/"ll r^ O| 20600 THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION VOLUME I ILLINOIS in the WORLD WAR AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION Prepared with the Cooperation and Under the Direction of the Commanding Officers of the Units Comprising the Division VOLUME I CHICAGO STATES PUBLICATIONS SOCIETY 1921 COPYRIGHT, 1920 STATES PUBLICATIONS SOCIETY V, 1 PREFACE TN the preparation of this history of the Thirty-third Division, the pub- *- lishers have had two purposes constantly in mind. They have sought, first, to produce a comprehensive and authoritative history which will preserve for all time the splendid record of the Prairie Division in the greatest of all wars. At the same time they have endeavored to present the inspiring story in such a form that it will be read with interest and profit by every citizen of Illinois. This history may be accepted as an authoritative work because it has been written by or under the supervision of the officers who were in command of the units comprising the division. These men have given liberally of their time and efforts in order that an authentic record might be compiled. To those who have contributed to this work, or who have, as supervisory editors, aided in its production, the publishers acknowledge a very great obligation. For the illustration of this volume thousands of photographs were col- lected from all possible sources. Many were official photographs taken by the United States Signal Corps overseas. Others were obtained from pri- vate sources. Out of the thousands of pictures collected, the best were selected. It is felt that they tell a story of their own without which this volume would be incomplete. For a part of the photographs which have been reproduced the editors are indebted to a large number of officers and members of the various units. It is impossible to give credit to all those who have generously given the use of their photographs for this purpose. A special obligation, however, must be acknowledged to certain officers of the Thirty-third Division who placed large collections of photographs and official maps at the disposal of the pub- lishers. Among these officers, most of whom have also given invaluable assistance in other ways, are: Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn, Colonel John V. Clinnin, Colonel Charles G. Davis, Colonel Horatio B. Hackett, Colonel Harry D. Orr, Colonel Henry A. Allen, Lieutenant Colonel Frank R. Schwen- gel, Lieutenant Colonel Diller S. Myers, Jr., Major Ole Olson, Major Samuel N. Sorenson, Captain Howard D. McDonald, Captain George N. Malstrom, Captain Albert V. Becker, Captain William J. Masoner, Captain Paul E. Anderson, Captain Gail Reed, Captain Charles J. Kraft, and Lieutenant Walter B. Greenwood. The task of compiling a comprehensive and authentic history of the Thirty-third Division has been a tremendous one. Great care has been taken to insure the accuracy of all statements made and of all records embodied in iii 4- iv PREFACE this volume. The publishers believe that these efforts have been as successful as is humanly possible. They present the work to the men of the Thirty- third Division and to the general public with the feeling that it is an accurate and adequate record of the contribution made by the Illinois National Guard to the victory achieved by American and Allied arms. STATES PUBLICATIONS SOCIETY. September 25, 1920. CONTRIBUTORS AND SUPERVISORY EDITORS DONALD F. BIGGS, GENERAL EDITOR WILLIAM ZIMMERMAN, JR., MANAGING EDITOR WATTERSON STEALEY, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Major General George Bell, Jr., Commanding Thirty-third Division. Brigadier General Henry D. Todd, Jr., Commanding Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade. Brigadier General Paul A. Wolf, Commanding Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade. Brigadier General Edward L. King, Commanding Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade. Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn, Commanding 1313! Infantry. Colonel Abel Davis, Commanding i32nd Infantry. Colonel John V. Clinnin, Commanding i3oth Infantry. Colonel Milton J. Forman, Commanding 12 2nd Field Artillery. Colonel Charles G. Davis, Commanding i23rd Field Artillery. Colonel Horatio B. Hackett, Commanding i24th Field Artillery. Colonel Henry A. Allen, Commanding io8th Engineers. Colonel Charles D. Center, Commanding io8th Trains Headquarters and Military Police. Colonel Harry D. Orr, Commanding io8th Sanitary Train; later Division Surgeon. Lieutenant Colonel Frederic L. Huidekoper, Division Adjutant and Official Historian. Lieutenant Colonel George Roth, Adjutant and Chief of Staff, Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Diller S. Myers, Jr., i2Qth Infantry. Lieutenant Colonel Walter J. Fisher, Commanding io8th Ammunition Train. Lieutenant Colonel Frank R. Schwengel, i22nd Field Artillery. Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Forbes, Division Signal Officer. Major Mariano B. Southwick, Commanding i22nd Machine Gun Battalion. Major Albert L. Culbertson, Commanding i23rd Machine Gun Battalion. Major Floyd F. Putman, Commanding i24th Machine Gun Battalion. Major Frank W. Barber, Inspector, Division Staff. Captain Howard D. McDonald, io8th Supply Train. Captain George N. Malstrom, Operations Officer, i3ist Infantry. Captain Albert V. Becker, Adjutant, i32nd Infantry. Captain Harmon L. Ruff, Adjutant, i3oth Infantry. Captain Robert J. Casey, i24th Field Artillery. Captain Charles J. Kraft, Commanding io8th Trench Mortar Battery. Lieutenant Walter B. Greenwood, io8th Field Signal Battalion. Lieutenant Clarence B. Clute, i23rd Field Artillery. Allen L. Churchill, Former Associate Editor, New International Encyclopedia. Junius B. Wood, Accredited Correspondent with the American Expeditionary Forces in France. DEFINITIONS OF MILITARY TERMS Many new words were added to the American military vocabulary by the World War. Some were taken directly or adapted from the French, others are slang terms coined by the Americans themselves. The reader will find of value the following definitions of military terms used frequently in these volumes, many of which had no place in American military terminology before the war: ALERT A bugle call or other alarm given as a warning of a threatened attack. BILLETS Lodgings assigned to troops. BIVOUAC An encampment for the night in the open and without shelter, during which the troops slept under arms and in readiness for instant action. CONSOLIDATING A POSITION The preparation of a captured position with a view to holding it either as the starting point for a subsequent attack or as a defense against an enemy attack. DIGGING-IN The hasty digging of a trench or trenches in order to hold a newly captured position. DUCK-BOARD A section of board-walk consisting of two or more scantling as supports upoi which small pieces of board are nailed at right angles, in order to facilitate the passage of troops across wet or marshy ground. DUD A slang expression applied to shells which fail to burst. ECHELON A military formation in which (i) the position of the units resembles a staircase viewed from the side, or (2) the successive units are disposed in depth i.e., placed succes- sively in the rear of one another. ENFILADE FIRE Fire delivered from the flank and parallel to the line against which it is directed. EVACUATION (in a medical sense) The removal of sick and wounded from a forward area to an area farther in the rear. EXPLOITATION OBJECTIVE The point, line or destination to which the most advanced elements of a successful attack are to be pushed. FASCINE A long, cylindrical bundle of brush-wood or sticks, bound together by withes or wire, and used to line the inside of trenches, fill ditches, mask batteries, etc. FORMING-UP LINE The position or line on which troops arc formed for attack. HOP-OVER A slang expression indicating the initial movement of troops in climbing out of trenches at the beginning of an attack. JUMP-OFF The commencement of an infantry attack. LEAP-FROGGING The passage of troops from the rear through the ranks of other troops in advance. Like the term "passage of the lines," leap-frogging is usually applied to a movement whereby troops in the front line and in contact with the enemy are relieved by troops Irom the rear which advance into still closer contact with the enemy. LIAISON The unity of inter-communication between bodies of troops or individuals. vi DEFINITIONS OF MILITARY TERMS vii LINE OF RESISTANCE The line or system of trenches at which the first serious resistance is to be opposed to an enemy attack. MINE A submarine or underground container charged with high explosive and destined, when fired, to destroy ships, troops or other enemy materiel passing over it. MOPPING-UP The capture or extermination of enemy troops remaining in a captured area or position. NO MAN'S LAND The area embraced between the opposing front-line trenches. NORMAL OBJECTIVFJ^-The line or position to which an attack is to be pushed and which is to be held at the conclusion of such an attack. OBJECTIVE The point, line or position the capture of which is the purpose of military opera- tions. OBSERVATION POST (O. P.) A station occupied by observers and connected by telephone with other elements. POST OF COMMAND (P. C.) The headquarters in the field of the commanding officer of a unit. RECONNAISSANCE An examination of an area by troops or individuals for the purpose of obtaining information as to the nature of the terrain where military operations are to be conducted, or as to the positions, dispositions, strength and intentions of the enemy. REPLACEMENTS Recruits or troops destined to augment the strength of units which have been depleted in consequence of military operations. SALIENT A projection or angle formed by troops or entrenchments jutting out toward the enemy. SAUSAGE A slang expression applied to the elongated balloons used for observation. SCHOOL OF FIRE A school where instruction is given in the principles of shooting, especially for artillery; specifically, a school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where practical instruction is given in field artillery fire. SECTOR A portion of a terrain or military position occupied by a certain unit or defined by geographical limits. SENSITIVE POINTS Points of particular importance to the enemy because of supply, com- munication, concentration or defense. Examples: A trench crossing, cross or fork of roads, depots, villages or enclosed farms, valleys, trench salients, strong-points, etc. STRONG-POINT A point in a system of defense destined to oppose unusual resistance to an enemy attack and consequently strengthened by artificial means. TERRAIN The Anglicized version of a French word meaning ground or sector where military operations take place. ZERO HOUR, "H" HOUR The exact time at which an attack or other military operation is to begin. TERMS EMPLOYED PARTICULARLY IN ARTILLERY OPERATIONS ARTILLERY PARK A collective name given to the whole of the guns, carriages, ammunition, transport and materiel essential to the operations of artillery. The smallest group in which this term is used is that of an army corps. BARRAGE FIRE Fire forming a complete screen or curtain of bursting projectiles through or under which no movement may be made without heavy casualties. viii DEFINITIONS OF MILITARY TERMS BOX BARRAGE A barrage enclosing a hostile position on both flanks and the rear, and used particularly in raids to isolate the position to be raided. A moving barrage and covering fire are usually employed in conjunction therewith. C. P. O. FIRE Offensive counter-preparation fire to stop a hostile attack before it is launched. It includes a barrage in front of the enemy trenches and fire on the defenses of the first line command posts and approaches. COUNTER-BARRAGE When the enemy has laid down a barrage in his attack, a counter-bar- rage (the barrage of the C. P. O.) is laid to hold such attack and prevent the arrival of reinforcements. COUNTER-BATTERY FIRE Fire delivered by batteries designated for the purpose to silence or neutralize firing hostile batteries. COVERING BARRAGE OR FIRE Fire employed during the advance of attacking troops, to destroy or neutralize enemy strong points and defenses and the resistance of enemy forces. Usually executed by heavy calibre guns. CREEPING OR MOVING BARRAGE Barrage fire employed during the advance of attacking troops and which moves by bounds at a given rate for the purpose of destroying or reducing enemy resistance immediately before the contact of the attackers. Smoke shells are at times used in conjunction with high explosive shells in such a barrage to form a screen. DEFENSIVE BARRAGE A barrage employed in C. P. O. fire or to stop the advance of counterattacks. DEMOLITION FIRE Fire for destruction upon hostile batteries, defensive works or enemy formations. DEMONSTRATION FIRE Fire delivered to deceive the enemy as to the point of a projected attack. DRUMFIRE A name first applied by the enemy to fire resembling the rolling of drums, when many pieces of artillery of various calibre are employed in a bombardment preliminary to an attack or in preparation fire. HARASSING FIRE Fire employed to embarrass the movements and supplies of the enemy. INTERDICTION FIRE Fire to prevent passage to essential points. LIFTING BARRAGE Synonymous with creeping or moving barrage. A barrage that advances by bounds at a given time or rate. ORIENTATION The science or operations whereby lines joining plotted points upon a map are caused to be parallel with the corresponding directions on the ground. PANEL STATION The station where pane's are displayed to communicate messages to air- planes. Such stations receive messages from the planes by wireless and are in telephonic communication with posts of command and battery stations. PREPARATION FIRE The preliminary bombardment preceding an attack. It is employed to breach wire, and destroy defenses, strong-points, posts of command, observation posts, communications, machine gun nests, hostile batteries, etc. ROLLING BARRAGE Synonymous with creeping or moving barrage. PROJECTILES Shrapnel: A cylindrical steel body containing hardened lead balls with a bursting charge of powder. By means of a time fuse the projectile is burst in air and the balls are projected by the powder charge in a cone-shaped sheaf in the path in which the projectile is traveling. It is used against personnel. DEFINITIONS OF MILITARY TERMS ix High explosive shell: The projectile is charged with compressed explosive of great power. By means of a fuse, it bursts upon impact, either instantaneously or with varying delay, dependent upon the particular fuse used. The projectile is burst into fragments It is used against personnel and material and in all destructive fire of defenses. Gas Shell: A projectile containing gas in liquid form and a bursting charge of powder. By means of a fuse, the shell bursts upon impact and the liquid is vaporized and forms a gas cloud at once, or is sprayed over the ground for the production of gas by evaporation. Many different gases were used. The Allies were forced to adopt the gas shell in self-defense after its introduction by the Germans. Smoke Shell : A projectile containing a matrix and a bursting charge of powder. By means of a fuse, the shell bursts upon impact and gives forth a dense smoke. It is used in a barrage to screen movements from the enemy or is used to blind his observation posts. SOUND RANGING SECTION OR GROUP A unit whose duties are to locate hostile artillery by calculations founded upon the rate of travel of sound. Also to adjust the fire of artillery by similar calculations in given cases. These units are particularly adjuncts of stabilized warfare and are similar to the better known Flash Ranging Groups which are commonly abbreviated "S. R. O. T." These latter groups locate hostile artillery positions by intersection on flashes or smoke and also adjust the fire of artillery by similar method. STANDING BARRAGE When an advance is halted according to plan during an attack, the moving barrage becomes stationary or a "standing barrage," either upon a hostile line about to be entered or before the line of attack during organization of a position to protect the infantry from counterattack. EQUIVALENT OF FRENCH MEASUREMENTS In the calculation of distances, the American Expeditionary Forces used the metric system, in which the meter is the unit of measure. The following table shows the exact equivalents of the French measurements used in these volumes: i millimeter = .03937 inches. i Meter = 3,281 feet or 1.0936 yards. i kilometer = 1093.6 yards. For convenience in converting the French measurements, the following approximate equiva lents may be used: i Millimeter = 1/25 inch, i meter = 40 inches, i kilometer = 5/8 mile. 100 meters = 110 yards, i, 600 meters = i mile. 8 kilometers = 5 miles. DECORATIONS AWARDED TO AMERICAN SOLDIERS The most important decorations awarded by the United States and allied governments to soldiers of the United States are given below. The French and Belgian decorations both include the Croix de Guerre. Where mention is made in these volumes of the Croix de Guerre, the reference is to the French decoration unless otherwise indicated. Congressional Medal of Honor (awarded for valor). Distinguished Service Cross (awarded for valor). Distinguished Service Medal (awarded for conspicuous service in a position of trust and re- sponsibility). FRENCH Legion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor five classes). Medaille Militaire. Croix de Guerre Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf (Army Citation). Croix de Guerre with Gold Star (Army Corps Citation). Croix de Guerre with Silver Star (Division Citation). Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star (Brigade or Regimental Citation). Medaille d'Honneur des Epidemes (awarded to sanitary personnel and to surgeons and nurses). Fourragere (shoulder cord awarded to organizations receiving two or more citations). BRITISH Order of the Bath (three classes). Order of St. Michael and St. George (two classes). Distinguished Service Order. Distinguished Conduct Medal. Military Medal. Military Cross. BELGIAN Ordre de Leopold (Order of Leopold five classes). Ordre de la Couronne (four classes). Decoration Militaire. Croix de Guerre (awarded only by citation in army orders). Order de St. Maurizio e Lazzaro (five classes). Order Delia Corona de'Italia (four classes). Croce di Guerra (Cross of War). CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL TABLE OF CONTENTS VOLUME I PAGE Definitions of Military Terms vi Equivalents of French Measurements ix Decorations Awarded to American Soldiers x Illinois in the World War A Record of Service i World Dominion the Stake 15 America Turns the Tide 46 The Thirty-third Division 87 A Dedication by General Bell 88 History of the Division 89 The Thirty-third Division Staff 181 The Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade 201 The i3ist Infantry 209 The i32nd Infantry 313 The i24th Machine Gun Battalion 377 XI GOVERNOR FRANK 0. LOWDEN LIBERTY TRIUMPHANT Illinois in the World War HE STORY of the part that Illinois played in the World War is literally the story of a state at war. Above all else, it is the story of hundreds of thousands of the state's most sturdy sons, who, with splendid courage, gave or offered their all in the cause of national security and human liber- ties. To the memory of its soldier and sailor dead Illinois pays reverent tribute. To those who passed through the inferno of fire, many to bear, through their lives, the scars of battle, and to all those who were ready, had the call come, to step into the places of their fallen comrades, the state gives all honor. Had the World War been, as in days of old, a war of armies rather than of nations, these volumes would deal wholly with the record of the fighting men. But because it was a war of nations and of states, the pages that follow tell also how millions of men, women, and children, each in his own way, strove to the utmost to give strength and comfort to the men who were fighting their battles across the sea. For the splendid record which the state of Illinois made in the great conflict, the men who wore the khaki and the blue willingly share the credit with those who gave themselves de- votedly and unselfishly to the important, if less hazardous and less con- spicuous, service upon which the success of the nation's arms depended. It is a glorious record, whether it was written on the hallowed fields of France, in the roaring munition plants at home, on the farms or in the home? where industry, thrift and self-sacrifice became the watchwords, that the nation's armies might not be handicapped for lack of food or money. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR DRAFTED MEN PARADING IN CHICAGO It is a record that is worthy of a great state a state which, when it went to war, gave itself unreservedly to its new and solemn task with the same spirit that in long years of peace had put it in a place of leadership among the commonwealths of the nation. Hundreds of men, as well as many women, of Illinois were playing a part in the world conflict long before the United States entered the war. Some were fighting on the western front, others were wearing the uniform of the Red Cross nurse or the welfare worker. Love of adventure, sympathy for the peoples engaged in the struggle, and a desire to aid in relieving the sufferings of the fighting men and the starving refugees were the compel- ling motives for the sacrifices made by these early volunteers in the cause of right and justice. To the adventurous souls who wished to get most quickly into the thick of the fighting, the greatest appeal was made by the Lafayette Escadrille, the famous American aviation unit in the French army. More than one youth from Illinois who flew with that picturesque company now sleeps in France. Others entered the Foreign Legion, the glorious French fighting division made up of men of all nations. Hundreds served with the British; the borders of Canada were near and easily reached. Many Italians re- turned home to fight for their country when it became involved in the struggle. Ambulance companies were organized, equipped and sent over- seas. Most of these were attached to the French army, but many saw hazardous service with the British, Italian and Serbian armies. But while the contribution made to the cause of the Allies by these A RECORD OF SERVICE soldiers of fortune and angels of mercy who could not wait for their own country to enter the war was far from insignificant, it is small in compari- son with that which was made by Illinois when the United States finally decided to fight. Records compiled in the office of the adjutant general show that Illinois gave 351,153 men to the army and navy of the United States during the war. Out of every twelve men in the army one was from Illinois. Illinois furnished more men to the army and navy than any other state in the Union, with the exception of New York and Pennsylvania, both of which have larger populations. It is in the record that was made by these soldiers and sailors that Illi- nois naturally finds the greatest source of pride. It is a record that stands without a blot. The state's own division, the Thirty-third the only distinctly Illinois division that saw active service in France is especially close to the hearts of the people. Formed from the state's old national guard regiments, the Thirty-third represented every part of the commonwealth. Led chiefly by Illinois men, under the command of Major-General George Bell, Jr., a veteran officer of the regu- lar army, the Thirty-third, after a short period of training over- seas, took its place at the side of the veteran divisions of the American army, and fought glor- iously throughout the critical days of the war. At Hamel, on July 4, 1918, four companies of the Thirty- third two from the i3ist and two from the 13 2nd Infantry gave a promise of what might be expected later of the Illinois men. Advancing with the Aus- tralians, they attacked the foe with such fury and such splendid gallantry that they amazed their hard-fighting comrades from the antipodes. For conspicuous bravery in this action, the first in which they were engaged, nineteen officers and men of the four companies were awarded the British Military Cross or the Medal of Honor, the decorations being presented personally by ESTABLISHING THE ENTENTE King George V. A doughboy with new-found friends. From that time until hostilities ceased on November n, the Thirty-third Division was in action almost continuously. In fact, from June 22 until November n, a period of nearly five months, there were only eighteen days when some part, at least, of the division was not holding a portion of the allied line. At Chipilly Ridge and Gressaire Wood, where the i3ist Infantry, almost single-handed, broke the German line and cleared the way for the great Somme offensive of the British; at Forges Wood, where the i3ist and 13 2nd, with the 1 24th Machine Gun Battalion, took German defenses which had been regarded as impregnable; at Consenvoye, where portions of all the FRIENDLY INVADERS French children watching the departure of American soldiers for the front. The loist Ammunition Train in Soulosse, April 10, 1918. infantry regiments of the division, with the machine gun battalions, fought bravely and victoriously although exposed to the murderous fire of the enemy through the failure of a supporting division to gain its objective, the Thirty- third established a record for gallantry and efficiency that forms a bright chapter in the history of the American Expeditionary Forces. It is recorded that it never failed to gain its objectives, and that it never called for reen- forcements. In the great attack which opened the desperate Meuse-Argonne campaign, the Thirty-third was the only American division which reached its objective on scheduled time. Although it was detached from the division upon its arrival in France, and did not return to it until after the signing of the armistice, the Fifty- eighth Artillery Brigade, a part of the Thirty-third, saw as active service A RECORD OF SERVICE and fought as gallantly as did the infantry bri- gades. The splendid showing which the bri- gade made in artillery schools after its arrival in France caused it to be made army artillery, thus preventing it from serv- ing as a part of the Thirty-third Division. At St. Mihiel and in the Meuse-Argonne offen- sive, the artillery regi- ments, with the io8th Trench Mortar Battery, A NEW TRIPLE ALLIANCE and the io8th Ammunition Train, supported at various times the First, Thirty- second, Eighty-ninth and Ninety-first Divisions, and served with such con- spicuous bravery that they were repeatedly cited by the divisional and corps commanders. The records of casualties sustained by the Thirty-third Division give grim proof of the severity of the fighting in which it was engaged. The official reports show 989 men of the division to have been killed or to have died of wounds, while 6,266 others were wounded a total of 7,255 battle casualties. The Eighty-sixth Division, which was trained at Camp Grant and was made up chiefly of Illinois selected men, was, in a sense, an ill- starred unit. Depleted time after time while in training by drafts made upon it to fill the ranks of other divisions that were about to sail for France, the Eighty-sixth included in its personnel at various times enough RECEPTION OF MARSHAL JOFFRE IN CHICAGO men to make up several Left to right: Lieutenant Governor Oglesby, Cyrus H. Mc- Cormick, Ex-Premier Viviani, Marshal Joffre, Major General Barry, Mayor William H. Thompson. divisions. If it were pos- sible to trace all the men 6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR who at one time or another enrolled in the Eighty-sixth, doubtless it would be found that the division was represented in almost every regiment that saw active service in France. Despite the difficulties that they continually encountered, the officers of the Eighty-sixth Division finally succeeded in evolving out of the stream of raw recruits that was continuously flowing into Camp Grant a division which they knew would hold its own with the best of the American divisions when it should reach the front. Almost a year after it had gone into train- ing at Camp Grant, the Eighty-sixth was ordered to France. It disembarked at Brest during the latter part of September and the early part of October, and there it received the most disheartening blow of all. The Meuse-Argonne CAPTURING THE SAINT MIHIEL SALIENT Infantry of the Forty-second (Rainbow) Division forming the front line, near St. Benoit, September 15, 1918. In the background are machine-gun crews. campaign was at its height. The American divisions which were engaged were sustaining severe losses, and were appealing for replacements. The need at that time was for men, rather than divisions. As a result the Eighty-sixth, as a division, was sacrificed. The enlisted men and most of the non-commissioned officers of the infantry regiments were scattered among a dozen different units. Major-General Charles H. Martin, who had trained the division, and taken it overseas, was placed in command of the Ninety- second Division, a negro unit, and many of the officers of the infantry regi- ments were given commands in other divisions. The Eighty-sixth was a victim of the fortunes of war, but the months spent in its training were not wasted. Thousands of its infantrymen fought heroically with other units during the closing days of the war. Their con- A RECORD OF SERVICE duct under fire gave con- vincing evidence as to what might have been expected of the Eighty- sixth had it been given the opportunity to go upon the firing line as a unit under the officers who had worked so long and so faithfully to pre- pare it for the ordeal. It may safely be said, de- spite all the adversities of the Eighty-sixth, that no other American divi- sion furnished more fighting men to the Amer- ican forces in France. IN THE TRENCHES Explosion of a phosphorous bomb at maneuvers. Illinois was well represented, also, in two other divisions, the Eighty- fourth and the Eighty-eighth. In the Eighty-fourth were thousands of selected men from the southern part of the state, and the Eighty-eighth included many selected men from western Illinois. The Eighty- fourth Division suf- fered the same fate as the Eighty-sixth. After a long period of training in the United States it was split up when it reached France and many of its officers and men took part in the fighting with other divisions. The Eighty- eighth had just completed its training on the Alsace front and had been transferred to the American Second Army, preliminary to the launching of a great offensive toward Metz, when the armistice put an end to hostilities. ADVANCING THROUGH A SMOKE SCREEN The 3i8th Regiment, which included about 200 Illinois men, at LeNeufour, October 27, 1918. 8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR In addition to these divisions, Illinois was represented at the front by a number of regi- ments and many smaller units. The i4Qth Field Artillery, formerly the First Illinois Field Ar- tillery, under command of Colonel Henry J. Reilly, was called into active service early in the war as a part of the famous Rainbow Divi- sion, the Forty-second. Among the first units to reach France, the i4Qth participated in a dozen major engagements, emerging with a record that is not surpassed by that of any other artillery regiment in the expeditionary forces. A GROUP OF THE 149x11 FIELD ARTILLERY Colonel Reilly at the right; seated at the table, Lieutenant- Colonel Curtis G. Redden. A DANGEROUS CORNER IN EXERMONT Men of the Eighteenth Regiment running for shelter from shell-fire. The First Division had just taken one end of the town when this photograph was taken by Lieutenant Nicholas McDonald (of Chicago), October 7, 1918. A RECORD OF SERVICE The Thirteenth Engineers, a regiment of railroad men recruited from six systems entering Chicago, and trained in that city, was also among the first units to leave for France. For nearly two years this regiment ren- dered valiant service in the operation of French railroads in the war zone. The railroad men were often under fire, and they performed their difficult and hazardous duties with such bravery and skill that many officers and men of the regiment were awarded the Croix de Guerre and other dec- orations by the French government. Though not a combat organization, the Thirteenth was given combat classification on its discharge. From the colored population of the state came two regiments which were in the thick of the fighting. These were the 37oth Infantry, formerly the Eighth In- fantry of the Illinois National Guard, and the 365th Infantry, a regi- ment of Illinois selected men, which, after a period of training at Camp Grant, became a part of the Ninety-sec- ond Division. The 37oth Infantry made a brilliant record during the ten months of its service with the French Fifty-ninth Divi- sion. The regiment went to France with approxi- mately 2,500 men from Chicago and several downstate cities, and it came back with 1,260. Its casualties totalled fifty per cent, of which ninety-five men and one IN THE WAKE OF THE INVADERS The ruins of the cathedral at St. Quentin. 10 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR A PROSPEROUS GERMAN EXPRESSMAN In front of his cozy little cottage with his wife, his mother, his children and his dog. officer were killed in ac- tion. The 37oth had the distinction of being the only negro regiment to go virtually through the entire war with but one white officer, Colonel Thomas A. Roberts, who took command on July 12, 1918. The 36sth Infantry suffered heavier casual- ties than any other unit in the Ninety-second Di- vision. Its record as a combat unit is indicated by the fact that it had nearly six hundred cas- ualties, of whom seventy were killed. From Chicago alone went, four complete base hospital units, which had been organized by the Chicago chapter of the American Red Cross. Base Hospital No. 12 was the first Illinois organization to reach France. It landed in the middle of June, 1917, and entered at once into active serv- ice on the British front. The other three Chicago hospital units, Nos. n, 13 and 14, all reached France in time to help care for the streams of American wounded that poured back from the front during the closing months of the war. In addition to these and many other units which were made up al- most entirely or in large part of Illinois men, the state was well rep- resented in practically every aero squadron, every tank battalion, every signal company and every other unit that had a part in the vie- NO LONGER AN EXPRESSMAN torious offensives waged by the As the same man looked when the Americans Ampriran armv in Franrp captured him in the St. Mihiel drive. He was American army 1 trance. carrying in his pocket the pre-war photograph Illinois men fought with the of himself. A RECORD OF SERVICE ii First Division at Cantigny and throughout the many other engagements in which it later participated; with the Marines at Belleau Wood; and with the Third Division when it stopped the last onrush of the Germans at the Marne. Thousands of them served with the national guard and national army divi- sions of other states, filling the gaps that were torn in the ranks of those units by the guns of the enemy. There were many Illi- nois men in every regiment that drove through the Argonne in that last and most terrible campaign of the war. To the technical and scientific branches of the service, Illinois gave thousands of its most highly trained men. Its doctors, its engineers, its experts in all professions and all branches of industry went into the army and navy by hundreds and by thousands and rendered invaluable service to the men who were bearing the brunt of the fighting. Illinois also made an important contri- bution to the great fleets which made it pos- sible for the United States to transport an army of 2,000,000 men across the 3,000 miles of water with almost no loss of life. From the Naval Train- YONDER LIES METZ! Major General McAndrew, chief of staff, A. E. F., with Secretary Baker at Fort de Marre, Verdun, Septem- ber 26, 1918. "THEY SHALL NOT PASS" This old moat, just inside the city walls of Verdun, could not have stopped the Germans, but living flesh and blood could, and did. 12 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR ing Station at Great Lakes, Illinois, which became, within a few months after the war began, the greatest naval training station in the world, a hundred thousand men were sent to man the warships which drove the U-boats of the enemy from the sea. While its soldiers were preparing themselves for the combat and while they were on the firing line, the men and women of the state "behind the lines," both at home and abroad, were doing their utmost to uphold the arms of the warriors. Many great organizations that were already in existence, notably the Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A., the Salvation Army and the Knights of Columbus, quickly fitted themselves for the task which fell upon them of providing for the comfort and welfare of the fighting men. Other or- ganizations, large and small, grew out of war conditions. Money, next to men, was the greatest need of the government, and Illinois ' gave its share and more of money. About seven per cent of the subscriptions received for the nation's war loans, or a total of approximately $i,3oo,ooo ; coo, came from Illinois, which has but five and one-half per cent of the population of the United States. The success of the several Liberty Loan bond and War Savings stamp campaigns was made possible by the efforts of thousands of volunteer workers, recruited from every class of the state's population. Illinois not only loaned its money, but it gave liberally to support every form of war relief. Statistics compiled by the State Council of Defense show that the total contributions of the state to the various funds raised by the war aid and relief organizations was more than $45,000,000. Before the war was many months old, scores of organizations, in which hundreds of men, women and children were enrolled, were engaged in this work of relief, and in other forms of service that were vitally important to the successful prosecution of the war. Illinois men were responsible for the creation and development of a number of organizations of a national scope THE U. S. MILITARY CEMETERY AT ROMAGNE The burial-place of 32,000 Americans killed in the Argonne. ARECORDOFSERVICE 13 which gave the government invaluable aid. Among these were the American Protective League and the Four-Minute Men. In the Food Administration, the Fuel Administration and many other bodies of an official or quasi-official character which made it possible for the government to carry out its great war-making program, thousands of loyal citizens of Illinois served faithfully and well, setting aside, in many cases, large private interests that they might give their entire time and energies to the service of the government. Not the smallest contribution of the state was the farm crop of 1918, which was estimated by the Department of Agri- culture to be worth $879,697,000 the greatest crop in money value that was ever produced by any state in the Union. In the manufacture of war supplies, Illinois did all and more than it was called on to do. Great factories were converted quickly into munition plants, and new ones were constructed in record time. The output of Illinois factories in direct war contracts in 1918 was approximately $2,000,000,000. The patriotism of the state's workers made it possible to establish this record. Strikes were almost unknown during the war period. In many munition plants holidays were stricken from the calendar. Thoughts of personal com- fort and financial gain gave way before the intense desire to "help win the war." Behind those who were formally allied with the organizations whose stories are told in the pages of these volumes were the millions of men and women of the state who worked silently but no less faithfully in their homes and in their neighborhoods, that the fighting men might lack nothing of cheer and comfort. Before the war ended, many of these carried with them the burden of bereavement. More than 5,000 men of Illinois gave their lives in the defense of world freedom and liberty. Some fell in the stress and fury of the battle, others died of wounds, and still others of disease. However their end came, they gave their lives freely for the cause of Right, and their names and deeds shall ever form one of the brightest heritages of the Commonwealth. To their memories is reverently dedicated this record of ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR. SUNSET IN BELLEAU WOODS THE WAR RECORD OF THE PRAIRIE STATE THE FIGHTING FORCES Illinois gave 351,153 men to the United States Army and Navy for service in the World War, according to statistics compiled by the adjutant general of the state. Of the 351,153 men in the service, 163,143, or more than 46 per cent, entered by enlistment 25,045 in the national guard, 24,663 in the navy, 3,678 in the marine corps and 109,757 in the United States Army (excluding national guard). Illinois registered 1,572,747 men under the selective draft and of these 188,010 were inducted into the service. More than 5,000 Illinois men gave their lives in the service of their country. Of seventy-eight officers and men who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most highly prized military decoration in the world, seven were residents of Illinois, more than were credited to any other state excepting New York; nine were members of the Thirty- third Division, more than were claimed by any other division excepting the Thirtieth ; five were members of the i32nd Infantry, a record excelled by only one other regiment in the American army. More than 400 officers and men from Illinois were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action. Four great training camps were established in Illinois the Reserve Officers' Training Camp at Fort Sheridan, the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, the National Army cantonment at Camp Grant, and the Chanute Flying Field at Rantoul. THE CIVILIAN ARMY Eighty thousand citizens of Illinois engaged in war activities under the direct supervision of the State Council of Defense, nearly 700,000 women of Illinois were enrolled under the banner of the Woman's Committee, State Council of Defense, and hundreds of thousands of other men, women and children were active in the work of various war aid and relief organizations. With 5.5 per cent of the country's population, Illinois took 7.5 per cent of the nation's war loans, subscribing for approximately $1,650,000,000 worth of Liberty bonds and War Savings Stamps. Illinois gave more than $45,000,000 to war aid and relief organizations. Illinois farmers, as a war contribution, produced in 1917 a larger crop than any other state and in 1918 the most valuable crop ever grown in any state. Illinois, in 1918, turned out manufactured products valued at $6,000,000,000, the output consisting chiefly of war supplies and one-third of it produced on direct war contracts. Illinois gave to the nation two of its most powerful war-time organizations, the American Protective League and the Four Minute Men. Organized labor of Illinois met the demand for increased production by maintaining indus- trial peace, not a strike of importance taking place in the state while the nation was actually at war. More than 50 per cent of all the food purchased for the United States Army during the war was supplied by the Chicago zone. Illinois contributed the greater part of these products. Two of the seven members of the Advisory Commission of the Council of National Defense, appointed by President Wilson, were Illinois men. Other citizens of the Prairie state, many of whom served without compensation, were called to Washington to direct some of the most important war-making activities of the government. 14 FRENCH INFANTRY ADVANCING TO THE ATTACK World Dominion the Stake BY ALLEN L. CHURCHILL Former Associate Editor, The New International Encyclopedia AR is dead! Thus said and thought both wise men and fools in those far off, peaceful days of 1914. In Germany too, they said, "War is dead," but with tongue in cheek, while lips now sealed in death on a hundred battle fields drank to a speedy coming of "The Day." It is almost impossible to understand, in the light of the wisdom acquired by four years of agony and bloodshed, the almost universal be- lief in 1914 that great wars were of the past. Even when the clouds began to gather and ob- scure the skies of peace, men said: "It is but a passing shower. It will pass, and the sun will shine tomorrow." Among those who guided the destinies of the nations, only those who ruled Germany and Austria knew that there would be war, and that it re- mained only to find a pretext to let it loose upon the world. For thirty years war had been the obsession of the Kaiser and of those who shared and moulded his thoughts. The object of this war was to be world dominion for Germany. By 1914 the great war machine had been perfected. It had reached the highest point of efficiency. Unless it were put into action, deterioration would begin. A pretext for this action must therefore be found, and soon. Soon it came. Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian crown, visited Serajevo, the capital of Bosnia, a Turkish dependency annexed by Austria in 1908. He received a sullen welcome, and as he and his wife returned from services at the cathedral, a Serbian youth, Gavrio Prinzip, stepped i6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR from among the crowd which lined the street and with two shots from a magazine pistol, killed both the archduke and his wife. Assassination even of crown princes was not an unknown thing in Europe. Kings had been slain by their subjects and no wars had fol- lowed. Now, however, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdi- nand was to be the di- rect cause of a world war, and this because it provided the pretext for which Germany so long had waited. The murder of the archduke created no par- ticular excitement out- side of Germany and Austria, but the rapid succession of events in- dicated beyond doubt that the results of this assassination were not to be passed over by diplo- matic exchanges of regret. Austria declared the crime to be the result of a conspiracy in which high officials of the Serbian government were impli- cated. On July 23, therefore, Austria sent to Serbia an ultimatum, con- taining eleven demands and stipulating that replies must be delivered before 6 o'clock on the evening of July 25. To ten of these demands Serbia assented under protest, but to the eleventh she could not give assent without abrogat- ing her sovereignty. This she refused to do. Behind the Austrian ultimatum was the menacing figure of Germany. The situation now was such as to cause the greatest alarm in the diplomatic centers of all the great powers. Foreign ministers and ambassadors of Eng- land, France and Russia did their utmost to stave off the world catastrophe. Germany, which, with a word, could have changed the attitude of Austria, refused to intercede, and instead protested against the mobilization of Rus- sian forces along her border, declaring this to be tantamount to a declara- tion of war. The chief endeavor of the German rulers was to exclude Eng- land from the war by insuring her neutrality. Sir Edward Grey, British VISCOUNT GREY OF FALLODON Better known as Sir Edward Grey; British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1905 to 1916. In 1919 he was ap- pointed British ambassador to the United States. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE foreign minister, refused to commit himself and continued his efforts to bring about a peaceable settlement of the dispute. On July 31 Germany made an arrogant demand upon Russia that mobili- zation of that nation's forces be stopped within twelve hours. Russia made no reply, and on August i Germany began the World War by declaring war upon Russia. Although Germany's first declaration of war was against Russia, her im- mediate goal was France, and the road to France lay through Belgium, whose neutrality was guaranteed as long ago as 1832, and again in 1870, by Great Britain, France and Prussia. On July 31 England sent a note to France and Germany, asking for a statement of their purpose concerning Belgium. France replied immediately that this nation's neutrality would be respected. Germany answered that she would respect the neutrality of Belgium if Eng- land would stay out of the war. This proposition was promptly declined. It was agreed by the British cabinet on August 2 that if the German fleet should attempt to attack the coast of France, the British fleet would intervene. Ger- many on the following day agreed to refrain from naval attacks on France if England would remain neutral, but refused to commit herself with respect to the neutrality of Belgium. Her purposes in regard to this country, however, already had been made plain, for on August 2 Germany announced to Bel- gium its intention of crossing that country for the purpose of attacking France. The Belgian minister in London made an appeal to the British For- eign Office and was told that invasion of Belgium by Germany would be followed by England's declaration of war. On August 3 Belgium re- plied defiantly to the German demand for the privilege of crossing its soil, and announced that it would defend its terri- tory against invasion. The German hordes were soon crossing the Belgian border. The ac- tual invasion began on August 4, when twelve regiments of Uhlans crossed the frontier near Vise and attacked the Belgian troops defending THE CHAMBER OF MYSTERIES tViA hnrrlpr rMwincr fhp The council chamber at No. 10 Downing Street, official resi- er, ( rivmg me dence Qf the British premier) where the des tinies of many latter back Upon Liege, nations have been decided. i8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR King Albert of Belgium promptly appealed to England, Russia and France for aid in repel- ling the invader. Eng- land sent an ultimatum to Germany demanding assurance that the neu- trality of Belgium would be respected. As no re- ply was made by Ger- many, England imme- diately declared war. With the entrance of England into the con- flict, the issue between autocracy and democ- THE MASTERS OF CENTRAL EUROPE racy was ma de plain be- The Kaiser, Ludendorf, Hindenburg and the Crown Prince. fore the DCOnle of the world. Austria joined with Germany. France and Japan, bound by treaty obligations, joined England and Russia. Italy refused to join its allies, Ger- many and Austria, for the reason that they were not waging a defensive war, and for a time remained neutral. In the brief space available, it is impossible in this summary to present more than a brief review of the great events which followed the march of the German hordes into Belgium. The heroic armies of that gallant nation, hastily gathered to- gether, made a defense which has placed the name of Belgium high upon the scroll of honor of the nations. Belgian efforts, however, strong as they were, could not withstand the over- whelming numbers of the invading armies. The fall of Liege marked the beginning of the ac- tual invasion by Ger- many of Belgium, and it marked, also the begin- ning of that series of atrocities perpetrated on THE DICTATORS OF THE PEACE the defenseless inhabit- Left to right: Lloyd George, Orlando, Clemenceau and Wilson. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE ants, which aroused the horror and indignation of the civilized world and gained for the Germans the name borne by their barbaric forebears the Huns. While these events were transpiring in Bel- gium, England and France were gathering their avail- able forces to repel the German attack. The first British Expeditionary Force landed in France and Belgium on the yth of August. It was called, by the German general staff, England's "Con- temptible Little Army," and this name it proudly bore as one of honor, rather than one of con- tempt. In spite of the deter- mined stand of the allied Belgian, French and British forces, the progress of the German armies through Belgium into France could not successfully be resisted, and following the battle of Mons, in which the lines began to give way, began the Great Retreat, which ended at the Marne. There, partly through the stupidity of German generals, but chiefly through the skill and almost superhuman courage of the French and British soldiers, the German line was crumpled up and sent flying back in retreat to its prepared entrench- ments along the Aisne River. This was followed by terrific efforts on the part of the Germans to reach the Channel ports, but in this, also, they were frus- trated by the skillful movement and the splendid defense of the allied armies. These operations finally resolved themselves into a stalemate in which the hostile armies faced each other in a line of trenches 400 miles in length, extending from Switzerland to the sea. This line remained practically un- changed and unbroken for over three years. While these important events were occurring on the western front, great campaigns were being carried on in Russia and East Prussia. The first clash between the Russian and German forces took place near Libau on the Ger- man frontier on August 3. Two days later the Russians crossed the frontier and drove back the German forces. Other Russian armies were set in motion and for a time met with material successes in East Prussia. Germany, sud- ALBERT, KING OF THE (O Underwood & Underwood BELGIANS 20 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR denly aroused to the dan- ger of invasion from that direction, placed in com- mand of the German armies on the eastern front General von Hindenburg, for whom the study of that region was the pas- sion of his life. Von Hin- denburg gathered together the shattered German forces and met the over- confident Russian army at Allenstein. There fol- lowed the battle of Tan- nenberg, so-called from a village of that name near the great series of marshes known as the Masurian Lakes. Here, by the suc- cessful strategy of von Hindenburg, the Russian armies were defeated and almost completely de- stroyed. Over 15,000 prisoners were taken, with hundreds of guns and vast supplies. The Russians retreated, followed closely by the triumphant Germans. The Russian armies, however, soon were able to make such successful resist- ance, with the aid of large reinforcements, that in the latter part of Septem- ber von Hindenburg in turn was forced to retreat. He was followed closely by the Russians, who kept up persistent attacks through the woods and marshes. The Germans suffered heavily, but von Hindenburg contrived to get the bulk of his forces back across the frontier and continued his retreat to his entrenchments on the Masurian Lakes. While this campaign was in progress, another was being waged by other Russian armies against the Austrian forces in Galicia. The Russians won a complete success in this campaign. On September i, the Austrians evacu- ated Lemberg and tell back with the Russians in pursuit. On September 4 the Austrians were again defeated, and for the time being, Russian ascend- ancy in Poland was complete. With the outbreak of the war, the German fleet took refuge within the fortified harbors of Heligoland and Kiel, while the British fleet, in battle array, took its station on the high seas, prepared to destroy any German fleet THE SPIRIT OF IMPRISONED BELGIUM Desire, Cardinal Mercier, archbishop of Malines, spiritual guide of the Belgian people during the most desperate days of its existence, a man of infinite gentleness, humor, courage and power. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 21 or vessels which might show an inclination to give battle. On August 28 occurred the first im- portant naval action of the war, the battle of Heligoland. A number of German destroyers, followed by two cruisers, issued from behind Heli- goland, and were at once seen by British sub- marines and destroyers which were patrolling the coast. These vessels turned about as though to escape, decoying the German ships after them, until they ap- proached a number of British destroyers coming rapidly from the northwest, followed by several English cruisers. The battle which ensued lasted five hours and resulted in the defeat of the German squadron. Three German cruisers were sunk and one severely damaged. The British vessels suffered no serious damage. In order to prevent the shipment of goods from neutral countries into Germany, Great Britain established a blockade of German ports. Against this Germany protested with great vigor. So severe did the blockade become that the United States government made a vigorous protest against the at- tempt of Great Britain to seize alleged contraband goods in American vessels. (Q International News Service THE RUINS OF THE LIBRARY AT LOUVAIN THE ISLAND OF HELIGOLAND 22 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR These protests were treated with the greatest consideration. Apparently every effort was made by Great Britain to see that no real injustice should be done, but individual Americans suffered great annoyance and some loss. When the United States itself later entered the war, the difference of opinion between the American and British governments disappeared from public view. Late in 1914 Turkey entered the war as an ally of Germany, thus ex-- tending the field of operations into the Near East. Several attempts against the Suez Canal were made by Turkish forces, but these were successfully re- pelled by the British. Through the last months of 1914 and the first months of 1915, the war on the western front continued without material change in the relative posi- THE LUSITANIA LEAVES NEW YORK ON ITS LAST VOYAGE tions of the opposing forces. In the early part of December the British fleet won another great victory over a German squadron, off the Falkland Islands. Scarborough and several other English coast towns were raided by German cruisers, however, and considerable damage was inflicted. Still another vic- tory was won by the British fleet in the battle of Dogger Bank, on January 24, 1915. The Germans lost several of their most important fighting ships in this engagement. The British ships were in command of Vice-Admiral David Beatty, whose wife was a daughter of Marshall Field, of Chicago. In the United States Germany had in the meantime been engaged actively in the execution of a series of plots and the spreading of propaganda, which did much to alienate whatever sympathy for the German cause had existed in America at the outbreak of the war. These activities included attempts to blow up munition factories, bridges and ships, and the dissemination of false WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 23 reports of a nature designed to injure the cause of the Allies. These plots and lies failed to make any impression on the morale of American citizenry. However bitter the feeling against Germany as a result of this situa- tion, the United States was not brought face to face with the great war and the things that it signified until May 7, 1915, when the Cunard liner Lusitania, bound from New York to Liverpool, with nearly 2.000 persons on board, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine near Old Head of Kinsale, south- western Ireland. The total number of lives lost was 1,198. Of these 755 were passengers, among them 124 Americans. This atrocious deed, which was directly contrary to all the rules of civilized warfare and international (0) Underwood & Underwood THE BURIAL OF THE LUSITANIA'S DEAD AT QUEENSTOWN law, stirred the country from end to end. President Wilson at once pro- tested, demanding disavowal of the deed, indemnity, and assurance that such a crime would not be repeated. This was followed by a series of notes from the President and unsatisfactory replies from Germany. These continued without practical result until the actual entrance of the United States into the war. On February 19, 1915, the first attack was made in a campaign for the forcing of the Dardanelles Strait by the British and French fleets. In con- nection with the naval operations, allied troops were landed upon the penin- sula of Gallipoli in the face of bitter opposition from the Turkish forces. These operations by land and sea were continued throughout the year but ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR without material success. In spite of the heroism of the attackers, the Al- lies were finally com- pelled to withdraw their forces and abandon the enterprise. It was a fail- ure, but a glorious fail- ure. If the bravery of the Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand army corps) and their com- rades could have brought victory, the Turks would have been wiped out. The decision of Italy to enter the war on the side of the Allies was one of the most import- ant events of this year. Italy made her formal declaration of war on May 23, 1915, and with- in a short time had in- vaded Austria on a sixty- mile front. During the early months of 1915 many bloody battles were fought on the western front, including that of Neuve Chapelle, where the British fought gallantly but with little actual gain in the first weeks of March. The outstanding operation of the British forces on the western front was the battle of the Somme, which began on July i and continued until the autumn of 1915. Losses on both sides in this terrific struggle were enormous. The Canadians especially distinguished themselves, and their losses in killed and wounded were heavy. The Australian and New Zealand corps participated with as great gallantry here as on the peninsula of Gallipoli. For France the year was made glorious by the heroic defense of Verdun. All the power of the German arms was thrown into this attack, which was repelled by a courage and devotion on the part of the French that seemed almost beyond belief. On October 14, 1915, Bulgaria entered the war with a campaign against Serbia. This gallant little country had already repelled two Austrian inva- sions, but was now overwhelmed by the combined German, Austrian and Bul- (9 Underwood & Underwood EDITH CAVELL The English nurse who was executed on October 12, 1915, by the Germans because she helped British prisoners to escape. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 25 garian armies. The occupation of Saloniki by British and French expedition- ary forces compelled Greece to remain with the Allies, in spite of the efforts of her pro- German king and queen to enlist her forces with Germany. The British suffered disaster in Mesopotamia, where after a gallant campaign lasting throughout 1915, the army under General Townshend was cut off at Kut-el-Amara, and compelled to surrender to the Turks on April 29, 1916. Italian forces continued to advance on Austrian territory and finally suc- ceeded in capturing Gorizia. Portugal entered the war on the side of the Allies, as the result of the strong political and friendly ties existing between that country and England. During 1915 great campaigns also were waged on the eastern front, a continuation of the operations of the previous year. The balance of victory was now with the Russians and now with the Austrians and Germans. Against the Russian forces the Austrian armies were never able to prevail. The Russians during the spring of 1915 captured the fortress of Przemysl and Austria seemed on the verge of collapse. A new German army, however, under the command of General von Mackensen, numbering nearly two million men, with unlimited artillery and supplies, came to the assistance of Austria and in a short time had routed the Russian armies and sent them back in retreat. Lemberg and Warsaw felt to the German arms. During 1916 there occurred two events which brought the war closer to America. The first was the arrival at Baltimore on July 9 of the Deutsch- land, a large German merchant submarine, and the second was the appear- ance on October 7 of a German armed submarine, the U-53, in the harbor of International Filr THE DEUTSCHLAND, FIRST MERCHANT SUBMARINE As it appeared in the harbor of Baltimore. 26 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Newport. On the following day this sub- marine sank a number of British and neutral vessels just outside of the three-mile line on the Atlantic coast. This event aroused great indignation in the United States, but it was decided by the government that the Germans in these operations were acting within their rights. The decision, however, did not soothe public opinion. This was one of the mani- fold foolish acts performed by Germany, which, without gaining military advantage, stirred up against that country the sentiment of the world. It was probably intended as a warning to the United States of what would be done along its coasts if America should become openly hostile. On May 31, 1916, occurred the greatest naval battle of all history, when the British and German fleets met in what is known as the Battle of Jutland. After terrific combat in which both sides sustained great losses of men and vessels, the German fleet withdrew under cover of darkness. A few days later there occurred one of the great tragedies of the war. The British cruiser Hampshire, on which Earl Kitchener and other British offi- cials were traveling, struck a mine and was sunk off the coast of Scotland, with all on board. America, drawing ever nearer to actual participation in the great war, came to the final issue in the first months of 1917. The closing weeks of 1916 were marked by desperate efforts on the part of Germany to bring about peace. On December 12 a note was dispatched to the neutral powers in which it was suggested that the time had come for some definite effort to bring about a condition of peace. On December 18 President Wilson, through Secretary Lansing, sent a note to the warring powers in which he suggested that they declare their respective views as to the terms upon which the war might be concluded. Germany replied to this note in an evasive way, whereas the Allies answered with a detailed statement of the reasons for which they were at war and the terms on which they would conclude the struggle. On January 31, 1917, however, any thought of approaching peace was ended by the declaration of the German government of its intention to pursue unrestricted submarine warfare in a zone around the enemy countries, and sink after February i, 1917, all ships encountered in that zone. In this crisis President Wilson did not delay. On February 3 Count von Bernstorff and his official staff were given their passports. On the afternoon ADMIRAL VON TIRPITZ Supposed to be responsible for the policy of unrestricted submarine war- fare. 28 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR of the same day the President addressed Congress, declaring that the rights of the United States would be maintained. He said: "I do not desire any hostile conflict with the Imperial German Govern- ment. We are the sincere friends of the German people and earnestly desire to remain at peace with the government that speaks for them. We shall not believe that they are hostile to us until we are obliged to believe it, and we purpose nothing more than a reasonable defense of the undoubted rights of our people. We wish to serve no selfish ends. We seek merely to stand true alike in thought and action to the immemorial principles of our people which THESE FRENCH REFUGEES SAVED WHAT THEY COULD I sought to express in my address to the Senate only two weeks ago; seek merely to vindicate our right to liberty and justice and an unmolested life. These are the bases of peace, not war. God grant we may not be challenged to defend them by acts of wilful injustice on the part of the government of Germany." The Senate on February n passed a resolution approving the action taken by the President. On the same day, for the first time since the promul- gation of the German edict, a passenger ship fell a victim to the German blockade. This was the steamer California bound from New York to Glasgow. There followed now a period of tense waiting for the "overt act" which the President had said was necessary before the final steps against Germany WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 29 French Official riiutogiaph A COAL MINE AT LENS AS THE GERMANS LEFT IT should be taken. Other ships, many of which bore American passen- gers, were sunk. To add to the anxiety, the American ambassador, James W. Gerard, was prevented, on various pretexts, from leaving Berlin. On February 26 the President again a d- dressed Congress, and asked for authority to use the armed forces of the United States to protect American rights on the seas. He asked chiefly for permission to arm American vessels, and thus produce a condition of what was called "armed neutrality." Owing to opposition in Congress, this per- mission was not given him, but the President was able to bring about the re- sult through other methods. On March 4, President Wilson was inaugurated for his second term. Almost immediately he called a session of the Sixty-fifth Congress to assemble on April 16. In the meantime German submarines con- tinued to fire on and sink American vessels and vessels which had Americans on board. It was obvious that a state of armed neutrality was inadequate to meet the serious situation. The President was confronted with the necessity of immediately taking more drastic action. He therefore issued a proclama- tion calling for Congress to assemble on April 2 instead of on April 16 "to re- ceive a communication concerning grave matters of national policy." To all thinking men war now seemed inevi- table and preparations steadily went forward with that end in view. On March 25 the Presi- dent called to federal service fourteen national guard regiments. Prepa- '% , rations were also made * ' for the mobilization of other troops. The na- tional government every day received emphatic assurances of support from state legislatures, BUT THE POILU MUST HAVE HIS FUN governors and members ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR to-fifib Congress 0f tire SBnfttb States of America; "B o y o ^ the |;ir$t Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the second day of April, one thousand nine hundred and seventeen. JOINT RESOLUTION Declaring that a state of war exists between the Imperial German Government and the Government and the people of the United States and making provision to prosecute the same. Whereas the Imperial German Government has committed repeatod acts d , That the state of war between the United States and the Imperial German Government which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared; and that the President be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United States and the resources of the Government to carry on war against the Iin|x>rial German Government; and to bring the conflict to a successful termination all of the resources of the country are hereby pledjred by the Congress of the United States. r of the House of Representative*. j ~4 ^'7 I'icc President of the United Strifes and President of the Se AMERICA'S DECLARATION OF WAR (Q Harris and Ewing. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 31 Underwood & Underwood WOODROW WILSON ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR () International Film Service KERENSKY REVIEWING HIS TROOPS of Congress. On the ap- pointed date, April 2, 1917, President Wilson appeared before a joint session of Congress and asked that body to de- clare the existence of a state of war with Ger- many. On the next day the foreign affairs com- mittees of both houses met to consider a joint resolution introduced im- mediately after the President's address. The resolution as adopted was approved by the President on April 6. The United States was finally in the war, and for Germany this was the beginning of the end. When the giant of the West unsheathed his sword the war-weary Allies were filled with fresh courage and hope, which lent vigor to their armies before America's power could be put into play. A week after the American declaration the gallant Canadian troops, by a series of assaults, took from the Germans a number of important points about Lens, where a deadlock had existed for nearly two years. At the same time the Germans were in retreat before the British forces on a long front. Everywhere was evidence of renewed vigor, the result of faith in the power of the United States. The Italians, not to be outdone by their companions in arms on the northern battle line, pressed back the Aus- trian invaders on the Carso in a series of brilliant battles, from May 22 to 26. Meanwhile there came an announcement which was later to be recog- nized as one of great importance. On May 15 General Foch, later to be commander of all the Allies' forces, was appointed chief of staff of the French armies. In the United States no time was wasted. From the day war was de- clared every effort was made to produce as rapidly as possible an aggressive and powerful fighting force. A bill providing for compulsory military service was passed quickly through Congress and on May 18 was signed by the Presi- dent. In obedience to the terms of this measure, all men between the ages of 21 and 30, inclusive, registered for service on June 5. General Pershing, commander-in-chief of the American Expeditionary Forces, reached England on his way to France on June 8. He was followed WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 33 on July 3 by the first de- tachments of the great army which eventually was to be under his com- mand. Great events had occurred in Russia dur- ing these months. The imperial regime was overthrown in a revolu- tion which scarcely dis- turbed the routine of na- tional life, and on July 20, Alexander Kerensky became premier of a new provisional government, which proclaimed its al- legiance to the Allies and i t s determination t o carry on the war against Germany. The British re- sumed their assaults against the German lines in July, and on the 3151 penetrated them to a considerable extent on a twenty-mile front between Warneton and Dixmude. This thrust was the only important movement in the western theater until August 15, when Canadian troops, by almost superhuman efforts, captured the famous Hill 70, overlooking Lens. Various steps toward peace were taken late in the summer of 1917, the principal proposal being made by Pope Benedict XV. The pope sent to all the warring powers a plea for peace on the basis of "no annexations and no indemnities," but the proposal was not acceptable. President Wilson rejected it on August 28. On September 5 the new American national army began to assemble in the several cantonments for training. Other American forces were steadily going overseas. In Flanders and the East the Allies won important victories as fall ap- proached. By a brilliant stroke on September 29 the British army in Meso- potamia succeeded in capturing a large Turkish force. Ten days later French and British forces took several strong German positions in Flanders. The American troops in France fired their first shot in trench warfare on October 23, and on the same day the French began an advance northwest of Soissons. These victories were offset in some degree by successes of the Austro- British Official Photograph A STREET IN CAMBRAI The morning the Germans were driven out. 34 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR German armies on the Italian front. Their of- fensive, which began Oc- tober 24, was directed against Italian troops whose morale had been weakened b y propa- ganda. It resulted in one of the great disasters of the war, a precipitate retreat of all the Italian forces across the Isonzo river. Canadian troops, by a brilliant stroke, captured the town of Passchendaele in Flanders on Novem- ber 6. Ten days later the Italians under General Diaz made a desperate stand, repulsing the Austro-German forces on the Asiago plateau of the Brenta River. This cheering victory was followed by a British drive toward Cambrai, in which the Bois de Bourlon, three miles from the" city, was captured. In Russia, meanwhile, events had favored the Germans. Kerensky had proved too weak to control the rising radical forces, and on November 7 he was deposed by a Bolshevist counter-revolution, directed by Lenin and Trot- zky. The new rulers immediately opened peace negotiations which resulted in virtual unconditional surrender to Germany on December 16, by the treaty of Brest-Li to vsk. In the East, however, the British had been winning victories of far- FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH lintisli Official Pliou>grapc BRITISH DRESSING STATION NEAR CAMBRAI WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 35 reaching importance. On November i the army operating in Palestine cap- tured historic Beersheba. An advance against Jerusalem was begun, and after a series of brilliant victories the British captured the city, December 9. ending the Turkish rule imposed 673 years before. The opening weeks of 1918 found American troops overseas in large numbers. An entire sector northwest of Toul was taken over on January 19, but there was little activity until March i, when the Americans won a signal victory in the salient north of Toul. The Germans launched a tremendous final effort on March 21, driving forward along a fifty-mile front between La Fere and Arras. Although the attack was not unexpected, the British and French were unable to hold back the overwhelming forces the enemy threw against them. Position after posi- tion, fought for and held for years, was given up to the desperate Ger- mans. In this crisis, Gen- eral Foch was put in su- preme command of all the allied forces. Gen- eral Pershing pledged the support of all avail- able troops to General Foch, but before exten- sive use of the Ameri- cans became necessary the drive was checked. When at last they were halted the Germans had made an ad v a n c e of thirty-five miles and were within gunshot of Amiens. A second drive, about Ypres, was not stopped until the Ger- mans had gained ten miles. The British navy, on April 23, performed one of the most gallant and spectacular feats of the war by blocking the German submarine base Underwwxl & Underw d . 7 , THE CHRISTIAN CONQUEROR IN JERUSALEM ~~ - )ru ^S e - General Allenby, like the crusaders of the Middle Ages, entered On May 27, the the city on foot. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR International News Service THE CLOTH HALL AT YPRES As it looked at the moment the flames burst forth from the tower. enemy began a third offensive on the Aisne-Marne front, in the thirty-mile sector between Soissons and Rheims. The Germans swept irresistibly for- ward, taking the Chemin des Dames, crossing the Vesle at Fismes and then gaining a foothold beyond the Aisne. American troops in their first inde- pendent action of any importance, captured the town of Cantigny as the German drive began, but their victory was dwarfed by the extent of enemy gains elsewhere. By May 31 the advancing Germans had reached Chateau-Thierry, on THE CLOTH HALL AT YPRES AFTER THE FIRE WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 37 the Marne. only forty miles from Paris. There, however, they were checked by French and American troops. Elsewhere along the salient formed by their advance the Germans made small gains in the days following, but they could not advance at Chateau- Thierry, where the point of their wedge rested. An attack delivered on June 2 was sharply repulsed, and on June 6 American marines and regulars who had been rushed to this sector gained two miles on a two and one-half mile front. This drive marked the beginning of American cooperation on a large scale. President Wilson announced on July 2, in commenting on the capture of British Official Photograph A BRITISH OUTPOST IN THE YPRES SALIENT Vaux by American troops the day before, that the forces of the United States in France numbered more than 1,000,000 men. On July 15 the Germans made a last attempt to break the line at Chateau-Thierry. They succeeded in crossing the Marne but were promptly driven back. Three days later the French and Americans launched all along the Aisne- Marne front a counter-offensive which was to continue, almost without pause, until the end of hostilities. The salient formed by the German drive to the Marne was rapidly cleared. On July 27 and 28 the Allies crossed the Ourcq River, with the Germans in full retreat toward the Vesle. Soissons was captured by the Allies on August 2, after important gains ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR north of the Ourcq ; and three days later Ameri- can patrols crossed the Vesle at many points in pursuit of the flying enemy. The river was crossed in force on Au- gust 7. The next day Field Marshal Haig, assisted by two American divi- sions, began a drive in Picardy, penetrating the German lines to a dis- tance of fourteen miles. Peronne, a hotly con- tested strategic point, was captured by the Australians on September i, and British and Americans, righting side by side in Flanders, drove the Germans back to the Hindenburg Line. American forces cleared the famous St. Mihiel salient in an offensive which started September 12 and continued through the following day. They liberated more than 150 square miles of French territory, which had been in "ZUTRITT VERBOTEN" Thus read the German inscription in the outskirts of Peronne. The Allies, with characteristic humor, left the sign but the town. took THE AMERICANS WERE NOT ALONE AT CHATEAU-THIERRY 'At the Marne," said the French, "we shall stop them." And at the Manic the Germans stopped. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 39 the hands of the Ger- mans since 1914. Meanwhile other armies of the Allies had been winning victories in distant fields. In far- away Palestine the Brit- ish forces under General Allenby captured Naza- reth on September 20. The combined British, Greek, Serbian, Italian and French forces in the Balkans had the Bulga- rian armies in flight, foreshadowing their sur- render on September 29. On September 26 the American armies began along the Meuse-Argonne front an offensive which was to be the last and greatest battle of the war. The initial attack of the First Army penetrated the German lines west of the Meuse to a depth of seven miles on a twenty-mile front. The drive was re- lentlessly continued next day, while the Belgians, in a spirited attack from Ypres to the North Sea, were forcing the Germans back four miles. The French, striking in their sector, captured St. Quentin, a cornerstone of the Hindenburg Line, on October i and 2. In the Meuse-Argonne offensive, con- THE EVIDENCES OF WAR A ruined factory in St. Quentin. ON THE ANCRE RIVER, WHERE THE BRITISH ADVANCED IN MIDSUMMER OF 1918 40 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR tinuing to the very last days of the war, all units of the Thirty-third Divi- sion played a conspicuous part. The German government, foreseeing the end, asked President Wilson on October 5 to use his influence with the Allies in an effort to have an armistice declared. The President replied three days later by asking whether the chancellor, Prince Maximilian of Baden, spoke for the people or for the war- lords of Germany. He insisted that the United States could treat only with representatives of the people. While the diplomats argued, the American army continued to advance in the great Meuse-Argonne campaign. By the middle of October Grand Pre, St. Juvin, Romagne and other important points ON THE WAY TO SEDAN The Aisne at Vouziers, which was retaken by the French in the last week of the war. had been taken by the Americans, and farther north their French, British and Belgian allies were pressing steadily forward. Ostend, the German submarine base, was taken on October 17 by a concerted action of land and sea forces, made possible by continued advances of Belgian and British troops. Bruges and Zeebrugge were captured two days later. The Germans now made another request for an armistice, and were re- ferred by President Wilson to Marshal Foch for the allied terms. By this time it was evident that the enemy must choose between surrender and over- whelming defeat, for the German line was crumbling everywhere. On October 25 the Italians, not to be outdone by their allies, began a terrific drive, which resulted in the capture of 50.000 prisoners in five days. WORLD DOMINION THE STAKE 41 The first days of November will ever be glorious in the annals of Ameri- can arms. While the great armies under General Pershing were sweeping for- ward on a fifty-mile front about Verdun, with the enemy in full retreat, Aus- tria surrendered, signing an armistice after the Italians had captured 500,000 prisoners and put the Austro-German forces to rout. By November 4 the American troops had advanced beyond Stenay and were preparing to strike at Sedan. At the same time other forces of the Allies captured the great fortress of Maubeuge, and the Canadians, advanc- ing irresistibly, took Mons. It was the end. Broken on all fronts, facing an- nihilation, Germany had no choice. On November n the war lords sur- rendered. At ii a. m. that day the fighting ceased. The greatest and most terrible of all wars was ended. MARSHAL FOCH'S TRAIN ARRIVES AT COMPIEGNE At the little village of Rethondes, near Compiegne, the armistice was signed in this car, a dining car, number 24IQ-D. The signing of the armistice agreement, however, did not bring peace to the nations that had forced the war upon the world. Germany and Austria- Hungary both were in the throes of revolution. Their armies crushed, the people of both nations had arisen against the rulers whom they had blindly followed while they still held hope for military success. The fate of the crowned heads of the defeated powers was forecast on November 7 when the Bavarian Diet deposed King Ludwig and proclaimed a republic. Emperor William II of Germany bowed before the inevitable. On November 9, as the final negotiations for an armistice were in progress, he abdicated and sought refuge in Holland. The abdication of Emperor Charles of Austria was announced on the i2th, and twenty- four hours later the re- maining German princes and kings were fleeing from their capitals. 42 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Representatives of the allied and associated governments met in Paris on November 15 to discuss preliminaries to the peace conference and arrange for formal consideration of the terms to be offered the enemy. Premier Cle- menceau, as spokesman for the Allies' representatives, announced that Presi- dent Wilson would be asked to participate in the final conferences, and on November 18 the President agreed to go to Paris. While the allied armies were marching toward the German border to maintain order and enforce the provisions of the armistice agreement, the political upheaval in Germany and Austria continued. In Germany a mod- International Film Service PROCLAMATION OF THE GERMAN REPUBLIC In the shadow of Bismarck's statue, the great Reichstag building in the background, Karl Liebknecht, a Socialist, proclaimed the republic. erate group gradually gained control and a republic, headed by Friedrich Ebert, came into being. Although formed on November 10, the provisional government did not establish itself definitely until November 28, when the Liebknecht group of extremists was beaten in decisive fights in the streets of Berlin. The next day the new government asked for and received the formal abdications of the kaiser and the crown prince. The peace delegates decided on the last day of November to hold the conference in Paris and Versailles. Premier Clemenceau and Marshal Foch, with Premier Orlando and Foreign Minister Soninc of Italy, went to London December i to discuss peace problems with British leaders, and four days later President Wilson sailed from New York with the other American delegates. n 5' H JQ ffl B. 44 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR The President was welcomed to Europe with tremendous ovations. He was hailed everywhere as the representative of the nation whose strength had tipped the balance and given victory to the Allies. Preliminary conferences between allied leaders and meetings of a su- preme council, representing the nations that had borne the burden of the war, occupied the time of the delegates until January 18, when the first ses- sion of the peace congress was held. Premier Clemenceau was elected president of the congress, which at once began its deliberations. For nearly five months the congress studied, debated and recast peace proposals. On May 7 the terms were communi- THE AMERICAN PEACE COMMISSIONERS Left to right: Colonel Edward M. House, Secretary of State Robert Lansing, President Wilson, Henry White, and Major General Tasker H. Bliss. cated to the German delegates who had been summoned to Paris. The enemy's representatives demurred at first and counter proposals were offered. The Allies, however, were firm and few changes were made. On June 28, in the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, where the Ger- man empire had been born amid the wreckage of France almost fifty years before, the treaty of peace was signed. Before a gathering in which almost every nation in the world was represented, the German delegates affixed their signatures to the treaty which defined their utter defeat. Although the treaty was not to become wholly operative until ratified by the signatory powers, June 28 really marked the end of the World War. When the last German delegate had signed, the defeat of imperialism was complete, and the American mission in Europe was ended. U. S. A. NUMBER ONE The first piece of heavy artillery used by the Americans on the Lorraine front. America Turns the Tide BY JUNIUS B. WOOD Accredited Correspondent with the American Expeditionary Forces in France MERICA'S part in the war was as much an achievement of the swift as of the strong, and, measuring the magnitude of the United States' contribution to that result, one must recognize the con- ditions that confronted the nation when its declaration of a state of war threw it unprepared into the conflict. Looking back to the situation in the spring of 1917, one feels that the Central powers had some warrant for their be- lief that it would be many months before the United States could put an effective force into the field and that before those months passed the war might be. ended. On April i, 1917, the American army had a strength of 189,964 officers and men, of whom more than one-third were national guardsmen on border patrol service. On November i, 1918, nine- teen months later it had a strength of 3,634,000. The sea forces when war AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 47 in UMITED 5TATE5 AtlD possessions was declared had a strength around 100,000 officers and men, of whom 69,046 were in the navy, 13,692 in the marine corps and the remainder in the naval reserve, naval militia and coast guard. When the armistice was signed their strength was 600,000, more than in all the navies of the world in 1914. In these few months the United States had mobilized nearly four and a half million fighting men. Such an accomplishment is unequaled in history. These men had to be clothed, fed and housed. Most of them had never handled a firearm. Some, though eager to fight for the United States, their adopted country of freedom, could not speak the English language. They had not only to be drilled in the rudiments of mili- tary organization but taught how to handle all the complicated devices of modern warfare. More than all that, it was nec- essary to transport these men, their supplies and equipment, across the ocean to where they were going to fight. Marine docks, many miles of railroads, machinery and rolling stock, immense ice plants and storage warehouses, machine and ordnance repair shops, hospitals and hundreds of other permanent in- stallations were built in France. Practically all was transported from the United States. We sent 2 >53,347 m en and 7,- 500,000 tons of supplies overseas. It cost the government at a rate of more than $1,000,000 an hour, or $21,850,000,000 for the two years, of which 64 per cent went for the army. Under the first selective service law, all men between the ages of 2 1 and 30 years were registered on June 5, 1917, and a subsequent act extended the age limits so that on September 12, 1918, all between the ages of 18 and 45 years were enrolled as possible soldiers. In all 24,234,021 men, or 48 per cent of the nation's male population, were listed, of whom 2,810,296 passed the various physical, mental and medical examinations and were mustered into the service. More would have been mustered in if they had been needed. | AMERICAN | EXPEDITIOMARY I TORCE5 I GROWTH OF THE AMERICAN ARMY By thousands of soldiers on the first of each month; showing the steady, uninterrupted growth. 4 8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE GREATEST LOTTERY IN HISTORY Secretary of War Baker drawing the first number, 258, in the first draft, July 20, 1917. These 2,810,296 were at first called na- tional army troops. They comprised about 77 per cent of the army, the na- tional guard amounted to 10 per cent and the regu- lar army, increased by volunteers, to 13 per cent. Once they were in the all-equalizing uni- form, there was no dif- ference either in* effi- ciency or courage be- tween the drafted sol- dier of the national army and his volunteer com- rades. National army men brought up the na- tional guard divisions to full strength in the training camps at home, and they were the replacements which filled the gaps in all divisions caused by the losses in fighting or campaigning in Europe. At the time of the armistice some of the so-called regular army units were 80 per cent national army men, and many of the national guard units more than 50 per cent. Getting officers for this great growing army was another task. Of more than 200,000 officers commissioned, only one-sixth had had any military ex- perience prior to the war. Half of these had received that experience as enlisted men, and of the remain- der officers of the national guard outnumbered regular army officers two to one. Officers' training camps furnished half of the new officers. The remaining one-third came di- rectly from civil life. The navy was first to carry the stars and stripes actively into the war zone, the first American destroy- ers arriving in British waters for duty on May 4. For the army Gen- eral John J. Pershing, then a major- general, was ordered on May 18 to 6,000 SOURCES OF COMMISSIONED AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE Harris & Ewins GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR FERRYING AN ARMY The George Washington leading one of the many convoys which crossed and recrossed the Atlantic. proceed to France with a division of regulars. He arrived with his staff in London June 8, and on the same day 100 American aviators landed in France. The com- mander-in-chief reached France five days later, and on June 2 7 the First Division, the first com- batant unit to leave and the last to return to the United States, began to disembark at the French seaport of St. Nazaire. Three regiments of engineers, two of which were immediately assigned to active duty with the Brit- ish and the other, the Thirteenth, with the French, six hospital units which went to the British front, and hundreds of officers for training or detached service, followed at brief intervals. The First Division was made up largely of raw recruits, some of whom had never handled a rifle before their arrival in France. The arrival of the division, however, had an immense effect on the morale of the Allies. It was assurance that America was going to fight. By the end of 1917 we had landed only 194,000 men and 473,000 tons of cargo in France. This was due largely to lack of ships. For every troop- ship that crossed, a con- tinuous line of cargo ships carrying supplies was necessary. On July i, 1917, the American trans-Atlantic fleet to- taled 94,000 tons. At the end of 1918 it had reached 3,248,000 tons. The figures for 1917 are striking in comparison with later months. In July, 1918, there were 306,350 men transported to France and in Novem- ber 829,000 tons of cargo were carried across. When the war was ended PERSHiNG'S LANDING IN FRANCE f i , On June 13, 1917, the commander in chief and his staff of fifty- me men were returned seven officers, heralds of millions, arrived at Boulogne. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 51 on our own ships but British ships carried half of them on the eastbound voyages. Besides the First, four divisions arrived in France in 1917. Three of them, the Forty-second, the Twenty-sixth and the Forty-first were national guard units, and one, the Second, included a brigade of Marines. All went into training under seasoned French troops. British officers and noncommissioned men also visited them to teach specialized subjects, and American officers were taken to different parts of the front or to schools of the allied armies. In LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE This was America's message to France on September 6, 1917, the idoth anniversary of Lafayette's birth, delivered at his grave by General Pershing. At the extreme left is Brand Whit- lock, American minister to Belgium, and in the right foreground Marshal Joffre is applauding. these months thirty-seven other divisions were organized in the training camps in America, the first contingents of the national army becoming available Sep- tember 5. All of these units ultimately reached Europe, most of them going directly to the front a few weeks after arrival. Though divisions that reached France later made the steps faster, all fol- lowed the routine of the first five some weeks in a rural training area, then a gradual taking over of the trenches on a quiet sector of the front and finally a plunge into the thick of battle and almost continuous fighting. The fresh ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR young American troops were always put into a spot where the fighting was hardest. The inten- sive training which the Americans received hard- ened their bodies to stand the rigors of weather and the scars of weapons. The war- weary troops of the Al- lies, on the contrary, had lost their striking power. They had the stamina and courage to fight a defensive, but they did not have the strength to launch an offensive. This situation was conclusively proved by the German offen- sives of 1918, which routed the sixth French and fifth British armies until they were halted with the assistance of fresh American units. At the time little was said of the constant insistence by the Allies that the American troops be amalgamated with their units. Needing only men, not officers, our Allies had a plan of absorbing our soldiers as replacements. The American army would not have been an army at all, but a reservoir for the European armies. Even after the first and second American armies had proved their worth the plan was not given up, and at the time of the armis- HITTING THE HAY Few and far between were billets as soft as this, at Nanteuil-les-Meaux. GRAVES OF THE THREE FIRST AMERICANS KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE The men were Thomas Enright, Merle D. Hay and James B. Gresham. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 53 tice representatives of these governments were using their influence to put the plan through in 1919. The defeat of this plan, largely through General Pershing's influence, was as noteworthy an achievement as his insistence that all the forces of the Allies be placed under a single supreme command. The first stage of training completed, on the raw, rainy night of October 21 the First Division marched to a quiet sector on the front east of Lune- ville. The American regiments were alternated with French regiments and the French retained command of the sector. At last Americans were within range of the guns. A German raiding party visited the men of the First Division on the night of November 3, killing three and capturing eleven pris- "LET ME AT 'EM" First Division men preparing for action. oners. Though Americans had been killed in an airplane raid on one of the hospitals on the British front two months earlier, these were the first losses the nation had suffered in fighting on land. On January 19, 1918, the same division, which in the meantime had had a few weeks' rest in its training area, took over a more lively sector north of Toul. This time it held the sector alone and American officers were in com- mand. From that date the length of the front which the Americans held increased continuously, until at the time of the armistice they were holding 2 2 per cent, with the British holding 19 per cent and the French the remainder, though much of the French front was in quiet sectors. A few weeks later the Twenty-sixth, Forty-second and Second were starting their training at the front. The Forty-first Division never reached the front as a unit. Its men and officers were used as replacements to fill the gaps made in the other four divisions of this first group. Under this 54 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR policy, dictated by mili- tary reasons, ten other divisions were broken up during the fighting. Trench raids, per- sistent shelling, gas at- tacks and sudden liven- ing up of sectors that had been inactive for years constituted the re- ception which the enemy always gave the new American troops. Early in the spring of 1918 it was apparent that the Allied powers and America had the re- sources and men to win the war. It is from that critical period that one now gets the best perspective o-f what America had accomplished in the few months of preparation which preceded and what it achieved in the unbroken march to victory through the months which followed. Germany realized the crisis possibly more clearly than any other nation. "MILITARY INTELLIGENCE" Secretary Baker and Major General McAndrew watching the examination of a German prisoner. ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY IN ACTION Men of the Second Division, near Montreuil-aux-Lions. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 55 She knew that the limit in man power had been reached by the Cen- tral powers and that internal condi- tions in those countries were close to the breaking point. By a few quick, vigorous drives before Amer- ica's strength could count she might win. They were attempted. How close she came to winning few in America realize even to-day. These frantic blows brought dismay to every home in the allied nations, for it was not known then that they were the dying struggles of imperialism. These were among the darkest days of the war for the Allies. Only the strength of America saved them, a strength which was greater and more swiftly developed than they or the enemy had considered possible. The Somme offensive, the first MARSHAL FOCH AND GENERAL PERSHING At the latter's headquarters, at Chaumont. of the five great German drives of 1918, was started March 21 in a desperate attempt to win the war before the American forces could turn the tide. Amer- ican engineering regiments, medical officers and air units, all-told about 2,200 men, did valiant service with the British in resisting this drive. Though the enemy swept through on a fifty-mile front across the old Somme battlefield THE RUINS OF CANTIGNY As the shell-wrecked village looked after the Americans took it, on May 28, 1918. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS IN ACTION These Signal Corps photographers are changing films under fire, while an infantry regiment in the background is going into action. and beyond Montdidier and Noyon, he was stopped, April 6, within twelve miles of Amiens, the important railroad center which was his principal goal. He struck again, farther north on the Lys river, April 9, making a seventeen mile advance in eighteen days. A few American medical and air units were with the British in this de- fense. One of the impor- tant decisions of the war was made on March 28 when General Pershing placed all the American forces at the disposal of Mar- shal Foch, who had been selected as commander of the allied armies. The Allies' command at that time planned a drive north of Montdidier to win back the ground that the Germans had captured in the Somme offensive and relieve the pressure towards Paris. It was agreed that the First Division should be the striking wedge for this drive and it was moved across France, going into the line in Picardy on April 26. This offensive never materialized, nor was it generally known that it had been .planned. The German Aisne offensive started before it could be launched. On May 27 the en- emy attacked along the long front between Reims and Noyon, striking the French a terrific blow along the Chemin des Dames. The one bright spot for the Allies in the dark week which fol- lowed was the brilliant action of the First Amer- ican Division in captur- ,, - . . , But five minutes after the picture was snapped, a shell blotted 1 hOUgh It made only a out this post at Badonviller. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 57 WINDSOR CASTLE. / ^ o-jt- _A^ o>v^_ 4f 4^>-ttj THE MESSAGE RECEIVED BY EVERY AMERICAN SOLDIER WHO LANDED IN THE BRITISH ISLES ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR trifling change in the battle map of Europe it served to distract atten- tion from the enemy's sweeping progress across the Aisne, Vesle and Ourcq to the Marne val- ley. It also was the last action in which a division of Americans functioned alone. After that their number was sufficient for them to op- erate in groups. While the terri- tory occupied by the Germans in the Aisne of- fensive was not so large as in that of the Somme, the advance was more rapid. Russia was out of the war, and the fighting on the Italian front after the losses of the previous fall was practically at a standstill. Austrian troops from the IN THE STREETS OF CHATEAU THIERRY Men of Company A, Seventh Machine Gun Battalion, with the enemy one hundred yards away. RUINS OF THE STONE BRIDGE AT CHATEAU THIERRY Where the Seventh Machine Gun Battalion for three days and nights continuously fought off the German columns. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 59 Italian front and others from the Russian front were arriving to oppose the French and British. Long range guns were shelling Paris daily and airplane raids were of almost nightly occurrence. Soissons and many smaller cities, as well as many square miles of farming country which the Germans had not occupied since the first months of the war, were again in their possession. Chateau-Thierry had been reached on May 31, and it seemed a question only of days, possibly hours, before the victorious foe would cross the Marne and bring his ordinary army artillery within shelling distance of Paris. CLEMENCEAU CONGRATULATES THE AMERICANS On June 30, igi8, Clemenceau visited the front in order to congratulate the American leaders. Major General Bundy, commanding the Second Division, stands next to Clemenceau (with the cane). Colonel Edward L. King, later commander of the Sixty-fifth Brigade, Thirty-third Division, is third from the left end. In this crisis the Americans were able to turn the tide. The Second Division had been in a rest area around Gisors under orders to relieve the First which still was holding the Cantigny front. On the night it was to start the orders were countermanded, and before daylight several thousand French trucks, driven by Indo-Chinese, rolled into the area. On these the division was entrained and started around Paris toward the Marne front. The only orders which the Second Division had were to go to Meaux, but the men knew that this sudden expenditure of precious gasoline meant serious work ahead. The Third Division suddenly moved from its training area toward the same point. On a smaller scale the movement of a French army in the first battle of the Marne in 1914, when it encircled Paris, was repeated. 6o ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR The Second Division reached Meaux on June i. The Fourth Infantry Brigade, composed of marines, and the Second Artillery Brigade were marched immediately to meet the advancing Ger- mans on the front a few miles distant. At the same time the Seventh Machine Gun Battalion and other units of the Third Division joined the French in the street fighting in Chateau-Thi- erry, but were quickly driven to the south bank of the Marne by the fierceness of the German bombardment. Blowing up the stone bridge behind them, for more than a month they held the enemy in the north half of Chateau-Thierry, the battling forces separated only by the narrow stream. Several scattered companies of the Twenty-eighth Division, in training in a supposedly quiet sector west of the city, also were caught in the advance and fought until they were practically annihilated. RAINBOW SNIPERS Sharpshooters of the Forty-second Division picking off Ger- mans at Villers, during the operations against the Marne salient. ASK ANY DOUGHBOY AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 61 The enemy held the rocky Bel- leau Wood and was advancing down the national highway running from Chateau-Thierry to Paris. He had reached the heights beyond Hill 204 and the village of Vaux. On June 2 the marines were on a front extend- ing from this highway across Bel- leau Wood to Bouresches. The en- emy's advance along the road was stopped at Le Thiolet farm. There were many days of stubborn and bloody fighting before the marines drove the enemy from Belleau Wood, the other brigade of the Sec- ond Division captured Vaux and the French again held Hill 204. The Germans' Aisne offensive, however, was stopped on June 5. These American troops, a mere handful compared to the French and British, who also were stubbornly fighting, played a tremendous part, out of all proportion to their num- THE CATHEDRAL AT SOISSONS A hollow shell, but still a thing of beauty, it lives to tell a story. WOUNDED AND PRISONERS, BUT NOT UNHAPPY An American first-aid station for German prisoners, near Soissons. The prisoners were being cared for by a captured German doctor, whose bare head is just visible near the doorway. 62 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR bers, in bringing the enemy to a halt. Many consider the few days' fighting at this point the turning point of the war. The Americans' fresh strength was thrown in at a time when the German strength seemed irresistible. They were at a strategic point which it was necessary for the enemy to break if he was to continue his advance along the remainder of his long front. The enemy was not only halted but was slightly repulsed. The effect was electrical on the entire line of the Allies, which braced and held from then on. Two more German offensives were to come. One, between Noyon and Montdidier, was started immediately, June 9. In six days' fighting only a BRINGING IN THE WOUNDED NEAR SOISSONS Trucks which carried ammunition to the front return with wounded men of the First Division. slight advance was made. The First Division, which had been seven weeks in line, met the west flank of the enemy in this drive and was not budged. After that came a month of comparative quiet. From a military standpoint the German offensives had produced a situa- tion favorable to the American style and spirit of fighting. The enemy was out of the underground system which he had been years in building, entrench- ments of steel and concrete stretching across France and Belgium from the Alps to the North Sea. He was obliged to meet the Americans in open war- fare with only hastily dug foxholes and the irregularities of nature for pro- AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE tection. However, no soldiers know better than the Germans how to de- fend these vantage points with machine guns, and their artillery had an un- canny accuracy. When the changing front again reached the trenches, the enemy had lost his power to hold them against the victory-flushed Ameri- cans and Allies. TVC .! * . INFANTRY ADVANCING IN COMBAT FORMATION Meanwhile Amen- . c _ A machine-gun crew of the 11401 entering St. Leger Woods can soldiers were enter- in combat formation, ing the conflict at another point. An event of considerable importance was the agreement of the British on May 2 to transport ten divisions from the United States for training on their front. The first of these units arrived that month, and were immediately transported to the British sector in the north; one of these divisions was the Thirty-third, made up of the Illinois national guard. THE AMERICANS, TOO. HAD GREAT DUGOUTS Entrance to a cave of the days of Clovis, which was Thirty-second Division headquarters at Juvigny. 6 4 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR They were generously aided by the British, not only in training but in equipment. The Twen- ty-seventh and Thirtieth Divisions fought with the British until the armi- stice. The others were moved to other parts of the front. The organiza- tion of the First Ameri- can Army and the taking over of an extended part of the front made it ad- visable to put as many divisions as possible di- rectly under American command. Of the troops drilled in the north four infantry companies of the Thirty- third Division assisted the Australians in the capture of Hamel on July 4, an operation historically significant because of the day on which it took place and because it was the first time in the war that British and American troops fought side by side. When the British Somme offensive was started August 8, a regiment of this division, the i3ist, won the first success in breaking the TANKS MOVING TO THE FRONT To support the French troops who operated on the left of the Thirty-second Division at Juvigny. A CAPTURED GERMAN AMMUNITION DUMP AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 65 German line at Chipilly Ridge and Gressaire Wood. Other American divi- sions were trained in the quiet sectors of the Vosges. The fifth and last German drive was expected just where it struck east of Reims and along the whole arc of the salient bulging south to the Marne between Reims and Soissons. In anticipation of the attack the civilian popu- lation was evacuated from the country between Ste. Menehould and Epernay and artillery was massed to repel the advance. A few hours before the German artillery preparation was to start a French raiding party captured several prisoners and secured the information that the infantry was then being assem- bled preparatory to an attack at dawn. The Allies' artillery was immediately THEY TRIED TO STOP THE AMERICAN ADVANCE A slightly sunken road used by the Germans as a trench, at Missy-aux-Bois. ordered into action and it decimated the attacking forces before they started., The attack, however, was made according to schedule, July 15. Regiments of the Ninety- third Division which were attached to French divisions, also the Forty-second, Twenty-eighth and Third Divisions were in the fighting. The Forty-second Division held its ground near Reims while the Third just east of Chateau-Thierry met some of the most bitter fighting of the offensive. One regiment of this division the Thirty-eighth was sur- rounded for several hours by two German divisions, which had succeeded in crossing the Marne and driving back its supports on either side. It not only held its ground but repulsed the enemy. Before this engagement had run its course, the Allies launched the first of the great offensives which continued almost without interruption until the armistice was signed. Marshal Foch on July 18 began his drive against the REIMS CATHEDRAL Battered by shells, but still magnificent. Only a closer view reveals the terrible damage the shattered glass, the broken figures and crumpled columns. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 67 northern half of this same salient. The First and Second Divisions, with a French Moroccan divi- sion between them, were the driving wedge, at- tacking directly west of Soissons. So quickly and quietly had the Allies' preparations been made that the Americans were obliged to run to reach the jumping-off line be- fore the time the attack was scheduled to start. In five days of fierce fighting these two divi- sions, before they were relieved by the Scotch and English, reached the heights above Soissons, capturing more than THE FIVE GERMAN OFFENSIVES OF 1918 seven thousand prisoners and one hundred pieces of artillery. Half of the men in these divisions were casualties as a result of the few days of fighting. Some of the regiments had no machine guns, one pounders or grenades, but fought only with the rifle and bayonet. However, they pene- trated so far into the enemy's line at a point where he thought it impregnable that he was forced to evacuate the entire salient. Developments at the Chateau - Thierry point of the salient ac- celerated his movement. The Twenty-sixth Division was in the Bel- leau Wood sector west of Chateau-Thierry and the Third Division was east of the city, with the Marne between it and the heights of Jaulgonne. They advanced, the en- emy resisting stubbornly in one of those rear REIMS CATHEDRAL: A DETAIL OF THE NAVE , . , c , . ., , , , guard actions with which Showing the effects of bombardment. &" c 68 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR the Americans became so familiar as the war con- tinued. Chateau-Thierry was occupied July 20, the first French city to be recaptured that year, and rail communication between Paris and north- eastern France thus was restored. The Fourth Divi- sion joined in the fighting on the left of the Twen- ty-sixth. The Twenty- sixth and the Third Divi- sions were relieved by the Forty-second and the Thirty-second just as the Germans made a stand to prevent their retreat from becoming a rout. The two fresh divisions met bitter resistance but succeeded in crossing the Ourcq and capturing Hill 230. The French by desperate fighting recaptured Soissons and the American Twenty-eighth and Seventy-seventh Divisions were in the line when the Allies crossed the Vesle and occupied the heights beyond. NOT A CUBIST PAINTING But the ruins of a lovely chateau on the Aisne the result of a direct hit. HORSES AS WELL AS MEN DID THEIR SHARE An ammunition train struggling over a road blown up by the Germans. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 69 The offensive stopped on August 6. It had taken nineteen days with heavy loss of life on both sides and the destruction of millions of dollars worth of prop- erty to win back a portion of what the Germans with slight losses had overrun in nine days before these American divisions were available. During the Aisne-Marne of- fensive the Americans functioned as corps for the first time, usu- ally three divisions to a corps. The expedition then had enough fighting divisions to organize an army of between 500,000 and 750,000 men. The great troop movement of midsummer from the States was in progress, and the forces of the Allies and the Americans now outnumbered the Germans. Before the first offensive was half over preparations were started for the first army operation. The Americans were to attempt the cutting off of the St. Mihiel salient which for four years had resisted all attacks. This was fifty miles of strongly entrenched front, a "hernia" as the French called it, twelve miles deep from its point at St. Mihiel to its thirty-mile base between Verdun on the west and Pont-a-Mousson on the east. ON THE WAY TO MONT SEC A tank ploughing its way over a trench. IN THE MAIN STREET OF SEICHEPREY On the right the city hall, as it appeared when the Americans held the town. city hall as a dressing station. They used the 70 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR The Twenty-eighth, Thirty-second and Seventy-seventh Divisions re- mained on the Vesle until September to distract attention, if possible, from the withdrawal of the American troops. The attack was carefully prepared. The American tank corps, using French tanks, was brought up for the first time. The concentration of French, British and American artillery and airplanes was heavier than for any battle in history up to that time. The American divisions went into line the night before the attack. The First Division was opposite Mont Sec, that Gibraltar of the plains, with its miles of concrete tunnels and emplacements which the Americans had seen and marveled at from afar during their training days a few months before. In THE AMERICANS COME Streams of Americans pouring into the Saint Mihiel salient. In the foreground are machine gun- ners, who are crossing the route of a supply train. In the background looms Mont Sec. sequence along the south side of the salient to Pont-a-Mousson were the Forty- second, Eighty-ninth, Second, Fifth, Ninetieth and Eighty-second Divisions. The Twenty-sixth Division was on the north side of the salient opposite Les Eparges, against which the French had vainly battered in 1916 with frightful loss of life. Farther north was the Fourth Division. The Seventy-eighth, Third, Thirty-fifth and Ninety-first Divisions were in reserve. The artillery bombardment started at i A. M. September 12. At 5 A. M. the infantry went over the top. After the first hour the attack was a race, punctuated only by German rear guard artillery fire. At 3 o'clock the following morning patrols of the First and Twenty-sixth Divisions met at Vigneulles, coming from oppo- site sides of the salient* In twentv-two hours the salient had been cut. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE The enemy had ex- pected the attack and had started to evacuate, burning the villages where he had lived and blowing up supplies. Some of the German sol- diers had their rolls packed waiting to sur- render, others fought un- til the end. The Ameri- cans had 7,000 casual- ties, inflicted nearly as many on the enemy, cap- tured 13,751 prisoners, 443 guns and a consider- able amount of material and released thousands of French civilians who had been prisoners in their villages since 1914, With the exception of the loss of the St. Mihiel salient the German front line across France was still no farther back than it had been in 1917. The Americans on this front were within a few miles of the fortified area of Metz, and long range guns could reach the German railroads. The American gun- ners refrained from firing on the fortress city out of deference to the French, who wanted the place unwrecked as a part of recovered Lorraine. The Briey CUTTING THE SAINT MIHIEL SALIENT A typical jam back of the advancing troops. THE BURNING OF THIAUCOURT The largest town taken by the Americans in the St. Mihiel salient. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR iron fields, chief mineral supply for the Central powers, also were threatened. For weeks it was expected that the American drive would continue in that direction. It was a menace which was never removed, though the drive did not start until the day before the armistice and after the American Second Army had been organized. With the successful attack at St. Mihiel all of the salients had been eliminated, considerably shortening the long western front, and the frontal attack of the Allies and Americans from the Meuse to the coast was starting. Leaving a few divisions to hold the new front east of Verdun, the remainder GETTING READY FOR THE JUMP-OFF IN THE ARGONNE Men of the 3O7th Infantry waiting for the order to advance. of the American army moved to the west of the Meuse back of a twenty-mile front between Verdun and the Argonne Forest. Hospitals, prison stockades and lines of communication, both rail and highway, had to be built and re- serves of ammunition and supplies brought up. It was realized that this would be the hardest and, if successful, perhaps the last offensive for the Americans to carry through. General Pershing and the American staff had won the Allies' command to a policy of striking quickly and continuously with the idea that though daily losses would be high, the final total would be no larger than from a slow and cautious advance and that it would be only a question of time before the Central powers, unable to stop for a breathing spell, would collapse. In no other part of the front did the enemy have such a strong system of entrenchments as opposite the Americans and in only one other spot, oppo- AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 73 site the British, was his concentration of men so heavy. Three separate trench systems, covering practically all the country from the German front back to the border of France, faced the Americans. It was the hinge of the western front and for every mile that the enemy's line was forced back there he would be obliged to retire many miles on the front farther west. In the words of General Pershing, the task of the American army was to "draw the best German divisions to our front and consume them." It was a costly opera- tion on both sides. The Americans took over the front from the French in the evening of September 25. From the Meuse westward, the Thirty-third, Eightieth, IN THE ARGONXE FOREST Men of the 3o8th Infantry in action with rifle grenades, near Abri de Crochet, October 31, 1918. Fourth, Seventy-ninth, Thirty-seventh, Ninety-first, Thirty-fifth. Twenty- eighth and Seventy-seventh Divisions were in line. The Third, Thirty-second, Ninety-second, First, Twenty-ninth and Eighty-second Divisions were in reserve. Before the offensive ended the Second, Fifth, Twenty-sixth, Forty- second, Seventy-eighth, Eighty-first, Eighty-ninth and Ninetieth also were in the fighting. Several of the divisions were in line twice. Others were getting their first taste of fighting. The infantry attack in the Meuse- Argonne offensive started at daylight September 26. Battered by the artillery preparation, the Hindenburg Line, which had not been crossed in four years, was quickly penetrated by the 74 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Americans. In two days the attacking divisions made an advance averag- ing ten miles, occupying the Bois de Vauquois, Montfaucon and L e Mort H o m m e , then slowed up. The roads across No Man's Land and im- mediately behind the trenches on either side had not been used for years. Shells and time had worn them out of all semblance to highways, while they were cut by trenches and parapets of steel and concrete. Immense craters had been blown in them by French and German mines. Until they were rebuilt the artillery could not move forward to continue the advance, ammunition and supplies could not be brought up to the men at the front, and it took many hours for the ambulances to carry the wounded back. The enemy had the great advantage of good highways and railroads over which to rush in fresh troops for a counter attack. Back of the new American front thousands of engineering troops, colored and white, worked A GERMAN GUN AND ITS MASTER In the path of the American advance at Brancourt-le-Grand, near St. Quentin, October 8, 1918. THE END OF THE HINDENBURG LINE Negro pioneer troops cutting a road through concrete parapets which once formed part of the Hindenburg line. AMERICA TURNS THE TIDE 75 f*IK' ey " le *! bL*y mir^ X t3T % ^.otr ( (Major FJ d F Putman) Company, ?th Infantry These three new organizations composed the 66th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General David J. Foster. 3rd Infantry Col. Charles H. Greene i2Qth Infantry 4th Infantry Lt. Col. E. P. Clayton i3oth Infantry Companies F and G and Ma- ] ( i23rd Machine Gun Battalion chine Gun Company, 5th < (Major Albert L. Culbert- Infantry ( son) These three new units comprised the 65th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Henry R. Hill. 2nd Field Artillery Col. Milton J. Foreman i22nd Field Artillery 6th Infantry Col. Charles G. Davis i23rd Field Artillery 3rd Field Artillery Col. Gordon Strong i24th Field Artillery Machine Gun Company, 6th { iogth Trench Mortar Batt Infantry j These four organizations constituted the 58th Field Artillery Brigade under Brigadier General Henry D. Todd, Jr. _ ist Engineers Col. Henry A. Allen io8th Engineers Companies E, I, K and L, I22nd Machme Gun Battalion 5th Infantry Companies B and H, S th In- ' Company A, 5th Infantry,] and Companies A, B, C, D,f io8th Ammunition Tram E and F, 7th Infantry j Companies G H, I, K, L and J Io8th g , Train M, 7th Infantry j Company M, 5th Infantry io8th Engineer Train Ambulance Companies i, 2, 3 i> ( Ambulance Companies 129, and 4 i ( ^o, 131 and 132 Field Hospital Companies 129, Field Hospitals i, 2, 3, 4 I30) ^ ^ Headquarters Company, 5th Infantry, consolidated with Headquarters Company, i29th Infantry. Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry, consolidated with Headquarters Company, i3oth Infantry. Supply Company, 5th Infantry, consolidated with Supply Company, i3oth Infantry. Supply Company, 7th Infantry, consolidated with Supply Company, i3ist Infantry. Taken in conjunction with the dearth of materiel, equipment and sup- plies which then existed, so drastic a reorganization naturally hampered the systematic training of the troops, but before the end of October the temporary confusion had been almost wholly overcome, schools of musketry, field forti- fication and gas had been established, and the construction of trenches and training in the use of the bayonet and machine gun had been begun. The three weeks from October 25 to November 14 were notable for the arrival of a succession of contingents of drafted men, approximately 5,600 coming from the Eighty-sixth Division at Camp Grant, Rock ford, Illinois, and 1,000 from the Eighty-eighth Division at Camp Dodge, Des Moines, Iowa. Some of these recruits were unable to speak English, more than 500 proved to be alien 94 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR enemies, and so many others were found to be unfit for military duty that 2,189 were eventu- ally discharged on sur- geons' certificates of dis- ability. These changes prolonged the unsettled conditions which neces- sarily characterized this period of transition. Like a bolt out of the blue, therefore, came a tele- gram at the end of Oc- tober from the adjutant general of the army or- dering that the Thirty- third Division be made ready to sail for France about the last of Novem- ber. How remote was the possibility that the troops could be properly prepared for a movement overseas thirty days later and what were the actual conditions at Camp Logan at that time may be gath- ered from the following excerpts taken from a memorandum drafted by the division adjutant on November i, 1917, for his own future reference: The Thirty-third Division, temporarily under the command of Brigadier General Henry D. Todd, Jr., in the absence of Major General George Bell, Jr., in France, is composed in the main of former Illinois National Guard and numbers today 914 officers and 23,295 enlisted men, a total of 24,109, in which are included substantially 2,000 drafted men received during the past week from OVER THE TOP One way of doing it. INSPECTION AT CAMP LOGAN THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 95 the Eighty-sixth Division at Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois; 60 officers and 959 enlisted men belonging to the camp troops, and 57 officers and 2,109 enlisted men of the Eighth Illinois Infantry (colored). Neither the camp troops nor the Eighth Illinois will be sent abroad, according to pres- ent information. The actual strength of the Thirty-third Division proper is, therefore, 797 officers and 10,306 enlisted men including 2,000 drafted men. Camp Grant at Rockford, Illinois, and Camp Dodge at Des Moines, Iowa, are still to furnish this division with 4400 drafted men, but, even so, there will still be a shortage of men, since the tables of organization prescribe that a division shall consist of 27,152 enlisted men. Camp Logan itself is not finished. The plans of many buildings have been repeatedly changed. . . . Recently it has been decided to make many of them semi-permanent by the addition of doors and windows, and this work has not yet been completed. It was only today that the division headquarters moved into an enclosed building, with windows and a wooden floor, having thus far occupied buildings with dirt floors and open sides, exposed to every particle of dust produced by six weeks of continuous drought. Many of the storehouses and warehouses are of faulty con- struction, and the camp engineer informed me yesterday that some of the roofs are sagging to such MEN OF ONE OF THE BATTERIES GETTING NEW OUTFITS OF CLOTHING an extent that it was only a question of time before they would collapse completely. The heating facilities are meager to a degree. The base hospital is devoid of running water, except for two or three faucets put in by the constructing quartermaster contrary to authorization because he realized the folly of having no running water whatsoever. It has been suggested from Washington that the total absence of heating facilities be overcome by stoves in the operating rooms and by carrying heating pipes up the outside of the base hospital. Comment upon the danger of stoves in operating rooms where ether is used, or the inadequacy of heating pipes on the outside of a hospital is super- fluous. Since the temperature of late has been quite low at night sometimes below freezing the sick in the base hospital have had increased suffering on account of the cold. The reorganization of the division necessarily affected the training of the troops, but the prin- cipal factor which militated against the prompt beginning of this training was the slowness with which the Illinois troops were sent to this camp. At the present time, intensive training of the infantry regiments has not been of more than four weeks' duration as a whole. The machine gun training was not begun until October 10. In the case of the Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade the situation was extraordinary. The three regiments composing that brigade are a fair sample. The 1 2 2nd Field Artillery was formerly the First Illinois Cavalry and only within a few months converted into the Second Illinois Field Artillery. The i23rd Field Artillery was the Sixth Illinois Infantry until after its arrival at Camp Logan. The i24th Field Artillery was the brand-new Third 9 6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Illinois Field Artillery and was only organized in August, 1917. The training of these field artillery regiments has been confined to dummy guns donated to one of them, and not one single organization has ever fired a real field piece. The 12 2nd and i24th only had dummy guns in Illinois; the i23rd was converted from infantry into field artillery less than six weeks ago at this camp, where no field guns of any sort or description existed until yesterday, when twenty-four 3 -inch guns arrived. For a long time Brigadier General Todd, commanding the Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade, was the only officer, regular or otherwise, with artillery experience, but, by dint of much telegraphing, two other regular officers were sent to assist him in training this brigade in preliminary work. Artillery ammunition is conspicuous for its paucity. Of machine guns there are only twelve Maxims and twenty Lewis guns. Only a very few officers have taken the course at Fort Sill and are competent to instruct in this most important work. Although General Bell bent every effort, beginning before the end of August, to establish target ranges for small-arms and field artillery, in spite of all that could be done, these ranges are just approaching completion. Neither the artillery nor the machine gun troops have fired so much as one single round in target practice, and the same is true of the infantry without exception. . . . FOUR-FOOTED CANARIES There is a decided shortage of ordnance materiel of many kinds, including rifles and pistols. On several occasions I have had to lend my own Colt automatic to officers of the military police for expeditions when riot sticks were scarcely sufficient protection, and when it was advisable for the officers to be properly armed. . . . As a matter of fact, the real training of this division has just begun in real earnest. . . . General Pershing, in a recent communication to the War Department which was transmitted to all division commanders, laid the strongest possible emphasis upon the absolute necessity of thorough target practice in, this country before troops are sent abroad, and he gave ample warning that the conditions in France arising from many causes, including intensive agriculture, were such that target ranges were well-nigh impossible to find. For these reasons, he emphatically declared that American troops should be taught to shoot before they are sent abroad, doubly so since they will have little or no opportunity for target practice in France. In view of these facts, the reader may draw his own conclusion as to the wisdom of sending the Thirty-third Division overseas at that time. Orders were subsequently received to report when the io8th Engineers, the Engineer THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 97 Train and three other small units would be ready for service in France, but a state of uncertainty as to the date when the entire command would move prevailed until the sec- ond week in December, when official notification was received that its de- parture overseas had been postponed. Apart from the in- tensive training of the troops which was some- what handicapped by the necessity of sending a considerable force to guard the regions from which the Navy derived its principal supply of oil November, 1917, was notable for several important occurrences. Four British and five French officers, accom- panied by a number of noncommissioned officers, arrived as instructors and promptly began their work. The British military mission was composed of Captain E. M. Barlow, Fifth Royal Fusiliers; First Lieutenant R. G. W. Callaghan, Connaught GOVERNOR LOWDEN BIDS TROOPS FAREWELL INTERESTED VISITORS Governor Lowden, Adjutant General Dickson and Speaker David E. Shanahan see the camp. Major (later Colonel) Abel Davis at the left. 9 8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Rangers; First Lieutenant E. R. Robinson, Seventh King's Liverpool Regi- ment, and First Lieutenant J. L. Thorman, Eighteenth Durham Light In- fantry. The French military mission comprised Captain Joseph Flipo, i6ist Infantry; Captain Henri Leonard Raichlen, 31 5th Infantry; Lieutenant Emile Robert, 297th Infantry; Lieutenant Leon Dufour, Eighth Engineers, and Lieutenant Leon Tournier, Artillery. The impetus to the training given by the energetic and able supervision of these officers and the schooling in the latest European methods was soon manifest and proved of incalculable benefit to the entire division. The days from November 6 to 8 were memorable for the visit of Gover- nor Frank O. Lowden of Illinois, who, with Governor W. P. Hobby of Texas, reviewed in Houston on the yth a parade in which the major part of the division participated. During the month several efficiency boards were occupied in weeding out officers not up to the requisite standard for war, but in spite of every effort to get rid of the undesirables, particularly the alien enemies, the lack of a fixed policy concerning them on the part of the Army War College effectually prevented definite action. On November 30 came the first inkling of the return from France of General Bell, who telegraphed from Washington asking the exact shortage of men and announcing that he was arranging to have all vacancies in the com- mand filled. Three days later the adjutant general wired that the "War De- partment expects to send 3,500 drafted men to your division immediately" and asked if there was any reason why they should not be sent. GENERAL VIEW OF THE i32No's CAMP THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 99 On December 7 General Bell, accompa- nied by his aide-de-camp, Captain William H. Simpson, and his chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel William K. Naylor, re- turned to Camp Logan and assumed command of the division. On that afternoon he addressed all the general and field officers of the division on the subject of the "vital necessity of unwavering discipline." The next day General Bell re- ceived orders to ship to the Thirty-second Divi- sion all overseas equip- ment received by the Thirty-third; a week later he was directed to deliver to the Thirty-sec- ond all woolen clothing except one suit for each man and, in the mean- time, he was informed that the departure of the Thirty-third Division had been postponed until February and that the motor transport, which was so urgently needed, could not be furnished. A vigorous protest against being stripped to an irreducible minimum of clothing availed nothing. On top of that, came orders to prepare for service overseas. At the close of the year 1917 the Thirty-third Division was beginning to resemble a real military force in the embryonic stage, a marked improvement being apparent in the discipline, military courtesy and bearing of the entire command. Officers not up to the requisite standard were rapidly weeded out, while the others showed increasing efficiency. The intensive training was pushed to the limit and was supplemented by schools of every sort, the most important of which was the Thirty-third Division Infantry School of Arms under the able management first of Captain John P. Lucas and subsequently of Captain William H. Simpson. In all matters the highest standard was ex- acted, and, in conformity with General Bell's requirements, the service record of each man was repeatedly examined during a period of several months by officers particularly selected for that purpose, so that every inaccuracy was corrected on the spot. A CHARGE THROUGH THE RAVINE 100 ILLINOIS L N THE WORLD WAR January, 1918, was noteworthy for several events of more than usual importance. Nearly all the colonels, lieutenant colonels and majors of infantry and artillery were sent to the Brigade and Field Of- ficers' School at San An- tonio, Texas, and the regimental commanders, with the exception of Colonels Sanborn and Foreman, were replaced temporarily by regular officers selected by the War Department. On January 9, 432 enlisted men were sent to attend the training camp for candidates for commis- sions at Leon Springs. On the preceding day 414 alien enemies arrived from the Thirty-second Division. In order to keep these separate from the other units, they were organized into a provisional training regiment under Major Abel Davis, pending definite action by the War Department as to this vexatious problem of alien enemies. Finally the receipt on January 9 of orders to report the num- ber of Austrian subjects in the Thirty-third Division belonging to Teutonic, Magyar, Polish, Rumanian, Czechish, Ruthenian and other consolidated races, caused General Bell to send the following telegram to the adjutant general of the army: Urgently request authorization to deal with so-called alien enemies in this division and camp according to my discretion in order to salvage as many as possible. Alien enemies in this camp added to those recently sent from another camp will make some twelve hundred. Out of them at least four hundred can be obtained who are eager and desire to fight against Central Powers. If thorough investigation proves sincerity of their desire it would be manifestly advantageous to utilize them. It is understood that partial or complete naturalization will not prevent their being shot if captured by Germans. Authorization described above is earnestly desired, particularly since it would help to dispose of this hitherto unsolved question. It is understood that instructions relative to alien enemies were to be issued by War Department December 30. No such instructions have yet reached this division. Request information whether they have been issued and what is their purport. BRIGADIER GENERAL FOSTER AND COLONEL THE THIRTY-THIRD^DIVISION 101 SOME HAD TO WASH CLOTHING On January 9 the division commander in- augurated a novelty in the shape of a compe- tition to determine the best company in each of the four infantry regi- ments, which were to set the standard for all others. The four eventu- ally selected were Com- pany K, 12 gth Infantry; Company F, i3oth In- fantry; Company E, i3ist Infantry; and Company G, i32nd In- fantry. They were given the title of "Model Com- panies," filled up to full strength of 250 men each, and subjected to the most intensive training. Their subsequent efficiency in action fully justified the labor bestowed upon them. The period from January 15 to 19 was notable for the visit of Lieutenant Colonel R. V. K. Applin of the Royal Army, whose handling of the British machine guns at the battle of Messines had brought him unusual distinction. On the 1 5th and i6th he lectured to the officers of the division on "Machine Gun Tactics" and on the i9th, at the Houston Auditorium, he delivered an address on "Discipline and Training" to all the noncommissioned officers of the Thirty-third. His remarks produced such a profound impression that his lecture was subsequently published in a pamphlet which was distributed to every officer and man in the command. On January 24 Major Gen- eral John F. Morrison, the director of training, inspected the division. On the 2yth offi- cial notification was received that subjects of hostile coun- tries not wishing to serve in the army were to be discharged at once, but AND SOME DUG DITCHES that an agent of the De- IO2 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR partment of Justice must be consulted in each case of an alien enemy whose internment was judged advisable. The partial solution of this question, which had been the sub- ject of annoyance for months, opened the way for the contingents needed to overcome the existing shortage of men, and resulted in the fol- lowing characteristic tel- egram being sent that afternoon: The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. About forty-three hundred recruits are needed for this di- vision and I urgently request that they be sent here at once. While I was in France Com- manding General emphasized the absolute necessity of send- ing no troops which were not thoroughly disciplined and equipped. I do not desire to be advanced on priority list, that is matter for War Department to determine itself, but I should like to have two or three months in which to train men sent to raise division to full strength. Any soldier knows that to fill up well disciplined divisions with four thousand green men necessarily decreases efficiency greatly and I am endeavoring to avoid impairing efficiency seriously by having recruits unloaded wholesale on division on eve of its departure overseas. Am certain that General Morrison, director of training, believes in filling up immediately all divisions intended for France. If this be doubted, request that you consult him by telegraph. I invite attention to fact that there are plenty of Illinois men in northern camps where they are virtually hibernating and cannot train whereas not a day has been lost in this camp. I desire to command a fighting, or even an assault division, but not a replacement division. There are plenty of others not so advanced in training as this division which could be selected for that role. I desire when we reach France to be a help, not a hindrance, as I understand is the case with some of the organizations already sent. The main object of this request is to render effective service, to take advantage of the opportunities for training which are better in this camp than in almost any other in the United States or France and moreover should like to have a sporting chance when I get to France. BELL. During February, 1918, gratifying progress was made in the discipline, training and general efficiency of the division. The work of former months was increased, the various schools were operated to their maximum capacity, and every effort was made to improve shooting and bayonet work and to develop initiative. The infantry was given tours of duty in a system of trenches and was subjected to gas attacks so arranged by the British and French instructors as to reproduce as nearly as possible the actual battle con- ditions on the allied front. The artillery and machine gun units had likewise IN THE TRENCHES THE THIRTY -THIRD DIVISION 103 reached that stage where training of the most intensive sort could be given and every advantage was taken of that fact. The marked improvement made by all arms was revealed on February 28 when the first of a series of general inspections took place. A few events during that month require passing mention. During the first week of February orders were received to prepare the division at once for service abroad and to report when it was equipped and ready. On the loth a letter arrived from the adjutant general's office with the announcement that the organization of the Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade would be "that prescribed for the sixth division of each corps, known in the organiza- tion project as the base and training division." This was equivalent to a dec- laration that the Thirty-third had been made a replacement division. It was followed on the nth by a copy of the same communication bearing an endorse- ment dated February 7, 1918, and addressed "To the commanding generals of all regular, national guard and national army divisions in the United States, for their information." The receipt of this communication drew from Gen- eral Bell a very vigorous protest against the division's being judged in Febru- ary by the conditions existing in November and December, as specified by the reports of inspectors made during those months, and against being "branded to the entire army in the United States as inefficient" without an opportunity to be heard and in the absence of subsequent proper investigation by War Department inspectors. The response, dated February 21, expressed a regret that General Bell had interpreted the communication as he did and assured him that the desig- nation of the Thirty-third as a replacement division "was made without in- AN ATTACK AS IT WAS TRIED AT CAMP LOGAN IO4 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR tent to reflect in the slightest degree upon his efficiency or that of the men whom he commands." It was noticeable, however, that no change was made in the status of the division at that time. That the attitude of the War De- partment toward the division was altered at a later date is evident from the fact that while no announcement of a change of plans was made, the Thirty- third went overseas as a combat division. More than eleven weeks had elapsed without anything further being heard of the 3,500 recruits promised on December 3, 1917, but on the eve- ning of February 21 a telegram from the adjutant general inquired as to the MEN OF THE I22ND FIELD ARTILLERY IN THE Y. M. C. A. HUT AT CAMP LOGAN number of men needed to fill the division to full authorized strength. A reply was immediately sent to the effect that the actual vacancies numbered 5,124, but that, in view of prospective vacancies, 6,000 men were required. During March the training was still further accelerated. All officers and men were required to remain in camp on the nights of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the purpose of study; numerous night schools were inaugurated including a division school of operations which was attended by all the ranking officers of the command and the daily hours of drill were increased from seven to eight. On the 26th the officers of the division were again assembled and given another plain talk by General Bell, who placed the utmost emphasis upon the necessity of subordinating everything else to pre- paring the troops for fighting. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 105 There were a few important events during the month which require chronicling. During the first week, Brigadier General Paul A. Wolf reported for duty and assumed command of the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade, re- placing Brigadier General Fos- ter, who had failed to qualify physically for overseas service and had been honorably dis- charged on January 8. On March 9 the division com- mander transmitted to the chief of staff of the United States Army the rather voluminous correspondence of the preceding three months on the subject of the recruits needed to expand the division to its maximum authorized strength. At the same time he reiterated his re- quest "to have the five thousand men needed by this division sent here at once in order that they may be at least partially trained before our departure over- seas." This recommendation bore fruit. On the iQth a telegram was re- ceived from the commanding general of the Eighty-sixth Division at Camp GENERAL BELL AND HIS HORSE COMPANY E, I30TH INFANTRY, WAITING FOR THE ENEMY io6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Grant announcing that he had been ordered to transfer 2,700 men to the Thirty-third within the next eight days, and on the 22nd instructions were re- ceived from the adjutant general of the army to report immediately the short- age of men in each arm of the service and to specify the needs of each regi- ment and other unit. April, 1918, was a strenuous month for the Thirty-third Division and was replete with important events. During the opening week the question as to the disposition of the alien ene- mies, which had been a source of never-ending annoyance for months, was at last solved by the official an- nouncement that enlisted men born in enemy countries might be sent overseas if they had been completely naturalized but that those who had not become wholly naturalized were precluded from service abroad, re- gardless of their desire. On April 4 a number of the officers who had at- tended the three months' course at the Brigade and Field Officers' School returned from San Antonio and resumed their former positions. Colonel John J. Garrity was trans- ferred from the i32nd Infantry in the command of which he was suc- ceeded by Lieutenant Colonel Abel Davis to the i3oth Infantry, vice Colonel Frank S. Wood relieved, but Colonel Garrity subsequently ten- dered his resignation, which was accepted at the end of the month, and the command of the i3Oth In- fantry devolved upon Lieutenant Colonel E. J. Lang. On April 5 was held the first review of the entire division, at the maneuver ground four miles north of Camp Logan. On the same day there occurred two events which indicated that the long training period was almost at an end and that the division was soon to go overseas. The first of these was the issuance of General Orders No. 52, embodying the regulations to govern the movement of the division to its port of embarkation whenever that movement should take place. The second event was the arrival of the first contingent of drafted men destined to fill the division to its maximum authorized strength. The various contingents are enumerated in the order of their arrival in the table on the next page: GENERAL TODD AND MAJOR (LATER LIEUTENANT COLONEL) HUIDEKOPER THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 107 AN ATTACK AT CAMP LOGAN WAS GOOD EXERCISE DATE OF NUMBER ARRIVAL OF MEN FROM April 5 892 86th Division, Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois. April 6 8qi 86th Division, Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois. April 7 814 86th Division, Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois. April 8 1,150 88th Division, Camp Dodge, Des Moines, Iowa. April 8 500 84th Division, Camp Taylor. Louisville, Kentucky. April 9 1,148 88th Division, Camp Dodge, Des Moines, Iowa. April 10 500 84th Division, Camp Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky. April 23 100 86th Division, Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois. April 25 150 Base Hospital, 88th Division, Camp Dodge. April 29 1,000 Depot Brigade, 86th Division, Camp Grant. TOTAL 7,145 Drafted men received. As these successive contingents arrived, the first 3,000 men were incor- porated into the First Provisional Regiment under the command of Major H. C. Ridgway, and the last 4,145 into the Sec- ond Provisional Regi- ment under Captain William H. Simpson, General Bell's senior aide-de-camp. They were subjected to a thorough physical examina- tion, given intensive training, classified, and during the latter part of April were assigned to various units of the di- vision, thus filling each to its maximum strength THEY SEEMED TO ENJOY IT with men qualified for io8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR the particular work required. On the 6th, to stimulate interest in the Third Liberty Loan, the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade, the 12 2nd Field Artillery and Ambulance Company No. 131 paraded in Houston and were reviewed by the division commander. General Bell reported the io8th Engineers and the io8th Engineer Train as equipped and ready. During the third week of April orders were received to send them to Camp Merritt, and on the 22nd they marched out of Camp Logan bound overseas, to the envy of their fellow soldiers. On the 2ist, 156 enlisted men who had successfully completed the course at the training camp at Leon Springs, and become candidates for com- missions returned to the division; on the 25th, 704 alien enemies were sent to Camp Lewis, American Lake, Washington, in compliance with orders; and ARMY TRANSPORT SERVICE BASE, BREST before the end of the week instructions were received from the War Depart- ment directing that the Division Headquarters, the Headquarters Troop, the 1 2 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, the entire Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade and four camp infirmaries reach Camp Upton, Long Island, as soon as possible after midday on May 2 . Lively, indeed, were the closing days of April, as is always the case just prior to the departure of a large body of troops on a long journey. In addi- tion to the preparations which never can be made until the last minute, the arrival of several thousand recruits at the eleventh hour involved herculean labor in assigning them to the various units according to the needs of the organizations and the qualifications of the men themselves. By dint of ex- traordinary efforts, the task was successfully accomplished in time, and on the THE THIRTY -THIRD DIVISION 109 3 i c~/~> T I \ / cr x x i at 'nio.hir- UDJ^Jil,yf- / r Re ached /0A.M. and dated . : dots ore Chaurn Forming up Lme /5/st U. 5. 65? AM. Oct. 10, 1916 to 132-nd. 0&ta,l9l8 N orrna/ . Objecrtve P/W3/OT? Bou-ndarif THE OPERATIONS EAST OF THE MEUSE RIVER As shown by the operations maps of the isist Infantry. 142 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR newed and the advance mm of the Twenty-ninth Di- vision was attended with 9* : ^P* ' J '-m f' jjafllt " W *~ p more success. As a result MbghflitevA the second battalion, K*. Jin 'at-- , ',^^-^m3^r^\^^ ,, T c U1 1 2 9th Infantry, was able to reach and consolidate its new position. Under conditions similar to those endured by the other forces, the Sixty-fifth Infantry Bri- gade held its positions from October 15 until relieved by the Fifteenth Colonial Infantry Divi- sion (French). This re- lief began in the sector of the Sixty-sixth In- fantry Brigade west of the Meuse on the night of October 19-20, continued in both sectors on the following night and terminated on the night of the 2ist-22nd, when the last element of the Thirty-third Division was replaced by French Colo- nials. Forty- four days had elapsed from the time the first troops of the division had occupied the trenches at Verdun until the last unit was relieved. From October 8 until October 21 the Thirty-third Division, astride of the Meuse and subjected to incessant fire day and night from the enemy on the dominating heights, held a front of ten kilometers, forming the right of the American forces attacking west of the river and the left of the Seventeenth French Army Corps operating east of the Meuse. A BIG GUN AT DANNEVOUX Showing the h'oist and railroad track used in handling ammunition. A VIEW OF DUN-SUR-MEUSE THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 143 DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AT TROYON Upon its relief the T h i r t y-third Division marched by night to the sector of Troyon-sur- Meuse, staging each day in various woods to avoid observation by hostile airplanes. This sector which included the cel- ebrated position of Les Eparges, the scene of such desperate fighting in 1915 and 1916 was then occupied by the Seventy-ninth American Division (Major General Joseph E. Kuhn) and the Fifty-fifth Field Artillery (Brigadier General J. A. Kilbreth), belonging to the Thirtieth Division. On the nights of October 23, 24 and 25, this division was relieved by the Thirty-third, which meanwhile had been assigned to the Second Colonial Army Corps (Gen- eral Blondlat). The Fifty-fifth Field Artillery Brigade, being un- able to move its guns owing to an insufficiency of horses, was attached to the Thirty-third Division, while the Fifty-second Field Artillery Brigade, upon arriving a few miles from the positions where it was to relieve the Fifty-fifth, was de- tached, marched back to Verdun with the Seventy-ninth Division, and was sent into the line near Con- sen voye on the nights of October 28 and 29, its troops, tired by nearly seven weeks of continuous opera- tions, occupying positions within a radius of two miles from the spot where one of its units had been relieved on the night of the 2oth- 2 ist. On the 26th the post of com- mand of the Thirty-third Division was established at Troyon-sur- Meuse, and on the nights of the 27th and 28th the Thirty-ninth French Infantry Division was re- lieved jointly by the Thirty-third "THIS IS THE WAY" Colonel (later Brigadier General) Kilbreth, 55th F. A. Brigade, and General W. J. Nicholson, 1 5 7th F. A. Brigade, conferring at Mouilly. Gen- eral Nicholson was commander of the first R. O. T. C. at Fort Sheridan in 1917. 144 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR COMMANDING GENERAL'S BILLET AT TROYON Photographed from the garden. and Twenty- eighth American Divisions, with the result that the Thir- ty-third occupied a front- a g e of approximately twelve kilometers. The region of Troy- on-sur-Meuse was at that time considered a ''quiet sector," but it rapidly de- veloped into a distinctly lively area, particularly after the mediocre Aus- trians were replaced by picked German troops, who were ordered at all costs to hold this sector, which was considered the key to Metz. The period from October 27 to November 5, 1918, was characterized by constant, harass- ing fire from the enemy artillery and by unusual activity in the shape of con- tinual patrols and frequent raids by the Americans. The first of these patrols was sent out on the night of October 28-29 m conformity with orders from the corps commander, and thereafter they were of daily and nightly occur- rence, some of them being decidedly productive of results in prisoners taken and information gained. The first raid was made early on the morning of November 7 against the Chateau et Ferme d' Aulnois by Companies A and C, 1 30th Infantry, and resulted in the killing of nine of the enemy and the capture of one officer, twenty-one men, two heavy and four light machine THE THIRTY-THIRD IN TROYON, OCTOBER 26 THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 145 guns. The second raid was made on November 8 against St. Hilaire by two provisional com- panies from the i3ist Infantry but achieved little, while the third raid, made against the same town on November 9 by a like force from that regiment effected the destruction of numerous machine gun posts, al- though none of the enemy were encoun- tered. The last two days immediately preceding the armistice were characterized by attacks of a much more serious nature, which were made in force. At 5:45 a. m. on November 10, the second battalion, i3oth Infantry, under protection of a heavy fire of artillery and machine guns, assaulted the strongly fortified town of Marche- ville. By 10 a. m. the attacking forces had captured the town, taking six officers, eighty- four men, twelve machine guns and a 1 50 mm. howitzer. They followed up their successes by repulsing four counterattacks. During the night of the gth-ioth, the i3ist Infantry drove the enemy out of the Bois les Hautes Epines, the Bois la Vachere and the Bois de War- ville, occupying the village of St. Hilaire about dawn. Shortly before noon IN THE CEMETERY AT ST. HILAIRE THE VILLAGE OF THILLOT-SOUS-LES-COTES The starting point for the raids on St. Hilaire. 146 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR AT THE EDGE OF THE BOIS DES HAUTES EPINES Explosion of a shell on the i3ist Infantry's front. an attack against La Bertaucourt Ferme was made by Company A, followed about an hour later by an offensive against the Bois d'Har- ville by the third bat- talion, supported by the second battalion of the i3ist Infantry and by Companies A and B, 1 2 4th Machine Gun Bat- talion. The troops par- ticipating in this bril- liant attack broke through the Kriemhilde Stellung and reached their objective about 3:20 p. m., thus gaining possession of the entire southern portion of that formidable wood. The capture of the Bois d'Harville, coupled with that of Marcheville, wrested from the Germans two of the most important positions of the Hindenburg system in the Troyon sector, the loss of which was considered as synonymous with the fall of Metz. On November 11, at 5 a. m., the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade, headed by the 1 2 9th Infantry, resumed its attack in a heavy fog, over a terrain flooded by the enemy and in the face of extremely heavy fire from hostile artillery and machine guns. By 9 o'clock it was in possession of the Chateau d'Aulnois, Riaville and Marcheville and was still advancing when the news was received that the armistice had been signed and that hostilities would cease at 1 1 a. m. At 9:45 the recall was sounded, the units were halted and their fire arrested, although the enemy did not cease his bombardment until exactly n o'clock. Meanwhile, the initial attack of the Sixty-sixth Brigade had been made about 5:30 a. m. by a force of 150 men from the i3ist and i32nd Infantry Regiments, moving from St. Hilaire against Butgneville, but so heavy was the enemy fire and so numerous were the obstacles encountered that this operation had to be suspended. The main attack was to be made against the unconquered portion of the Bois d'Harville and the fortified village of Jonville, and the troops were in the process of forming for this attack when, about 8:30 a. m.. information regarding the armistice was received. The troops accordingly stood fast and all firing ceased in marked contrast to the enemy artillery and one machine gun in particular which continued to sing their "Hymn of Hate" until the stroke of n o'clock. If the progress which had been made THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 147 U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE TIME FILED im t" * Fl From At _ V i , DatelL SENT BY 1 TIME RECEIVED BY TIME -THESE SPACES FOR SIGNAL OPERATORS ONLY. To_\kk___ .Hour. No._ HOW SENT r\U,\ THE ORDER TO STOP FIGHTING As it was received by the Thirty-third Division. The order reads: i. Hostilities will be stopped on the entire front beginning on the eleventh of November eleven o'clock (French time). 2. The allied troops will not go beyond, until further order, the line attained at that date and at that hour. Signed: Marshal Foch. by the Thirty-third Division at that hour be any criterion, it is highly probable that by the end of the day it would have broken completely through the other enemy positions in the Troyon sector the last German system of de- fense between the division and the fortifications of Metz. During the afternoon of the nth and the ensuing morning a general rectification of the positions of the Thirty-third Division took place, with the dual object of making the troops as comfortable as possible after their long tours of duty in the trenches at Verdun and Troyon, and of holding them in readiness for any future advance. The days immediately following the armis- tice were noteworthy for the stringent measures which had to be taken to prevent fraternization on the part of the Germans and to care for the hundreds of prisoners liberated by the enemy who streamed into the lines in a pitiful condition. The Thirty-third Division had passed on November 5 from the Second Colonial Army Corps to the Seventeenth Army Corps (General Hellot, vice General Claudel) and in the ensuing month it was transferred no less than four times. It was assigned on November 14 to the Fourth Corps, on the i7th 148 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR to the reserve of the Second Army, on the 26th to the Ninth Corps, and on December 5 it went back to the reserve of the Second Army. During that period the training of the troops, which had been resumed on November 12, continued without interruption, with occasional terrain exercises. Great atten- tion was devoted to the thorough salvaging and policing of the areas occupied. On November 17 the Third Army (Major General Dickman) the newly- created Army of Occupation began its advance toward Luxemburg en route into Germany. To supply it with the requisite motor transport, it was neces- sary to strip the First and Second Armies of a large proportion of their trucks, and the Thirty-third Division, reduced to approximately half the number prescribed, found difficulty in functioning properly, especially since it was almost impossible to obtain spare parts for its motor transport. On November 18 Lieutenant Colonel William H. Simpson succeeded Brigadier General Naylor as chief of staff, as the latter had been transferred to the Ninth Corps. On December 7 the Thirty-third Division began its movement to the Leudelange area, southwest of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, and on the 8th it reached the region of Etain and Conflans. On that same day the French took official possession of Metz and the procession, which was reviewed by President Poincare, Marshals Joffre, Foch and Petain, Field Marshal Sir Doug- las Haig and other important personages, was headed by a provisional battalion THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY OF THE ALLIES INTO METZ Marshal Petain led the procession, in which a provisional battalion of the represented the Americans. Infantry THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 149 PANORAMA OF DIEKIRCH Where the divisional headquarters of the Thirty-third were established in December. from the i3ist Infantry, commanded by Colonel Sanborn. The contingent of the i3ist were the only foreign troops participating in that historic event. On the Qth the Thirty-third reached the line Norrey-Mancieulles; on the loth the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade reached Esch, in Luxemburg, and the Sixty-fifth arrived at Villerupt. On the nth orders were received to remain south of the line running from Luxemburg, the capital of the Grand Duchy, to Remich; on the i2th the infantry brigades resumed their advance, which carried them to Hesperingen and Bartringen. At the conclusion of this move- ment the entire Thirty-third Division was concentrated in an area south and west of Luxemburg and only a few miles from that city. At the same time it passed out of the Second Army Reserve and was attached to the Seventh Corps, which formed part of the Third Army, better known as the "Army of Occupa- tion." All ranks of the division welcomed the day of rest which was given them December 13, as they were decidedly fatigued after six days of continuous marching over muddy roads in a ceaseless downpour of rain. On the i4th, however, the movement was resumed eastward "toward the division's new destination the Saarburg area in Rhenish Germany and that afternoon the leading units reached the Moselle. On the i5th the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade crossed this river into Germany and pushed forward to the picturesque region of Saarburg, while the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade continued its move- ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE CHRISTMAS MILITARY BALL Given at Diekirch by the officers of the division, at the Grand Hotel Des Ardennes. ment north along the left bank as far as Manternach, its leading elements getting over the Sauer into German territory. The Fifty-fifth Field Artillery Brigade followed the Sixty-sixth as far as Remich, while the other units marched northeast on the heels of the Sixty-fifth. About noon information was received by telegraph that, since the number of American divisions to enter Germany had been limited to eight, the Thirty-third would be trans- ferred back to the Second Army. It was directed that its advance be arrested and that any units which had crossed the German frontier should be with- drawn into Luxemburg. The necessary orders were issued immediately and the leading elements of the Sixty-fifth Brigade withdrew the next day. It was not until the lyth, however, that the Sixty- sixth Brigade completed its retirement across the Moselle to Remich. At noon that day the T h i r t y-third Division passed out of the Army CHRISTMAS DINNER IN DIEKIRCH of Occupation, and again THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION became part of the reserve of the Second Army. On December 18 the division was attached to the Sixth Corps and the leading units began their advance northwest toward Diekirch; on the igth the entire command was in movement, and on the 2oth the troops reached the area which, save for certain slight modifications, they were destined to occupy for four months. The division headquarters were established at Diekirch and sev- eral other units were billeted in that town; the region of Ettelbriick was occupied by the Sixty-fifth Brigade and that of the Chateau of Meysem- bourg by the Sixty-sixth; the io8th Engineers were stationed further east at Medernach. and the 12 2nd Machine Gun Battalion occupied Canach in the southeastern part of the Grand Duchy. The Fifty- fifth Field Artillery Brigade remained at Remich on the Moselle. The mission of the division, which constituted part of the reserve of the Army of Occupation, was to guard the lines of communication and various dumps of the allied forces and to preserve order within the Duchy of Luxem- burg north of the line Remich to Redange, both inclusive. As a matter of fact, the Luxemburgers showed themselves exceptionally friendly and the stay of the division in the Grand Duchy proved extraordinarily pleasant. DEMONSTRATION OF BRACKET FIRE ANOTHER VIEW OF THE BRACKET FIRE DEMONSTRATION AT VIARDEN Showing instructors and students grouped about the trench mortars. a 0* ^ 2^ tS-g Sa| -g^ 5i ^-2 1-M ^1 W .H ^ oj J- ^^.g s -SH w,2 JH g .^ aiSlil H M* 3S, --l-a^l CO 3 * -tJ^ 3^^1-3" H^ ^DS W g J'S I fc rt^a'Scc * ^ o i>2 - o 01 ssijii* 511 rH ^ i i J3 a Tfl H ^ %> 3 - 'S PQ .. g ^ H ss g _, d !QQ H-i-f'SSj ggi^ir H2 ^s,^^ co f 4 ^* n> bfl _ .. .P* to oo ^|ia n^ " tuo^ .g r^ CD THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 153 A VIEW IN ECHTERNACH On December 20 General Bell received notification that Lieu- tenant General Bullard had directed him, as senior division com- mander in the Sixth Corps, to "assume com- mand of that Corps/' but four days later, after General Headquarters had learned of his assign- ment, he was relieved. During the occupa- tion of Luxemburg terri- tory, the troops of the Thirty-third Division were given continuous training, save for the period from Christmas to January 6, 1919. Numerous schools were established, and a large number of officers and men were sent away to other schools in compliance with orders. To bring the transport to the highest possible stand- ard, a number of horse shows were held, at which the animals, vehicles and equipment of the various units were rated. These competitions were so suc- cessful that a similar system was applied to the troops themselves. This brought about a remarkable improvement in the appearance of the men and their proficiency in the School of the Soldier. Dances and performances by theatrical troupes, organ- ized in the various units, afforded entertainment to officers and men alike; the division theatrical troupe achieved remark- able success wherever it appeared, especially in Paris, where it played for weeks to crowded houses. On January 5 the Fifty-fifth Field Artil- lery Brigade, which had been attached to the Twenty-eighth Division, started for Woinville. On the loth, the Fifty- eighth Field Artillery THE BOYS' SCHOOL AT DIEKIRCH Brigade (Brigadier Gen- Used as division headquarters. eral Henry D. Todd, Jr.) 154 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR rejoined the division, and was billeted at Schon- fels, Bissen, Lintgen, Berschbach and Tuntingen. The separation of eight months was ended to the delight of both commands, and this brigade returned to its own with a remarkable record for gallantry, efficiency and esprit de corps, gained under particu- larly difficult conditions. The Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade occupied Ech- ternach and the region in its vicinity on January 1 1 . On the 2oth, Brigadier General C. M. Wagstaff, of the British Expeditionary Forces, presented the dec- orations bestowed by the King of England on certain officers and men of the i3ist Infantry fcr their gallantry at Chipilly Ridge and Gressaire Wood on August 9, 1918. Following an inspection of the regi- ment, which was drawn up on three sides of the square at the village of Larochette, the Distinguished Service Order was conferred upon Colonel Sanborn and the Military Cross upon Second Lieutenant George W. Sherwood, while three men received the Distinguished Conduct Medal and fifteen others the Military Medal. During February, 1919, the number of officers and men detached from the units to attend schools within the division or elsewhere reached such propor- LT. SHERWOOD RE- CEIVES MILITARY CROSS THE CEREMONIES AT LAROCHETTE Brigadier General Wagstaff decorating officers and men of the 1315! Infantry. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 155 (Harris and Nickerson) REVIEWING THE PRIZE-WINNING TEAMS AT DIEKIRCH Left to right: Lieutenant Colonel Schwengel, Captain Woodward, Major General Bell, Major General McAndrew, Brigadier General Fiske, Lieutenant St. Louis, Brigadier General Wolf, Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds, Lieutenant Colonel Simpson. tions as to handicap considerably the training of the troops. Apart from this training and the usual routine, the month was particularly noteworthy for the series of inspections inaugurated with a view to rating the units according to their proficiency to which allusion has already been made for the letters of commendation received from Lieutenant General Bullard respecting the conduct of the division in the Meuse-Argonne battle and from the adjutant general on the "splendid" condition of its animals and transport, and for the division horse show held at Diekirch on February 27. The horse show was a remarkable success and was given additional interest by the presence of the Grand Duchess of Luxemburg, the members of her suite, the corps com- mander, the chief of staff of the Second Army and other important persons. During March, 1919, additional schools were established and a large number of officers and men were sent to the A. E. F. University at Beaune, Cote d'Or, France, as students and instructors. On the 2oth, the Thirty- third carried off the first honors at the horse show of the Sixth Corps held in the city of Luxemburg. The Thirty-third also held a very successful motor transport show at Diekirch on the 27th. On the i2th the ratings of the horse transport of the units were published, the highest being that of the Thirty- third Military Police Company with a total of 279.48 out of a possible 300. During the first three months of 1919 numerous decorations American, British and French had been awarded to officers and men of the Thirty-third Division and on March 17, out of sixty-three Medals of Honor given in the W "* > H - ^ c3 M_, H ^^ ^2 2 c ^ w-a JJ ^ THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 157 CHAMPION FIVE-HORSE TEAMS OF THE 33RD DIVISION First prize, i32nd Infantry (at left); second prize, i22nd Field Artillery (at right). entire A. E. F., eight had been conferred upon the Thirty-third Division. During April there were a number of competitions in rifle and pistol shooting as well as machine gun matches, but on the 8th all schools were dis- continued. On the first of the month, the division was transferred out of the Sixth Corps and again became part of the Army of Occupation. On the 6th General Desticker, Marshal Foch's first assistant chief of staff, formally presented Croix de Guerre to nine officers and twenty-five men of the division. On the yth the headquarters of the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade were moved from Echternach to Dommeldingen. The division commander reviewed that brigade on the gth and the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade on the following day. The Thirty-third Division carried off first honors at the Sixth Corps motor show held at Luxemburg April 1 1 , and took second place in the international horse show held by the Army of Occupation at Coblenz from the 23rd to the 27th. On April 12 the Thirty-third Division was transferred from the Third Army to the Services of Supply, and three days later came the welcome news that its movement to Brest would commence on the 24th. The most notable event of the month took place on April 22, when the Thirty-third Division was inspected and reviewed by General Pershing, the commander-in-chief of the A. E. F., in the presence of a large assemblage which included Prince Leopold of Belgium, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker and Major General Keppel-Bethel of the British Army. At the termination of the review, General Pershing personally presented to many officers and men the American decorations awarded them. He presented to General Bell and 158 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR General Wolf the Distinguished Service Medal General King having already obtained this decoration at Chaumont on March 23. To three men he gave the coveted Medal of Honor, and to twenty-two officers and eighty-one enlisted men the Distinguished Service Cross. By his direction battle streamers were placed on the colors of all the regiments as well as those of the machine gun battalions and the field signal battalion. The commander-in-chief evidently was pleased with the "fine appearance" of the troops, to judge by the letter he wrote on the following day to General Bell, which will be found on page 170. The Thirty-third Division began entraining on April 25 for the journey to Brest, but it was not until the first of May that the last units had left the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, where they had spent more than four delightful months. The stay at Brest was without particular interest except for the presentation by Vice Admiral Moreau, on May 7, of the Legion of Honor to Generals Bell, Wolf and King and Colonel Sanborn, and for the receipt of a farewell letter from Andre Tardieu, the French commissioner-general. The division commander, with the i32nd Infantry and the i22nd and the i24th Machine Gun Battalions, sailed May 9 on the transport Mount Vernon, reach- ing New York on the 1 7th, when they were welcomed by a delegation of Illinois officials and citizens headed by Governor Lowden. As the successive units arrived, they disembarked at Hoboken and were sent to Camp Mills, Long THE CROWD AT THE SIXTH CORPS MOTOR SHOW, AT LUXEMBURG Where the Thirty-third Division took first honors. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION IS9 Island, whence after a short stay, they pro- ceeded by rail to Chi- cago. The efforts of Gov- ernor Lowden and other Illinois officials to obtain permission from the War Department for a review of the entire division in Chicago was unavailing, but consent was obtained for three reviews as the successive increments arrived. Nothing could have exceeded the en- thusiasm with which the people of Chicago wel- comed the veterans. Each contingent paraded over flower-strewn streets and passed in re- view before Governor Lowden. The dates of these reviews and the troops participating in them were as follows : MAY 27, 1919: Division Headquarters (Major General George Bell, Jr.). Headquarters Troop (Captain Herbert W. Styles). 65th Infantry Brigade Headquarters (Brigadier General Edward L. King). i32nd Infantry (Colonel Abel Davis). i3oth Infantry (Colonel John V. Clinnin). I24th Machine Gun Battalion (Major Floyd F. Putman). 1 23rd Machine Gun Battalion (Major Albert L. Culbertson). i22nd Machine Gun Battalion (Captain E. C. Daly). Railhead Detachment. io8th Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop (First Lieutenant Clay M. Donner). JUNE 2, 1919: 66th Infantry Brigade Headquarters (Brigadier General Paul A. Wolf, who had, however, remained in France as captain of the A. E. F. team which won the inter-allied rifle and pistol match at Le Mans on June 23 to 25, 1919). I3ist Infantry (Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn). i2oth Infantry (Colonel Edgar A. Myer). io8th Train Headquarters and Military Police (Colonel Charles D. Center). io8th Ammunition Train (Lieutenant-Colonel Walter J. Fisher). io8th Supply Train (Major William. Hendrie). JUNE 5, 1019: 58th Field Artillery Brigade Headquarters (Brigadier General Henry D. Todd, Jr.). i22nd Field Artillery (Colonel Milton J. Foreman). GENERAL PERSHING ADDRESSES THE DIVISION AT ETTELBRUCK i6o ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE COLORS OF ALL UNITS OF THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION Assembled just prior to the ceremonies of decorating the colors at the Ettelbriick review. i23rd Field Artillery (Colonel Charles G. Davis). 124 Field Artillery (Colonel Horatio B. Hackett). io8th Engineers (Colonel Henry A. Allen). io8th Engineer Train (First Lieutenant Magnus P. Thompson). io8th Field Signal Battalion (Major Milan A. Loosley). io8th Sanitary Train (Lieutenant-Colonel George C. Amerson). A SEA OF HELMETS in S H w g 55" O I ^^ - o 33 * 9 GO cr O 1 62 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Upon detraining at various stations, the troops proceeded to Grant Park, where a reception of their relatives was held. At n a. m. began the parade, headed in each instance by General Bell and reviewed by Governor Lowden. The parades were followed by banquets at different hotels, at the conclusion of which the troops entrained for Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois. At that camp the officers and men who were not of the regular establishment and who did not desire to remain in the army were rapidly and "honorably discharged" from the military service of the United States. Before the end of June, 1919, this demobilization had been completed and the "Prairie Division" passed into history. GENERAL BELL RECEIVES THE SALUTE Admiral Moreau decorating officers of the Thirty-third Division, at Brest. In certain respects the career of the Thirty-third Division was unique. It was the only division in the American Expeditionary Forces in France and, therefore, in American history which fought with, and under, the British, the Americans and the French. It was the only American division the officers and men of which were decorated by a king of England in person. While in Europe, the Thirty-third Division served in five armies and twelve army corps, in some of them more than once. The division was attached to the Fourth British Army, the First American Army, the Second French Army, the Second American Army and the Third American Army. It served during this time with the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth American Corps, the Third and Nineteenth British Corps, the Australian Corps, the Seventeenth French Army Corps, and the Second Colonial Army Corps (French). THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 163 The Thirty-third was the sixteenth American division to reach France. In the number of kilometers gained during advance against the enemy, it has been officially rated as the ninth among the American divisions ; in the number of prisoners captured, it stood fourth; in the number of its own troops killed in action, it was ranked twentieth, and in the number of its wounded, twelfth these last two categories affording proof of the skill with which the division was handled in battle. The German High Command evidently considered it exceptional as they rated it among the five "first-class" American divisions. From June 22 until November n, 1918, a period of nearly five months, there elapsed only eighteen days when the Thirty-third Division, in whole or MARCHING TO THE DOCKS AT BREST in part, was not occupying a portion of the allied line. General Sir Henry Rawlinson, commanding the Fourth British Army, prophesied that it would "render brilliant service to the allied cause." In the Meuse-Argonne battle, to quote the words of Lieutenant- General Bullard in his letter of February 18, 1919, to General Bell every mission entrusted to the division was "executed with zeal, skill, smoothness and valor that deserved the highest commenda- tion." In all its desperate fighting never once did the Thirty-third Division appeal for help or reinforcements. It was the boast of the soldiers that every order given them in battle was executed and that every objective as- signed to them was taken on scheduled time. This claim is justified by the facts. 164 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR (S) International Film Service A RIOT OF JOY As the Mount Vernon steamed into New York harbor. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 165 THE ARRIVAL IN CHICAGO Left to right: Lt. Col. Stansfield, Capt. Roa, General Bell, Lt. Col. Chiperfield, Lt. Col. Simpson, Maj. Barber. The attainment of perfection, especially in war, is beyond human power, but in the Thirty- third Division the ma- chinery functioned smoothly and was in- variably able to cope with every situation, however difficult. Few were the occasions when the troops in the trenches did not have hot meals; there was no shortage of rations even under the most critical conditions, and the supply of artil- lery and small arms am- munition was always equal to requirements. The officers of the staff never lost sight of the fact that their role was wholly and solely that of servants of the fighting men. While it was at Camp Logan, the death rate in the Thirty-third Division was the lowest in the American army. In Europe, its health rate ranked among the very highest in the A. E. F. During active operations, the manner in which it cared for the sick and wounded was noteworthy for its efficiency. The discipline and spirit of the division were of the highest order. From the date of its departure from Texas until the beginning of the armistice, no enlisted man was tried by a general court-martial and only two officers were thus tried an enviable record for any command of that size. In efficiency, gallantry, devotion to duty, steadfast resolution and cheer- fulness under all conditions, and in esprit de corps, the officers and men of the Thirty-third Division proved themselves worthy successors of the soldiers of Illinois who fought in former wars of the United States. The commander-in- chief, in his letter of April 23, 1919, declared that "theirs was a splendid record while in France," and that "they should go home proud of themselves and of the part they have played, and conscious of the respect and admiration of their comrades throughout the American Expeditionary Forces." In bidding farewell to the division commander on May 5, 1919, Andre Tardieu, the French commissioner-general, wrote: "We shall treasure in memory the exploits of your splendid soldiers. I here tender to them the expression of the gratitude of the Government of the French Republic, which unites in the same thought of thankfulness the living and the dead." In a pamphlet entitled "33rd Division, A. E. F." summarizing the opera- tions of the command from its arrival in France until the armistice which i66 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR was printed in Luxemburg and distributed, during April, 1919, to all ranks the division commander, in his short preface, declared that he was "proud to have the honor and the privilege of commanding such men." What the officers and men of the Thirty-third Division accomplished is mainly attributable to the effective weeding out of those who were not up to the requisite standard, to the thorough training, the severe discipline enforced, the vigilant supervision, the magnificent spirit instilled into them and the skill with which they were at all times handled by their admired and beloved com- mander, Major General George Bell, Jr. THE SECOND CONTINGENT HOME AGAIN! MARCHING DOWN STATE STREET, CHICAGO THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 167 ADVANCES MADE BY THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION The following are the advances made by the Thirty-third Division in its various attacks: Meters July 4, 1918, at Hamel, Companies C and E, i3ist Infantry, and Companies A and G, i32nd Infantry 2100 August 9, 1918, at Gressaire Wood and Chipiliy Ridge, Somme Offensive, i3ist Infantry 4000 September 26, 1918, sector between the Bois de Forges and the Laiterie de Belhame, i3ist In- fantry; Companies B and C, i24th Machine Gun Battalion, and Company C, io8th Engineers 7000 September 26, 1918, Bois de Forges, i32nd Infantry; Companies A and D, i24th Machine Gun Battalion, and Company F, io8th Engineers SOOG September 29 to October 14, 1918, Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade, Bois de Dannevoux and Bois de la Cote Lemont 2000 October 8, 1918, near Consenvoye, i32nd Infantry (less Third Battalion) ; Second Battalion, 13151 Infantry, and Companies A and D, i24th Machine Gun Battalion 4000 October 9, 1918, Bois de Chaume, i32nd Infantry (less Third Battalion) ; Second Battalion and Machine Gun Company, 1315! Infantry, and Companies A and D, i24th Machine Gun Battalion 3000 October 10, 1918, Bois de Chaume and Bois du Plat Chene, i3ist Infantry (less Second Battalion) ; Company B, 12 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, and Company B, i24th Machine Gun Battalion 2000 October 10, 1918, Bois de Chaume, Third Battalion, i3Oth Infantry 2000 October 10, 1918, Bois du Plat Chene, Third Battalion, i29th Infantry 2000 October 10, 1918, Bois de Chaume and Bois du Plat Chene, First Battalion, i29th Infantry, and Company A, i22nd Machine Gun Battalion 3200 October 15, 1918, Bois du Plat Chene, Second Battalion, i2gth Infantry 1000 November 10, 1918, Marcheville, Second Battalion, i3oth Infantry, and Company D, i23rd Machine Gun Battalion 3000 November 10, 1918, Bois d'Harville, and St. Hilaire, i3ist Infantry, and Companies A and B, i24th Machine Gun Battalion 4000 November n, 1918, Chateau D'Aulnois, Riaville and Marcheville, izqth Infantry, i3Oth In- fantry, i23rd Machine Gun Battalion, and Company F, io8th Engineers 3000 PRISONERS TAKEN BY THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION Officers Other Ranks July 5, 1918 *5oo August 9, 1918 - .> 700 September 26, 1918 - 36 i ,400 September 27, 1918 104 October 2, 1918 4 October 8, 1918 2 145 October 9, 1918 18 615 October 10, 1918 4 149 October u, 1918 43 October 12, 1918 2 October 13, 1918 48 October 20, 1918 5 October 27-November 9, 1918 (both inclusive) : i 57 November 10, 1918 7 146 November n, 1918 6 Total 68 3,924 * Estimated. i68 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR MATERIEL CAPTURED BY THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION Heavy Light Trench Machine Artillery Artillery Mortars Guns Rifles Gressaire Wood, i3ist Infantry, August 9, 1918.. 2 28 2 100 59 Near Bois de Forges, i3ist Infantry, September 26, 1918 3 13 . . 52 59 Bois de Forges, i32nd Infantry, September 26, 1918 4 12 10 ^09 Sector of Bois de Dannevoux and Bois de la Cote Lemont, 65th Infantry Brigade, September 29 to October 15, 1918 i 7 2 37 80 Brabant Consenvoye Bois de Chaume, 13 2nd Infanjtry, October 8 to 14, 1918 2 n 3 113 Bois de Chaume and Bois du Plat Chene, i3ist Infantry, October 10 to 14, 1918 16 i 24 -107 Bois de Chaume, i3oth Infantry, October to to 20, 1918 .. .. 2 Bois du Plat Chene, i29th Infantry, October 10 to 20, 1918 .. 2 3 25 Chateau d'Aulnois, i3oth Infantry, November 7, 1918 .. .. 6 Bois de Warville, i3ist Infantry, November 8, 1918 .. .. i Marcheville, i30th Infantry, November 10, 1918. . i .. .. 12 Bois d'Harville, i3ist Infantry, November 10, 1918 .. .. i Totals 13 87 20 460 430 LETTERS OF COMMENDATION FROM THE BRITISH Fourth Army No. G. S. 2/13. Thirty-third Illinois Division. On the departure of the Thirty-third Division from the Fourth Army I desire officially to record my admiration of the energy, keenness and soldierly qualities exhibited by all ranks during their period of training under my orders. The marked advance which has been made and the satisfactory standard of fighting efficiency that has been reached reflect high credit on all con- cerned, and guarantee that the division will render brilliant services to the allied cause wherever it may be employed as a fighting division in face of the enemy. My regret is that it will not have further opportunity for offensive action whilst in the Fourth British Army, but portions of the division have already acquitted themselves most gal- lantly, and I desire to tender my warm thanks to those units engaged for their brilliant successes in the Hamel offensive and at Gressaire Wood. I greatly regret the departure of the division and offer to General Bell and all ranks under his command the best of good fortune in the strenuous times which lie before them. H. RAWLINSON. H. Q. Fourth Army, 2ist August, 1918. Ill Corps G. O. 1565, 2oth August, 1918. Major General George Bell, Jr., Commanding 33rd American Division. On the departure of your division from this corps, I write to ask you to convey to all ranks under your command our thanks and appreciation of the excellent work that the division has done during its period of attachment to the III Corps. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 169 The isist Regiment, of the Sixty-sixth Brigade, carried out the attack on the 9th August in a manner which reflected great credit not only on its gallantry, but on its previous training; and the work done by the whole of your division during its periods of attachment and of holding the line has been of a high order. All ranks of the III British Corps wish the Thirty-third American Division the best of luck in the future, and in watching its future victorious career will always remember with great pleasure the time which they have spent together with their American comrades in arms. ALEX GODLEY, Lieutenant-General, Commanding III Corps. Ill Corps H. Q., 20, 8, 18. ORDERS AND LETTERS OF COMMENDATION FROM AMERICAN CORPS AND ARMY COMMANDERS HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY American E. F., France, 12 December, 1918. From: Commanding General, Second Army. To: Commanding General, 33rd Division, American E. F. Subject: Activity of the 33rd Division prior to the Armistice. 1. Upon the transfer of the Thirty-third Division, from the Second to the Third American Army, I desire to express to you my gratification at the vigorous and successful activities of your division during the period of active operations preceding the armistice. 2. The Thirty-third Division, although occupying a broad front, was called upon to advance towards Conflans, and was engaged in the performance of this mission at the time that hostilities ceased. 3. On November 6 to 7, when accurate information of the enemy's intention was greatly desired, raiding parties from your division penetrated to Chateau d'Aulnois and captured twenty-- one prisoners, including one officer. On November 7 to 8, your reconnaissance patrols entered Bois d'Harville and St. Hilaire and brought back eight prisoners. On November 9 to 10, you drove the enemy from the towns of St. Hilaire and Marcheville and, at the time of cessation of hostilities, your division had occupied these towns, as well as the towns of Butgneville and-Riaville. 4. The conduct of the Thirty-third Division exemplified its ability to execute promptly and thoroughly the tasks which were given to it. There was shown on the part of both officers and men, an efficiency and fighting spirit which are highly commendable. (Signed) R. L. BULLARD, Lieutenant General, U. S. A. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES OFFICE OF COMMANDING GENERAL i8th February, 1919. From: Lieutenant General R. L. Bullard. To: Major General George Bell, Jr., Commanding 33rd Division (Through Commanding General, VI Corps). Subject: Commendation of the Commanding General 33rd Division, and of his Division. I. I desire to make of record the fact that as commanding general of the III Corps in the battle of the Meuse-Argonne I repeatedly took occasion between September 26, and October 7, tc commend in high terms your own command of the Thirty-third Division and the valiant and efficient conduct of that division in the great battle in which you were taking part at that time. Every duty, every mission assigned to you and to your division, was executed with zeal, skill, smoothness and valor that deserved the highest commendation. I so stated to you at that time, as you will remember, but you and your division on October 7 were unexpectedly to me detached i 7 o ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR from the III Corps. I then expected and hoped that in a few days you would be returned to my command arid that I would have opportunity then to commend the conduct of your division in this battle; but I myself was separated from this command unexpectedly a few days later and this opportunity thus never came. I take it now. I would appreciate it, if you will communicate this to your division. RLB:s R. L. BULLARD. Lieut. General, U. S. A. Commanding 2nd Army. 201. i Commendations. ist Ind. Hdqrs. VI Army Corps, APO 783, American E. F., 20 February, 1919. To the Commanding General, 33rd Division, American E. F. i. It gives me great pleasure to forward this acknowledgment of the service rendered by your division, knowing that the commendation has been justly earned. The esprit which enabled the accomplishment of such marked success in active service, still maintains the division, in time of peace, at a standard of efficiency excelled by none. A. CRONKHITE. Major General, U. S. A. Commanding. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS G-j AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES HRR France, February i7th, 1919. From: The Adjutant General, American E. F. To: The Commanding General, 2nd Army. Subject: Condition of animals and transport of Thirty-third Division. 1. In connection with a general inspection and supervision of the instruction of the divisions of the A. E. F. in matters pertaining to the care of animals and the upkeep of leather equipment and the transport, the staff officer at these headquarters charged with this duty, reports as follows: "The Thirty-third Division was inspected December fifth. There was a well-organized system of supervision of the care of animals, a sympathetic attention to their every need in such matters as grooming, feeding, watering, shelter, shoeing and standings, which began with the division commander and extended through all the grades down to the riders and drivers. The division commander was familiar with every detail of this important phase of instruction and administra- tion in his command, very especially with the efforts of all concerned to ameliorate conditions and the difficulties encountered by them. Great credit is due him personally for the splendid state of affairs in his division on that date (December sth, 1918) which stood as a perfect model of the standards that ought to exist in these matters throughout the army." 2. The regiment inspected was the i3oth Infantry, Colonel John V. Clinnin commanding. By Command of General Pershing J. M. WOOLFOLK, Adjutant General. FROM THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE A. E. F. The following letter was written by General Pershing on the day following his inspection of the Thirty-third Division: AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF Major General George Bell, Commanding 33rd Division, American E. F. My dear General Bell : It afforded me great satisfaction to inspect the Thirty-third Division at Ettelbruck on April 22, and to extend at that time, to the officers and men of your command my congratulations on their fine appearance and appreciation of their splendid record while in France. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 171 The division has had an interesting and varied battle experience. One of those to be schooled with the British Expeditionary Forces, it arrived in France towards the end of May, 1918, where it trained with the Fourth Army. Although, as a division, it did not enter the line here, yet the majority of the organizations had hard fighting experience before they left the British sector. On July 4, parts of the i3ist and i32nd Regiments of Infantry, brigaded with Australian troops, successfully attacked Hamel and the Hamel and Vaire Woods. On August 9 the isist Infantry, under the Fifty-eighth British Division, successfully attacked Chipilly Ridge and the Gressaire Wood, an operation made especially difficult by the character of the terrain. Towards the end of August the division joined the First American Army in the Toul sector, remaining in reserve until September 5. On September 10, it relieved a French division in the Blercourt area, southwest of Verdun. It took part in the opening of the great Meuse-Argonne offensive, capturing the Bois de Forges, and occupying the sector facing the Meuse River. Beginning with October 8, it participated in the operations east of the Meuse, pressing vigorous attacks on the nth, iath and i3th in the vicinity of Consenvoye and the Bois de Chaume and the Bois du Plat Chene. It remained astride of the Meuse until it was relieved on October 21, during which entire period it was constantly subjected to heavy artillery and machine gun fire from the heights of the west bank, and was continually in action. On October 26, it reentered the line in the Troyon sector where it took part in the attack of the Second Army, driving the enemy from the towns of St. Hilaire and Marcheville and occupying the towns of Butgneville and Riaville. The division was advancing when hostilities ended with the armistice. It is gratifying to see your troops in such good physical shape and still more so to know that the moral tone of all ranks is so high. I believe^that they will return with this high standard to perform in the same way whatever tasks may lie before them in civil life. They should go home proud of themselves and of the part they have played, and conscious of the respect and admira- tion of their comrades throughout the American Expeditionary Forces. Sincerely yours, (Signed) JOHN J. PERSHING. THE THANKS OF FRANCE (Translation) FRENCH REPUBLIC. Paris, the 5th May. 1919. The President of the Council Minister of War. To the General Commanding the Thirty-third Division. My dear General: At the hour when the Thirty-third Division is embarking for the United States, I am think- ing with gratitude of the battles in which it has been engaged and disp'.ayed so much valor. After having done its initial fighting with our British allies, it was near Verdun that the Thirty-third Division first came under fire with its French comrades. The capture of the Bois de Forges, on the 26th of September, revealed its dash. Several days later, at the Bois de Chaume, on the 8th of October, the Thirty-third Division asserted its tenacity in repulsing by stubborn counterattacks the enemy who was endeavoring in vain to retake the ground lost. Of this spirit of enterprise your division again gave an example during the last days before the armistice when it was at the heels of the adversary in retreat. We shall treasure in memory the exploits of your splendid soldiers. I here tender to them the expression of the gratitude of the Government of the Republic, which unites in the same thought of thankfulness the living and the dead. Believe, my dear General, in the assurance of my very devoted sentiments. For the President of the Council and by his order, The Commissioner-General of the Franco-American War Affairs. ANDRE TARDIEU. Presidency of the Council. (SEAL) 172 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR LEADERS OF THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION SOMETHING ABOUT THE MEN WHO COMMANDED THE ILLINOIS SOLDIERS IN THE FIGHTING OVERSEAS Major General George Bell, Jr., had nearly forty years of service in the United States Army behind him when he was called to command the Thirty- third Division. He was born at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland, January 23, 1859. At the age of seventeen he was appointed to West Point by President Grant. For eight years, following his graduation from the mili- tary academy, he served with the Third Infantry in Northern Montana, being promoted to first lieutenant in 1886. From 1892 to 1896 he was professor of military science and tactics at Cornell University. While there in 1894 he received the degree of LL. B. from Cornell and in the same year he was admitted to the New York bar. At the beginning of the Spanish-American War, General Bell, then a captain, was again assigned to the Third Infantry, and served with that regi- ment through the Santiago campaign, being recommended for the brevet of major for service at Santiago. In 1900, having been assigned to the First Regiment, he went to the Philippines, where he served in the Samar campaign from 1900 to 1903. With his command he captured Vincento Lucban, insurgent commander in Samar and Leyte, putting an end to the insurrection in those islands. After several years in the United States, during which time he became a major, General Bell returned to the Philippines to command the second district in Leyte and, by the capture of Fostinio Ablin, the Pulajane leader of the insurrection in the island, he brought that rebellion to an end. After important service in the inspector general's department, General Bell was named to head a military mission to witness maneuvers and study military methods in Switzerland and France. He was promoted to colonel of infantry March 9, 1913, and took command of the Sixteenth Infantry, serving with that regiment at the Presidio, San Francisco, until the spring of 1914, when the regiment was sent to El Paso, Texas. On July 17 he was made a brigadier general. He was in command of the El Paso District at the time the American punitive expedition was in Mexico, retaining that command until August 22, 1917, when he was ordered to assume command of the Thirty-third Division at Camp Logan. In the meantime, on August 5, he had been made a major general in the National Army. General Bell trained the Illinois division, led it through its combat service overseas, and remained in command until the division was demobilized at Camp Grant. He was absent from the division only for two months in 1917, when he was on an inspection tour in France, and for two weeks, after the armistice, when he was temporarily assigned to command the Sixth American Corps. In recognition of his distinguished services as commander of the Thirty- third Division, General Bell was awarded the American Distinguished Service THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 173 Medal, was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George by the British and received from France the decorations of the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with Palm. With the demobilization of the Thirty-third Division, General Bell took command of Camp Grant, May 29, 1919, and on September 29 of that year he assumed command of the Sixth Division, stationed at Camp Grant. Paul Alexander Wolf, commander of the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade, is a native of the state whose soldiers he led in France. He was born in Kewanee, Illinois, December 23, 1868, and was appointed to West Point from Princeton, Illinois, in 1886. Following his graduation, General Wolf, then a second lieutenant, served with the Third Infantry in the winter of 1890-91, in the last important Indian campaign, that against the Sioux in South Dakota. He served in Cuba in the Spanish-American War and in the Philippines from 1899 to 1902, being on the staff of General Frederick Funston during a part of the time. He served in the Philippines again from 1903 to 1905, taking active part in the third Moro campaign on the staff of Major General Leonard Wood. In 1913 and 1914 he was on the Mexican border and in April of the latter year he went to Vera Cruz, Mexico, where he served as chief of public works during the seven months of American occupation. General Wolf was made a lieutenant colonel in 1916 and a colonel in the National Army in August, 1917, He commanded the two officers' training camps at Plattsburg, New York, from May i to December 22, 1917, and commissioned 8,000 officers from these camps. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in February, 1918, and assigned to command the Sixty- sixth Infantry Brigade of the Thirty-third Division. General Wolf led this brigade through the fighting in France and until its return to the United States in May, 1919. He remained in France to serve as captain of the A. E. F. rifle team, which won first place in the inter-allied competition at Le Mans in July, 1919. General Wolf's services were recognized by the United States government by the award of the Distinguished Service Medal. He received also the decora- tions of Officer of the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with Palm from the French and Companion of the Bath from the British. Edward L. King, who led the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade through its combat service, is an officer of the regular army. He was born at Bridge- water, Massachusetts, December 5, 1873, and was appointed to West Point in 1892. While in the military academy he was a leader in athletics, playing for four years on both the football and baseball teams and serving as captain of the football team for two years. Upon his graduation he was commis- sioned in the cavalry. He served in Cuba in the Spanish-American War and later in the Philippines, where for a time he was aide-de-camp to Major- General H. W. Lawton. After the death of the latter he commanded a troop of the Eleventh Cavalry. In 1919, nearly twenty years later, he was awarded 174 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in saving the life of a fellow officer in the Philippines. Varied service in the United States, the Philippines and Panama followed until June, 1917, following the beginning of the war with Germany, when General King, then a lieutenant colonel of the National Army, was assigned to the Twenty-eighth Division (Pennsylvania National Guard) as chief of staff. After a tour of inspection in France, he returned to the United States and sailed with the Twenty-eighth in May, 1918, with the rank of colonel. He participated with the division in the Marne defensive and the Marne-Vesle counter-offensive. He was made a brigadier general June 26, 1918, and a month later was assigned to command the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade, Thirty-third Division. With his brigade he served in all the operations in which the division was engaged. In the spring of 1919 General King served as president of a cavalry board, appointed to determine the cavalry lessons to be learned from the war. General King was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the American government and was given the decorations of Officer of the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with Palm by the French. Just before the armistice further recognition came from General Pershing in a recommenda- tion for his promotion to the rank of major general. Although his father was an officer of the United States Navy, holding the rank of rear admiral on the retired list at the time of his death, Henry Davis Todd, Jr., chose an army career. Immediately after graduating with high honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 1886, he entered West Point. Graduating from the military academy in 1 890, he was a first lieutenant at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. During that conflict he served as ordnance officer of the siege train at Tampa, Florida. Following the war with Spain, General Todd alternately served with troops and attended various army schools. Promotion came steadily through the ranks of captain, major, lieutenant colonel and colonel until August, 1917, when he was commissioned a brigadier general in the National Army and assigned to organize and command the Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade of the Thirty-third Division. In the absence of Major General George Bell, Jr., on a tour of inspection in France from the latter part of September until the early part of December, 1917, General Todd commanded Camp Logan and directed the organization and training of the Thirty-third Division. General Todd commanded not only his own brigade but other artillery units during the most important operations of the American army. In the St. Mihiel offensive he was chief of artillery for the First Division, command- ing several regiments of artillery in addition to the Fifty-eighth Brigade. At the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne drive, he was chief of artillery of the Ninety-first Division in its attack through Avocourt to Gesnes. On Novem- ber i he became chief of artillery of the Eighty-ninth Division. He was THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 175 wounded but returned to the front after a few days' hospital treatment and remained with the division in its advance to and across the Meuse. Early in January, 1919, when his brigade rejoined the Thirty-third Division, General Todd became chief of artillery of the division. He again served as division commander while General Bell was acting as corps commander. The roll of the regiment which Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn commanded during the World War has carried his name since March 8, 1880, when he enlisted as a private. The regiment then was the First Illinois Infantry and Private Sanborn was a youngster of 24, having been born at Chester, New Hampshire, December 8, 1855. Private Sanborn won his first commission, that of a second lieutenant, in 1882, was advanced to first lieutenant in 1884, to captain in 1886, and to major in 1891. He commanded the first battalion of the First Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the Santiago campaign of the Spanish- American War, and on December 19, 1898, he was made a colonel and placed in command of the First Illinois Infantry. In 1916 Colonel Sanborn led the regiment to the Mexican border and a year later he and his men answered the call to service in the war with Germany, the First Illinois Infantry becoming the i3ist Regiment, U. S. Infantry. Colonel Sanborn's distinguished services in the World War won him high honors from the American, British, French and Belgian governments. For gallantry displayed in personally leading his regiment at Gressaire Wood and Chipilly Ridge he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the American government and the Distinguished Service Order by the British. He also received the Distinguished Service Medal from the American govern- ment and the decorations of Officer of the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with Palm from the French and Officer of the Order of Leopold from the Belgian government. Colonel Abel Davis, commander of the 13 2nd Infantry in the World War, is the type of citizen soldier that has kept the Illinois National Guard up to a high standard of efficiency for many years. Although prominent in public affairs and in the business world, he displayed at all times the greatest interest in the state's military organization. Colonel Davis was born in Konigsberg, Germany, in 1877, but was brought to this country by his parents when he was very young and was given an American education. When a youth he enlisted as a private in the First Infantry, Illinois National Guard, and he served with that regiment as a corporal in the Spanish-American War. In civilian life, during the years that followed, he served as a state senator and as county recorder, becoming later vice president of the Chicago Title & Trust Company. Colonel Davis continued his active connection with the First Illinois Infantry, having become a major when the regiment went to the Mexican i 7 6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR border in 1916. Soon after the Thirty-third Division was organized at Camp Logan, he was advanced to a colonelcy and assigned to command the i32nd Infantry, formerly the Second Illinois Infantry. Colonel Davis remained in command of the regiment until it was demobilized. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry displayed in leading his regiment at Consenvoye. Colonel Edgar A. Myer, who commanded the 12 9th Infantry during its active service in France, is an officer of the regular army. He is a native of Texas, where he was born February 2, 1875. He was appointed to West Point from New York, and upon his graduation from the military academy in 1899 he was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry. He advanced through the various grades and on June 4, 1917, was commissioned a major. On August 5, 1917, he was made a lieutenant colonel of the National Army. He was promoted to the rank of colonel July 30, 1918, and assumed com- mand of the 1 2 9th Infantry August 18. Colonel Myer remained at the head of the regiment until it was demobilized. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Colonel John V. Clinnin, commander of the i3oth Infantry, as in the case of many of the other officers of the Thirty-third Division, had seen years of service in the Illinois National Guard. Colonel Clinnin was born at Huntley, Illinois, April 5, 1876. His military service began when he was eighteen years old. He enlisted as a private in the First Infantry, Illinois National Guard, on October 15, 1894. He served with that regiment in the Spanish-American War, having won a sergeantcy at the beginning of that conflict. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1899 and had advanced to a majority by 1910. He commanded a battalion of the First Illinois Infantry on the Mexican border in 1916 and for several months after the regiment was called to the colors in March, 1917. On December 26, 1917, at Camp Logan, he was made a lieutenant colonel and placed in command of the io8th Ammunition Train. In May, 1918, he was made a colonel and assigned to command of the io8th Train Headquarters and Military Police. A month later, after the division had reached France, he was transferred to the i3oth Infantry. He commanded that regiment throughout its overseas service and until its demobilization. Colonel Clinnin led his regiment so gallantly that he was cited in orders and was recommended for both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Service Medal. Colonel Milton J. Foreman is a native of the state under whose colors he served in the World War. He was born in Chicago in 1862. In civilian life, Colonel Foreman is a lawyer. He has been active in public affairs, serving as a member of the City Council of Chicago and holding other posi- tions of responsibility. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 177 Colonel Foreman has been identified with military affairs in Illinois since 1894, when he enlisted as a private in Troop C, Illinois Cavalry. By 1898 he had won a commission, and during the Spanish- American War he served as captain and quartermaster of the First Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. In 1906 he became colonel of the First Cavalry, Illinois National Guard. Colonel Foreman led the regiment when it served on the Mexican border in 1916. and a year later when the United States entered the World War he transformed the regiment into an artillery organization in order that it might see active service overseas. He remained in command when the regiment became part of the Thirty-third Division as the 12 2nd U. S. Field Artillery. He led the gunners throughout their service in the World War. In recogni- tion of his services he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the United States government. Colonel Charles George Davis, commander of the 12 3rd Field Artillery in the World War, is a native of Illinois, and, in civil life, a lawyer. He was born at Geneseo February n, 1879. He enlisted in the Sixth Illinois Infantry as a private at the age of eighteen, and he served with that regiment, which later became the 12 3rd Field Artillery, through two wars and the Mexican border trouble. Colonel Davis was a corporal with the Sixth Infantry when that regi- ment served in Cuba and Porto Rico in the Spanish- American War. He advanced steadily through the various grades until he was commissioned colonel of infantry and assigned to command the Sixth Infantry on March 6, 1916. He led the regiment during its service on the border in 1916, and a year later, when the infantry organization was transformed into the 12 3rd Field Artillery, he remained in command. In the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives, Colonel Davis led his men with such distinction that he received three citations for gallantry in action. He served at the head of the regiment until it was demobilized. Colonel Horatio B. Hackett, commander of the 12 4th Field Artillery, was born in Philadelphia in 1880. His father, Horatio B. Hackett, was a captain in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers in the Civil War. Colonel Hackett was appointed to West Point in 1900, and upon his graduation in 1904 he was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry and assigned to the Twenty-seventh United States Infantry at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He resigned from the army in 1906 to engage in the construction business. When the United States entered the World War he offered his services to the state and was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Third Illinois Field Artillery, which later became the 12 4th Field Artillery. In January, 1918, he was made a colonel and assigned to command the 12 4th Field Artillery. Colonel Hackett served until September 28, 1918, when he was severely wounded. He was not able to rejoin his regiment until it returned to the United States in May, 1919. 178 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Colonel Henry A. Allen was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1868. He is a son of General Thomas Scott Allen, who rendered distinguished service with the Wisconsin volunteers in the Civil War. Colonel Allen is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he gained renown as an athlete, participating in fencing, boxing, tennis, rowing, football, baseball and other sports. After two years' service in the navy, he went into civil life, and quickly gained recognition as a leader in the engineering world. In 1907 he was appointed by President Roosevelt one of a commission of seven engineers to visit Panama and make a final decision as to the type of canal to be built. Since 1911 he has been consulting engineer of the city of Chicago. Colonel Allen was commissioned an ensign in the Illinois Naval Reserve September 28, 1893, an d advanced through various grades until he became a captain, July 8, 1901. He was mustered out in 1903. On April 20, 1909, he was appointed lieutenant colonel, chief engineer, of the Illinois National Guard, and in 1911 he organized Company A, the first engineer unit authorized for the state of Illinois. On June 22, 1917, he was commissioned a colonel and placed in command of the First Regiment, Illinois Engineers, which he helped to organize. Colonel Allen led this regiment, which became the io8th Engi- neers, throughout its service in the World War. He was awarded the Dis- tinguished Service Medal by the American government and the Croix de Guerre with Palm by the French. The military record of Dr. Harry D. Orr, who commanded the io8th Sanitary Train in the World War and later was appointed division surgeon of the Thirty-third Division, goes back to 1902. In that year Dr. Orr enlisted in the hospital corps of the First Illinois Cavalry as a private. Dr. Orr then was twenty-five years old, having been born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 25, 1877. He attended the Kansas State Agricultural College, and in 1904, two years after he enlisted in the Illinois National Guard, he graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Orr was commissioned first lieutenant of the medical corps, First Illinois Cavalry, in 1907, and was advanced rapidly, having become regi- mental surgeon of the First Cavalry with the rank of major when the regiment served on the Mexican border in 1916. When the Thirty-third Division was organized, Dr. Orr was made director of ambulance companies, but five months before the division went overseas he was promoted to a lieutenant colonelcy and put in command of the io8th Sanitary Train. He served in that capacity during the active operations of the division. Early in 1919 he was made division surgeon, and in April of that year was promoted to colonel. He was cited in General Orders by Generals Pershing and Bell. Colonel Charles D. Center, commander of the io8th Train Headquar- ters and Military Police, was born at Ottawa, Illinois, July 8, 1869. He graduated from the Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1894, and after several THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION 179 years of hospital service in Chicago engaged in the practice of medicine at Quincy, Illinois. Colonel Center entered the Illinois National Guard as a first lieutenant of the medical corps in 1905. After important service as a medical officer he was made a lieutenant colonel of field and staff in 1912 and was transferred from the medical corps to the Fifth Illinois Infantry. He was holding this rank in 1917 when the regiment went to Camp Logan for training as a unit of the Thirty-third Division. In November of that year he was placed in command of the io8th Ammunition Train and a month later was ordered to assume command of the io8th Train Headquarters and Military Police as well. He was sent to France ahead of the division and for six months was on duty at the General Staff College, with the First American Division at the front, and with the front line transport of the Third American Corps. While he was in France Colonel Center was assigned to command the i3oth Infantry, but when he rejoined the division on its arrival in France he was transferred and assigned to command the io8th Train Headquarters and Military Police, a position which he held until the demobilization of the division. Lieutenant Colonel Walter J. Fisher, a native of Chicago, enlisted as a private in the First Illinois Cavalry in 1898 to fight in the Spanish- American War. He remained with the unit after the war, rising rapidly in rank. He was a major, commanding the third squadron of the First Cavalry, when the regiment was sent to the Mexican border in 1916 and when the United States declared war on Germany. While his regiment, transformed into the i22d Field Artillery, was at Camp Logan, Major Fisher was made lieutenant colonel. Later he was trans- ferred to the io8th Ammunition Train, the unit he led to France and com- manded until the demobilization of the Thirty-third Division. He was cited in orders by General Pershing and General Bell. Lieutenant Colonel John P. Lucas joined the Thirty-third Division in August, 1917, as aide-de-camp to Major-General George Bell, Jr., with the rank of captain. He had then a record of regular army service dating back to 1911. On January 15, 1918, he was made a major and assigned to command the io8th Field Signal Battalion. He sailed overseas with his unit and led it until June 23, when he was wounded in action near Amiens. When the war ended he had not recovered sufficiently to resume active service with the unit. He was promoted to a lieutenant colonelcy October 31. 1918. Major Frederick S. Haines, at the beginning of the war with Germany, was a member of the Officers' Reserve Corps, having had military experience with an artillery unit in the Philippines immediately after the Spanish-Ameri- can war. Early in 1917 he applied for active service and was sent to Camp Logan where he served as first camp quartermaster, handling all construe- i8o ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR tion contracts. When the Thirty-third Division was organized he was pro- moted to major and placed in command of the io8th Supply Train, serving in that capacity until he was transferred to the Third Army headquarters just before the armistice. Major Mariano B. Southwick, commander of the i22nd Machine Gun Battalion, was born in Springfield, Illinois, March n, 1887. He was gradu- ated from Culver Military Academy, and was appointed a captain in the Fifth Illinois Infantry in 1916, when war with Mexico seemed likely. When the Fifth was mustered into service for the war with Germany, Captain Southwick was in command of Company C and sailed for France as a company commander in the 12 2nd Machine Gun Battalion. In July, 1918, he was made a major and put in command of his unit. He led the battalion through all of its battles. After the armistice he was assigned as assistant chief of staff, G-3, Thirty-third Division. Major Southwick was cited for gallantry in action by General Bell. Major Albert L. Culbertson was born in Delavan, Illinois, June i, 1884. He entered the Illinois National Guard in 1904 and that same year was com- missioned a second lieutenant in the Fifth Infantry. By the end of 1913 he had been advanced to the rank of captain. The Fifth Infantry was broken up, and Captain Culbertson on January 3, 1918, was placed in command of one detachment, the 12 3rd Machine Gun Battalion, being advanced to the rank of major. He led the machine gunners overseas and through all their strenuous campaigning in France. Major Culbertson received citations from General Pershing and General Bell. Major Floyd F. Putman is a native of Illinois and, in civil life, a lawyer practicing at Canton. He became commander of the i24th Machine Gun Battalion October 13, 1917, after he had served ten years in the Illinois National Guard. His career as an officer began with a captaincy in the Fifth Infantry in January, 1908, and he was a major, commanding the first bat- talion of the Fifth, when the regiment was called into the federal service. He retained his rank and went overseas at the head of the 12 4th Machine Gun Battalion. With that unit he served through all the campaigns of the infantry and machine gun troops of the Thirty-third Division, winning cita- tions from Major General Bell and General Pershing. - Captain Charles J. Kraft had eighteen years' experience in the marine corps and the national guard when he was placed in command of the newly organized io8th Trench Mortar Battery at Camp Logan. As a member of the marine corps he served in the Boxer campaign in China and the Philippine insurrection as well as in Cuba, Panama and Nicaragua. He was also on border duty with the Illinois National Guard in 1916. Captain Kraft commanded the io8th Trench Mortar Battery throughout its service overseas. ON THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE AT DIEUE The Thirty-third Division Staff BY MAJOR FRANK W. BARBER, DIVISION INSPECTOR HERE is no exaggeration in the statement that Major General George Bell, Jr., commander of the Thirty- third Division, was reasonably fortunate in the per- sonnel of his staff. Himself a regular army officer of brilliant attainments and many years' experience, he instilled into the staff his own loyalty and desire to excel, which contributed in no small degree to the splendid achievements of the division as a whole. Rigid in his enforcement of discipline, he yet pos- sessed a soft heart for the men under his command. He recognized always that they were not mere auto- matons, but men of flesh and blood, of intelligence and forethought, of character and perception that they were the flower of the manhood of Illinois. To the Thirty-third Division General Bell will always be a beloved commander and an ideal soldier. Because we have served under him, we know him as he is. The staff of a division is like the fuel you place in the furnace of an engine. It produces the power which drives the machine and a competent army is a machine of perfect adjustment. If the staff is efficient, energetic, and works in harmony, the best results may be expected from the firing line, for every order, every movement, every act has its inception in, and receives its impetus from, the headquarters of the division. If the staff is not efficient, then the 181 182 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR intricate duties required of it are indifferently performed, the combatant troops are hampered, and disaster is frequently the result. The smoothness and efficiency with which the organizations of the Thirty- third Division functioned are a living evidence of the loyalty and harmony which existed at the headquarters of the division, and made possible the weld- ing together of an American command which was second to none a division which always went where it was told to go, and accomplished what it was given to do. The activities of the division staff at Camp Logan consisted mainly of equipping the troops and supervising their training for the stern duties ahead. Schools for the staff were held and a systematic course of study was pursued. Upon arrival in France it was found that the division was slated for duty with the British. This necessitated many changes in the plans of the staff in order to conform to the requirements of the British Army. The new order of things was rapidly assimilated, however, and the division settled down to the daily work of preparing for the expected attack upon the enemy. The order for the division's first participation in actual combat soon came, and from that time until long after the armistice there was no rest for any officer of the division staff. It was incessant work, work, work, day and night for that matter, the same strenuous speed was kept up throughout the entire division. Having brought the division to a high state of efficiency during its months of training, General Bell persevered in his determination to maintain it upon the highest possible plane. During the period of active operations he and the chiefs of his staff departments were in constant touch with all elements of the division. Everything was closely scrutinized with a view to improving con- ditions and rendering the fighting units irresistible in their onslaughts against the enemy. It was fully realized that, in order to secure the best results, the morale and the physical condition of the men must be fostered and conserved in every possible way. They must be properly armed, clothed and fed, and their health must receive every attention. In all of these details the staff functioned smoothly, and its members were accorded the hearty cooperation of the officers and men of the various organizations comprising the division. To a certain degree the operations of the division were hampered by the great diffi- culties which were sometimes encountered in securing equipment and supplies, but the eagerness of the men to vanquish the enemy was never affected. The officers of the division staff, in their turn, were actuated by two great motives loyalty to their country and to their commander, and a determination to support the fighting units in such manner as to inflict the most drastic punish- ment upon the enemy with the least possible sacrifice of our own officers and men. This earnestness was equally great in the organizations and separate units of the division. Not a murmur came from the commanding officers or their men when an order from the commanding general was transmitted to them. Prompt obedience was their only response. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 183 The division com- mander is the supreme authority within the di- vision. His is the mas- ter mind which con- ceives and directs. For every act of a subordi- nate commander there is an order from the divi- sion commander which authorizes or directs such action. In an emergency, if he so elects, the division com- mander may deliver his orders personally, but such direct action is sel- dom taken where it af- fects all units of the command. The normal method is to send all or- ders from the division headquarters to subor- dinate commanders through the chief of staff. The function of the staff is to coordinate and execute the orders of the division's head. It consists of the chief of staff, the three assistant chiefs of staff, the heads of departments and their assistants, and such other officers as may be required. In time of operations the staff of a division commander is very elastic, and may be increased or decreased as the exigencies of the service may dictate. Such changes are made solely at the option of the commanding general. The chief of staff of the Thirty-third Division, Brigadier General William K. Naylor, was the chief confidant and advisor of General Bell. He assisted in the coordination of the command, and participated in all important con- ferences held by the commander. It was his duty to supply the division com- mander with accurate information as to the position, strength and movements of the various elements of the command; as to the state of supplies and facili- ties for renewing them, as to the losses suffered and the gains expected, and generally as to the strength and morale of the division. The functioning of the remainder of the staff was subject to his personal inspection and super- vision. He had always to bear in mind the plans and policies of the command- ing general, and aided him in many ways to create a combat division of a high order, and to direct the movements of the troops in actual contact with the enemy. VISITORS TO THE SECOND CORPS Major General Tasker H. Bliss and Major Robert Bacon arriving at Second Army Corps headquarters. At the time this photograph was taken, in July, 1918, the Thirty-third Division was a part of the Second Corps. 1 84 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR After the signing of the armistice, General Naylor was transferred to the Ninth Army Corps as chief of staff, in recognition of his bril- liant work with the Thirty-third Division. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Wil- liam H. Simpson, who re- tained the position until the division was returned to the United States and was mustered out. The three assistant chiefs of staff were in direct charge of what might be called, briefly, the administra tion (G-i), intelligence (G-2), and operations (G-3). The assistant chief of staff, G-i, was vir- tually the chief supply officer of the division. He supervised all han- dling of supplies, controlled the technical troops in construction work, was responsible for all records, replacements, transportation, communications, sanitary service, police, prisoners of war and captured enemy materiel, pos- tal service, billets, evacuations, burials and the other multitudinous details of administration. Officers who served as assistant chief or staff, G-i, were Lieutenant Colonel William C. Gardenhire, Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Col- lins, and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver J. Troster. Colonel Gardenhire was later promoted to the staff of the Third Army, with headquarters at Coblenz, as a reward for his excellent work as division quartermaster and as G-i. The officers who served as assistant chief of staff, G-2. were Major Arthur M. Copp and Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Allen. This department of the staff is charged with the collection of all military information, includ- ing maps and photographs, censorship, contra-espionage and the examination of prisoners. G-2 also prepares estimates of the enemy situation and his order of battle, and has general direction of all personnel, regimental or bat- talion, engaged in intelligence work. The coordination of material submitted by regimental and other subordinate units necessarily falls to the assistant BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM K. NAYLOR General Naylor was chief of staff of the Thirty-third Divi- sion during the training period and throughout active opera- tions overseas. After the armistice he became chief of staff of the Ninth Army Corps. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 185 OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION STAFF Above: Lieutenant Colonel William H. Simpson, chief of staff; Lieutenant Colonel Oliver J. Troster, assistant chief of staff, G-i. Below: Lieutenant Colonel Frederic L. Huidekoper, division adjutant; Lieutenant Colonel Burnett M. Chiperfield, division judge advocate 186 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR chief of staff of this department. In short, practically all information of mili- tary value, whether of friendly or enemy origin, must be weighed and coordi- nated by this department. Colonel Allen, an officer of calm poise and highest integrity, was later selected for duty in another land, being sent to Cairo, Egypt, as military attache. With the information received from G-i and G-2, the assistant chief of staff, G-3, was charged with the preparation of the plans of combat and their execution. Field and operations orders, operations reports, maintenance of a message center and of liaison are the main duties of this department. It was also the assistant chief's duty to furnish G-i with information as to tac- tical requirements affecting quarters, supplies and equipment, to keep a war diary, and the order of battle of our own forces, and to issue orders for the tactical employment of technical troops. The organization and conduct of all division schools were also under his -charge. In the order in which they served the officers who were assistant chief of staff, G-3, were Lieutenant Colonel W. H. Simpson, Major C. L. Sampson, Major Roane Waring, Major M. B. Southwick, and Lieutenant Colonel E. W. Wildrick. The division adjutant was the custodian of all records and money, except the confidential records of G-2. He may be said, in general, to have con- ducted the routine business of the command, including the preparation and promulgation of routine orders and bulletins, the custody and distribution of orders and bulletins from outside sources, the preparation of correspondence for signature and the supervision of copying and mimeographing. The records of individual casuals, as well as the compilation of lists of casual- ties, with data as to the date of death, wound or sickness, were an important feature of his work. The records of assignment of all officers, soldiers and civilians were kept under his direction, and through G-i he handled questions of assignments and promotions. All muster rolls and returns from the units comprising the division were checked and supervised by him, as were also questions of re- placements of personnel. Lieuten- ant Colonel Frederic L. Huideko- psr was adjutant during most of the division's existence, but the po- sition was also held for a short time by Lieutenant Colonel Tames H. LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM H. Stansfield> who had previously At one time division inspector. served with the 1 3 2nd Infantry. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 187 The division judge advocate was in charge of the law section, and was the advisor of the division commander in the general administration of jus- tice. He supervised the preparation and investigation of charges in cases of court martial, gave legal opinions, prepared orders relating to courts-martial and tentatively reviewed all courts-martial requiring the action of the divi- sion commander. Lieutenant Colonel B. M. Chiperfield was the first judge advocate of the Thirty-third Division. His ability early won the notice of the judge advocate general of the A. E. F., and he was one of the long list of forceful officers whose services were lost to the division by promotion to other fields. The occupation of Germany after the signing of the armistice, bringing with it a host of new problems in military law, called for men of immaculate character and strong personality. Colonel Chiperfield was se- lected as judge advocate of the Third Army Corps, with headquarters at Neuwied, and was succeeded as judge advocate of the Thirty-third Division by Lieutenant Colonel Stansfield. Major Oscar L. Smith and Major Harry F. Hamlin held the position of assistant judge advocate. The division inspector handled all classes of inspection, except tactical, of the command. Organizations, camps or quarters, interior economy, arms, records, messing and morale all came in his province. He condemned un- serviceable property, verified money accounts, and exercised a general super- vision over the supplies of money and property and the conduct and discipline of the troops. He reported with impartiality to the division commander or chief of staff any irregularities discovered, and made special investigations when required by the division com- mander. One of the functions of the division inspector was the in- vestigation of acts of heroism for which recognition was recom- mended by commanding officers of units in the division. The officers who held this post were Major C. R. Abraham, Lieutenant Colonel William H. Cowles, Major Frank W. Barber, Lieutenant Colonel C. S. Freis, and Lieutenant Colonel Pierre V. Kieffer. Colonel Levi M. Hathaway, as division surgeon ; demonstrated his splendid organizing ability, and created a medical department of high merit. When he was trans- ferred to the Ninth Army Corps to become corps surgeon, he was suc- ceeded by Colonel Harry D, Orr, who had formerly been commander COLONEL LEVI M. HATHAWAY First division surgeon of the Thirty-third. i88 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR LIEUTENANT COLONEL HERMAN H. TUTTLE Division sanitary officer. of the io8th Sanitary Train. The division surgeon was charged with the supervision of all medical mat- ters. Such problems as the sanita- tion of the camps and of occupied territory, the care of the sick and wounded, the distribution and as- signment of medical personnel, pro- vision for all medical, dental and veterinary supplies, disinfection of clothing, conditions of shelter and food, disposal of waste, all came under his general direction. The division sanitary officer, Lieuten- ant Colonel Herman H. Tuttle, of the division surgeon's office, had direct charge of the sanitation of camps within the jurisdiction of the division, including the person- nel of the organization. The division quartermaster's task was to procure and distribute all supplies except munitions. Transportation (except motor), clothing, sub- sistence, fuel, light, water, camp sites, remounts and public animals, laundries, baths, salvage, depots, storehouses, burials, graves regis- tration and debusing establish- ments were some of the matters over which he exercised jurisdic- tion. Through the disbursing offi- cer, he paid the personnel, and made general disbursements for the division, except for claims on the transportation of troops or supplies. This work was in charge first of Lieutenant Colonel Gardenhire, and later of Major Barber and Lieutenant Colonel J. T. B. Jones in turn. Captain Harris F. Hall and Captain Virgil C. Nickerson were the graves registration officers. Of the members of the quarter- master's staff, Captain Charles Benson, Captain David W. Shand, First Lieutenant R. W. Vre- LIEUTENANT COLONEL J. T. B. JONES Division quartermaster. 3 p-i^ < 3 ' S3 M P 3 2. n >jrt g 6 (X 3 "T O 3 2. O 'S P P 3 o- y i ^ P c a ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AT DIEUE denburgh and Second Lieutenant Maurice E. Shurtleff were re- turned to the United States to assist in the training of the national army. Also under the direction of the quarter- master was the work of the "R. R. & C." officer, as he was calledrent- als, requisitions and claims. The requisition of supplies from the civil population, .and the ad- justment of all claims from civilian sources against the division were the chief duties of this office, which was filled by Major Harry F. Hamlin. The railhead officer, of the division quartermaster's office, was responsible for receiving at railhead all rations, forage, equipment, ammunition and other supplies, and for its distribution to the proper organizations of the division. Major R. H. Stoddard, Captain P. E. Haralson and Major Frederick E. Rand held this office. . The division engineer was the technical advisor of the commanding gen- eral and of the division staff on all matters requiring engineering skill and knowledge. Colonel Henry A. Allen, who served in this capacity throughout the war, was also commander of the io8th Engineers. As division engineer he had complete charge of the construction of roads, bridges and mines, and was responsible for the maintenance of buildings in the theatre of operations. Surveys and maps based on them were also important parts of the engineer's task. The division signal officer was in charge of all matters pertaining to signal affairs, including the procurement of signal supplies. He operated under G-i in connection with supplies and work, and under G-3 in connection with technical liaison. Officers serving as division signal officer were Major Karl Truesdell, Major John P. Lucas, Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Forbes and Lieutenant Colonel James B. Taylor. The division ordnance officer was charged with the supply of all ammu- nition and of all ordnance equipment. He was required to make frequent inspections to determine the condition and state of supply of ordnance equip- ment, and to make adequate repairs. The officers who served as division THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 191 OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION STAFF Top row: Majors Frank W. Barber, Wallace M. Decker, John M. Evey. Second row: Majors William M. Gay, Harry F. Hamlin. Bottom row: Majors Henry S. Hooker, John P. Lucas (later lieutenant colonel), Frederick E. Rand. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 193 ordnance officer were Major Carl C. Oakes, Major Oliver J. Troster, Major Frank W. Barber and Major John F. Felker. The commander of trains, who was in charge of the transportation sec- tion, was not officially a member of the division staff, although he was sta- tioned at division headquarters. Elsewhere in this volume a special section is devoted to the work of the trains. One of the principal officers who had to cooperate with the commander of trains was the division motor transport officer. He was responsible for the efficient operation of the motor transport service within the division, was the supply officer for all motor transport property, and had technical super- vision over all motor vehicles. This position was held in turn by Major Fred- erick S. Haines, Major John A. Bechtel and Captain George W. Shipton. The division gas officer, Captain Will E. Vawter, was responsible for the instruction and supervision of commissioned and noncommissioned gas offi- cers with the division. He also had under his direction the training of the division in methods of protection against gas, and the collection of gas material, of enemy as well as friendly origin. The division machine gun officer was Lieutenant Colonel David R. Swaim. Colonel Swaim had been in command of the 12 2nd Machine Gun Battalion at Camp Logan, but was transferred to the division headquarters shortly after arrival overseas. It was his function to coordinate the opera- tions of the different machine gun companies and battalions in the division. The billeting officers were required to provide billets for officers and men of division headquarters, and to supervise the activities of billet- ing officers of the organizations composing the division. These officers were Captain Charles Ben- son, Lieutenant Oliver J. Sheehy and Lieutenant George O. Warren. There were also attached to division headquarters a division rec- reation officer, Lieutenant Herbert H. Harris, and officers in com- mand of the division postal de- tachment, salvage squads and sales commissary units. The postal de- tachment, under First Lieutenant Arthur W. Larson, handled all mail matter pertaining to division head- quarters. The salvage officer, Sec- ond Lieutenant Arthur J. Feeney, had charge of the collection and disposition of all salvage property within the jurisdiction of the divi- LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID R. SWAIM Originally commander of the 12 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, Colonel Swain served as division machine gun officer throughout active operations in France. 194 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR sion. The sales commissary was virtually a small store where the officers and men were permitted to purchase from the government such luxuries as they desired. Second Lieutenants James C. Williams and William F. Babor were i.n charge of this commissary unit, Number 311, The headquarters troop, under the command of Captain Herbert W. Styles, did excellent service. It was a cosmopolitan outfit, its membership including men from all walks of life, from the young millionaire to the day laborer. Technically the troop was the bodyguard of the commanding general, but in reality it had varied duties, ranging from orderly service for the gen- eral to policing the camps of the division. The headquarters detachment, unlike the police duties of the troop, had work chiefly of a clerical nature. It was composed of those noncommissioned officers and privates assigned to duty with the various staff corps and departments. In addition to the official staff, the commanding general had a personal staff of aides-de-camp. The aides have no connection with any staff depart- ment, and no specific duty is laid down for them other than as the division commander may direct. They act somewhat in the capacity of secretaries. It is customary for an aide to accompany the general wherever the latter chooses to go. During the campaigning in France General Bell's aides were Captain Frank Baackes, Captain Frederic M. Roa, Captain Marshall Field, Captain Evan A. Woodward, and First Lieutenant Palmer Hutcheson. During the training period in Texas the aides were Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel) John P. Lucas, Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel) William H. Simpson and Captain Frank Baackes. ONE OF THE GIANT NAVAL GUNS Which backed up the Thirty-third Division in the Argonne drive. THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 195 THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION COMMANDING GENERAL AND STAFF The names of the officers who have served at one time or another as chiefs of the various, staff corps and departments, together with their assistants, are given below in the order in which such officers served in that capacity, either by appointment of the War Department, by General Headquarters, or by acting appointment of the division commander. The rank given in each case is the highest attained by the officer while serving in that particular capacity. In some cases officers received promotion after leaving the division. Division Commander Major General George Bell, Jr., U. S. Army Personal Staff Aide-de-Camp (at Camp Logan, Texas) Captain John P. Lucas Captain William H. Simpson Captain Frank Baackes, Jr. Aide-de-Camp (in France) Captain Frederic M. Roa Captain Marshall Field, Jr. Captain Evan A. Woodward ist Lieutenant Palmer Hutcheson Official Staff Chief of Staff Brigadier General William K. Naylor Lieutenant Colonel William H. Simpson Assistant Chief of Staff, G-i Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Collins Lieutenant Colonel W. C. Gardenhire Lieutenant Colonel Oliver J. Troster Assistant to G-i Captain Charles C. Benson Captain Albert H. Sheffield ist Lieutenant John W. Sadler Major Harry F. Hamlin (R. R. & C., Officer & Zone Major) Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 Major Arthur M. Copp Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Allen Assistant to G-2 Captain (Chaplain) Carl F. Lauer ist Lieutenant Evan A. Woodward ist Lieutenant Robert J. Fisher Captain Clyde L. G. Thompson Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 Lieutenant Colonel W. H. Simpson Major C. L. Sampson Major Roane Waring Major M. B. Southwick Lieutenant Colonel E. W. Wildrick Assistant to G-3 Captain Joseph C. Grason ist Lieutenant H. B. Beebe Captain William J. Grace 2nd Lieutenant Loy Mclntosh (later ist Lieutenant) Division Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Frederic L. Huide- koper Lieutenant Colonel James H. Stansfield (acting) Assistant to Adjutant Major H. C. Castor Major Henry S. Hooker Personnel Adjutant Major Robin C. Keene Captain George G. Shor Captain Frank A. Biederman Assistant to Personnel Adjutant ist Lieutenant Robert E. Mathews ist Lieutenant Louis B. Tovstein ist Lieutenant Milo G. Miller 2nd Lieutenant Brooke Fellers Division Inspector Major C. R. Abraham Lieutenant Colonel William H. Cowle^ Major Frank W. Barber Lieutenant Colonel C. S. Freis Lieutenant Colonel Pierre V. Kieffer Assistant to Division Inspector ist Lieutenant Sidney D. Emerson Division Judge Advocate Lieutenant Colonel Burnett M. Cbiper- field Lieutenant Colonel James H. Stans- field Assistant to Division Judge Advocate Major Oscar L. Smith Major Harry F. Hamlin Division Quartermaster Lieutenant Colonel W. C. Gardenhire Major Frank W. Barber Lieutenant Colonel J. T. B. Jones Assistant to Division Quartermaster Major Frank W. Barber Major J. T. B. Jones Major Rufus H. Stoddard (Q. M. C. Supplies) Major Frederick E. Rand (Transporta- tion) Captain Edd. R. Turner (Division Ex- change Officer) Captain David W. Shand (later Major) Captain Paul E. Haralson (Subsist- ence) Captain Irvin D. Hess (Finance) ist Lieutenant R. W. Vredenburg (Finance) ist Lieutenant Clay M. Donner (Asst. Finance) 196 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR ist Lieutenant Robert W. Ingram (Bathing Unit) ist Lieutenant David B. Starrett (Sub- sistence) ist Lieutenant Charles H. Thurman (Asst. Subsistence) Graves Registration Officer Captain Harris F. Hall Captain Virgil C. Nickerson Assistant Graves Registration Officer ist Lieutenant (Chaplain) Robert M. Kellerman Division Surgeon Colonel Levi M. Hathaway Colonel Harry D. Orr Assistant to Division Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Herman H. Tuttle (Sanitary Inspector) Major William M. Gay (Tuberculosis Specialist) Major Raymond W. Pearson (Division Dental Officer) Major John M. Evey (Division Dental Officer) Major Frederick S. Frederickson (Gas Officer) Major Wallace M. Decker (Division Veterinarian) Major Robert J. Gay Major G. M. Blech (Assistant Division Surgeon) Captain Thomas H. England (Comdg. Division Medical Supply Unit) Major Thomas J. Riach (Division Psychiatrist) Captain William S. Ehrich (Division Urologist) ist Lieutenant Leon Seidler (Asst. Di- vision Urologist) ist Lieutenant Henry W. Grady (Di- vision Orthopaedist) Captain Eugene S. Allen (Division Veterinarian) ist Lieutenant Clarence P. Harris (X- Ray Specialist) Chief Engineer Colonel Henry A. Allen Division Ordnance Officer Major Carl C. Oakes Major Oliver J. Troster Major Frank W. Barber Major John F. Felker Assistant to Division Ordnance Officer ist Lieutenant Robert B. Day and Lieutenant H. S. Hoit Division Signal Officer Major Karl Truesdell Major John P. Lucas Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Forbes Lieutenant Colonel James B. Taylor Assistant to Division Signal Officer ist Lieutenant Norman J. Ambs Division Gas Officer Captain Will E. Vawter Assistant to Division Gas Officer ist Lieutenant J. M. Dain 2nd Lieutenant A. W. Maddocks Division Machine Gun Officer Lieutenant Colonel David R. Swaim Division Motor Transport Officer Major Frederick S. Haines Captain George W. Shipton Assistant to Division Motor Transport Officer 2nd Lieutenant William H. Merriman Billeting Officers ist Lieutenant Oliver J. Sheehy ist Lieutenant George O. Warren and Lieutenant Frederick A. Prince, Assistant to G-i and G-3 Headquarters Troop Captain Herbert W. Styles ist Lieutenant Thomas J. Cochrane 2nd Lieutenant Richard R. Notter Attached ist Lieutenant Arthur W. Larson, Commanding Postal Detachment ist Lieutenant Herbert H. Harris, Di- vision Recreation Officer 2nd Lieutenant Arthur J. Feeney, Com- manding Salvage Squad No. 13 2nd Lieutenant James C. Williams, Commanding Sales Commissary Unit 3" 2nd Lieutenant William F. Babor, Sales Commissary Unit 311 Division Headquarters on Detail Captain Clyde H. Hale ist Lieutenant Henry Cavalier Smith, Jr. ist Lieutenant John A. Lunn OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION WHO WERE CITED FOR GALLANTRY BY GENERAL BELL Colonels W. C. Gardenhire Levi M. Hathaway Harry D. Orr Lieutenant Colonels Charles C. Allen Burnett M. Chiperfield William H. Cowles THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 197 OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION STAFF Top row: Captains Frank A. Biederman, Clyde H. Hale, V. C. Nickerson, Frederic M. Roa. Second row: Captains G W, Shipton, Herbert W. Styles, Will E. Vawter, E. A. Woodward. Third row: First Lieutenants R. M. Kellerman, A. W. Larson, Louis B. Lovstein, John A. Lunn. Bottom row : First Lieutenants Milo G. Miller, John W. Sadler, H. C. Smith, Jr., Harold G. Ward. 198 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Frederic L. Huidekoper J. T. B. Jones William H. Simpson David R. Swaim Oliver J. Troster Herman H. Tuttle Majors Frank W. Barber Wallace M. Decker John M. Evey George F. Felker Robert J. Gay Wm. M. Gay Frederick S. Haines Harry F. Hamlin Henry S. Hooker Robin C. Keene Frederick E. Rand Thomas J. Riach Wm. C. Roller M. B. Southwick R. H. Stoddard Roane Waring Captains Frank A. Biederman Marshall Field Robert J. Fischer Henry A. Fisher Paul E. Haralson Irvin D. Hess Carl F. Lauer Robert E. Mathews Virgil C. Nickerson Frederic M. Roa Albert H. Sheffield Herbert W. Styles Clyde L. G. Thompson Evan A. Woodward First Lieutenants Thomas J. Cochrane Palmer Hutcheson Milo G. Miller Oliver J. Sheehy Louis B. Tovstein Charles H. Thurman Second Lieutenants Brooke Fellers Richard R. Notter Army Field Clerks Kenny P. Hart William Lewis Judy H. Edwin Larson F. V. McGowan K. L. Van Sickle Regimental Sergeant Majors Edward L. Biel Frank E. Fisher Charles F. Pipkin Julius R. Richardson Hospital Sergeant Elmer H. Reed Battalion Sergeant Majors Arvid E. Anderson Clarence A. Anderson Frank Grabin Thomas R. Joyce Howard F. Mann Marcus J. McGrath Lloyd Willoughby Sergeants, First Class Frank J. Bresnan Lawrence E. Head Jack E. Johns Sergeants Arthur B. Blair Wm. W. Bloss Harold T. Bonser Francis J. Carnahan Harlan B. Eldred Wm. A. Gillespie Max C. Kramer Harley L. Peacock James Philbin Harold F. Plamondon John A. Ploger Frank E. Rusdorf Harry J. Ryan Clyde R. Thackeray Fred M. Weiss Norman J. White Michael J. Whitty Walter C. Wilander Mechanic Louis H. Snyder Wagoners Royal E. Bailey William H. Coffey Howard E. Colgan Max Masor Thomas S. Odiorne Harry F. Swanson Privates, First Class William T. Blackwell Wm. C. Bross THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF 199 Arthur J. Bryngelson Carl F. Hill William P. Fetter John L. Proctor Albert D. Rasmussen Frank J. Singer Charles P. S. Smith Sture Swanson Wm. H. Tenwick George O. Weiss Ernest D. Win trows Robert Young Garnett L. Zang Privates Ulysses S. Abel Arthur J. Anderson Gordon V. Ban Buren Samuel C. Berry Earl R. Clement Frank A. Dombrowski John J. Gaffney -James J. Gavigan Earl R. Heilbron Milton H. Keyes Joseph Kotlewski Harold McConnell Robert E. McGinley, Jr. Jerome A. O'Connell, Jr, Charles H. Redding Theodore C. Rhylick Guy B. Stasio Charles Stevens William Travis Kenneth F. Vail Wm. Williams Thomas R. Young William Zierke OFFICERS OF THE THIRTY-THIRD DIVISION STAFF WHO WERE AWARDED CER- TIFICATES FOR ESPECIALLY MERITORIOUS AND CONSPICUOUS SERVICE Colonel Levi M. Hathaway Lieutenant Colonel William H. Simpson Lieutenant Colonel John T. B. Jones Lieutenant Colonel Frederic L. Huidekoper Lieutenant Colonel William C. Gardenhire Lieutenant Colonel Burnett M. Chiperfield Major Frederick S. Haines Major Henry S. Hooker Major Frank W. Barber ist Lieutenant Charles H. Thurman AN AMMUNITION DUMP AT GERMONVILLE 200 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR BRIGADIER GENERAL PAUL A. WOLF Commander Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade. THE MEUSE RIVER AS SEEN FROM CONSENYOYE The Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade BY PAUL A. WOLF BRIGADIER GENERAL, U. S. A. JT fell to the lot of the Sixty-sixth In- fantry Brigade to play a very im- portant part in every one of the important engagements in which the Thirty-third Division participated during its service overseas. For this reason it truly may be said that the history of the Sixty-sixth Bri- gade, in a sense, is the history of the Thirty-third Division. It so happened that the Sixty- sixth Brigade was in line and in a logical position to initiate all the major operations of the division. Elements of the brigade participated in the attacks made in conjunction with the British army during July, 1918. The initial attack of the Thirty- third Division in the great Meuse-Argonne campaign was carried out by the Sixty-sixth Brigade with its two infantry regiments fighting side by side. During the closing days of the war this brigade staged one of the raids which initiated the attacks made by the Thirty-third Division in the St. Mihiel sector. It was chance, perhaps, which enabled the brigade to gain this distinc- tion but, nevertheless, it is a source of pride to the officers and men, who at all times courageously stood the first shock of battle for our division. 201 202 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR The Sixty-sixth Brigade was composed of the i3ist and i32nd Infantry Regiments, 12 4th Machine Gun Battalion and the headquarters detachment. The infantry units formerly had been the First and Second Regiments, Illi- nois National Guard. The machine gun battalion was formed from elements of another national guard regiment. These units were trained with the re- mainder of the Thirty-third Division at Camp Logan, where they were at first under the command of Brigadier General Foster. I joined the brigade as its commander during the formative period. At that time the spirit of officers and men, while undergoing the rigorous and monotonous course of training, indicated the sort of behavior to be expected BRIGADIER GENERAL WOLF AND HIS STAFF Left to right: Lieut. R. Hemery, interpreter, 2nd Lieut. J. W. Clarke, ist Lieut. A. M. Clissold, Capt. (later Major) H. P. Erskine, Brigadier General Wolf, Capt. P. J. Dupleix, French liaison officer, ist Lieut J. A. St. Louis, Capt. W. H. Wildes, 2nd Lieut. O. A. Meyer. of the organization when under fire. Every task assigned the brigade was performed cheerfully and efficiently. It became a hard, fit body of fighting men. May, 1918, brought the long-awaited order to embark. With the rest of the division, the Sixty-sixth Brigade entrained for Hoboken, from which port it sailed for France. The crossing, in the case of most of the units, was made without incident, but the strain of the long days and nights at sea, with- out lights and in constant danger of attack from an unseen enemy, made the men glad to march again when Brest was reached. The brigade was hurried from the port to a training area near Amiens, just back of a British sector held by veteran Australian troops. There the THE SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY BRIGADE 203 BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AT DEUXNOUDS Formerly the headquarters of General Ludendorf. Americans received in- tensive instruction in the methods of trench fight- ing from British officers who had been selected for duty as teachers. The brigade's progress was rapid. In little more than a month it was judged fit for active serv- ice. The honor of leading the Prairie Division into action fell to four com- panies of the Sixty-sixth Brigade, with six com- panies in reserve. They were ordered into the trenches with the Australians for an attack on Hamel to be delivered on the morning of July 4. Fighting beside the Australians, the Americans exhibited such gallantry and skill as to win lavish praise from the Allies. They were cited in orders, and later many individuals were decorated for conspicuous bravery. The i3ist Infantry gained further distinction through the successful attack which the regiment made upon Chipilly Ridge and Gressaire Wood an operation of considerable importance in connection with the opening of the new British offensive on the Somme. The brigade was kept in the trenches with the British through the month of July and most of August. The British seemed genuinely sorry to lose the Ameri- cans as comrades when the whole division was ordered into the famous sector near Verdun. The transfer seemed to promise action. By September 5, it was evi- dent that the promise was to be fulfilled. The brigade was sent into the line, both the i3ist and the i32nd Regiments occupying positions on Dead Man's Hill. This famous hill was one of GENERAL WOLF'S HEADQUARTERS AT GERMON- VILLE Showing dugouts and the system of camouflage. 204 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR the greatest burial grounds of the entire western front. It had been the scene of tremendous fighting, but the Germans opposite had established themselves so formidably that they had not been disturbed by the Allies for more than a year. Fortunately their long freedom from attack and the solidity of their positions had made the enemy overconfident, and they were an easier prey for us when we overran them on that memorable morning of September 26. And for the Sixty-sixth Brigade it was truly a memorable morning. I doubt if the events of that day ever will be effaced from the minds of those who had a part in them. Official reports show that the brigade took more than a thousand prisoners, as well as many cannon and machine guns. These reports, however, do not disclose the splendid individual deeds of courage GENERAL WOLF'S BILLET AT DEUXNOUDS and the innumerable acts of heroism that made victory possible. They can- not give even a faint semblance of an idea of the sufferings of those who fell while crossing that shell-torn valley of the Forges Stream. The days that followed were not less difficult. Enemy batteries beyond the Meuse began sending over a terrific hail of shells, hoping to batter the Illinoisans out of the new positions. Rain increased the difficulty of holding the new lines by flooding roads in the rear and delaying food and ammunition. But the supply trains struggled through somehow, and the brigade held its ground, consolidating its lines and recuperating for a fresh attack. Orders for a renewal of the offensive were not long in coming. The brigade was instructed to push across the Meuse against the enemy, now entrenched along the heights beyond the river. Exhausted as the men were by the ordeal of the initial attack and the strain of holding fast under incessant fire, they leaped into battle again in the THE SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY BRIGADE 205 manner of fresh troops. They fought their way across the river at Consen- voye. Then they swept up the heights, overwhelming the German line and advancing on to Sivry. The enemy several times counterattacked sharply in a desperate effort to regain lost ground, but the brigade did not falter. After forty days in the line the brigade was relieved. Instead of going to a rest area, however, it was sent to the trenches near Troyon. This sector was supposedly quiet. Its reputation for peacefulness did not last long after the Sixty-sixth Brigade had occupied it. Fighting was almost incessant until November n. Even on the morning of Armistice Day the brigade had launched an attack through the Hindenburg Line which had to be cut short when the order came to cease firing. GENERAL VIEW OF BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS At Deuxnouds, November 6, 1918. The brigade was given a short rest after the cessation of fighting. Then it proceeded into Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. Subsequently plans were changed, and the entire Thirty-third Division was withdrawn to Luxemburg, where it went into winter quarters. In May, 1919, the brigade returned to the United States. It was demobilized at Camp Grant after par- ticipating in the welcome home celebration held in Chicago. I have endeavored to set forth briefly the distinctive efforts of the Sixty- sixth Brigade as a whole. I regret that it is not possible to give due recogni- tion to every individual member of the unit. I can only add a few words concerning those who were associated most directly with me in the administra- tion of the brigade. Colonels Sanborn and Davis, the regimental commanders, I count among 2O6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR my devoted friends. They gave perfect cooperation at all times and the suc- cessful operations of the brigade were due in no small measure to their unfail- ing loyalty and devotion to duty. They and their lieutenant colonels, Eddy and Stansfield, their staffs and battalion commanders, and Major Putman, commander of the 12 4th Machine Gun Battalion, were always ready, under the most trying circumstances, to carry out orders, however difficult the tasks assigned to them. They never faltered, although there were moments when patience was sorely tried and all were under great and prolonged strain. My own personal staff rendered splendid service. It consisted of Major H. P. Erskine, brigade adjutant; Captain William H. Wildes, brigade signal officer; Lieutenants J. A. St. Louis and James W. Clarke, my aides, and Lieu- tenants Charles A. Martin, Oliver A. Meyer and Constant Simpson. These officers were with me throughout the period of our service overseas, and our relations, which necessarily were intimate, were always pleasant. For the men and officers of the line it is difficult to find fitting words of praise. Their record speaks for them. For the families of those who were left on the battlefields, I have sympathy far deeper than I can express. For them there must be consolation, and for those of us who were fortunate enough to return safely home, there must be a never ending source of pride in the knowledge that in all the A. E. F. there were no braver soldiers and no truer Americans than the officers and men who comprised the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade. AN AMERICAN OBSERVATION BALLOON IN FLAMES. NEAR LA CLAIRE, SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 THE SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY BRIGADE 207 DECORATIONS RECEIVED BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF HEADQUARTERS, SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY BRIGADE Brigadier General Sergeant Paul A. Wolf George B. Gourley Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Cross Officer Legion of Honor The Military Medal Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE HEADQUARTERS, SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY BRIGADE. WHO WERE CITED FOR GALLANTRY BY GENERAL BELL Major Sergeant Harold P. Erskine Theron O. Potter Captain William H. Wildes Cook Henry A. Arend First Lieutenants Charles A. Martin . . , . ,, Privates, First Class Oliver A. Meyer Joseph A. St. Louis Donald P - Gibson Edward C. Howard Regimental Sergeant Major Thomas H. Stevens ROSTER OF OFFICERS HEADQUARTERS, SIXTY-SIXTH INFANTRY BRIGADE Brigadier General First Lieutenants Paul A. Wolf James W. Clarke Commanding Sixty-sixth Infantry Bri- Supply Officer gade A. M. Clissold Munitions Officer Lieutenant Colonel Rene Hemery James H. Stansfield Interpreter Brigade Adjutant from February, 1918, Charles A. Martin to June 30, 1918 American Liaison Officer, Acting Bri- gade Adjutant from March i to May Majors Harold P. Erskine I f > *J 19 Brigade Adjutant from September 20, UIlv " A -. Mever 1918, to March i, 1919 Veterinarian William Y. Hendron Hen " Pol f e T . . _ Brigade Adjutant from June 30, 1918, Frenc * L c iaiS n fficer to September 20, 1918 Constant C. Simpson Munitions Officer Captains Joseph A. St. Louis P. J. Dupleix Aide to General Wolf French Liaison Officer V. G. Willis, Assistant Veterinarian William H. Wildes Aide to Brigadier General Wolf 208 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR COLONEL JOSEPH B. SANBORN Commander of the i3ist Infantry. AT DRILLANCOURT, GRAVES OF THE 131 si's DEAD IN THE FOREGROUND The 131st Infantry COLONEL JOSEPH B. SANBORN, EDITOR BY CAPTAIN GEORGE N. MALSTROM, OPERATIONS OFFICER HE First Illinois Infantry, which served in the World War as the i3ist United States Infantry, has had a prominent place in the military history of the state ever since the organization of the regiment in 1874. After more than forty years of service as a national guard unit the regiment lost its name but not its entity when it was inducted into the federal service in 1917. The men of the i3ist have never forgotten that they also were men of the old "Dandy First" and they take pride in their long and honorable record as national guardsmen as well as in the conspicuous service rendered by the regiment overseas in 1918. First steps were taken toward the formation of the regiment at a meeting held on August 25. 1874, and on September 8 organization was effected. The regiment was composed largely of Civil War veterans. The famous Ellsworth Zouaves joined in a body as Company G. The regiment saw its first active service in 1875. It was called out for riot duty on February 12. During the railroad riots and the coal miners' strike at Braidwood, July 26 to 31, 1877, it again was sent into the field. The regiment served during the stockyards riots in Chicago on Christmas Day in 209 2IO ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE HOME OF THE OLD DANDY FIRST 1879, and was on duty at the yards again in No- vember, 1886. It was sent to quell the coal miners' riots at Pana in June, 1894, and a month later was called out again, this time to serve for thirty-three days at Pullman during the great railroad strike. When war was de- clared on Spain the regi- ment volunteered in a body, and entered active service April 26, 1898, as the First Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infan- try. It was one of the few well-trained national guard regiments that re- sponded to the call and was selected to accompany the first regular army expedition. It went to Cuba with the Army of Invasion under General Shafter and was in the trenches facing Santiago when the Spaniards there surrendered, the Illinois fighters holding the line between Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" on the left and the First District of Columbia Volunteers on the right. The colonel of the First, Henry L. Turner, was promoted to com- mand a provisional brigade, under the great Indian fighter, General John C. Bates. The regiment was among the last troops of the invading army to leave Cuba. The war service lasted until November 17. Returning to its old status as a national guard regiment, the "Dandy First" then led a fairly peaceful existence for nearly two decades, except for a few days in August, 1908, when it was on duty during race riots at Springfield. When trouble with Mexico seemed certain, in 1916, the First was called out by the federal government and sent to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for border duty. There it received intensive training with results which won the highest commendation of regular army officers a training which was to prove of great value in the World War. During these pre-war years the regiment's duties were not altogether of a belligerent nature. The "Dandy First" represented Illinois on two exten- sive pleasure trips through the southern states, helping to cement a new bond of friendship between the North and the South. It paraded and ex- hibited at four world's expositions and at the Pan-American exposition in San Diego. The regiment made a western trip in 1915, remaining several weeks at the World's Fair, San Francisco, where its perfect drilling won high praise. It escorted four presidents Grover Cleveland, William Me- THE INFANTRY 211 LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES M. EDDY Kinley, William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt. Trophies of its athletic prowess, its marks- manship and its tactical superi- ority in those pre-war days hang beside its war relics in the regi- mental armory. Such was the record of Illi- nois' oldest regiment in March, 1917, when it was called to the colors by the federal government for service that was to win it new and greater fame. The call to arms was issued by Governor Lowden to the First Regiment on March 26, 1917. At 5:26 a. m. Colonel Joseph B. San- born received the order to "re- port with your regiment to the commanding general of the Cen- tral Department, U. S. A,, for duty." At i p. m. he reported with 47 officers and 725 men of a total of 50 officers and 874 men in the regiment. With the exception of a few who were ill or out of the city, the missing men reported a little- later, and the regiment was virtually at full strength when Major General Thomas. H. Barry, commanding the Central Department, assigned it to guard the power and light plants at Joliet and Lockport, the navigable waters south of the city, including the Calumet river, and all railroad bridges southeast to the Indiana line. To perfect the details of the posting, housing, and feeding of guards over this great territory, to draw up regulations governing the use of rail- road bridges and waterways, and to make the necessary maps, were tasks requiring energy and resourcefulness on the part of the officers. The tasks were accomplished promptly and efficiently. By March 31, Major Abel Davis and Major John V. Clinnin, acting under the direction of their colonel, had completed the distribution of troops and preparations for their care. Units of the regiment that were not on guard duty established a camp at Twelfth street in Cicero on April 25 and began receiving the regimental transport and other equipment, at the same time drilling constantly. Convicts in the penitentiary at Joliet revolted on June 5, overpowering their guards and setting fire to prison buildings. Companies G and E, under Major Clinnin, were in camp at Dellwood Park in Joliet at the time. With Major Clinnin at their head they hurried to the penitentiary, arriving just as the convicts were about to batter down the gates and escape. Rushing inside with fixed bayonets, the soldiers subdued the infuriated 212 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR mob. although the convicts were armed and in desperate mood. Not a shot was fired by the troops, and few of the convicts were injured, though they fought hard before returning to their cell houses. After subduing the mob the soldiers battled for three hours to get the fires in the prison buildings under control. For this service, officers and men of the two companies received com- mendatory letters from federal, state, and county authorities and were offi- cially praised by the commanding general of the Central Department. Meanwhile, the regiment was assisting the federal government in form- ing the new army. All officers who could be spared from guard duty were ordered to act as mustering officers to other national guard units. The band and the machine gun company were sent to Fort Sheridan to aid in the in- struction of officers in the first officers' training camp. Disorder at Camp Grant, where the great cantonment was then under construction, compelled the government to send a detail from the First Regi- ment there July 6. Lawlessness and drunkenness were common in the camp. Agents of the I. W. W. were trying to provoke strikes and sabotage. The troops quickly restored order, and the construction work went ahead. Other units of the regiment were sent to the camp as fast as they could be relieved of the guard duty to which they had previously been assigned. Major Davis was assigned to command of the troops in the cantonment. He organized a camp guard, perfected plans for the protection of the great stores of lumber against fire, and main- tained order among the workmen. The manner in which he handled a difficult situation was highly praised by Gen- eral Barry at the conclu- sion of the regiment's service in the camp. On August 5, while it was on duty at Camp Grant, the regiment was drafted into federal serv- ice. For the time being, however, it was held at the cantonment, first to preserve order and a little later to assist in the training of drafted sol- THE ARRIVAL AT CAMP LOGAN diers. By September i, THE i3isT INFANTRY 213 SHOW DOWN INSPECTION AT CAMP LOGAN when the drafted men began to arrive, a system of military police had been organized for duty in Rockford, a fire department had been formed in the camp, and gambling and liquor smuggling among 6,000 transient workmen had practically been stamped out. Soon 30,000 drafted men were in the cantonment. Their presence in- creased the regiment's duties at first, but gradually the new arrivals acquired discipline enough to assume the responsibility of guarding the camp. By the end of the month it was decided that the First could be spared. The regiment was withdrawn on October i and entrained for Camp Logan, after a hearty send-off by General Barry and the new national army troops. At Camp Logan active preparations to fit the men for service overseas were begun immediately. A progressive system of daily drill and physical exercises was arranged and was faithfully followed. The men took up special practice in bayonet fighting, hand grenade throwing, and gas defense. Rifle ranges were built and shooting competition encouraged. Gradually men were selected for training with such weapons as the trench mortar, the 37 mm. cannon, the machine gun and the automatic rifle. Others were schooled in the more technical branches of signaling visually, by wire, and with wireless. Scouting, observation, and map-making were taught to picked soldiers, and those with smatterings of French and German received more thorough instructions in those languages. Less warlike but no less necessary duties, such as cooking and baking, the care of animals and transport, rationing and supply, and sanitation were not neglected. Specialists were developed in these lines as well as in the methods of waging war. 214 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR The regiment became the i3ist Infantry, U. S. A., a unit of the Sixty- sixth Brigade, Thirty-third Division, at midnight on October 10, when the reorganization of the Illinois National Guard to form the division was formal- ly ordered. The course of training was interrupted in November by the outbreak of strikes in the oil fields around Humble, Texas. On the first day of the month Major Davis and the first battalion were sent to the oil district to prevent expected violence. They remained on duty until November 15. While they were absent from Camp Logan, Governor Lowden, with Mrs. Lowden and a party of distinguished guests, visited the regiment, and pre- sented to it a beautiful stand of silken flags, national and regimental, which A CONFERENCE OF OFFICERS OF THE OLD FIRST Captain Hendron, Colonel Sanborn, Lieutenant Colonel Eddy and Major Abel Davis. were carried throughout the war. The Governor and his party later visited the first battalion at Humble. As the winter of 1918 advanced the training became more severe. Un- der the direction of French officers assigned to the division a complete trench system was built, and the regiment simulated war conditions in its drill. The i3ist showed the results of its thorough previous training. Company E, com- manded by Captain Hamlet C. Ridgway, was adjudged the model company of the division in a competitive drill in which the model companies of all regi- ments participated. Another result of its thorough training, though a gratifying compliment, was less helpful to the regiment. As defects began to appear in the division many officers were promoted and transferred from the i3ist to other units. Two majors Davis and Clinnin became colonels, all medical officers but one were promoted and reassigned, seven captains became mijors, and nearly THE I3IST INFANTRY 215 ON DUTY AT THE HUMBLE OIL FIELDS Major Davis presents the first battalion to Governor Lowden and his party. all first lieutenants and all second lieutenants were promoted. The vacancies thus created were filled by the promotion of non-commissioned officers, many of whom gained the rank of first lieutenant. After a ten-day march in simulation of war conditions, which was started on April 8 to keep the men from going stale, the regiment returned to camp to find large drafts of new recruits awaiting assignment. The drafts were largely unsatisfactory, including hundreds of physically unfit men, many alien enemies and illiterates, and scores of others who could not understand English. Of the 1,300 sent to the regiment 400 were eliminated as physically unfit. Of the others, all who could not read and write English and all of enemy nationality were sent to home service regiments. The few who were left gave a good account of themselves. Later drafts were more satisfactory, and by May i the regiment was filled to war strength. During the first days of May indications pointed to an early de- parture for overseas, as each morning it was found that some part of the camp had been de- A FRIENDLY CHAT The Governor with the men of Company C, of which he was once an officer. 2l6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR serterl during the night. The troops stole away under the cover of darkness. Finally the turn of the i3ist Infantry came and on the morning of May 9 the last section of the regiment left Camp Logan for its eastward journey. The regiment traveled by different routes to Camp Upton, the last section arriving at its destination on the morning of May 15. The regiment's stay in Camp Upton was short, and on May 20 it moved to Hoboken, where it em- barked on the transport Leviathan, formerly the German steamship Vater- land. At 3:45 p. m. on May 22 the great ship steamed out of the harbor bound for France. The journey was eventful. The huge transport, darkened, pursued a zig-zag course to foil the enemy's submarines; the gun crews were constantly THE LEVIATHAN STEAMS AWAY TO FRANCE With the i3ist Infantry on board. on the alert. The troops practiced "call to quarters" and fire drill frequently to be ready for disaster. And the disaster nearly came, though not till the shores of France were almost in sight. Four submarines suddenly appeared off the transport's stern. The ship's guns were trained on them as soon as their periscopes came above the surface, and a salvo of well directed shots sent them down in a hurry. Later it was reported that two of the four under-sea boats were destroyed and one forced to surrender to the flotilla of destroyers convoying the big transport. Although the U-boats were defeated, the unending precautions against them had been wearying, and it was a happy shipload of soldiers that the transport carried into the harbor of Brest at noon on May 30. THE i 3 isT INFANTRY 217 The regiment debarked before sunset and marched to Pontanezen barracks, a collection of stone buildings which Napoleon had used for his sol- diers. Those of the i3ist who were lucky enough to find any beds at all slept on the old iron cots used by Napoleon's men. On June 4 the regiment departed for Oisemont, carrying a minimum of equipment. Records, type- writers, stencils, repair kits, and great quantities of personal property had to be left. Most of these things were not recovered, and the regiment's effi- ciency was impaired for some time by the lack of them. At Oisemont the regiment was placed under the command of the British for actual battle training. British "cadres" (instructors) were attached to the unit to direct the instruction of the men. Here, too, the i3ist had its first experience with the billeting system. The custom of housing soldiers in private homes seemed strange at first, but the men soon made themselves at home. Several changes of billets followed. On June 21, the regiment reached Pierregot, in the war zone, and was attached to the Third Corps of the Fourth British Army. From the regimental camp the heavy guns could be heard rumbling in the distance, and at night from the high hills in the vicinity of the camp flashes from the cannon and signal lights from the battlefields could be seen. Here, also, the Germans paid their first respects to the regiment. Their air- planes made frequent raids over the area in which the regiment was billeted, WHITE-WING CHARLEY OF PIERREGOT CHOOSING A SITE FOR OFFICERS' QUARTERS AT PIERREGOT 218 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR A BRITISH MACHINE GUN NEST Of steel and concrete, with a revolving turret. and many battles were fought be- tween British and German planes in sight of the camp. Many Ger- man planes were brought down by the British fliers in the course of these combats. All training now was in dead- ly earnest. Precautions were taken to prevent lights from showing at night, and pits were dug under tents to reduce the casualties which re- sulted from the bombing raids of the Germans. During this period the regiment suffered its first cas- ualty, a German aerial bomb killing one and wounding several of the men who were on guard. At this time, also, the soldiers began to realize that their gas masks were their best friends. One private expressed the sentiment of all of his comrades by stenciling on his mask the words, "I need thee every hour;" another, "In thee I trust." Gradually the regiment was taken into the front-line trenches with the British. The men went forward first by squads and companies and later by battalions. The sector was a vital one. It was part of the Amiens defense system and faced the ruined town of Albert, which the Germans had held in force since their drive of March 21. The training in this battle area offered quite a contrast to that in which the regiment had been engaged previously. Shells fell intermittently, at times blotting out whole stretches of trenches or parts of villages. A few casual- ties occurred, but the routine of work and schedule of relief continued with- out interruption. At the same time critiques were held to correct faults that developed in orders or in the maneuvering of troops. Late in June part of the i3ist was transferred to the sector held by the Australians south of the Somme. On the 2Qth Companies C and E were ordered to proceed to Allon- ville, where they were assigned to the Fourth Australian Brigade. They were advised that they were to take part in an offensive, and details were made from the regiment to bring these companies up to full strength. The next day the first and second bat- talions were also or- dered to move forward and report to the Aus- tralians. BIG SHELLS LEFT BY THE GERMANS NEAR ALBERT THE i3isT INFANTRY 219 This forward movement was evidently for the purpose of taking part in an offensive. Subsequently orders not to use any American troops were issued, but they came too late to affect Companies C and E, which were already in the line, schooled for an attack. Company E, commanded by Captain James W. Luke, had been attached to the Forty-third Battalion and Company C, Captain Carroll M. Gale commanding, was with the Forty-second Battalion, Australian Expeditionary Forces. On June 30 and July i these companies had practiced for the hop-over with tanks and had been taught how to follow a barrage. Bombs, Lewis guns, and entrenching tools were issued the next day. Then, after a bath in the Somme and a hot meal, the two companies, with the battalions to which they were attached, marched into position and relieved the Fifty-first Battalion in the forward trenches. All during the following day they remained quiet BRITISH TANKS ON THE ALBERT-AMIENS ROAD in order that the Germans might not discover that the trenches were crowded with men. Precisely at midnight of July 3 the attacking troops climbed out of the trenches and opened Independence Day by crawling to the jumping-off tape, which was laid about 400 yards out in No Man's Land and ran diagonal to the objective. There they waited for the zero hour. Fifteen combat tanks came up under cover of a harassing artillerj' fire. A few minutes later, at 3:10 a. m., the barrage crashed down. The barraging artillery consisted of one field gun to every thirty yards of the attacking front, supplemented by batteries of 4.5-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 9.2 -inch and 12 -inch howitzers, and twenty machine guns. One hundred and sixty-one other guns were assigned to counter-battery work, while British and French pieces north and south of the sector aided. The barrage, to quote from Captain Gale's report, was "marvelously accurate." The attacking troops pressed forward rapidly, at times coming too 22O ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR close to the barrage because of the darkness, which had been accentuated by smoke shells and the dust. The right of the line, to which Company E was attached, met opposition first. It encountered stubborn resistance from machine guns. Side by side an Australian and an American charged the guns and bayoneted the crews. The line advanced again. After an advance of 1,000 yards Company C encountered a considerable number of the enemy, but most of the Germans surrendered before hand-to-hand fighting was pos- sible. The barrage played on the town of Hamel for ten minutes. When it lifted, Company E, with the Forty-third Australian Battalion, rushed in and, with the assistance of the tanks, mopped up the town, taking many prisoners and guns. At some dugouts near the western edge of the town considerable opposition was met, but a reserve platoon of Americans worked around to the flank and quickly overcame the enemy, capturing many and shooting those who attempted to escape. It was in this fighting that Corporal Thomas A. Pope of Company E displayed the extraordinary heroism that won him the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as French and British decorations. He rushed a hostile machine gun single- handed, jumped astride the piece, bayoneted sev- eral of the crew, and with his rifle kept the others at bay until rein- forcements had come up, when all the members of the crew were killed or captured. Many other officers and men of the isist displayed gallantry for which they subsequently were decorated. One of these was Lieutenant Al- bert G. Jefferson, who, though wounded, contin- ued fighting until the end of the battle. An- other was Lieutenant George W. Sherwood, who displayed great courage and ability in leading hfs men. A GLIMPSE INTO HAMEL After Hamel had The ruins of the church at the left. been captured another THE I3IST INFANTRY 221 battalion leap-frogged through the line and advanced to the objective, where it dug itself in, reversing the German trenches. British airplanes, which had been very active in the attack, dropped ammunition and water to the men in the captured area by means of parachutes. The attack had taken the enemy completely by surprise. The German battalion stationed in Hamel had arrived there only an hour or two before the attack began, and the men were very tired. They had been deceived, too, by the harassing fire of smoke and gas thrown into the town previous to the attack. Their gas alarm was sounding as the attacking troops ad- vanced, and some of the dead were wearing masks. A little before midnight of the 4th, the enemy made a vigorous counter- attack on a front of approximately 300 yards. Five Australian and two Americans were captured and eighty yards of the front-line trench fell into the enemy's hands. "But before they had an opportunity to withdraw," said Lieutenant Herman H. Weimer in his report of this counterattack, "the first platoon of Company E flanked the right of the enemy attacking party, while an Australian platoon flanked its left, and succeeded not only in recapturing the five Australians and our men but in addition secured four enemy officers and fifty-three enemy soldier prisoners and captured three machine guns." The conduct of the Americans elicited the highest official praise. In his report of the battle Lieutenant Colonel Farrell, commanding the Forty- third Australian Battalion, said: "The company of Americans attached (Company E, i3ist Infantry) did excellent work. Considering it was their first time in action, they fought splendidly. Officers and men were most anxious to learn and eager for the fight. The platoons were employed in all parts of the battalion formation, LOOKING EAST TOWARD HAMEL In the foreground are graves of the Australians and men of the i3ist Infantry. 222 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR one of them being in the first wave." Even more valued than this official praise was the verdict of the Australian soldiers be- side whom the Ameri- cans fought. The men of the i3ist will forever hold as their slogan ths comment of their com- rades in arms in that Fourth of July battle: "You'll do us, Yanks, but you're a bit rough!" This battle, al- though only a local af- fair, was important be- cause it was the first repulse of the Germans on this front since the British retreat which be- gan on March 21. The operation was of im- portance, also, because it drove the Germans from a position which dominated the British lines on both sides of the Somme river. The dash and vigor displayed by the two companies of the i3ist Infantry which participated in the engagement gave an indication of what might be expected of the regiment in later and more extensive operations, in which the i3ist fought its way to every objec- tive allotted to it, never losing a foot of ground and always reaching its objectives on schedule time. After the Hamel attack the regiment continued its training, but the several battalions now held sectors in the front line under the command of their own majors. While the third battalion, under Major Francis M. Allen, held the line, an advance on the city of Albert was ordered and was success- fully carried out on the night of August 2-3. Patrols from the battalion, entering the city of Albert from the north, encountered and drove back small parties of the enemy. Upon reaching their objective the advancing troops met and repulsed a German patrol consisting of four machine guns and sixty rifles. Again, on August 4, a patrol from Company L searched the city for snipers, and, after silencing several who had been giving trouble, returned to NOTRE DAME DE BREBIERES The church at Albert, as the Americans first saw it, with the statue of the Virgin still hanging from the top of the steeple. THE 13181 INFANTRY 223 their position. In this operation Sergeant James B. Powers earned the Dis- tinguished Service Cross by crawling from house to house and killing snipers who were hidden in the ruins. On August 8 the third battalion had completed its tour of duty in the forward trenches and moved back to Pierregot. The first and second bat- talions were in the vicinity of Baizieux. The colonel, with the operations and intelligence officers, had moved forward to the headquarters of the Fifty- eighth British Division at Baizieux, and later in the day the colonel reported in person to the headquarters of the Eighteenth British Division at Heilly. At 12:10 p. m., Colonel Sanborn received orders to have the regiment ready to move at a moment's notice, and at 4:30 the same afternoon word was received from the Third British Corps that the regiment had been placed under orders of the Fifty-eighth British Division and was to move forward at once to advance positions in corps reserve. The first and second battalions were- ordered forward and distributed in trenches in the valley northeast of Heilly for the night. The third bat- talion and headquarters company, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James M. Eddy, began a forced night march from its billets in Pierregot, but before it had arrived at its destination the orders had been changed. The regiment was directed to move at once to an assembly point on the Bray- Corbie road and thence to a point south of the town of Heilly, where it was to form up facing east and be ready to attack early in the morning of August 9. No provision had been made by the British headquarters for battle supplies. The troops had no rations and their water supply was low. More- over, the character of the ground over which the attack was to be made and the position and strength of the enemy were unknown, while the men were THE END OF THE CHURCH AT ALBERT THE i3isT INFANTRY 225 exhausted after an all- night march in heavy marching order. After a conference between the general commanding the Eighteenth British Division and Colonel Sanborn, it was decided to postpone the proposed attack, while the regi- ment was moved farther forward in the valley be- tween Vaux-sur-Somme and Sailly-le-Sec, where it was ordered under cover. At i p. m. the next day, August 9, Colonel Sanborn was advised that an attack was to be made and was directed to make a reconnaissance in the direction of Gressaire Wood. Lieutenant Colonel Eddy, with the battalion commanders and scouts, went forward and returned with the information, which was verified by a British mounted patrol, that the enemy occupied Malard Wood and sur- rounding country, which was considerably closer to the i3ist than Gressaire Wood and the designated starting line. The regiment was then ordered to clear the enemy from this position and drive him back as far as the forming- up line before the time set for the main attack to begin. CAPTAIN ROBERT J. JORDAN, PERSONNEL ADJUTANT AND HIS STAFF THE ROAD FROM SAILLY-LAURETTE TO CHIPILLY Showing the entrance to the valley at K32b, where the regiment turned in to form up for the attack, at 5 130 p. m. on August 9. 226 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR At 3:30 p. m. a message was received naming 5 p. m. as the zero hour, but it was seen immediately that the regiment could not reach the forming- up line in that short time and that it would be impossible to secure and dis- tribute maps and issue adequate orders. Upon receipt of this advice the division commander changed the zero hour to 5:30. The operations officer immediately set the regiment in motion, instruct- ing officers to rush their troops forward and establish dumps for their packs on the forming-up line, and advising them that they would receive maps as they advanced. The regimental commander moved forward at the head of the column to point the way and personally directed the deploying of the troops along FORMING-UP LINE LOOKING ALONG THE WEST EDGE OF MALARD WOOD This photograph was taken from regimental headquarters. the jumping-off line, the first battalion on the right, the second on the left and the third in reserve. The regiment, marching with heavy packs in the hot sun, covered four miles in the brief time allotted. British officers later expressed their admiration for the feat. The British had promised to send tanks and machine guns to the aid of the i3ist, but. when the zero hour came, neither had arrived, and the second battalion was even without Lewis guns. The men, nevertheless, started off behind the barrage with smiles on their faces, determined to ham- mer their way to the objective. Throughout the night they fought like demons. Stiff opposition was encountered -?s the regiment advanced, but it was quickly overcome. When- THE 13151 INFANTRY 227 CONTINUATION OF MALARD WOOD VALLEY The forming-up line of the second battalion extended around the bend, and the attack was made through the woods and over the hill towards the right. ever snipers or machine gunners held up the advance, some intrepid soldier dashed out and silenced the enemy with his bayonet. After a heavy bombardment on Chipilly a British patrol reported that it had been through and around the town, and that no enemy troops were lo- cated there. A considerable force of machine guns, however, either had been overlooked or had successfully concealed themselves, for almost at the be- ginning of the attack the loth Londons were held up by fire from Chipilly cemetery and the quarry below, so that the right of the line (the first bat- LOOKING EAST INTO MALARD WOOD VALLEY From the north edge of Malard Wood, at the position of the third battalion during the first days of fighting. 228 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR talion) was unable to advance until Company K of the i3ist Infantry cleaned out this nest and took 300 prisoners. It was in this ad- vance that Corporal Jake Allex earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. All the officers of his platoon had been wounded, and he was in command. When his men were stopped by fire from a machine gun nest Corporal Allex rushed the enemy position single-handed. With his bayonet he killed five of the Germans. When his bayonet broke in the body of the fifth victim, he seized his rifle by the barrel and clubbed to death those of the machine gun crew who refused to surrender. Private F. F. Kostak rushed two machine gun positions, capturing both guns and seven prisoners. Corporal Paul Hobschied used his knowledge of German to good advantage by shouting German phrases as he advanced, unsuspected, on sniper posts. He killed or captured several snipers in that way. From one dugout he marched thirty prisoners. In another he killed two and captured four. Second Lieutenant George W. Sherwood rushed two machine gun positions, capturing three guns and ten prisoners. Corporal Stephen Mance captured a machine gun after a single-handed fight with four ON CHIPILLY RIDGE A German machine gun position, taken by the first battalion. LOOKING WEST FROM CHIPILLY RIDGE ALONG THE SOMME THE i 3 iST INFANTRY 229 Germans whom he wounded or made prisoners. Sergeant G. D. Gourley, who had taken command of his platoon after the wounding of his officer, rushed a machine gun without support and killed the four Germans in the crew. Later he used the captured gun against the enemy with good effect. Private Harry Stokes captured three German officers and killed a fourth who resisted capture. Such instances of individual courage illustrate the splendid spirit with which the i3ist fought its way through the night toward the objective as- signed to it. At one time it was necessary to send the greater part of the third battalion into the fighting line at a point where machine gun resistance was especially stubborn, but by 6 a. m. of the loth the regiment was able to report to the commanding general of the Fifty-eighth British Division THE VIEW FROM REGIMENTAL P. C. Looking northeast toward Malard Wood Valley along the right of the forming-up line of the first battalion. that the objective had been reached. In the operation, also, the i3ist had taken three officers and six hundred and ninety-seven men, together with thirty-two cannon, one airplane, one hundred machine guns, numerous rifles and quantities of ammunition, equipment and material of all kinds. Throughout the night officers and men had worked with almost super- human energy to secure and forward small arms ammunition, entrenching tools and water to those who were in the fighting line and to care for and remove the wounded. After they had gained the objective the troops were subjected to a terrific bombardment with shells, gas and aerial bombs, but, despite the fact that they were completely worn out by the heavy fighting and the long march 230 ILLINOI-S IN THE WORLD WAR that had preceded it, they held tenaciously to the ground they had gained. A slight respite for the greater part of the regiment came on the night of August 11-12, when Australian troops, with part of the i3ist, passed through the lines and proceeded systematically and thor- oughly to mop up the town of Etine- ham and a pocket formed by the Somme River which had caused some trouble. On the i4th, the regiment made a further advance and occupied a new line from the town of Bray along the southern ridge overlooking the Somme to the bend in the river south of Etineham. The new line was organized and held under heavy shell fire, with occa- sional outpost encounters, until the night of August 19-20, when the regi- ment was relieved. In this engagement, which is known as the battle of Gressaire Wood and Chipilly Ridge, the men of the i3ist Regiment were under a tremendous handicap. They were thrown suddenly into a heavy engagement without adequate preparations and were pitted against some of the most seasoned of the German troops. Under such adverse conditions, the i3ist conducted itself in a manner that reflected great credit upon the enlisted personnel and officers of the regiment. The troops were steady and cool at all times. ON THE BRAY-CORBIE ROAD Position held by Captain Wilson's platoon as outpost on the morning of August 10. TRENCHES ALONG THE BRAY-CORBIE ROAD HELD BY THE THE MORNING OF AUGUST 10. INFANTRY ON THE I3IST INFANTRY 231 The British staff officers manifested more anxiety regarding the success of the attack than did the officers of the 13 1 st. On the first day of the battle, per- sistent reports were re- ceived at the British headquarters to the ef- fect that German troops were advancing. These reports kept the staff officers greatly agitated, especially as they re- ceived no word for some time regarding the prog- ress of the attack, as Colonel Sanborn had gone forward with the attacking troops. The British officers were told, however, that so long as only wounded men and prisoners were coming back, they need have no fear as to the outcome of the opera- tion. Subsequently messages were received from the front line, showing that the attack was being carried through successfully. One of these messages from Captain Wilson of Company A reported that the enemy was mov- ing to counterattack along the Bray-Corbie Road, and asked that 2,000 rounds of small arms ammunition be sent forward, if possible. An account of this counterattack contained in the report for the day shows the steadiness and coolness of the troops in the thick of the fighting. This report says: "At 3 p. m. a group of Germans came down the road from Bray with heavy machine guns. Our fire was held until the enemy arrived within 500 yards, when all were shot down. Later the enemy brought up four machine guns under cover of the standing crops, but were stopped by our Lewis gun fire. Still later these guns opened intermittently until outflanked by a platoon under Lieutenant Porter." For the part he played in this battle, Colonel Sanborn was given the Distinguished Service Order by the British and the Distinguished Service Cross by his own government. The importance of the regiment's achievement in this engagement can THE BRAY CRUCIFIX, A FAMOUS LANDMARK 232 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR hardly be overestimated. General Ludendorf, in the book he wrote after the war, said the Ger- mans' hope of victory was crushed by the Allies' success in the offensive near Albert and north of Montdidier, starting August 8. A week after the attack, the German general told his associates that the war could no longer be won militarily. If the Somme offen- sive was the decisive campaign in the final stage of the war, the i3ist's victory at Gressaire Wood was a decisive stroke in the Somme offensive. The regiment was thrown into action at a critical time after the British troops north of the river, according to official British reports, had found it impossible to maintain a footing on Chipilly Spur. In a special cable dispatch to the Chicago Daily News, Edward Price Bell explained the nature and significance of the regiment's victory. Fol- lowing is an extract from this dispatch: "I heard of them (the i3ist Infantry) first on the north bank of the Somme in the village of Chipilly. South of the river, a short distance east FRONT VIEW OF A GERMAN "77" POSITION IN GRES- SAIRE WOOD A GERMAN AMMUNITION DUMP IN GRESSAIRE WOOD THE i3isT INFANTRY 233 of Chipilly, the Austral- ians were advancing across open ground against a wood where the Germans were mak- ing a stubborn stand. Suddenly German artil- lery on a steep spur above Chipilly opened fire across the river on the rear of the advanc- ing Australians. This development had become possible because the British supporting the Australians north of the Somme had been counterattacked and driven back and could not clear the Chipilly Spur. "How the Americans (i3ist Infantry) happened to be in Chipilly I do not know, but they were there and observed what was befalling their Australian comrades south of the Somme. Their job, as they saw it, was to take that spur and they took it. One viewing its almost precipitous sides in the neighborhood of the river is unable to see how the feat was achieved. The i3ist not only gained the summit, stormed and silenced the REAR VIEW OF GERMAN "77" POSITION SHOWN ON OPPOSITE PAGE IN THE HEART OF GRESSAIRE WOOD Showing the dense underbrush which had swarmed with snipers and machine gunners; at sunset after the battle. 234 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR enemy guns, but pursued the enemy into the adja- cent wood, poked him out of it and pressed forward north of the Somme until abreast of the advancing Austral- ians south of the river. "Here the Ameri- cans established a line and subsequently fought on with the Australians on their right and the British on their left until Bray fell. In an ex- tended battle it some- times happens that a small force at just the right point and just the right moment may ren- der an invaluable serv- ice. Any Australian who was on the Somme on that day will tell you that the Americans were such a force and rendered such a service." The British were quick to acknowledge their debt to the i3ist. On August 10 the commander of the Third British Corps telegraphed to the commander of the Thirty-third Division: "Hearty congratulations on successful attack carried out by the i3ist Infantry Regiment yesterday." ON THE RIVER ROAD BETWEEN CHIPILLY AND ETINEHAM Showing first battalion post of command and aid station. A STREET SCENE IN ETINEHAM THE INFANTRY 235 On the same day, General Frank Ramsey, commanding the Fifty-eighth British Division, wrote to General Bell: "I wish to express to you my appreciation of the great assistance afforded my division by your 1315! Regiment in the attack on Gressaire Wood yes- terday afternoon and my admi- ration for the way in which it carried out a very difficult ma- neuver to get into the battle line and for the stout way in which it overcame all resistance. I enclose a letter of thanks which I would be glad if you would forward to the officer commanding the regiment." These messages and reports indicate clearly the valuable service which the i3ist Infantry rendered to the British armies in the first battle of the Somme offensive. The advance made by this regiment, August 9-20, from Malard Wood to Bray, broke the German resistance and paved the way for a drive which helped materially to bring about the complete defeat of the German armies. The attack on Gressaire Wood and Chipilly Ridge brought to an end the service of the i3ist with the British and Australian forces. The regi- ment was relieved on the night of August 19-20 by the Fourth Australian Corps and proceeded by easy stages to Poulainville. On this march the men THE CHATEAU AT ETINEHAM Used as headquarters by Company A THE ENTRANCE TO BRAY The cart was driven by a German prisoner. 236 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR A CHAUCHAT IN ACTION passed through Hamel and saw for the last time the ground over which they had fought so hard and for the possession of which so many of their comrades had laid down their lives. On the night of Au- gust 23-24 the regiment marched to the St. Roche railroad station in Amiens and entrained for the American sector in the vicinity of Verdun, passing through the out- skirts of Paris, through the battered town of Chateau Thierry, and through Epernay, famous for its champagne. The railroad through this area had just been repaired and reopened for traffic. Until September 6 the regiment was stationed in and near Salmagne, refitting itself and preparing for further action. This was a difficult under- taking, in many ways, for the regiment had used the Enfield rifle and the Lewis automatic rifle while on the British front. It now became necessary for the men to learn to use the 1917 Model Springfield rifle, the French Chauchat automatic, and the French hand and rifle grenades. Moreover, they had to learn to interpret French orders, maps and signals, all quite different from those of the British. The training was vigorous, however, and by September 6 the regi- ment had mastered the new weapons and meth- ods in addition to cor- recting tactical faults revealed in previous bat- tles. On that day it marched to Tronville and then was carried in trucks to Baleycourt and vicinity, a few miles from Verdun. On the 9th it moved forward to A CAMOUFLAGED ROAD NEAR FORGES THE i3isT INFANTRY 237 take over the Fromereville sector, relieving the Sixty-eighth French Infantry and becoming the "regiment in reserve" for the Dead Man's Hill (Mort Homme) sub-sector. While battle training was continued, it was obvious that an offensive was impending. At night guns of all calibers, some pulled by steam tractors, rumbled forward. Motor lorries carried a constant stream of Americans into the area, and all slowly crawled forward to the jumping-off point for the big drive that was to come. On the night of September 22-23 the second battalion of the i3ist, fully equipped for attack, took over part of the Jacque strong-point on Dead Man's Hill and proceeded to reconnoiter and patrol No Man's Land. Two IN FORGES SWAMP Where the 1315! advanced from Dead Man's Hill to take up its position for the attack on the morning of September 26. nights later the third battalion followed, with attached machine gun units and gas companies. The men were crowded so closely in the trenches that they could not rest. Repose would have been difficult in any case, for huge rats and other trench pests were numerous and bold. They thrived in this sector a charnel house where more than a million men had lost their lives in the struggle for possession of Verdun. Every turn of the spade uncovered skeletons. From the walls of the trenches jutted the bones of heroic Frenchmen, who had died on the hill to make good their pledge to France: "On ne passera pas!" The morning of September 26 brought the expected attack. During the night scouts had cut innumerable paths through the tangle of wire which guarded the approach to Dead Man's Hill and had stretched white tape through the maze to guide the attacking troops. Soon after midnight a 238 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR LEFT END OF THE CIST'S FORMING-UP LINE Near the wreck of a German bridge in Forges Swamp. harassing fire of artillery was directed over the German area. Just be- fore dawn the troops, carrying, in addition to their fighting equipment, planks, fascines and duck boards, began to file out of the trenches and pass through the maze of wire down the slope of the hill to the great swamp at its foot. The engineers threw two narrow footbridges across the swamp, which was 300 yards or more in width and filled with deep, treacherous shell craters. Most of the men crossed on these bridges but many waded through the swamp waist deep in water. While making the crossing a portion of the second battalion was caught by the barrage, nine casualties resulting. Except for this mishap the swamp was crossed without loss and the men formed up along the Bethincourt- Forges road. No words can describe the inferno that was let loose over the heads of the waiting troops at 5:30 a. m., September 26, signalling the start of the offensive. The day was just breaking and the sky was obscured by a heavy fog which hung over the valley of the Meuse. Suddenly a roar like the rending of the earth beat upon the ear. The tremendous booming of big guns furnished a background for the ra-tat-tat of machine guns, the intermittent firing of small arms, the crack of grenades, the whistle of bullets and the whining shriek of shell fragments. Above this din the shouts of men at times could be distinguished. There was every conceivable noise. The white and black bursts of shrapnel could be seen for miles along the edge of the fog bank, which was intensified by smoke shells. Thermite shells threw their awful flares of flame in all di- rections. Here and there the ground heaved up- ward in geysers of earth as the "heavies" ex- ploded. Behind this and n . RAF /^ COUR J LL RU S On the road beyond, the right of the i3ist formed up on the Sometimes in the midst morning of September 26. THE I3IST INFANTRY 239 of it the olive-drab line slowly advanced, forcing the enemy back over the ground he had held for almost four years of war. The third battalion, under Major Allen, was on the left, and the second, under Major Hamlet C. Ridgway> was on the right. The first battalion, commanded by Captain Carroll M. Gale, followed in support at 500 yards. Company B of the i24th Machine Gun Battalion had been assigned to the third battalion. The machine gun company of the i3ist was with the second battalion, and Company C of the i24th Machine Gun Battalion with the first battalion. Company D of the io8th Engineers, after constructing the necessary bridges over Forges Swamp and Creek, advanced and fought with the infantry. Three sections of Company A, First Gas Regiment, threw a smoke and thermite barrage beyond the forming-up line and then followed AMERICAN CEMETERY AT THE SOUTH END OF FORGES WOOD Where some of the i3ist Infantry dead were buried. the advancing troops as rapidly as their heavy equipment would permit. The barrage of the 21 2th French Field Artillery, which was assigned to the i3ist front, was perfect in time and alignment. The second battalion, on the right, moved forward steadily, maintain- ing contact throughout the engagement with the i32nd Infantry on its right, and stopping only long enough to mop up the enemy's strong-point and machine gun positions, nearly all of which had been revealed previously by thorough observation and airplane reconnaissance. The third battalion, on the left, was advancing at the same time but encountered more difficulties. Before forming up his battalion, Major Allen had sought in vain for the 3iQth Infantry, which was to support his left, and after having advanced for some distance, he was compelled to protect his own flank. Major Allen later reported that he had discovered a platoon 240 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR of Company G of the 3 1 9th in his rear and had placed it with his sup- porting troops. Contact with the 3 1 Qth Infantry was not established until after the objective had been reached. The first battalion, advancing through the fog and smoke, found it- self continually running into the attacking wave. When the third battalion was held up by the fail- ure of the 3 1 9th Infan- try to advance, the first battalion passed through the line of the third, the latter advancing on the left as flank protection. This movement brought all three battalions into the attacking line. In the first magnificent rush the regiment carried the Cervaux, Besage, Billemont and Lenimo and Berny systems of trenches, which were part of the German "impregnable" Hagen Stellung facing Verdun. After mopping up these trenches, the troops passed on, taking the towns of Drillancourt and Gercourt. Then, after sweeping through the entire length of trenches A GERMAN BATTERY AT GERCOURT This 77-mm. gun was reversed and used against its late owners. THE CHURCH AT GERCOURT From the tower German snipers picked off men in the advance of the isist. The barbed wire cage in the foreground was used by the Germans for French prisoners. THE I3IST INFANTRY 241 Berny ^Trench Billemorrt Trench j^.~*~ - forges "Wire- ~ -I'Tyi _ ^^ Cervaux FORMjNO:UP LfNE 13 FST. INFANTRY ' ^^ Spt 26 1918 ' FORGES SWAMP . THE ADVANCE OF THE j 3 isT INFANTRY An aerial photograph showing the 'terrain over which the regiment advanced on the morning of September 26. 242 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR in the Jure Wood, they pushed on to the objective on the west bank of the Meuse River. The first battalion reached the bank of the river at 10:10 a. m., and the other battalions followed a little later, all of them having advanced a distance of seven miles. The final dash to the river was described by Major Allen in his official report of the oper- ation as follows: "While going up Hill 227 reached the top loud cheers were heard Everywhere could be seen our advanc- ing troops, following the fleeing Germans, and scattered here and there were groups of prisoners under guard. The moppers-up could be seen doing their work, and doing it well." Major General Wolf, commanding the Sixty-sixth Infantry Brigade, in his report on this operation, says: "The i3ist Infantry had to attack independently of any support except its own reserves through the fortified remains of two towns and along the GERMAN MERCEDES AMBULANCE CAP- TURED AT GERCOURT the sun broke out of the fog. As I and a remarkable scene greeted us. GERMAN ELECTRIC POWER PLANT AT GERCOURT German, Belgian, French and English machinery was used in building this plant. THE i 3 isT INFANTRY 243 Ge-rcourfet Drit/ancou S.VAV.UU _ _-_. ... - t Formino Up Line. 26*^ 5e.pt 1918 THE FIRST DAY OF THE MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 244 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR edge of the celebrated Jure Wood. The division on their left having been held up, they still proceeded and attained their objective according to schedule without wavering and with faithful obedience to their orders." Despite the extent of the gain and the difficulties involved in it, the i3ist suffered only 181 casualties in reaching its objective. To offset this loss it not only had attained its goal but had captured 650 prisoners, 16 cannon, 52 machine guns, a complete railroad with cars and equipment intact, a fully equipped field hospital with a motor ambulance, an ammunition depot with 130,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, great quantities of THE MEUSE RIVER AT CONSENVOYE Showing one of the bridges built by the io8th Engineers. shells, grenades and signals, and a supply depot with enormous reserves of railroad supplies, building material and tools. The battle had its comic aspects, too, despite the awfulness of the set- ting and the difficulties of the advance. One squad of i3ist men dashed into a great concrete dugout, and were almost as much surprised as their victims to find a German colonel and his staff with the table set for dinner. Captain Louis Preston of Company B enjoyed the dinner later. Another soldier, pressing forward in the thick of the fight, his bayonet ready and his mind intent on the enemy, suddenly saw a rabbit dash across THE i 3 isT INFANTRY 245 the field, bewildered by the noise. Forgetting Germans, the soldier chased the rabbit. He caught it, fastened it to his belt and resumed his man hunt. The 13 ist, after reaching its objective, dug in in plain sight of the Ger- mans who were entrenched on the Haramount Heights across the river. That night, however, these trenches were abandoned and a new line dug 200 yards to the rear behind a small rise. The Germans apparently never discovered this withdrawal for they kept up a continuous fire on the empty trenches. During the day, following the successful advance to the river, the 1315! had found it necessary, because of the fact that the troops on the left had THE MEUSE RIVER AT CONSENVOYE In the background are visible the buildings of the town. failed to reach their objective, to prepare a strong defense against possible counterattacks. The entire trench mortar section and one company of ma- chine guns were trained on the Jure Wood and to the left of the i3ist. In addition fourteen captured machine guns were placed on a high ridge at regimental headquarters, pointing toward the ground over which the troops on the left were still fighting. During the next few days, however, the Amer- ican line on the left gradually advanced, and after the capture of Montfaucon the position of the i3ist was secure. There now commenced a period of patrolling and preparation for a 246 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR further advance. One patrol, under Lieutenant Raymond F. Fiedler, crossed the Meuse River on September 28. The stream at this point was 100 feet in width and 10 feet deep. The men crossed on the slippery top of a con- crete dam, and, after reaching the east bank of the river, penetrated into enemy territory. There they encountered a German patrol of one officer and seven men who, not dreaming that Americans could have crossed the river, proclaimed themselves "Deutsche kameraden." Lieutenant Fiedler and his men surrounded them and in the melee that followed six Germans were wounded. The other two escaped. One of the wounded men was taken back to headquarters for identification, and much valuable informa- tion was secured from him. CONCRETE WALLS FIVE FEET THICK German headquarters taken by the i3ist on September 26, and used until October 9 as regimental headquarters. On the night of October 3-4 the regiment was ordered to extend its lines to include the front held by the i32nd Infantry, which, upon being relieved, proceeded to Malancourt as a reserve force to the fighting in that vicinity. The front then held by the i3ist was five miles long. The regiment remained on this line until the night of October 7-8, when two battalions of the i32nd Infantry returned to Forges Wood and began making preparations to cross the Meuse and to attack the enemy's positions on the west bank of the river. The second battalion of the i3ist, commanded by Major Ridgway, was ordered to report to Colonel Abel Davis, command- ing the 13 2nd, to replace the battalion of the latter regiment which at that time was fighting with the Fourth Division. Anticipating the probable em- ployment of other battalions of the i3ist in the coming attack, comprehen- sive field orders covering all possible phases of the battle were issued by regimental headquarters on October 8. All officers were warned to study THE i3isT INFANTRY 247 these orders and their maps and to be prepared for movement at a mo- ment's notice. Later events showed the value of these precautions. The 1 3 2nd crossed the river on the morning of the 8th and advanced northward. Major Ridg- way's battalion was or- dered to cross and to join the attack as soon as the 132 nd had proceeded be- GERMAN DUGOUT SOUTH OF CONSENVOYE yond a footbridge which Used as isist headquarters from October 9 to 15. the engineers were building south of Consenvoye. The bridge was completed between three and four o'clock in the afternoon and the battalion made the crossing successfully under heavy artillery fire. The 1 3 2nd Infantry advanced and gained its objective north of the Bois de Chaume, but, owing to the failure of the troops on their right to ad- vance, and a heavy counterattack, the regiment retired to the southern edge of the wood. Without any support from the Twenty-ninth Division on its right, the i32nd was in a precarious position. On the afternoon of October 9 the two remaining battalions of the i3ist were ordered to assemble and concentrate in Forges Wood close to the west bank of the river. Late in the afternoon they were ordered to cross to the east bank and hold themselves in readiness for action. That night at a conference called by General Wolf, the brigade commander, the latter, with officers of his staff and commanders of the brigade units, went fully into the situation, which was stated to be desperate. At midnight Colonel Sanborn and Captain George ., ., N. Malstrom, his opera- tions officer, with a few scouts and intelligence men, left the conference and crossed the Meuse River with orders hur- riedly drawn, to form the regiment on a line south of Bois de Chaume and attack at 6:05 a. m. in a northerly direction through the Bois de Chaume and the Bois du ADVANCED HEADQUARTERS OF MAJOR ALLEN IN Plat Cngne ' Jeap-irog- DEATH VALLEY SOUTH OF THE BQIS DE CHAUME ging through the 1 3 2nd 248 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR MAJOR EDWARD BITTEL Commander of the third battalion of the i3oth Infantry, which was attached to the i3ist during the operations in the Bois de Chaume. Infantry. The time before the zero hour was short, and there was no opportunity to give detailed or- ders for the attack. Instructions had been sent ahead to all officers to assemble in a German dugout which was to be used as regimen- tal headquarters. There they re- ceived brief verbal instructions stating the general direction and limits of attack with information relative to the artillery barrage. Only three maps could be secured and one of these was given to each major commanding. At T a. m. the officers began to collect their troops and start forward. It was an exceedingly dark night and the troops were compelled to march nearly three miles to the forming-up line through a country with which they were not familiar and about which little was known. Major Allen, who had been placed in command, reported that all the troops were ready for the attack at 6 a. m., five minutes before the zero hour. The first battalion, under Major J. H. Coady, was on the right, with the third battalion, under Major Allen, on the left. The third battalion, i2Qth Infantry, commanded by Major W. F. Hemenway and the third battalion, i3oth Infantry, under Major Edward F. Bittel, having been assigned to replace the second battalion of the i3ist, which was with the i32nd Infantry, followed the attacking wave at 500 yards. The barrage, which was light and not very effective, fell at 6:05 a. m. The regiment advanced, leap-frogging the 13 2nd, as ordered. The troops immediately entered the woods and found them very difficult to penetrate as they were extremely hilly and thick with underbrush. Innumerable ma- chine gun nests, many of which occupied well chosen positions in trees, poured a deadly fire upon the narrow lanes and clearings in the woods. In the face of this bitter resistance the troops worked forward in small detach- ments in single file. The third battalion, on the left, advanced more rapidly than the first battalion, which encountered severe opposition, especially from machine guns on their right flank. Companies B and C, in the second wave, became somewhat disorganized until two companies of the third battalion, 1 2 gth Infantry, which was in support, came to their aid. The other two com- panies of the battalion passed through them and continued on to the objective, where they dug in on the right of Companies A and D of the i3ist. THE 13181 INFANTRY 249 OBSERVATION TOWER AND COR- DUROY ROAD LEADING TO IT Owing to the continued failure of the Twenty-ninth Division to advance, the right flank was left open, and enemy machine guns were continually filtering in to the right and rear of the advancing troops. These machine guns, together with a heavy enemy barrage, caught portions of the third battalion of the i3Oth Infantry, which were following behind the supporting troops, and for some time badly disorganized them. Major Bittel, however, rallied his men and, after reorganizing them, continued to ad- vance as a protection against the exposed right flank. The third battalion, on the left, pro- gressed with less resistance, but when it was near the north end of the Bois de Chaume seven enemy airplanes, flying very low, raked the line with machine gun fire. Planes also dropped a number of bombs, causing some casualties. The enemy also placed an in- tense counter-barrage of high explosive and gas shells on the north edge of the wood and on the valley beyond. The troops advanced through this barrage and dug in on the slope beyond at 10:30 a. m., taking a position alongside the first battalion, which had reached its objective at 10 a. m. The troops then lay on a line facing north, with the third battalion on the left, the first battalion in the center, and the third battalion of the i2Qth Infantry on the right. The latter battalion had suffered severely during the advance, but its thin ranks were filled up by men sent forward from the first battalion of the same regi- ment. The battalion then moved to face east to guard the exposed flank and held this position until it was relieved. Enemy airplanes con- tinued to harass the troops without any opposition, flying very close to the ground, unloading their bombs and playing their machine guns on the unprotected men. Some interesting sidelights on the advance of the third battalion along the west edge of the Bois de Chaume and over the open ground ANOTHER NEST IN THE BOIS DE CHAUME between the woods and the bank of 250 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR the Meuse are given by reports of officers of the battalion. The report of the commanding officer of Company M, which advanced along the west edge of the wood, says: "The first and third platoons, moving slightly to the right, traversed the woods until they reached the top of the ridge at the far edge. Small parties of the enemy had been encountered and from the ridge could be seen large numbers scurrying in a homegoing direction. Here forty prisoners were taken DUGOUTS IN THE BOIS DE CHAUME Three entrances in a row. This photograph gives an excellent idea of the terrain over which the advance took place. i in a single group. It fell to our happy lot while in the woods to rescue a num- ber of the i.32nd Infantry who had been wounded the day before." Lieutenant E. W. Kuehne, in command of a platoon of Company K to which was assigned the task of mopping up the open ground between the east bank of the Meuse and the woods, says in his report: "The battalion had gone to the edge of the Bois de Chaume, when my company commander ordered me to take the platoon and mop up the area between the Meuse River and Bois de Chaume. We combed the territory THE i3isT INFANTRY 251 thoroughly and at the same time advanced towards the objective. I reached Tranche de FHopital, where I met Captain Stockwell. He had just placed two squads with "Chauchats" at the junction of the road with the trench. A personal reconnaissance seemed the proper thing, so my runner and I climbed to the crest of the hill. I took a look around and everything seemed quiet, except for the rumpus in the woods over to our right where the first battalion was fighting. Suddenly Jerry decided to cut short our investigation and let loose. It has since occurred to me that he rather overdid the thing because I'm sure that no two men in the A. E. F. were important enough to draw all that shell fire, let alone machine gun fire from two directions "The runner and I dropped into a shallow trench and let Jerry have the place to himself, but he began to come uncomfortably close with his whizz bangs. So we up and ran back and dropped over the edge of a terrace which formed the upper lip of the little valley. In this valley was the German hos- pital which gave the trench its name and there were several dugouts. Some men of the 13 2nd, who had been there since the gth and were separated from the rest of their regiment when it withdrew, were moving about and some were sleeping in shell holes. The Germans had a big "sausage" up directly ahead of us and the observer, of course, could see most of the valley. My runner had just gone to one of the dugouts on my order when the shells began dropping in the valley, causing awful havoc among the wounded of 13 2nd Infantry men who had been abandoned and were rescued by Company M, I3ist Infantry. Things gradually quieted down to normal. Some rations of bread and sugar were salvaged. Two of my men were sent 252 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE CHURCH AT SIVRY-SUR-MEUSE with a message, I set four or five to work as stretcher bearers for the wounded survivors of the 1 3 2nd Infantry, and cigarettes were cadged back and forth." Throughout the day of the attack and for several days following, the whole forward area occupied by the i3ist was subjected to the most intense artillery barrage. The woods and valleys were continual- ly filled with gas. Heavy machine gun and direct artillery fire played on the troops from the ex- posed right flank, and, owing to the failure of the Twenty-ninth Divi- sion to advance its lines, the i3ist found it neces- sary to bend its line back on the right to meet the left of the Twenty-ninth Division, which was still about a mile and a half in the rear of the i3ist right flank. As the troops were contin- ually exposed to a terrific hail of shells and to heavy gas, this operation was a difficult one but it was accomplished successfully. A new line of resistance was established on the night of October 12, and on the following night all troops were entrenched in that position, with the i3ist line connecting with the Twenty-ninth Division on the right. Throughout this battle the i3ist had faced the most severe artillery fire that it had yet encountered. The line was thinly held and exposed on the right flank. It was difficult to get supplies forward, and every man was worn out by loss of sleep and the grueling fighting in which he had been engaged continuously night and day from the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne drive on September 26. Continued cold and wet weather had added to the dis- comforts of the men. In spite of it all, however, the troops fought with a dogged determination and held all the ground that they had gained. There were many individual cases of extraordinary bravery which give THE i3isT INFANTRY 253 some indication of the grit and fighting spirit displayed by the regiment dur- ing this operation. There is, for example, the case of a wounded officer of Company B who was saved from certain death by a private of the company after two other men had been killed and one wounded while attempting to rescue him. Company B, after reaching its objective, was on a highly ex- posed ridge. The wounded officer lay on the crest in an area over which the enemy's machine guns poured a steady and accurate fire. Private Wil- lard Petty was the first to make an attempt to reach the officer. He was killed before he could reach the crest. Private Percy Jones next volunteered to make the attempt and he also lost his life in the effort. Undismayed by the fate of his two comrades, Private Walter Carroll started forward only to fall severely wounded. Then, when it seemed impossible to make the rescue, Private C. D. Economas dashed across the exposed area and by some miracle returned unscathed with the officer. Lieutenant Harding F. Horton of Company C, who was shot through the leg, continued on to the objective. He was wounded again but refused to go to the rear and was killed at last when moving among his men on the ridge that had just been taken. Sergeant R. R. Cook of Company A went out alone beyond the lines and penetrated the enemy's position. He located and killed a number of enemy snipers but finally was himself cor- nered. He threw an asphyxiating bomb at the Germans who sur- rounded him, and behind the smoke screen thus formed made his escape during the confusion that followed the explosion of the bomb. These were incidents of the fighting of October 10, but there were others of equal interest in con- nection with the operations of the second battalion which was attached to the 13 2nd Infantry during its operations on the day before. It was during this action on the afternoon of October 9 that the enemy took his first prisoners from the i3ist. Up to this time the regi- ment, although heavily engaged against the enemy in three previous battles in which it had captured many prisoners and much booty, had not lost a man as a prisoner. In the case of the men taken in the Bois de Chaume operation the cir- INTERIOR SIVRY 254 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS IN SOUILLY WOODS A staging point on the march to the Troyon sector, during the last days of October, 1918. cumstances were such that no discredit could attach to the men who were captured or to the regiment to which they belonged. The prisoners taken were Corporal A. O. Torset and fourteen other survivors of a platoon from Company G. The story of the determined stand made by this heroic little band, before the men found it useless to resist longer the attacks of over- whelming forces of the enemy, is best told by Corporal Torset himself in his report of the affair, as follows: "The first platoon of Company G, i3ist Infantry, to which I was attached, commanded by Lieutenant Cruse, advanced through Bois de Chaume (having no connection on our right or left). Outside the wood we met Major Paul Gale of the 13 2nd Infantry who ordered us to go to the support of Company C (13 2nd Infantry) who were being flanked by the Germans. "We moved forward to their right flank on a high ridge. We had hardly dug in when the Germans counterattacked, but were beaten back. At this time word was passed along to hold on, as reinforcements COMPANY M ON THE MARCH were on the way up. THE i3isT INFANTRY 255 "Ten minutes after receiving this order the Germans put over a very heavy barrage, followed by another counterattack. As soon as we saw the Germans coming we opened fire. We had fired quite a while before we noticed that the firing was rather weak on both sides of us. "Upon looking around we could see few of our men left and there was no officer present. I did not know where he was. So I took command and called "count off." finding only fourteen men remaining. We could see there was wave after wave of Germans coming and I decided to take a vote as to whether to continue fighting or give up. The majority were in favor of fight- ing. Again we opened fire. By this time the Germans were on our right and left as well as front. Our ammunition was very low. Private Villano, who was operating a Chauchat automatic gun, called for ammunition, and we EMBUSSING FOR THE FRONT passed to him all we could spare. Individually we had fired about 175 rounds each up to this time. "The Germans were very close to us by this time and we again took a vote whether to fight or not. Our ammunition was very low. We could not hold them back for any length of time now, fighting against such odds. The majority were in favor of giving up, as we had done the most possible under the circumstances and to continue would be suicide. "We gave up at 5:30 p. m., after having repulsed one counterattack and withstood a heavy barrage followed by another counterattack which we four- teen had so far held up for about an hour. The Germans were coming towards us in three waves and appeared to extend as far to the right and left of our elevated position as we could see," 256 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Corporal Torset's band of men did not surrender until 5:30 p. m. while, according to the report of Captain W. Lutz Krigbaum of Company A, 12 4th Machine Gun Battalion, which was attached to the second battalion of the i32nd Infantry, the retreat of that regiment occurred at 2:30 p. m. There is no doubt that this squad, if it had received even slight support or had been given information as to the action of supporting troops, could easily have ef- fected a retirement before it was surrounded. The i3ist was relieved on the night of October 14, crossed to the west bank of the Meuse, and for five days occupied the old German trenches south of Forges Wood. For the first time since September 9 the regiment was be- yond effective artillery range. Conditions were bad, however, as a result of heavy rains and cold weather. Many of the men, weakened by the gassing FORMING UP LINE FOR THE RAIDS ON ST. HILAIRE and the strain to which they had been subjected, became ill and were sent to the hospital. On October 19 the regiment was ordered south to the Nixeville area. The men believed that they were to secure a much-needed rest but they were doomed to disappointment. The regiment marched every night in the rain and mud until it arrived at the former St. Mihiel salient on October 23. By October 28 the second battalion had relieved a French infantry regiment and was again occupying the front line, facing the enemy. In fourteen days, most of which had been spent in marching and with scarcely any rest, the regi- ment was again in action and preparing for a general offensive in the direc- tion of Metz. The long march from the Verdun sector to the new front was one which the men of the i3ist will never forget. The following extract from THE i 3 isT INFANTRY 257 the report of the opera- tions officer gives some idea of the difficulties and hardships that were encountered and over- come: "October 19 at 4:30 p. m., the regiment re- ceived orders to move to the Nixeville area that night. Route was changed at 8:30 p. m. and billeting detail was unable to proceed with its work. The men were drenched, having lain in trenches for several days in the continuous rain. New line of march could not be reconnoitered for lack of time, which resulted in battalions lengthen- ing the necessary marching distance in the dark. A cold, drizzling rain fell all night. Many men who had been slightly gassed had difficulty in keeping the pace because of shortness of breath. The pace was of necessity slow on account of the mud. "Nixeville Woods were reached after daylight and the mud there was from six to ten inches deep. No chance to dry wet clothing as the rain still MACHINE GUN NEST AT ENTRANCE TO CHURCHYARD IN ST. HILAIRE THE DAM AT ST. HILAIRE The dam was mined, but the American advance was so unexpected that the Germans neglected to set it off. 258 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR continued. At 7:15 p. m. of the 2oth, orders arrived to move to Re- court area. Men were aroused and transport made ready and moved at midnight. New des- tination was not reached until afternoon of the 2ist of October. Third battalion camped along the road that night. The ground of their bivouac was low and wet. Offi- cers and men were tired and dirty, but their spirit was still good." Although the condition of the regiment after its arrival on the new front naturally was bad, as a result of this difficult march following its long period of service on the front lines, it recuperated rapidly. Its ranks were thinned due to the failure of adequate replacements to arrive, but the regiment was ready again for active service when orders came for it to relieve the i32nd Infantry. The relief was completed on November 7 and the entire regiment then was again in line. During the next few days, until the suspension of hostilities, the regiment carried out with its usual vigor and success the opera- tions which were entrusted to it. A PILL-BOX AND BATTERY POSITION IN ST. HILAIRE This was one of the positions occupied and destroyed by the i3ist in the raid of November 9, 1918. THE WRECKED BRIDGE AT ST. HILAIRE THE I3IST INFANTRY 259 The regiment's new sector had been quiet ever since the St. Mihiel offen- sive on September 12, but it became active upon the arrival of the i3ist In- fantry. Fighting patrols were sent out night and day. Raid followed raid, and attacks were launched in quick succession against the enemy. Austrian troops had been holding the lines opposite the new sector of the i3ist, but the capitulation of Austria compelled their withdrawal. It was important, therefore, that contact should be established with the supposedly demoralized enemy in order that the strength and makeup of his forces might be determined. Patrols of the i3ist roamed over the entire front with little opposition. Patrol No. 5, under Lieutenant. A. G. Miller, which was sent out at 3 a. m. November 8, captured an enemy outpost with a machine gun in the Bois de Warville. From the prisoners taken it was learned that the 2ioth Pom- THE ROAD LEADING INTO THE BOIS DES HAUTES EPINES eranian Reserve Infantry Regiment, lately from the Champagne district, was on the immediate front of the i3ist, with the 449th Infantry Regiment on the left and the 2 nth Reserve Infantry Regiment on the right. Two raids were made on the town of St. Hilaire, the first at dawn of November 8 by two provisional companies of six officers and 200 men under the command of Captain William M. Wilson. The party was ordered to se- cure prisoners, dead or alive, for purpose of identification, and to destroy or capture enemy material. Captain Wilson's report tells the story of this raid: "At zero hour the front line plunged through the narrow stream and, after forming up, advanced toward the town. The box barrage was very weak; in fact, its effect was almost nil. The standing barrage on Butgneviiie was weak, and I failed to see any evidence of smoke shells. The rolling bar- rage, from my observation and that of my officers and men, whom I ques- 260 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR ON THE EDGE OF THE BOIS DES HAUTES EPINES tioned, failed to fire a shot northeast or south of the town. An enemy flare went up and we were subjected to a heavy machine gun fire from around the town and the roofs of the buildings. A machine gun nest opened up on our rear at about the crossroads. We were then practically surrounded on three sides and subject to enfilade fire. I directed Lieutenant Casey to withdraw the troops." The second raid on St. Hilaire was made at dawn on the following morn- ing, November 9, by a force of officers and men equal to that which partici- pated in the initial raid. Captain James C. Stockwell was in command. This time the artillery gave good support, firing as ordered. The raiding party was able to pass through and around the town. Captain Stockwell reported that he found the town vacant and badly damaged by artillery fire. He re- ported these conditions in the following laconic message: "Town blown to Hell." Such machine gun nests and buildings as were still standing were de- stroyed by bombs. Captain Stockwell found the town surrounded by wire entanglements except for an opening on the main road in the rear through which the enemy had escaped and through which the raiding party had en- tered. Captain Stockwell and his party returned to the lines, but that night Company F was detailed to occupy the town and hold it at all costs. On the same night, November 9, the first battalion, under Captain Wil- liam M. Wilson, was ordered to attack through the Bois des Hautes Epines, La Vachere and Veux to the east and then to press forward toward the town of Jonville, penetrating with another detachment north into the Bois de War- ville. This order was changed as the attack developed. Captain Wilson was directed to clean up the Bois de Warville and the Bois des Hautes Epines and to hold these woods pending an attack to be made on the Bois d'Harville in the morning. THE I3IST INFANTRY 261 AERIAL VIEW OF ST. HILAIRE AND BUTGNEVILLE Showing the terrain af regimental operations during the closing days of the war. 262 The attack was successful, the enemy being pushed back and out of the woods by 2 a. m., except in the Veux wood. There, Lieutenant Burl F. Hall, with a detail of Company C, ran into heavy wire entanglements through which he could not force his way. The enemy raked the wood with machine gun fire and Lieutenant Hall's detachment was forced to withdraw to La Va- chere Wood. Early on the morning of November 10 the regiment was ordered to at- tack the Bois d'Harville and penetrate the German defenses. The Bois d'Harville was a stronghold in the last important line between the American positions and the forts of Metz. Scouts reported it strongly held, heavily wired and protected by numerous machine guns. NONCOMMISSIONED STAFF OF 13151 INFANTRY The third battalion, under Captain Stock well, formed up on the edge of the Bois de Warville. The first battalion, which had cleared the woods during the night, moved to the right and formed up along the edge of the Bois des Hautes Epines. The second battalion under Captain Magner, less Company F, which had been sent to hold St. Hilaire, formed up in the rear as support to the third battalion, which was to make the attack. The zero hour, according to original orders, was set at 2 p. m., Novem- ber 10. This was changed to n a. m., however, by a message from General Wolf. Captain Wilson was ordered to attack Bertaucourt Farm at the same time as a flank protection to the main attack. The attack on Bertau- court Farm was made as ordered, but the assault on the Bois d'Harville did not develop because of the failure of the artillery support to destroy the heavy wire entanglements. It was seen that more troops would be needed for the attack. The second battalion was ordered up into the line, and Captain THE i 3 isT INFANTRY 263 CHATEAU AT THILLOMBOIS Regimental headquarters previous to the last battle of the war. Magner was placed in command of the attack- ing troops. The third battalion attacked at 2:18 p. m. It was immediately met by heavy machine gun and artillery fire. Lieu- tenant William E. Simp- son of Company H was killed and his company suffered heavy casual- ties. Company G, un- der command of Lieu- tenant Julian L. Doug- las, was consolidated with Company H, and the line continued to move forward through the woods. In the face of terrific fire the men fought like fiends. They had often to break through the wire by hammering it down with the butts of their rifles, but they got through. At 3:55 the objective was reached by the attacking forces and the enemy had been driven beyond the Jonville-Harville road. At the same time Companies A and D were engaged in the attack on Bertaucourt Farm. As they crossed the open space in front of their lines they were met by heavy machine gun fire, suffering heavy casualties. It was found that the enemy had been reinforced but the two companies of the i3ist put up a good fight. They succeeded in cap- turing a machine gun, which they used to good effect, and returned in good order to their posi- tion in the Bois des Hautes Epines, MAJOR MAGNER AND STAFF OF THE SECOND BATTALION Left to right : Captain Geehan, Captain Sawyer, Major Magner, Lieutenants Bachand, Walters, Loehr. in ac- cordance with their orig- inal orders. 264 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR BERTAUCOURT FARM One of the objectives in the lighting of November 10. After the troops which had been engaged in the attack on the Bois d'Harville had reached their objective, the enemy threw a heavy barrage on the captured territory. The woods were filled with mustard gas in such volume that it was necessary to vacate the position that had been gained, and the troops returned to their old line in the Bois de Warville. At 6 p. m. enemy troops were observed to be forming up in three waves in La Vachere Wood for a counterattack. Company A quickly dispersed them with machine gun and automatic rifle fire. The enemy retaliated, how- ever, by placing a barrage on this company, causing one casualty. While the troops lay on their objective in the Bois d'Harville, there oc- curred an incident which gave an insight into the methods of warfare adopted by the Germans. A report by Sergeant C. C. Wesslund describes the cir- cumstances connected with the death of Lieutenant Milton Wilson of Com- pany I. Lieutenant Wilson, according to this report, noticed a group of Ger- mans advancing with their hands up. Thinking that they wanted to sur- render, he ordered his troops not to fire upon the men and stepped out to motion them to come into the lines. As he exposed himself two of the Ger- mans who were holding up their hands dropped to the ground, revealing "K. OF C." RECREATION ROOM IN LUXEMBURG THE i3isT INFANTRY 265 FORWARD MESSAGE CENTER AT WOEL a third German who had been hiding behind them with a machine gun. The latter opened fire, killing Lieutenant Wil- son instantly. At this same time Lieutenant Julian L. Douglas and Lieutenant George N. Dunford were taken prisoners while trying to reform part of the line. They were overpowered and captured while passing from one company to another, reorganizing units that had been left without officers as a result of heavy casualties. During the time the troops were holding this line there was performed one of the most striking acts of bravery recorded during the service of the regiment. Corporal John Miles, who was suffering severely from shell concussion, gave his valuables to his bunkie, with a request that he forward them to his parents, and ad- vanced alone toward a machine gun that had been firing upon his squad and causing many casualties. He went out to draw the fire from the gun so that it might be located. He located the gun and silenced it, and returned to the line, where he collapsed and had to be sent to an aid station. The attack of the i3ist on the Bois d'Harville was a difficult operation because of the fact that no adequate artillery preparation was made and that no supporting infantry operation was undertaken on either flank. The orders re- ceived by the regiment had stated that supporting troops on the left and right would make similar demonstrations throughout the day, but as a matter of fact no activity of this kind developed to help divert the attention of the enemy. On the night of November 10-11, Com- pany F, on the right of the line, was holding the town of St. Hilaire; the third battalion with two companies of the second was occupying the Bois de Warville; the first battalion, less one com- pany, was in the Bois des Hautes Epines; one platoon of Company C FIRST BATTALION HEADQUARTERS IN HANNONVILLE was acting as liaison A German concrete building with walls two feet thick. with the IlOth Infantry 266 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR in the Bois des Haravillers; three platoons of Company C were at Woel, and Company E was at Wadonville in reserve. The brigade commander's plans were to renew the attack on the Bois d'Harville on the morning of November n. The troops were to advance through the wood until inside of the line of wire entanglements, when they were to pivot to the right and attack toward the town of Jonville, which was unprotected from that direction. In support of this movement Bertaucourt Farm was to be taken and held, and Company F at St. Hilaire, on the extreme left flank, was to attack the town of Butgneville. In compliance with orders issued the night before, Lieutenant Carroll D. Schnepp, commanding Company F, advanced against Butgneville on the CAPTAIN MALSTROM AND OPERATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE STAFF morning of November n. One platoon of machine gunners of Company C, 1 24th Machine Gun Battalion, advanced with the attacking company and two platoons of Company H, 13 2nd Infantry, were in support. The orders stated that the attack would be preceded by a destructive artillery barrage at 5 a. m. Captain Chester E. Inskeep of the 12 4th Ma- chine Gun Battalion, in his report of this engagement, states that this artil- lery barrage never fell, but that after a consultation, the officer in command, Lieutenant Schnepp, decided to make the attack as ordered, although it was well known that the enemy outnumbered the attacking force and was very strongly fortified. The attack was launched at 5:20 a. m. with a thin line of scouts preceding the first wave by about 150 yards. THE i 3 isT INFANTRY 267 The third and fourth platoons of Company F were to enter the town from the right through gaps in the barbed wire which were ex- pected to be made by the artillery preparation. The first and second platoons were to enter the town in the same manner, after attacking from the front. Shortly after leav- ing St. Hilaire the attacking waves were met by machine gun fire which increased as the Germans sent up flares calling for support. A trench mortar battery also went into action against the advancing troops. In the face of this fire, the men ad- vanced until they were near the enemy's wire entanglements, which they found to be still intact. Final- ly both flanks were subjected to enfilade fire, while severe rifle and machine gun fire was directed upon the troops from Butgneville. Under this heavy fire, casualties of the attacking forces were increasing rapidly, and in the absence of artillery support with- drawal was found necessary. The troops retired to St. Hilaire, reaching that town at 9 a. m. Both the infantry of the i3ist and the machine gunners GUARDING LINES OF COMMUNICATION On the bridge between Wasserbillig, Luxemburg, and Oberbillig, Germany. COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS FOR ALL 268 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR of the 1 24th Battalion suffered severely in this last attack. Company F of the i3ist lost three men killed and one officer and twenty men wounded while the machine gun platoon lost six killed and five wounded. Meanwhile preparations had been made for the continuation of the at- tack through the Bois d'Harville, but at 8:30 a. m. word came that the armistice had been signed and that all firing, except in the event of a Ger- man attack, should cease. This information was sent as quickly as possible to the troops in the line awaiting the word to attack. The men received the good news without cheering or other demonstra- tions. The Germans were still sending over a rain of shells as if in an effort to spend all the available ammunition in the last hours of the war. Machine guns sprayed the American lines until n o'clock, and the artillery did not cease fire until after the designated hour. This final demonstration of Ger- BRIDGE AT WORMELDANGE OVER WHICH THE 13151 ENTERED GERMANY man hate caused the loss of many lives on the last morning of the war. As the firing ceased, an unreal silence came upon the battlefields. Ears accus- tomed to the heavy guns found the silence unearthly. As soon as they had become convinced that the fighting was really over, the exhausted soldiers dropped in their tracks and slept until orders came to withdraw and assemble in the rear for rest and recuperation. The Germans soon were flocking from their trenches to beg for cigar- ettes and tobacco. They were received coldly, for the Americans could not so quickly forget. A guard line was established and all Germans were turned back. However, many Russian and Italian prisoners who were released from the iron district back of the German front were admitted to the American lines. They were a dirty, hungry lot, all pathetically happy over the ending of hostilities. At night the Germans celebrated with unbounded enthusiasm. They set THE i3isT INFANTRY 269 RATION AND SUPPLY DUMP AT LAROCHETTE off countless flares, sig- nal lights and rockets to express their joy. It was a wonderful specta- cle. The whole horizon, as far as the eye could see, was bright with all the colors of the rain- bow. On the following day the i3ist began to clean up the area over which it had fought, col- lecting captured ma- terial and ammunition to be piled in large salvage dumps. It was a stupendous task and kept the regiment busy for more than a month. Once a week maneuvers were held to keep the men fit for further fighting in case the armistice should be ter- minated. Soon after November n the regiment was notified that it was to have the honor of representing the American Expeditionary Forces in the formal occupation of Metz on December 8. Thirty-two officers and 735 men were selected as a provisional battalion and were fitted out with the pick of the regiment's equipment, in order that they might make a good appearance. A blouse was borrowed here, a pair of breeches there, and a cap elsewhere, until the picked battalion looked almost as if it had not been living in the trenches for months. This battalion, commanded by Major Allen, with Colonel Sanborn at its head, led the imposing parade which marched through Metz and passed in review before President Poincare, M. Clemenceau, Marshal Joffre, Marshal SALUTING THE COLORS OF THE i 3 isT INFANTRY AT THE DIVISION REVIEW AT ETTELBRUCK 270 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Foch, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, General Pershing, General Petain, and Lord Derby. Marching with the battalion were the staff of the Seventy- third French Division, detachments of French infantry, cavalry and artillery, and squadrons of tanks and armored cars. The governor-general praised the American infantrymen for their ap- pearance. "You look," he said, "like the fighters you are." While the provisional battalion was being feted at Metz, the rest of the regiment assembled and started toward the German border. The march be- gan December 7. It was a sorry-looking column, if judged by boulevard standards. The men were wearing the clothes they had slept and fought in for two months. GENERAL PERSHING CONGRATULATES COLONEL SANBORN Every day a drizzling rain fell. The roads were muddy, and the shoes the men were wearing were none too good. Marching on the rain-soaked roads soon brought an epidemic of sore feet. But the realization that the fighting was over and hope of an early return to the United States kept every- one cheerful. The regiment marched until December 14 when it arrived at Ehnen, Luxemburg, on the Moselle River, the boundary line of Germany. By this time the provisional battalion had returned from Metz and it was a complete regiment which crossed the Moselle river into Germany on Decem- ber 15 and moved into the Beurig area on the Saar River. The regiment's stay in Germany was short, however, for the Thirty- third Division was by a readjustment of troops ordered to occupy Luxem- burg. On December 17 the i3ist marched back to the Fels-Larochette area in Luxemburg, where it established its headquarters. Here the regiment was billetted until its return to the United States, the various companies being THE I3IST INFANTRY 271 stationed in different towns from the German border on the east to the Belgian frontier on the west. The first battalion was detailed to collect and guard all German salvage scattered throughout this area and to guard the line of communications through Luxemburg between France and the occupied section of Germany. It was occupied with this work until its departure for America. The second and third battalions, with other units of the regiment, were kept busy with a sys- tematic schedule of training which included frequent battle maneuvers. Mornings were devoted to drill and the afternoons to athletics and study in the various schools that had been established. In the evenings entertain- ment was provided by theatrical troupes organized by the several units of the division. The Americans made friends with the people of Luxemburg, so the stay in the little duchy was not unpleasant. THE START FROM LUXEMBURG FOR HOME The British government presented medals to several men of the regiment while it was in Luxemburg, and on April 22, 1919, General Pershing deco- rated many officers and men and attached battle streamers to the regimental colors. A week later the journey back to Illinois began. The trip to Brest was made in box cars, but the nature of the expedition more than atoned for the discomforts. Two weeks were spent in Brest, and on May 14 the regiment, newly out- fitted, boarded the Kaiserin Augusta Victoria and sailed away from France, the land where it had fought so well and left so many of its members. The ship docked at Long Island City on the morning of May 23. As it entered the harbor, the heavy fog which until that time had obscured the view, lifted sufficiently to give the men a welcome sight of the Goddess of Liberty. The ship was met by a little gray tender on which were Governor Lowden's reception committee of Illinois and friends of members of the regi- ment. 272 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR COLONEL SANBORN BIDDING FAREWELL TO THE FIRST CONTINGENT TO BE SEPARATED FROM THE REGIMENT The regiment was sent to Camp Mills, and the men, other than those whose homes were in Illinois, were detached and sent to demobilization camps throughout the country. On May 24 Governor Lowden visited the regiment and addressed the assembled troops, expressing his pride in the record made by the unit in which he had once served. He was visibly moved as he referred to the battle streamers waving from the colors which he had presented to the regiment nearly two years before. After a week at Camp Mills the i3ist started for Chicago, with eighty- six officers and 1,929 men. It reached the city on June 2 and received a tremendous ovation. After a rousing reception in Grant Park the unit paraded with other Thir- ty-third Division troops through the streets of the city. Late that day the regiment entrained for Camp Grant to be mus- tered out. The men were discharged on June 4 and 5. The next day, all rec- ords having been closed, the regimental c o m - mander was returned to civil life, and the i3ist GOVERNOR LOWDEN ADDRESSING THE MEN AT United States Infantry CAMP MILLS was no more. THE i3isT INFANTRY 273 MAJORS OF THE ISIST INFANTRY Top row: Francis M. Allen, Harry E. Cheney, Paul C. Gale. Middle row: Frederick E. Haines, Walter H. Magner. Bottom row: William R. Mangum, John M. Richmond, Hamlet C. Ridgway. 274 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 13157 INFANTRY WHO WERE KILLED IN ACTION, DIED OF WOUNDS OR DIED OF DISEASE OVERSEAS Captain Louis Preston First Lieutenants Frank De Vaney Harrison A. Dickson Harry E. Hackett John R. Marchant William E. Simpson Milton E. Wilson Second Lieutenants Walton U. Beauvais David O. Edes Hyman Freiburg Benjamin P. Hinkle Harding F. Horton William A. Joos John C. Lee Maurice V. Schrauer Robert C. Westman Francis W T . Whitney First Sergeant Linus C. Ruth Mess Sergeant Thomas F. O'Donnell, Tr. Sergeants William B. Allen Robert E. Backstrom Hilmar J. Behrantz, Tr. Robert A. Berg Warren N. Brust Rilado E. Dorman Harold Gundstrom Charles L. Halash Leslie W. Hegberg Clarence Irwin Clifford Kennedy Cecil F. Kyle William E. Lohman LaVerne Ohlhaver Albert Ratagik Lawrence S. Riddle Joseph Schlinski Charles A. Simmons Homer M. Stewart Corporals Lyman J. Allison Leo Bedockowicz Carl G. Berg Joseph Bernhardt Wallace M. Bixler Harry L. Brown Lavergne Cope Edward M. Danczyk James Dunlevy Anton Duschanek Clarence E. Eagle Benjamin Ferkins William F. Ford Harry G. Fulton Frank Grist Henry Hahney Seth Halper Holger Haunstrup, Jr. Martin F. Hellgren Earl E. Hixon Chester I. Huston Thomas Jelach Ora F. Johnston William H. Kartheiser G. V. Kater Paul J. Kendrick James B. Kettering Fred V. Lindgren Raymond C. Mills Norman Oftedahl Harold G. Rails John P. Reeder Elmer L. Rindflish William Resell Harold M. Schneider William Seskarski James J. Sibrava Martin F. Vutrick Fred O. Weiberg Lester A. Whitson Pierce A. Wisdom Mechanics Dennis J. Callahan George W. E. Hamilton William Pretlzk Paul B. Schmidt George A. Stoll Wagoners Charles A. Johnson James D. McQuade Cook Frank F. Bent Buglers Edward Drisch Charles H. Francis Eli H. Schultz Frank B. Swift THE 13181 INFANTRY 275 Privates, First Class Theodore E. Anderson Melvin A. Barr Clarence L. Billmeyer Herman Bower, Jr. Charles Brooks Stanley F. Bugala Elmer F. Burdick Gunner C. Carlson Mell Cathelyn Frank Cherrichetti Ben M. Davis John C. Eckman James D. Fardy Thomas A. Finerty Albin Fingal Harry G. Fulton Walter G. Gerke Carl J. Hansen William E. Hartman Charles F. Hawkins Harold R. Heap William B. Hill Peter Horoshak Robert E. Huckins Peter Ilko George J. Kalvelage William E. Lamberti Benmore Larson Henry Lambke Gus Lukaziak Ruel Neal Raymond C. Parke Charles Finer Theofil Piskocz Louis Platt Samuel Rottenberg Howard E. Shumway Xavier Sieracki Henry W. Stade John A. Stone Joseph Vairia Julius Vayduc Peter Wargula Elmer R. Weber Elmer Wiesse Joseph J. Winandy Alex Worden Privates Irwin C. Albrecht Harold G. Ahlborg Arthur Anderson Ewald L. Anderson Omar A. Andreasen Osie E. Arthur John Averse Guerrino D. Avolio Michael J. Bagneweski James T. Bailes Joseph Baker Lee Baker Herman A. Baltimore Thomas Beale Leonard F. Becker Leo Bell Michael Bieryta Walter A. Black Harold Boswell Robert E. Brazil Frank D. Bublis Levy A. Buchanan Sam Buchman Basil Bumgarner Bradley Burkhart Edward J. Burkart Leonard Burrows Leon S. Burson Leonard A. Burson Glenn Butch Charles C. Carpenter James E. Carroll Alonzo Carter Ralph C. Carqueville Mike Cassidy Ignatz Cekowski Edward Charleston John Cherry John Chwaiko Gasper Ciaccio John W. Civils James D. Cleary Otto C. Clemenson Wilson Cole Guerrini D'Avolio Frank J. Dax Shirl E. Dean Hubert A. Deasey John W. Deerin Michael H. Dieterie Edward L. Driscoll Willis J. Dugan Frank Dynowski Fred Eastlick John H. Erlandson Warner J. Esser Edward Evans Albert Fasse Patrick F. Fegan Walter Fitzwilliams Ruben Flesham Guiseppe Fontana Charley Frazier Maurice Fredian Louis L. Gagon Emanuel A. Gambounis Thomas P. Garland William R. Geffert Otto Gelow Albert Gerken 276 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Simeon H. Glassco Louis Gillespie William H. Gillespie Walter E. Grimes William Guley Alex Gustis Harry J. Haessley Nicholas Hagis Clyde C. Handley William A. Hanson Thomas Haraldson Oscar O. Haugred Harry J. Healey Byron A. Nickerson James T. Hickey James R. Hill Walter O. Hoff James Hoover Jas. B. Hovatter Earl J. Howe Joseph M. Hrubes George Hudgins Emery Igo Peter Ingram Earl C. Ireland Joseph Jackson Adam Jakubowski Joseph Jancius Frederick Janssen Howard W. Jauch Elof H. Johnson Robison C. Johnson Percy H. Jones John Karel Frank Kasal James B. Kettering Theofil Knofski Henry H. Kraemer Albert J. Krochell Edward E. Kubik Walter R. Kubli Jacob Kucinski Walter K. A. Kuehnert Frank Kulpit Arthur Kyritsis Rudolph Lenmark Jay Leonard Lee Levanson Petrus Liljidahl Charles Lillvik Arthur Lindstrom William Linskey John L. Loken John Loof Walter N. Looft Richard P. Ludtke Harry E. McAllister Joseph H. McBroom Ben H. McDaniel Thomas F. McLaughlin Alfred Madson Aloysius Malinsky Willard J. Mann Harry Manusevitz Neils M. Matson Arthur Markle Charles W. Martin Joseph Meyers Albert H. Michael Arthur H. Michel Frank Milewski Clarence Miller Marshall P. Miller Harold C. Minnick Frank Miskowiecz Igussio Misoi John J. Murray Maurice Norman Walter A. Olson Raymond Opsomer Joseph Osoba Joseph Overholzer Orville B. Payne William B. Peets Phillip Perrone Henning W. Peterson Willard D. Petty John T. Prather John Quinn Edward C. Randell George Riddell Samuel L. Rosenthal Arlie L. Rudolph Marion W. Sanders Constantine Scalzetti Charles Scheer Joe Schill Herman A. Schmidt Tony P. Schraeder Michael Sheridan Demonstene Shimko Orla R. Simmons Custer Singleton George O. Slade Andrew J. Smerlin Henry C. Sorenson Anthony Sparachino James Standish Jacob G. Stephens William H. Sumner Carl H. Swenson Julius L. Tetterton Carl J. Teunones William W. Treadman Louis Triphon Joseph A. Urbanski Harry Vincent Fred W. Walters George H. Walz Ralph D. Waters THE I3IST INFANTRY 277 Alfred Week Fred C. Weichselbraun Henry C. Wink Fred Winter Alois Wise Marcus Woodward Howard P. Zettel DECORATIONS RECEIVED BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 13151 INFANTRY Four hundred and five officers and men of the i3ist Infantry were cited for gallantry in action, and up to March i, 1920, 187 decorations were awarded, including 96 American, 46 British, 34 French and n Belgian. Meritorious Conduct Certificates were issued by the com- manding general of the Thirty-third Division to 25 officers and 193 men. Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Order Croix de Guerre with Palm Officer Legion of Honor Officer Order of Leopold Major Francis M. Allen Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Captains Joseph E. Schantz Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre Herman H. Weimer Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf William M. Wilson Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star First Lieutenants Harrison A. Dickson Distinguished Service Cross Albert G. Jefferson Distinguished Service Cross The Military Cross Henry N. Pride Distinguished Service Cross Norman Schwald Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Second Lieutenants Walton U. Beauvais Distinguished Service Cross Henry J. Dick Distinguished Service Cross Hyman Freiberg Distinguished Service Cross Harding F. Horton Distinguished Service Cross John C. Lee Distinguished Service Cross George J. May Distinguished Service Cross George W. Sherwood The Military Cross First Sergeants James Jackson Distinguished Service Cross John J. O'Keefe Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Silver Star Lawrence S. Riddle Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Sergeants John Breaky Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Robert R. Cook Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Andrew Erhart The Military Medal Herrick R. Goodwillie Distinguished Service Cross George B. Gourley Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Benjamin H. Harrel Distinguished Service Cross Swan E. Johnson Distinguished Service Cross William Jones Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Silver Star James E. Krum Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Holly Midkiff Distinguished Service Cross Sidney C. McGuire Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Walter G. Peabody Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Belgian Croix de Guerre The Military Medal Earl H. Perkins Distinguished Service Cross 2 7 8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR John C. Perrie Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Van Walker Peterson Distinguished Service Cross William Piepho Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf James B. Powers Distinguished Service Cross Louis R. Rivers Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Belgian Croix de Guerre James J. Rochfort Distinguished Service Cross William Scholes Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Croix de Guerre with Silver Star Vivian Skogsburg Distinguished Service Cross Mathew Thorneycroft Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Belgian Croix de Guerre Thomas J. Walsh Distinguished Service Cross James J. Washa Distinguished Service Cross Alvin Wiberg Distinguished Service Cross William Woodsmall Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Belgian Croix de Guerre Corporals . Jake Allex (Mandushich) Medal of Honor Distinguished Conduct Medal Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Belgian Croix de Guerre Charles C. Bark Distingu-'shed Service Cross The Military Medal Belgian Croix de Guerre John Beato Distinguished Service Cross Charles H. Boyatt Distinguished Service Cross Nathan M. Curtis Distinguished Service Cross Roy T. Dixon Distinguished Service Cross Sol C. Fairman Croix de Guerre with Gold Star John L. Flynn Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre Paul Hobschied Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Robert P. Howard Distinguished Service Cross Frank P. Koerper Distinguished Service Cross Walter N. Larson The Military Medal Nathan Lieberman Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Stephen M. Mance Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal John Miles Distinguished Service Cross Frank L. Mills The Military Medal Gus W. Palubiack Distinguished Service Cross Walter G. Peabody The Military Medal Raymond H. Powell The Military Medal Belgian Croix de Guerre Thomas A. Pope Medal of Honor Distinguished Conduct Medal Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Belgian Croix de Guerre Andrew C. Shabinger Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Carl Somitz Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Frederick Swabey Croix de Guerre with Gold Star James L. Waters Distinguished Service Cross Lester C. Whitson Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Henry C. Zyhurst The Military Medal Mechanic Anton J. Watkin Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Decoration Militaire Wagoner J. W. Hilton The Military Medal THE INFANTRY 279 Privates, First Class Harry E. Hampel Distinguished Service Cross Archie Timblin Distinguished Service Cross Steve Zappa Distinguished Service Cross Privates William A. Anderson Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Michael Bieryta Distinguished Service Cross William Blackwell The Military Medal Frank Bremner Distinguished Service Cross Sven Carlson Distinguished Service Cross William Curr The Military Medal Hugh A. Deasey Distinguished Service Cross Christopher C. Dunne Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Samuel DuBonnis The Military Medal Croix de Guerre Daniel S. Flagg Distinguished Service Cross Herman J. Friedman Croix de Guerre with Gold Star George F. Gaston Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Leon M. Hanna Distinguished Service Cross Harry W. Heacox Distinguished Service Cross Edward Herter Distinguished Service Cross Albert Holmes Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Percy Jones Distinguished Service Cross Christopher W. Keane Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Easter E. Keeper Distinguished Service Cross Frank J. Kostak Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Arthur Krueger Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Gold Star David Leahy The Military Medal Edward Lidwell Distinguished Service Cross Ragnar Liljeberg Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Robert W. Lindsay Distinguished Service Cross William M. Linzsky Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal John C. Mallan Distinguished Service Cross Charles W. Michaellis Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Leon H. McBreen Distinguished Service Cross Adolph Nelson Distinguished Service Cross William Peters Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Willard D. Petty Distinguished Service Cross Walter Potter Distinguished Service Cross Ray Redding The Military Medal Croix de Guerre Croce di Guerra Horace Smotherman Distinguished Service Cross Harry Stokes The Military Medal Justyn Sweredo The Military Medal Gordon Wickham Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal William J. Williams Distinguished Service Cross Dickson Woodward Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal Belgian Croix de Guerre 280 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR CORPORAL THOMAS A. POPE CORPORAL JAKE ALLEX Corporal Thomas A. Pope, Com- pany E: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, when two companies of his regiment participated in their first engage- ment, attacking with Australian battalions to which they were attached, Corporal Pope's com- pany was advancing behind the tanks when it was halted by hostile machine gun fire. Going forward alone, he rushed a machine gun nest, killed several of the crew with his bayonet, and, standing astride of his gun, held off the others until reen- forcements arrived and captured them. Corporal Jake Allex (Mandu- shich), Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, at a critical point in the action, when all the officers with his platoon had become casual- ties, Corporal Allex took com- mand of the platoon and led it forward until the advance was stopped by the fire from a ma- chine gun nest. He then ad- vanced alone for about thirty yards hi the face of intense fire and attacked the nest. With his bayonet he killed five of the enemy, and, when it was broken, used the butt end of his rifle, capturing fifteen prisoners. THE 13157 INFANTRY 281 CITATIONS FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn: Near Gressaire, August 9, 1918, immediately after a forced march of twenty-five miles, Colonel Sanborn's regiment was ordered into a critical engagement. Hurrying to the front he personally led his forces through a heavy and concentrated Fhell fire and started the attack at the exact allotted time. After launching this attack he established his post of command in a shell hole and directed the battle to a successful termination. The courage and fearlessness of Colonel Sanborn, despite his advanced age of 62 years, were remarkable to all under his command. Captain Joseph E. Schantz: Near Consenvoye, October 13, 1918, although seriously wounded in the head by shrapnel, Captain Schantz (then lieutenant) went forward to rectify the positions of troops, which were occupying the ground on which our barrage was scheduled to fall. Through a perilous fire he brought the line back to a new position. Captain Herman H. Weimer, Company H: Near Bois de Chaume, October 9, 1918, Captain Weimer was wounded in the shoulder and a machine gun bullet penetrated his steel helmet, but he continued to lead his company, creating confidence in his men at a critical moment. Ordered to the rear, he returned to his company after his wounds had been dressed. First Lieutenant Harrison A. Dickson (deceased), Company F: Near Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, when his company was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Dickson ordered his men to lie down and went out alone, facing intense fire, in an effort to capture the hostile nest. Shortly after starting forward he was shot through the heart. First Lieutenant Albert G. Jefferson, Company C: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Lieutenant Jefferson, severely wounded in the breast and shoulder from shell fire, continued with and commanded his platoon until its final objective was reached and consolidation of its position was completed. First Lieutenant (later Captain) Henry N. Pride, Company A: Near Bois de Chaume, October 10-12, 1918, Lieutenant Pride, acting on his own initiative, led a patrol of three which penetrated the enemy's lines and after killing three Germans returned with three prisoners, one machine gun, and one automatic rifle. When the commander of the company on his left was killed, Lieutenant Pride assumed command and consolidated the position, repulsing two counterattacks in which the enemy lost seventy-five dead and wounded and ten prisoners. Second Lieutenant Walton U. Beauvais (deceased), Company M: At Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, while in command of the left assaulting wave, Lieutenant Beauvais met very stiff opposition. He continually exposed himself, setting an example of bravery which encouraged his men to advance. Single-handed he forced the machine gun crew that was holding up the advance to surrender by placing himself in an exposed position where he could command a view of the machine gun crew and where he succeeded in killing the pointer by a well directed shot, thus aiding the line to advance to its objective. Lieutenant Beauvais received a mortal wound shortly afterward. Second Lieutenant Henry J. Dick, Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Lieutenant Dick exhibited qualities of heroism and initia- tive, that could not be surpassed. During the advance all the officers of the company were wounded. Lieutenant Dick, although wounded in the leg, refused to go back for medical attention. The machine gun bullet that hit him knocked him down, but he immediately got to his feet and alone rushed the machine gun nest that was causiner heavy casualties. He bayoneted one and shot 282 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR two of the enemy and captured five. Shortly after this Lieutenant Dick saw one of the enemy enter a dugout and captured twelve of them there and three machine guns. By his daring and extraordinary coolness he inspired his men. He worked for four days and nights unceasingly and without rest and in the face of terrific fire from artillery and machine guns. Second Lieutenant Hyman Freiberg (deceased) : Near Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, although wounded early in an advance, Lieutenant Freiberg went forward with his men until he fell from loss of blood. He refused to be evacuated and while his wounds were being treated on the spot, preparatory to resuming the advance, was killed by shell fire. Second Lieutenant Harding F. Horton (deceased), Company C: North of Bois de Chaume, October 10, 1918, Lieutenant Horton, although twice wounded, continued to lead his command until he was killed. He repeatedly moved up and down an open space across which his platoon was extended and which was constantly swept by machine gun and sniper fire, encouraging his men and directing their fire. His gallantry had much to do with the routing of the enemy. Second Lieutenant John C. Lee (deceased), Company H: Near Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Lieutenant Lee, when his platoon was held up by fire from a machine gun nest, advanced alone against the position, and, although mortally wounded, attacked and killed the crew, falling dead among the bodies of the Germans. Second Lieutenant George J. May, Company G: In an attack on Gressaire Wood and Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Lieutenant May (then a sergeant) on his own initiative rushed a machine gun nest, capturing one gun and taking two prisoners. He accomplished this under heavy machine gun and artillery fire. He also showed great courage and devotion to duty in getting rations up to the men in the lines. First Sergeant James Jackson, Company K: On the east bank of the Meuse, October 10, 1918, Sergeant Jackson, with a small party of his company, of his own volition, passed through the enemy's barrage and under machine gun fire from Sivry captured an enemy (Austrian) machine gun and its crew of seventeen men. Thereafter he showed extraordinary heroism under shell fire and machine gun fire in trying to locate, and did locate, enemy machine gun positions about Sivry. First Sergeant John J. O'Keefe, Company M: Near Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, after all the officers of two companies had become casualties, Sergeant O'Keefe rallied the men, who had become disorganized under heavy machine gun fire, and led them forward toward the objective, displaying marked courage and leadership. First Sergeant Lawrence Scott Riddle (deceased), Company I: At Bois de Chaume, October n, 1918, Sergeant Riddle, with four soldiers, flanked a machine gun position, killed three of the crew, and captured one, with the guns. He was subsequently killed while leading a small group of men in an attack on a machine gun nest. Sergeant John Breaky, Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Sergeant Breaky, after being shot through both legs, gallantly continued to perform his duty, charging one machine gun nest after another. Sergeant Robert R. Cook, Company A: At Bois de Chaume, October n, 1918, Sergeant Cook crawled out in front of the enemy's lines to locate snipers. In this position he fired upon and put out of action a group of machine gunners, thus exposing his position and drawing enemy sniper fire. Having in his possession asphyxiating grenades, which emit a dense white smoke, he hurled one of them at the sniper's position and under cover of this improvised smoke screen walked back to the lines. THE INFANTRY 283 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Captain Joseph E. Schantz, Captain Herman H. Weimer, Second Lieutenant Walton U. Beauvais. Second row: First Lieutenants Harrison A. Dickson, Albert G. Jefferson, Harry N. Pride. Bottom row: Second Lieutenants Henry J. Dick, John C. Lee, George J. May. 284 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Sergeant (later Second Lieutenant) Herrick R. Goodwillie, Company B: At Bois de Chaume, October 10, 1918, when his company had been caught in enfilading fire from machine guns from their right flank in such a way that it could not advance or retire, and after several runners had been killed trying to get to the rear for aid, Sergeant Goodwillie volun- teered to go back for assistance. He crawled through machine gun fire, reached the trench mortar battery of the i3ist Infantry, guided it .forward, operating one of the guns, and with its aid saved the company from destruction. Although almost exhausted from his efforts, he led his platoon forward to its objective. Sergeant George B. Gourley, Company E: At Chipilly Ridge, August 10, 1918, Sergeant Gourley displayed qualities of courage and leadership by taking command of his platoon and continuing the advance when his platoon commander had been killed. With one other soldier he fearlessly attacked a machine gun nest, capturing the gun and killing the crew. He then carried the captured gun with him and used it effectively against the enemy. Sergeant Benjamin H. Harrel, Company K: North of Consenvoye, October 10, 1918, Sergeant Harrel observed an enemy machine gun and crew beyond the objective, and on his own initiative crawled out to and flanked the position, with the aid of two men, and under very heavy fire from artillery and machine guns captured the machine gun and one officer, killing two men who tried to escape. Sergeant Swan E. Johnson, Company B: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Sergeant Johnson displayed exceptional qualities of initiative when his company was held up by a concentrated fire from machine guns and artillery. He and Sergeant Deal, on their own initiative, went forward on reconnaissance along a road that was enfiladed by enemy fire. Although severely wounded he returned and led his company forward, enabling the entire battalion to advance. Sergeant William Jones, Company G: Near Bethincourt, September 26, 1918, Sergeant Jones, on his own initiative, advanced under concentrated rifle and machine gun fire, which had been holding up his platoon, and put out of action a nest of light machine guns on the flank, permitting the platoon to continue forward. Sergeant James E. Krum, Company E: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Sergeant Krum, although severely wounded in the arm at the beginning of the engagement, continued forward as squad leader, exhibiting great gallantry and setting an inspiring example to his men. After his wound had been dressed he insisted on return- ing to his platoon. Sergeant Holly U. Midkiff, Company L: At Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, preceding with a platoon in the advance by fifteen yards, Sergeant Midkiff discovered a machine gun nest and, crawling forward alone under heavy fire, captured the position, taking twelve German prisoners. Sergeant Sidney Clifford McGuire, Company B: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Sergeant McGuire, although wounded early in the engage- ment, showed great devotion to duty by continuing at his post as platoon leader for two days, relinquishing command only when forced to do so by the condition of his wound. Sergeant Walter G. Peabody, Company D: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Sergeant Peabody displayed great leadership in handling his squad and volunteered for patrol work in front of a new position on August 10 and n. He held an observation post in advance of the front line under heavy shell fire. Sergeant (later Second Lieutenant) Earl H. Perkins, Company M: In the Meuse-Argonne offensive September 26, 1918, with three other soldiers Sergeant Per- kins, on his own initiative, crawled out across an open field, subjected to intense artillery and machine gun fire, and flanked three machine gun positions. Seven Germans were killed by the patrol and twenty-three captured. THE I3IST INFANTRY 285 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: First Sergeant John J. O'Keefe, First Sergeant Lawrence Scott Riddle, Sergeant Herrick R. Goodwillie. Second row: Sergeants George B. Gourley, Benjamin H. Harrell, Swan E. Johnson. Bottom row: Sergeants William Jones, Sidney C. McGuire, Earl H. Perkins. 286 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Sergeant John C. Perrie, Headquarters Company: On the east bank of the Meuse, October 10, 1918, Sergeant Perrie had charge of a section ol trench mortars, supporting the second battalion, 131*1 Infantry, attached to the i32d Infantry. When the i32d Infantry fell back he found that the officer in charge of the trench mortar battery, which was to support the first battalion, was nowhere to be found. He then took his own section forward and knocked out four machine guns which had been holding up the company for sev- eral hours. Sergeant Van Walker Peterson, Company B: Near Bois de Chaume October 10, 1918, when the company guarding the flank was on the verge of retreating in disorder, Sergeant Peterson jumped to the front and held the badly shaken troops in their positions. His quick action during the terrific fire was responsible for the safety of the entire line. Sergeant William Piepho, Company B: At Drillancourt, September 26, 1918, when the progress of the company was greatly held up by a sniper. Sergeant Piepho voluntarily worked his way out to the sniper and shot him with his revolver. He exposed himself to direct fire and set a wonderful example to his men. Sergeant James B. Powers, Company L: At Albert, on August 4, 1918, Sergeant Powers volunteered to go a'one into the town to drive off snipers who were preventing the reorganization of the line. He crawled from house to house under fire and succeeded in silencing the snipers. Sergeant Lou : s R. Rivers, Company B: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, when his platoon had become detached from his company Sergeant Rivers reorganized what was left of the platoon and, with some stragglers from the French and some lost Americans, led them to the objective, consolidated the location and resisted a coun- terattack. Sergeant James J. Rochjort, Company G: At St. Hilaire Wood, November 9, 1918, Sergeant Rochfort displayed exceptional qualities of heroism and initiative during the advance when he, alone and on his own initiative, worked his way through a wood and attacked a machine gun nest, killing two of the crew and driving the remainder out of the wood. Sergeant William Scholes, Company C: A*t Chipil'y Ridge, August 10, 1918, when the advance of his platoon was suddenly subjected to intense machine gun fire at close range, wounding his platoon commander and other platoon sergeants, Sergeant Scholes showed splendid devotion to duty by personally managing a machine gun in the advance position and maintaining fire until the rest of the platoon had reached shelter. Sergeant Vivian Skogsburg, Company L: In the Forges Creek region, September 26, 1918, Sergeant Skogsburg, while crossing the river, was severely burned by a phosphorous shell. He persisted in leading his platoon forward, mop- ping up the territory as he advanced. When the objective was reached he was ordered to the aid station. He walked the greater part of the way. Sergeant Matthew R. Thorneycroft, Company D: Near Consenvoye, October 10-14, 1918, Sergeant Thorneycroft brought his ration detail up to the front line daily and kept two companies ful'.y rationed, although he had to lead his detail through continuous shell fire. Sergeant Thomas J. Walsh, Company D: At Bray-sur-Somme, August 17, 1918, Sergeant Walsh conducted a daylight raid on enemy trenches and gained his objective, ^also capturing prisoners and machine guns. Although severely wounded he carried a wounded comrade .to safety from a heavily shelled zone, and returned to his platoon to direct the attack, refusing first aid until ordered by his company commander. THE I3IST INFANTRY 287 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Sergeants John C. Perrie, William Piepho, Louis R. Rivers. Second row: Sergeants James J. Rochfort, William Scholes. Bottom row: Sergeants Vivian Skogsburg, Matthew R. Thorneycroft, Thomas J. Walsh. 288 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Sergeant James J. Washa, Company F: At Chipilly Rjdge, August 9, 1918, Sergeant Washa, single-handed, captured two machine gun nests. When his platoon had been held up by these guns he advanced on his own initiative and killed the crew of the first post, and, advancing to the second, took them prisoners. He did this in the face of very heavy machine gun and artillery fire. Sergeant Alvin C. Wiberg, Company C: In the battle of Gressaire Wood, August 9-10, 1918, Sergeant Wiberg, while on outpost duty with his squad of automatic riflemen, was spied by the enemy and they made a direct hit on his position, killing one man and wounding the remainder. Wiberg himself removed the men to a position of safety, then taking a new automatic rifle returned to the post of duty. He held the post alone for fourteen hours until relief came. Sergeant William Woodsmall, Company A: Near Consenvoye, October 10, 1918, Sergeant Woodsmall left the lines for the purpose of putting out of action a machine gun nest. He killed the crew and brought back the gun. His act was the more commendable for the fact that he had been in the service only a short time. Corporal John Beato, Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9-10, 1918, Corporal Beato showed remarkable bravery and devo- tion to duty by cheering his men and leading out ration parties through barrages. He volunteered and with a patrol of eight men found out the exact enemy location. On his own initiative, he deployed his men and wiped out machine gun nests, capturing forty prisoners. Corporal Charles H. Boyatt, Company L: At Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, Corporal Boyatt, with one private, on their own initiative, captured a machine gun nest and prisoners and destroyed two guns under heavy machine gun fire. Corporal Nathan M. Curtis, Company L: East of the Meuse, north of Consenvoye, October 10, 1918, Corporal Curtis voluntarily left shelter and led a patrol of three men 200 yards across an open field, and, under very heavy shell fire, captured a machine gun, killing two and capturing one of the enemy. His coolness and bravery inspired his men to persist and go forward though they knew the great danger involved. Corporal Roy T, Dixon, Company B: Near Consenvoye, October 14, 1918, after five runners had been killed or wounded in attempt- ing to reach the battalions on the flanks of his own battalion, Corporal Dixon vo unteered to lead a patrol to establish liaison. In so doing he encountered an enemy machine gun, which he attacked and silenced, also successfully accomplishing his mission. Corporal John L. Flynn, Company G: At Bois de Chaume, October 9, 1918, Corporal Flynn, on his own initiative, advanced by short rushes under machine gun and sniper fire to a point where he successfully bombed and silenced a machine gun sniper who was holding up the advance of his company. Corporal Paul Hobschied, Company C: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Corporal Hobschied, under heavy fire, advanced into a hostile sniping post, found and entered a long dugout, and brought out thirty prisoners. Corporal Robert P. Howard, Company B: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Corporal Howard displayed exceptional qualities of heroism while in great danger. Although severely wounded in the shoulder by a machine gun bullet, and with a piece of shrapnel in his lung, he refused to go back, as most of the noncommissioned officers in the company had been killed or wounded and he felt that his services were needed. Corporal Frank P. Koerper, Headquarters Company: Near Gercourt, September 26, 1918, Corporal Koerper, under heavy machine gun fire, crept up to a church and captured four of the enemy who were operating machine guns from that building. THE i3isT INFANTRY 289 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Sergeants James J. Washa, Alvin C. Wiberg, William Woodsmall. Second row: Corporals John Beato, Charles H. Boyatt, Nathan M. Curtis. Bottom row: Corporals John L. Flynn, Paul Hobschied, Frank P. Koerper. 2QO ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Corporal Nathaniel Lieberman, Company C: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Corporal Lieberman displayed unusual gallantry in rushing a machine gun nest whose fire was checking the advance. With the assistance of men in his squad he put the machine gun out of action and took four prisoners. Corporal Stephen M. Mance, Company B: At Chipilly Ridge, August 10, 1918, Corporal Mance, sent out alone to locate snipers, came upon a machine gun nest. He boldly attacked it single-handed, capturing the gun, wounding one of the crew, and taking three prisoners. Corporal John Miles, Company E: At Wadonville, November 10, 1918, although suffering from, shell concussion, Corporal Miles volunteered to go 400 yards in advance of the outpost line arid draw fire of an enemy machine gun to get the location. He was severely wounded. Corporal Gus W. Palubiak, Company H: North of Forges Creek, September 26, 1918, Cor- poral Palubiak, on his own initiative and in the face of heavy machine gun fire, located and disposed of a nest of German machine guns, single-handed. His heroic action allowed the entire company to move forward to its objective. Corporal William E. Rosell (deceased) Company B: In the Meuse-Argonne offensive, September 26, 1918, Corporal Rose!!, with three other soldiers charged and captured a battery of three 77 mm. field pieces, which, protected by machine guns, were firing point blank on the position held by his company. This deed enabled his company to continue the advance. Corporal Andrew C. Schabinger, Company E: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, although severely wounded at the beginning of the engagement, he continued for- ward as squad leader, exhibiting great gallantry and set- ting an inspiring example. CORPORAL WILLIAM E. ROSELL Corporal Carl Somnitz, Company F: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, when all the runners of his platoon had failed to establish liai- son with the platoon of the left, Corporal Somnitz succeeded in getting through. On his re- turn trip he was twice wounded but delivered his message belore lapsing into unconsciousness. Corporal James L. Waters, Company C: At Gress"ire Wood, August 9, 1918, Corporal Waters captured a machine gun alcne. It had been raking our positions at intervals, causing heavy casualties. He advanced alone, killing two men who manned the gun. Corporal Lester C. Whitson (deceased), Company E: At Hame!, July 4, 1918, although severely wounded at the beginning of the engagement, Cor- poral Whitson continued forward as squad leader, exhibiting great gallantry and setting an inspir- ing example to his men. Mechanic Anton J. Watkin, Company A: At Chipilly Ridge and Gressaire Wood, August 9, 1918, at a critical time, when his company was out of ammunition, Mechanic Watkin volunteered to take an ammunition party to an un- known position in the rear. Though this ground was continually shelled, the party went on, and returned with the ammunition just at the time the enemy was about to launch a counter-attack Private (First-Class) Harry E. Hampel, Company C: During the Gressaire Wood and Chipilly Ridge action, August 9, 1918, Private Hampel showed great courage and devotion to duty by carrying messages through heavy machine gun and shell fire. Private (First-Class) Archie Timblin, Company F : In the attack on Butgneville, November n, 1918, after meeting with stubborn resistance, which caused his company to withdraw, Private Timblin advanced under heavy machine gun and artillery fire toward the enemy's lines and brought back some seriously wounded comrades. THE 13151 INFANTRY 291 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Corporals Nathaniel Lieberman, Stephen M. Mance, Gus W. Palubiak. Second row: Corporals Andrew C. Schabinger, Carl Somnitz, James L. Waters. Bottom row: Mechanic A. J. Watkin, First Class Privates Harry Hampel, Archie Timblin. 292 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Private (First Class) Steve Zappa, Company C: Near Chipilly Ridge, August 10-19, 1918, Private Zappa volunteered for dangerous missions, carrying messages through heavy machine gun and shell fire. He displayed great courage in ac- complishing these tasks. Private William A. Anderson, Company B: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Anderson rendered service as stretcher-bearer under heavy shell fire, continuing on duty forty-eight hours until complete exhaustion compelled him to be evacuated. Private Charles C. Bark, Company C: At Gressaire Wood, on August 9 and 10, 1918, Private Bark, being detailed as a scout, went in advance of his platoon and rendered invaluable service during the battle. Although exposed to machine gun fire, he carefully pointed out the enemy's machine gun positions, making it possible for his platoon commander to direct the fire of the platoon and advance without casualties. Private Michael Biertya (deceased), Company M : Near Bois d'Harville, November 10. 1918, Private Biertya advanced under heavy machine gun fire through forty feet of wire entanglements, hacking his way with his bayonet, so his platoon could pass through. He was mortally wounded. Private Frank Bremner, Company G: At Gressaire Wood and Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Bremner, single-handed and in the face of heavy machine gun and artillery fire, worked around behind a machine gun nest, took the gunners prisoners, and captured the gun. This act allowed the advance to continue. Private Sven Carlson, Company M: In the Meuse-Argonne offensive September 26, 1918, Private Carlson left the line, being held up by fire from three machine guns, and, with one sergeant and two privates, crawled across an open field and flanked the guns, killing seven of the enemy and capturing twenty-three. Private Hugh A. Deasey (deceased), Company F: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Deasey, acting on his own initiative, advanced alone against a machine gun nest that had been causing heavy casualties. He crawled to within a short distance of the position before he was detected. He then rushed the post and bayoneted the three gunners, being himself killed in the encounter. Private Paul Donovan, Headquarters Company: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Donovan, while exposed to machine gun and artillery fire, went forward and killed an enemy sniper. Later, while moving forward to the attack, he entered single-handed a dugout and captured five of the enemy. Private Christopher C. Dunne, Company D: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, in an attack on a machine gun nest Private Dunne bay- oneted the gunner and captured four of the crew. Although wounded, Private Dunne showed great devotion to duty by remaining with his squad until the line was consolidated. Private Daniel S. Flagg, Company M: In the Meuse-Argonne offensive September 26, 1918, Private Flagg, with three others, crawled out about 200 yards across an open field, which was swept by very severe fire, and flanked three machine gun posts, killing seven men and capturing twenty-three. This was done in the face of heavy machine gun and artillery fire. Private George F. Gaston, Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Gaston, after being severely wounded by shrapnel, showed the greatest courage by continuing to advance upon a machine gun emplacement, keeping the gun occupied and thereby enabling a detachment to flank the position and capture it. Private Leon M. Hanna, Company D: In Consenvoye Wood, October 10, 1918, Private Hanna, when his platoon was suffering severe casualties and was being held up by terrific fire from a hidden machine gun post, advanced alone and by the use of his bayonet subdued the gunners, capturing two of them, and enabling the pla- toon to advance. THE i3isT INFANTRY 293 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row : First Class Private Steve Zappa, Privates William A. Anderson, Sven Carlson. Second row: Privates Hugh A. Deasey, Christopher C. Dunne, Daniel S. Flagg. Bottom row: Privates Leon M. Hanna, Harry W. Heacox, Edward Herter 294 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Private Harry W. Heacox, Company I: Near Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, Private Heacox, after performing several dangerous missions as a company runner, volunteered to go forward with an officer to attack a machine gun nest which was causing heavy casualties. Though the officer was killed Heacox captured the nest, took command of the company on his own initiative, and carried it forward to its objective. Private Edward Herter, Company M : Near Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, Private Herter, on his own initiative, left shelter and crossed ground swept ty machine gun fire to rescue a wounded comrade. Though himself severely wounded, he succeeded in carrying the wounded comrade back to his own lines. Private Albert Holmes, Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, after six runners had been killed or wounded in an attempt to establish liaison with battalion headquarters, Private Holmes volunteered for the hazardous duty and succeeded in getting through heavy shell fire. Private Percy Jones (deceased), Company B: Near Consenvove. October 10, 1918, after two stretcher-bearers had been killed and one severely wounded in the attempt to rescue Lieutenant Broche, who had been severely wounded, Private Jones volunteered and carried him in from his perilous position. Private Jones was killed a little later. Private Christopher W. Keane, Medical Detachment: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Private Keane displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty by treating the wounded in an area swept by machine gun and artillery fire. When two stretcher- bearers working with him were killed, he impressed two German prisoners into the service of carry- ing wounded to the aid station. Private Easter E. Keeper, Company L: At Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, when volunteers for cutting lanes through wide belts of wire several feet in front of the lines were called for, Private Keeper went out alone, at great personal risk, to perform the duty and enable the lines to advance. Private Frank J. Kostak, Company G: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, single-handed, Private Kostak, with great gallantry, attacked a machine gun position, capturing two machine guns and seven prisoners. Private Arthur Krueger, Company B: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, while his platoon was halted by murderous fire, Private Krueger crawled from a shell hole and made his way forward to the aid of a wounded comrade. On the way he was wounded but continued on until he had dressed the wounds of his comrade. He then insisted on walking to the dressing station to have his own wounds treated. Private Edward Lidwell, Company H: Near Bois de Chaume, October 9, 1918, advancing single-handed against a machine gun, Private Lidwell put it out of action, killing its crew of three and preventing an enfilading fire on the com- pany, thus saving many lives. Private Pagnel Liljeberg, Company D: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9-11, 1918, Private Liljeberg, being on duty as a runner, carried messages under heavy shell and machine gun fire. Owing to casualties he did the work of six runners, proving himself to be a man of unusual gallantry and devotion to duty. Private Robert W. Lindsay, Company B: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, when his platoon was held up by an enemy pillbox, and when, in the attempt to notify the company commander, two runners were wounded, Private Lindsay volunteered to carry out this duty and while doing so was himself severely wounded. Private William F. Linzky, Company E: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Private Linzky was severely wounded in the arm by shrapnel at the beginning of the battle. Nevertheless he carried his automatic rifle forward and used it effectively. THE I3IST INFANTRY 295 PRIVATES WHO WERE AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Albert Holmes, Christopher W. Keane, Easter E. Keeper. Second row: Frank F. Kostak, Arthur Krueger, Edward Lidwell. Bottom row: Ragnar Liljeberg, John C. Mallan, Charles W. Michaellis. 296 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Private John C. Mallan, Company H: Near Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Mallan worked out far ahead of the lines and killed four Germans and brought back three prisoners, one of them an officer. Later he formed one of a raiding party and displayed marked skill and bravery, aiding in the capture of fourteen prisoners. Both of these missions were carried out under heavy machine gun and artillery fire. Private Charles W. Michaellis, Company E: At Chipilly Ridge, August 10, 1918, Private Michaellis showed gallantry in attacking a ma- chine gun nest with his platoon sergeant, killing the crew and capturing the gun, which he used later effectively against the enemy. Private Leon H. McBreen, Company M: In the Meuse-Argonne offensive, September 26, 1918, Private McBreen and three comrades, on their own initiative, crawled across an open field and captured three machine gun posts, killing seven men and capturing twenty-three. Private Adolph Nelson, Company H: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Nelson, although wounded, went out on his own initiative, armed with an automatic rifle, and mopped out a machine gun nest in which there were three guns, killing four of the enemy and bringing back the rest as prisoners. He did this under heavy fire and became so weak from the loss of blood that his comrades thought that he would not be able to reach the post. Private William Peters, Company 1: At Bois de Chaume, October 9, 1918, when the advance of his platoon was held up by a machine gun, Private Peters, on his own initiative, flanked the position, killed the gunner, and captured the rest of the crew, thereby allowing the platoon to advance. Private Willard Petty, Company B: North of Consenvoye, October 10, 1918, Private Petty, on his own initiative, jumped to the rescue of his comrade and platoon leader, who lay fallen in a zone of murderous fire. He did this after two comrades had been killed and one wounded in the attempt to do the same thing. Private Walter Potter, Company L: At Bois d'Harville, November 10, 1918, Private Potter volunteered and crawled out in the face of heavy enemy fire to attack a machine gun nest. He killed the four members of the enemy crew, inspiring the men serving with him by his example of heroism. Private Horace Smotherman, Company F: Between Drillancourt and Gercourt, September 26, 1918, when his company was advancing up the valley, it was held up for awhile by the fire of snipers. Private Smotherman went forward alone and destroyed this troublesome post of snipers by killing them with a hand grenade. He did this on his own initiative and under heavy machine gun and artillery fire. Private Gordon Wickham, Headquarters Company: At Chipilly Ridge, August n, 1918, Private Wickham was on duty with a carrying party which was severely shelled and gassed while passing through Gressaire Wood. He made repeated trips into the wood and rescued wounded soldiers. Private William J. Williams, Company E: At Chipilly Ridge, August 9, 1918, Private Williams, acting as company runner, carried mes- sages through withering fire to advanced posts. He did this disregarding the fact that he had previously been severely wounded, though he had refused to make his plight known to his com- pany officer. After accomplishing this heroic deed, he was immediately evacuated to a hospital. Private Dickson Woodivard, Company A: At Malard Wood, August 9, 1918, Private Woodward showed great skill in securing liaison during the battle and also after the objective was reached. His fine example to the men about him inspired them and kept up their spirits. THE I3IST INFANTRY 297 PRIVATES WHO WERE AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row : Leon H. McBreen, William Peters, Willard Petty. Second row: Walter Potter, Horace Smotherman. Bottom row: Gordon Wickham, William J. Williams, Dickson Woodward. 298 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE i3isr INFANTRY WHO WERE CITED FOR GALLANTRY BY GENERAL PERSHING AND GENERAL BELL * Received citation only from General Pershing. t Received citations both from General Bell and General Pershing. All others were cited only by General Bell. Colonel * Joseph B. Sanborn Major Francis M. Allen Captains t Carroll M. Gale * Walter H. Magner t George N. Malstrom Willam R. Mangum t Louis E. Preston t John M. Richmond t William Wilson First Lieutenants tElden L. Belt t Walter C. Bisson Frank DeVaney Harrison A. Dickson t Raymond E. Fiedler t Harry E. Hackett t John R. Marchant t Norman A. Schwald Second Lieutenants t Richard H. Buvens, Jr. Henry J. Dick Julian L. Douglas Paul F. Hunnewell t William A. Joos Charles E. Lee t Raymond P. Lewis Halton N. Nichols t George W. Sherwood Samuel Silverman t Frank C. Tillson t Francis W. Whitney Chaplain t Thomas R. Egerton Sergeant Majors Axel T. Erickson Arthur E. Owen First Sergeants James Jackson t Garrett Mook Fred O. Prescot t Leigh S. Taylor Sergeants t Martin S. Baker George E. Bailie t Robert P. Backstrom Frank J. Callahan t William Davidson tjohn P. Deal Frank D. Dore t Arthur D. Dyas t Martin W. Garvey George A. Grotty t Arthur J. Gunderson George W. Hall Harvie A. Harris Ernest L. Heide Swan E. Johnson Virgil E. Johnson Robert M. Knight Stanley Lanferski *Adolph P. Kutz t Albert G. Lemmon t Howard T. Lindsay Donald J. Mclntosh Holly Midkiff t Edgar M. Morris Elmer P. Nagel * Walter G. Peabody Earl H. Perkins *John C. Perrie *Van Walker Peterson * William Piepho * Louis R. Rivers James J. Rochfort Leonard A. Runyan *Adolph P. Rutz * William Scholes t Jackson J. Sells Vivian Skogsburg t John E. Soens Herman C. Slocum Joseph F. Trahan Otto Vanek Peter Virgin t Harry C. Wesche Ernest H. Wilcox Anton R. Wingerter C orporals Frank J. Allison t Martin Banks Charles R. Boyatt James Brado Irving Brockman William C. Buxton Charles O. Crews Roy T. Dixon Early R. Eakin THE 13181 INFANTRY 299 Roy Erickson t Sol C. Fairman John L. Fichter, Jr. Robert Franken Harry G. Fulton Robert Gentry t Edward W. Ivvicki t Walter N. Larson t Jacob Wilbur Loh fAxel M. Madsen Mike L. Mahoney Walter H. Mann David McKenzie Victor O. McLeary * Thos. R. McNamara Dominic L. Mercatoris t Frank L. Mills John J. Murray Gus W. Palubiack Peter Polios * Raymond H. Powell t James S. Sneed Earl W. Storey Herman C. Tessmai' John C. Vanloon John S. Wadena Perry A. Walker Daniel L. Waters James L Waters Bugler William J. Gorden Wagoner James W. Kilton t Alfred Lathrop Mechanic William A. Dodder t Ladislaus Hoffman * Anton J. Watkin Privates, First Class Robert B. Anderson t Charles I. Baker Joseph W. Carroway t William Curr Harry A. Dahl t Mason L. Ellis Harry E. Hample Joseph P. Hannan John Hertel James T. Hunt George A. McGregor Joseph Neazbe Otto Pearson Mason M. Randle t Charles L. Russell t John S. Swanson * Oscar Tingsbad fFred C. Trautman LeRoy H. Tucker Frederick H. Turner Steve Zappa Privates Edward S. Anderson t Charles C. Bark t Alfred H. Beck Martin N. Berg t Richard H. Bingham t Philip J. Boening Han Bredal Theophilus Brabec Alfred B. Briggs t Isador Bro John Buechner Adolph P. Butz Walter Carroll Stanley Cieslak t Leonard C. Clayton Dennis B. Cloonan t Julius Cohen Fenn H. Cooney Oril B. Curry William H. Cross Hubert A. Deasey Frank E. Dillion t Sam Du Bonnis t Paul J. Dona van Elmer E. Drake Frank Dunnett t Constantino D. Economas John Evangelistea Daniel S. Flagg t Vinacezo Furforo Ignatz P. Golla Jerome E. Gorman William Gossell George C. Halverson Edward Hartman Harry S. Hescox Steven Heznicki John J. Hoban Carey D. Holbrook Alton Horton Isadore Horwitz t Frank A. Jakutis t Mounce Johnson Arthur J. Jones Leroy Kent William T. Kerstein George F. Kir by Albert Klatt Frank Kulpit t Harry Laird Harold J. Larsen t David T. Leahy Loren Leitman Frank Leslie Michael Lettiere 300 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Oscar L. Lewis Robert W. Lindsay Anthony Fino David Madison William C. Mathison Pete McHigh Thomas R. McNamara Frank Mielnicky Willrid Moran t Charles J. Norman Hjalmar Olsen Walter A. Olson John Olszyk Walter Potter t Ray Redding Guiseppe Riccioni t William E. Rosselle Mac M. Roy Fred Schnitheer t Harry Stokes t Francis H. Southern * Matthew P. Thornycraft t Jerry Vana t Victor Vanyek Peter Weis Richard B. Welch George Welk Henry White Frank J. Wilcox Will J. Williams * Dickson A. Woodward Ignatz Wunk Garrett Vanderlee Commodore Van Winkle Isaac Zuckelman CERTIFICATES FOR ESPECIALLY MERITORIOUS AND CONSPICUOUS SERVICE WERE AWARDED BY GENERAL PERSHING TO THE FOLLOWING: Captain William R. Mangum, M. C. Sergeant Harvie A. Harris Private, First Class LeRoy H. Tucker, Headquarters Company ROSTER OF OFFICERS 13157 INFANTRY WHO ARRIVED IN FRANCE WITH UNIT MAY 30, 1918 Colonel Joseph B. Sanborn Lieutenant Colonel James M. Eddy Majors Francis M. Allen George C. Amerson, M. C. Edward Bittel Harry E. Cheney Paul C. Gale Frederick E. Haines Walter H. Magner William R. Mangum, M. C. John M. Richmond Captains Walter C. Bisson, M. C. Melvin W. Bridges Edgar J. Emerich Raymond F. Fiedler Carroll M. Gale Henry A. Gano Nathan J. Harkness William Y. Hendron (later Major) Michael N. Hickey Walter H. Holden, D. C. Edwin S. Hopps David H. James, M. C. James W. Luke George N. Malstrom Walter W. Marr Edwin E. McKernan James D. Melville George R. Miller Charles N. Neal Herbert Pease, M. C. Charles M. Porter Louis E. Preston (deceased) Henry N. Pride Norman A. Schwald, M. C. George F. Scott Severra A. Stenson James C. Stockwell Joseph E. Schantz Charles F. Tapper Herman H. Weimer William M. Wilson First Lieutenants Edmund A. Bachand Arthur H. Bamforth Julius V. Becker Lawrence E. Beebe Elden L. Belt Ernest C. Borchardt Henry S. Bottomley James E. Brooks Leon L. Brown Thomas V. Casey James W. Clarke THE 13181 INFANTRY 301 CAPTAINS OF THE 13157 INFANTRY Top row: Walter C. Bisson, Melvin W. Bridges, Edgar J. Emerich, Raymond F. Fiedler. Second row: Carroll M. Gale, Henry A. Gano, Nathan J. Harkness, William Y. Hendron. Third row: Michael N. Hickey, Walter H. Holden, Edwin S. Hopps, David H. James. Bottom row: Robert J. Jordan, George N. Malstrom, Walter W. Marr, James D. Melville. 302 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Alfred N. Clissold Virgil E. Code Walter H. Cohrs George A. Crafton Herbert B. Crow Charles L. Daniels, D. C. Samuel C. Davis Herbert C. DeBruyn Frank DeVaney (deceased) Harrison A. Dickson (deceased) Thomas R. Egerton, Chaplain Frank G. Fitzpatrick Frank E. Frisbie Herman B. Gengenbach George W. Grace Harry E. Hackett (deceased) Allen F. Helsten Verne Hayes John W. Heyl Joseph R. Holt Frank A. Johnson Albert G. Jefferson Charles T. Keating Thomas J. Kennedy Harold H. King Arthur R. Koepke Albert W. Kuehne Arthur A. Langlund John C. Lee (deceased) Bert Lyon (later Captain) John R. Marchant (deceased) Daniel C. McGuire Glenn E. Murphy Daniel J. O'Malley Elmer R. Plummer Edward L. Reusnow George F. Schmidt William J. Schultz David W. Sharp John W. Slack Harold M. Snyder Victor Stern Fred W. Swafford Walter C. Thompson Lawrence W. Westerman Howard H. Williams Otto A. Wurl (later Captain) Ernest A. Zust Second Lieutenants Ralph Davies Herbert S. Davies Walter J. Deal Edmund A. Duffett Clarence W. Fisher Herrick R. Goodwillie Jesse B. Griffith George W. Hall Edward F. Hamilton Robert C. Hanson W. Ivison Walter M. Larson Raymond P. Lewis Glenn H. Lyon John W. McCann Charles S. Miller Stewart A. Muschott Elmer C. Nelson Halton N. Nichols Ralph T. Patterson Earl H. Perkins John P. Peters Jackson J. Sells F. H. Sexauer John T. Warren Arthur Zobel ROSTER OF OFFICERS IJIST INFANTRY ASSIGNED AND ATTACHED IN FRANCE AFTER MAY 30, 1918 Lieutenant Colonel Wallace H. Whigam Majors John R. Coady Matt L. Higbee Hamlet C. Ridgway Vester J. Thompson Captains Herbert E. Algeo Edward H. Brian Oscar J. Dorman Maurice F. Geehan, M. C. Oscar G. Holm Robert J. Jordan Campbell G. Tipton, D. C. Denzil B. Walters First Lieutenants J. C. Acuff >Vane Beaman f Frank B. Cole Patrick Cronin Henry J. Dick Julian L. Douglas George M. Dunford Hugh Durkin Emmons K. Emerson Sidney D. Emerson Walter C. Foster Christian J. Frank Raymond I. Gleason Fred H. Gray Kenneth C. King Edward A. Loehr (Chaplain) THE i 3 iST INFANTRY 303 CAPTAINS AND FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE 13131 INFANTRY Top row: Captains Bertram Buchanan, Maurice F. Geehan, George R. Miller, Herbert Pease. Second row: Captains Charles M. Porter, Louis E. Preston, Norman A. Schwald, S. A. Stenson. Third row: Captains J. C. Stockwell, C. F. Tapper, Campbell G. Tipion, Lieutenant H. E. Hackett. Bottom row: Lieutenants Frank DeVaney, John R. Marchant, Wm. E. Simpson, Milton E. Wilson, 304 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Ernest H. Marriner (Chaplain) Alexander G. Miller Guy A. Moore Robert E. O'Dea Clare Purcell Fred L. Rindkliff Walker A. Sanborn William Gary Sanger, Jr. Carroll D. Schnepp Oliver J. Sheehy William E. Simpson (deceased) Richard A. Storrs Robert S. Thornburg LeRoy Weyrick John M. White Milton E. Wilson (deceased) Evan A. Woodward Second Lieutenants Frank C. Albright Walton U. Beauvais Rudolph L. Bosselman J. Wilmen Brewer Benjamin A. Brown William L.- Brown J. R. Burns Charles F. Butler Richard H. Buvens, Jr. Luther H. Clayton Thomas K. Cobb H. M. Cohen Bernard A. Cruse Wallace H. Daggett E. W. Dalheim Morris E. Dent David O. Edes (deceased) Henry Fillingham Hyman Freiberg (deceased) T. B. Freund Howard J. Frisbey Jesse R. Frye Morris Goldstein Thomas S. Guilfoyle Andrew C. Haig Burl S. Hall George W. Hall Robert K. Hall I Harold A. Harding Donald Heffron Lee R. Hill Benjamin P. Hinkle George S. Holm Harding F. Horton (deceased) John A. Howard Paul A. Hunnewell Harold C. Hunter Kenneth M. Jackson William A. Joos (deceased) Benjamin W. Kanter J. J. Kenny George K. Knight Robert W. Lane Fred F. Laxdal Roscoe C. Long Elton J. Mansell George J. May Sidney C. McGuire D. E. Mitchell Everett Noble Julian Norton Rene W. Pinto Harry F. Postal Matthew J. Powell Daniel S. Robinson Edw. S. Sanderson Wesley S. Sawyer Henry Schmitt Maurice V. Schrauer (deceased) J. P. Sherlock George S. Sherwood S. Silverman Arthur J. Smith John G. Spencer Walter Spencer Carl J. Staib J. J. -Swift Isaac H. Tartt Frank Tillson Louis Tishman Harry Wellbank Robert T. Westman (deceased) Francis W. Whitney (deceased) Frank T. Wilson THE i3isT INFANTRY 305 FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE 13157 INFANTRY Top row: Julius V. Becker, Lawrence E. Beebe, Henry S. Bottomley, Ernest C. Borchardt. Second row: Arthur T. Broche, Thomas V. Casey, Alfred N. Clissold, Patrick Cronin. Third row: Herbert B. Crow, Samuel C. Davis, Herbert C. DeBruyn, Henry J. Dick. Bottom row: G. M. Dunford, Emmons K. Emerson, Sidney D. Emerson, Frank G. Fitzpatrick. 3o6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE 13151 INFANTRY Top row: Christian J. Frank, Frank E. Frisbie, Herman B. Gengenbach, Raymond I. Gleason. Second row: George W. Grace, Fred H. Gray, John Heyl, Verne Hayes. Third row: Joseph R. Holt, Thomas J. Kennedy, Charles T. Keating, Kenneth C. King. Fourth row: Arthur R. Koepke, A. G. Miller, Glenn E. Murphy, Robert E. O'Dea. THE i3isT INFANTRY 307 FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE i 3 isT INFANTRY Top row: Daniel J. O'Malley, E. R. Plummer, Edward L. Reusnow, Fred L. Rindkliff. Second row: William C. Sanger, Jr., Geo. F. Schmidt, Carroll D. Schnepp, William J. Schultz. Third row: John W. Slack, Harold M. Snyder, Victor Stern, Richard A. Storrs. Fourth row: Fred Swafford, Walter C. Thompson, Robert S. Thornburgh, LeRoy Weyrick. 308 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE 13151 INFANTRY Top row: Vane Beaman, James E. Brooks, Virgil E. Code, Walter H. Cohrs. Second row: Charles L. Daniels, Julian L. Douglas, Thomas R. Egerton, Walter C. Foster. Third row: Edward A. Loehr, Bert Lyon, Daniel C. McGuire, Clare Purcell. Bottom row: John M. White, Howard H. Williams, Otto A. Wurl, Ernest A. Zust. THE I3IST INFANTRY 309 SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE i3isx INFANTRY Top row: Frank C. Albright, George W. Hall, J. Wilmen Brewer, Benjamin A. Brown. Second row: Richard H. Buvens, Jr., Thomas K. Cobb, Herbert S. Davies. Third row: Walter J. Deal, Morris E. Dent, Edmund A. Duffett, Howard J. Frisbey. Bottom row: Jesse R. Frye, Morris Goldstein, Thomas S. Guilfoyle, Burl S. Hall. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE 13151 INFANTRY Top row: Edward F. Hamilton, Harold A. Harding, Lee R. Hill, Paul F. Hunnewell. Second row : W. Ivison, Walter N. Larson, Fred F. Laxdal. Third row : Raymond P. Lewis, Glenn H. Lyon, John W. McCann, Elton J. Mansell. Fourth row: Stewart A. Muschott, Ralph T. Patterson, John P. Peters, Matthew J. Powell. THE i3isT INFANTRY SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE ISIST INFANTRY Top row : Benjamin P. Hinkle, George S. Holm, William A. Joos, Daniel S. Robinson. Second row: Wesley S. Sawyer, Maurice V. Schrauer, George S. Sherwood. Third row: Carl J. Staib, Isaac H. Tartt, Frank Tillson. JJottc-m row: Louis Tishman, Harry Wellbank, Francis W. Whitney, Arthur Zobel. 3,12 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR COLONEL ABEL DAVIS Commander of the i32nd Infantry. LOOKING TOWARD CONSENVOYE FROM THE BOIS DE FORGES The 132nd Infantry COLONEL ABEL DAVIS, EDITOR BY CAPTAIN A. V. BECKER, REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT ^^^ ,_--, HE regiment which fought on the Somme, in the 'jfiSl^^ 1 Meuse-Argonne campaign, and in the valley of the __Kf"3^^^ Woevre, as the i32nd U. S. Infantry was originally the Second Infantry, Illinois National Guard, an organization whose history goes back almost to the Civil War. When the Illinois National Guard an- swered the President's call in the spring of 1917, no regiment had a better record than that of the Second. And during all of its World War service the i32nd fought with a gallantry that was quite in keeping with the traditions of the regiment. The Second Infantry was organized early in 1875, when anarchistic outbreaks in Chicago re- vived the interest in military affairs which had waned after the Civil War. The First Illinois had just been formed. The Second, a regiment of six com- panies, was made up of Irish- American veterans from such famous Civil War organizations as the Irish Rifles, the Mulligan Zouaves, the Montgomery Guards, the Clan-na-Gael Guards and the Irish Legion. James Quirk, who had served in the Civil War with the Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was selected to command the regiment with the rank of major. Prominent Chicagoans gave their support to the unit, en- abling it to secure an armory at Jackson and Canal streets. 313 3*4 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR The regiment had hardly been established in its new quarters when the historic "railroad riots" broke out. The Second was sent to the most dan- gerous riot areas in Chicago, and suppressed disorder with praiseworthy thor- oughness. Similar service was rendered in November, 1886, when rioting occurred at the Chicago stockyards. Four cavalry troops were added to the regiment in 1887. Two years later Louis S. Judd was elected colonel, a signal company was organized, and the regiment entered upon an era of prosperity. Riots at Lemont in 1893 gave the Second another tour of duty, and in July of the following year renewed disorder at the stockyards brought something like war service, in which several men were killed. The summons for service in the Spanish- American War came on May 16, 1898. Under the command of Colonel George M. Moulton the regiment went first to Springfield, then to Camp Cuba Libra, Florida, and finally to Havana. Colonel Moulton was given command of the Cuban forces patrolling the cap- ital, and the Second assisted in the guard duty. It participated in the rais- ing of the American flag over Moro Castle and the surrender of Santa Clara province to the United States. The regiment left Havana early in April, the only regiment to quit Cuba without having lost a man, and was mustered out on April 29, 1899. A little later Colonel Moulton was succeeded by Colonel James E. Stuart, under whose administration the Second took part in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904 and engaged in war maneuvers with regular army troops at Fort Benjamin Harrison in 1906. Major John J. Garrity, who had enlisted in the regiment as a private in 1889, was elected colonel in July, 1907. Under his command the Second AFTER THE FAT MEN'S RACE AT CAMP CUBA LIBRA THE I32ND INFANTRY COLONEL JOHN J. GARRITY Commander of the old Second. maintained the efficiency for which it was famous, and won commendation for the excellent manner in which it patrolled the "bad lands" of Springfield dur- ing the race riots there in August, 1908. Colonel Garrity was still in command when the regiment was called out in the summer of 1916 for service on the Mexican bor- der. He and his men were mus- tered into the federal service on June 19, and entrained a few weeks later for Camp Wilson, Texas. The regiment remained there, undergoing intensive train- ing in preparation for action, un- til September i, when the dan- ger of war with Mexico appar- ently had passed. It returned to Illinois and was mustered out on October 5, more fit and efficient than it had ever been a fact which was to prove of great importance a few months later. When the United States declared the existence of a state of war with Germany, the Second was ready, and it anxiously awaited the mobilization order which came finally in June, 1917. When called to the colors the regi- ment had approximately i.ioo men on its rolls. Voluntary enlistments had increased the number to 1,800 by the time the Thirty-third Division was organized at Camp Logan. During the training period drafts brought the regiment to its war strength of 3,500 men. At Camp Logan the old Second Illinois passed into history and the 13 2nd United States Infantry was born. Major Abel Davis of the 1315! Infantry was promoted to a colonelcy and assigned to lead the regiment in its over- seas career. Vigorous training in all the phases of trench fighting gradually put the 1 3 2nd in excellent condition. By May, 1918, it was fit and eager for active service. Orders to leave Camp Logan came late in May. The 13 2nd entrained, moved to Hoboken, N. J., and there boarded the transport Mount Vernon, formerly the Kronprinzessin Cecilie. The Mount Vernon sailed May 24, and the passage was made in six days, without incident. On May 30 the regi- ment debarked at Brest and established itself in the famous Pontanezen bar- racks. The quarters had not been completely fitted up, but the men made themselves as comfortable as possible. Moving orders were shortly received, and the 13 2nd proceeded with the 3i6 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR COLONEL GARRITY AND A GROUP OF OFFICERS AT CAMP LOGAN other infantry units of the division to an area then in British hands. Regi- mental headquarters were established in the town of Allery, the men being billeted there and in neighboring villages. British officers directed a brief course of training in the finer points of trench fighting. Then the regiment moved to Molliens-au-Bois, camping in the woods near the front line. The Fourth Australian Brigade was holding the sector. Between the Illinoisans and the "Aussies" a friendship, soon to be cemented in battle, was formed. The joint battle, giving the i32nd its first experience under fire, came, appropriately enough, on July 4. Companies A and G were sent into the line, with the Australians and with Companies C and E of the i3ist Infantry to participate in an at- tack upon the town of Hamel. Vaire Wood and Hamel, held by the THE CENTURY-OLD BARRACKS AT PONTANEZEN These stone barracks were built in the days of the great Napoleon. Germans, formed a sa- lient in the line to which the British had withdrawn in the retreat that commenced March 21. The existence of the salient was a menace to the whole sector, and its reduction was the object of the attack. The two companies of the i32nd moved into the line on the 3rd. They attacked at 3 a. m. on Independence Day, under the protection of a creep- ing artillery barrage. The barrage was heavy, but it fell short, causing cas- ualties in the forming-up line and doing little damage to the enemy's wire. As soon as it lifted, however, the attacking waves advanced, cutting their own way through the entanglements in the face of deadly machine gun fire. In the first trench the enemy was encountered in force and resisted stubbornly. Hand-to-hand fighting in which the Americans used bayonets ON A HIKE NEAR CAMP LOGAN and hand grenades with fearful effect cleared the trench at last, and the troops pushed forward again, followed by tanks. At the Vaire Trench the enemy again attempted to make a stand but was dislodged with bayonets and bombs after a desperate struggle. The tanks assisted in the destruction of machine gun nests as the at- tacking lines swept on toward the objectives, and little determined resistance was met by the infantry. The first objective, 1,200 yards from the jumping- off place, was reached at 4 a. m. The line halted for ten minutes while the assaulting waves were reorganized and the tanks caught up. Then the at- tack was resumed. An hour later the final objective had been reached, and the troops dug themselves in. The Germans were strong in the positions opposite the new line, how- ever, and kept up a telling fire from machine gun nests. One machine gun, ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR hidden on a sunken road 200 yards to the right front, did especial damage until Lieutenant Harry Yagle and Sergeant Frank A. Koijane rushed out with two Australian soldiers and silenced it. Private Harry Shelly of Company A disposed of a dangerous German sniping post by advancing with an Australian soldier and capturing eight of the crew. Another machine gun was captured by Corporal John DeSmidt of Company A. With an Australian he crept up to the position, overpowered the gunners and made the prisoners carry the gun to the Allies' line. Such instances of personal heroism revealed the spirit with which the men of the i32nd went into their first battle. The two companies conducted THE CEREMONIES AT MOLLIENS-AU-BOIS, AUGUST 12, 1918 Sergeant Frank A. Koijane of Company G was one of those who received a British decoration at the hands of King George. themselves so gallantly that three officers and five men were decorated by the British, and the regiment was cited in the highest terms. King George him- self pinned the Military Cross on three officers and the Distinguished Con- duct Medal on four of the men honored for bravery. On account of wounds some of the decorated men were unable to be present at the ceremonies. Praise of the Americans was expressed officially by Lieutenant General Monash, com- mander in chief of the Australian forces, in an order saying: "The dash, gallantry, and efficiency of these American troops left noth- ing to be desired, and my Australian soldiers speak in the highest terms of THE I32ND INFANTRY 319 praise of them. That soldiers of the United States and Australia have thus been associ- ated for the first time ii. such close cooperation on the battlefield is an historical event of such significance that it will live forever in the annals of our respective na- tions." Similar sentiments were less formally but no less emphatically voiced by the Australian soldiers beside whom the Illinois men had fought. They were generous in their praise and adopted the Amer- icans as worthy comrades. Following the battle at Hamel the regiment was attached to the i73rd British Infantry Brigade, then occupying the front line at Albert. The men at first went into the trenches by platoons, then by battalions, and finally, on August 6, as a regiment. This was the Band's first opportunity to serve as a unit in the front lines. The men took advantage of the opportunity in a manner that won favorable comment from veteran British officers. The British were surprised A WRECKED BRITISH TANK On the Albert-Amiens road. A HARMLESS "BIG BERTHA" This giant naval gun was wrecked by the Germans in order to make it valueless to the Americans advancing on the Somme. The gun stood at Cappy-sur-Somme, about twenty miles east of Amiens. 320 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR A DUMP OF THE 132x0 AT GERMONVILLE by the speed with which the Illinoisans adapted themselves to trench fight- ing and the skill with which they patrolled No Man's Land. While in the line before Albert the regiment was subjected to heavy artillery fire and suffered many casualties. Lieutenant James I. Dappert of Company K and Lieutenant Wilbur A. Mathews of Company M were killed by shell fire, and Lieutenant Raymond Preston died of the effects of gas inhaled when he was attempting to rescue soldiers who had been buried by the explosion of a shell. These were the first officers lost by the regiment. The regiment was relieved on August n and sent to the Bois de Querrieu, where the Fourth Australian Infan- try Division was holding the line. A sector near Harbonnieres was as- signed to the 1 32nd and was held until August 19, when the long- awaited order to join the American army on an American front was received by the divi- sional commander. Although they re- gretted leaving the Aus- THE EVER-USEFUL MULES tralians, the order de- At LaClairc wagons could not reach the water supply. lighted the men of the THE I32ND INFANTRY 321 FRENCH NAVAL GUN AT ALEXANDRE Perhaps the largest gun on the front, it was dynamited by the French during their retreat in 1916. regiment. It meant, for one thing, relief from the cheese, hard bread, jam and tea of the British commissary. The prospect of American "chow" lightened the long trip to the new front. Trains carried the regiment from Camon and Longeau to Resson and Culey, where ten days were devoted to light duty. Then, in lor- ries, the men moved for- ward to Fromereville to serve with the Second French Army. The weird ride forward on an endless stream of motor trucks, running counter- current to another stream, gave the regiment a never-to-be-forgotten picture of the immensity of modern war. As the end of the lumbering ride was neared, the destination was re- vealed. In thrilled whispers the men passed along the name of the famous battlefield to which they were advancing: "Verdun!" It was a proud moment for the i32nd. To hold the line in a sector that had withstood the utmost strength of the enemy, a sector where so many heroes had laid down their lives to stop the foe, was an honor ap- preciated by every man. On the morning of September 10 the regi- ment moved into the front line at the his- toric Dead Man's Hill to relieve the 4o8th French Infantry and take up the task of guarding the approach AWAITING THE GERMAN ATTACK to the battered but in- The i32nd in the trenches at Alexandre, before Verdun. From domitable fortress of this trench could be seen the valley of the Meuse, where 70,000 Frenchmen lie buried. Verdun. 322 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR No Man's Land, in this sector, was a hotly contested battleground, but the 1 32nd more than held its own. Although clashes between its patrols and those of the enemy were frequent, the regiment's losses dur- ing this period were only one killed, one captured, and a few wounded. Two enemy patrols attacked Lieutenant Frank T. Wilson and twenty men of Company B one night, but were driven off with heavy losses though they outnum- bered their antagonists. Lieutenant Wilson's patrol did not lose a man. An official German report, captured later, showed that the enemy lost nine killed and twenty wounded, two of them officers. An order that gave warning of a general attack, extending from Metz to the North Sea, was issued three days in advance of its open- ing on September 26. It designated the 1 32nd as the pivot for the whole COLONEL DAVIS AT THE FRONT movement, ^ for the regiment was This shack had just been hit by a shell and resting against the west bank of the torn in two. Meuse, and the object of the offen- sive was to drive the enemy off that bank and to force him northward and eastward beyond the river. MEN OF THE I32ND BRINGING IN THEIR FIRST PRISONERS AT CHATTANCOURT THE I32ND INFANTRY 323 When the order reached Colonel Davis he recalled the words spoken by the colonel in command of the 4o8th French Infantry at the time the i32nd relieved his regiment. An inspection of the sector had been made. To the right was the Meuse. In front, in the center of No Man's Land, was Forges Creek, with Forges Wood on rising ground beyond. "An advance in this direction by either side is impossible," the French colonel had said. "The Germans tried it and failed. Probably we shall never try it. Any movement against the enemy would have to be from the east side of the Meuse, for on this side Forges Creek, the barbed wire en- tanglements, which have been constantly improved on both sides for three years, the elaborate machine gun nests on the edge of Forges Wood, and WOUNDED MEN OF THE i 3 2N D CARRIED BY GERMAN PRISONERS Near Chattancourt, September 26. In the background rises the top of Dead Man's Hill. the whole scheme of the German defense would make an attack quite im- possible." He had called it impossible, yet the orders for September 26 called for an advance across Forges Creek, an attack on the enemy's defenses in the woods, capture of the town of Forges, a sharp turn to the right and estab- lishment of a line a little more than a mile long on the west bank of the Meuse, facing the enemy on the east bank. It was decided that the first and second battalions should lead the at- tack, the first, under Major Brendan J. Dodd, on the right, and the second, commanded by Major Paul C. Gale, on the left. Major John J. Bullington and the third battalion were to support the attacking troops. A machine gun company was assigned to each battalion. The first bat- talion was given the regimental machine gun unit. Company A of the 1 2 4th Machine Gun Battalion was assigned to Major Gale, while Com- ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR READY FOR THE JUMP-OFF The tape followed by Company G on September 26. A German "potato-masher" holds the tape to view. pany D of the same or- ganization was attached to Major B Islington's battalion. A section of 37 mm. guns and trench mortars also was to ac- company each unit. Each battalion was to have two companies in the line and two in sup- port. The individual companies were to be or- ganized in two waves each. The artillery opened a heavy barrage at i a. m. on the day of the attack. At 3 o'clock the volume of fire was increased, and at zero hour standing artillery and machine gun barrages were laid, to continue forty-five minutes. Zero hour was 5:15 a. m. Two hours before that time the regiment was in position. Precisely at the appointed hour it moved forward. Lanes had been cut through the wire in front of the American defenses along lines laid out by the intelligence section. Along the lanes down to Forges Creek, the men of the i32nd advanced. There, under cover of the barrage and a heavy mist, two companies of Colonel Henry A. Allen's Chicago engineers, the io8th, had built bridges. The enemy was directing savage ma- chine gun fire at the river, but the aim was too high and the regiment crossed rapidly without casualties. Then, under protection of a twenty-minute standing barrage, the lines reformed on the north bank of the stream and prepared for the first assault on the German lines. As the rolling barrage started, the order to advance was given, and the front line battalions moved ahead, about 300 yards behind the barrage. At 6:30 Diogenes Trench and the southern fringe of Forges Wood were reached, the right flank resting on the Forges-Drillancourt road and the left touching the southwest line of the forest. ONE QF THE PASSERALLES Machine gun fire was encountered at the ACROSS FORGES SWAMP THE I32ND INFANTRY 325 edge of the woods but flanking platoons quickly silenced it, and the advance continued. Thus far the heavy fog had covered and aided the advance, but now more concentrated opposition was met. The enemy's machine gun nests were nu- merous and cleverly placed. They were echeloned in depth in five lines and strongly manned. The infantry fire, however, was rather weak. It soon became evident that the advance could not be made in line. Attacking waves, therefore, were formed into small combat groups for oper- ation against strong-points and posts. In this way the advance was con- tinued. Bombers, supported by trench mortars, disposed of isolated posts, IN THE ENEMY'S TRENCHES At Forges, on October 3, the i32nd made good use of the camouflage left by the Germans. The German line is about 1,200 yards away, across the Meuse River. one by one. Riflemen took care of the numerous snipers, some of whom were operating in trees. In this extremely difficult and dangerous advance Captain George H. Mallon of Company E led his men with such bravery and skill as to hearten the whole line. He personally led attacks on machine gun nests which re- sulted in the capture of eleven machine guns and one anti-tank gun with their crews. Then he engineered and participated in the capture of a battery of 150 mm. howitzers, attacking some of the gunners with his fists when his ammunition had been exhausted. Captain Mallon was one of four men of the regiment who won the Con- gressional Medal of Honor for valor displayed in the advance through Forges 326 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Wood. One of the grid's distinctions was the possession of five of the seventy-eight Congressional Medals awarded to officers and men of the Amer- ican Expeditionary Forces. Four were earned in this battle. The three other men winning them were First Sergeant Sydney G. Gumpertz of Company E, who fought beside his captain in the machine gun raids and then personally cleaned out one menacing nest; Private Berger Loman of Company H, who captured an officer and fourteen men after silencing a machine gun; and Sergeant Willie Sandlin of Company H, who rushed and put out of commis- sion several enemy nests. By means of such heroic fighting the advancing troops forced their way through the woods. The first battalion, on the right flank, swung toward THIS WAS THE TOWN OF FORGES A squad of the io8th Engineers are building a road through the center of the town. the east to reach its objective. It became subjected to heavy machine gun fire from commanding positions in the Ravine des Rapilleux, but the soldiers rushed the nests, captured or killed the gunners, and broke through. The battalion continued to advance steadily until it reached its objective, the railroad tracks paralleling the west bank of the Meuse. To Company D, on the right of the first battalion, had been assigned the special mission of cleaning up the trenches and strong-points in the direc- tion of the town of Forges and in the town itself. Upon reaching Diogenes Trench, Company D swung to the right along the edge of the wood and, brush- ing aside the opposition which it encountered, captured the town of Forges. THE I32ND INFANTRY 327 FORGES WOOD AN AERIAL VIEW OF FORGES WOOD Showing part of the terrain over which the i32nd advanced on September 26. 328 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE GERMAN BEER WAS GOOD AT FORGES The officer at the left is Lieutenant Rheinfrank. It then pushed on to the east, reaching the bank of the Meuse in time to establish liaison with the rest of the battalion when it reached its ob- jective. Meantime, the sec- ond battalion executed a turning movement to- ward the Meuse along a narrow gauge railroad running about 300 yards west of the Forges-Dril- hncourt road. The bat- talion proceeded through the wood, fighting stub- bornly for every foot gained, until the right flank reached the road running east and west through the center of the forest. It then advanced in a due easterly direction, always in the face of severe fire, until it, too, faced the Meuse. The third battalion followed in support of the second until it reached the wood. Then it inclined to the west, went around the edge of the wood, and filled the gap caused by the turning movement of the other battalions. Detachments were left to mop up positions in the woods and guard ap- proaches where counterattacks might be made. The plan of attack had completely surprised the enemy. The i32nd, after crossing No Man's Land in front of the German lines, had executed an encircling movement, hitting the enemy on the flank instead of the front as he expected. All the enemy machine guns were laid to meet an attack from the front. Men of the 13 2nd attacke^ and captured machine gun crews which were firing blindly to the front in blissful ignorance of the fact that there were no troops there. Many have called this one of the most successful operations of the war. The regiment's objectives were reached by 10 o'clock, after an advance of five kilometers. More than 800 prisoners were captured and great quan- tities of arms and ammunition were taken, and the casualties of the i32nd were one officer and fifteen men killed and seventy-two men wounded. The captured ordnance and stores included four 6-inch howitzers, with large quantities of ammunition; ten field pieces, with ammunition; ten trench mortars; one hundred and nine machine guns and a great deal of ammuni- tion; two anti-tank guns; quantities of small arms ammunition, grenades, and pyrotechnics; a dump of engineering material; a wagon load of signal ap- paratus; eight railroad cars, and miscellaneous stores. THE I32ND INFANTRY 329 MAJOR WILLIAM E. KENDALL Regimental surgeon of the The victory added to the regi- ment's prestige and confidence. Picked German troops had been overwhelmingly defeated, and the men of the 13 2nd had shown ex- traordinary bravery. The men who received the Congressional Medal were not the only ones who distin- guished themselves in the battle. Sergeant Major Alfred W. Heuer of the second battalion and Private Henry Hoy of Company A risked their lives to save comrades from death; Corporal Eli Shapiro of Com- pany D led his squad through the battle, in spite of serious wounds; Captain John R. Weaver of Com- pany A, Sergeant George W. Miller of Company F, Sergeant Earl J. Cheevers of the signal section, Cor- poral Victor Peterson and Private Charles Schultz of Company H and Private George Korsysko of Company H displayed exceptional gallantry in attacking machine gun nests. First Lieutenant Ralph W. Stine was killed by a sniper's bullet when gallantly leading his platoon against an entrenched position of the enemy. Nor did all the glory belong to the fighting men. Captain (later Major) William E. Kendall, the regimental surgeon, after assigning a battalion surgeon to each of the attacking waves, advanced with the first wave. "This is our first big engagement," he told Colonel Davis before the battle began. "I am going with one of the attacking waves in order to let each officer and man of the medical department know that I do not expect of them any more than I would do myself. I know them to be a brave lot and want to be one of them." Captain Kendall continued with the attacking wave until the objective was reached, establishing dressing stations and supervising the removal and treatment of the wounded. Captain Kendall was right. He had a brave lot. In this, as in other actions, the medical officers and men of the i32nd did heroic work. The regiment held its position on the west bank of the Meuse until October 4, when it was withdrawn to Malancourt to act as a reserve to the corps. The time was spent in strengthening the defenses and reconnoiter- ing in expectation of another attack. Scouts covered the entire regimental front, from Consenvoye to Brabant, obtaining information to be used when the time should come for crossing the Meuse. The enemy kept up a steady fire on the trenches, causing many casualties but failing to dislodge the 13 2nd. 330 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR After the withdrawal, the third battalion and the machine gun company were attached to the Fourth Division. The remaining units of the regiment were sent back to the Meuse to participate in a projected attack on the Bois de Chaume, the Bois du Plat Chene and Consenvoye, to be launched October 8. The plan was to have the French attack, and, if possible, capture Con- senvoye. The first and second battalions of the 13 2nd regiment and the sec- ond battalion of the i3ist were then to cross the river, pass through the AN OBSERVATION POST NEAR FORGES In the distance can be seen the town of Consenvoye. French troops and drive on through the Bois de Chaume and the Bois du Plat Chene. At 9 a. m. on October 8 the regiment was informed that the French had reached their objective, and the attack began. The second battalion and Company A of the 12 4th Machine Gun Battalion, all commanded by Major Gale, were on the right. On the left was Major Dodd with the first battalion and Company D of the i24th Machine Gun Battalion. The sec- ond battalion of the i3ist and the machine gun company of that regiment were in support, under Major Hamlet C. Ridgway. Each battalion was ac- companied by sections of trench mortar and 37 mm. batteries. With the THE I32ND INFANTRY second battalion in the lead, the regiment crossed the Meuse at Brabant over a bridge constructed by the io8th Engineers. On the east bank it was ranged in battle formation. At n o'clock the actual ad- vance began. Immediately it be- came evident that the French had not cleared the area assigned to them. Shortly after leaving Brabant the right flank came under fire from Consenvoye Wood. A little later the left flank, was fired on from Consenvoye. As the advance continued the fire from Consenvoye Wood became more intense. It was decided that, if the attacking troops were to go on, the wood must be cleared of machine gun nests. Lieutenant Arvid Gulbrandsen of Company F, with fifteen men, was ordered to remove the obstacle. This small detachment moved into the wood and soon encountered a strong machine gun nest. Under Lieutenant Gulbrandsen's direction, the men surrounded and attacked the position. The squad was skillfully handled and kept up so effective a fire that the Germans were completely deceived. Believing that the main at- THE APPROACH TO CONSENVOYE BRIDGE THE RAILROAD STATION AT CONSENVOYE 332 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR tack was being made against Consenvoye Wood, the enemy shifted his fire from the main line and concentrated it on the group which was storming the machine gun nest in the wood. This shift in the fire made it possible for the battalion to continue its advance but it cost the lives of Lieutenant Gul- brandsen and every man in his heroic little band. Fighting against terrific odds, the detach- ment was wiped out. Sixteen men gave their lives in the ex- ecution of an order. Their sac- rifice will never be forgotten. With the right flank no longer menaced, the troops moved forward in lines of com- bat groups, preceded by scouts. Automatic rifle squads preceded each flank, engaging the ma- chine gun nests while the main line advanced. The enemy's fire became terrific as Consenvoye was neared. Anti-tank rifles were used with frightful effect. They inflicted heavy casualties and caused wounds too horrible for description. These guns, however, were stormed and captured, and Major Dodd, whose leadership had been superb, finally led the first battalion into Consenvoye, clearing the town and kill- ing many of the enemy. At this point the attack temporarily rested. A great many prisoners were taken in Consenvoye, and three Amer- icans were retaken from the enemy. They were Lieutenant Russell A. Schmidt of the io8th Field Signal Battalion and two of his men. The Ger- mans had captured them as they were laying advance wires to be used by the attacking troops. Lieutenant Schmidt himself had been seriously wounded, but had contrived, before being taken prisoner, to sink his copies of plans and orders in the Meuse. The regiment reformed its lines at Consenvoye and waited for orders to proceed with the attack. The losses had been heavy in the severe fight- ing in the woods, but magnificent heroism had made possible the elimina- tion of a strong enemy position. THE CONSENVOYE CHURCH Used first by the Germans and later by the Americans as a stable and blacksmith shop. THE I32ND INFANTRY 333 THE APPROACH TO CONSENVOYE 334 LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES H. STANSFIELD After his service with the i32nd Infantry Colonel Stansfield was division judge advocate and later acting division adjutant. It would be impossible to recite the individual exploits that won honor for the 13 2nd in the advance on Consenvoye, but the quality of the regiment's fighting may be judged from the behavior of such men as First Sergeant Johannes S. Anderson of Company B, who, single-handed, attacked a strong- point containing machine guns, cap- turing twenty-three prisoners, and Private Felix Bird, who took forty- nine men prisoners after killing their officer. Corporal Robert C. Fraser of Company C also distinguished him- self. At the point of his bayonet he marched fifty Germans out of a dugout near Consenvoye. Private Louis Cecilia of Company G won es- special honor by routing a gun crew and fighting on in spite of severe wounds. First Lieutenants Claude H. Craig, Jay T. Baughan and Roger K. Thompson fought so gallantly as to win commissions as captains. At 4 p. m. the regiment was ordered to resume the attack. Under a rolling barrage the assaulting waves moved forward again, the second bat- talion en the right, the first battalion on the left and the battalion from the i3ist Infantry in support. The enemy's strength had been nearly spent, and by nightfall the line had advanced to the south edge of the Bois de Chaume, where the men dug in for the night. Next morning at 6 o'clock the artillery again opened fire, and the struggle for possession of the Bois de Chaume began. The enemy, strongly intrenched in the woods, poured a withering fire into the advancing line. Captain Franklin Wood of Company D fell with eleven bullets in his body as he led his men. and the soldiers behind him suffered heavily. The right battalion encountered strong opposition when the middle of the wood was reached and was delayed for a time. The enemy was routed, however, and the battalion continued to advance, only slightly behind the left flank. There was another delay as the battalion neared the first ex- ploitation objective. Intense fire came from the right flank, which should have been protected by the Twenty-ninth Division which was operating in that sector. This flank attack so harassed the battalion that it did not reach the first exploitation objective until noon, an hour behind the battalion on the left. THE I32ND INFANTRY 335 IN THE BOIS DE CHAUME Front view of a German observation post and machine gun nest. As soon as liaison had been effected, strong combat patrols were sent forward in the direction of the second exploita- tion objective, while both battalions dug themselves in. One com- pany of the support bat- talion was sent to assist the right flank; the rest of the unit dug in in the rear of the right bat- talion. The combat patrols met stiff opposition but overcame small groups of the enemy and exterminated machine gun nests. They reached the second exploitation objective in good order, and were just digging themselves in when the fog that had hung over the battlefield all day lifted, revealing the enemy's trenches only about 150 feet away. Troops on both sides were surprised to find their lines so close together. The Germans lost no time in retiring to new positions several hundreds yards to the rear, leaving a few machine guns in the abandoned trenches. Meanwhile, the right battalion was looking in vain for the division on its right. Orders had been to advance to the second objective without regard for the troops to the right but it soon became evident that a gap of more than a mile had been left in the line, exposing the right flank and giv- ing the enemy a danger- ous opening. The divi- sion to the right had not even reached its normal objective. The enemy quickly took advantage of this situation. Small groups began filtering through the gap to harass the right flank. Then a counterattack was launched. Infantry, supported by machine guns, was thrown against REAR VIEW OF THE SAME NEST the battalion, aided by 336 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR heavy artillery fire and a fleet of airplanes. The supporting battalion could not cover the whole exposed front, but the line held under the enemy's ham- mering and was able to bend slowly backward to close the gap. The counter- attack was repulsed after heavy losses on both sides. Then the line was reorganized, with the left flank remaining on the second exploitation objective and the extreme right flank touching the line of the normal objective. There the regiment hung on until reinforcements had come forward to relieve it and take up the fight. Then it withdrew from the line for a short rest. Special praise was earned in the Bois de Chaume fighting by the runners. Although telephones, visual signals, and pigeons were used in maintaining THE AMERICAN CEMETERY AT THE SOUTH END OF THE BOIS DU FAYS Where some of the men of the third battalion were buried. liaison, runners gave better service than all other means together. And the messengers of the i32nd maintained communications at the risk of their lives. Color Sergeant Elof Sandstrom, the chief runner of the regiment, won fame for his daring. Others who distinguished themselves repeatedly in this and other battles were Corporal Herman J. Friedman, Corporal Wil- liam J. Sattler, and Privates Philip Duff, Sidney Hatch, Harvey E. Camell, James J. Snyder, and Paul E. Watson. The band men, too, deserve honor for their behavior. They acted as stretcher-bearers in battle and faced the fire of the enemy repeatedly to go to the rescue of comrades. While the first and third battalions had been engaged in the attack THE I32ND INFANTRY 337 around Consenvoye, the third battalion, under Major Bullington, and the machine gun com- pany, under Captain Harry R. Chadwick, which had been attached to the Fourth Division, had seen equally as severe fighting west of the Meuse. Immediately after its transfer, the third battalion, accompanied by the machine gunners, had relieved parts of the Fifty-eighth and Fifty- ninth Infantry Regi- ments in the Bois du Fays, taking over a horseshoe-shaped salient there. As the enemy was strongly entrenched on both sides of the salient, the battalion was exposed to intense artillery and machine gun fire and frequent gas at- tacks from both flanks. The battalion went into the line on October 6. The next morning a strong combat patrol from Company M penetrated 300 yards into the enemy's position, determined the strength of the German defenses and located an observation post. Later in the day another patrol was sent out. So annoying did these patrols become that on the morning of October 8 the enemy withdrew from the eastern side of the salient. With one side of the line relieved, portions of the Fourth Division GERMAN OFFICERS' QUARTERS IN BOIS DE FORET The type of construction indicates that they were intended for long occupancy. PANORAMA OF THE TOWN OF BRIEULLES The principal town in the sector in which the third battalion fought from October 6 to 10. 338 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR launched an attack on the morning of the gth to clear the Bois de Malau- mont and reach the northern edge of the Bois de Foret. The enemy's resistance was stubborn. On the night of October 10 the men of the 13 2nd were ordered forward to assist the troops then in position. The battalion advanced through the Bois de Malaumont and at daylight of the next day renewed the attempt to clear the wood. The advancing lines were subjected to terrific artillery fire, gas shells especially causing many casualties. Hand-to-hand fighting occurred fre- quently. Machine gun nests were numerous and were strongly placed. Every foot of the way was contested. To add to the difficulties of the attack, the enemy's fire virtually cut the lines of communication. So many casualties were suffered by carrying parties that in one or two instances all efforts to get rations up to the fight- ing men had to be abandoned. All along the line rations were insufficient. The battalion, nevertheless, forged ahead. The line was disorganized several times by artillery fire, but never routed. Each time the attacking waves were reorganized and the stubborn progress was resumed. When at last the objective had been reached, Major Bullington and all company commanders were casualties; one officer and thirty-seven men had been killed, and eleven officers and three hundred and fifteen men had been wounded or gassed. But the objective had been reached on scheduled time and the woods were clear of Germans. A first lieutenant, Harry Yagle, was in command of the battalion when it left the lines and the ranks had been terribly depleted, but the only comment of the men was: "We gave 'em hell and captured 400 of 'em!" IN THE FOURTH DIVISION'S SECTOR Showing the territory covered by the advance of the third battalion, i32nd Infantry. THE I32ND INFANTRY 339 Instances of great personal heroism in this advance were com- mon, officers and men alike over- coming desperate odds to win their way through the woods. Lieutenant Homer C. Darling, Lieutenant Albert H. Stout, and Sergeant John Francisco, of Com- pany M, distinguished themselves in hand-to-hand encounters with the enemy and led their men with skill and bravery. First Sergeant Geof- frey L. Hubbard of Company L be- haved with similar gallantry, taking command of the company after every officer had been killed or wounded and leading it until the ob- jective had been reached. Lieuten- ant Earl Wall and Lieutenant Ross L. Williams lost their lives while leading their men. Lieutenant Wil- liams sacrificed himself in an effort to recover wounded men of the ma- chine gun company. CAPTAIN JOHN L. O'DONNELL Regimental chaplain, awarded the Distin- guished Service Medal for "his unceasing efforts . _ on behalf of the men's welfare. Wherever he Captain Robert C. Hagan, was needed he set an example for courage and Captain Charles E. Wise, Lieutenant rofa whl ' ch a PP recia ^ raised the morale of ' those fdr whom he worked." George W. Kartell, First Sergeant George B. Webber, and Privates Ernest Kruse, Ingeman Jensen, Edward J. Powers and Melvin Myhrune, though wounded, refused to go to the rear until after the battle. Private Powers threw away the "wounded" tag which had been put on him and slipped away from the first aid station to rejoin his comrades. Captain Wise, until he was forcibly removed to a dressing station, directed his company from the shell hole in which he had fallen. Father (Captain) John L. O'Donnell, the regimental chaplain, was in the thick of the fighting at the Bois du Fays, as he had been at Forges Wood, where he was with the first wave when the objective was reached. In the action at the Bois du Fays, he was in the front lines, caring for the wounded and directing the stretcher bearers. He was gassed at the Bois de Foret on October 10 but refused to leave the line until he was exhausted. He was then removed to a hospital. Captain Chadwick was wounded when in the front lines with his ma- chine gun crews. Private Carl Swanson lost his life in attempting to assist the captain a shell struck him as he was lifting the wounded officer to a stretcher. Others whose heroism helped make the advance possible were Corporal 340 INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH AT DANNEVOUX Thomas P. Tibbetts, of Company L, who led a reconnaissance patrol through the German lines ; Sergeant James Reynolds, also of Com- pany L, who cleaned out three machine gun nests; and Privates Irving B. Torfin and Adolph Pru- shek of the same com- pany, who carried mes- sages through heavy fire. How well the Fourth Division appreci- ated the battalion's serv- ices may be judged from the citations won by the unit. Colonel F. W. command of the Wise, of the United States Marine Corps, who was in Fifty-ninth Infantry, said in an order: "I wish to call attention to the splendid services rendered by the officers and men of the third battalion, i32nd Infantry, under command of Major Bullington, while attached to this regiment from October 6 to October 10. * * * Their service was performed under most trying conditions." Brigadier General E. E. Booth, commanding the Eighth Infantry Brigade, had this to say: "This battalion rendered excellent service and showed the splendid material of which it is composed by performing its work without a murmur under a grilling artillery and machine gun fire." NESTLING IN THE VALLEY, THE TOWN OF DANNEVOUX THE I32ND INFANTRY After the battalion had rejoined the regiment in a rest area, replace- ment troops were sent forward to fill the ranks. To these men great credit is due, for they learned with amazing rapidity and served well, though many of them had never fired an army rifle. Some of the new men, unfortu- nately, were not physically fit for the rigors of hard campaigning, but the majority became good soldiers. The regiment was ready for action again by October 14 and was ordered to the front lines near Dannevoux. The enemy kept up a continuous fire of gas and high explosive shells, but the i32nd's gas discipline was so good by this time that little damage was done. A quiet week was spent at Dan- nevoux. Then the regiment was transferred to the Troyon sector, about thirty miles southwest of Metz. It went into the line there on October 24 IN THE STREETS OF TROYON These men were not unwilling to have their photographs taken. and immediately encountered greater enemy activity. The i32nd's patrols maintained the upper hand, however, engaging the enemy nightly and taking many prisoners. In this valuable work Lieutenant Howard B. Gregory, who had won recognition as a patrol officer at Dead Man's Hill, again dis- tinguished himself. On three occasions he took out patrols and returned with prisoners. Until the morning of the last day of the war, patrolling was the only activity in which the men of the i32nd engaged. But in the early hours of that memorable November n, part of the i32nd, cooperating with other troops of the Sixty-sixth Brigade, drove the enemy out of the town of Butgne- ville. The other units of the regiment attacked the Bois de Warville. Although the men knew that the armistice was to take effect at 1 1 o'clock, they jumped into the fight fiercely. And the enemy, just as well aware 342 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR that the fighting would end in a few hours, resisted strongly. But promptly at ii o'clock all firing ceased, with the regiment well in advance of its former position. Immediately the Germans left their trenches, making signs of friendli- ness and begging for food and tobacco. They had almost to be driven away from the American lines, in accordance with orders from general head- quarters against " fraternization with the enemy." In the evening the signing of the armistice was celebrated with im- promptu fireworks. Rockets and star shells captured from the enemy were sent out over No Man's Land. Thousands of French and Russian prisoners, released from work in the Briey mine regions, swarmed in upon the Illinoisans after the signing of the armistice. They had to be fed and clothed, for all of them were in rags THE BAND AT MONTE CARLO Winners of the Thirty-third Division and the Sixth Army Corps championships. and emaciated by hunger. Major Bullington, who by this time had returned to duty, was put in charge of them and handled the relief work in an able manner. Often the sight of food started a stampede among these starving men, and it became necessary to establish guard lines at every mess. All were provided with good food and warm clothing, however, and finally sent to special camps in the rear. The 1 32nd remained in the Troyon sector until December 7, when the march into Germany was begun. Some of the men were without proper shoes, but in all other respects the regiment was fit for the journey and made it easily. The route led through the Metz and Briey regions, thence into Luxemburg, and finally into Germany. The regions through which the regiment passed presented an astonishing contrast to devastated France. The well-tilled fields and pretty villages seemed untouched bv war. THE I32ND INFANTRY 343 The Illinoisans reached Germany on December 15, but were ordered back to Luxemburg five days later because of lack of billeting space. In the pretty duchy the regiment went into winter quarters, scattered in billets in many little villages. At one time, so small were the hamlets, the 13 2nd occupied no fewer than fourteen villages. Although the fighting had ended, training was continued and the regi- ment kept itself in fine condition. But the winter was not spent entirely in work. Amateur theatricals, athletics, horse and motor transport shows, and other amusements kept, the men contented. In all these activities the 13 2nd distinguished itself. The regimental transport was adjudged the best in the division, and then the division's THE REGIMENT AT ETTELBRUCK Lined up for the review by General Pershing. transport won the distinction of being rated among the best in the A. E. F. The i32nd Infantry band won the division prize and later the Sixth Corps championship, getting a fifteen-day trip to Nice and Monte Carlo as a reward. At last came the long-awaited order starting the regiment toward home. On May 10, 1919, it boarded its last French train and started toward Brest. The men rode in the "40 Hommes, 8 Chevaux" cars, but no one complained now. To be homeward bound in any kind of conveyance compensated for the inconvenience. A short stop was made at Pontanezen barracks, where the regiment was "decootied" and fitted with new clothing. Then it embarked on the same ship which had carried it to France and sailed away toward the west. As the transport steamed into New York harbor on the morning of May 24, it was met by Governor Lowden and the Illinois welcoming com- 344 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR mittee. The Governor and his associates ac- companied the regiment to Camp Mills, where they formally welcomed the men back and as- sured them of Illinois' pride in their record. From Camp Mills the men who had joined the regiment as replace- ments were sent to their home camps for dis- charge. Then the rest of the men, nearly 2,200 of them, started on to Illinois. After two years' absence they were returning to their home state with a record of which any regiment might be proud. They had fought hard and gallantly. Ten officers and two hundred and fifty- two men had been left lying in France; thirty officers and one thousand and eighty-seven men had been wounded. Such was the price in blood the regiment had paid for its victories. Hardships and sufferings were well rewarded when the regiment reached Chicago. The men will never forget the welcome accorded them. With the city's cheers still ringing in their ears, the men of the i32nd proceeded to Camp Grant, where demobilization formally closed the regimental history. THE COLORS ADVANCE FOR DECORATION GENERAL PERSHING DECORATING THE COLORS OF THE I32ND 346 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE I32ND INFANTRY WHO WERE KILLED IN ACTION. DIED OF WOUNDS OR DIED OF DISEASE OVERSEAS Captain Franklin Wood First Lieutenants Ralph W. Stine Wm. S. Wolf, Jr. Ross L. Williams Second Lieutenants James Ivan Dappert Arvid W. Gulbrandsen Wilbur A. Mathews Theodore Nelson Raymond Preston Earl L. Wall Albert H. Stout Sergeants Walter DeHaven Rudolph Erdman Wesley Foster John Q. Kartell George R. Hunsaker Walter E. Johnson George W. Lee Ivan McCutcheon Jack L. Milloy Oscar Peterson James A. Purdon Albert Ratajik Royce V. Wallace Robert Yarmo Corporals George M. Anderson James J. Beran Charles Brick Joseph R. Cantwell William Chizum Harry P. Deiss Adam S. Faltynski Mike George John Hanus Willis J. Henshaw John J. Hogan John V. Janiszewski Christ Johnson Martin M. Johnson John F. Lamont Fredolph J. Lindhuldt John E. Lynch Robert J. Maher James J. McCarthy Harry H. Meyer Harry H. Heysembourg Walter C. Murray Emmett Patrick O'Donneil Anthony Paterakis James J. Pavlis Arnold S. Rening William F. Rochford Marshall D. Ross Paul Siclar Edward Siers John F. Slusinski Clement R. Steele Fred D. Stevenson Albert F. Wittman Cook Edward Hain Bugler Ernest Wipper Mechanics Bronislaw Gosztowt Alexander J. Kawciznski Emil G. F. Schieve John Schook Privates, First Class Stanley F. Bayarek Richard Bollatto Charles C. Clark John Coco Philip Conduti Michael J. Durkin Charles L. Eddy Paul Fitzner Edward G. Fogarty Glenn E. Gambrill Rafael P. Garza Joseph Greco Edward Harris John P. Huberty Henry Hubick John Jaski Sydney Kirkeng Casimir Lisewski Alfred Madson Clifford McCutcheon Louis Notardonado Adolph Oium John Papas James Papovasilupulos Joseph H. Peterka Isadore Pobstman Emil F. Redding Edward R. Reeves Frank Roach John C. Scalzitti Frank H. Schubert Harry Seal THE I32ND INFANTRY 347 Clarence E. Seth John F. Slusinski Joseph F. Steiber Cilinion F. Whitt Michael Washa Privates George Annagnostopoulos Harry O. Altenberg Gust Barstad John P. Bast Leonard F. Becker Mandel Beerstel Arthur A. Beyer John Blasius, Jr. Elmer Borgeson Bertis L. Bradley Fred W. Brown Oswald H. Burmester Homer W. Bussong Clarence T. Butler Edward A. Carbiener Phillip Capogna Emedo Camili Marius H. Christiansen James P. Cleary Cloyd Cravens Arthur H. Dahlman Edward Dardis Benjamin S. Davis Edward Decowski John R. DeLong Peter D. De Young Sylvester Dobinski Charles Domiano Charles Darion Adam J. Ducabage Elijah T. Duckworth Frank O. Dunlavey James Dunne Everett R. Duress Sebastian Emma Henry H. Engelhardt Albert J. Erickson John Essenmacher Alvin Fengestad Gustave Franson Arthur A. Frederickson John J. Frerichs Theodore G. Frisse Edward Fucik John A. Gabrielson Joseph Corkowski Edward J. Gadbois Peter Gednill Jacob Gelombirki Charles Glemzer William M. Grant Frank F. Gresiak George M. Hanson Lloyd Haws Louis Haycox Clark S. Hazlett Richard Hill Paul Hoover Walenty Horzewski Sidney Johnson Hyman Kaufman Herbert J. Keilman William Kelly Thomas Kindelan William Kirschenbaum Elmer Klauck Paul Kokoszka George Korsysko Joseph V. Kozielski Joseph Kiwiatkowski Benjamin L. Lamb Orbra Leath Sam Levinsky Gustave Lindbloom Joseph Lisiecki Alfred E. Lyng Charles E. Maguire Theodore L. Manhom James Manguso Arthur L. Marske Dominico Mattuci George W. McDonald John G. McDonald Patrick B. McEniery Robert R. McKibben James McPeak William J. Metzen Ignazio Miosi Eddie C. Momb Roy S. Moore Edward C. Mullens Carl F. Nitz Dominick O'Berto James O'Brien William G. O'Brien Patrick W. O'Connell Antone Ogren Alphonso J. O'Laughlin Patrick O'Leary Ben M. Ooster Richard J. O'Reiley George Oszuscik Carl E. Otto Peter Owseychick Ben Paganini Fred C. Passick Emil A. Peo Junius Perry Luigi Perri Floyd J. Pound Arthur A. Petermeiei Erwin A. Peters Frank Petrick 348 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR George S. Poston Maurice B. Quillen M. Rabinowitz Willie A. Ramsey Nelson F. Ratcliff Jesse H. Reinhart William R. Rhodes Dale Rice Robert J. Rodgers Anton Romsos Bennedetto Salvador! Fred W. Sanders, Jr. Felix Scherrpa Charles Schultz Earl L. Sears Burget L. Shearer Frank H. Sheldon Edward Shart Jacob Siegel James T. Snider John Sobanski John A. Stone George A. Stall August F. Soucheck Lloyd K. Spears Fred Stancik Vincent Stankiewicz Walter Stasiak Carl E. Swanson Joseph O. Sweet Macario Taglieri Lee A. Taylor David Thyr Samuel E. Tinkey Melville G. Tierney Edward H. Tosel Theodore Trost Theodore L. Trouth Louis Tveite Taddeus A. Tyk Charles B. Updike Joseph P. Vogt Frederick G. Vilim Arthur Vidal James T. Venable. Melvius Wold Bruno Wojciechowski Chester Wiszowaty Jose Wesolowski Harry Yauch John S. Zakrzewski Fred M. Ziegler DECORATIONS RECEIVED BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE I32ND INFANTRY Colonel Abel Davis Distinguished Service Cross Majors Brendan J. Dodd Distinguished Service Cross Chevalier Legion of Honor Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf John J. Bullington Belgian Croix de Guerre Captains Harry R. Chadwick Distinguished Service Cross Christie F. McCormick Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Charles J. McNamee Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star George H. Mallon Medal of Honor Chevalier Legion of Honor Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf William J. Masoner Croix de Guerre with Gold Star John L. O'Donnell Distinguished Service Medal Frank E. Schram The Military Cross Robert Wigglesworth Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre for merit Croix de Guerre with Palm T.eaf Charles E. Wise Distinguished Service Cross First Lieutenants Julian W. Jacobs Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Ralph W. Stine Distinguished Service Cross Second Lieutenants Homer C. Darling Distinguished Service Cross Arvid W. Gulbrandsen Distinguished Service Cross Michael Komorowsky The Military Cross Belgian Cross Theodore V. Nelson Distinguished Service Cross Albert H. Stout Distinguished Service Cross Earl L. Wall Distinguished Service Cross Henry A. Yagle Distinguished Service Cross The Military Cross THE I32ND INFANTRY 349 First Sergeants Johannes S. Anderson Medal of Honor Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Belgian Croix de Guerre Sydney G. Gumpertz Medal of Honor Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Martin E. Smith Distinguished Service Cross George B. Webber Distinguished Service Cross Sergeants Monred A. Bordwick Distinguished Service Cross Samuel E. Casaga Distinguished Service Cross Earl J. Cheevers Distinguished Service Cross John Francisco Distinguished Service Cross Frank A. Koijane Distinguished Service Cross The Military Medal John I. Postula Distinguished Service Cross Lawrence E. Rue Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Willie Sandlin Medal of Honor Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Jacob B. Ternig Distinguished Service Cross Corporals John DeSmidt Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Robert C. Fraser Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Harry Jones Distinguished Service Cross Earl Lamb Distinguished Service Cross Albert C. Painsipp Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal Victor Peterson Distinguished Service Cross William J. Sattler Distinguished Service Cross Eli Shapiro Distinguished Service Cross Privates, First Class Felix Bird Distinguished Service Cross Belgian Croix de Guerre Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Sidney Hatch Distinguished Service Cross Lawrence A. Vizenor Distinguished Service Cross John R. Waterhouse Distinguished Service Cross Privates Harvey E. Camell Distinguished Service Cross Louis Cecilia Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Fred Cummins Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Gilbert R. Dalton Distinguished Service Cross Phillip E. Duff Distinguished Service Cross William C. Frieson Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Edward Fogarty Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Louis M. Giesecke Distinguished Service Cross George C. Heuth Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Sidney Holzman Distinguished Service Cross Henry Hoy Distinguished Service Cross Ingeman Jensen Distinguished Service Cross George Korsysko Distinguished Service Cross Berger Loman Medal of Honor Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf William Loeffler Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Melvin Myhrune Distinguished Service Cross Atilio Nucci Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Edward J. Powers Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Charles Schultz Distinguished Service Cross Harry Shelly Distinguished Service Cross Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Distinguished Conduct Medal 350 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR James J. Snyder Fred R. Wilkins Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Cross Carl Swanson The Military Medal Distinguished Service Cross CITATIONS FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR Captain George H. Mallon: In Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, becoming separated from the balance of his company because of a fog, Captain Mallon, with nine soldiers, pushed forward and attacked nine active hostile machine guns, capturing all of them without the loss of a man. Continuing on through the woods, he led his men in attacking a battery of four 1 55-millimeter howitzers which were in action, rushing the position and capturing the battery and its crew. In this encounter, Captain Mallon personally attacked one of the enemy with his fists. Later, when the party came upon two more machine guns, this officer sent men to the flanks while he rushed forward directly in the face of the fire and silenced the guns, being the first one of the party to reach the nest. The exceptional gallantry and determination displayed by Captain Mallon resulted in the capture of 100 prisoners, eleven machine guns, four 1 5 5 -millimeter howitzers, and one anti-aircraft gun. First Sergeant Johannes S. Anderson, Company B: At Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, while his company was being held up by intense artillery and machine gun fire, Sergeant Anderson, without aid, voluntarily left the company and worked his way to the rear of the nest that was offering the most stubborn resistance. His advance was made through an open area, and under constant hostile fire, but the mission was successfully accomplished and Sergeant Anderson not only silenced the gun and captured it, but also brought back with him twenty-three prisoners. First Sergeant Sydney G. Gumpertz, Company E: In Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, when the advancing line was held up by machine gun fire, Sergeant Gumpertz left the platoon of which he was in command and started with two other soldiers through a heavy barrage toward the machine gun nest. His two companions soon became casualties from bursting shells, but Sergeant Gumpertz continued on alone in the face of direct fire from the machine gun, jumped into the nest and silenced the gun, capturing nine of the crew. Sergeant Willie Sandlin, Company A: At Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, Sergeant Sandlin advanced alone directly on a machine gun nest which was holding up the line with its fire. He killed the crew with a grenade and enabled the line to advance. Later in the day Sergeant Sandlin attacked alone and put out of action two other machine gun nests, setting a splendid example of bravery and coolness to his men. Private Berger Loman, Company H: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, when his company had reached a point within 100 yards of its objective, to which it was advancing under terrific machine gun fire, Private Loman, volun- tarily and unaided, made his way forward, after all others had taken shelter from the direct fire of an enemy machine gun. He crawled to a flank position of the gun, and, after killing or cap- turing the entire crew, turned the machine gun on the retreating enemy. CITATIONS FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Colonel Abel Davis: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, Colonel Davis' regiment, upon reaching its objective after a difficult advance involving two changes of direction, was subjected to a determined counter- attack. Disregarding the heavy shell and machine gun fire, Colonel Davis personally assumed command, and by his fearless leadership and courage the enemy was driven back. Major Brendan J. Dodd: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, when the attacking first wave was halted by machine gun fire, Major Dodd crossed the line, and, getting in front of the fire, located the direction from THE I32ND INFANTRY WINNERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR Above, left to right: Captain George H. Mallon, First Sergeant Sidney Gumpertz. Below, left to right: First Sergeant Johannes S. Anderson, Private Willie Sandlin. 352 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR which it was coming. He then directed a flanking fire on the stronghold and so encouraged his men that the attack was renewed. His great bravery resulted in a highly successful attack, during which many of the enemy were killed or captured and a large number of our men who had been taken prisoners earlier in the day were rescued. Captain Harry A. Chadwick: Near Bois du Fays, October n, 1918, although wounded when placing his machine gun in position preparatory to attack, Captain Chadwick remained on duty for several hours, constantly exposing himself to fire as he moved along the front line to encourage his men. He remained on duty until exhausted by loss of .blood. Captain Christie F. McCormick: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, surrounded by the enemy and unable to communicate with the rest of his regiment, Captain McCormick, with only five men, maintained an advanced position against a counterattack by picked troops, remaining in this perilous place throughout the night under terrific fire of artillery and machine guns until the arrival of supporting troops. Captain Robert Wigglesworth: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, when the two platoons he was leading in attack were held up by terrific fire from two machine guns, Captain Wigglesworth ordered his men to lie down and he, single-handed, rushed one nest, killing the gunner and capturing the crew. He then forced the surrender of the second gun crew. Captain Charles E. Wise: Near Bois de Foret, October 12, 1918, when leading his company in advance, Captain Wise was severely wounded but continued to lead his men until he became so weak that he was unable to advance. He then directed the advance from a shell hole until the command could be turned over to the first sergeant, all other officers having become casualties. First Lieutenant Ralph W. Stine (deceased): Near Forges, September 26, 1918, Lieutenant Stine led a squad which wiped out six machine gun nests and put the crews; of five others to flight. At the last nest he met stubborn resistance and was instantly killed by a sniper as he was advancing upon it at close range. Second Lieutenant Homer C. Darling: Near Bois du Fays, October 10-12, 1918, exposed to heavy machine gun fire from the front and right flank, Lieutenant Darling led his platoon forward through heavy brush, although it suffered heavy casualties. He and one other member of his platoon attacked a machine gun nest and captured three machine guns and five prisoners. In hand-to-hand fighting he personally killed five Ger- mans and wounded others. Second Lieutenant Arvid W. Gulbrandsen (deceased): Near Bois de Chaume, October 8, 1918, leading his platoon against a machine gun nest which was inflicting severe casualties on his battalion, Lieutenant Gulbrand- sen continued to advance alone in the face of the an- nihilating machine gun fire, after fourteen of his men were killed about him. Before he reached his objective he was killed by machine gun fire. Second Lieutenant Theodore V. Nelson (deceased): In the Bois de Chaume, near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, when the right platoon of his company was held up by machine gun fire, Lieutenant Nelson, alone and in the face of direct fire,- attacked the gun crew, killing the gunner and capturing two prisoners. After reach- ing his objective, he was wounded but refused to be evacuated and continued to direct the operations of his company. When an enemy counterattack forced a withdrawal of his company, he ordered the men who LIEUTENANT THEODORE V were assisting him to the rear to leave him. He later NELSON died of wounds. THE I32ND INFANTRY 353 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Captain H. F. Chadwick, Lieutenant Homer C. Darling, Major Brendan J. Dodd. Second row : Lieutenant Arvid Gulbrandsen, Captain C. F. McCormick, Lieutenant R. W. Stine. Third row: Captain Robert Wigglesworth, Captain Charles E. Wise, Major Harry A. Yagle. 354 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Second Lieutenant Albert H. Stout (deceased) : In Bois de Foret, October 12, 1918, after the battalion objective had been reached, Lieutenant Stout's platoon, which was in the front wave, was attacked from the rear by enemy troops that had penetrated the line from the left. Lieutenant Stout quickly chanced his position and led his men in a hand-to-hand fight. All of the hostile force, forty men ar.d six machine guns were killed or captured, Lieutenant Stout himself killing three Germans and capturing one machine gun. Second Lieutenant Earl W. Wall (deceased): In the Bois de Malaumont, Octooer 8, 1918, Lieutenant Wall led a reconnaissance pa- trol into the wood. The patrol encountered severe machine gun fire, but Lieutenant Wall, although twice wounded, continued forward with two soldiers until he secured the desired information. Second Lieutenant Harry A. Yagle: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, when digging in at his final objective, Lieutenant Yagle came under fire from machine guns in a sunken road 200 yards to the right front. With Sergeant Koijane and two Australian soldiers he rushed the position and captured eight prisoners. First Sergeant Martin E. Smith, Company C: At Bois de Chaume, October 9, 1918, when his company was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Sergeant Smith, under cover of a heavy fog, worked his way to the rear of an enemy machine gun crew, which had the range on the attacking wave. He opened fire from the rear. The crew, believing itself surrounded by a superior force, surrendered. He made two officers and fifteen men his prisoners and took them to the rear. First Sergeant George B. Webber, Machine Gun Company: Near Brieulles, October 8, 1918, when it appeared evident that his forces would give way under the pressure of unusually severe fire, Sergeant Webber jumped forward and, taking com- mand of a machine gun crew, led it into the front line, where he remained two days. He refused evacuation while suffering from a severe gassing, until he collapsed under the strain. Sergeant Monred A. Bordwick, Company C: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, Sergeant Bordwick, in charge of a flank patrol of four men during an attack, entered a village occupied by the enemy in force and captured forty-two prisoners and three machine guns, which were holding up the advance of the battalion from the left flank. He displayed marked courage and ability as a leader. Sergeant Samuel E. Casaga, Company A : Near St. Maurice, November 4, 1918, Sergeant Casaga was a member of a patrol that was stopped on the edge of a wood by machine gun fire. While his comrades returned the fire he crawled to the flank of the enemy's position, disregarding the machine gun fire, and, single- handed, captured a prisoner whom he brought back. Sergeant Earl Cheevers: At Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, Sergeant Cheevers saw four Germans run into a dugout. Without orders and armed only with a pistol he entered the dugout and brought out twelve prisoners. THE KING AT MOLLIEXS AU BOIS The officer being decorated is Lieutenant (later Major) Yagle. THE i 3 2ND INFANTRY 355 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Second Lieutenant Albert H. Stout, First Sergeant Martin Smith, Sergeant Monred A. Bordwick. Second row: Sergeants Samuel E. Casaga, Frank A. Koijane, John I. Postula. Bottom row: Sergeant Jacob B. Ternig, Corporal John J. DeSmidt, Corporal Harry Jones. 356 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Sergeant John Francisco, Company M: In the Bois de Foret, October 12, 1918, Sergeant Francisco, then a private, displayed remark- able heroism and leadership. During the afternoon the enemy made three strong counter- attacks, and during these attacks Sergeant Francisco gathered together fragments of squads and assumed command of them. He led them against the enemy, approaching from the rear of the right flank and was personally responsible for the capture of foui machine guns and five prisoners. Sergeant. Frank A. Koijane, Company G: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, when digging in at his final objective, Sergeant Koijane came under fire of a machine gun in a sunken road 200 yards to the right front. With Lieutenant Yagle and two Australian soldiers he rushed the position and captured eight prisoners and the gun. Sergeant John I. Postula, Company H: Near Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, when the advance of his platoon was held up by enemy fire, Sergeant Postula advanced alone against a machine gun nest and killed the crew. He brought back the gun and his platoon was enabled to renew the advance. He showed marked personal bravery under heavy fire. Sergeant Lawrence E. Rue, Company E: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, Sergeant Rue had led his platoon to its objective when orders were received to shift the line in preparation for a counterattack. He thereupon opened fire with an automatic rifle and remained behind, under heavy artillery and machine gun fire, until the last man of his platoon had reached the designated line. Sergeant Jacob B. Ternig, Company C: Near Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, Sergeant Ternig had just captured a German captain when fire was opened on his platoon from three concealed machine guns. Showing great bravery and presence of mind, Sergeant Ternig, who speaks German, ran into the enemy emplacement, taking his prisoner with him, and compelled the crews to cease firing. When this was done his platoon was able to advance without loss and take over the positions and thirty prisoners. THE REGIMENTAL BAND AT GERMONVILLE THE I32ND INFANTRY 357 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row: Corporals Victor Peterson, William J. Sattler, Eli Shapiro. Second row: First Class Privates Felix Bird, Sidney Hatch, John R. Waterhouse. Bottom row: Privates Louis Cecilia, Fred Cummins, Philip Duff. 35 8 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Corporal John J. DeSmidt, Company G: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Corporal DeSmidt, when his platoon was under heavy fire from a machine gun, located the gun and with the assistance of an Australian crept up to the position, seized the gun, and forced the crew to carry it back to our lines. Corporal Harry Jones, Company G: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, Corporal Jones showed unusual personal bravery when his platoon was held up by fire from a machine gun emplacement. Crawling forward alone, he worked his way to the flank of the position and rushed it, bayoneting one German and taking two prisoners. His action enabled his platoon to advance at once. Corporal Earl Lamb, Company F: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, Corporal Lamb, when the advance of his platoon was stopped by a machine gun, charged the gun from the flank, wounded one of the gunners, and captured the other two members of the gun crew, with the gun. Remaining in an advanced position under fire "throughout the day, he used the captured gun in breaking up a counterattack. Corporal Albert C. Painsipp, Company A: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Corporal Painsipp, single-handed, attacked a machine gun emplace- ment. Although wounded in the leg when a machine gun was trained on him, he boldly attacked it with hand grenades and drove off the crew. Corporal Victor Peterson, Company H: Near Forges, September 26, 1918, when his platoon was held up by a heavy flanking machine gun fire, Corporal Peterson advanced alone ahead of the platoon, on his own initiative, and successfully cleaned up a machine gun nest with hand grenades and captured the gun. Corporal William J. Sattlef, Headquarters Company: At Bois de Foret, October 6-13, 1918, Corporal Sattler was in charge of all runners at the advance post of command of the regiment. Although so seriously gassed that his eyes were swollen shut and his voice was affected, he refused to be evacuated, but continued on duty. October 10, when all runners were wounded or gassed or killed, he repeatedly carried many messages in order to maintain communication. Corporal Eli Shapiro, Company D: Near Forges, September 26, 1918, after having been severely wounded, Corporal Shapiro continued to lead his squad in the entire attack, which lasted several hours, and he remained until his objective had been reached and his squad sheltered. Private (First Class) Felix Bird: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, advancing alone against a dugout, Private Bird captured forty-nine of the enemy and killed one officer, who attempted to escape. Private (First Class) Sidney Hatch, Headquarters Company: Near Brieulles, October n, 1918, after being wounded by a shell which hurled him into a hole, Private Hatch made a trip to battalion headquarters, carrying a message from his platoon, and, after returning, assisted in carrying ammunition until the sergeant discovered that he had been wounded and sent him to the aid station. Private (First Class) Lawrence A. Vizenor, Company I: In the Bois du Fays, October 8, 1918, Private Vizenor was with a reconnaissance patrol which met such heavy machine gun fire that a part of the patrol was driven back. Private Vizenor, with one officer and another private, continued forward until the desired information was se- cured. The officer was mortally wounded, but Private Vizenor and his comrade silenced the machine gun, carried the officer to the rear, and reported the information they had obtained about the enemy's position. Private (First Class) John R. Waterhouset: Near Bois de Chaume, October 8, 1918, Private Waterhouse advanced 200 yards ahead of his platoon into the woods, where he surprised the Germans, taking twenty-six prisoners and driving them back to his own trench with their hands up. Private Harvey E. Camell, Company M: Near Brieulles, October 10, 1918, after seeing several other runners fail in the attempt to get through a violent barrage, Private Camell volunteered and carried the message through to his THE I32ND INFANTRY 359 WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Top row : First Class Private Lawrence A. Vizenor, Privates Louis M. Giesecke, and Sid- ney Holzman. Bottom row: Privates Henry Hoy, Edward J. Powers, Harry Shelly. battalion commander. In the entire action of October 6-13 he performed most valiant service in maintaining liaison between his company and battalion headquarters. Private Louis Cecilia, Company G: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, while his company was being held up by machine gun fire, Private Cecilia crawled to a point within ten yards of the nest and bombed out the enemy so that they came under fire from our guns and were killed. Cecilia was wounded by enemy bombs. Private Fred Cummins, Company F: Near Consenvoye, October 9, 1918, Private Cummins, single-handed, captured a machine gun, killing one of the crew and routing the others. He then turned the gun on the crew with great effectiveness, protecting the right flank of his battalion. Later in the day he volunteered and rescued an outpost of three men, which was surrounded by the enemy. He performed these missions with great courage, initiative, and bravery, subjected to severe fire throughout. 360 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Bugler Gilbert R. Dalton, Company M : At Bois de Malaumont, October 9, 1918, Bugler Dalton and an officer were making a reconnaissance. They were suddenly fired upon by machine guns. Together they rushed the guns. The officer was wounded and unable to take cover. Bugler Dalton ran across an open space, exposing himself to short range machine gun fire, and carried the officer to safety. Private Philip Duff, Company E: Near Consenvoye, on October 9, 1918, Private Duff carried a message from his company to the battalion commander while exposed to terrific machine gun fire. Later when reinforcements were required, he volunteered to lead the supporting company to its position and took it to the spot where it was needed. Private Louis M. Giesecke, Company I: Near Brieulles, October 9-12, 1918, Private Giesecke administered first aid to many comrades under heavy shell fire and assisted them to the aid station. When his company was in need of water he went alone under heavy machine gun fire, under direct view of the enemy, and procured it. After his platoon sergeant and other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Private Giesecke took charge of the platoon, displaying unusual leadership. Private Sidney Holzman, Machine Gun Company: In Bois de Foret, October 10, 1918, after six runners had been killed or wounded in attempts to get through heavy shell fire with an important message from the regimental commander of the Thirty-ninth Infantry to the regimental commander of the Fifty-ninth Infantry, Private Holzman, with Private James J. Snyder, responded to a call for volunteers and succeeded in delivering the message. Private Henry Hoy, Company A: Near Forges, September 26, 1918, Private Hoy saw a hand grenade drop near an officer of his company, endangering not only the officer's life, but also the lives of many members of the company. Rushing to the spot, he picked up the bomb and hurled it in the direction of the enemy. It exploded in the air and the lives of his comrades were saved. Private Ingeman Jensen, Machine Gun Company: Near Bois du Fays, October 9, 1918, Private Jensen was wounded, but returned to the front line immediately after he had had his wound dressed. He was wounded a second time and was ordered to the rear, but returned to the line, where he was wounded a third time and then carried to the rear on a stretcher. Private George Korsysko, (deceased), Company H: Near Forges, September 26, 1918, Private Korsysko, single-handed, attacked and captured several machine guns, killing the gunners with hand grenades. While thus engaged he was killed. Private Melvin Myhrune, Company K: Near Brieulles, October 7, 1918, the patrol of which Private Myhrune was a member was under constant and exacting machine gun and rifle fire. After the officer in charge had been wounded and the patrol scattered, he returned to his company and voluntarily acted as guide for stretcher-bearers to bring in the wounded officer. Being unable to locate him, Private Myhrune remained and searched, during which time he was twice wounded. He led a second group of stretcher-bearers to the spot where the officer was finally found, and then assisted in carrying him to the rear before reporting for treatment. Private Edward J. Powers, Machine Gun Company: Near Bois du Fays, October 9, 1918, Private Powers, after being wounded, received treatment at a first-aid station, from which he was consigned to a hospital. Throwing away his evacuation ticket, he returned to the front line, where he acted as runner until the company was relieved, he was removed to a hospital. THE I32ND INFANTRY 361 Private Charles Schultz (deceased), Company H: Near Forges, September 26, 1918, while his platoon was being held up by fire of a machine gun, Private Schultz braved the hazardous fire by going forward and driving out the crew, after which he captured the gun. He died from wounds received in the exploit. Private Harry Shelly, Company A: Near Hamel, July 4, 1918, Private Shelly went out with an Australian soldier, silenced a sniping post and brought back eight prisoners. Private James J. Snyder, Machine Gun Company: Near Bois de Foret, October 10, 1918, after six runners had been killed or wounded in attempts to get through heavy shell fire with an important message from the regimental com- A VIEW OF THE TOWN OF BECH, LUXEMBURG One of the towns in which units of the 13 2nd were quartered. mander of the Thirty-ninth Infantry to the regimental commander of the Fifty-ninth Infantry, Private Snyder, with Private Sidney Holzman, responded to a call for volunteers and succeeded in delivering the message. He was seriously gassed. Private Carl Siaanson (deceased), Company K: Near Brieulles, October 9-12, 1918, when attempting to rescue a wounded officer, who was lying exposed to terrific machine gun fire, Private Swanson was killed. For four days previously, in the performance of his duties as stretcher-bearer, he had rendered valuable service in administer- ing first-aid to the wounded and carrying them to places of safety, working at all times under most perilous fire. Private R. A. Wilkins, Company A: At Hamel, July 4, 1918, Private Wilkins, unaided, attacked a machine gun position with hand grenades, drove off the gun crew, and captured the gun. 362 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE I32ND INFANTRY WHO WERE CITED FOR GALLANTRY BY GENERAL PERSHING AND GENERAL BELL t Received citations both from General Bell and General Pershing. * Received citation only from General Pershing. All others were cited only by General Bell. Lieutenant Colonel t James H. Stansfield Major Edward Bittel t John J. Bullington Paul C. Gale William E. Kendall Captains Gail T. Aid Jay T. Baughan Albert V. Becker Claude H. Craig Oscar J. Dorman Hobert G. Hagan George W. Kartell R. G. Howie Albert H. Hundermack * William J. Masoner * Charles J. McNamee John E. Newhouse Roger K. Thompson John R. Weaver Norman B. Wood First Lieutenants Philipp E. Bierdeman Joseph V. Coughlin Henry S. Dutch Howard B. Gregory Orville Gridley * Julian W. Jacobs Clarence A. Loeffler Otto Lohman Ray Meisenhelter Joseph Novak *John L. O'Donnell Howard A. Sanders * Frank E. Schram Harry A. Squires t Peter P. Staniszewski Henry M. Wilcox * Ross L. Williams Second Lieutenants Harry G. Dean Kenneth D. Fisher * Michael M. Komorowsky * Theodore V. Nelson Battalion Sergeant Major t Alfred W. Heuer First Sergeant t John L. Kearney Russell E. Norman Martin E. Smith Sergeant DeForest Andrews Vivkn C. Badger Henry Baker George H. Bates John W. Bayerski Hames Bays tjohn J. Bell William R. Biehl Leo M. Boyle David E. Caesar Jess W. Cagle William E. Casaga Edward L. Colfer William F. Coyle William E. Crouch Aaron L. Datin Thomas K. Davey Harry Dawson Ernest Desremaux James Diver George Drenek Kenneth Ebey Aubrey B. Elsworth Harry Faiks Anthony Ferrandina t Romeo J. Fortier Wesley Foster Robert F. Freeman Henry H. Gibbs Albert J. Gitterman David C. Greis Joseph Grogan Emmons Harries Paul J. Healy Mike N. Heledones Paul Homedw George Hrusko Geoffrey L. Hubbard Joseph Janowski Theodore Jasinski Harry Jones Alphonoso P. Junguera Michael Kaczmarek Gedeminas Karalus Frank Karge Ambrose A. Klemp Frank J. Kurent THE I32ND INFANTRY 363 Edwin T. Kurka John C. Kwiatkowski Louis J. LaBudd Thomas Markowski John J. McKenna John Mclnerney Carl A. Meinersman George W. Miller t Jack Milloy Duane D. Morris Frank Mitchell Thomas W. Murry John T. Ness Walter A. Neubiser James A. O'Connell James R. O'Donnell Joseph Okerbloom Charles E. Paterson Cordie E. Paterson Albert J. Piper John I. Postula James Reynolds Peter S. Richlowski Herbert Rommell James I. Ryan Lawrence E. Rue Ralph Salisbury Edmund S. Samuelson t Elof Sandstrom Alfred Schmidt William R. Shaw Frank W. Sisco Barney Slusinski Frank P. Spikens Charles O. Stemm Wm. C. Steyrbaut Benjamin H. Taylor George Timmerman Henry E. Tonning Edward G. Trebing George M. Trost Frank J. Ulrich John K. Vorres Albert Van Thyne Edward J. Wagner Royce V. Wallace Corporals Samuel F. Aiken Howard T. Ball Irving Beaton Emery E. Blakesley Walter F. Bloom Thomas Bloomerfield Fred Bertog Nikola Brkovich Patrick J. Burke Harry Bystrom Harry Calahan William J. Campbell Nevin W. Chestnut Frank Chiastka Harry M. Cubecheck James E. Coupland Harry P. Delss Frank Diblik Arthur Dumont William Fasel Fred J. Fencel * Robert C. Fraser t William J. Friesen Martin F. Garry Hanry Gaillier Arthur L. Gainer Armin L. Grahlfs t George C. Hueth Stanley N. Jaske Walter N. Johnsoa Vornie V. Kagay Joseph Koslowski Stanley J. Kowalski Walter Kristkstans Arthur W. Lewis Alex L. Losinski John J. McCafferty * J?mes J. McCarthy Lorenzo Martinez Frank Middone Theodore J. Miller Fred W. Morris George A. Nickas Harold J. O'Connell Louis Olson Dee Pickenpaugh Edward F. Pozan William Prignitz Antony Ptak Frank D. Pullen Leo Rose Sam Salpietro Frank J. Sedor Benjamin Shapiro Howard M. Silver t Lewis P. Simpson Irwin S. Slack John J. Snyder Thomas P. Tibbets Julius E. Timm Bruno Tutkowski Joseph Vacke Frank J. Vodvarka Paul E. Watson Walter Weatherford John R. White Buglers Merle Baker t John B. House 364 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Mechanics Hugh Campbell Norman E. Dahl Frank Gulezynski Gale C. Kenney William McGuire John J. Miller Frank J. Slovick Mike Tecco Norman C. Wall Wagoner Ralph Wagoner Cooks Robert Brosn George W. Gillman Privates, First Class t Wm. Augaitis t Demos Mandis * Oscar Tingsbad Privates Cecil A. Acherer Christ Aems Ralph Akins Herbert H. Allen Charles E. Almgren Melville Amerson Charles A. Anderson Ole A. Anderson Albert Andis Marion Avery Joe R. Auer Raymond Babb Robert Bangert Charles H. Barber Louis Barheri Edward N. Bauer Tony Bayorin Albert Beardsley Charles Becker Ray G. Beckwith Rainey K. Benson William R. Bishop Frank Bourquin Atmore L. Brown Sam Brownstein Felix Burlinski Oswald H. Burmeister Pistro Capadona Daniel Capulli Peter Carloftis Bruce Carruthers John H. Carvell Chanis C. Chanisian Anton Churas Alexander Clausen Joseph Colantino Guy A. Colburn Walter C. Consoer Morris Dagovitz Edmo C. Darl Henry DeLong Rudolph T. Demuth Charles Domazlicky John F. Donarski Felix Donash John G. Doyle Philip Duff * Charles O. Ebey William Egan Louis Egansky Emil Ellison Sam Epstein Anthony Erickson Frank G. Erickson Stanislaw Daniel Ewicz Christ Fasseas Tedor Fedorwicz t Charles C. Flanagan * Edward Fogarty John C. Frye George Furhman Anthony Gardner Paul Gerstenberg Joseph Gibisch Paul Glodowich Michael Gosh William Greminger Clarence Gierman Allen W. Griggs Stanley Gulbin John Hanses Walter Hanson * Frank S. Hazlett Walter Heller Lester Henrioulle Lawrence Hickey Gustav Hills Charles Horstman Henry Hoy John Hradek Eugene Iberg John Jajkowski Joseph Jankowski Robert C. Johnson William Johnson Paul Kanosa Matthew W. Karp Powell Kelly James A. Kenyon James C. Kenyon Duke J. Killeen Edward S. Kinnetz James W. Koknaisl * Ernest J. Kruse Edward F. Kubiak Floyd Leavens THE I32ND INFANTRY 365 William Lehr, Jr. John H. Leisson William Lewandowski t William Loeffler Earl F. Loftus John J. Lydon Ernest Magnuson William Majewski Frank Malano Bruce X. Martin Joseph Martin Rudolph Masek Irvin Mayer Sergano Maritano Andrew Mazzolini Chester D. Miller Ivy C. Mills Patrick Moran Frank V. Moore Fred Morgan Evan J. Morris Torrence Murphy Willfred J. Murphy James J. Naghton * Luigi Napoli Charles Neuman Frank C. Novak tAttilo Nucci James J. O'Boyle John R. O'Bryant Gustaf Okerstedt Arthur P. Olsen Claire V. Parker William J. Perry Leslie Pancake Paul G. Person John Pitkus Sam Pizula Walter D. Poling Theodore Presvozney Joseph Quinan John L. Rae Jess Reed Ernest C. Reese Ledon E. Rice Julius Richter John Rodenbour John Rogowski Paul L. Rude Edwin L. Ryan Edward Ryoz John R. Sawyer Maurice L. Seittmatter David L. Scaro Henri Schoon Romeo Scully Arthur Schultz Harry Shochat Raymond Sievens Glen Sisler G. Squllsciotti Jerry J. Smatlak Paul T. Smeskol John J. Smith Raymond C. Smith George Snodgrass Walter Stankwicz Arthur G. Stratton Leo L. Tessmer Morgan Thompson George F. Thornton John M. Tipton Jacob Vandergeon Alphonse Van Nevel Frank Vega Lawrence A. Vizenor Arthur Volmer John W. Wagner William E. Walsh John R. Waterhouse *Paul E. Watson Commodore P. Weirauch Ira C. Wells Louis A. Wendt William J. Wenz Frank Will Carl William Clarence Wishop Anton Zaonawicia Anthony F. Zebrowski John Zelinski Bernard Zrukowski OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE i 3 2ND INFANTRY WHO WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES FOR ESPECIALLY MERITORIOUS AND CONSPICUOUS SERVICE BY GENERAL PERSHING Lieutenant Colonel James H. Stansfield Major William E. Kendall Corporal John Butler Private Herman J. Friedman Captain Gail T. Aid ?< THE i 3 2ND INFANTRY 36? OFFICERS WHO SERVED WITH I32ND INFANTRY OVERSEAS Colonel Abel Davis Lieutenant Colonel James H. Stansfield Majors Bertram O. Buchanan John J. Bullington (Later Lieutenant-Col- onel I3oth Infantry Brendan J. Dodd Paul C. Gale William E. Kendall, M. C. William L. Krigbaum John M. Lavin, M. C. Hamlet C. Ridgway Vester J. Thompson Harry A. Yagle Captains Gail T. Aid Jay T. Baughan Albert V. Becker Raymond V. Brandt, D. C. James T. Burns Harry R. Chadwick Claude H. Craig Perry Daubenfeld Ernest V. Dickson Oscar J. Dorman Lafayette French, Jr. Alexander W. Goodwin Eugene Green Howard B. Gregory Robert C. Hagan George W. Kartell Waldo E. Hikes Thomas R. Hudson A. M. Hundermack, M. C. John R. Hyatt Louis Lazar Otto Lohman, M. C. George H. Mallon William J. Masoner Christie F. McCormick Charles J. McNamee Wier M. Murphy John E. Newhouse, M. C. John L. O'Donnell, Chaplain Frederick E. Rand (later Major) Verne N. Richeson, M. C. Frank E. Schram, M. C. William E. Shay, D. C. Roger K. Thompson Earl W. Vickery John R. Weaver Robert Wigglesworth Charles E. Wise Franklin Wood (deceased) Norman B. Wood First Lieutenants Harold B. Beebe Philip E. Bierdeman Robert G. Childs Harry Cohen Joseph V. Coughlin George A. Crafton, M. C. Wallace Daggett Henry S. David Frank M. Dolven Charles D. Drnek Henry S. Dutch Thomas J. Felton F. N. Fitzsimmons Addison M. Flint David T. Gillmor, Chaplain's Corps Robert C. Gise Orville Gridley James O. Grubb Glenn R. Hardy Charles C. Hertwig Robert G. Howie (later Capta ; n) Julian W. Jacobs Robert J. Jordan (later Captain) Michael M. Komorowsky Arthur H. Larson Oscar E. LaVallie Howard L. Lesley Clarence A. Loeffler Samuel J. Lusk Lincoln E. Maher John J. Mahoney, Jr. . Curtis Markel Herbert C. Markuson Charles J. Martin Roderick W. Mason William C. McConnell James H. McCorkle Melvin B. McGuigan (later Captain) Ray W. Meisenhelter H. P. Milet, Chaplain's Corps Maurice J. Moriarity Herman B . Nash H. W. Nofs Joseph Novak Frederick A. Prince John A. Prosser Thomas A. Pyterman Roy T. Quick Edward J. Renth Karl F. Rheinfrank Howard A. Sanders Walter E. Scholes William L. Schommer C. C. Simpson Fred C. Slager Thomas W. Smith William R. Snyder 368 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR CAPTAINS OF THE 13 2ND INFANTRY Top row: Jay T. Baughan, Albert V. Becker, Claude H. Craig, Perry Daubenfeld. Second row: Oscar J. Dorman, Eugene Green, Howard B. Gregory, George W. Kartell. Third row: Waldo E. Hikes, A. M. Hundermack, John R. Hyatt, Otto Lohman. Bottom row: Charles J. McNamee, Wier M. Murphy, Verne N. Richeson, Frank E. Schram, THE I32ND INFANTRY 369 CAPTAINS OF THE I32ND INFANTRY Top row: William E. Shay, Roger K. Thompson, Earl W. Vickery, Franklin Wood. Bottom row: Norman B. Wood, W. E. Buddies, Oscar W. Hogstedt, Thomas R. Hudson. Earl E. Spainhower P. P. Staniszewski Harry A. Squires Ralph W. Stine (deceased) Elmer W. Swanson Charles A. Thomas R. E. Thomas . Chauncey. Tilden R. B. Weimer William H. Wildes (later Captain) Ross L. Williams (deceased) William S. Wolf, Jr. (deceased) Earl W. Wyman Second Lieutenants Obediah R. Adams D. V. B. Allen Austin Besancon Raymond W. Boynton Arthur J. Bruggerman Arthur S. Bussey J. M. Camp Wallace J. Casey Frederick C. Creighton Homer C. Darling James I. Dappert (deceased) W. W. Davidson Harry C. Dean Joseph R. Dillon August Douglas Ernest W. Duckett P. M. Dwight Talton Embry Carl W. Englund Kenneth D. Fisher Luke F. Flanagan Albert T. Flynn Charles L. Green Arvid W. Gulbrandsen (deceased) Albert Haase Walter B. Harris, Jr. Walter W. Hannewald Charles C. Harvey M. H. Hawkins William G. Heilman Hoke I. Home Robert W. Ingram Joe Jenkins Louis Katz Lester W. Kern Albert J. Knox William H. Lacy ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Rowland Lee John C. Littell William J. Luke H. Dudley MacFarlane Wilbur A. Mathews (deceased) William Murphy Theodore V. Nelson (deceased) Harry J. Newman Reo L. Patterson John'W. Phillips Raymond Preston (deceased) H. F. Rassmussen J. A. Rollins Howard E. Rutishauser Marion F. Samples Alfred C. Schmidt William H. Schrof Albert Scown Raymond C. Smith Albert Stanford Albert H. Stout (deceased) Wilfred H. Turcotte Harry L. Valence Lee H. Wagner Thompson W. Walker Earl L. Wall (deceased) Kenneth E. Watson Lyle E. White Henry M. Wilcox Frank T. Wilson OFFICERS WHO WERE WITH REGIMENT DURING TRAINING CAMP PERIOD Colonel John J. Garrity Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Rehm Majors Joseph E. Brady Philip H. Girard William Hoinville Captains Frank W. Adams W. E. Duddles Joseph C. Grayson Arthur L. Hart (later Major) Oscar W. Hogstedt (deceased) Axel H. Nelson Fred E. Nussbaumer John E. Vanatta First Lieutenants W. Leo Brown Frederick C. Dierstein Davis B. Doron Edmund J. Dymek Ralph A. Gerhart Wm. M. Johnson Vern R. Lbngstreet Harry G. Pierce Fritz A. Pierson Clare Purcell Second Lieutenants Walter E. Boeddinghaus Leonard Hensen George W. Kuhnbaum George R. Lynch Everette H. Skinner A STREET IN VERDUN THE I32ND INFANTRY FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE 132x0 INFANTRY Left to right, top row: Harold B. Beebe, Philip E. Bierdeman, Robert G. Childs, H. S. Dutch. Second row: Glenn R. Hardy, Charles C. Hertwig, M. M. Komorowsky, Howard L. Lesley. Third row: Samuel J. Lusk, James H. McCorkle, Roderick W. Mason, Charles J. Martin. Fourth row: Ray W. Meisenhelter, H. P. Milet, Joseph Novak, T. A. Pyterman. 372 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR LIEUTENANTS OF THE i 3 2ND INFANTRY . Top row: First Lieutenants H. S. David, Charles D. Drnek, J. W.' Jacobs, W. M. Johnson. Second row: First Lieutenants A. H. Larson, C. A. Loeffler, L.'' E. Maher, J. J. Mahoney, Jr. Third row: First Lieutenants Harry G. Pierce, F. A. Prince, Karl F. Rheinfrank, W. H. Wildes. Bottom row: Second Lieutenants W. W. Davidson, L. F. Flanagan, J. W. Phillips, Albert Scown. THE I32ND INFANTRY 373 FIRST LIEUTENANTS OF THE 132x0 INFANTRY Top row: W. Leo Brown, Joseph V. Coughlin, Frank Fitzsimmons, Curtis Markel. Second row: Edward J. Renth, H. W. Nofs, Howard A. Sanders, Walter E. Scholes. Third row: William L. Schommer, C. C. Simpson, William R. Snyder, E. E. Spainhower. Bottom row : Peter P. Staniszewski, Roy B. Weimer, William S. Wolf, Jr., Earl W. Wyman. 374 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE I32ND INFANTRY Top row: Daniel V. B. Allen, Raymond W. Boynton, Arthur S. Bussey, Harry C. Dean. Second row: Joseph R. Dillon, Carl W. Englund, Kenneth D. Fisher, Albert T. Flynn. Third row : Charles C. Harvey, Hoke I. Home, Albert J. Knox, H. Dudley MacFarlane. Bottom row: H. B. Nash and E. W. Swanson (first lieutenants), H. W. Wilcox, Lee H. Wagner. THE I32ND INFANTRY 375 SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE i 3 2ND INFANTRY Top row: H. Cohen (first lieutenant), F. C. Creighton, J. Ivan Dappert, E. W. Duckett. Second row: Talton Embry, Charles L. Green, Walter Hannewald, John C. Littell. Third row: Wilbur E. Mathews, Theodore V. Nelson, H. E. Rutishauser, M. F. Samples. Fourth row: Albert H. Stout, Harry L. Valence, Earl L. Wall, Kenneth E. Watson. f" *,. THE VIEW ACROSS FORGES SWAMP The 124th Machine Gun Battalion MAJOR FLOYD F. PUTMAN, EDITOR HE military units which later were to constitute the 1 24th Machine Gun Battalion were called to active duty three weeks before the United States declared a state of war with Germany. As companies of the Fifth and Seventh Infan- try Regiments, Illinois National Guard, they were scattered over two states to guard power plants, railroad bridges, and other important establishments. They served in this manner until September, 1917, when most of the Illi- nois National Guard regiments were assembled at Camp Logan, to be reorganized as the Thirty-third Division. In the necessary cutting up of the Fifth and Seventh Regiments, orders for which were issued on October 10, Company L (from Decatur), Company D (from Bloom- ington), and Company C (from Springfield) of the old Fifth were designated as Companies A, B, and C of the new i24th Machine Gun Battalion. Later when the War Department ordered that brigade machine gun battalions be composed of four companies, the unit that had been the machine gun com- pany of the old Seventh, a Chicago regiment, was added to the 12 4th as Com- pany D. Major Floyd F. Putman, who had commanded the first battalion of the Fifth Infantry, was placed in command of the 12 4th. First Lieutenant 377 378 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR MAJOR FLOYD F. PUTMAN Commander of the i24th Machine Gun Battalion. Clarence H. Woods was made adjutant. Although short of equipment, the battalion made rapid progress at Camp Logan. Officers and men drilled faithfully to perfect themselves in the science of the new warfare, being greatly aided by Lieutenant E. R. Robinson, of the British military mission, who had been assigned to the battalion as instructor. By May, 1918, when sailing orders were received , the unit was as proficient as could have been expected under the cir- cumstances. The battalion left Camp Lo- gan on May 6, sailed from Ho- boken on May 16 on the transport Mount Vernon, and landed at Brest ten days later, after lying in the harbor for forty-eight hours. After three days at Pontanezen barracks, the unit proceeded by rail and on foot to the little village of Cerisy-Beuleux, where the men had their first ex- perience with billets. On June 9 the final training began at Grandcourt, in a British area. Opportunity was given battalion and company commanders to visit the trenches, while the other officers and non-commissioned officers received a course of instruction in a British machine gun school at Val-du-Roi. On June 21 the battalion was transferred to the machine gun range at Pont Remy, on the Somme, where intensive drill in the actual use of guns was carried on until July i. Then the unit marched to Molliens-aux-Bois and set up a shelter tent camp within a short distance of the front line. The fighting service of the battalion began during this stay in Molliens- aux-Bois. The British system of training new troops included, as a final stage, the use of small detachments in the line. At frequent intervals groups of men from the battalion would slip quietly from the cover of the forest and go into the front trenches with their British allies. Companies C and D were the first to go forward in this manner^ On July 1 6 they marched up to the Baizieux-Warloy line, part of the British Third Corps front, and held the positions under fire for twenty-four hours. Companies A and B relieved them on July 17 and were assigned to a similar tour of duty. Then, for five days, officers and men were attached to units of the Forty-seventh and Fifty-eighth Machine Gun Battalions, British Ex- peditionary Forces, for observation. THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION 379 Having had their first taste of trench life under the chaperonage of their British comrades the Illinoisans were judged ready for independent service. On July 25 Companies A and B relieved units of the Forty-seventh British Battalion and held the front line for four days. A day later Com- panies C and D took the place of units of the Fifty-eighth British Battalion for a four-day tour of duty. After this experience the battalion moved to Baizieux, and on August 6 and 7 it relieved units of the British Forty-seventh, Fiftieth, Fifty-eighth and Twelfth Machine Gun Battalions in the Lavieville support system and the right front system, holding the line until the i23rd Machine Gun Bat- talion took over the positions on August n. Four days later the battalion was moved from the British sector to Querrieu Wood, where the Australians were on the line. It was stationed in a valley near Vaux-sur-Somme to act as the machine gun reserve of the Australian Liaison Force, serving in this capacity until August 20, when the liaison force was disbanded and the battalion's service with the British came to an end. The training in the British line had been of great benefit to the battalion. Colonel Portal, commander of the Forty-seventh Battalion, had shown an admirable spirit of helpfulness, and officers and men alike had given the Americans the full benefit of their experiences in the trenches. The training period had not been devoid of activity, either. While the first tours were in the nature of practice maneuvers, the later trips to the line came at the beginning of the last great Somme offensive, and the Il- linoisans took part in attacks on the German trenches. TRENCHES IN THE BRITISH SECTOR The roll of the country in the British sector was dimly reminiscent of the prairies of Illinois. ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR Two men of the battalion were killed and six were wound- ed during the service with the British. On August 20 the battalion was transferred to Guerpont, in the French area, for active serv- ice. The men were equipped again with the American guns which they had exchanged for British pieces while on the Somme, and they engaged in intensive training until September 6. Then they were sent to the Dead Man's Hill sub-sector near Verdun. Company C, the Spring- field unit, occupied positions at Raffecourt, and Company D, the Chicago unit, went into reserve on the slopes of Dead Man's Hill. The other companies remained at Longbut farm, awaiting disposi- tion for the Franco-American of- fensive. The offensive was not long in coming. On the morning of September 24 Companies C and D rear- ranged their positions in preparation for laying a machine gun barrage in support of attacking waves of infantry, while Companies A and B were sent to strategic positions in the Ravine des Caurettes. Two days later the whole Thirty-third Division was in action with the opening of the Meuse- Argonne drive. Aided by detachments from the 12 2nd Machine Gun Battalion and the machine gun companies of the i3ist and 13 2nd Infantry, the 12 4th par- ticipated in the Forges attack. The initial advance of the attacking infantry units was covered by a withering machine gun barrage on the enemy's trenches and strong-points all along the brigade front. The barrage consisted of fire from forty guns, manned by Companies C and D of the 12 4th, and Com- panjr B and four platoons of Company A from the 12 2nd. At the same time other units maintained anti-aircraft fire and laid a barrage against positions of the enemy on the east bank of the Meuse, where the French were at- tacking. As far as could be ascertained after the attack, the machine gun bar- rage was a complete success. It demoralized the enemy and gave valuable support to the advancing infantrymen. The six brigade machine gun companies went forward with the attack- ON THE SLOPE OF DEAD MAN'S HILL THE i2 4 TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION LOOKING NORTH TOWARDS FORGES WOOD AND THE LINE OF ADVANCE ON SEPTEMBER 26 ing waves, Companies C and D of the 12 4th following with the support bat- talions of the i3ist and i32nd Infantry Regiments. Very little fire from the machine guns accompanying the attack was possible or necessary. Once Forges Creek was crossed, the advance was over rough and ascending ground, mostly wooded and covered with thick undergrowth. Moreover, a dense fog, aided by a smoke screen, made it almost impossible to distinguish between friendly and hostile troops. When the infantry objective had been reached, however, the machine guns rendered invaluable service in connection with the consolidation of cap- tured ground and the es- tablishment of new lines. All pieces, except three which were put out of action by shell fire in the advance, reached the ob- jective on time and dug in with the infantry. One officer and three men were killed in th2 attack and thirteen men were wounded or gassed. On the night of October 3 Companies A and B were transferred from Forges Wood to positions in the vicinity IN FORGES SWAMP 382 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR P. C. OF THE FOURTH DIVISION At Cuisy, during the first phase of the Argonne offensive. Gen- eral Hines, division commander, stands in the foreground. of Hill 280 and the Bois de la Cote Lemont, in support of the Fourth Division. Although transportation did not arrive until nearly mid- night, the units were or- dered to be in position before daylight. To make the move both companies had to use the transport of Company A in a forced march over heavily shelled roads. The orders had given no information as to the location of enemy or friendly troops, but the gunners overcame all obstacles and were in position at daylight. Two men were wounded by shell-fire in the hasty advance, and four mules and a horse, doubly valuable because of the lack of transport facilities, were lost in gassed areas. The companies were thrown into action immediately and maintained harassing fire on the village of Brieulles and Teuton Trench in support of the Fourth Division. The next day they were placed under the orders of the commanding officer of the 12 3rd Machine Gun Battalion and remained in position on Hill 280, protecting the left flank of the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade. Harassing and direct fire was maintained by the machine gunners in support of the infantry forces until relief came forward on the nights of Oc- tober 6 and 7. A delay in orders confused the withdrawal to Forges Wood. The move was made in good order, but one noncommissioned officer was killed and one man was wounded in passing through heavily shelled areas back of the advanced line. The withdrawal did not mean rest, but im- mediate and more stren- A i A CONCRETE-AND-STEEL PILLBOX IN BILLEMONT uous action. An attack TRENCH THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION 383 against the German positions beyond the Meuse was in preparation, and an active part in the operations had been assigned to the i24th. Because of a mixup in orders Company C was not used, but the other three companies had important duties in connection with the offensive. Company A was selected as support for the second battalion of the i32nd Infantry. Company B was designated as the machine gun arm of the third battalion of the i3ist In- fantry, and Company D was attached to the first battalion of the 13 2nd Infantry. On the morning of October 8 the attack was launched after intense preparatory artillery fire. Company A was stationed with its infantry bat- talion on the east edge of Forges Wood. Early in the morning the attacking force marched in artillery formation toward Brabant, where it crossed the AMERICAN TROOPS IN BRABANT ON OCTOBER 10 Meuse on a newly constructed bridge under light artillery fire. The troops were aligned in attacking formation as soon as the river had been crossed, and began an advance through the woods toward a road running east out of Consenvoye. The machine gunners' task was to assist the infantry with overhead, flanking and harassing fire, keeping up with the first wave as well as possi- ble. From the outset the enemy's resistance was extremely bitter. Every foot of ground was contested. Machine guns and snipers, strategically placed in the woods, kept up a stubborn resistance, which had to be stamped out as the Illinoisans advanced. Company A played a brilliant part in the fierce battle. One detachment rushed and captured two German machine guns after their own pieces had been disabled by artillery fire. They turned the German guns on the retreat- ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR ing enemy, causing severe losses, and then repulsed a German counterattack with fire from the same captured guns. After several hours of fierce fighting the attacking troops reached their first objective, the road running east from Consenvoye. They were ordered to remain there until the artillery had thrown shells into the woods beyond, where the Germans were strongly posted. The enemy began immediately to give trouble. Intense machine gun and artillery fire was directed against the American lines, causing heavy losses and threatening a break. One gun team from Company A and part of another were sent to the right flank of the infantry line to suppress haras- sing fire from machine guns. They encountered the enemy in force and were THE MEUSE RIVER AT BRABANT cut off after a hard fight. Unable to regain contact with the American lines and overwhelmed by greatly superior forces, the gunners were compelled at last to surrender. Company D crossed the Meuse at Brabant simultaneously with Com- pany A. The company was ordered, with the first battalion of the i32nd. to advance in support of the first waves on the left flank, but ran into enemy fire scarcely less severe than that which was encountered by Company A. The Germans by this time had located the bridge at Brabant, and the cross- ing was hampered by shell fire. About 500 yards south of Consenvoye the advance was checked by heavy fire from southwest of the city. Two machine gun teams were sent to clean out the enemy nests. After a short, sharp fight they succeeded and returned with forty prisoners. Other ob- THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION 385 THE TOWN OF CONSENVOYE AS SEEN FROM AN AIRPLANE An unusual view of a town with which the i24th became very familiar. stacks were overcome as they were met and by nightfall the line had pro- gressed to more than half a mile north of Consenvoye. The following morn- ing the attack was resumed and the final objective was reached about 1 1 a. m. During the night Company D and the infantry battalion to which it was attached were ordered to withdraw to Consenvoye, being relieved by Company B and the third battalion of the i3ist Infantry. At Con- senvoye they dug in beside the other units to await the next stage of the attack. Meanwhile Company B, with the third battalion of the i3ist Infantry, had been ordered to take up the attack, "hopping through" Company D and the first battalion of the i32nd Infantry. At about i a. m., October 10, these units, which had crossed the river the evening before, moved through Consenvoye to the south edge of the Bois de Chaume, where they formed for attack. At 6:45 a. m. they moved forward through the Bois de Chaume and, attacking vigor- ously, drove the enemy from their positions, although they encountered severe artillery and machine gun fire, which resulted in INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH AT many casualties and the loss of four guns. CONSENVOYE ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR During the afternoon the machine gun company assisted in holding the positions gained on the ridge north of the Bois de Chaume, and, by the daring and effective use of their machine guns, broke up and stopped several counterattacks that afternoon and the following day. During the night of the nth the infantry withdrew, un- der orders, to new posi- tions in the rear, the ma- chine gunners covering the withdrawal. Company B was relieved on the night of October 13-14 by units of the Sixty-fifth Infantry Brigade and with- drew to Consenvoye. Thus ended the 12 4th Battalion's operations before and in the now famous town of Consenvoye and in the area east of the Meuse. Five men had been killed, forty-seven wounded and gassed, and nineteen reported missing, but all objectives had been reached in the face of strong and de- termined opposition. Companies A and B suffered the heaviest casualties, each of them having had its strength reduced from twelve to six gun teams. CHAPLAIN FINNELL IDENTIFYING THE DEAD AFTER THE FIGHTING AT CONSENVOYE ENEMY OBSERVATION POST IN THE BOIS DE CHAUME THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION 387 On the night of October 14 Company D relieved the machine gun company of the i3oth Infantry in the Danne- voux sector and twenty- four hours later Com- pany C, which had not participated in the Con- senvoye attack, took the place of Company B of the 1 2 3rd Machine Gun Battalion on the same front. Both companies remained there until the night of October 20, when they were relieved by French detachments. After resting four days in billets at Camp les Tamaris and Petite les Monthairons, the battalion marched to -Longeau farm in the Troyon sector, eighteen miles distant. There it relieved machine gun units of the Seventy- ninth Division in the Massachusetts sub-sector. A reorganization plan was worked out to permit Company A to be held in reserve at headquarters. The other companies occupied the line. Nothing of importance occurred while the battalion was in this sector, but the closing hours of the war brought orders that threw the unit into hard fighting. Companies A and B were instructed to report to the commanding AT THE EDGE OF THE BOIS DES HAUTES EPINES The bursting of a shell. BARBED WIRE ENTANGLEMENTS SURROUNDING BUTGNEVILLE 388 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR THE ATTACK OF NOVEMBER IOTH An aerial photograph showing the terrain crossed by the isist Infantry and Companies A and B of the 1 24th Machine Gun Battalion. THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION 389 officer of the i3ist Infantry in the vicinity of Doncourt, with Companies C and D following a little later. Company A was attached to troops advanc- ing against the enemy through the northeast side of the Bois de Warville. Company B supported the second battalion of the i3ist in an attack against the Bois des Hautes Epines and the Bois d'Harville. Both units advanced in good order and cleared parts of the woods after severe fighting. Sergeant Oliver P. Ely of Company B met and captured eleven Germans when on a reconnoitering detail. Other men of the battalion distinguished themselves in the fighting. Early in the evening of November 10, however, the Germans concen- trated gas in the woods and shelled the American positions heavily. At 7 o'clock the troops were ordered to withdraw until morning. Company C did not get into the fight until 5 o'clock the next morning, the last day of the war. It was attached to troops which were to attack Butgneville. After a preparatory artillery barrage, the third platoon of the company, under Lieutenant A. R. Goodman, went forward with the infantry. The attacking troops were greatly outnumbered, but fought their way up to the wire that belted Butgneville. The casualties were heavy. Seeing that the Germans were entrenched formidably in the town, the officers leading the attack decided to withdraw. In the attack Company C lost seven men killed and five wounded, all within a few hours of the cessation of hostilities. Shortly after the return to the previous positions, while Companies A and B were preparing to resume the battle, the order to cease firing was received. The war was over. The battalion remained near the line until December 7, receiving re- placements and new equipment. Then it was ordered into Luxemburg with the other units of the Thirty- third Division. The long march was made in easy stages, by way of Mars-la-Tour, Moineville, Avril and Serrouville in France; Rumelange and Aspelt in Luxemburg; Kreuzweiler in Germany; and Trintingen and Heffingen in Luxemburg. Headquarters and Company A were billeted in Heffingen, Company B in Waldbillig, Company C in Mul- lerthal, and Company D in Christnach. There the winter and spring were passed. On April 22, after four months of drill, the battalion, with the rest of the Thirty-third Division, marched in review before General Pershing near Ettelbriick. A few days later the homeward journey was begun. The bat- talion, passing through Brest, embarked on the transport Mount Vernon and reached the United States on May 17, a year and a day after its departure for France. There was a short wait in New York. Then the battalion entrained with other units for Chicago, where it participated in the rousing reception given to units of the Thirty-third Division. On May 30, with the memory of the Chicago celebration still fresh, the battalion ended its active service and was demobilized at Camp Grant. 390 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE i2 4 T H MACHINE GUN BATTALION WHO WERE KILLED IN ACTION, DIED OF WOUNDS OR DIED OF DISEASE OVERSEAS First Lieutenant Lewis P. Rogers Second Lieutenant Leroy A. McCullough Sergeants Joseph M. Hall Leslie G. Pfiffner Castle C. Williams Corporal Lyle Fike Wagoner Joseph A. Erbe Privates, First Class Wm. Anderson John A. Keenan Daniel F. Knowlton Alex Malinowski Charles R. McGreevy Patrick Murray George T. Watkins Privates Herbert G. Huegel George W. Kirby Joseph Klein William J. Sandy Joseph C. Sommers Buryl Williams Marvin Winegarden Henry Wissmuller Earl L. Yackee Daniel J. McCarty DECORATIONS RECEIVED BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 124x11 MACHINE GUN BATTALION Captains William R. Bourdon Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf William L. Krigbaum Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf First Lieutenants George R. Higley Distinguished Service Cross Chevalier Legion of Honor Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Edward J. Price Distinguished Service Cross Second Lieutenant John W. Trager Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Sergeants Loub L. Brosam Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Raymond N. Moore Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Silver Star Michael P. McCarthy Distinguished Service Cross Croix de Guerre with Silver Star Corporals Harold E. Burleigh Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Bugler Hildred D. Davis Distinguished Service Cross Privates Henry H. Blasek Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star Gus Glockler Croix de Guerre with Gold Star Walter Lenik Croix de Guerre with Silver Star Clayton K. Slack Medal of Honor Medaille Militaire Croix de Guerre with Palm Leaf Belgian Croix de Guerre THE FOLLOWING OFFICER WAS AWARDED CERTIFICATE FOR ESPECIALLY MERITORIOUS AND CONSPICUOUS SERVICE Major Floyd F. Putman THE i2 4 TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION CITATION FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR PRIVATE CLAYTON K. SLACK Private Clayton K. Slack, Company D: .Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, ob- serving German soldiers under cover fifty yards away on the left flank, Private Slack, upon his own initiative, rushed them with his rifle, and, single-handed, captured ten prisoners and two heavy type machine guns, thus saving his company and neighboring organizations from heavy casualties. CITATIONS FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Captain William R. Bourdon: Near Forges Wood, September 26, 1918, Captain Bourdon, then first lieutenant, was advancing with his platoon when it came upon heavy machine gun fire from woods. Ordering the men to take cover, he went forward alone, located the gun, and killed the gunner. Captain (later Major) William Lutz Krig- baum : North of Bois de Chaume, October 9, 1918, when the battalion to which Captain Krigbaum was attached had reached its ob- jective, it was subjected to two counterattacks. The right flank was left exposed, and all the gun crews on that flank were either killed or wounded and the guns put out of action. At the most critical time, Captain Krigbaum alone mounted a captured machine gun and so success- fully operated it against the enemy that the counterattack was stopped and the flank of the battalion saved from serious losses. First Lieutenant George R. Higley: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, Lieutenant Higley, on duty as a reconnaissance officer, and Lieutenant Trager, on their own initiative, crossed the Meuse to reconnoiter a supply route. They were fired on by two machine guns but, disregarding heavy machine gun and shell fire, they advanced and captured the two machine guns with thirty-one Austrian prisoners. First Lieutenant Edward J. Price: Near Bois de Chaume, October u, 1918, Lieutenant Price, upon learning that a counter- attack had been launched against the battalion on his right flank, took his platoon into the action in advance of the infantry and broke up the counterattack. There being no officer present with the infantry unit to which he was attached, he assumed command, reorganized it and led it forward, designating targets and ranges and going up and down the line to direct operations. Second Lieutenant John W. Trager: Near Consenvoye, October 8, 1918, Lieutenant Trager, while on duty as transportation officer, and Lieutenant Higley, crossed the Meuse on their own initiative to reconnoiter a supply route. They were fired on by two machine guns but, disregarding heavy machine gun and shell fire, they advanced and captured the two machine guns with thirty-one Austrian prisoners. Sergeant Raymond N. Moore, Company B: Near Consenvoye, October 10, 1918, Sergeant Moore led his two sections of guns to the aid of an infantry company. Failing to establish an advantageous position, he alone took his 392 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR gun 100 yards in advance of the line, exposed to violent machine gun and artillery fire, and, setting it up in an open field, silenced the fire of the enemy's machine gun snipers who had been inflicting heavy losses on our troops. Sergeant Michael P. McCarthy, Company C: Near Butgneville, November n, 1918, when violent machine gun fire had forced his com- pany to take shelter, Sergeant McCarthy, with another soldier, braved the direct and short- range fire by voluntarily going forward and rescuing a wounded officer, carrying him to safety. Bugler Hildred D. Davis, Company C: Near Butgneville, November n, 1918, when the infantry company to which his platoon was attached was held up by hostile obstructions and machine gun fire, Bugler Davis volun- WINNERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS Left to right: Captain William Lutz Krigbaum, Captain William R. Bourdon, First Lieutenant George R. Higley. teered and carried a message to the left flank. A few minutes afterward he again distinguished himself by leaving the cover of the trench, going forward under heavy machine gun fire to help rescue a wounded officer. t Received citations both from General Pershing and General Bell. Major Floyd F. Putman Captain William J. Grace First Lieutenants Allan R. Goodman John W. Lynd Emil O. Neubauer Edward J. Price Chester I. White Second Lieutenants Louis L. Brosam David S. Cloughly William J. Kenny Charles H. McFarlan First Sergeant Stuart B. Walsh Sergeants Steve Aslandes John I. Anderson THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION 393 Homer Bale t Harold E. Burleigh Thomas J. Conway t Oliver P. Ely George A. Ereus Edward Holloway Axel P. Johnson Jacob C. Maus Robert H. Merrill Wm. F. Newman Joseph Ranney Wm. G. Shortall Thomas J. Sprague Sidney Webb Corporals John Anderlitske Samuel W. Ashworth John Belke Wm. Champlin Morris Hartnett t Vivian V. Mann Fred H. Turner Wagoner Edward L. Daly Privates, First Class Henry H. Blasek Anton F. Bradtke Oscar J. Byrne Walter F. Easton Harold H. Engsberg Truman B. Evenson Lawrence Houghton Walter C. Johnson John L. Laws Emil A. Miller Fred A. Schafroth Paul A. Silver Walter H. Smoolen Edwin S. Stensas Oscar Swanson Albert A. Vahl Privates Andrew G. Anderson John Anderson Henry H. Blasek Louis L. Boehlke Bernard Garb Gus Glochler Hugo Holmberg Harold O. Hughes Edward E. Keedy Fred H. Kraft Fred F. Lajewski Harry Latta Walter Lenik Wm. E. Neff John M. Overholt Albert Owens Irving A. Palluth Everett Phillips Adolph G. Reyerson James H. Sears Roy Warner Major Floyd F. Putman Captains M. B. Southwick (later Major, command- ing 1 2 2nd Machine Gun Batta'ion) W. Lutz Krigbaum (later Major, i32nd Infantry) Patrick J. Dodd Burr P. Irwin John R. Neal, M. C. Chester E. Inskeep William R. Bourdon Edward L. Willson, Jr., M. C. Ralph A. Sears, D. C. Edward S. Perry William J. Grace First Lieutenants Clarence H. Woods George R. Higley Royal W. Jackson John P. Nolan James A. Fishburne Lewis P. Rogers (deceased) Claude M. Finnell Edward J. Price Robert A. Rockhill Allan R. Roodman Chester I. White John W. Lynd Emil O. Neubauer Clair F. Schumacher Herbert C. Taylor Second Lieutenants David S. Cloughly Conrad Shumway John W, Trager Gene E. Hopkins Norman O. Travis Leroy A. McCullough (deceased) Fred V. Schuch 394 ILLINOIS IN THE WORLD WAR OFFICERS OF THE 124111 MACHINE GUN BATTALION Top row : Captains P. J. Dodd, C. E. Inskeep, Burr P. Irwin, John R. Neal. Second row: First Lieutenants C. M. Finnell, R. W. Jackson, E. O. Neubauer. Third row: First Lieutenants R. A. Rockhill, Lewis P. Rogers, C. H. Woods, Second Lieutenant Harry L. Bemis. Bottom row : Second Lieutenants D. S. Cloughly, E. H. Droste, Wm. Kenny, C. H. McFarlan. THE I24TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION Elmer H. Droste John R. Withey William H. Rhodes Louis L. Brosam Charles H. McFarlan Charles N. Powell William Kenny Harry L. Bemis 395 SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE 124111 MACHINE GUN BATTALION Left to right: Louis L. Brosam, Charles N. Powell, William H. Rhodes, Conrad Shumway.