis, Elmer L. Tat- 
 man, and Frederick G. Thayer. Curtis losl three fingers from his 
 lefl hand and Tatman suffered the loss of his lefl eye. Sergeant 
 John J. O'Toole, who was sitting close by tljc other men, was 
 thrown againsl the wall, but otherwise wa not injured. 
 
 lo the billet situated across the streel occured another inci- 
 denl which amused the boys. Mike Schofield had located a partly 
 dilapidated bed remaining in a demolished house which had only a 
 portion of the walls and part of the roof remaining. Mike set up 
 the bed, placed a roughly painted sign on the floor, which was only 
 a hole made by a large shell, reading "Kelly's Basemen! Dances 
 every Saturday night -Bring your own cop." He then made him- 
 self as comfortable as if he w<rc in the Plaza Hotel, New York. 
 Mike Cunningham, following out his usual custom of borrowing, 
 wenl to Kelly's basement to borrow a pair of Schofield's so< 
 finding the place empty, Cunningham made himself al home and 
 lay down on the old bed. He was there aboul fifteen mini 
 v.li< fi a terrible roar was heard which nearly turned his hair pomp- 
 adour style. A large enemy shell which proved *o be ;< dud came 
 sailing in through the window, grazed along the floor, under the 
 bed, and Lodged in an upright position in the wall near the bed. 
 Cunningham 3a1 up, gave one look, then impersonated another 
 fJufJ and dove out tin- window through which the shell had just 
 come in. After picking himself up out of the mud, he said he had 
 no desire to be an individual targel for anj large shells. 
 
 A dud, as referred to above, is a shell which when fired does 
 not explode. Oftentimes a dud will do far more damage than 
 on<- that explodes, lor it will penetrate a greal depth info build- 
 
122 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 ings or dug-outs, whereas the shell that explodes usually does so 
 upon striking the outer wall or surface. 
 
 When the men were situated in Waddonville, no meals could 
 be prepared during the daytime, for the slightest activity would 
 cause a deluge of shells to be thrown by the enemy. In preparing 
 meals, the smoke from the kitchen was always a great drawing 
 card for shells. 
 
 On the night of the 25th one enemy shell landed in an old 
 barn in Waddonville which contained a small pile of hay and 
 some old rags. This shell set the building on fire and caused the 
 entire section to be lighted up. It was put out after much diffi- 
 culty, for the enemy who were now located in St. Hillaire continued 
 to play machine-gun fire in the vicinity of the building. 
 
 Early the morning of the 26th, First Battalion, 102d In- 
 fantry, executed an attack in Marcheville on the left of Waddon- 
 ville. This was used as a diversion for an attack to be made 
 against the enemy at Verdun and was successful in having the 
 enemy withdraw a number of his troops from the Verdun sector. 
 Although a great number of casualties were caused in the 102d 
 Infantry, the attack was declared a success. 
 
 The night of September 30th, "K" and the rest of the Third 
 Battalion moved from the Waddonville sector to the Bois de 
 Ranziers near Vaux-les-Balemerais. This is in the Troyon Sec- 
 tor, and remained here until October 7th. 
 
 October 6th another raid was executed on the enemy. The 
 great majority of this party were G Company boys from Wor- 
 cester. It was a very successful party — forty-nine prisoners 
 taken. 
 
 October 6th, a delousing machine was secured after great 
 effort made by Captain Foley. This was our first real bath in 
 almost three months. After the bath, we were supplied with 
 second-hand underwear. It was the first underwear issued to 
 K Company since dune 3d. We now had come to the conclusion 
 that those various letters of "Bill's" to his "Dere Mabel" were 
 more than cornel when he said, "Some people say 'Cleanliness is 
 next to Godliness,' hut I say it is next to impossible." Those are 
 our sentiments. The socks worn by the boys wire w r orn every 
 day and night for more than a month and the soles became as 
 
1 1 st INF AN TRY 123 
 
 hard as boards and often cracked in two while being removed 
 from the feet. 
 
 October 7th, L6.30 o'clock, the entire battalion moved from 
 the Bois de Ranziers and partook of our favorite pastime, "hik- 
 ing." After covering thirteen kilometers, we reached the Town 
 of Douai on the Meuse. 
 
 One of the greatest proofs of the loyalty of the men for their 
 buddies and their own outfits was shown by the lads who were 
 wounded or taken sick and then sent to hospitals. These men as 
 soon as their strength would allow always requested the doctors 
 to send them back to their own outfit, so that they could once 
 more assist in upholding the great name of their Company, Regi- 
 ment, and Division. This request was refused in nearly every 
 case, but a mere refusal meant nothing in the lives of these lads, 
 SO at the very first opportunity they left their bed and hoard at 
 the hospital, went A. \Y. (). L. (Absent Without Leave) and 
 started back to their own outfit in the lines. It was a common 
 occurrence to hav the men report hack from the hospitals and 
 later find that they left of their own accord and evaded the 
 AT. P.'s (Military Police) in each town, village, or city until they 
 reached home, as they always called it. This was the spirit that 
 carried the American boys on to the great things they accom- 
 plished. 
 
 On the 8th, Major Foley was evacuated to the hospital under 
 orders of the regimental surgeon. This order was carried out 
 much against the wishes of the Major, for he certainly did not 
 want to leave his men, notwithstanding the great suffering which 
 he had been enduring for the past six months. 
 
 ('apt. Roberl Hayes, being Senior Officer of the Battalion, was 
 assigned as Battalion Commander. 
 
 The night of the 8th, "K" left Douai, and after a nine-kilo- 
 meter hike the City of Verdun was reached. As we marched 
 through the gates of the city and passed the ruined and demolished 
 houses, all that we had read in our American papers before going 
 to France of the terrible fighting and suffering in the early part 
 of the war at Verdun was recalled to mind. We were now in a 
 sacred city where more lives had been losl in battle than any other 
 spot on the ent ; re Western front, and where the French had done 
 
124 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 such wonderful fighting and succeeded in carrying out their great 
 motto, "Ora ne passe pas" (They shall not pass). We were bil- 
 leted in the city in what was once a famous artillery camp known 
 as the Foubourg Pava. 
 
 During our stop in this city the boys visited the different 
 sections which were of historical interest, the ruined Cathedral, 
 the Citadel (underground city), and great forts. 
 
 The Citadel, or underground city, was capable of accommo- 
 dating 25,000 people, so we were told. All the modern conven- 
 iences of a city could be found there, even to a very complete 
 narrow-gauge railroad line. 
 
 While in this city, members of the 3d Pioneers (former 5th 
 Mass.), now stationed nearby, visited our Regiment. 
 
 During the stay in Verdun, the enemy continued to shell, 
 which had been their usual custom. On one occasion two shells 
 in close succession passed directly through the roof of the bar- 
 rack in which "K" was billeted and exploded in the yard outside. 
 Several casualties were caused by shells exploding close to our 
 barracks and shell fragments going through the doors and win- 
 dows, etc. 
 
 October 14th was the first day in four years that the French 
 could remember of not having a single shell fall in the city. 
 
 It was wonderful to find such a splendid esprit de corps in 
 our Company and the entire Division. If you asked any man in 
 the 26th Division which was the very best Division in the Ameri- 
 can Army, you would receive a very speedy and absolute reply — 
 the 26th. 
 
 This showed that the esprit de corps which was necessary for 
 the best morale was imbued in every man in our truly wonderful 
 Division. If you asked any man in the entire A. E. F. which was 
 the leading Division, he would in almost every case mention the 
 Division to which he himself belonged, but invariably grant that 
 next best to his was the 26th. Such a test was tried out and nine 
 out of every ten men granted the 26th the second position to his 
 outfit. This was a great compliment. The pride of division and 
 regiment started to display itself more markedly about October, 
 1918, and each organization adopted a certain distinguishing 
 insignia which would mark it from the rest. 
 
 General Edwards sent out an order requesting suggestions for 
 
1 01 st INFANTRY 125 
 
 an insignia that would be deserving of the 26th. Many replies 
 were made by the men. The selection was a difficult problem. 
 On the arrival of the 26th in France, it being one of the first three 
 and the first complete Division to reach France, the French people 
 exclaimed, "the Yankees are here." The term "Yankee" has so 
 often been affixed to all New Englanders, and inasmuch as the 
 20th was an entire New England Division, the name suggested 
 itself, and our headquarters chose the title, "Yankee Division." 
 Then, in order to make a suitable design for the shoulder marking, 
 the letters of the two words were formed together y% ; and in 
 every ease where you find a man who won his YD, whether he 
 came as a replacement from California, Texas, Kansas, or even 
 the Southern States, you will find a loyal booster of the Yankee 
 Division (26th) and a fighting Y r ankee. 
 
 One of the greatest mysteries of the war was the successful 
 manner in which traffic was regulated over the roads leading to 
 the front lines. In the darkest, inky-like night, as the troops 
 were marching up to the front to relieve the troops holding the 
 line, they marched along the right-hand edge of the roads. These 
 roads were not very wide; at the same time a line of troops were 
 marching toward the rear from some other sector; passing these 
 two lines were large three and five-ton trucks carrying ammunition 
 and supplies ; darting in and out among these trucks were ambu- 
 lances rushing madly with their packs of suffering doughboys to 
 a dressing station in the rear. All this passing on at the same 
 time over shell-torn roads, and in many places while shells were 
 landing on various sections of the roads in the near vicinity, and 
 not a single light of any kind could be used. It was like a weird 
 picture of so many ghosts passing over a haunted road. As the 
 trucks rushed along there were many near-collisions, but the num- 
 ber of smash-ups was very, very small. The drivers of these 
 trucks, and especially the ambulance drivers, are deserving of an 
 unlimited amount of praise. They were artists in their line and 
 heroes of the first class. 
 
 On the evening of October 17th we left Foubourg Pava and 
 marched to the advance lines. Here we acted as support. Our 
 position now left us on the side of the hill in a ravine near "Death 
 Valley." Our dug-outs consisted of shell holes, there being abso- 
 lutely no protection, and the enemy shelled this area continually. 
 
126 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 The boys borrowed picks and shovels and dug fox holes and 
 covered these over with blankets, giving some slight protection 
 from the rain, but none from shell fire. 
 
 On the night of October 19th there was a very heavy rain, 
 and on waking up after a short sleep, most of the boys found 
 themselves lying in a pool of water; but what harm is there in 
 lying in water ! This had become second nature. 
 
 On the night of October 21st, after reconnoitering the front 
 line position in anticipation of an attack which was to start on 
 the 22d, we received orders that the attack would be postponed 
 until further orders. Late in the afternoon of the 22d word was 
 received that we were to move forward to the Bois-de-Warville, 
 and prepare for the attack which was to take place early on the 
 morning of the 23d. After passing through Death Valley, through 
 two ravines and up one steep hill which was covered with deep 
 mud, we reached the jumping-off point in the Bois-de-Warville. 
 
 In going through these ravines and over the hills, we found 
 skeletons and human bones all around. This locality had been 
 fought over a number of times, and terrible tolls of life were ex- 
 acted from each side. It was hard to realize that so many poor 
 souls had been crushed by the iron hand of the War God. 
 
 At about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 23d, all units had 
 been assigned their positions, as follows : the First Battalion to 
 advance from the left; the Third Battalion as an assaulting bat- 
 talion on the right ; and the Second Battalion as support of the 
 Third Battalion. K and L Companies were the assaulting com- 
 panies of the Third Battalion. Movement was to be executed 
 starting from left to right. On the First Battalion reaching the 
 first objective, a rocket was to be sent up which would be the 
 signal for the movement of the Third Battalion to start. The 
 Third Battalion would then advance from the woods down through 
 the ravine (Death Valley) and up the opposite hill. Our artillery 
 was to start at 5.30 and to continue to bombard the enemy lines 
 until 8 o'clock. At 5.30 sharp our artillery opened on the enemy. 
 The enemy, being aware of our position, opened his artillery 
 directly on our men at 5.32, and continued a deadly bombard- 
 ment for several hours. Owing to the heavy shelling, it was im- 
 possible to see the rocket which was sent up by the First Bat- 
 
1 1 st INF AN TRY 127 
 
 talion on their having reached the first objective. So, after wait- 
 ing about an hour, a consultation of all battalion officers was held. 
 On talking the situation over very hurriedly and deciding that 
 the advance would be started regardless of the rocket, Captain 
 Hayes suggested that we had better disperse quickly, for should 
 a shell land in that vicinity, there would be danger of the battalion 
 losing all its officers. Following his advice, the officers started to 
 separate and return to their respective units. All left except Cap- 
 tain Hayes and Lieut. John Riley. Less than one-half minute 
 after the warning of Captain Hayes, a shell landed within ten 
 yards of this spot, and Captain Hayes and Lieutenant Riley were 
 badly wounded, Lieutenant Riley being hit in the right shoulder, 
 right hip, left leg, and left arm ; Captain Hayes's body being torn 
 in several places by fragments of the shell. Lieutenant Brickley 
 and several First Aid men bandaged Lieutenant Riley and Cap- 
 tain Hayes, and gave them First Aid treatment. We then se- 
 cured stretcher bearers and one stretcher for Captain Hayes. As 
 he was being carried out, resting upon one arm on the stretcher, 
 he said, "Jim, take care of things." I told him to be cheerful 
 and everything would be all right. He had not gone fifty meters 
 when another shell landed close by and knocked him off the 
 stretcher and killed three of his stretcher bearers. He died the 
 following day. 
 
 An improvised stretcher made from two limbs of a tree and a 
 half-shelter tent carried Lieutenant Riley to the rear. By 10 
 o'clock this morning not more than one-third of the troops which 
 had entered the woods remained, the rest having become casualties. 
 
 On the wounding and evacuation of Captain Hayes, Captain 
 Schoonmaker, who was commanding K Company, took command 
 of the battalion. Immediately upon his taking command, a short 
 meeting of officers was held and it was decided to move forward 
 at once. 
 
 Lieut. Roland Dodge, of M Company, with ten sharpshooters 
 and automatic riflemen, were assigned as scouts to proceed ahead 
 of the assaulting company. The advance was started at 10.80, 
 and very little opposition was met. The first objective was reached 
 at 11.30, the second objective was reached at 1.30, and still oppo- 
 
128 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 sition was very Light. We then proceeded to the third objective, 
 and to reach this it was necessary to pass over a. large open space 
 with woods on the right, left, and front. Directly in the center of 
 this opening was a Large pillbox. It was at this point that Mickey 
 Perkins (.Michael J.) performed such gallant service for which 
 he was later awarded the Congressional Medal, lie advanced 
 
 toward the pillbox, which was built of concrete and iron, and 
 
 attempted to pass in the door, birl tins was impossible. At in- 
 tervals the Boche would heave grenades from within. During the 
 opening of the door to throw these grenades out, Mickey would 
 throw one of his grenades in. After several minutes of this, 
 Mickey pushed the door open, threw in a grenade and followed 
 it in. With his trench knife in one hand and a grenade in the 
 other, he marched ahout, twenty-five Boche ou1 of the pillbox and 
 
 to the rear as prisoners. There were also a number of dead 
 
 found in the pillbox as the result of this struggle. Mickey thus, 
 
 single handed, captured the pillbox and silenced the seven ma- 
 chine-guns. Mickey was a member of Company 1), of our Regi- 
 ment. It' was slightly wounded and while being taken to the 
 rear in an ambulance a stray shell hit the ambulance, killing him 
 and six others. 
 
 The final objective was reached about 15.45 o'clock (3.45 
 e. w.). L Company was now holding the left forward position 
 and K Company the right forward position of the battalion, the 
 
 First Battalion being Located on the left flank; the 102d Infantry 
 on the right flank, the 1 02d being Located on the side of the great, 
 slope and in the ravine. This position was held with great diffi- 
 culty during the night of the 23d. About 1 o'clock, the morning 
 of the 'J lib, the Germans launched a counter attack against the 
 right flank of "K," without success. Between 1 o'clock and S 
 o'clock four counter attacks had been launched by the enemy, 
 first on the right Hank, then on the left flank, then in the center; 
 but all without success. 
 
 During the day it was very difficult to move about in our pres- 
 ent position, tor it seemed that German snipers were located 
 everywhere about. In the woods on the right in front of "K" 
 was later found, in one tree, three machine-gun platforms. This 
 was one of the difficulties which had to be overcome in this sector. 
 
— " 5 C 
 
 7- 2. „ 7 
 
During all long hikes ton-minute rests were given every 
 hour. This picture shows how the boys rested. Theorder 
 of business was to strip and banish the ever-present pests. 
 
 A detail from K Company under Lieutenant Duane put- 
 ting up barbed -wire reinforcements in Hemiere Woods two 
 ih\ s after German attack on Seicheprey. 
 
 The Boehe left the woods filled with death traps. 
 
101st INFANTRY 129 
 
 There was a deep slope in front of our present position, and here 
 the Bochc had placed a large number of minnenwerfers. 
 
 Late in the morning of the 24th the Germans launched another 
 counter attack in two places and were successful in forcing their 
 way through a space between the right of the 101st and the left 
 of the 102d Infantry. They then worked their way to the rear of 
 K Company. It was then necessary to fight desperately even to 
 withdraw. A large number of casualties occurred during this 
 fight. It was now compulsory to withdraw the right flank of our 
 line about fifty meters to the rear. At 15.15 o'clock (3.15 
 p. m.) the attack was resumed, our artillery falling on the enemy 
 five minutes earlier, and we advanced at the hour mentioned above. 
 The first shells of our artillery (155 mm.) fell directly into our 
 own lines, and a number of casualties were caused by this. 
 It is a very discouraging sensation, although it cannot always be 
 helped, to have one's own artillery falling short. One expects and 
 does not complain on the arrival of enemy shells, but it is a weird 
 sensation dodging shells coming from both directions, the enemy's 
 and your own. 
 
 One very sad incident which occurred at this time was that 
 of Sergeant Sullivan who, I believe, was a member of A Company, 
 of our Regiment, who on the night of October 23d received a com- 
 mission of Second Lieutenant. This was his first day in command 
 of a platoon, and the very first shell which landed caused his death ; 
 no further trace was ever found of him. 
 
 Of course it is conceded that the real dirty work in war is 
 done by the Infantry. The infantry has been nicknamed "dough- 
 boys." "cannon fodder," "trench rats," etc., but I think one good 
 title, and a very appropriate one, is "muck worms," because they 
 live in muck and mud most of the time. It, is true that the 
 infantry meets the enemy face to face with his liquid fire, bayonets, 
 and trench knives and fights bayonet to bayonet, wearing his gas 
 mask and carrying on his back ninety-six pounds of Government 
 property. But all the credit for the battle must not be given to 
 or taken by the infantry. The supporting artillery, who cover 
 the enemy rear lines while the doughboys advance, who counter 
 battery the enemy artillery and to a certain extent make the 
 advance a bit safer, deserve a great deal of the credit for each 
 
130 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 victory. It is a wonderful feeling for a doughboy to be advancing 
 and to feel that his artillery will give him good support. The 
 fact that the infantry of our Division (26th) had such perfect 
 faith in our own artillery is proof positive that the division artil- 
 lery w r as a cracker-jack outfit. It is true that on several occasions 
 the shells fell short and directly onto our own lines, but this 
 occurred most with the heavy guns (155mm.) and was caused by 
 the great variance in the type and grade of powder used, no op- 
 portunity being given the gunners to register their shots. It was 
 great to return from a raid or minor attack and to pass by the 
 battery positions and see all the artillery men stripped to the 
 waist and black with sweat and dirt from the exertion of trying 
 to put over a good barrage and make things light for the men 
 out in front. 
 
 In talking about the heavy guns falling short, the 103d 
 heavies, which were the greatest offenders to this cause, came to 
 be called by the boys, "The Kaiser's Own." During the short 
 breathing spell after the Chateau-Thierry fracas, the boys voted 
 to make a deal by giving the Kaiser the whole set of guns of the 
 103d Artillery in exchange for a few old rusty Austrian 88ths. 
 This Austrian 88 was a quick-firing and rifle-like cannon, and it 
 was a wicked toy to face. 
 
 On the night of the 24th, Captain Schoonmaker, the beloved 
 Commander of "K" and now Battalion Commander, was on the 
 line with his men when a minnenwerfer or shell landed directly 
 beside him, a piece of the fragment hitting him on the back of the 
 head and seriously wounding him, from which wound he died be- 
 fore daybreak. On learning of Schooney's (as he was familiarly 
 called by his brother officers) being wounded, everything possible 
 was done for his comfort. Many of the boys volunteered to carry 
 him to the rear through the shell fire, but he was beyond assist- 
 ance. On the afternoon of the 25th he was buried in a small 
 improvised cemetery just back of the lines near Death Valley, a 
 well-named locality, and many tears were shed by his men. 
 
 As soon as Captain Schoonmaker was wounded, the duty of 
 Battalion Commander rested on me. I was, therefore, the third 
 Battalion Commander in less than forty-eight hours. 
 
 The afternoon of the 24th, on the starting of the attack, the 
 
1 1 st I NF ANTR Y 131 
 
 plan arranged was for the Second Battalion to pass through the 
 Third Battalion and exploit Belieu Bois. This feat was accom- 
 plished after much difficulty, and on the night of the 24th the 
 advance lines were once more established, the Third Battalion 
 advancing on the line of the Second Battalion, this leaving the 
 First Battalion in support. 
 
 The morning of the 25th the enemy once more counter- 
 attacked, being successful in driving the center of our line slightly 
 to the rear; but within a few minutes our men counter-attacked 
 and reestablished the line. 
 
 Between the 24th and 26th, this position was lost and retaken 
 four times. This meant continual hand-to-hand fighting with 
 bayonets, trench knives, and grenades. 
 
 When machine-gun fire was sweeping our front and it was 
 difficult to discover their location, a familiar trick of the boys 
 was to have several fellows crawl to different locations ; at inter- 
 vals they would expose themselves and act as a target for the 
 enemy machine-gunners to fire at, and in this way the locations 
 were found and later cleaned out. 
 
 Late on the afternoon of the 25th, the Second and Third 
 Battalions having suffered such great losses, thereby reducing 
 their ranks, they were consolidated as one battalion. I was then 
 placed in command of the Consolidated (Second and Third) 
 Battalion. 
 
 During the evening of the 26th the Consolidated Battalion 
 was relieved by the First Battalion, Consolidated Battalion then 
 occupying the support position. During this engagement, Lieut. 
 Edward Price was in command of "K." 
 
 Lieut. Leo A. Adams, also of "K," was designated as Regi- 
 mental Material and Ration Officer. It was his duty to see that 
 the necessary ammunition and material and also meals were got- 
 ten to the men in the front lines. This he accomplished in a 
 splendid manner. Lieutenant Adams is the only officer that went 
 across with "K" that remained and returned with the same com- 
 pany, he being promoted to rank of First Lieutenant. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 26th an order was issued that the 
 Regimental Commander and Battalion Commanders of our Regi- 
 ment report back to Brigade Headquarters. Colonel Logan, 
 
132 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Lieut. Col. John Greenway, Major William J. McCarthy, of the 
 First Battalion, and myself in command of the Consolidated Bat- 
 talion, with Captain Krause, second in command, proceeded to 
 Brigade Headquarters. Covering a distance of about five kilo- 
 meters and passing through two ravines which were being shelled 
 with gas, we reached Headquarters. The following is a rough 
 sketch of what took place at the meeting. While awaiting the 
 arrival from the rear of Brig. Gen. George H. Shelton, a motor- 
 cycle courier arrived. He handed an envelope to Colonel Logan, 
 and one to Lieut. Colonel Greenway. The General then arrived. 
 He requested information as to the number of men in each one of 
 the battalions of the 102d. He then requested information as to 
 the number of men in the First Battalion, 101st Infantry. Major 
 McCarthy reported 464 men, 6 officers. I reported for Con- 
 solidated Battalions, 539 men and 4 officers. The General said, 
 "Colonel Logan, you will advance with your regiment at daybreak 
 tomorrow." 
 
 Colonel Logan replied: "I am sorry, General, but I have just 
 been relieved of my regiment. Colonel Greenway is in command." 
 This was our first information of the contents of the two letters, 
 and that our beloved Colonel was to be taken away. 
 
 The General (Shelton), in slow and solemn voice, then added: 
 "Colonel Greenway and gentlemen: At daybreak, tomorrow (the 
 27th), the 101st Infantry will attack, they to take the Belieu 
 Bois entire and the crest of the hill overlooking the plain. The 
 army has decreed this and New England demands it even to the 
 last drop of your blood. This must be accomplished. That is 
 all, gentlemen. Good-day and good-luck." — The hill was taken. 
 
 Immediately upon his notification of being assigned to the 
 men of the 101st, Lieut. Colonel Greenway, who was a man of 
 large heart and much good judgment, also beyond words in 
 bravery, informed the General that the 101st Infantry should be 
 relieved immediately, as the men were now working without phys- 
 ical strength, being carried along simply on their nerves. This 
 could not be continued much longer. 
 
 With very sad hearts our detail of officers returned to Regi- 
 mental Headquarters at the front. A more down-hearted man 
 than Colonel Logan could not be imagined, for he was now being 
 
101st INFANTRY 133 
 
 taken away from an organization which he loved and which loved 
 him and would have gone to any extreme for him, as they felt 
 that their interests were always being guarded and fought for by 
 Colonel Logan, and the removal was just one more army political 
 move to eradicate the National Guard officers of the combat divi- 
 sions in order that regular army officers might be in at the end 
 of activities and gain honor and promotion. It was a bare-faced, 
 raw deal. 
 
 On our arrival at Headquarters, maps were distributed, plans 
 gone over, and all arrangements made for the attack of the 27th. 
 News of the Colonel's relief was kept from the men, it being de- 
 cided that no information of this would be let out until after the 
 relief of the regiment. At about 22 o'clock, the officers went 
 among the men of the Consolidated Battalion and told them to 
 secure all the rest possible while the shelling had diminished. The 
 one question of the men was, "When are we to be relieved?" 
 
 About 5 o'clock the morning of the 27th, word was passed 
 to the men that the show would be on at daybreak. This we 
 figured would be between 6.40 and 6.45 o'clock. All instructions 
 were distributed. All men were told to prepare, as the curtain 
 would rise at 6.45. I then returned to the Battalion P. C. and 
 awaited further orders in the event that any should arrive. At 
 5.20 I returned to the side of the hill on which Consolidated Bat- 
 talion was located. As I approached, I heard hushed voices. I 
 proceeded in the direction from which these voices were coming. 
 On my arrival I found one little corporal in a shell hole reciting 
 the "Rosary" with a group of men kneeling in and around the 
 shell hole answering him. Among the group were a number of 
 Protestant boys. One was a chap named Clark, of L Company, 
 who was sitting on the edge of the shell hole, and I noticed that he 
 was crying. At the completion of the prayers, he said, "I am 
 a Protestant, but I enjoyed that prayer so much, and it made me 
 think of home and my mother." This was a splendid spirit, and 
 mothers of men who would act like that going into battle need 
 have no fear for the welfare of their boys. Twenty minutes later, 
 bayonets had been adjusted and the attack started, and a number 
 of those boys who had joined that "Rosary" were lying dead or 
 wounded in the woods. 
 
134 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 After the attack a message was sent by Major McCarthy to 
 Headquarters, saying: "We have taken all objectives. If you 
 want to retain these, relieve our men with fresh troops or send 
 reinforcements." A message was received in reply from Colonel 
 Greenway saying: "Relief is promised not later than tomorrow. 
 The hill must be held until relieved.*' 
 
 On the night of the 28th the First Battalion, 104th Infantry, 
 was sent forward to relieve our First Battalion. Later the 103d 
 Machine-Gun Battalion reinforced the First Battalion, 103d In- 
 fantry, and thus our entire Regiment was relieved. 
 
 In entering the attack on the morning of the 23d, we had 
 approximately GOO men in each one of the battalions. I was now 
 taking out the Consolidated (Second and Third) Battalion, and 
 had a total of 258 men and three officers left in these two 
 battalions. 
 
 One interesting fact we later learned about this present fight 
 was that five German divisions were opposite the sector being 
 held by the 101st and 102d Regiments. This was very interesting 
 when one considers that we had less than TOO men, with no troops 
 in support, facing about two divisions of the enemy. If they had 
 really known the situation, nothing could have prevented them 
 from advancing through to our artillery positions. Thus it was 
 the nerve and the bravery of a handful of men on the American 
 side against large numbers of men and material on the Boche, with 
 American pluck and nerve winning out. 
 
 During one of the enemy counter attacks on the 25th, both 
 lines being very close together, the commands of the German 
 officers or under-officers could be heard plainly. One group from 
 "K," among whom were Tom Mayberry and George Schobert, 
 were within a very few yards of the spot from which these com- 
 mands were being issued. Schobert, being of German descent, 
 saw an opportunity to take advantage of his ability to speak 
 German. So, when the commands to prepare for the attack were 
 given, Schobert issued several commands in German which counter- 
 acted the German officer's commands, and thus confused the groups 
 about to attack in his location. The Germans starting to disperse 
 afforded a lovely opportunity for our boys to open fire and caused 
 a great number of casualties. One section of the enemy counter 
 
1 1 st I NF ANT R Y 135 
 
 attack was broken up, for which credit might be given alone to 
 Schobert. 
 
 During an earlier counter attack, Mayberry and Schobert 
 were in adjoining shell holes. A great deal of German equipment 
 having been left around, a barricade was built of it in front of 
 the shell hole. During this attack our lines were forced back a 
 few yards. Mayberry continued to express his disgust at losing 
 the position, for the reason that in a number of the German packs 
 which he had used as the barricade were many pairs of socks, as 
 each German always had an extra pair. Tom felt bad for the 
 loss of the German socks. He thus commercialized and took ad- 
 vantage of anything he was able to get his hands on. 
 
 On the night of the 22d, prior to the start for the above 
 attack, several of the boys had a premonition that some ill-luck 
 was to fall to their lot. Three members of "K" suggested that 
 this would probably be their last fight. An effort was made to 
 discourage this feeling, but without success. It was suggested 
 that they return to the kitchens and act as details for the time 
 being, but this they refused to do, saying in each instance that if 
 it was their lot they would take their medicine. Not one of these 
 men knew of the feelings of the others. On the very first morning 
 these three men and one other member of "K" were killed, they 
 being George R. Wright, James Connelly, and Leo Ellery. Later 
 during the fight Edward Howell was also killed. A great many 
 other casualties occurred, and these names may be found in an- 
 other section of this story. 
 
 It is hard to let our minds wander back to those terrible days 
 when so many of our boys were sacrificed. It is hard to realize 
 that such fine lads must be called in such a way, but the way of 
 the transgressor is hard. All these boys were heroes, and on many 
 occasions when things wuvc dull and the silver lining of the clouds 
 looked a long way off, Buddy (George) Wright and Pat (Leo) 
 Ellery would put on one of their joy-making sketches and in a 
 few minutes would have all in laughter. The happiest thoughts I 
 have are when I think of those dear lads, and I know that I can 
 boast of having been a pal of theirs and a member of the same 
 company with them. 
 
 One member of I Company, Buddis Whitney, was seriously 
 
136 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 wounded during a hand-to-hand engagement. His pal, Frank 
 Gannon, remained to watch over him. Owing to the heavy fire, it 
 was impossible to remove him from this place, so the pal remained. 
 
 During the counter attack, Gannon engaged five Germans. 
 His rifle was knocked out of his hand after he had killed two of 
 the five. The last seen of him was in a fist engagement with the 
 other three. Both of these boys were taken prisoners. 
 
 To prove the efficiency of the German Intelligence Branch — 
 when Gannon was taken prisoner and questioned at the German 
 Intelligence Bureau, he was asked to what organization he be- 
 longed, as was the custom when men were taken prisoner. No 
 information was given. Each man would manufacture a story 
 about being a replacement and not acquainted with the officers or 
 the name of the organization with which he had been. In this 
 case the German Intelligence Officer called the man a "Liar" and 
 said that "as long as you will not tell us the name of your organ- 
 ization, I will say that you are a member of the 101st Infantry." 
 The German then asked if General Edwards was still with his 
 Division. The young man pleaded ignorance as to General Ed- 
 wards. The German officer then said, "General Edwards was re- 
 lieved last week and your own Colonel, Colonel Logan, will be 
 relieved in a few days." This proved to be the truth, although 
 the fellow taken prisoner was not aware of the fact. 
 
 In talking about prisoners and the system of the Intelligence 
 Branch. The following is a translation of the German communi- 
 cation issued to all its troops telling of the brutality accorded 
 the Germans when taken prisoner. It will be noted that the in- 
 structions this document is supposed to convey are that it is much 
 better for a man to die fighting than to be captured. 
 
 Ia/54182 
 
 RULES FOR GUIDANCE OF GERMAN SOLDIERS 
 TAKEN PRISONER 
 
 British Doc.S.S. 737: Translation of a German document. 
 Wytschaete Group, July, 1918. 
 
 Section Ic. 
 
 (Not to be taken into the Front Line.) 
 
 (To be issued to the Rank and File by Companies for Perusal, then 
 collected again and filed by Regimental Staffs for Occasional Reissue 
 and Collection.) 
 
101st INFANTRY 137 
 
 For a man to allow himself to be taken prisoner by the enemy 
 without having defended himself to the utmost is a dishonorable act 
 equivalent to treachery. 
 
 Capture at the hands of our inhuman foes, in view of their 
 unexampled brutality of treatment, which is now proved beyond 
 question in so large a number of cases, merely means being slowly 
 tortured to death. 
 
 Should, however, a man be captured in spite of all his bravery and 
 without its being his fault, even then the soldier still has sacred duties 
 towards his comrades, towards his Commander-in-Chief to whom he 
 took the oath of fealty, and towards his country. It is an easy duty 
 for him to fulfill ; he has only to preserve in his captivity the same 
 courage which he has so often shown in the face of the enemy. The 
 first thing suggested to prisoners in the enemy's camp, after their 
 confidence has been gained by stimulating drinks and the best of fare, 
 is nothing less than the betrayal of their country. Afterwards, when 
 the object is attained, follows the usual meager prisoners' fare and 
 hard work, with the most brutal treatment. 
 
 A prisoner is submitted to an examination in which by cleverly 
 framed questions, insincere promises or even by threats of every kind, 
 attempts are made to cause him to give away military secrets, such 
 as the order of battle, the strength with which a front is held, inten- 
 tions and plans for attack, measures for defense, concentrations or 
 movements of troops, the exact condition of his own unit, strength of 
 units, events taking place behind the front and in Germany, rest 
 billets of his comrades, and other matters. 
 
 It is regrettable that this war has provided many instances where 
 the statements of a man WITHOUT HONOR, which unfortunately 
 have often been only too accurate, have been proved to have had 
 disastrous effects for his OWN COMRADES. How many brave 
 soldiers have lost their lives through this cause? 
 
 The success of our attacks and enterprises is also imperiled in 
 this way and the successful issue of the war may thus be to a great 
 extent jeopardized, and the whole Fatherland receive the gravest 
 injury. 
 
 It is just now, at the decisive point of the final struggle, that 
 every soldier must feel more than ever the shame and infamy of such 
 unprincipled conduct. 
 
 Again and again do prisoners captured by US give confirmation 
 of the fact that those German soldiers, no matter to which State they 
 belong, who allow themselves to be pressed under examination into 
 making all kinds of statements, in the idea that they will receive 
 better treatment, have had afterwards a much harder time than those 
 who refused to say anything. For even among our enemies the 
 soldier who consciously betrays his country and puts his own comrades 
 in danger ranks as a man without honor. 
 
138 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 ON THE OTHER HAND. EVEN THE ENEMY INVARI- 
 ABLE RESPECTS THE GERMAN SOLDIER WHO REMAINS 
 STEADFAST AND REFUSES TO MAKE STATEMENTS, 
 
 EVEN IN THE LACK OF THREATS. OR BY A CLEVER 
 ANSWER MAKES FROM THE START AEE ECRTHER QUES- 
 TIONING USELESS. Thus, Private Wiegand, of the 3d Company. 
 60th Infantry Regiment, who pleaded his soldier's oath and refused 
 to make an) statements, received full recognition in the Armv Orders 
 of the enemy.* 
 
 It' questions arc asked about military or other dangerous subjects, 
 there are many answers by which a man can escape further questions 
 or at any rate parry them; for example: 
 
 "Only joined the unit a few days ago as a reinforcement." 
 
 ".hist back from leave." 
 
 "Have been sick in quarters, or have just come out of hospital a 
 few days ago, and therefore have no information.'" 
 
 •NOTE BY G. S. 1. ^British) — Further reference to the instance of 
 Private Wiegand, mentioned in the above document, is contained in 
 the following extract from an order issued by the Second German 
 Army on April 16, 1918: 
 
 "2. Amongst the documents captured from the enemy there is a 
 report dated August 10, 1917, of the examination of Private- Wiegand, 
 ;<d Company. 60th Infantry Regiment. 121st Division, which, literally 
 translated, runs as follows: 
 
 '"The prisoner, a Roman Catholic, stated that on entering the 
 German Armv he had taken an oath that, in the event oi being 
 taken prisoner, he would give no information o( any kind what- 
 soever which might endanger the safety of his comrades. HIS 
 ATTITUDE COMMANDED RESPECT AND IS COM- 
 PLETELY 1\ ACCORDANCE WITH THE BEST TRADI- 
 TIONS OV MILITARY HONOR. As a matter of fact, no 
 information of any kind could be obtained from the prisoner, who 
 is 19 years oi age." 
 
 '"This splendid example of soldierly conduct under imprisonment 
 should be published to the troops, especially as several other records, 
 also captured from the enemy, concerning the examination of German 
 prisoners, contain precisely such statements (for example, as to 
 billets for troops, battle headquarters, communication trenches, etc.) 
 which are calculated to endanger the lives of comrades in a high 
 degree. 
 
 "In view of the above cited example, it should be continuously 
 impressed upon troops that under examination only the name, and 
 nothing further, need be given to the enemy, and that a prisoner who 
 declines to make any further statement not only does not render his 
 fate worse, hut. on the contrary, exacts respect from the enemy." 
 
101 st IN F ANT It Y 139 
 
 "Was on special duty" (forestry, collieries, road construction, pro- 
 duction of trench materials, etc.). 
 
 "Accommodation under canvas in a wood, the name and exact. 
 location of which I cannot give. Have seen no other troops beyond 
 men of the detachment, or any artillery positions; liave seen no trans- 
 port to or from batteries or single guns, or movements of troops." 
 
 If further questions are asked, always repeal the same answers: 
 "I was not there"; "I do not know"; "Am not acquainted with the 
 sector"; "Do not know the flanking units"; "Have seen no artillery, 
 as visiting artillery positions is strictly forbidden"; "Do not know 
 
 the positions of sentries or machine-guns or their numbers"; "Know 
 of no plans for attack"; "Know nothing of the relief of the Division"; 
 "Do not know the lines of approach to and departure from the posi- 
 tion, as I went in at night"; "No work of any consequence in progress 
 in the trenches or behind the front"; "Trenches, rations, and 
 
 MORALE good." 
 
 It is naturally no less important to he circumspect in conversation 
 with countrymen or fellow-prisoners in the camp hater on, and not to 
 tell I hem the OPPOSITE story to that told shortly before at the 
 cross examination. 
 
 Never forget that a prisoner is subject to continual observation 
 and eavesdropping. In many cases he is pumped without being 
 aware of the fact by eonfidential agents (his own countrymen, who 
 have taken on themselves this despicable role), Further, IT IS OF 
 TDK GREATEST IMPORTANCE that every soldier should burn 
 all letters and other written communications immediately after he 
 has read them; by so doing he renders a great service to himself and 
 to his country. Should he have any special interest in these letters, 
 he can send them home again or tie them up in a parcel and hand 
 them in to the company orderly room, which provides for their safe 
 keeping. 
 
 It will thus be impossible for the enemy to receive or confirm any 
 information by means of letters, notebooks, or, more particularly, 
 diaries and address hooks. 
 
 Even long after capture, in the prisoners-of-war camp behind the 
 front or in the labor camp, there are still dangers of many kinds 
 which threaten the unwary man. SEEMING comrades come up to 
 him confidentially and induce him to relate his recent experiences and 
 ply him with questions; these men are naturally acting under the 
 enemy's orders according to precise instructions. The seeming com- 
 rades are simply members of the enemy forces who speak good Ger- 
 man and are put into German uniform (often even in German officer's 
 uniform). Therefore use the greatest caution in conversation; if 
 you have no previous knowledge of the man in question, give him no 
 information about military affairs, say nothing about home circum- 
 stances, and tell him none of your experiences ; your lot will not he 
 improved by doing so. 
 
140 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Beware of the so-called non-commissioned officers of the camp, 
 or of quartermasters and such men, apparently Germans, as are respon- 
 sible for your comfort in camp, and receive complaints and requests. 
 
 When talking in camp, dormitory, or mess-room, speak only in a 
 low voice, FOR WALLS HAVE EARS. Everywhere an apparatus 
 is installed by which every word is heard even through the thickest 
 walls, and is written down and afterwards turned to account. In a 
 word, even a prisoner must forget that he is a German and that even 
 he can still bear his part in helping to win victory over the enemy. 
 
 A WARNING IN CONCLUSION 
 
 Our enemies, in their examinations of prisoners, usually record 
 the name of the man examined; even where this is not the case, we 
 on our side can always ascertain from the records of the platoon, 
 company, and regiment, together with the date, hour, and place of 
 capture, who the prisoner was who made the statement in question. 
 If such an examination, containing matter damaging to us, falls into 
 our hands, criminal proceedings will invariably be instituted against 
 the man who has forgotten duty and honor; this entails in the first 
 instance great unpleasantness of his relatives (parents, brothers, sis- 
 ters, wife, and child), and apart from this, after the war, the heaviest 
 penalties for himself. There is no question of a remission of punish- 
 ment or amnesty for such traitors, any more than for deserters. They 
 and their names are branded, their home and property lost forever. 
 (Translation ends.) 
 
 As I said in the early part of this story, Mess Sergeant Reddy, 
 with his cooks and K. P.'s, and Mechanics George H. O'Malley 
 and Timmy (Thomas) Wallace were always on the job and made 
 every effort to bring meals to the "K" men during each engage 
 ment. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 26th, Sergeant Reddy and his detail 
 were driving a one-mule cart, containing rations, over the road 
 in the face of a heavy enemy shelling through Death Valley. 
 They had another mule tied in the rear of the cart for emergency. 
 While walking alongside of the cart and passing through the 
 enemy shell fire, the extra mule kicked a grenade, which was lying 
 in the middle of the road. The grenade exploded and wounded 
 several of the detail, but the mule was not wounded at all. It 
 was during this shelling that James F. Bruce was killed and a 
 piece of shell passed through the cheek and jaw of William Kelli- 
 her, seriously wounding him. 
 
1 1 st I NF AN TRY 141 
 
 Early in the morning of the 29th, on being relieved from the 
 Belieu Bois, we marched to the rear and took up a position in 
 the support line almost in the same place in which we were located 
 prior to the attack of the 23d. 
 
 On the morning of November 1st, Col. PI. P. Hobbs, former 
 Division Inspector, was assigned to the 101st Infantry as com- 
 manding officer. 
 
 On the night of November 2d, a reconnoitcring party was scut 
 forward to a position five kilometers to the right of Belieu Bois. 
 This sector was known as "Joli Coeur." During our three days' 
 stay in this present position, men were reequipped and a number of 
 men returned from the hospitals and special duty, thus increasing 
 the strength of the companies. 
 
 On the night of November 2d, I being in command of the Third 
 Battalion, of which "K" was a part, proceeded with the battalion 
 to the new position (Joli Coeur), relieving the 26th French In- 
 fantry. The Second Battalion, in command of Major Albert 
 Gray, was in support, and the First Battalion, with Major Mc- 
 Carthy, in reserve. On the taking over of the Joli Coeur sector, 
 instructions were given that things were to be kept very quiet. 
 No more activity to be caused unless absolutely necessary. 
 
 On the hike over the hills to our new position, we passed across 
 the famous C6te-de-Pave (Hill of Pepper), made famous by the 
 hot fighting in 1916. On the side of the hill was a cemetery, 
 where the bodies of thousands of French soldiers killed in defend- 
 ing this section during the terrific fighting were buried. In nearly 
 every battle that "K" participated in, the start was made through 
 a cemetery. This was true at Vaux, Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, 
 and several places in the final battle at Verdun. 
 
 When rumors of relief were sent to us while serving in the 
 front lines, the usual suggestion was made that we were to go to 
 a "quiet sector." After several such rumors, our boys decided 
 that the cemeteries were the only quiet sectors in France. They 
 were thus named "Quiet Sectors." 
 
 On November 3d, a communication was received from Division 
 Headquarters, stating that the French Commanding General de- 
 sired that the names of men who had distinguished themselves 
 during our recent operations be recommended, as he was anxious 
 
142 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 to confer French decorations upon them. The names of many 
 members of "K" were submitted, but with the same result as on 
 previous occasions. Many of the officers and men earned decora- 
 tions many times, but did not receive them. It was just a question 
 of luck as to those who received the decorations, for if the one 
 who witnessed the performance was not able to draw a flaring pic- 
 ture of the deed, the man being recommended was in poor luck. 
 
 The following is a message which was sent from battalion head- 
 quarters to K Company, as well as to the other companies of the 
 battalion : 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED 
 
 SENT BY TIME RECEIVED BY ' TIME 
 — THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY 
 
 "From: Jackdaw C-l 
 
 At: 
 
 P. C. 
 
 
 
 
 Date: 
 
 Nov. 3/18. 
 
 Hour — 21.05- 
 
 -No. 15 
 
 HOW SENT 
 
 Runner 
 
 To: 
 
 Price— K 
 
 
 
 
 "The good news just reached me that the armistice with Austria 
 goes into effect tonight. Terms will be published Tuesday. Tell 
 the men. 
 
 Still keep your eyes opened on those other birds and see what he 
 is doing." 
 
 "Duane." 
 
 On the night of November 3d, K Company furnished a com- 
 bat patrol to reconnoiter the enemy position on our front. The 
 following is the order issued for the patrol, which contained 
 another bit of good news : 
 
101st INFANTRY 143 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED 
 
 TIME RECEIVED BY 
 
 THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY 
 
 "From: Jackdaw C-l 
 
 At: 
 
 P. C. Gilbody 
 
 
 
 
 
 Date: 
 
 1th Nov. 18 Hour: 
 
 4.40 
 
 No. 
 
 26 
 
 Runner 
 
 To: 
 
 Price 
 
 
 
 
 
 "We are sending out some souvenir hunters at 11.30 tonight from 
 Renegals poaching grounds. Notify your groups. 
 
 The Reichstag is meeting today and hope they get drunk as — * — 
 and come through with the goods. 
 
 Have the company set so we can move on a moment's notice if 
 ordered." 
 
 "Duane." 
 
 On the night of November 5th, orders were issued that an- 
 other patrol would be sent out. This patrol was under the leader- 
 ship of Sgt. Eugene McSweeney, of K Company. The following 
 is information sent to the various groups and companies on the 
 line warning them of the presence on their front of this patrol. 
 All messages are in code: 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED NO. SENT BY ! TIME RECEIVED BY 
 
 THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY 
 
 "From: Jackdaw C-l 
 
 At: 
 
 P. C. Gilbody 
 
 
 
 
 Date: 
 
 5 Nov. 18 Hour: 
 
 12 — 
 
 No. 21 
 
 Runner 
 
 To: 
 
 Adams 
 
 
 
 
 "The A. 0. H. will have an excursion to Schitzen Grove tonight. 
 The train leaves in front of your station at 23 o'clock. 
 You will allow the merry youths to take two of those new type toys. 
 Notify all your groups." 
 
 "Duane." 
 
 About the time the patrol was ready to proceed, word was 
 received that the patrol be stopped and a raid executed in its 
 
144 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 stead. When a patrol of this kind or a raiding party is to go out, 
 word is sent to all the adjoining posts and companies, so that no 
 mistake will be made, and they will not be fired upon from our own 
 lines. In sending these messages, code, of course, is the only 
 safe means. I always believed in adding a bit of humor when it 
 was possible, for life itself, in the trenches, is gloomy enough, so 
 the above is a sample of one message which I sent, notifying 
 Lieutenant Adams, who was then in command of M Company, 
 that a patrol was to go out. 
 
 The new type toys referred to in the above message was short 
 sawed-off shot-guns. These we were now using for the first time 
 and we found them lovely toys, especially against enemy snipers. 
 
 On the night of November 5th, an order was received from 
 Regimental Headquarters about 20 o'clock (6 o'clock) stating 
 that our battalion was to execute a raid witli a view of taking 
 prisoners. Colonel Hobbs, with the French liaison officer, visited 
 the P. C. (Post of Command). The Colonel suggested several 
 plans and then left orders to draw my own plan. The raid was 
 executed at daybreak the morning of the 6th, the raiding party 
 returning with two prisoners, both members of the Prussian 
 Guard. Much information was secured from them. The follow- 
 ing is the report made of the raid. It will be noted that every 
 minor detail must be given : 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED 
 
 RECEIVED BY 
 
 -THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY 
 
 'From: Jackdaw C-l Map 1/10,000 
 
 At: 
 
 P. C. Gilbody Samagnaux (Verdun) (Ornes) 
 
 Date: 
 
 6 Nov. 18 Hour 10.15 No. 401 Runner 
 
 To: 
 
 Jackdaw 6 — 
 
 'Report of raid 5-6 Nov. 1918. 
 Mission — To capture prisoners. 
 Personnel — 1 officer — 4 X. C. 0. — 21 Privates. 
 Assisted by artillery and M. G. barrage. 
 
 Point of operation — Enemy line just north of point No. 329, 
 penetrating 1st line (Joli Cceur) and 2d line (Saublet Tr.). 
 H hour — 5.45. 
 
2. » « S- a- | 
 
 2 2. 2. rr « S 
 
 ffi a n : ' 
 
 ~ M rt — 
 
 i$$H 
 
 | 
 
 5!rt » 
 
 d S - 
 
 3 r- O 
 
 
 ad loo 
 >bserv 
 
 s engi 
 
 ks like after a shelling, 
 tition balloon up in the re 
 neers repair the road. 
 
 
 •* 
 
 Jg& 
 
 % 
 
 ^ .'• 
 
Our best wishes always accompanied each slid 
 
 K33 
 
 
 < 
 
 It was iii tliis section that the American Marines made 
 their great stand and this woods was later named after the 
 
 Marines. 
 
 Note shell holes. They're small, hut plenty of them. 
 
 
 
 r^^^W--^53 
 
 
 
 - ?*55m 
 
 •3 
 G>i A«AtU.- 
 
 
 
 Gas Attack — The gas is just being released from cj linders 
 in enemy front line 
 
101st INFANTRY 145 
 
 Our party, in command of Lieut. William O'Shea, proceeded at 
 5.20 to point of departure 30;58;77, having to pass through an enemy 
 barrage to reach this point. 
 
 At H hour (5.45) our party was all set, having taken up a position 
 on crest of hill and waiting tor barrage to open. At exactly 5.45 our 
 artillery and M. G.'s opened up and entire parly jumped off, rushing 
 toward enemy first line (Joli Coeur). Not having met any opposition, 
 they went along road north to road line (Saublet Tr.), Lieutenant 
 O'Shea being in advance about fifty meters, reconnoitering ground. 
 Party proceeded to point just in rear of Saublet Tr. when one of our 
 party discovered an outpost slightly to the righl of the road. Two 
 enemy members of the 96th Prussian Guard Infantry who were acting 
 as outpost were taken prisoners here, and party made their return 
 to our lines. 
 
 Every man of our party returned. No one injured. (No casual- 
 ties.) 
 
 On notification from runner of return of party we sent up barrage 
 Signal, calling for normal barrage to cover, or prevent any counter 
 attack by the enemy. 
 
 Party started at 5.45 — Our barrage signal was sent up at 5.55, 
 making it a ten-minute action. Our normal barrage fell at 6 and fire 
 stopped at 6.02^4. 
 
 The only opposition met was from a M. G. located at point about 
 at junction of crossroads north of 829. Enemy artillery retaliated 
 very slightly, and only a light bombardment of gas, which landed 
 in rear of our position. 
 
 Condition of ground: Ground in bad shape, being covered with 
 a great amount of barbed-wire and completely covered with very 
 large shell holes. Terrain hard to work over. 
 
 A patrol which was to be sent out previous to raiding party was 
 called off by order of Jackdaw 1 at 10.15. 
 
 Prisoners sent by runners from this P. ('. to Regt. P. C. at 7.05 
 o'clock." 
 
 "J. T. Duane, 
 
 ( 'apt. ( omdg. .3d Bn., 
 
 101st Inf." 
 
 The night of the 7th November, orders were issued for another 
 raid with a view of taking- prisoners. This raid was executed, 
 four prisoners being secured. We were mighty fortunate in both 
 of these raids, as not a single American casualty occurred. This 
 was a rare exception, and especially so in going into unknown 
 territory, for when it is realized that a raid i> rarely ever exe- 
 cuted without at least seven or eight days' preparation, one will 
 appreciate the good fortune which was with our men. 
 
146 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 At last a ray of hope reached us, for the following message 
 was received on the 7th, and was transmitted to each one of our 
 companies. 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED 
 
 SENT BY TIME RECEIVED BY TIME 
 
 - THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY 
 
 "From: Jackdaw C-l 
 
 At: P. C. Gilbody 
 
 HOW SENT 
 
 Date: 7 Nov. 18 Hour 3 a.m. No. 58 Runner 
 
 To: Radio picked up at three this morning 
 
 If the German Plenipotentiaries desire to meet Marshal Foch to 
 ask for Armistice, they will present themselves at the French Advance 
 Post by the Roads Chimay-Fouriers , La Capelles-Guise. 
 
 Orders will be given to receive and conduct them to the fixed 
 meeting place." 
 
 (Signed) Marshal Foch. 
 
 "Duane," Comdg. Bn. 
 
 Another message of good cheer was received on November 7th, 
 in the form of orders stating that we were to be relieved. The 
 following is the order: 
 
 Hdqrs. 101st Infantry, 
 P. C. Algerie, 
 7 Nov., 1918. 
 9.45 
 FIELD ORDERS 
 No. 47. 
 
 1. In compliance with F. O. 44, Hq. 51st Inf. Brig., reliefs in 
 the CENTER OF RESISTANCE JOLI COEUR will take place on 
 the night of Nov. 8/9, 1918. 
 
 (a) The 2d Bn. will relieve the 3d Bn. on the advance. 
 
 (6) The 3d Bn. upon completion of relief will take over 
 the present station of the 1st Bn., becoming the Brigade Reserve. 
 
 (c) The 1st Bn. will take over the present station of the 2d 
 Bn., becoming the Regt'l Reserve. 
 
 2. Battalion Commanders will order the necessary reconnais- 
 sance to be made on Nov. 7, 1918. 
 
101st INFANTRY 147 
 
 3. The movement of troops will commence at 17 hour, Nov. 8. 
 
 4. The reliefs will be completed before 4 hour, Nov. 9. 
 
 5. The C. O. 3d Bn. will remain with the C. O. 2d Bn. for 24 
 hours after the relief of the 3d Bn. 
 
 6. 1 officer of the 2d Bn. will remain with the C. O. 1st Bn. 
 for 24 hours after the relief of the 2d Bn. 
 
 7. 1 non-commissioned officer for each company in all Bns. will 
 remain with the corresponding relieving company for 24 hours after 
 relief. 
 
 8. Bn. Comdrs. will arrange for guides and for the details of 
 relief. 
 
 9. Dossiers, sector property, and all information concerning the 
 situation and location will be turned over to relieving units. 
 
 10. Sketches will be submitted to the Regt'l Comdr. not later 
 than 8 o'clock on the morning of Nov. 9, showing exact location of 
 all units and P. C.'s. 
 
 11. The 1st Bn. will have their evening meal before commence- 
 ment of relief. 
 
 12. The 2d and 3d Bns. will have their evening meal after com- 
 pletion of relief. 
 
 13. Bn. Comdrs. will report by telephone to Regt'l Comdr. when 
 relief is completed. The code word being "Boucq." 
 
 By order of Colonel Hobbs : 
 'EDWARD M. GUILD 
 Operations Officer 
 101st Inf. 
 Copy to: C.G. 51st Inf. Brig. 
 CO. 1st, 2d, 3d Bns. 
 Supply Co. 
 Surgeon 
 Signal Officer 
 File. 
 Received 14.30 Nov. 7, 1918. 
 
 But changes will occur even in the best of regulated organiza- 
 tions. 
 
 An order was issued from Regimental Headquarters request- 
 ing that each battalion commander be given the opportunity of 
 recommending five non-commissioned officers of his battalion for 
 promotion to commission. In choosing five from the Third Bat- 
 talion, I recommended Sgt. Martin H. O'Toole and Douglas Ross, 
 both of K Company. Both men had well earned such an honor by 
 their brave and fearless performance of duties in action. 
 
118 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 A report was called for as to the physical condition and 
 general morale of the men of the Regiment. Following is the 
 report submitted by me as to the condition of the men of the 
 Third Battalion: 
 
 "The general morale of the men of this battalion is not very high 
 owing to fatigue, sickness, etc. The health of the men is very poor, 
 the majority suffering from severe colds and influenza; and dysentery 
 being very prevalent." 
 
 This report was only in keeping with a report made by our 
 present Commanding Officer, Colonel Hobbs, when he was Divi- 
 sion Inspector. His report was submitted the latter part of 
 October, to the effect that the general physical condition of the 
 men of the 101st Infantry, owing to continued service, was very 
 poor, and if relief was not effected in the very near future, there 
 would likely be a general breakdown, both in physical condition 
 and morale. 
 
 Often I recalled the gentle hint given me by a French Major 
 during our training in the Chemin des Dames sector, and often 
 I was almost tempted to follow his plan. He said that as soon 
 as an engagement starts, his first act is to cut the wires connect- 
 ing his position with all the Headquarters in the rear, for he found 
 out that the worst trouble he always encountered in battles was 
 with his own Boche in the rear. There was more truth than 
 poet ry in this, in all armies. 
 
 About 11.50 o'clock (2.50 p. m.) I received a telephone call 
 from Colonel Hobbs, informing me that, prisoners taken by the 
 102d Infantry on the left gave the information that the enemy 
 on our front was about to retire. He ordered one company 
 go forward, and find out if this information was true. I 
 chose K Company to execute this attack. I notified the Colonel 
 as soon as we were about ready to make the start. He then 
 requested to know how soon I could get the battalion together 
 in anticipation of attacking. I informed him in one-half hour. 
 He replied "Good," and then issued the following instructions 
 verbally, "You will take your battalion and attack the enemy." 
 I requested more definite orders before attacking, for I realized 
 that a poorly planned and executed attack was nothing less 
 than murder or suicide. His orders were to follow the enemy. 
 
101 st I N 1 A N T RY 149 
 
 I asked, "Follow them where?" The reply was, "Keep on their 
 tail." I then said, "Some definite information must be obtained 
 before we can move, especially when no written orders are issued." 
 He then replied, "Your la>t and final orders are advance north- 
 east. Good-luck." 
 
 I then prepared the battalion in formation for the advance. 
 L and K Companies advancing in columns of sections, proceeded 
 through the woods, along the left of the main road. They then 
 swung into the direction (due east ) of the enemy, first and second 
 line trench. The enemy, discovering these companies, opened fire 
 upon them. As soon as the firing started in the direction of L 
 and K Companies, 1 Company started over the cresl of the hill 
 and without warning were upon the enemy. M Company acted 
 in support of 1 Company. Within fifteen minutes after giving 
 the signal to advance, the entire company, (6th Company, 00th 
 Prussian Guards) 1 officer, 07 men, \\<r<- in our lines, and on 
 their way to Regimental Headquarters as prisoners. 
 
 As soon as the enemy discovered our surprise attack, they 
 withdrew, running in all directions. We continued to attack and 
 advanced about 800 meters before darkness set in. After dark- 
 ness set in, it was impossible to advance with any great success, 
 for the entire territory was completely covered with barbed-wire 
 entanglements and large mine craters; many of the shell holes 
 and craters were deep enough to place a good sized house in them, 
 it was then necessary for us to hold up and consolidate, send 
 out patrols to the front and on our flanks, and hold fast until 
 daybreak, at which time we were once more to resume the advance. 
 The boys now dug fox-holes with their hands, and used these as 
 shelter from machine-gun fire. We had no Machine (inns or 
 Stokes Mortars to help us. 
 
 In complying with original instructions of the 7th. the Sec- 
 ond Battalion had proceeded to the relief of the Third Battalion, 
 and on arrival, to their great surprise, found the Third Bat- 
 talion had without warning advanced in an attack. No food 
 had been brought to the Third Battalion all this day, and it was 
 now impossible to secure any ration- on account of the movement. 
 Rations, which had been brought to the Second Battalion, were 
 then gathered together and with the Ration Detail furnished by 
 
150 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 the Second Battalion the food was brought up to a point so that 
 the Third Battalion could secure it at daybreak. Men of the 
 Second Battalion refused to eat their rations, for they decided 
 that those fellows who had been in the lines for the past seven days 
 and were now in attack needed food more than they did. This 
 food was left at the junction of the road, but during the night 
 it rained very severely, spoiling much of the food, there being no 
 means of cover. 
 
 At 20.40 the following message was received by buzzer from 
 Regimental Headquarters : 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED 
 
 RECEIVED BY 
 
 -THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY ' 
 
 'From: Jackdaw 
 
 At: P. C. 
 
 HOW SENT 
 
 Date: Nov. 8 Hour 22.40 p.m. No. 1 Buzzer 
 
 To: Jackdaw C-l 
 
 "102d Infantry is already on heights overlooking Denvellers' 
 Azannes Road. Rush your advance company forward to heights, 
 overlooking Denvellers Azannes Road and on these heights establish 
 outposts. Patrol, energetically and constantly, throughout the night 
 to the road. Move the rest of your battalion with the Machine-Gun 
 Company. Take Mortars and 37mm. Platoon to support your out- 
 post line. Notify me xvhen you have reached these heights, and give 
 me your location and disposition. General direction of your advance 
 will be line drawn from point 265, southeast of Azannes, through 
 Billy. The Magnetic Bearings are 70 degrees east of north. The 
 Second Battalion has been ordered to follow you at 600 meters, and 
 to furnish a liaison group of two platoons of infantry. One section 
 machine-guns, commanded by an officer, take every caution to guard 
 your right flank." 
 
 "Jackdaw." 
 
 It can be noted that the 102d reported that they were on the 
 heights overlooking the Denvellers Azannes, but this was not a 
 fact, for we were now at the foot of these heights, and the 102d 
 
1 1 st INF ANTR Y 151 
 
 Infantry were at least 400 meters in our rear. Thus it was that 
 our battalion was left in such an exposed position, subject to 
 enfillading fire from all directions. 
 
 At 2.39 o'clock, November 9th, the following order was re- 
 ceived by buzzer from Headquarters : 
 
 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 
 
 TIME FILED NO. SENT BY TIME I RECEIVED BY TIME 
 
 THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY 
 
 "From: Jackdaw 
 
 At: 
 
 P. C. 
 
 
 
 Date: 
 
 Nov. 9 Hour 2.39 a.m. 
 
 No. 1 
 
 Buzzer 
 
 To: 
 
 Jackdaw C-l 
 
 
 
 "You will not advance your lines at dawn tomorrow, but you will 
 throw out patrols to get contact; axis of liaison is changed. You xoill 
 outpost your present position, covering the change of direction, which 
 Jackdaw B will take up tomorrow xvhen ordered. Jackdaw B then 
 becomes the leading battalion, and you xoill, after he passes your lines, 
 form, and follow in support. Send out at once patrols to gain liaison 
 xvith Jangle. I will notify Jangle and ask him to send patrols toward 
 you. Notify me at once xvhen liaison is established. Use panels if 
 asked to work front line." 
 
 "Jackdaw." 
 
 It will be noted that the word "Jackdaw" is used on all the 
 messages shown. This was the code word of our regiment. 
 "Jackdaw" being the Colonel. "Jackdaw A-l," the commanding 
 officer of the First Battalion. "Jackdaw B-l," Commander of 
 the Second Battalion; and "Jackdaw C-l," Commander of the 
 Third Battalion. P. C. indicates Poste de Command. 
 
 The food which was intended for the Third Battalion was not 
 received, for the route was changed, and the battalion moved in 
 a different direction. Several of the runners from the companies 
 crossed the field and each took several loaves of the bread, but 
 this was so rain-soaked that they had to throw them away. 
 
152 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 After advancing about 500 meters, a terrific enemy bombard- 
 ment fell directly on the point now occupied by the Third Bat- 
 talion. This caused many casualties. The battalion then changed 
 direction 100 meters south to avoid the shell fire. About noon 
 the advance was continued, but such terrific machine-gun fire 
 with several batteries of Austrian 88's firing point blank and 
 down into the ravine made it impossible. Three attempts were 
 made to advance, but all without success. The French unit which 
 was to advance on the left of the 101st withdrew without notify- 
 ing our Headquarters, leaving an unprotected area of approxi- 
 mately one and one-half to two kilometers. Also, the unit 
 designated to advance on the right of the 101st had changed 
 direction, leaving a space of three kilometers. 1st Lieut. Leo 
 Adams, in command of M Company, was sent with M Company 
 to act as liaison to endeavor to cover the great interval on our 
 left, and we trusted to God alone to protect us on the right. 
 
 Late the afternoon of the 9th, a message was received 
 notifying us that the meeting of the German Plenipotentiaries 
 with Marshal Foch had taken place, and that the Germans were 
 given seventy-two hours in which to sign the terms of armistice, 
 as presented by Marshal Foch. All felt certain that the Germans 
 would sign this armistice, and hoped that the end was near, for 
 at this moment our existence was almost unbearable. 
 
 Three attempts were made to advance on the afternoon of the 
 9th, but without success. Three more attempts were made during 
 the day of the 10th. This also was without success. The Second 
 Battalion was now holding the front, or assault position. I Com- 
 pany and M Company of the Third Battalion were acting as 
 liaison between the left of the 101st Infantry, and the right of 
 the 102d Infantry. These companies consisted of a strength of 
 not more than fifty men each at this time. L and K Companies 
 in support consisted of approximately three squads each 
 (twenty-four men). Sgt. John Coughlin, of Fall River, was now 
 in command of the handful of "K" men left. This, of course, 
 does not mean that all of the rest of the men were casualties, for 
 several were acting as stretcher bearers and others bringing up 
 ammunition. 
 
 Late the night of the 10th, or early the morning of the 11th, 
 
1 1 st INF ANTR Y 153 
 
 rations were brought up to the men. These were the first rations 
 received by the men of the Third Battalion in approximately 
 eighty-two hours. I saw several boys pick up mess kits with 
 scraps of food on them which had been thrown away by the 
 Boche, and they ate the food. This was a very risky thing, but 
 one will do many things when driven to it by hunger. Neither 
 did they have anything to drink for a like period other than shell- 
 hole water, and many were poisoned by drinking that. 
 
 During the day of the 10th very strong rumors reached us 
 that the Germans had decided to sign the terms of the armistice, 
 and with the seventy-two hours which was given them on the 9th, 
 this would bring them up to 11 o'clock on Monday, the 11th. 
 
 Early in the morning of the 11th, orders were issued that an 
 attack was to be executed at 9.30 o'clock. This seemed impossible 
 for our Regiment in five attempts to advance on the previous 
 day. and night showed us that without artillery assistance, which 
 at that time we were without, to attempt an advance meant sui- 
 cide and murder. This seemed even stronger when there was a 
 possibility that hostilities would cease at 11 o'clock. The final 
 order which was received for the attack was to advance at 9.30. 
 The advance was to continue until 11 o'clock, at which time all 
 firing would cease. This was a very strong intimation that the 
 armistice was to take effect. 
 
 The following message was picked up by our wireless operator 
 early the morning of the 11th: 
 
 "Les hostilities seront arretes sur tour le front a onze Novembre 
 a onze heure (heures franchises) 11. Les troupes allies ne depasser 
 ont pas jusqu'a nouvel ordre la ligne atteinte a cette date et cette 
 heure." 
 
 "Signe Marechal Foch." 
 
 Translation: 
 
 "The hostilities will be stopped on the whole front on November 
 11 at 11 o'clock (French time). The Allied troops are not to pass 
 the line held at this date and this hour. 
 
 "Signed. Marshal Foch." 
 
 "Secret." 
 
154 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SIXTH DIVISION, 
 
 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, 
 
 FRANCE. 
 
 11 November, 1918. 
 Field Orders 
 No. 106. 
 
 1. Hostilities will cease upon the entire front at 11 o'clock, 11 
 November, '18 (today), French time. 
 
 2. Troops will not cross the line reached at that hour under any 
 circumstances, unless ordered by these headquarters. 
 
 3. An immediate reconnaissance of the front line will be made 
 by each front line battalion commander at 1 1 o'clock, showing the 
 exact location of all his units on a sketch and by coordinates. This 
 sketch will be forwarded to these headquarters with the least prac- 
 ticable delay. Regimental and brigade commanders will take the 
 necessary steps to arrange for couriers for the prompt transmission 
 of this information. 
 
 4. Regimental and brigade commanders will, as soon as prac- 
 ticable after 1 1 o'clock this date, personally check the locations of 
 their front line elements. This information will be placed on a 
 1-20,000 sketch and also transmitted to these headquarters with the 
 least possible delay. 
 
 5. Under no circumstances will officers and enlisted men of this 
 division fraternize with the enemy. 
 
 6. Troops will be kept ready for any eventuality and measures 
 of security will not be relaxed. 
 
 7. Organization commanders must maintain a high state of disci- 
 pline in their units. 
 
 By command of Brigadier-General Bamford: 
 
 DUNCAN K. MAJOR, JR., 
 
 Chief of Staff. 
 
 Several pleas were entered by officers that the attack might 
 be postponed on account of the coming armistice, but to no avail. 
 The advance was ordered, and many casualties occurred between 
 9.30 and 11 o'clock on the morning of the 11th. We later learned 
 that regular army divisions received the same orders as those 
 given to our division; but they were told that the attack would 
 start at 9.30. Artillery would fall from 9.30 to 10.58. The 
 Infantry would then advance at 10.58, halt at 10.59; reorganize, 
 consolidate, and dig in; and all firing would cease at 11 o'clock. 
 Thus the Infantry advanced only one minute ; but not so with the 
 101st Infantry and the remainder of the 26th Division. 
 
1 01 st INF AN TRY 155 
 
 The 101st Infantry attempted to advance at 9.30, but met 
 with such strong resistance that advance was impossible. At 
 10.30 our artillery opened a bombardment on the enemy lines. 
 At 10.55 many of the gun crews of our artillery had placed long 
 cords or ropes on the lanyards of their guns in order to allow a 
 number of the doughboys (infantry) to assist at firing the last 
 shots of the war. Great scrambles were indulged in in an endeavor 
 to secure the last shell fired from each gun. The result was that 
 there were probably twenty-five last shell- from each gun. Tlie 
 last ten minute- before 11 o'clock there was a tremendous roar of 
 artillery. Every battery of the Allies seemed to try to exhaust all 
 the ammunition left in France. At 1 1 sharp there came a quiet 
 that seemed like a change from black to white, a dead silence. 
 Could it be true? Immediately on the cessation of activities at 
 11 o'clock the boys were informed there would be no more firing 
 and absolutely no fraternizing. The boys threw of}' their packs, 
 lay down in the mud, and, from absolute exhaustion, fell sound 
 asleep — the first sleep they had had in nearly a week. No great 
 celebration was indulged in. 
 
 Bert Ford, the smiling, hustling, and always "on the job" war 
 correspondent, who went all through the battles with the boys, 
 described very well in U-m- words the condition of our location and 
 men when he said: "We left the advanced positions and stumbled 
 along on foot through country made ghastly by the wrath of men, 
 a country won within a few hours by our waves of infantry. How 
 any survived that inferno was a mystery. Everywhere there 
 was destruction, desolation, misery, death. And MUD — sticky, 
 filthy mud with bodies half buried in it." 
 
 The night of the 11th, there was a great display of fireworks 
 along the entire front from both sides. The day seemed entirely 
 lonesome, for it was strange not to have to dodge shells and ma- 
 chine-gun bullets. It was really hard to believe that at last war 
 was at an end. Although the armistice was in effect, there were 
 still outposts placed in front of our lines, so that no advantage 
 might be given to the enemy, for we had learned that once givr-n 
 a chance, he was capable of playing rather mean tricks. 
 
 Among the tricks used on our boys was the case of Timrnie 
 Mullen. During the terrific fighting in the Belieu Bois at Verdun, 
 
156 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 on October 26th, one German, who was supposedly trapped, de- 
 cided to give himself up. It was fairly bright, and to expose 
 one's self was dangerous, so they did not take any extra chances. 
 He replied to our boys that he was afraid to come over, but if 
 some one would come out he would give himself up. Timmie 
 Mullen was one of our group, so Timmie volunteered to go out 
 and assure the fellow of protection. As Timmie approached him 
 the Boche dropped to the ground and several Boche machine-guns, 
 which were concealed near by, opened on Timmie and riddled his 
 body with bullets. 
 
 In every sector where we had been, great precaution was neces- 
 sary, as the Germans left many traps about. One of their schemes 
 was to place a piano in a dug-out and as soon as some one would 
 play it, a certain key which was wired on touching, would blow 
 up the dug-out and smother all those inside. On one occasion, two 
 coffins were placed, one on top of the other, and as soon as the 
 top one was moved a mine exploded. Souvenirs of all kinds are 
 left about and wired to grenades and mines. One loose board 
 on a step leading into a dug-out is laid over a nail which when 
 pressed set off traps. Iron crosses and other decorations placed 
 on dead Boche were found wired to grenades. The schemes used 
 are too numerous to mention. 
 
 Those who enjoyed home comforts and steam heat or open 
 fireplaces and bath tubs cannot appreciate what it meant to the 
 weary doughboys and officers to be able to stand up and light a 
 pipe or cigarette, facing the enemy line, and not be nipped for 
 doing it. 
 
 You cannot realize how good the fires looked and how much 
 better they felt. The doughboys were famished, for fire and 
 warmth and the dry warm glow they gave went clear to the bone. 
 Little wonder that the wood details were the first selected to 
 search the battlefield for fuel. Little wonder that every five or 
 six men had a fire of their own, in front of which they sat and 
 talked until they dropped off to sleep. 
 
 Shortly after 11 o'clock the 101st Infantry band, which was 
 stationed in the City of Verdun, started a procession through the 
 city playing patriotic marches. All the soldiers, both American 
 and French, joined this procession. To describe the enthusiasm 
 
101st INFANTRY 157 
 
 and high glee of these soldiers, many of whom had been fighting 
 from the opening of the war in 1914 until the present time, words 
 are inadequate. One French general, who watched the procession 
 looked up as a doughboy raised an American flag over the cathe- 
 dral which had been hit many times by enemy shells, and said 
 in a very touching tone, "Those stars as they float in the breeze 
 are like the stars in the Heaven, and those American boys who 
 represent the stars are like messengers from Heaven who have 
 well carried out their errand." 
 
 Our outfit remained on the side of the hill at Verdun until 
 November 14th, at which time the Division was reorganized and 
 started on another journey. 
 
 The divisions that were to comprise the Army of Occupation 
 were selected. Among these was the 26th Division; but, owing 
 to depleted ranks and poor physical condition of the men, the 
 26th Division was not brought up as part of this Army of Occu- 
 pation: instead, it started on another toot-tour of France. After 
 covering many kilometers, passing through many villages, making 
 stops in several, the new area which was to be a rest and training 
 area was reached. 
 
 The Division Headquarters was now located at Montigny-le- 
 Roi, with the various regiments and companies distributed about 
 in the same area, not far from American Headquarters at 
 Chaumont. 
 
 K Companv was located at Milliers, there being two companies 
 in each village. .Milliers was reached about November 28th. 
 Various forms of maneuvers and drills were participated in while 
 located in this village. 
 
 Immediately upon reaching Milliers an order was issued that 
 twenty-five men from each company were to be allowed to go on 
 furlough. This was the first furlough granted to our men since 
 reaching France. These men were- organized into groups and 
 brought by truck to Division Headquarters. They were given 
 new clothing and taken in charge by officers to the- assigned rest 
 area either at a summer resort or in the hills of Aix-les-Bains. 
 Among the first group to leave "K" was Corporal John J. Savage. 
 Savage had not been feeling well for several days. He thought by 
 going on the furlough to have a chance to rest, and the change of 
 
158 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 atmosphere might do him good. On reaching Montigny, he 
 became suddenly ill. The officer in charge of his group ordered 
 him sent to the hospital. Pneumonia developed and in a few days 
 he passed away. Thus one prince of a chap, a wonderful little 
 soldier, left our ranks. It was tough to go through all he had 
 passed through during the entire period in the lines, come out 
 whole, and then be taken away with pneumonia. His death caused 
 a great gloom over the boys, and not a single man who went from 
 "K" on that furlough enjoyed himself. 
 
 Shortly after reaching this area the reorganization of all 
 units took place. We received new officers and replacement men. 
 Capt. Thomas Riley was assigned to command "K." He was a 
 former member of the Indiana National Guard. Captain Riley 
 remained with "K" until they reached America, and was then 
 transferred to I Company. 
 
 The replacement troops which now were assigned to the Regi- 
 ment were distributed to the various companies, and they gave a 
 new tone to the outfits, for we now had a genuine cosmopolitan 
 company. In the early part of the war the first sergeant had 
 absolutely no difficulty in calling the roll of the company, for 
 nearly all were old standard American names ; but now many of 
 them were difficult to pronounce, and they bore a distinct Euro- 
 pean tint. One day about three weeks after the arrival of the 
 new replacements 1st Sgt. Roy C. Muir, who had been suffering 
 with a cold for several days, was calling the roll of "K" at 
 Retreat, and when half-way through he sneezed and immediately 
 several of the replacements answered "Present." 
 
 About this time, letters were coming from America notifying 
 many of the boys that their girl friends were following the old 
 adage, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" (of the other 
 fellow). A number of the boys were informed that their sweet- 
 hearts were either keeping company or were about to be married 
 to other fellows. The early letters which contained this informa- 
 tion brought quite some gloom to the recipients, but later those 
 who left sweethearts in America made up their minds that if 
 news came stating they were listed among the losers, it was simply 
 part of the great battle in which they were taking part. One 
 member of K Company received such a message. He opened the 
 
101st INFANTRY 159 
 
 letter while sitting on his bunk in the loft of an old barn in the 
 Town of Milliers. One of the boys, noticing his gloom, inquired 
 for the cause. He immediately told him that his girl was engaged 
 to another fellow. At the same time he was wearing a ring upon 
 his finger which had been given him by this girl, he having on 
 more than one occasion bragged about the gift. The boys pro- 
 ceeded to jolly him, stating that if they were in his place, they 
 would throw the ring away for spite. He agreed that they were 
 right. Taking off the ring, he threw it from the loft of the barn 
 down into the street. Ten minutes later he attempted to descend 
 the ladder leading from the loft, but, losing his step, he fell two- 
 thirds way down, a distance of about ten feet. After picking 
 himself up, the boys who had suggested the discarding of the ring, 
 proceeded to convince him that the throwing away of the ring 
 must have brought him hard luck. So after more than a day of 
 constant searching, the ring was once more located in the gutter 
 in front of the barn, and he placed it back upon his finger. At 
 last reports it was learned that the girl would meet him at the 
 pier upon his return. 
 
 Thanksgiving Day was passed in a very quiet manner. We 
 had hoped that by Thanksgiving, or not later than Christmas, 
 we would be back to enjoy our holiday meal at home; but no 
 such luck. Orders were issued during the middle of December 
 that President Wilson was to be the guest of the troops for 
 Christmas, and he made a special request that he eat his Christ- 
 mas dinner with the 26th Division, this being a special honor con- 
 ferred on the 26th Division, for its record of having been in the 
 lines longer than any other division in France. A general review 
 was held in honor of the President on the morning of the 25th. 
 Every company in the Division was told to prepare for a visit 
 in their village from the President. With this in view, the various 
 companies policed about their streets and billets until every village 
 in the Divisional Area was a model of cleanliness. Newspaper 
 accounts stating that the President was to eat Christmas dinner 
 with our Division, also said that he was to stand in line with a 
 mess kit and eat the same rations as given to the doughboys. 
 
 After the review in the morning, the President selected one or 
 two villages, and inspected them. A story is told by one of the 
 
160 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 officers, who accompanied the President and General Pershing 
 on this tour of Inspection, how the President asked about the 
 various parts of equipment, as they wire laid out on the bunks. 
 Genera] Pershing, picking up a hall-shelter, opened it out and 
 explained how it is set up. The General then threw it carelessly 
 hack on the bunk. President Wilson turned to the General and 
 said, "General, you wouldn't like to have that boy throw your 
 equipment back in that manner after finding it nicely folded; so 
 1, as your Commander-in-Chief, order you to fold that tent and 
 place it back in the same manner in which you found it." The 
 General smiled, saluted, and said, '"Yes, sir." He folded the tent, 
 and they departed. 
 
 K Company and I Company remained standing in tin' mid- 
 dle of tin- road in Milliers until l.'M) o'clock, not being allowed 
 to eat dinner until word was received that the President would 
 not pass through our village. The Company then fell in line 
 and had a very good Christmas dinner, of beef stew with all the 
 trimmings (bread and coffee). 
 
 About the second week in JanUary, a circular was received 
 from I)i\ision Headquarters which informed us that, although 
 the newspapers had said many things about the President going 
 to eat the regular bill-of-fare of the doughboys on Christmas, 
 this was not true. This circular suggested that each company 
 of the Division contribute fifteen francs to pay for the meal, 
 which was furnished the President and his party, and each Com- 
 pany Commander contribute ten francs. We later learned that 
 the ten francs was to pay for broken and lost china and crockery 
 ware which probably was taken as souvenirs by the guests at 
 the dinner. And they say, "It was a tough war." 
 
 Many iii' our men were compelled to go about with uniforms 
 which showed the effects of hard wear. In many instances, not 
 only the men were reprimanded but the Company officers were 
 taken to task by inspecting officers for the poor condition of the 
 clothes. All this happened when the troops in the lines were 
 unable to get new clotjlingj hut this was not so with those in the 
 rear of the lines. I mention this to show a contrast. At one of 
 
 the base hospitals in Toul, a number of German prisoners who 
 had been wounded were convalescing. These prisoners were going 
 
Picture taken immediately on return from raid May 30- 
 
 31. I'Hm. All in and weary. 
 
 Left to riKlit : Lieut. Carl Mayhew, Scout Officer 
 ( apt. S. T. Schoonmaker 
 Lieut. Donald Dunbar 
 Lieut. James T. Duane 
 Interpreter Paul ( frgel 
 Captain Schoonmaker and Lieutenanl Dunbar were later 
 kill.-d. The Interpreter and Lieutenanl Mayhew were 
 evacuated physically exhausted. 
 
 Our beloved Chaplain Rollins holding one of his services 
 while in Keserve-line position ( Rahanne Woods). 
 
X General Passaga, Commander of 32d French Armj 
 Corps. Chaplain Rollins on extreme left end. Major James 
 Hickey, third from left. General John ( Machine-Gun ) 
 Parker talking to Genera] Passaga. Lieutenant John J. 
 Rile} on extreme right. 
 
 Talking over plans for a coming raid into the enemy linos. 
 
 Entrance to a dug-out in front line at \n ra) -Marvoisin. 
 These dug-outs had to !>«• pumped out daily to get rid of 
 water before the men just relieved from advance positions 
 could go in and sleep. 
 
1 1 st I NF ANTR Y 161 
 
 about completely outfitted inside and out with brand-new Ameri- 
 can uniforms. This certainly was an insult to every American 
 soldier. 
 
 At a meeting called by Colonel Hobbs, successor to Colonel 
 Logan, of all the officers of our battalion, a very interesting talk 
 was given. The lecture opened something in this manner: After 
 walking up and down the floor, the Colonel pounded his fist into 
 the palm of his left hand and exclaimed: "By — !, there are 
 not court-martials enough in this regiment. I want to see more 
 of them!" Absolutely every officer in that gathering could have 
 been court-martialed and maybe shot for the thoughts in his 
 mind at the Colonel's interesting talk. This was a pleasant ex- 
 pression, and especially so when less than two days previous the 
 Colonel had said that the men were behaving in an exceptionally 
 fine manner and congratulated the officers on the discipline in 
 their companies. We all felt that this expression was not Colonel 
 Hobbs's, but was sent through him by powers higher up. 
 
 Many complaints have been heard, and much has been said 
 in the newspapers, about all the baggage which was lost or stolen 
 in France. The greatest sufferers from the loss of baggage 
 were those officers and men who served in the combat divisions. 
 After great effort, many valuable souvenirs were picked up and 
 placed in barrack bags and trunks, and later stored in the rear 
 for safe keeping under the guardianship of men in the S. O. S. 
 (Service of Supply). 
 
 On returning from the lines to secure the baggage, in most 
 cases it was found badly rifled and often gone entirely. This 
 same stealing of baggage and souvenirs occurred on the returning 
 transports and at the ports of debarkation in America. Hence 
 many lads who had promised war souvenirs to maidens fair, were 
 compelled to report back empty handed with no souvenirs. 
 
 On January 29th, "K" moved over the road in the usual man- 
 ner (foot), covering kilometer after kilometer, until the officers, 
 instead of giving the command after a halt, "Forward, march!" 
 said, "Stagger on." We reached our entraining point, rode for 
 one day and part of the night, detrained, and marched to the 
 Village of Fille. This was in the Le Mans Area. Here we were 
 to get our final cleansing and all preparations for our start home. 
 
162 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 "K" remained in the Village of Fille until March 25th, doing 
 regular routine drills, athletic competitions, etc., and thus getting 
 back in part some of the strength and flesh which were lost during 
 the sojourn on the battle fronts. 
 
 During the stay in Fille there was an effort made by suave- 
 tongued officers sent throughout the outfits ready to embark for 
 home to have the men sign up to transfer into the Military Police 
 to do duty in Germany for six months or more. 
 
 So bright did the M. P. officer paint the picture of ease and 
 luxury in the M. P.s that forty-two members of "K" signed up. 
 
 Realizing that they probably would regret the move when 
 they saw their pals start for home, and knowing their waiting 
 relatives would be sad, I placed the situation before the forty-two 
 near M. P.s. Within an hour there was a great scramble to 
 cancel the transfer. A committee of the boys worked all night, 
 and after great effort and using every influence possible the order 
 of transfer was canceled and the boys returned with "K," a happy 
 lot. 
 
 We were now nearing the end of our tour of France in which 
 we saw a great portion of the country., covering it thirty inches 
 at a time (regulation step). 
 
 The following report will show the care and sanitation our 
 t rocps used in order to leave all areas in first-class shape: 
 
 HEADQUARTERS 101ST INFANTRY 
 
 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
 
 FRANCE 
 
 PRELIMINARY ENTRAIN M EXT INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 No. 3 
 
 20 March, 1919. 
 
 1. On leaving this area Commanding Officers of troops in Pa- 
 rigne ; Guecelard, and Fille will leave an acting Town Major in these 
 three towns for 2 1 hours after the departure of troops to receive 
 and settle all claims that may arise. At the expiration of these 24 
 hours the acting Town Majors will obtain the following clearance 
 papers from the Mairc of the Commune in duplicate; one copy of 
 which they will forward to the Zone Major, Eccomoy Area, at Eceo- 
 moy. and the other they will retain: 
 
 "The undersigned. Mayor of the Commune of Department of 
 
 Sarthe, hereby certifies that all claims for damages of whatsoever 
 
101st INFANTRY 163 
 
 nature against the American Army which have arisen within this 
 commune have been registered in the office of the Mayor and turned 
 over to the American Military authorities for settlement." 
 
 They will then proceed to the Port of Embarkation by the next 
 troop train. All other towns in the area will be cared for by officers 
 of the Eccomoy area. 
 
 2. Immediately prior to the departure of this Regiment from the 
 area, sanitary conditions will be inspected by the District Sanitary 
 Inspector, working in conjunction with the various Town Majors, who 
 will be informed of the result of the inspection of the various towns. 
 The following instructions will be strictly complied with by the units 
 of this Regiment in cleaning up the areas now occupied by them: 
 
 (a) On leaving the area each latrine will be filled with earth if 
 its contents are within 3 feet of the surface, otherwise its contents 
 will be covered by at least 6 inches of earth. The latrine tops will 
 be scrupulously cleaned and the covers will be carefully fitted and 
 replaced if necessary. Care will be taken that every latrine, whether 
 public or private, that has been used by our troops is so treated, 
 unless objection is made by private owners, when their directions will 
 be followed. No paper or other refuse will be left in the vicinity 
 of latrines. 
 
 (o) All kitchen wastes which may decompose will be carried 
 away by the inhabitants or will be incinerated or buried under at least 
 18 inches of earth. All tin cans will be piled high in a single com- 
 mon dump outside the village in a place designated by the local Town 
 Major. The area occupied by each kitchen will be carefully policed, 
 leveled, and fresh earth will be spread over any soiled portions, care 
 being taken to leave these areas in a neat and attractive condition. 
 
 (r) Billets and barracks will be cleaned and swept and the refuse 
 therefrom will be burned and buried. The grounds surrounding bil- 
 lets, barracks, and areas used for drill, instruction, or in any manner 
 by our troops and the streets in the vicinity of these will be policed. 
 The refuse therefrom will be burned and buried if inflammable or of 
 a decomposing nature, otherwise it will be collected in a common 
 dump outside the village, which dump will be designated by the local 
 Town Major. 
 
 (</) Exceeding care will be taken to discover and bury any pro- 
 miscuous defacations in the area. 
 
 (c) Manure in and near stables which have been occupied by 
 our animals will be taken away by the inhabitants previous to our 
 departure, or will be placed in a dump such as the local Town Major 
 may select. 
 
 (/) All dumps which have been used by our troops will be left 
 in a neat and orderly condition, with cans, street sweepings, and 
 manure in separate piles. All refuse which may decompose will be 
 buried under at least 18 inches of dirt. 
 
164 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 (g) All open wells, cisterns, and water courses in the vicinity 
 of kitchens, billets, or barracks will be inspected, and if found con- 
 taminated by our troops will be emptied and cleaned. 
 
 (/i) Entraining points will be carefully policed before the de- 
 parture of each train. The latrines there installed will be located 
 and direction signs, pointing toward them, will be erected. (Entrain- 
 ing officers will be held responsible for compliance with this para- 
 graph.) 
 
 (i) Town Majors will be consulted whenever it is necessary to 
 determine the proper procedure in such cases where explicit direc- 
 tions are not here stated. 
 
 On March 26th we once more entrained and started on the 
 last lap of our journey, arriving this same day at the famous 
 port of Brest. We were now quartered in the large camp at 
 Brest, at which all final arrangements, as to equipment, etc., were 
 made prior to sailing for home — back to God's Country and his 
 chosen people. 
 
 Many stories had reached us prior to our arrival at Brest, 
 giving the information that certain outfits had given vent to 
 their feelings by expressions as to their joy at leaving the coun- 
 try, the abuse which they received, and many other stories which 
 resulted in their being taken from camp and returned into 
 the central part of France, and ordered to remain there for a 
 period of about six months more. These stories kept our boys 
 alert. Hardly a word was spoken of the country or of the people. 
 
 So on March 27th, "K" started for the great wharf at Brest. 
 On our arrival there we were carried out to the transport which 
 was then lying outside of the Brest Harbor. K Company was 
 among the organizations which were assigned to the America, 
 formerly the great German Liner Ameriha. As soon as all troops 
 were aboard, the baggage being placed in the hold, the signal was 
 given at 18 o'clock (6 p. m.), March 27th; with steam up, the 
 whistles of our transport shrieked, and we left Brest Harbor 
 headed for our beloved America. 
 
 Although no expressions were given by the boys as to their 
 treatment, etc., many of them as they stood at the railing looking 
 back were heard to exclaim, "I could be court-martialed and kept 
 in France for my thoughts, right now." 
 
 The trip back over the ocean was a very pleasant one. There 
 was plenty to eat and excellent sleeping quarters for all. Enter- 
 
101st INFANTRY 165 
 
 tainments were held morning, afternoon, and evening, there being 
 three bands on board. While we were now traveling in far differ- 
 ent style from that on the trip going over, still no great enthusi- 
 asm was aroused during the trip, for we had moved so often from 
 one front to another, and from village to village, that this trip 
 seemed like another move to a new front. This was our feeling 
 until early the morning of Saturday, April 5th. 
 
 As dawn was breaking, a heavy mist hung over the ocean, and 
 the boys were lined up by the railing of our great ship, a loud and 
 long shout was heard, for they had sighted Boston Light. Colum- 
 bus himself did not realize any greater joy at the first sight of 
 land than our boys did that morning. The weather was very 
 foggy, but gradually cleared. 
 
 Owing to the tide not being favorable, it was necessary for 
 our transport to lie outside the harbor for several hours. During 
 the wait a torpedo boat destroyer hove in sight and came from 
 the harbor to greet us. In a short while we were greeted by a 
 number of other boats which came alongside. We soon entered 
 President Roads. 
 
 Now the enthusiasm which was lacking on the early part of 
 the trip began to display itself. A number of sub-chasers which 
 were bedecked with Yeomen (F) came alongside our boat. There 
 was much real comedy as the boys greeted the girls with their 
 haphazard French. We were now experiencing the thrill and 
 desire for which we had hoped during the past year or more. 
 
 As our transport steamed up President Roads, it was greeted 
 by more boats loaded with relatives and friends anxious to show 
 their joy at the return of the boys. All of these greetings looked 
 mighty good to us ; but when the ferry boat, bearing a large white 
 banner covering the entire side, saying "Mothers' Boat" came 
 in sight, many chills ran up our spines and tears came to our eyes, 
 for the boys now realized that they were within sight and hearing 
 of God's Own Country and our darling mothers and other 
 relatives. 
 
 Not a great way from the Mothers' Boat was another bearing 
 the words, "Auxiliary Boat, 101st Infantry." This sign also 
 brought a thrill, for on this boat were many mothers of our boys 
 and other good women who had done so much and sent so much 
 
166 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 cheer while we were across. My brother, Martin P. Duane, and 
 a number of Clinton and Hingham women were among the guests 
 on the auxiliary boat. 
 
 There was one more boat which was very prominent in the 
 reception. It bore a banner which covered its entire side with 
 "K Company, 101st Infantry," printed on it. This boat was in 
 charge of the Hingham folks, and certainly made a lot of real 
 noise. This great demonstration certainly made us feel that the 
 folks at home were anxious to show their appreciation of the work 
 accomplished by the boys in France. It was hard to realize that 
 any one of us could have deserved such tribute as was paid by the 
 good people in their reception. 
 
 After passing through a great lane of crafts of all descrip- 
 tions, with every available inch of ground along the banks of the 
 harbor, and all the factories and other buildings crowded with 
 people, we finally reached the dock at Commonwealth Pier. Here 
 another great demonstration was held. The transport docked 
 late in the afternoon and we were compelled to remain on board 
 all that night, for the reason that clearance papers could not be 
 given. 
 
 As our transport sailed up the harbor we were met by one of 
 the City of Boston boats. On board this boat were many prom- 
 inent men. Among the very first to come aboard the transport 
 was U. S. Senator David I. Walsh. Our beloved Senator from 
 Clinton extended a personal greeting to all the Clinton boys. Chief 
 of Police of Clinton, John F. McGee, was at the wharf to meet 
 the transport, and came aboard and also presented his greetings 
 from the people at home. 
 
 After an anxious night on board, early the morning of Sun- 
 day. April 6th, all men prepared to march up the gangplank, 
 leaving the decks of our good transport, America, and onto Com- 
 monwealth Pier. As we reached the Pier, the men marched be- 
 tween two lines of welfare workers, who distributed various articles 
 for smoking, candy, etc., and then proceeded to the railroad depot 
 on the other section of the wharf, and for the first time in more 
 than two years we got aboard real honest-to-goodness railroad 
 trains. At first it was difficult to get used to the plush seats, 
 long aisles, well-ventilated, bright, and cheerful cars. The trip 
 from Commonwealth Pier to Camp Devens was one continual 
 demonstration by men, women, and children all along the line. 
 
101st INFANTRY 167 
 
 Camp Devens reached, men were assigned to tents which were 
 to be their quarters until the barracks were assigned. All pro- 
 ceeded to discard their equipment. The next problem was, "How- 
 soon can we see the folks?" 
 
 Orders were issued to allow passes to but twenty-five per cent 
 of the enlisted personnel, giving them permission to go to their 
 homes and to return on the following morning. Twenty-five per- 
 cent was all that were allowed, but with no fences around the 
 camp, I would like to see an ordinary guard prevent these boys 
 who had made up their minds to reach their homes and see their 
 folks. These boys had been in France for twenty-one months, 
 most of this time preparing for and on the firing line. When 
 the Germans could not stop them, how was a Camp Devens guard 
 going to do it? The result: Most of the boys had supper with 
 their folks at home that night, and great joy was everywhere 
 at the reunions. 
 
 While these reunions were being held there was another drama 
 being played at other homes. As the parents of those boys who 
 did not return saw the buddies of their boys arriving, their 
 thoughts were once more carried to the ones still in France left 
 to keep the eternal watch. The parents' hearts were heavy and 
 sad. Many were the words of comfort to the parents by the 
 returned lads, telling of the great soldier qualities of their de- 
 parted buddies and how noble they fought and died. 
 
 On the return of the boys from France, many questions were 
 asked by the home folks, and among the most frequently asked 
 was, "How did you fellows ever have the nerve to face the ma- 
 chine-guns and bayonets and how did it feel to be under artillery 
 fire?" 
 
 Let me tell all my good friends that it is harder to describe 
 the feelings in those events than it is to go through them. To 
 advance in the face of machine-guns is no pleasant task, and to 
 fight hand to hand with bayonets is another rough form of enter- 
 tainment, but, when one realizes that he is there to accomplish a 
 purpose, and the only means of accomplishing his end is to use 
 his bayonet, he gets his fighting spirit up and advances with the 
 idea that it is either you or the other fellow and, of course, you 
 always vote for the other fellow. Perhaps the feeling under 
 
168 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 artillery fire is easiest of any to describe, but the only feeling 
 that I can liken it to, as the shells come toward you and you 
 imagine your name is engraved on each one, is to be strapped 
 onto a railroad tie ; as you lie there you feel the vibration of a 
 heavy train coming in the distance. As it approaches with a 
 terrible rumble and rattle, you await the moment to have it reach 
 you with a rush and pass over your body, only to find that you 
 were on the small section of the tie outside of the rail. It is 
 always a happy relief when a shell which you hear whizzing in 
 your direction lands — somewhere else in France. During a heavy 
 shelling one day the enemy sent many shells far to the rear — 
 fifteen landing near Division Headquarters. As they sailed over 
 the heads of our lads, they shouted, "Go to it, Boche, give them 
 more back there so they will know the war is still on; if you give 
 them a lot, we're for you." 
 
 Of the great days in a soldier's career, the morning of a big 
 attack leads all. The orders have been issued and all final instruc- 
 tions have been transmitted to officers and men; everybody is 
 moving about with a high tension spirit, and all await with a 
 nervous strain the hour of starting. At the set hour our artillery 
 lets loose a perfect thunder, and the fun is on. The artillery 
 plays on the enemy lines for a given period, at H hour (zero 
 hour) the artillery advances its range, and with a yell of "Let's 
 go, boys," the doughboys are on their way, and after passing 
 through great depths of barbed-wire entanglements, they reach the 
 first enemy line. There is a certain thrill that keeps the chill 
 running up and down the spine as you advance, but the greatest 
 nervous strain is waiting the moment when you come in personal 
 contact with the enemy. You meet him, and the excitement is 
 so great that you have no time to think of personal fear. 
 
 Have I been afraid in battle? Yes — awfully; I'll bet no one 
 in the army felt any more so than I. If a man says he was never 
 afraid in battle, his is one of two cases — he is mentally unbalanced 
 or else is handling the truth rather haphazardly. 
 
 As the boys said, "How could a man stand up and not feel a 
 little fear when the Jerries were throwing freight cars, ash cans, 
 and railroad tracks (as the big shells were sometimes called) at 
 him?" 
 
1 1 st INF AN TRY 169 
 
 The machine-gun nests were difficult things to attack. The 
 machine-guns are usually so placed that they cover every portion 
 of the enemy line, and are enfillading the whole position ; that 
 means that when they fire, each gun is firing its bullets so that 
 they overlap the other, and this forms a sort of scissors-effect, 
 the guns on the right firing to the left, the left guns to the right, 
 and the frontal guns covering the interval. Thus every single 
 inch of front is being covered by bullets. 
 
 Camp Devens had been completed after our Regiment left 
 for France, so the camp was a new site to the boys. We were 
 greatly impressed with the tremendous area which it covered, 
 and the splendid arrangements of the camp. In order to keep 
 the men in good physical condition and to keep their minds occu- 
 pied until such time as the orders were to be issued for the muster- 
 ing out of the Regiment, the regular routine work, drills, etc., 
 were carried on. 
 
 On April 20th, a large consolidated review was held at the 
 camp by the entire Division. Thousands of friends and admirers 
 of the Division were present to witness this ceremony. 
 
 On April 26th, the Division again gave a review, but this time 
 in the City of Boston. We marched through the city streets, 
 which were elaborately decorated and which were lined with people 
 beyond count. It was one of the most impressive sights Boston 
 ever witnessed. The boys, marching with bayonets fixed and fight- 
 ing helmets on, made it a real war-time spectacle. 
 
 April 28th. This was the day looked forward to by the boys 
 for at least one year. It was on this day that K Company, 101st 
 Infantry, was to be mustered out of the service of the United 
 States Army. All papers were arranged, pay rolls prepared, and 
 each man given his own discharge. As the boys took such equip- 
 ment as they were allowed to take for their personal property, 
 amid great cheering, many farewells to their buddies, whom they 
 had slept with and fought with during many trying days and 
 nights, they departed for their homes. 
 
 The final chapter of K Company was written on May 2d, 1919. 
 On this day, after I had personally completed the records of "K," 
 accounted for the property allotted to the Company, and re- 
 ceived final clearance papers, I was mustered out of the service. 
 
l7 o DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 With my discharge, K Company, 101st Infantry, with its glorious 
 history of bravery and valor for deeds accomplished in battle, 
 and bearing a record second to no company in the entire American 
 Expeditionary Forces, passed into memory. 
 
 "FINI LA GUERRE" 
 
 "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with J 
 firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let 
 us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the 
 nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the 
 battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which 
 may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among 
 ourselves and with all nations." — From Second Inaugural 
 Address of the illustrious Abraham Lincoln, March 4th, 
 1865. 
 
CROIX DE GUERRE versus CROSS OF GOD 
 
 Dedicated to his Pals 
 By Sergeant II. W. ./. Fitzgerald, 101st Infantry 
 
 You ask me who deserves the praise, 
 
 'Mid battle's rage and strife, 
 And who shall wear the D. S. C.s and Croix des Guerres, 
 
 And be remembered throughout life? 
 
 The leaders who outguessed the foe, 
 
 And led their men for gain, 
 Will surely be remembered, 
 
 And be known in history's fame. 
 
 The man who helps a comrade, 
 
 Who cannot help himself, 
 Or the ones that trust to God, 
 
 And care not for themselves — 
 
 They too will all be cited, 
 
 'Mid cheering and wild applause, 
 Be praised and honored for their bit 
 
 Toward helping out the cause. 
 
 The commanders of the ships at sea, 
 
 Who sink the Ocean's dread, 
 Will also share in prayer and thought, 
 
 And be thought of, after they're dead. 
 
 But there are some, I really hope, 
 
 We'll all remember throughout our life, 
 
 And they're the ones who gave their all — 
 Their lives — in this awful strife. 
 
 Just now they're listed as casualties, 
 
 And hardly a second thought is given, 
 Unless they chance to be a kin or friend ; 
 
 And then home remorse is driven. 
 
 Some few there are who have no ties, 
 
 No mother waiting there, 
 But surely they as well deserve 
 
 A tiny little share. 
 
 171 
 
172 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 So after all is said and done, 
 
 And the boys come marching home, 
 
 'Mid shouting crowds, banner swinging, 
 And the trumpets loudly blown, 
 
 There'll be some gray-haired men and women, 
 Who'll not join the joyous throng, 
 
 For them the wondrous home-coming 
 Will sound like a funeral song. 
 
 Perhaps their only son, husband, or brother — 
 
 The apple of their eye — 
 Has done his bit on foreign soil, 
 
 For justice he did die. 
 
 The waving of the banners, 
 
 The sounding of the drum, 
 Will only be a reminder, 
 
 Of the one that does not come. 
 
 So let this be a gentle hint, 
 
 And if you're ever in a throng, 
 
 Cheering a war-made hero — 
 
 Do it with a shout and song. 
 
 Then after he's received his due, 
 
 And passed with praises loud, 
 Just say a prayer for the lad who can't 
 
 Join in the returning crowd. 
 In after years just keep a thought 
 
 Of the ones who fell o'er there: 
 Whose graves are marked by the Cross of God, 
 
 And whose after life they'll share. 
 
 So here's a health to the winners 
 
 Of all D. S. C.s and Croix des Guerres; 
 
 May they always be happy 
 
 And receive a lucky share ! 
 
 But while we are toasting the heroes, 
 
 Who were made by fame and chance, 
 
 We'll all join in admiration and thanks, 
 To the boys who died in France. 
 
Rudolph J. Ha.ikk 
 
 Grundy Co., Coal City, 111. 
 
 Private, Co. K. 101st Infantry 
 
 Killed in action, October 2.5th. 1!>18 
 
 EvEKETT H. MlNIGAN 
 
 Killed in action. July 15, 191S 
 
 James R. Kirby 
 Killed in action. July 15, 1918 
 
 William S. Carlisle 
 Killed in action, July, 1918 
 
Leo A. Kiii ii v 
 Killed the 23d of October, 1918 
 
 Leon Webster Josselyn 
 
 Killed in action. Waddbnville, France 
 September, 1918 
 
 John J. Savage 
 Died in France, December 8, 1918 
 
 R \ i i'h \V . Douglass 
 
 Killed in action at Waddonville, France 
 
 September, l!H8 
 
TlMMIE Ml'1,1 EN 
 
 Killed in Action 
 
 James F. Run i: 
 Killed in Action 
 
 , r-i. 
 
 George R. Wright 
 
 Killed in Action 
 
 James Connelly 
 
 Killed in Action 
 
 Chahles S. M vers 
 
 Killed in Action 
 
 Aii xandeb K. Borland 
 Killed in Action 
 
 George H. Meaj i \ 
 
 Killed in Action 
 
 William J. Din in v 
 Missing in Action 
 
 Wimi \m J. Johnson 
 
 Died in Service 
 
Edwin T. Armstrong 
 Died from wound received in action 
 
 Robert A. Murray, Jh. 
 Died in France from wounds 
 
 Captain Stephen T. Schoonmaker 
 
 Beloved officer of " K " who com- 
 manded the Company during the Meuse- 
 Argonne fight, in which battle he was 
 killed while leading his troops. 
 
Sn Mtmovmm 
 
 The following is a list of the members of "K" who died 
 in France, and whose memory will always live in the minds 
 and hearts of those of their comrades who were blessed with 
 a safe return to their homes and loved ones: 
 
 CAPT. STEPHEN T. SCHOONMAKER 
 2d LIEUT. ANDREW GERDIN 
 
 GEORGE R. WRIGHT WILLIAM JOHNSON 
 ALEXANDER R. BORLAND JAMES R. KIRBY 
 
 JOHN J. SAVAGE EVERETT H. MINIGAN 
 
 JAMES F. BRUCE TIMOTHY MULLEN 
 
 JAMES CONNELLY ROBERT A. MURRAY, JR. 
 
 ERNEST CAMPBELL CHARLES S. MYERS 
 
 RALPH W. DOUGLASS WILLIAM S. CARLISLE 
 
 LEO ELLERY GEORGE H. MEALEY 
 
 RUDOLPH J. HAJEK EDWIN ARMSTRONG 
 
 EDWARD HOWELL WILLIAM J. DUNPHY 
 LEON W. JOSSELYN 
 
 By their deeds of personal bravery and devotion to the 
 common cause, they upheld the traditions of the American 
 people, enhanced the brilliant record of their Company and 
 Regiment, and proved their sterling qualities by the Supreme 
 Sacrifice, in that they were not afraid to lay down their 
 lives for their country. 
 
 They are enrolled amongst the Heroes of our truly 
 great Regiment and Valorous Division. 
 
 Fear not that ye have died for naught, 
 The torch ye threw to us we caught! 
 
 Ten million hands will hold it high, 
 And Freedom's light shall never die! 
 
 We've learned the lesson that ye taught 
 In Flanders' Field. 
 
 B. W. Lillard 
 
 173 
 
"THE YD CEMETERY" 
 
 "The peasant children pass it as they leave the village school, 
 The pious strangers cross themselves along the road to Toul, 
 The captains call attention as the dusty troops plod by, 
 The officers salute it though receiving no reply; 
 'Tis a spot all brown and barren, 'mid the poppies in the 
 
 grain — 
 The YD cemetery by a roadside in Lorraine. 
 
 "A row of wooden crosses and beneath the upturned sod 
 The hearts once wild and restless now know the peace of God. 
 The brave young lads who left us while life was at its flood, 
 While life was fresh and joyous, and fire was in the blood; 
 Their young lives now enfranchised from mirth or joy or 
 
 pain, 
 They sleep the sleep eternal by a roadside in Lorraine. 
 
 "Of all the myriad places for the dead of man to rest, 
 The graveyard of the warrior for a freeman is the best; 
 Oh ! not for them our pity, but far across the foam 
 For the gray-haired mother, weeping in some New England 
 
 home; 
 'Tis she who has our pity, 'tis she who feels the pain 
 Of the YD cemetery by a roadside in Lorraine. 
 
 "The plodding columns pass them along the old Toul road; 
 New companies come marching where yesterday they strode; 
 Above, the whir of motors — beyond, the roar of guns, 
 Where their allies and their brothers join battle with the 
 
 Huns. 
 And the sunlight of their glory bursts through the clouds and 
 
 rain, 
 O'er the YD cemetery by a roadside in Lorraine." 
 
 Lieut. Col. Harry B. Anderson. 
 
 174 
 
HEADQUARTERS 101st INFANTRY 
 Camp Devens, Mass. 
 
 April 28, 1919. 
 
 Captain James T. Duane, 
 
 Commander, Company K, 101st Infantry, 
 Camp Devens, Mass. 
 
 My dear Captain Duane: 
 
 I cannot allow the muster out of your Company and the departure 
 of the officers and men of your command to their homes upon the 
 completion of their services, without a word of thanks to you, and 
 through you to them, for the very efficient service which they rendered 
 to the Regiment and to the country during all our participation in 
 this war. 
 
 To you all personally, I am sure I do not need to state my 
 sincere appreciation as your Regimental Commander for the loyal 
 manner in which every officer and every man in the Company served 
 during the war, nor to speak in detail of the great accomplishments 
 made by them; for I am sure that every one of them knows how 
 deeply and how sincerely I appreciate, as their Regimental Com- 
 mander, the hardships which they suffered, the efficiency which they 
 displayed, and the accomplishments which they secured during their 
 service. 
 
 Splendidly officered, not only in its commissioned, but in its non- 
 commissioned personnel, this Company never failed when called upon, 
 and indeed exceeded our highest expectations. 
 
 You and every member of your Company have every reason to 
 be proud of the splendid service rendered. You know in your hearts 
 the sacrifices which you have made, the sufferings which you have 
 endured, and the bravery shown on so many occasions, all too little 
 recognized by those who should have been anxious to approve by 
 citation and decoration the splendid heroism those men displayed. 
 
 I am sorry that it has not been our good fortune to secure for 
 these men the decorations which so many of them justly earned, 
 but fortunately the injustices which they have suffered have in no 
 
 175 
 
176 DEAR 
 
 way dimmed the value which the people of the Commonwealth have 
 placed upon their splendid efforts. 
 
 You may be sure that I wish you and all your officers and men a 
 happy return to your homes and a very prosperous, happy, and suc- 
 cessful life, now that you will soon be back with the people you love. 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 (Signed) Edward L. Logan, 
 
 Colonel Commanding 101st Infantry. 
 ELL/FM 
 
'* K " boys on their way to the Mexican Border in l!)l<>. 
 This picture is used only to show contrast between troop 
 train service in America and the mode of travel in France. 
 
 "K " boys coming up for air on a stop during a ride to 
 the front in their de luxe Pullman. 
 
M) Homines — 8.Cheveaux 
 (40 men or 8 animals) 
 
 The only thing missing in these cars was some straw and 
 a few pitch-forks. The boys would then feel exactly like 
 the eight animals. 
 
 President Woodrow Wilson landing in France 
 
Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies Marshal Foch and 
 General Pershing 
 
 -tMCtltt - . ' - ■ .< - -..A-.cu " A'.P !StAR TronT. g^j 
 
 This picture shows Clemenceau more in resemblance of his title. " The 
 Tiger." than any other. 
 
Genera] Pershing greeting Marshal Joffre 
 
 At the entrance of nearlj e\ er\ town or 
 village there was a Crucifix. 
 
 Three members of " K " admiring- this 
 wonderful marble figure it the entrance of 
 Donmartin-la-France. 
 
 Sergt. Paul Devanej 
 Sergt. John O'Mallej 
 Corpl, James Mohan 
 
 Shot before going across. 
 Looking over the mark after taking 
 a ->hot of anti-typhoid. 
 
 Female tillers of the soil women 
 were compelled to do the manual labor 
 while men foughl . 
 
ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN WHO WERE MEMBERS 
 
 OF K COMPANY, 101st INFANTRY, 
 
 .// some time from August 5, 1917, to dale of muster out 
 
 The addresses given are those recorded at time of discharge 
 from service. 
 
 The addresses are printed so that the members of K Company 
 can get in touch with their buddies, whom they may have lost track of, 
 and thereby continue the old Company spirit. 
 
 Capt. James T. Duane, Clinton, Mass. Commanding Company 
 
 Capt. Peter F. Connelly, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Tsfd. as Ch. Provost Marshal at Nice 
 '( Mi. Stephen T. Schoonmaker Killed in action at Verdun 
 
 Capt. Thomas P. Riley, V.i St. Ledger Street, Akron, O. 
 
 Tsfd. to I Company, 101st Inf. 
 1st. Lt. George G. Moyse, Waltham, Mass. 
 
 Tsfd. to U. S. as Instructor 
 1st. Lt. George A. Corbin, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 Tsfd. to U. S. as Instructor 
 1st. Lt. Edward J. Price New York City 
 
 1st. Lt. Ed(;ar R. DENSMORE, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Tsfd. to G Company, 101st Inf. 
 1st. Lt. Leo R. Adams, 80 Central Avenue, Medford, Mass. 
 
 Duty with Company 
 1st. Lt. Edward Guild Tsfd. to Hdqs. Company, 101st Inf. 
 
 1st. Lt. Richard W. Lind Tsfd. to G Company, 101st Inf. 
 
 1st. Lt. John W. Breathed Tsfd. to Hdqs. Company, 101st Inf. 
 2n. i/i. \k.ai. H. Fisher, Foxcroft, Maine 
 
 Tsfd. to U. S. as Instructor 
 2d. Lt. Donald S. Francis, Athol, Mass. 
 
 Tsfd. to U. S. as Instructor 
 2d. Lt. Albert S. Lane Tsfd. to F Company, 101st Inf. 
 
 2d. Lt. Howard J. Cummings, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Wounded in action at Chateau-Thierry 
 *2d. Lt. Andrew Gerdin Killed in action at Waddonville, France 
 
 2d. Lt. Ralph T. Baisden Wounded in action at Verdun, France 
 2d. Lt. Carrol Seehof 1 107 Jarvis Avenue, Chicago, 111. 
 
 2d. Lt. Waldo J. Lacrosse 
 
 Tsfd. to University Sorbonne, Paris, France 
 1T7 
 
178 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 2d. Lt. George G. King Tsfd. to Military Police, A. E. F. 
 
 2d. Lt. William A. Fuller, Clinton, Mass., Tsfd. to Fifth Regiment 
 
 Ralph A. Tyler 
 John F. A. Melledy 
 Charles H. Bent 
 Roy C. Muir 
 
 1ST SERGEANTS 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Hudson, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 585 Main Street, Watertown, Mass. 
 
 Paul L. Devaney 
 Clarence W. Goss 
 Ralph D. Boynton 
 
 William L. Roach 
 Edward R. Reddy 
 
 John H. Hastings 
 Peter J. Schofield 
 Edward W. Brady 
 *William S. Carlisle 
 Martin A. O'Toole 
 *George H. Mealy 
 Michael T. Griffin 
 Eugene C. McSweeney 
 Michael J. Tierney 
 Martin H. O'Malley 
 John J. O'Toole 
 Douglas E. Ross 
 Reginald R. Beal 
 John W. Coughlin 
 Christopher S. Sullivan 
 John T. Maroney 
 David Templeton 
 John P. Kane 
 William Moynihan 
 Harold S. Bandura 
 Willis W. Holt 
 
 SUPPLY SERGEANTS 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 MESS SERGEANTS 
 
 Brookfield, Mass. 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 SERGEANTS 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Stone Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. (Died in service) 
 
 147 Oak Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Cohasset, Mass. (Died in service) 
 
 17 Jersey Avenue, Braintree, Mass. 
 
 9 Oak Street, Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 66 Main Street, Hull, Mass. 
 
 Hall Street, North Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 45 Olney Street, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 3 Stanley Street, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 8 Valley Beach Avenue, Hull, Mass. 
 
 Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 10 High Street, Maynard, Mass. 
 
 24 Parker Avenue, Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 325 Main Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
101 st INFANTRY 
 
 179 
 
 CORPORALS 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Grove Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Oak Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 20 Harrington Street, Revere, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Greeley Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Michael A. Schofield 
 Erhardt E. Vattes 
 Henry H. McCullough 
 Alfred E. Kittila 
 Patrick F. Purcell 
 Christopher C. Joyce 
 Harold C. Beer 
 Thomas J. McDonald 
 
 19 off Shawmut Street, East Weymouth, Mass 
 Lawrence N. Litchfield 40 High Street, North Scituate, Mass 
 
 Augustine W. Norris 
 Michael R. Keating 
 Frank L. Damon 
 Lemuel A. Dill 
 Michael A. McKeigue 
 Albert T. White 
 James F. O'Toole 
 Lincoln Bouve 
 John Q. Knowles 
 Reginald Bates 
 James A. Creswell 
 *George R. Wright 
 Raymond A. Gunnerson 
 
 149 Main Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 61 Fort Hill, Hingham 
 
 80 South Street, Hingham 
 
 Hingham, Mass. 
 
 48 Templeton Street, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 115 Linden Road, Melrose 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 2 Cottage Street, Hingham 
 
 Hull, Mass. 
 
 Highland Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 5 North Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) Braintree, Mass. 
 
 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, Mass. 
 
 *Alexander R. Borland 
 
 (Died in service) Weir Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 Hull, Mass. 
 
 Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 Fresh River Avenue, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 North Main Street, Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 Hanover Center, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 44 Flag Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 140 Pleasant Street, Leominster, Mass. 
 
 Abington, Mass. 
 
 15 Ash Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 30 Union Street, Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 Oak Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Arthur G. Irwin 
 Alfred D. Heald 
 Edward Collins 
 Dudley C. Goodwin 
 Roland T. Phillips 
 Hugh W. Hanna 
 Alfred Langlois 
 John D. Mahan 
 Edward Martin 
 Francis J. Maypother 
 Clarence A. McCracken 
 Patrick J. McDevitt 
 Eugene L. Moisan 
 
180 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Raymond A. Murphy 
 James W. Pender 
 Eugene J. Scanlon 
 James R. Ramsey 
 *John J. Savage 
 Ray A. Scott 
 Edward R. Sullivan 
 Herbert L. Bailey 
 James A. Brickett 
 Henry M. Ellis 
 Richard A. Cronin 
 Walter B. Ducca 
 Harry Fekkes 
 Alfred A. Hall 
 James T. Noonan 
 George Schobert 
 Roy H. Snaith 
 Walter J. Studley 
 Theodore R. Manuell 
 Alpheus J. Ward 
 Howard Beal 
 Lester Fey 
 Nathan Fowler 
 Branan Jacobs 
 
 3 Myrtle Street, Watertown, Mass. 
 
 10 Dervin Place, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 18 Ship Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. (Died in service) 
 
 735 Plymouth Street, Arlington, Mass. 
 
 High Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 99 Temple Street, North Abington, Mass. 
 
 60 State Street, Boston 
 
 10 Highland Avenue, Onset, Mass. 
 
 Lyman Road, Milton, Mass. 
 
 14 Grove Street, East Weymouth 
 
 21 Green Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 3 Martin's Lane, Hingham, Mass. 
 6 Central Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 22 Branch Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 31 Bigelow Street, Quincy, Mass. 
 
 Circuit Street, West Hanover, Mass. 
 
 109 High Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 27 Bromley Park, Roxbury 
 
 Hull Street, North Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 263 Hosea Avenue, Clifton (Cincinnati, O.) 
 
 Oak Grove, Ark. 
 
 COOKS 
 
 Wesley R. Cooper North Street, Champlain, N. Y. 
 
 Frederick T. Morel 
 
 29 Blanchard Street, Pottersville-Somerset, Mass. 
 Robert Stewart Acre Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 William Blackledge 1817 East Willard Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Joseph Casey 21 Hanson Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 Thomas Wallace 
 George H. O'Malley 
 Frank G. Mullen 
 William G. Young 
 John H. Gibbons 
 
 MECHANICS 
 
 Main Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Walker Place, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 207 Pleasant Street, Milton, Mass. 
 
 42 Branch Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clark Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
101st INFANTRY 
 
 181 
 
 Thomas A. Hamilton 
 Charles Hoffman 
 Edward F. Safford 
 Amasa H. Grovenor 
 
 *Edwix Armstrong 
 Howard J. Alexander 
 George Andrews 
 Theodore Arst 
 Seth O. Bailey 
 Raymond A. Bates 
 William F. Baer 
 Henry E. Bearce 
 William J. Bergin 
 William D. Blessing 
 Albert E. Bruce 
 Harry E. Bodman 
 Ernest C. Bryan 
 Arthur Burgess 
 Patrick J. Burns 
 William Burgwinkel 
 Walter F. Bowler 
 Leo Batcheldor 
 Frank Budnak 
 Everett W. Bailey 
 Carl H. Bjorkman 
 James A. Brickett 
 Ralph M. Brickett 
 Adelbert Bresnahan 
 William J. Bolia 
 Orville J. Brown 
 Harold F. Barnes 
 Mateo Bellotti 
 William G. Baer 
 Albin Bjorklund 
 James F. Boylan 
 William H. Brown 
 
 BUGLERS 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 124 West Barnes Street, Napoleon, O. 
 
 Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 PRIVATES 
 
 Clinton, Mass. (Died in service) 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Orchard, Wash. 
 
 51 Washington Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Tekoa, Wash. 
 
 99 Temple Street, North Abington, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Notre Dame du Grace, P. E. I. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 651 East Fourth Street, South Boston, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Yna, Va. 
 
 54 Parkway, Chelsea, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Atlantic, Mass. 
 
 41 Pearl Street, North Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 174 Columbia Street, Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 Ill Beach Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 7996 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 76 Wright Street, Stoneham, Mass. 
 
 9923 Ressemere Avenue, Cleveland, O. 
 
 Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 19 Oak Street, East Braintree, Mass. 
 
 60 State Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 North Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 Clark Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Bland. Va. 
 
 North Main Street, Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 116 Orange Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Weir Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
182 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 James W. Blanchflower 972 Main Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 *James F. Bruce 
 
 (Died in service) 24 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Roxbury, Mass. 
 John B. Buckley 
 Maurice Burns 
 Winfield L. Bailey 
 Fred W. Canaday 
 John H. Cline 
 Joseph L. Cull 
 Michael Cunningham 
 
 113 Commercial Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 42 Guild Street, Roxbury, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 99 Temple Street, North Abington, Mass. 
 
 708 East 4th Street, Greenville, O. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 2, Mineral Wells, Texas 
 
 66 George Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 William R. Crothers 
 Lester R. Curtis 
 Herbert J. Cresswell 
 John M. Curtis 
 Ellsworth Curtis 
 Leo P. Clark 
 Clare E. Crites 
 Joseph W. Cohen 
 William B. Carlson 
 James W. Crowley 
 Ralph T. Cipullo 
 John M. Clougherty 
 Patrick J. Colbert 
 Charles E. Cuneo 
 Rock T. Commings 
 Henry F. Casey 
 Roy N. Coons 
 Robert E. Christy 
 Thomas Calvert 
 William C. Carney 
 David L. Cohen 
 Leon W. Chaffee 
 Alfred W. Cadman 
 William S. Cole 
 William E. Condrick 
 *James Connelly 
 John D. Cleary 
 John Carroa 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 6 Whiting Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 Box 277, Quincy, Mass. 
 
 North Main Street, Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 28 Ashmont Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 4, Paulding, O. 
 
 Tuscarawas, O. 
 
 16 Nahant Avenue, Revere, Mass. 
 
 Kent, Wash. 
 
 107 Sawyer Avenue, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 104 Lake Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 425 West Broadway, Boston, Mass. 
 
 211 Keyes Avenue, Tampa, Fla. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 2, Ashtabula, O. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 15 Grove Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Dayton, Wash. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 5, Carlisle, Ky. 
 
 1126 East 41st Street, Cleveland, O. 
 
 3125 Orange Avenue, Cleveland, O. 
 
 524 Howard Avenue, New Haven, Conn. 
 
 52 Norton Street, North Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 96 Hancock Street, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 177 Broad Street, Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) 
 
 625 Main Street, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 Brooklyn, New York 
 
 "Ernest Campbell, (Died in service) Hersey Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
101 st INFANTRY 
 
 183 
 
 Angelo P. D'Allessio 649 4th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Ernest J. Davidson 
 
 15 East Commercial Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 Edward DeYoung 
 
 DONATO DlVERITA 
 
 William L. Draper 
 Robert E. Dowling 
 Robert E. Dunn 
 John Dunn 
 Paul L. Druffell 
 George F. Duggan 
 George Dixon 
 Harry Douglas 
 
 67 Factory Hill, East Braintree, Mass. 
 
 Gleatto, Italy (father) 
 
 130 High Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Rosalia, Wash. 
 
 79 Rockland Street, Abington, Mass. 
 
 43 North Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 Colton, Wash. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 3424 Colerlamb Avenue, Cincinnati, O. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Morrow, O. 
 
 *Ralph W. Douglas 
 
 (Died in service) 140 West Water Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 Walter B. Ducca 
 John H. Devoid 
 
 *WlLLIAM J. DUNPHY 
 
 Edward G. Ehlert 
 *Leo Ellery 
 Ernest W. Erickson 
 Richard I. Eaton 
 Jerome Ferrigno 
 Walter R. Ferguson 
 John P. Flynn 
 
 14 Grove Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 Dorchester, Mass. (Died in service) 
 9622 Yekel Avenue, Cleveland, O. 
 (Died in service) 
 Rosalia, Wash. 
 Hingham, Mass. 
 407 West 38th Street, New York City 
 R. F. D. No. 3, Peebles, O. 
 Front Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 Andrew J. Franklin North Street, Mechanicsburg, Va., c/o Songen 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Clarksburg, W. Va. 
 Main Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 51 Story Street, Pawtucket, R. I. 
 5 School Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 52 Main Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 727 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 226 Tremont Street, Roxbury, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 65 Birch Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 301 Boyer Avenue, Walla Walla, Wash. 
 
 Acre Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Mike Flannagan 
 James H. Freeman 
 Philip J. Feeley 
 Alexander E. Fluet 
 Michael Gadliardi 
 Matthew Gawinski 
 Francis J. Gauthier 
 Louis P. Giacoumis 
 Walter A. Gutman 
 Ernest Gingerich 
 John A. Grady 
 Milburn Green 
 Edward J. Gannon 
 Emile O. Gersch 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 24I/2 Oak Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
184 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Richard F. Guenther 
 Joseph H. Gillis 
 William D. Goyette 
 Asa H. Gordon 
 Edward J. Gibbons 
 Bennie Gatlin 
 Bernhardt Goebel 
 Stephen J. Grassie 
 Thomas F. Hannon 
 Arthur Hagen 
 *Rudolph J. Hajek 
 John W. Hawkins 
 Chester E. Howes 
 Robert E. Hunt 
 Treece Hunt 
 Vernon Henderson 
 William Henson 
 Harry W. Hill 
 *Edward Howell 
 Flay Henson 
 Timothy F. Hanifan 
 Willie Hendry 
 Frank Howorth 
 Oscar Howland 
 Harvey H. Herzig 
 Ernest J. Hopfman 
 Harry M. Hawkins 
 Ervin J. Heinzelman 
 Herbert W. Hamilton 
 Harold P. Hayden 
 Browny Hanson 
 Alva S. Hodson 
 Philip F. Hoban 
 Martin E. Hubelle 
 William A. Holbrook 
 John Ingersoll 
 Frank Jakubousky 
 Clare E. Josselyn 
 *Leon W. Josselyn 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 40 Tuttle Street, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 44 West Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 241 North Avenue, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 65 Birch Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 46 Belmont Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 2205 East Water Street, Duluth, Minn. 
 
 (Died in service) Grundy Co., Coal City, 111. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, New Waterford, Conn. 
 
 13411 Shaw Avenue, Cleveland, O. 
 
 Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 1305 East Elm Street, Lima, O., c/o Flick 
 
 Washington Street, Hanover, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 2, Ringgold, Ga. 
 
 King Street, West Hanover, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) 
 
 R. F. D. No. 3, Troy, Texas, c/o Rulls 
 
 7 Shawmut Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Starke, Fla., c/o Howe 
 
 R. F. D., Plainville, Tenn. 
 
 North Street, Bentonville, O., c/o Tumbleston 
 
 Griswoldville, Mass. 
 
 24 William Street, Clinton 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Unionport, O. 
 
 305 Splicer Street, Akron, O. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Adams Street, Holbrook, Mass. 
 
 1324 South Arch Street, Alliance, O. 
 
 15 Nershal Street, East Peoria, 111. 
 
 Front Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Carmi, 111. 
 
 40 Broad Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 344 West 7th Street, Jacksonville, Fla. 
 
 10914 Buckley Road, Cleveland, O. 
 
 45 School Street, West Hanover, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) 
 
101 st INFANTRY 
 
 185 
 
 Dumas W. Jones 
 Nels B. Johnson 
 James G. Jeffery 
 George A. Jobe 
 Ernest A. Joesting 
 Luke L. T. Kelly 
 Frank Korabek 
 Thomas Kerrigan 
 Harold E. Keefe 
 Henry B. Kennedy 
 John J. Kelly 
 Michael Kopkas 
 James M. King 
 Arthur L. King 
 Herbert Kelley 
 Francis B. Krause 
 Charles R. Keddy 
 Fred Jackson 
 Herbert C. Kingsbury 
 *William J. Johnson 
 
 * James R. Kirby 
 John H. Kittredge 
 William Kelliher 
 Lawrence H. Kibby 
 Maurice A. Lowe 
 Domonic E. Lepore 
 Sam Lebowetz 
 Joseph LaFlamme 
 Walter E. Litchfield 
 Blake C. Lance 
 Wilbur E. Larkin 
 Hugh G. Le.ieal 
 Stanley F. Lane 
 Maurice Lowe 
 Elmer Lewis 
 Augustine J. Ledwell 
 Harold L. Leard 
 William E. Leslie 
 
 614 State Street, Lawrenceville, 111. 
 
 Benton, O. 
 
 Mammoth Springs, Ark. 
 
 308 North 2d Street, Walla Walla, Wash. 
 
 2623 Hyde Street, San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 10935 Grant Street, Cleveland, O. 
 
 8 Harbor Street, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 56 Bourne Street, Jamaica Plain, Mass. 
 
 23 Short Street, Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 2664 Woodhill Road, Cleveland, O. 
 
 28 Fairmount Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Rigley Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 337 North Columbia Street, Crestline, O. 
 
 5 Fort Hill Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 P. O. Box 24, Barre, Mass. 
 
 858 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) 
 
 37 Madison Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) Clinton, Mass. 
 
 12 Lidge Court, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Boylston Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 148 Warren Street, Roxbury, Mass. 
 
 West Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 1 Fairview Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 2394 East 39th Street, Cleveland, O. 
 
 485 Main Street, Manchester, N. H. 
 
 106 Lincoln Street, North Abington, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 5, Medina, O. 
 
 Berlin, Mass. 
 
 1209 Hyde Street, San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 North Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 70 Hovey Street, Watertown, Mass. 
 
 1046 Alvendo Terrace, Walla Walla, Wash. 
 
 129 Concord Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 10 Emerson Road, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 1050 South Frazier Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
186 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 William F. Litchfield 
 John J. McKenzie 
 Roy G. McKenzie 
 Daniel J. McDonald 
 Lester I. Morse 
 Harold R. Morse 
 Michael J. Madden 
 Defrehn Muir 
 Richard C. Marshall 
 Peter J. McGee 
 Green J. McGriff 
 James P. McKenna 
 Frank L. McHenry 
 Joseph E. Maxwell 
 James D. Mahan 
 William E. Moore 
 Richard D. Medley 
 John F. McCann 
 Glenn S. Mitchell 
 Gregorio Morabito 
 George C. Morgan 
 Carl C. Miller 
 Ray Montgomery 
 Harry D. Moran 
 James C. Muse 
 Joseph McCue 
 Thomas Mayberry 
 Michael J. McLaughlin 
 John E. Magee 
 Peruda V. Maudsly 
 Willie Mueller 
 Floyd L. Meek 
 Charles Marriott 
 Joseph W. Munroe 
 Walter Maddox 
 George C. Martin 
 Stanley M. McLeod 
 Hamilton F. Miner 
 Paul L. Mansfield 
 
 10 Holart Street, Hingham Center, Mass. 
 
 1 1 Canterbury Street, North Cohasset, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Shubenaradle, N. S., Canada 
 
 45 Front Street, Quincy, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 11 North Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 Front Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 106th Street, Perrysburg, O. 
 
 26 Wyeth Street, Maiden, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Live Oak, Fla. 
 
 163 2d Avenue, L. I. City, N. Y. 
 
 208 Bruce Street, Lawrence, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Hammersville, O. 
 
 179 Pleasant Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 5, Kenbridge, Va. 
 
 15 Ainwood Circle, Cambridge, Mass. 
 
 Grove Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 3, Avon, 111. 
 
 St. Stephens Province, Reggia, Italy 
 
 R. F. D. No. 2, Greenbay, Va. 
 
 North Street, Mountpelier, Williams County, O. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 1, Newton Falls, O. 
 
 30 West Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Sanford, Fla. 
 
 390 Bamford Street, St. Paul, Minn. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 83 Adams Street, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Durham, N. H. 
 
 North Street, Cylinder, la. 
 
 585 Leonard Street, Toledo, O. 
 
 7 Fifth Street, Perrysburg, O. 
 
 Grove Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Jackson, Fla. 
 
 117 Pearl Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 274 Bridge Street, North Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 41 Pilgrim Road, Boston, Mass. 
 
101 st INFANTRY 
 
 187 
 
 Joseph L. McKenna 
 George A. McKenzie 
 
 *EvERETT H. MlNIGAN 
 
 James Minigan 
 Harry D. Moran 
 James H. Mohan 
 *Timothy Mullen 
 *Robert A. Murray, Jr 
 *Charles S. Myers 
 Stanton A. Newcomb 
 Frederick R. Murdoch 
 Lawrence F. Nugent 
 Walter J. O'Malley 
 George V. O'Sullivan 
 Patrick J. O'Neil 
 John T. O'Loughlin 
 Frank Polawski 
 Maurice C. Powers 
 Harry Palmer 
 Alva Poe 
 Homer Pritchett 
 Leo Peckham 
 John C. Pafford 
 William H. Pitts 
 Irving H. Packard 
 Michael Quigg 
 Philip J. Feeley 
 John R. Quilty 
 Thomas F. Queeney 
 Alfred Quilty 
 Avery G. Rafuse 
 Leon C. Roby 
 Edgar Rogers 
 Joseph T. Ross S 
 
 Michael J. Ryan 
 Austin Ryder 
 Frank G. Rempe 
 David Rome 
 John T. Rothwell 
 
 30 St. Stephen Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 12 Water Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) South Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 South Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 High Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) Watertown, Mass. 
 
 (Died in service) 
 
 (Died in service) 
 
 68 Putnam Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 17 Cross Street, Palmer, Mass. 
 46 Madison Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 Oak Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Worcester, Mass. 
 
 215 L Street, South Boston, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 106 South Kinwood Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 14 Pleasant Avenue, Boston 
 
 Antioch, 111. 
 
 North Street, Palmer, 111. 
 
 North Street, Freewater, Ore. 
 
 36 Hersey Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 11 Hobart Street, East Braintree, Mass. 
 
 Hull, Mass. 
 
 112 Washington Street, Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 7 Lent Street, Corona, L. I., N. Y. 
 
 32 Ashwood Street, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 38 Topliff Street, Dorchester, Mass. 
 
 42 Norfolk Avenue, Roxbury, Mass. 
 
 13 Bowdoin Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 190 Wilder Street, Lowell, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Plant City, Fla. 
 
 18 Bay View Avenue, Great Hills, L. L, N. Y. 
 
 26 Camp Street, Worcester, Mass. 
 
 18 Gage Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 959 25th Street, Oakland, Cal. 
 
 R. F. D., Rockland, Mass. 
 North Street, Frenchburg, Ky. 
 
188 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 Jerry Scorese 
 Bernard T. Rash 
 Philip Schlist 32 
 
 Michael Scuria 
 Joseph F. Shea 
 William Seegmiller 
 John B. Sheehan 
 Isidore Silverman 
 Donald E. Studley 
 Graziaso Scagni 
 David Spitz 
 Joseph F. Sullivan 
 Hiram D. Strothers 
 Frank E. Shelton 
 Edward Sheldon 
 John H. Shively 
 Anthony Sczphowski 
 David H. Shawver 
 Seth C. Sprague 
 Paul W. Smith 
 Howard H. Sinclair 
 Francis L. Smith 
 Clarence S. Swett 
 Arazio Strano 
 Michael A. Suszynski 
 William L. Tooher 
 Calvert Thomas 
 Ben Tomkins 
 Vincent Tedeschi 
 Charles Tese 
 Joseph Testevarde 
 Joseph F. Trainor 
 Charles A. Trerotola 
 Elmer L. Tatman 
 Thomas J. Terry 
 Frederic C. Thayer 
 Herbert J. Trautner 
 James E. Threlfall 
 George Uher 
 
 4356 East 120th Street, New York City- 
 Oak Street, Clinton, Mass. 
 30 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago, 111. 
 232 East 10th Street, New York City 
 2 Akron Street, Roxbury, Mass. 
 521 East 150th Street, New York City 
 8 Bradford Avenue, Medford, Mass. 
 
 17 Trafford Street, Quincy, Mass. 
 
 39 Webster Street, Springfield, Mass. 
 
 326 Sixteenth Street, West, New York City 
 
 North Street, Bristol, W. Va. 
 
 North Street, Freewater, Ore. 
 
 234 North Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Bradford, O. 
 
 65 Elm Street, Hartford, Conn. 
 
 345 East Birch Street, Walla Walla, Wash. 
 
 981 Bedford Street, North Abington, Mass. 
 
 29 Fields Street, Boston, Mass. 
 
 South Lancaster, Mass. 
 
 1059 Union Street, Rockland, Mass. 
 
 Musca Province, Catania, Italy 
 622 North Main Street, Brockton, Mass. 
 18 Wharf Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 1062 B Street, Corvallis, Ore. 
 
 133 29th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 301 East 115th Street, New York City 
 
 645 39th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 1455 Fifth Avenue, New York City 
 
 315 East 115th Street, New York City 
 
 Main Street, West Groton, Mass. 
 
 269 Middle Street, East Weymouth, Mass. 
 
 219 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. 
 
 Clinton, Mass. 
 
 Hersey Street, Hingham, Mass. 
 
 110/2 Hilda Avenue, Cleveland, O. 
 
1 1 s t INFANTRY 
 
 189 
 
 William Vallery 
 Gordon L. Van Pelt 
 Allen P. Vining 
 George A. Ward 
 Richard E. Weschrob 
 Bryan J. Waldron 
 Peter F. Washington 
 Dennic C. Wright 
 John I. Welch 
 William H. Warters 
 Chester A. Williams 
 Baxter Wallace 
 Earl J. Webb 
 Michael Weltz 
 John H. Williams 
 Prank J. Zeolie 
 
 * Died in service. 
 
 94 Winsor Street, Hartford, Conn. 
 
 102 Cannon Avenue. Lincolnville, N. Y. 
 
 28 Willard Street, East Braintree, Mass. 
 
 Roxbury, Mass. 
 
 279 Colburn Street, East Dedham, Mass. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 3. Wayeross, Ga. 
 
 2533 East 16th Street, Brooklyn. N. Y. 
 
 North Street, Pine Grove, West Va. 
 
 North Street. Jamaica, 111. 
 
 17 River Street, Braintree, Mass. 
 
 North Street, Helena. Ark. 
 
 R. F. D. No. 2. Noxapater. Miss. 
 
 North Street, Lamberton, Pa. 
 
 206 Fulton Street, Clinton. 111. 
 
 80 Hiffli Street, East Wevmouth. Mass. 
 
190 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT "K" 
 
 Members of "K" Who Were Commissioned from the Ranks While 
 
 in France 
 
 Ralph A. Tyler 2d Lieutenant 
 
 William L. Roach 2d Lieutenant 
 
 John H. Hastings 2d Lieutenant 
 
 Howard J. Cummings 2d Lieutenant 
 
 Ralph M. Brickett 2d Lieutenant 
 
 Martin H. O'Malley 1st Lieutenant 
 James T. Duane Captain 
 
 Members of "K" Who Returned to the United States as Instructors 
 
 George G. Moyse 1st Lieutenant 
 
 Edgar R. Densmore 1st Lieutenant 
 
 Neal H. Fisher 2d Lieutenant 
 
 Donald S. Francis 2d Lieutenant 
 
 Albert S. Lane 2d Lieutenant 
 
 George A. Corbin 1st Lieutenant 
 
 John F. A. Melledy 1st Sergeant 
 
 Paul L. Devaney Supply Sergeant 
 
 Members of "K" Who Won Decorations 
 
 Douglas Ross Distinguished Service Cross 
 
 James F. O'Toole Croix de Guerre 
 
 Edward W. Brady Croix de Guerre 
 
 Herbert L. Bailey Croix de Guerre 
 
 Adelbert Bresnehan Croix de Guerre 
 
 Francis J. Maypother Croix de Guerre 
 
 John J. McKenzie Croix de Guerre 
 
 A large number of the members of "K" received Divisional Cita- 
 tions, but no complete list is available. Also, a large number of "K" 
 were recommended for both French and American decorations, but 
 through an unfortunate red-tape system, they were deprived of these 
 honors. 
 
1 1 st I NF ANT R Y 191 
 
 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE 26th DIVISION OF 
 WHICH "K" WAS A PART 
 
 The 26th Division is perpetuating the memory and glorious 
 deeds of 
 
 2,135 
 of its members who answered the immortal roll call while in service. 
 
 Prisoners Captured by the 26th Division 
 Officers, 61; Other Ranks, 3,088; Total, 3,149. 
 
 Total Casualties of the Division in Battle 
 11,536 
 
 German Material Captured 
 31 pieces of Field Artillery 
 23 pieces of Trench Artillery 
 163 Machine-Guns 
 830 Rifles 
 
 This is simply the recorded list, but does not fully account for 
 all material, for the Division captured a tremendous amount of 
 material which it was necessary to abandon on account of advancing. 
 
 The 101st Infantry captured the first gun position of the large 
 gun which had been firing on Paris (Big Bertha). The gun had been 
 almost completely removed. The position was made of solid cement 
 walls and floors measuring about four feet in thickness. 
 
 The 26th Division was the first American unit organized as a 
 Division in the United States and transported complete to France. 
 
 It was the First National Guard unit to land on French soil, 
 and the 101st Infantry was the First National Guard Regiment to 
 land on foreign soil. 
 
 The Division spent 210 days in the front lines. 
 
 The Division had only ten days of rest from February 6th, 1918, 
 the date of its entrance into the lines at Chemin des Dames, until 
 November 11th, 1918, the date of the signing of the armistice. All 
 time between these dates not spent in the lines was occupied by 
 moving from one front to another. 
 
192 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE WORK OF THE DIVISION 
 
 The first units of the Yankee Division sailed from Hoboken, 
 New Jersey, on September 7th, 1917, and landed in St. Nazaire, 
 France, on September 20th, 1917. The Division remained in the 
 training area, with headquarters in Neufchateau, about four months, 
 during which period details of troops were engaged in constructing 
 hospitals, building telephone lines, serving as labor detachments, aided 
 in organizing sections in the service of supplies, and otherwise shared 
 in preparation for the main army, which began to arrive after January 
 1st, 1918. 
 
 The Division entered the front line in the Chemin des Dames 
 Sector February 6th, 1918, and was brigaded with the French, north 
 of Soissons. It remained there until March 21st. On April 3d it 
 entered "La Reine and Boucq Sector," north of Toul, and remained 
 in the front line, holding the first divisional front in the American 
 Army, until June 28th. 
 
 On July 10th it entered the "Pas Fini Sector," north of Chateau- 
 Thierry, which it held until July 25th. On September 8th it entered 
 the Rupt and Troyon Sector, in the St. Mihiel salient, holding it until 
 October 8th, and on October 18th entered the "Neptune Sector," north 
 of Verdun, and it advanced to the rest area in Montigny-le-Roi, which 
 it left for the Le Mans embarkation area late in January, 1919. 
 
 Left Brest, France, March 26th-27th-28th, 1919, arriving in the 
 United States, at Boston, Mass., on April 4th, 5th, 6th, 1919. 
 
 Mustered out of the service May, 1919. 
 
 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
 OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 
 
 To Departing Officers of the A. E. F. 
 
 After honorably serving your Country in the Great War, you 
 are about to embark for the homeland. Remember that the bearing 
 of their officers is reflected in the behavior and discipline of the men 
 you are commanding homeward bound. I most sincerely trust that 
 no single act may occur to stain the splendid record won by our troops 
 in Europe. My confidence and best wishes follow you and them as 
 you cross the sea and in your future service in the Array or elsewhere. 
 
 (Signed) John J. Pershing. 
 
Main American Cemetery, Romagne 
 Under each of these 25,000 crosses lies one of our buddies 
 
 
 
 American Cemetery at Belleau 
 
1 01 st I NF ANTR Y 193 
 
 HEADQUARTERS 
 
 "Eighth Army. June 27. 1918. 
 
 32d Army Corps. 
 
 Staff. 
 
 3d Office. 
 
 3292-3. 
 
 "General Order No. 133 
 
 "At the moment when the Twenty-Sixth Division of Infantry of 
 the United States is leaving the Thirty-Second French Corps, I salute 
 its colors and thank it for the splendid services it has rendered here 
 to the common cause. 
 
 "Under the distinguished command of their chief, General Ed- 
 wards, the high-spirited soldiers of the 'Yankee Division' have taught 
 the enemy some bitter lessons: at Bois Brule, at Seicheprey, at Xivray- 
 Marvoisin ; they have taught him to realize the staunch vigor of the 
 sons of the great republic, fighting for the world's freedom. 
 
 "My heartiest good wishes will accompany the 'Yankee Division' 
 always, in its future combats. 
 
 "General Passaga, 
 "Commanding the Thirty-Second Army Corps, 
 (signed) "Passaga." 
 
 "Sixth Army. July 29, 1918. 
 
 No. 2353-3. 
 
 From: General Degoutte, commanding Sixth Army (French). 
 To: General Edwards, commanding the Twenty-Sixth Division. 
 
 "The operations carried out by Twenty-Sixth American Division 
 from July 18th to July 24th demonstrated the fine soldierly qualities 
 of this unit and the worth of its leader, General Edwards. 
 
 "Cooperating in the attack north of the Marne, the Twenty-Sixth 
 Division fought brilliantly on the line Torcy-Belleau, at Monthiers, 
 Epieds, and Trugny and in the Forest of Fere, advancing more than 
 fifteen kilometers in depth in spite of the desperate resistance of the 
 enemy. 
 
 "I take great pleasure in communicating to General Edwards 
 and his valiant Division this expression of my great esteem, together 
 with my heartiest congratulations for the manner in which they have 
 served the common cause. 
 
 "General Degoutte." 
 
194 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 G. H. Q. 
 
 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. 
 FRANCE. 
 
 "General Orders. August 28, 1918. 
 
 No. 143. 
 
 "It fills me with pride to record in General Orders a tribute to 
 the service and achievements of the First and Third Corps, com- 
 prising the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Twenty-Sixth, Twenty- 
 Eighth, Thirty-Second and Forty-Second Divisions of the American 
 Expeditionary Forces. 
 
 "You came to the battlefield at the crucial hour of the Allied 
 cause. For almost four years the most formidable army the world 
 had as yet seen had pressed its invasion of France and stood threaten- 
 ing its capital. At no time had that army been more powerful or 
 menacing than when, on July 15th, it struck again to destroy in one 
 great battle the brave men opposed to it, and to enforce its brutal will 
 upon the world and civilization. 
 
 "Three days later, in conjunction with our Allies, you counter- 
 attacked. The Allied armies gained a brilliant victory that marks 
 the turning point of the war. You did more than give our brave 
 Allies the support which as a nation our faith was pledged. You 
 proved that our altruism, our pacific spirit, our sense of justice have 
 not blunted our virility or our courage. You have shown that Ameri- 
 can initiative and energy are as fit for the test of war as for the 
 pursuits of peace. You have justly won the unstinted praise of our 
 Allies and the eternal gratitude of our countrymen. 
 
 "We have paid for our success in the lives of many of our brave 
 comrades. We shall cherish their memory always, and claim for our 
 history and literature their bravery, achievement and sacrifice." 
 
101st INFANTRY 195 
 
 HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SIXTH DIVISION, 
 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, 
 FRANCE. 
 "General Orders. 
 No. 93. 
 
 "2. The following tribute to the Division is published for the 
 information of all concerned: 
 
 "HEADQUARTERS 
 
 "Seventeenth Army Corps. October 24, 1918. 
 
 Staff. First Bureau. 
 
 From: General Claudel, commanding the Seventh Army Corps 
 
 (French). 
 
 To: The Commanding General, Twenty-Sixth Division. 
 
 "General — The reputation of your Division preceded it here far 
 ahead. 
 
 "To all its titles of glory gained in fierce struggles, and only 
 recently at the signal of Hattonchatel, it has added on the 23d day 
 of October a page which perhaps is more modest, but still does it 
 great honor. 
 
 "In a few hours, as at a maneuver, it has gained all the objectives 
 assigned to it in the difficult sector of the woods of Houppy, Etrayes, 
 and Belleau. 
 
 "This operation is evidence, indeed, of superior instruction, 
 mobility, and will. 
 
 "I do not know how to thank you sufficiently for your assistance, 
 dear general, and it is my great desire to express to you all our 
 grateful admiration for your splendid Division, which thus has added 
 its name to all of those who fought to hurl the enemy back from the 
 outskirts of Verdun. 
 
 "C. R. Edwards, "H. Claudel." 
 
 "Major-General, Commanding." 
 
196 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY 
 
 AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, 
 
 FRANCE. 
 
 December 20, 1918. 
 From: Chief of Staff, First Army, A. E. F. 
 To: Commanding General, Twenty-Sixth Division, A. E. F. 
 Subject: Visit of President of the United States. 
 
 1. The Army Commander desires me to inform you that, on the 
 recommendation of the commander-in-chief, the President has selected 
 the Twenty-Sixth Division as being the division he will visit on 
 Christmas Day. This selection was made on the ground that the 
 Twenty-Sixth Division had the longest period of service in France. 
 
 2. The Army Commander desires that you be present at the 
 Presidential review at Humes, which is to start at 10.30 a. m., on 
 December 25th, 1918, so that you may conduct the President from 
 the review ground to such town or towns in your area as he may desire 
 to visit. The Army Commander desires me to say that all organiza- 
 tions in the area should be prepared for this visit, billets properly 
 policed, and men lined up outside of same awaiting the arrival of the 
 President. He also desires that the non-commissioned officers in 
 charge of quarters be ready and on the alert to precede the President 
 and the commander-in-chief into such billets as they may desire to 
 inspect. 
 
 3. The President has expressed a desire to eat Christmas dinner 
 with the men, and to that end it is directed that you select some 
 organization which the President and his party can visit at dinner 
 time and eat the soldiers' dinner with the men. In the party it is 
 estimated that there will be somewhere in the neighborhood of forty 
 persons. 
 
 H. A. Drum, 
 Official. Chief of Staff. 
 
 Laurence Halstead, 
 Colonel, General Staff, 
 A. C. of S., G3. 
 
a w 
 
 mm Ei 
 
A. E. F. POEMS 
 
 I LOVE CORNED BEEF 
 
 I love corned beef; I never knew 
 How good the stuff could taste in stew ; 
 I love it wet, I love it dry, 
 I love it baked and called meat pie ; 
 I love it camouflaged in hash, 
 A hundred bucks I'd give — in cash — 
 To have a barrel of such chow 
 A-standing here before me now ; 
 I say YUM YUM when soupie blows, 
 I sniff and raise aloft my nose, 
 CORNED WILLIE ! Ha, Oh, Boy, that's fine; 
 Can hardly keep my place in line. 
 I kick my heels and wildly yell, 
 "Old Sherman said that 'WAR IS HELL,' " 
 But GLADLY would I bear the heat, 
 If corned beef I could get to eat. 
 I love it HOT, I love it Cold, 
 Corned Willie never will grow old; 
 I love it — now PAUSE, listen, friend, 
 When to this war there comes an end, 
 And Peace upon the earth shall reign, 
 I'll hop a boat for home again. 
 Then to a restaurant I'll speed, 
 No dainty manners will I heed, 
 But to the waiter I will cry, 
 "Bring me — well, make it corned beef pie, 
 And — better bring some corned beef STEW — 
 And Corned Beef Cold, I'll take that, too; 
 And — now don't think I'm crazy, man, 
 But could you bring a corned beef can? 
 And wait, I'm not through ordering yet. 
 I want a sirloin steak, you bet, 
 19T 
 
198 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 With hash-browned spuds — now listen, friend, 
 
 I've got the cash, you may depend. 
 
 Right here it is; let's see, I'll try — 
 
 Oh, bring a piece of hot mince pie. 
 
 And all this stuff that's printed here, 
 
 My appetite is HUGE I fear." 
 
 Then, when he's filled my festive board, 
 
 With all these eats, I'll thank the Lord 
 
 (For that's the proper thing to do) 
 
 And then I'll take the corned beef stew, 
 
 The corned beef pie and corned beef cold, 
 
 The corned beef can I'll then take hold, 
 
 And ram the whole works into it 
 
 And say, "NOW, damn you, there you'll sit; 
 
 You've haunted every dream I've had, 
 
 You don't know what shame IS, egad ! 
 
 Now SIT there, Bo. See how you Feel — 
 
 And watch me eat a REG'LAR meal." A. P. B. 
 
 Courtesy Stars and Stripes 
 
101st INFANTRY 199 
 
 DO YOU KNOW THIS GUY? 
 
 One hears at sound of Reveille, 
 
 Straight through till Taps is blown, 
 Gimme, lemme take yer razor, 
 
 Have you got a sou to loan? 
 Or maybe "Gosh, I lost my towel; 
 
 Lemme take yours, will you, Bill?" 
 Have you got some extra "Sunkums?" 
 
 I wanna wet me gill. 
 
 All through the day it's e'er the same, 
 
 Week in, week out. Say, Bo, 
 I'm just a few francs shy today; 
 
 Wot's chances for a throw? 
 You know me, Al, me woid's me bond, 
 
 I've never stuck a pal, 
 But I simply gotta keep that date 
 
 Or hunt another gal. 
 
 Have you an extra undershirt? 
 
 The Major's gonna see 
 What makes the men so nervous-like, 
 
 And scratch so frequently. 
 I'm gonna promenade ce soir, 
 
 Lemme take your new puttees ; 
 Aw, mine's been muddy for a week, 
 
 Loose up, yuh tight ol' cheese. 
 
 I don't know where me money goes, 
 
 It takes the prize for speed, 
 The next day after we've been paid, 
 
 Can't buy a punk French weed. 
 Next month I'll have to slacken up 
 
 Or jump into the lake, 
 But till that old ghost walks again, 
 
 It's gimme, lemme take. 
 
 Frank Eisenberg, Pvt. Tel. Bn. 
 
 Courtesy Stars and Stripes 
 
200 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 REVEILLE 
 
 Get up, get up, you sleepy head, 
 
 And grab your socks and trou; 
 Get up, get up, get out of bed, 
 
 You're in the Army now. 
 
 Get up, get up, you carrion beast, 
 
 Get up and dig for chow ; 
 It doesn't matter what you think, 
 
 You're in the Army now. 
 
 Get up and powder, rouge, and curl, 
 
 And dress — no matter how, 
 But don't be late for Reveille, 
 
 You're in the Army now. 
 
 Get up, you foozle ninny boob, 
 
 There's eggs and cheese and ham 
 (For officers) and slum for you, 
 
 You slave of Uncle Sam. 
 
 But don't you fret or don't you fume, 
 
 For honest Injun, how 
 Would you have felt if you were not 
 
 In Uncle's Army now? 
 
 Ray L. Huff, Pvt. M.D. 
 Courtesy Stars and Stripes 
 
101st INFANTRY 201 
 
 JUST THINKIN' 
 
 Standin' up here on the fire-step, 
 
 Lookin' ahead in the mist, 
 With a tin hat over your ivory, 
 
 And a rifle clutched in your fist, 
 Waitin' and watchin' and wonderin' 
 
 If the Hun's comin' over to-night — 
 Say, ain't the things you think of 
 
 Enough to give you a fright? 
 
 Things you ain't even thought of 
 
 For a couple of months or more, 
 Things that '11 set you laughin' ; 
 
 Things that '11 make you sore ; 
 Things that you saw in the movies, 
 
 Things that you saw on the street, 
 Things that you're really proud of, 
 
 Things that are not so sweet. 
 
 Debts that are past collecting 
 
 Stories you hear and forget, 
 Ball games and birthday parties, 
 
 Hours of drill in the wet, 
 Headlines recruitin' posters, 
 
 Sunsets 'way out at sea, 
 Evenings of pay days — golly, 
 
 It's a queer thing, this memory ! 
 
 Faces of pals in Homeburg, 
 
 Voices of women folk, 
 Verses you learnt in schooldays, 
 
 Pop up in the mist and smoke, 
 As you stand there, grippin' that rifle, 
 
 A-starin', and chilled to the bone, 
 Wonderin' and wonderin' and wonderin', 
 
 Just thinkin' there — all alone. 
 
202 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 When will the war be over ? 
 
 When will the gang break through ? 
 What will the U. S. look like? 
 
 What will there be to do? 
 Where will the Boches be then? 
 
 Who will have married Nell? 
 When's that relief a-comin' up ? 
 
 Gosh! But this thinkin's hell! 
 
 Hudson Hawley, Pvt. M. G. Bn. 
 
 Courtesy Stars and Stripes 
 
101st INFANTRY 203 
 
 "WHO SAID SUNNY FRANCE?" 
 
 It lies on your blankets and over your bed, 
 There's mud in the cover that covers your head, 
 There's mud in the coffee, the slum, and the bread, 
 Sunny France. 
 
 There's mud in your eyebrows, there's mud up your nose, 
 There's mud on your leggins to add to your woes, 
 The mud in your boots finds its place 'twixt your toes, 
 Sunny France. 
 
 Oh, the grimy mud, the slimy mud, the mud that makes you swear, 
 The cheesy mud, the greasy mud, that filters through your hair. 
 
 You sleep in the mud, and drink it, that's true, 
 There's mud in the bacon, the rice, and the stew; 
 When you open an egg, you'll find mud in it too, 
 Sunny France. 
 
 There's mud in the water, there's mud in the tea, 
 There's mud in your mess-kit as thick as can be ; 
 It sticks to your fingers like leaves to a tree — 
 Sunny France. 
 
 Oh, the ruddy mud, the muddy mud, the mud that gets your goat, 
 The sliding mud, the gliding mud, that sprays your pants and coat. 
 
 It cakes in your mouth till you feel like an ox, 
 It slips down your back and it rests in your socks ; 
 You think that you're walking on cut-glass and rocks, 
 Sunny France. 
 
 There's mud in your gas mask, there's mud in your hat, 
 There's mud in your helmet, there's mud on your gat; 
 Yet though mud's all 'round us, we're happy at that — 
 Sunny France. 
 
 Oh, the dank, dank mud, the rank, rank mud, there's just one guy 
 
 to blame ; 
 We'll wish him well (we will, like hell!) and Kaiser Bill's his name! 
 
 Jack Warren Carrol, Corp. F. A. 
 
 Courtesy Stars and Stripes 
 
204 
 
 DEAR OLD "K" 
 
 101st, OLD 101st 
 
 Words by Sergeant Lawrence J. Connery, Company A, 101st Inf. 
 
 (Tune: "Maryland") 
 
 Old Massachusetts sons are we, 
 
 101st, old 101st; 
 And ever loyal we shall be, 
 
 101st, old 101st. 
 Old Glory we will wave on high, 
 We'll flaunt her colors to the sky; 
 For her and thee we'd gladly die, 
 
 101st, old 101st. 
 
 We pledge our love to thee today, 
 
 101st, old 101st; 
 We'll never fail thee in the fray, 
 
 101st, old 101st. 
 And midst the battle's din and roar, 
 With courage tested to the core, 
 We'll fight for thee as ne'er before, 
 
 101st, old 101st. 
 
 In future days it is decreed, 
 
 101st, old 101st; 
 A golden page shall tell each deed, 
 
 101st, old 101st. 
 For we have sworn to guard from shame 
 Thy glorious, untarnished name, 
 And history will sing thy fame, 
 
 101st, old 101st. 
 
Inf. 
 
 
 
 PICTURE OF K COMPANY TAKEN JUST BEFOIU SAILING FOR FRANCE, \1iim IB 
 
 PICTURE OF •!<•• TAKEN JUST BEFORE DISBANDING 01 COMPANY 
 llj comparing this picture » lie one taken prior !.. g y to France, the great change in personnel will be noted 
 
, 
 
 ENTIRE 88th DIVISION IN FINAL REVIEW, SHORTLY BEFORE BEING MUSTERED (>! T OF SERVICE 
 
A special effort was made to secure pictures 
 of all K Company men who died in service. 
 The photos qf Lieutenant Gerdin and Corporal 
 Howell did not arrive in time to print. 
 
 205 
 
. uwds minuet.'!:: 
 
 BRHDV-: 
 
 Would we do it over again? 
 I'll say we would. 
 
 206 
 
6rr ' *** captok* by h.co. fir sr.mm 
 
 These should recall happy moments. 
 
 207 
 
LJgyoN«»<?»c op Hi.k. he auK^ay^ ' ! ; 
 
 (Twe CenP«wy c<x»K.') 
 
 jsKiny -- 
 
 Do these scenes recall happy bygones? 
 
 208 
 
Thrills that arise in the life of youth. 
 
 209 
 
^7 ^/Mf J 
 
 q^q^-^±u 
 
 *rX, 
 
 6NOU6H FIREWORKS TO LAST 
 
 him -me. rest op Hts LiP&) 
 
 210 
 
 H 2i6-?9 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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