r
HISTORY OF
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Marceau
Major-General Clarence R. Edwards
HISTORY
OF THE
YANKEE DIVISION
by
HARRY A. BEN WELL
< I
tvith appreciations by
GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING
MAJOR-GENERAL CLARENCE R. EDWARDS
and
SECRETARY OF WAR NEWTON D. BAKER
THE CORNHILL COMPANY
BOSTON
(LtA
Copyright, 1919, by
THE CORNHILL COMPANY
Boston
Copyright, 1919, by New England Newspaper Publishing Company
CONTENTS
Chapter
I.
Chapter
II.
Chapter
III.
Chapter
IV.
Chapter
V.
Chapter
VI.
Chapter
VII.
Chapter
VIII.
Chapter
IX.
Chapter
X.
Chapter
XI.
Chapter
XII.
Chapter
XIII.
Chapter
XIV.
Chapter
XV.
Chapter
XVI.
Chapter
XVII.
Chapter
XVIII.
Chapter
XIX.
Chapter
XX.
Chapter
XXI.
Chapter
XXII.
Chapter
XXIII.
Chapter
XXIV.
Chapter
XXV.
Chapter
XXVI.
Chapter XXVII.
Appendix
.— Ros
page
vii
IX
Jr nliii' AC'Cjf * • • • • • ■ • ■ * *
General Pershing's Tribute to the Yankee Division,
General Edwards' Tribute to the Yankee Division, . . . xi
Secretary Baker's Tribute to the Yankee Division, . . . xiii
History of the Yankee Division, ...... 3
Organization, ....... 11
Expands All United States Units, ... 23
Training in France, ...... 32
Enjoy Old-fashioned Christmas, .... 39
• First United States Divisional Shot in War, . . 47
• Yankee Spirit Amazes the French, ... 56
Move to Start a Big Drive, .... 62
Battle of Apremont, ...... 70
How They " Kept the Faith," .... 79
Boche Beaten at Own Game, .... 86
"Saviors of Paris," 92
• Germans " Pinched Out." 101
• General Degoutte's Tributes, .... 106
• Sniper "Gets" Young "Scotty," . . .114
• St. Mihiel Salient Wiped Out 137
■ Flank of Twenty-sixth Uncovered, . . . 144
■ 102d Infantry Cited 152
■ Edwards' Report on St. Mihiel, .... 156
- 102d Takes Prisoners 164
- Colonel Bearss's Report, ..... 171
- Yankees Create Diversion, ..... 176
• Transferred to Verdun, ..... 180
- Praised for Action at Hattonchatcl, . . . 192
- The Cessation of Hostilities, .... 204
- President Wilson Dines with the Twenty-sixth, . 208
- Animals of the Division, ..... 222
-" Homeward Bound," 234
Roster of OflScers, Twenty-sixth Division, as Originally
Organized, ........ 249
Individual Servicb Record, ........ 275
PREFACE
In preparing the *' History of the Yankee Division,"
the author is indebted to Major-General Clarence R.
Edwards, General John J. Pershing, Secretary of War
Newton D. Baker and Brigadier-General Harry C. Hale
for tributes to the Twenty-sixth Division, which appear
as forewords.
Thanks are also due for personal assistance rendered
in the compilation of the work by Major-General
Edwards, Brigadier-General Charles H. Cole, Lieutenant-
Colonel Andrew L. Pendleton, Brigadier-General George
H. Shelton, Major John W. Hyatt, Lieutenant-Colonel
James L. Howard, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton R. Hor-
sey, and other members of the Division, both officers and
enlisted men, together with Bert Ford, Boston's own war
correspondent; and also to The New England Publishing
Company for the pennission to reprint the work which
appeared serially in the Boston Sunday Advertiser and
American and the Boston American.
It is hoped that readers of this book, especially those
associated with the famous Yankee Division, will accept
it in the spirit in which it is offered, — as a tribute to
the men of the Division and to its great leader, Clarence
Ransome Edwards.
GENERAL PERSHING'S TRIBUTE TO THE
YANKEE DIVISION
American Expeditionary Forces,
Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Marct21, 1919.
Major-General Harry C. Hale, Commanding Twenty -sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces, Ecommoy.
My Dear General Hale : — It gives me a great
deal of pleasure to congratulate you, and through you
all the officers and men of the Twenty -sixth Division,
on their splendid appearance at the inspection and review
which was held near jficommoy on February 19. The
spirit and soldierly bearing of all ranks pleased me very
much, and was what one would have expected of a division
with such a long and excellent record in France.
Arriving in the autumn of 1917, the division went
through the prescribed course of instruction until early
in 1918, when, brigaded with the French, it entered the
line for a month and a half's further training north of
Soissons, in the Chemin des Dames sector. It was with-
drawn for rest when the German offensive of March
21 necessitated its immediate return to the line in the
La Reine and Boucq sectors, north of Toul. Here it
had two important engagements, — one in the Apremont
Forest, where it repulsed with loss a heavy German raid,
and at Seicheprey, where casualties on both sides amounted
to approximately 2,000 men.
On July 18 the division was thrown into the battle
between the Aisne and the Marne, advancing in seven
days more than 17 kilometers against determined enemy
ix
THE YANKEE DIVISION
opposition, and capturing the towTis of Epieds, Trugny,
Torcey, Belleau and Givry.
It next took part in the American offensive of Septem-
ber at St. Mihiel. Operating under the Fifth Corps
in the Rupt and Troyon sectors, north of St. Mihiel, it
captured Bois-des-Eparges, Hattonchatel and Vigneulles.
Later, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, it attacked
northeast of Verdun, and aided in the storming of Etrayes
Ridge, capturing Bois-de-Belleu and the Bois d'Ormont,
one of the most formidable heights in that region. The
division was in this sector when the armistice called a
halt to active operations.
Each soldier should be proud of the share which the
Twenty-sixth Division has had in adding glory to the
fighting record of our armies, and I want every man to
know of my own appreciation, and that of his fellows
throughout the American Expeditionary Forces, for the
splendid work which has been done.
Very sincerely yours.
X
GENERAL EDWARDS' TRIBUTE TO THE
YANKEE DIVISION
Headquarters Northeastern Department,
99 Chauncy Street, Boston, Mass.
In answer to your gracious request that I give to you
some words of mine that you may use in your paper as a
tribute to the Yankee (Twenty-sixth) Division, that it was
my good fortune to command until the twenty-fifth day
of October, 1918, I hasten to say to you that the Yankee
Division proved itself to be a stout-hearted lot of lads,
whose acts, determination, dash and enduring carrying-on
ability under the greatest handicaps and desperate tests
in critical times of this great war definitely proved that
the blood of New England had not attenuated.
Advance notice of the authority to organize this divi-
sion was received by telegram from Washington, August
13, 1917; the birth of the division dates from August 22,
very nearly simultaneously with the formal authority to
organize it. On that date it was fully organized through-
out and its ranks full.
It was never concentrated as a division until after it
reached France. It was the first division to be fully
organized under the American flag. The whole division
went into the firing line on the Chemin des Dames on the
6th of February, 1918, after three months' training under
diflSculties which were as great as ever fell to the lot of a
division. It was forty-six days in the first-line trenches,
without one case of absence without leave, on the Che-
min des Dames, where it was first concentrated as a
division.
xi
THE YANKEE DIVISION
With the exception of a ten days' training period after
Chateau-Thierry, at Chatillon-sur-Seine, where it absorbed
6,000 replacements, this division, without one day's fur-
lough, was fighting and functioning as a division with
every element complete and in co-ordination tested out
by the most desperate battles of the war. No division
had harder service, no division was longer in the line or
gained more distance or fought off more attacks than did
this division.
It was not a Regular Army division, it was not a
National Guard division, nor was it a National Army
division; it was a division of the army of the United
States in accordance with the President's orders, and no
better division ever fought under the American flag or
any other flag.
This division had an "esprit," a soul, which well took
the place of the lack of time heretofore deemed necessary
to fit a division to fight as this division did. The record
of the Twenty-sixth Division, — its discipline, its accom-
plishments, what it did to the enemy compared to its
own losses, — is a valuable lesson to the United States to
indicate what can be accomplished in the shortest time,
and its best argument in support of universal training of
the youth of America, which I hope and pray will not be
ignored. It tells how citizens can be mobilized, and any-
body who approaches the defence of the United States
from the standpoint other than the mobilization of all its
citizenry fails to solve the problem of defence.
Loyalty is the priceless jewel of chivalry, and that
jewel was in the hearts of the men of the Twenty-sixth
Division.
xu
SECRETARY BAKER'S TRIBUTE TO THE
YANKEE DIVISION
The Twenty-sixth Division, under the command of
Major-General Clarence R. Edwards, embarked for France
in September, 1917. It trained actively after its arrival
in France, and in March, 1918, was associated with the
Eleventh French Army Corps. It was with this corps
until it moved to the district of Toul to take over the sec-
tor occupied by the First Regular Division of the United
States Army. In July it engaged in active offensive oper-
ations as a part of the Sixth French Army. It participated
in the attack north of the Marne, and later played a
decisive part in the battle of the St. Mihiel salient and in
the battle of the Argonne.
Throughout its career it won the high praise of its French
associates for its gallantry and soldierly qualities. It is
one of America's veteran divisions, and it has left a record
in France which is its full share of the glory achieved by
our great anny there. The people of the New England
States who contributed these soldiers to the American
Expeditionary Forces can welcome their heroes back, for
they are heroes — men who have had a perilous and diffi-
cult duty and who have done it to the admiration of all
beholders. They have had losses, and many of the men
returned with wound chevrons to show the fierceness of
the contests in which they participated, but they have
exalted the traditions of the country from which they
came, they have played the part of men on the greatest
stage in the world, and they bring back glory for their own
achievements and victory for the national cause.
Secretary of War.
• • •
XllI
THE YANKEE DIVISION
History" of
THE YANKEE DIVISION
"The Yankee Division!"
A name to conjure with wherever fighting abihty is
respected.
A division that will go down into immortality as hav-
ing gloriously upheld the martial traditions of New Eng-
land, and established new standards of fighting efficiency
in the great war for democracy.
A division that carried out the most brilliant attacks in
the face of all obstacles, and whose sheer, indomitable
spirit caused these heroes to go on, superior to exhaustion
and disease.
Time and again the Twenty-sixth achieved what the vet-
eran French believed to be impossibilities, and as a result
the Yankee Division came to be known as "Shock Troops."
The first full division to be organized and transported
to France, and the first to occupy a sector as a full divi-
sion, the Twenty-sixth had nearly ten months of contin-
uous service, and took part in the bloodiest battles of the
war.
Chemin des Dames, the Toul sector, Chateau-Thierry,
Seicheprey, Belleau Wood, the St. Mihiel salient, Argonne
Forest and many others testify to the high emprise and
daredevil courage of the fighting New Englanders.
Carrying out their operations with skill, endurance,
bulldog tenacity and cold nerve that has never been sur-
passed, the division was time and again selected to hold
the hardest positions, and as a result thousands of the
men were cited for bravery or won the Croix de Guerre.
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The Twenty-sixth Division led all other National
Guard divisions in the number of decorations received,
and stood fourth in the list of American divisions in the
matter of citations.
The colors of the 104th Infantry, formerly the 2d, 6th
and 8th Massachusetts, were decorated with the Croix
de Guerre, and for a long time this was the only regiment
in the United States Army to be so honored by a foreign
government.
As a further testimonial, and owing to the fact that it
had seen the most service, the Twenty-sixth Division was
host to President Wilson at a Christmas dinner while he
was in France attending the Peace Conference. In addi-
tion, a battalion of the division acted as guard of honor
to the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United
States.
From February 6, 1918, until the signing of the armis-
tice, the Yankee Division was almost continually in action,
with the result that the men were too exhausted to make
up a part of the Army of Occupation, and thereby carry
out their cherished desire of marching into Germany.
Shunted from one part of France to another wherever
there was a difficult task to be done, the Twenty-sixth
Division scarcely ever knew where it would be next day.
At one time the Yankees were the only troops between
the German and the beautiful French capital which he
had sworn to occupy. They threw him back, and for
that act were hailed as the *' Saviors of Paris."
Undaunted by cold, fatigue, insufficient food and cloth-
ing, and an almost paralyzing lack of sleep, they pressed
on, with only ten days' rest in nearly ten months.
When the end came, and they were selected to make
up part of the Army of Triumph of General Foch, it was
found that they were done. Casualties had reduced the
Major-General Harry C. Hale
THE YANKEE DIVISION
companies to half strength. Human beings could stand
no more. Their shoes were worn out, their clothing was
in rags, they had but a handful of emaciated horses,
and their equipment was in terrible condition. There-
fore they were compelled to move to a training area for
the rest and recuperation, refilling and refitting, to which
they were so justly entitled.
From beginning to end the record of the Twenty-sixth
Division was one that should make every New Englander's
heart swell with pride. Not only in battle did the New
England boys conduct themselves like heroes, but while
on leave their conduct was so exemplary that the gen-
eral in command of the leave area was forced to comment
on it.
They added another chapter to New England history,
and their deeds will take rank with those of the heroes of
Bunker Hill and the Green Mountain boys at Ticonderoga.
Many failed to come back, but they gave up their
lives for one of the most worthy causes the world has
ever known. They sleep in hallowed graves, which are
carefully tended by grateful French women, who breathe
a prayer with every flower they lay on the last resting
places of the chivalrous Americans.
The division sailed from the United States with nearly
28,000 New Englanders, but when the armistice was
signed less than 30 per cent, of the original members
remained. The casualties numbered 11,955, and the New
Englanders were further reduced by transfers.
The Yankee Division spent an aggregate of two hun-
dred and ten days on the firing line, and while in the La
Reine and Boucq sector, north of Toul, was engaged in
the first two battles in which the Americans fought with-
out the support of French infantry.
It was never concentrated as a division until it went
THE YANKEE DIVISION
into the line for the first time, on the Chemin des Dames
sector, north of Soissons, when it was placed in support
of the French on February 6, 1918. For nine months
following this time the division spent only ten days in a
rest area, yet it captured thousands of prisoners and
material, and advanced a total depth of 37 kilometers.
The impression made by the division on the enemy
was shown by an extract from a confidential document,
captured from the Nineteenth German Army, and made
public by British general headquarters, which read : —
The Twenty-sixth American Division is a fighting division
which has proven its qualities in battles on various parts of the
front.
The division was cited in General Orders No. 7, Head-
quarters Eleventh Army Corps (French), March 15, 1918.
Cited (104th Infantry) in General Orders No. 737A.,
Headquarters Thirty-second Army Corps (French), April
26, 1918.
Commended (101st Infantry) in service memorandum,
Headquarters Eighth Army (French), June 8, 1918.
Commended in memorandum, Headquarters Seventh
Army (French), June 17, 1918.
Congratulated in memorandum. Headquarters Thirty-
second Anny Corps (French), June 18, 1918.
Cited in General Orders No. 131, Headquarters Thirty-
second Army Corps (French), June 18, 1918.
Commended (103d Infantry) in letter from General
Headquarters, A. E. F., June 20, 1918.
Cited in General Orders No. 133, Headquarters Thirty-
second Army Corps (French), June 27, 1918.
Congratulated in letter, Headquarters Sixth Army
(French), July 29, 1918.
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Cited in General Orders, Sixth Army (French), August
9, 1918.
Cited in General Orders, General Headquarters, A. E. F.,
August 28, 1918.
Cited (102d Infantry) in General Orders No. 19, Head-
quarters Fifth Army Corps, A. E. F., September 18, 1918.
Commended in letter from Headquarters Second Colo-
nial Corps (French), October 7, 1918.
Commended in letter from Headquarters Second Colo-
nial Corps (French), October 24, 1918.
Commended in letter from Headquarters Seventeenth
Army Corps (French), October 24, 1918.
Commended (104th Infantry) in letter from Head-
quarters Eighteenth Division (French), October 17, 1918.
Commended in letter from Headquarters Second Colo-
nial Corps (French), November 14, 1918.
As has been stated, there were many individual cita-
tions for bravery in the division, — in fact, one of the
largest lists in the American army, but there were also
many other acts of heroism which were overlooked in the
excitement of battle. Practically every man in the organ-
ization bore himself like a hero, and it is related how,
during attacks, general prisoners working near the front
lines seized rifles from wounded or dead comrades and
fought on like demons.
An incident typical of many heroic acts was that which
resulted in the citation of the first man awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award in the
gift of the United States. The citation read : —
Private First Class George Dilboy (deceased). Company
H, 103d Infantry.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action with the enemy on July 18, 1918,
near Belleau, France.
7
THE YANKEE DIVISION
After his platoon had gained its objective along a railroad
embankment. Private Dilboy, accompanying his platoon leader
to reconnoiter the ground beyond, was suddenly fired upon by
an enemy machine gun from 100 yards. From a standing
position on the railroad track, fully exposed to view, he opened
fire at once, but, failing to silence the gun, rushed forward with
his bayonet fixed, through a wheat field towards the gun em-
placement, falling within 25 yards of the gun, with his right
leg nearly severed above the knee, and with several bullet holes
in his body. With undaunted courage he continued to fire into
the emplacement from a prone position, killing two of the
enemy and dispersing the rest of the crew.
Too much cannot be said in regard to the work done
by the divisional chaplains. Not only did these men of
God hold services whenever the opportunity presented
itself, but their very presence and cheerful attitude did
much to uphold the wonderful spirit of the men. Fur-
thermore, a number went "over the top" with their boys,
and all were decorated for their splendid work in tending
the wounded under fire and serving hot coffee and food
to the men in the front line.
They took part in the men's joys and shared in their
sorrows, administered both physical and spiritual aid,
and wherever they might be were loved and revered as
true servants of Christianity,
One of them. Chaplain Danker of Worcester, made
*'the great sacrifice," being killed by shell fire, and a
number of others were wounded while ministering to the
wounded.
The division first went into line on February 6, 1918,
on the Chemin des Dames sector, and was withdrawn on
March 21. In this connection it may be said that dates
of entry and dates of withdrawal are the dates on which
the command passed to or from the Twenty-sixth Divi-
8
THE YANKEE DIVISION
sion. These dates, as a matter of fact, do not in reality
show the exact time which all units served in line. There
were several instances where regiments and brigades
entered the line several days in advance of the passing of
command to the division.
On April 3 tlie division moved into La Reine and Boucq
sector, north of Toul, and stayed there until June 28. On
July 10 the Pas Fini sector at Chateau-Thierry was entered,
and the division was withdrawn on July 25. September
8 marked the entrance of the organization into the St.
Mihiel salient, where it fought until October 8, and on
October 18 it moved into the line north of Verdun, being
withdrawn November 14, three days after the signing of
the armistice.
During these nine months' service the division spent
only ten days in a rest area, just prior to the battle of St.
Mihiel, the rest of the time being occupied in moving
from one sector to another, or in support position await-
ing entry into line.
Important features of the line in the several sectors
held by the division were in the —
Chemin des Dames: A, the Chemin des Dames; B,
Fort de Malmaison; C, Chavignon Valley; D, Laffaux
Valley; E, Pinon V/oods; F, Cheval Mort Hill; G, Aisne
River; H, Rouge Maison; I, Rochefort.
La Reine and Boucq: A, Mont Sec; B, Bois Brule
(Apremont Woods); C, Seicheprey (Remiere Woods and
Jury Woods); D, Xivray-Marvoisin; E, Dead Man's
Curve.
Chateau-Thierry: A, Bois Belleau; B, Hill 190; C,
Bouresches railway station; D, Trugny Woods; E, Epi-
eds; F, Vesle River (Artillery Brigade); G, Vaux.
St. Miliiel: A, Les Eparges; B, Vigneulles; C, Hatton
Chatel; D, Demmartin; E, Bois de St. Remy.
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Argonne-Meuse: A, Bois Bellieu; B, Hill 360; C,
Bois d'Omiont; D, Bois d'Haumont; E, Bois d'Etrayes;
F, Les Houppy Bois; G, La Wavrille; H, Bois de Ville
devant Chauinont; I, Cote de Taloii.
Despite the fact that this division was composed of
National Guard troops, with practically no previous expe-
rience, and lacking the lengthy training deemed so neces-
sary by regular army officers, the Twenty-sixth went
through the terrific struggle with no lowering of its mag-
nificent morale. Though suffering the most terrible pun-
ishment in the various engagements, the Twenty-sixth
came through with flying colors, and at the end it might
well have been said, as it was of Napoleon's famous Old
Guard, "The division dies, but never retreats."
10
CHAPTER I
Organization
The history of the Twenty-sixth Division is practically
the history of the accomplishments of one man, Clarence
R. Edwards, Major-General, U. S. A.
He organized the division, took it to France, and there
by personal contact built up the wonderful morale which
he had no time to secure by prolonged training.
A clear-visioned fighter of the old school, with a healthy
contempt for theory and army red tape, he did not know
the meaning of the word "can't." General Edwards led
his division from one brilliant success to another, con-
stantly endearing himself more and more to his men.
The *'01d Man," as he was called, was regarded with
almost fanatical affection and veneration.
When General Edwards was relieved from command on
October 25 and returned to the United States, the men
of the Twenty-sixth were stunned, and tears came to the
eyes of many war-worn veterans. Although succeeded by
Brigadier-General Frank E. Bamford, who in turn on
November 19 was relieved by Major-General Harry C.
Hale, General Edwards continued to be "Our General"
to the men of the Twenty-sixth Division. They wrote
letters to their parents, urging them to go and hear the
speeches being made by General Edwards, who had
assumed, for the second time, command of the Depart-
ment of the Northeast, with headquarters in Boston.
And those of the men who were already at home, having
been discharged after recovering from wounds, never
failed to turn out to listen once more to the voice of their
beloved commander.
11
THE YANKEE DIVISION
General Edwards acquired his first experience as a
fighter in the PhiHppines, and later was placed in com-
mand of the Panama Canal Zone. There he acquired
much experience in administration, and expended large
sums of money in the bettennent of conditions.
Wlien the Department of the Northeast was organized,
General Edwards was placed in command. He came to
Boston gladly, as both he and Mrs. Edwards had rela-
tives in this city, as well as many friends.
With other far-sighted men General Edwards believed
that the United States would be drawn into the war. As
a result of this belief he began a study of the New Eng-
land National Guard as soon as his new command was
smoothly under way.
He found the National Guard, on the whole, to be in
good shape, having been well equipped by the various
States. The Guard obtained valuable experience on the
Mexican Border in 1916, although there were some inci-
dents connected with that affair which were not of much
credit to any one.
When the time came for this country to take part in
the mammoth struggle overseas, General Edwards was
thoroughly familiar with the material of which the heroic
Yankee Division was to be composed.
On August 14, 1917, he received a letter from the Adju-
tant-General's office, dated the previous day, containing
authority to organize a full division from National Guard
troops, under the new tables of organization which had
just been adopted by the War Department. It was
decided that this division was to be known as the Twenty-
sixth Division of the National Army, and "National
Guard" was to be forgotten.
This letter was delivered to General Edwards by the
then Major George H. Shelton, General Staff, who later
12
Brigadier-General Charles H. Cole
THE YANKEE DIVISION
became a brigadier-general. Shelton also brought ad-
vance copies of the new tables of organization, which
showed radical changes in the make-up and personnel of
military units. These copies were secured nine days in
advance of their issue by the War Department, and as a
result of this fact the general was enabled to speed up the
organization of the division and get the jump on other
organizations.
The War Department instructions allowed considerable
leeway in working out the reorganization of the guard
outfits, and General Edwards took advantage of this
fact. It was apparent, from his study of the local con-
ditions, that the War Department plan did not meet
them fully, so he went ahead and worked out a different
combination.
Establishing his headquarters at No. 25 Huntington
Avenue, General Edwards sent for all organization com-
manders affected, who could be conveniently brought to
Boston. He explained the situation to them in confi-
dence, and then outlined the plans he proposed to follow
to meet it, together with the military emergency which
rendered reorganization necessary. Among these officers
were Colonels George S. Simonds, J. W. Beacham, H. P.
Hobbs, L. W. Cass and C. M. Dowell, all regulars, who
had been assigned from Washington.
In a similar way, either in person, by a staff officer or
by letter. General Edwards informed all of the Governors
of the New England States in confidence of the situation
and the plans evolved to meet it. Full co-operation was
promised and given, and it proved to be complete, intel-
ligent and helpful.
As was expected, some opposition arose to the breaking
up of established National Guard organizations, and to
the transfers from one organization to another as required
13
THE YANKEE DIVISION
to meet the conditions of the problem. Some of this
opposition was direct, some of it was indirect, through
members of Congress and State officers, and through
appeals to the War Department. Much of it was based
on ignorance, and some of it upon misunderstanding of
the facts of the case. Wherever it was possible to explain
the matter in detail to those interested opposition was
rapidly dissipated.
During the time of organization General Edwards,
Major (then Captain) John W. Hyatt, his aide, Major
Shelton and others sat up seventy-two hours at a stretch,
at times, working out details. There were many obstacles,
some of them apparently insurmountable, but the opti-
mism and initiative of General Edwards, which, through
his remarkable personality, he was able to transmit to
his staff, overcame them.
As has been stated, the National Guard was fortunately
well equipped with motor transport, animal transport,
combat wagons and other material. What was needed in
the way of clothing and other supplies was on hand,
owing to the aforementioned foresight of the general.
When he was commander of the Northeastern Depart-
ment, Colonel Williamson, the depot quartermaster, had
presented a requisition for supplies. These called for
enough for about 50,000 men only. General Edwards
immediately told him to make it a million, but William-
son demurred, claiming that he had no authority, where-
upon General Edwards ordered him to do it, and the
matter was settled.
And so the work of reorganization went on. General
Edwards brought a keen, trained mind to the task, and
displayed none of the usual attitude of the Regular Army
officer toward National Guard organizations. His spirit
of frank, manly good fellowship and consideration for
14
THE YANKEE DIVISION
others in a short time made him the idol of all his oflScers,
and aided him greatly in securing results.
Within a very few days a plan of organization was
worked out and the division formed. Major Shelton was
promoted to lieutenant-colonel and made chief of staff.
The General's aides included Captain Hyatt, Captain
A. L. Pendleton and Captain "Nat" Simpkins of Boston,
who later died in France, and who was mourned by the
commanding officer as he would have mourned a son.
Colonel Simonds was made divisional adjutant and
Colonel Cass assistant adjutant.
Division headquarters was made up of officers assigned
by the War Department and officers and enlisted men
transferred from the division at large and by enlistment.
Troop B of the old Massachusetts Squadron of Cavalry
became the Headquarters Troop, commanded by Captain
Oliver Wolcott.
The next unit to be organized was the 101st Machine
Gun Battalion, which was composed of the 1st Con-
necticut Squadron of Cavalry, with additional strength
from the 1st Vennont Infantry. This outfit was com-
manded by Major James L. Howard of Hartford, Ct.,
an old National Guard officer. The battalion was en-
camped at Niantic, Ct.
There were two infantry brigades, the Fifty-first and
Fifty-second, and the Fifty-first Artillery Brigade.
Brigadier-General Peter E. Traub was given command
of the Fifty-first Infantry Brigade, and Brigadier-General
Charles H. Cole, former Boston fire commissioner, of the
Fifty-second. General Cole, having previous experience
as a National Guard officer, had enlisted as a private
when the United States entered the war, and his promo-
tion was rapid.
The artillery brigade was commanded by Brigadier-
15
THE YANKEE DIVISION
General William L, Lassiter, a Regular Army officer, as
was General Traub.
The Fifty-first Infantry Brigade was largely made up
of Boston and other eastern Massachusetts troops, and
for that reason was most popular locally. It consisted
of the 101st and 102d Infantry and the 102d Machine
Gun Battalion.
Men from the famous "Fighting 9th" Massachusetts,
with the 5th and a part of the 6th, made up the 101st,
and Colonel Edward L. Logan, who had led the 9th on
the Mexican Border, was placed in command. Colonel
Logan was judge of the South Boston Police Court, and
had been an officer of the 9th for years. His lieutenant-
colonel was John H. Dunn, Boston street commissioner,
who enlisted in the 9th in 1888, and saw service in the
Spanish -American war.
iinother Boston city official in the regiment was Major
William J. Casey, commanding the 2d Battalion and
former superintendent of the city printing plant, who,
like Dunn, first enlisted in the 9th in 1888, and was a
veteran of the Spanish war. Lieutenant William L.
Drohan was clerk of Colonel Logan's court in South
Boston.
Owing to an intense spirit of pride in their respective
organizations, which had been manifested by the men of
both regiments time and again on the Border, there was
some confusion at first when the reorganization went into
effect.
This was straightened out within a short time, however,
unlike similar incidents in certain other divisions.
The 102d Infantry was a combination of the 2d Con-
necticut, with additional strength from the 1st Con-
necticut, 1st Vermont and 6th Massachusetts. Colonel
Ernest S. Isbell was made regimental commander.
16
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The 102d Machine Gun BattaHon was the old Massa-
chusetts Squadron of Cavahy, less Troop B, with addi-
tional strength from the 1st Vermont Infantry. Major
John Perrins, Jr., was given command of the battalion.
The Fifty-second Infantry Brigade was made up of
the 103d and 104th Infantry and the 103d Machine Gun
Battalion. The 2d Maine Infantry, with additional
strength from the 1st New Hampshire, made up the 103d.
The 104th Infantry was composed of the 2d Massachu-
setts, with additional strength from the 6th and 8th
Massachusetts.
Colonel Frank H. Hume was made commander of the
103d Infantry, and Colonel William C. Hayes of Spring-
field assumed command of the 104th.
The Rhode Island Squadron of Cavalry, less Troops
B and M, and the New Hampshire Machine Gun Troop,
with additional strength from the 1st Vermont Infantry,
went to make up the 103d Machine Gun Battalion of
which Major Walter G. Gatchell was made commanding
officer.
With these units organized, the next task was the
formation of the Fifty-first Field Artillery Brigade. It was
decided to make it up with the 101st, 102d and 103d
Field Artillery, the latter a regiment of "heavies," and
the 101st Trench Mortar Battery.
The 1st Massachusetts Field Artillery, with additional
strength from the New England Coast Artillery, composed
the 101st Field Artillery, and Colonel John H. Sherburne
became regimental commander.
The 2d Massachusetts Field Artillery, helped out by the
New England Coast Artillery, made up the 102d, Colonel
M. E. Locke, commanding, with Lieutenant-Colonel
Thorndike D. Howe second in command.
For the heavy regiment were taken Batteries A of New
17
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Hampshire, E and F of Connecticut, and 1st Battalion
Rhode Island Field Artillery, with additional strength
from headquarters and supply companies, composite
cavalry regiment, Troop M, Rhode Island Squadron of
Cavalry and part of the New England Coast Artillery.
The regimental commander was Lieutenant-Colonel
Richard Hale.
The trench mortar battery was made up of the 1st
Maine Heavy Field Artillery. This battery was com-
manded by Captain Roger A. Greene.
It then became necessary to secure an engineer regi-
ment, and for this purpose the 1st Massachusetts Engi-
neers were at hand. Originally the old First Corps of
Cadets, Boston's crack National Guard organization,
the outfit had changed to an engineer regiment when it
was learned that there would be no chance for it to get
into action in any other way. With additional strength
from the 1st Maine Heavy Field Artillery and the New
England Coast Artillery, the organization became the
101st Engineers, commanded by Colonel George W.
Bunnell. The Massachusetts Field Signal Battalion was
taken over complete as the 101st Field Signal Battalion
under Major Harry G. Chase.
Then came the 101st Train Headquarters and Military
Police, commanded by Colonel Warren E. Sweetser,
formerly of the 2d Massachusetts; the 101st Ammunition
Train, composed of the 1st Vermont Infantry and local
coast artillery, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel William
J. Keville of the old 8th Massachusetts; the 101st Supply
Train, from Troop B, Rhode Island Squadron of Cavalry,
with additional strength from the 8th Massachusetts,
and commanded by Captain Davis G. Arnold; the 101st
Engineer Train, from the 6th Massachusetts, First
Lieutenant S. R. Waller, commanding, and the 101st
18
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Sanitary Train, Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Bevans, com-
manding. This sanitary train was composed of Ambu-
lance Companies Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and Field Hospitals
Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The 1st and 2d Massachusetts Ambu-
lance Companies made up Ambulance Companies Nos.
1 and 2; the First Connecticut Ambulance Company
became Ambulance Company No. 3, and the First Rhode
Island Ambulance Company became Ambulance Com-
pany No. 4.
In the same way the 1st and 2d Massachusetts Field
Hospitals became Field Hospitals Nos. 1 and 2; the First
Connecticut became No. 3, and the First New Hampshire
became Field Hospital No. 4. A mobile ordnance repair
shop was formed by transfers from the division at large.
All the remaining troops under General Edwards'
jurisdiction were assigned to the Fifty -first Depot Brigade,
consisting of 35 officers and 596 enlisted men from the
1st New Hampshire Infantry; 29 officers and 284 enlisted
men from the 1st Vermont Infantry; 37 officers and 503
enlisted men from the 5th Massachusetts Infantry; 18
officers and 360 enlisted men from the 6th Massachusetts
Infantry; 28 officers and 406 enlisted men from the 8th
Massachusetts Infantry; 20 officers and 365 enlisted
men from the 1st Connecticut Infantry; 40 officers and
776 enlisted men from the 1st Maine Field Artillery; 3
officers and 62 enlisted men from Company B, New
Hampshire Signal Troops; 3 officers and 64 enlisted men
from Company A, Connecticut Signal Troops; 1 officer
and 109 enlisted men from the first separate company,
Connecticut infantry; and 3 officers and 149 enlisted men
from the first separate company of Massachusetts in-
fantry. This was a total of 217 officers and 3,674 enlisted
men.
Following are copies of the General Orders issued by
19
THE YANKEE DIVISION
General Edwards officially organizing the division on
August 22, 1917: —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
Boston, Mass., August 22, 1917.
General Orders,1
No. 2. J
1. In compliance with telegraphic authority of the War
Department dated August 13, 1917, and in accordance with
confidential tables of organization published by the War De-
partment, the Twenty-sixth Division is hereby organized from
the units of the New England National Guard, as follows : —
Divisional Headquarters Troop, Captain Oliver Wolcott, com-
manding.
101st Machine Gun Battalion, Major James L. Howard, com-
manding.
Fifty-first Brigade, Brigadier-General Peter E. Traub, commanding;
101st Infantry, Colonel E. L. Logan, commanding; 102d Infantry,
Colonel E. S. Isbell, commanding; 102d Machine Gun Battalion,
Major John Perrins, Jr., commanding.
Fifty-second Brigade, Brigadier-General Charles H. Cole, com-
manding; 103d Infantry, Colonel F. H. Hume, commanding; 104th
Infantry, Colonel William C. Hayes, commanding; 103d Machine
Gun Battalion, Major W. G. Gatchell, commanding.
Fifty-first Field Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General W. Lassier,
commanding; 101st Field Artillery, Colonel J. H. Sherburne, com-
manding; 102d Field Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel T. D. Howe,
commanding; 103d Field Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard
Hale, commanding; trench mortar battery. Captain Roger A.
Greene, commanding.
Engineer Regiment, Twenty-sixth Division, Colonel George W.
Bunnell, commanding.
Field Signal Battalion, Twenty-sixth Division, Major Harry G.
Chase, commanding.
Headquarters Train and Military Police, Colonel W. E. Sweetser,
commanding.
Ammunition Train (to be designated), commanding.
Supply Train, Captain Davis G. Arnold, commanding.
Engineer Train, First Lieutenant S. R, Waller, commanding.
20
Bachrach
Major-General Peter E. Traub
Company D, 104th, Yankee Division, Getting into Shape for the
Hardships of Overseas' Service
Troops leaving for Debarkation Overseas
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Sanitary Train, Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Bevans, commanding;
Ambulance Company No. 1, Ambulance Company No. 2, Ambulance
Company No. 3, Ambulance Company No. 4, Field Hospital No. 1,
Field Hospital No. 2, Field Hospital No. 3, Field Hospital No. 4.
2. The transfers and assignment of commissioned and en-
listed personnel to accomplish the organization of the new units
in accordance with the War Department tables of organization
will be as set forth in detail in letters of instruction from the
chief of staff to organization commanders concerned.
By command of Major-General Edwards,
George H. Shelton,
Lieutenant-Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
George S. Simonds,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Infantry, N. A.,
Adjutant.
Headquaeters Twenty-sixth Division,
Boston, Mass., August 30, 1917.
General OrdersA
No. 3. j
1. In accordance with instructions from the War Depart-
ment dated August 13, 1917, Brigadier-General E. Leroy
Sweetser, National Army, is assigned to the command of the
depot brigade of the Twenty-sixth Division.
2. The following troops are assigned to the depot brigade
of the Twenty-sixth Division : —
1st Regiment, New Hampshire Infantry, National Guard.
1st Regiment, Vermont Infantry, National Guard,
5th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry, National Guard.
6th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry, National Guard.
8th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry, National Guard.
1st Regiment, Connecticut Infantry, National Guard.
1st Regiment, Maine Field Artillery (Heavy), National Guard.
Company B, New Hampshire Signal Corps, National Guard.
Company A, Connecticut Signal Corps, National Guard.
21
THE YANKEE DIVISION
And all other officers and enlisted men of the National Guard of the
New England States in active service, exclusive of those belonging to
or on duty with the coast artillery or assigned to duty with the active
organizations of the Twenty-sixth Division.
By command of Major-General Edwards,
George H. Shelton,
Lieutenant-Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
Horace P. Hobbs,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Infantry, N. A.,
Acting Adjutant.
22
CHAPTER II
Expands All United States Units
In ordering the organization of the division, the War
Department had asked General Edwards if he could ship
part of it the 1st of September and part the 15th^ He
replied that he could ship all by the 1st of September.
They again wired asking, "Are you reasonably sure?"
to which the general replied, "I am not reasonably sure;
I am certain."
Prior to this war the largest regiment in American
service contained 2,000 men, which was 600 larger than
anything we had .had in actual practice. The new organ-
ization required 1,000 men in every battalion, and very
nearly 1,000 men in the headquarters, machine gun and
supply companies, making little less than 4,000 men in
a regmient. Those 4,000 men per regiment meant a
bigger regiment, of greater strength, than the largest
brigade United States Army officers had ever thought of.
The brigade was some 7,800 men, and the division about
32,000, greater than an army corps in the civil war.
The command was virtually organized in forty-eight
hours, day and night work, and this accomplishment was
largely due to the co-operation furnished by the press of
Boston and New England. In the words of General
Edwards, "everybody played the game." After taking
100 integral numbers for what the regular army might
expand in, it took 25 numbers of the Regular Army, and,
therefore, the division became the Twenty-sixth.
General Edwards found it necessary to take a large
number of coast artillerymen, and for this he was criti-
23
THE YANKEE DIVISION
cised by the War Department. He said he was very
sorry, but they had sailed, whereupon the War Depart-
ment replied: "In the next war don't you dare do it
again." He also took some draft men from Camp
Devens.
The division was not concentrated at any one point,
and as a matter of fact never came together as a whole
unit until it entered the front line in France. Division
headquarters, with the Headquarters Troop and 101st
Field Signal Battalion, as well as the 101st Engineers,
were at Boston. Framingham was headquarters of the
Fifty -first Infantry Brigade, the 101st Infantry and the
102d Machine Gun Battalion. The 102d Infantry was
at New Haven, Ct., the 103d Machine Gun Battalion
was at Quonset Point, R. I., the 101st Machine Gun Bat-
talion at Niantic, Ct., while the whole of the Fifty-sec-
ond Infantry Brigade was at Westfield, Mass., and the
field artillery at Boxford.
General Edwards made almost daily inspections of the
camps, and on every occasion exhorted the men to pull
together. He inspired the officers with his spirit, and
they made frequent speeches to the men, dwelling on the
value of team work and discipline.
As soon as the division was fonned, General Edwards
notified the War Department, and Camp Greene, N. C,
was specified as a concentration point. A sergeant and
ten men were sent down to Camp Greene to locate divi-
sional headquarters.
In the meantime the General, who overlooked nothing,
had sent an officer to Hoboken to see what could be done
in the way of securing transports. This officer reported
that there were no boats available, and there would be
none in the near future, as it was the intention of the
War Department to send over first the Forty-second
24
THE YANKEE DIVISION
(Rainbow) Division, it being made up of men from a large
number of Stiites, and being considered representative.
General Edwards refused to be discouraged by this
report, and called into conference one of his aides, Cap-
tain A. L. Pendleton, a young Regular Army officer with
the reputation of doing things, and who later became a
lieutenant-colonel. Here follows one of the most inter-
esting stories in the history of the division. As a result
of the initiative and enterprise of General Edwards and
Captain Pendleton, the division was enabled to get
away before the Forty-second, and was, therefore, the
first full American division to reach France, Part of the
First Division had gone over with General Pershing, but
several units were absent.
Captain Pendleton arrived at Hoboken with personal
letters of introduction to General Shanks, commanding
the port, and Colonel Carson, in charge of assignments
of troops to ships. Captain Pendleton was assured by
the two officers that no boats would be available in the
near future, due to the fact that all coming in were to be
reserved for the use of the Regular Army and special
units of the Forty-second Division.
Captain Pendleton patiently explained that the Twenty-
sixth was fully organized and ready to move, which, he
said, he did not think was true of others. He was again
assured that the War Department had established these
priorities and they would have to stand.
Undismayed by these statements, the young aide went
forth to see what might be done. He made the acquaint-
ance of Major Hambleton, adjutant to General Shanks,
and the two soon became great friends. Each found
much to admire in the other.
Pendleton spent much time with the major and im-
pressed on him the fact that the Twenty-sixth Division
25
THE YANKEE DIVISION
was ready to move and that transports must be secured
at all costs.
Major Hambleton confidentially kept the captain
posted on what boats would be available in the near
future, and as there were no representatives from other
units on the ground, the Twenty-sixth benefited.
One day Captain Pendleton was suddenly notified that
four boats would be available in three days, the "Tena-
dores," "Pastores," "Mallory" and "Lenape." He was
further advised that the units for which they were intended
were not ready to take them, and was asked if he could
use them for the Twenty-sixth.
He replied that he could use all he could get even on
short notice. He said that the division was ready to go
to France and the men wanted to get away.
Captain Pendleton called General Edwards on the
telephone and told him that he could secure four boats.
He asked the General to please have the chief of staff
advise what units were to go first. In half an hour the
chief of staff called up and gave him the assignments,
which he handed to Colonel Carson. Colonel Carson
was surprised as well as gratified at the quick action.
The unit which had the honor of being the first to go
was the 101st Infantry, "Boston's Own," regiment.
Major George C. Cole of the Division Quartermaster
Staff, who was with Captain Pendleton, got in touch
with representatives of the American Railway Associa-
tion at Hoboken, and in conference arranged for the
reception of the troops at the 135th Street station. He
also arranged for the ferrying of troops and baggage
around to the Hoboken docks. Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph
W. Beacham, Jr., divisional quartennaster, did excellent
work at the Boston end, arranging the movement of
troops here.
26
THE YANKEE DIVISION
It had been announced through the press that the
previous Sunday would be "visitors' day." On that
occasion thousands of relatives and friends of the soldiers
flocked to the different camps, many of them feeling that
this would be the last opportunity they would have to
see their loved ones.
At Framingham there was an address by Governor
McCall in the name of Massachusetts, and Cardinal
O'Connell gave the men his blessing. At Westfield there
was a parade, and it was estimated that 100,000 civilians
were present, and like conditions prevailed at Boxford
and other camps.
At noon of September 6 Colonel Logan of the 101st
issued the order turning the men out in full marching
equipment, ready to entrain.
Starting at midnight troop trains in various sections
began rolling into New York. The men got off the trains
at the 135th Street station and took the freight out of the
baggage cars. They loaded it on lighters and then got
aboard ferries, which moved them around to the Hoboken
docks.
Here, with only a few devoted friends present, including
Boston officials, they were assigned to space aboard the
transports, and in a short time were underway with no
one in New York av\^are of what was happening.
The farewell to the 101st was brief, but the men carried
the remembrance of it with them for many a day. Among
those who saw the troops off were the late Postmaster
William F. Murray, Surveyor of the Port of Boston
Joseph A. Maynard, Colonel Logan's brother Malcolm,
Congressman James A. Gallivan, Congressman John F.
Fitzgerald, Willard R. Gallagher and a number of others.
This devoted little party embarked in a tug, and as
the ships pulled out into the bay, steamed dow^i the
27
THE YANKEE DIVISION
harbor with Fitzgerald singing "Sweet AdeHne." The
tug stayed with the transports until the Statue of Liberty
was passed, and the troops said farewell to home and
friends.
The 101st Infantry got away first, while other transports
carried Major William N. Tenney's Field Hospital No. 1,
Major Charles F. Mains' Ambulance Company No. 1,
and Colonel John H, Sherburne's 101st Field Artillery.
Outside the boats joined other transports, and the
whole were later picked up by a convoy and escorted
across the submarine-infested ocean.
Colonel Carson was so pleased at the manner in which
the situation was handled that he was disposed to give
the Twenty-sixth Division all the transports coming in.
He hesitated, however, because of priorities of other units.
After the departure of the first ships. Captain Pendle-
ton returned to Boston for a conference with General
Edwards and the chief of staff. He said he could get the
boats as soon as they were available, and only wanted
a list of divisional units showing the sequence in which
it was desired they depart. He also asked for the approx-
imate strength in oflEicers and men, as well as freight
tonnage. This was quickly furnished.
He then went back to Hoboken and found out from
Major Hambleton the tentative schedules of transports
for the future, which were given confidentially. Major
Hambleton also furnished the capacities of the boats for
oflScers, men and cargo.
For his own amusement, and in order to be prepared
for the call for troops on short notice by Colonel Carson,
Captain Pendleton made up a schedule assigning certain
units to certain ships in accordance with the dates of
arrival and departure, reconciled, of course, with General
Edwards' sequence list.
S8
Brigadier-General George H. Shelton
MbJK
■ c »i-
;.- «_ -»«■
■ ^. BB -^^.^
---^If-- (■"-TpJT'S— - • •
»■-, s '
Bishop William Lawrence and Chaplains at Westfield, Mass.
Officers of the Ist Trench Mortar Battery with Governor Milliken
of Maine
THE YANKEE DIVISION
As soon as this was finished Captain Pendleton con-
ferred with Colonel Carson and showed him what he had
done. He demonstrated how the colonel had been saved
much thought and work, and this was appreciated.
When the next boats were available all the troops of
the Forty-second Division had not yet arrived at their
concentration camp, and the Twenty-sixth units were the
only ones ready to move.
Again the Twenty-sixth got the transports, and they
were loaded with the same success as before. The em-
barkation officials were highly delighted.
It was then that Captain Pendleton learned that
English ships were available at Montreal. He prevailed
on one of the embarkation officials to go there with him
and look over the situation. They found one ship with
large capacity ready to pull out. A conference was then
held with the officials of the White Star and other lines,
who offered prospects of immediate sailings of big ships.
Back again in Hoboken, Colonel Carson was informed
of what had taken place, and it was arranged for Captain
Pendleton to use ships out of Montreal. Colonel Carson
and General Shanks arranged it through the War Depart-
ment with our State Department and the Canadian
government. By this move a number of ships were
secured upon which no one had figured.
The Canadian movements were cleverly arranged and
executed. Canadian railroad and steamship officials had
had so much experience that they handled American
troop movements with excellent skill.
The 2d Battalion of the 102d Infantry, under Major
Alcorn, was assigned to the "Lenape," which had just
returned from abroad after delivering some of the di-
visional troops. The "Lenape" was out three days from
New York with this battalion when it had engine trouble.
^9
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The boat wallowed in the trough of high seas until every
one was seasick, and then put back to port. The battalion
was put ashore and the Fort Slocum authorities furnished
tentage and took care of the men. They were later sent
over on the "Tunisian," sailing from Montreal on Oc-
tober 14.
With the exception of this battalion, the last divisional
unit to leave was the 101st Machine Gun Battalion,
under command of Major James L. Howard of Hartford,
Ct. The battalion left on the "Megan tic," which sailed
from Montreal on October 10. Captain Pendleton accom-
panied this battalion.
The entire division thus left New England without
any one except those directly interested knowing any-
thing about it.
While all this was going on, the New York papers were
daily publishing stories, stating that the Forty-second
Division was fully organized and equipped, and ready
immediately to go abroad and be the first National Guard
troops to arrive in France.
The New England papers had loyally refrained from
publishing anything about the Twenty-sixth Division,
which all this time was quickly moving overseas.
It was generally believed by those few who saw the
Twenty-sixth movements that the troops were on the way
to Camp Greene, N. C, for training. For months after-
ward members of the division received mail which had
been forwarded to them in France from Camp Greene.
Although the division was in France in its training area,
a great many people still believed that it was in North
Carolina. In fact, the division moved out so rapidly
that the sergeant and ten men sent to Camp Greene
were nearly left behind.
General Edwards and his staff sailed on September 25,
30
THE YANKEE DIVISION
on the commercial liner "New York," which was not con-
voyed. They enjoyed an extremely pleasant trip. Later,
the Navy Department took over this boat, making it a
transport, and General Edwards and Major Hyatt
returned to the United States on it in November of the
following year.
When the division was organized it had practically full
equipment of animals, animal-drawn transport, motor
transport and all other ordnance, signal corps and engineer
equipment it was supposed to have. The War Depart-
ment, however, refused to permit this to be taken along
with the organization, but promised that it would be in
France before the troops. In charge of a supply company
it was sent to Newport News for shipment, and the divi-
sion arrived at its training area with one Ford touring
car, no animals, no wagons and two motor cycles.
31
CHAPTER III
Training in France
Some of the troops landed at Liverpool and some at
St. Nazaire, France, but all were quickly forwarded to a
training area in the vicinity of Neufchateau, where the
entire division, less the artillery brigade, with ammuni-
tion train and trench mortar battery, was concentrated.
These latter were sent to Coequidon for artillery training.
The troops were quartered in billets within a radius of
15 miles from Neufchateau, in which place divisional
headquarters was located. General Edwards, Colonel
Shelton and Captain Hyatt went to the British front for
observation, and General Traub took command of the
division. Divisional headquarters was opened at Neuf-
chateau on October 31.
The division was confronted by many problems,
especially those of transportation and supply. Due to
the lack of animals and transport in general, it was
extremely difficult to feed and equip the troops.
The weather was cold and it was sleeting most of the
time. The roads were in bad shape, covered with mud,
and it was necessary for the men to go to distributing
points and bring back flour, bacon, coffee and other arti-
cles of subsistence on their backs. To get firewood it
was necessary for them to go into the forests, fell a tree,
cut it up and bring it to camp.
Colonel Beacham, who was then quartermaster, did
everything he could to relieve the situation, and his per-
sonality and advice to make the best of the situation and
32
THE YANKEE DIVISION
"play the game'* went a long way in keeping up the
spirit of the division.
The 101st Engineers had been detached from the divi-
sion shortly after its arrival, and was engaged in putting
up barracks for the Forty-second Division, which was
then on the seas. A supply company had also been
loaned to the First Division, Regulars, who had gone
over with General Pershing, but were not fully organized.
The Twenty-sixth was especially handicapped by a lack
of rifle ranges, the men being forced to shoot at tin cans
and bottles. Later, they built their own ranges.
The situation is best described in the picturesque lan-
guage of General Edwards : —
They kept me away from the division for one month [he
said], and I had the great privilege of serving with the famous
Fifty-first Highlanders up near the Cambrai front. Then I went
to the Irish Division, then to the Ulster Division, and saw their
"shows," as they called them. One was a two-brigade raid. It
was the most marvellous thing, where they went over the top,
and where they used gas, large calibers and barrage, and made
their raid and came back at night. Then every night they would
give them what they called "a bit of chemical barrage," and
that amounted to the Englishmen throwing over a double dose
of gas, to discount anything the Boche ever did.
Then I went to Chemin des Dames. On the 10th of November
I joined my division. All but one battalion of the 102d Infantry,
the Connecticut regiment, had arrived. They were in England.
For ten days those 25,000 men had three trucks to feed them-
selves. After that the French loaned us eleven and we got
twenty-two Packard trucks. The men used to march 2 and
sometimes 3 miles for their fuel. They would cut in the snow
the saplings, and each man would take one in his hands, and they
had no gloves. Then they would march back and cut up those
saplings so they could smoke and put out their eyes in the cow
stables they occupied.
33
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The men went into billets; they went into garrets, but there
was no fire. They went in pigsties and in cow stables. Their
feet were wet. And then came the necessity of unloading big
lots of trains, of digging sewers and building hospitals.
At that time the labor troops had not arrived. It was neces-
sary for the fighting troops to do the work. About 70 per cent
of the men had bronchitis or pneumonia. You could not get
one of them to go to a doctor. I had about as bad a cough as
the rest, and I would run around among them myself. I told
tlie doctors to put them on sick report, and that public opinion
in the companies would take care of the malingering.
There were many articles of equipment which they could not
get. Frequently there would be a deficiency in the rations. I
never saw so much mud and rain in my life. Their feet were
generally wet and we were experimenting with the shoes. We
turned the leather v/rong side out and fixed the pores so that
they would act like syphons — and fill our shoes with water.
I never saw men put up with so many discomforts in my life.
They had French methods to absorb. The French were keen
and earnest to teach them what they knew. They had four
years of trench warfare, and they came to the conclusion that
the special methods and special instruments and arms which
they were using were essential to their winning out. And as I
recall it, they worked on this sewer problem, they worked on
the sewer warfare, because they had to live ia the sewer.
I am just sketching some of the difficulties, but the word
I want to give you is that I never heard a complaint from these
25,000 men. The one thing they demanded was, "General,
let us get at those Boches!"
During General Edwards' absence, Captain Malick of
the French Army, a thorough gentleman and experienced
officer of most pleasing personality and professional
accomplishments, had been assigned to the division as
senior officer of the French Mission attached to the
Twenty-sixth. He saw the situation that existed, and
34
I
THE YANKEE DIVISION
telegraphed to his chief that the Twenty-sixth Division
needed trucks; had to have trucks. As a result a French
company with thirty trucks came to their assistance, and
stayed with the division until it went into an active
sector. The trucks saved the situation.
About this time Captain Pendleton, who had succeeded
in securing transports from under the noses of other
units at Hoboken, was sent on a scouting expedition to
locate lost freight and baggage. He went to Folkestone,
London, Liverpool, Southampton, Havre, Brest and St.
Nazaire, and was able to find a great deal, but much of
it was lost and never showed up, thus adding to the hard-
ships of the division.
Upon his return Captain Pendleton conferred with
Colonel Beacham, the divisional quartennaster, about
the transportation problem. The French trucks were not
sufficient in capacity or number to take care of the divi-
sion's needs.
Colonel Beacham then suggested that the captain go
to Paris and to the Reception Park at St. Nazaire to see
what he could beg, buy or steal. This was done, and on
his arrival in Paris, Captain Pendleton m.et General
Edwards, who had just returned from the British front.
Wlien informed of his aide's mission, the General said;
"Go to it and don't come back without trucks!"
At the Motor Reception Park at St. Nazaire were
found any amount of 3-ton trucks. Ford ambulances,
motor cars and motor cycles. Captain Pendleton wired
to that effect, and suggested that it be taken up with
general headquarters and an immediate assignment be
secured. In the meantime he arranged Yviih. the Ameri-
can military authorities at St. Nazaire for truck equip-
ment for two truck companies of twenty-eight trucks
each. The personnel of the 101st Supply Train, under
35
THE YANKEE DIVISION
command of Lieutenant Henderson, arrived and manned
the fifty-six trucks. Captain Pendleton then took all the
tnicks to the big quartermaster depot at St. Nazaire,
and loaded them with flour, coffee, sugar, canned goods,
rubber boots, ponchos, horseshoes, shovels, with some
lumber, and sent them on their way over the roads to
Neuf chateau.
The arrival of these trucks with their supplies happily
remedied the situation. Things were going along in good
style, despite the handicaps. The 101st Engineers had
not returned to the division, but were engaged in build-
ing cantonments and hospitals.
Battalions of infantry were digging sewers and drains
when they should have been training. The weather was
bitterly cold, and the men needed gloves, knitted hel-
mets, heavy underwear and new shoes, which were not
possible of procurement from a government source.
About this time orders were received to send the new
trucks with their personnel to the First and Forty-second
Divisions. General Edwards immediately telephoned to
General Pershing and explained the situation, with the
result that permission was given to retain the trucks.
A few days later the quartermaster of the Forty-sec-
ond Division came down and told his story. They were
even worse off than the Twenty-sixth, and so the Yankee
Division turned over twenty-eight trucks to them. The
personnel came back, but soon after orders were received
to transfer the entire personnel of one truck company to
the First Division. They never returned.
Then wagons and animals began to arrive. The
bakery company was turning out excellent bread in suffi-
cient quantity to supply the division and the advanced
section line of communication. This company was taken
away from the division and with other companies put to
36
THE YANKEE DIVISION
baking bread for the lines of communication, which
became the source of the division's bread supply.
Colonel Beacham was shortly relieved as divisional
quartennaster. Captain Pendleton was recalled from
the General St-aff College by General Edwards, promoted
to major, and detailed as divisional quartennaster.
The new quartermaster sent out scouts, the greatest of
whom was Captain *'A1" Ford, a former Boston news-
paperman, to go to Paris, Nancy, Tours and other places
to buy gloves, knitted helmets, underwear, shoes, etc.
General Rogers, at Chaumont, approved of what was
being done and gave blanket authority to purchase what
the division needed. Captain Scorer, the disbursing
officer, had about $6,000,000 to his official credit, so that
it was possible to spend as much money as was necessary.
There was always plenty of food during that period, but
there was a serious shortage of hay and oats. Captain
Henry H. Wheelock, assistant quartermaster, was instru-
mental in purchasing all the hay and oats for miles around.
In that way the divisional animals got full rations. It is
a fact that at this time two of the other divisions lost
great numbers of animals from starvation. The Twenty-
sixth lost none.
Then it grew so cold that the fuel problem became
serious. No wood could be secured from the lines of
communication, and the lack of fires was working an
additional hardship on the men; also at this time the
French peasants had become extremely despondent, and
openly told the soldiers that their entrance into the war
would merely prolong it four or five years. They declared
they were ready to make peace even at the Gennan's
terms. This attitude was not evidenced by the more
intelligent French people, however, and it had absolutely
no effect on the New Englanders. Lieutenant, later
37
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Major, Theodore Baker and Lieutenant Dickson were
sent out to buy up all the wood they could find. They
made contracts for immediate and future deliveries which
took care of the entire division.
During this time the training of the men went on as
steadily as possible, considering the number of working
details necessary each day. The men were billeted in
various small villages within a radius of 15 miles from
Neufchateau, where, on the Rue St. Anne, divisional
headquarters was located. Each morning they marched
about 6 kilometers to their training fields, where they
were put through an intensive course under the guidance
of the French. The latter, after their three years of
experience, were wedded to trench warfare, and at-
tempted to concentrate on it.
General Edwards, however, differed with them on this
subject, and insisted that the men be given thorough
training on the range and with the bayonet. He declared
that the rifle had always been the reliance of the Ameri-
can soldier, and that grenades and bombs were to be
used only when the enemy failed to leave his dugouts.
Subsequent operations of the division in battle proved
the wisdom of his attitude. The French were also con-
tinually dinning into the ears of the Yankees the danger
of overconfidence.
They attempted to instill a spirit of cautiousness, but
it is not on record that the New Englanders were ever
afflicted with it. Time and time again in the various
battles in which they took part they went forward through
barrages that were considered impassable.
38
CHAPTER IV
Enjoy Old-fashioned Christmas
The men had celebrated Christmas in the training area,
an old-fashioned "white" Christmas, and, for many, the
first one away from home. A week before hundreds of
freight cars had arrived, laden with packages from'^home,
and these were distributed to all by Christmas Eve. Men
who had been unfortunate in receiving no gifts shared
those sent to their comrades, so that every one was made
as happy as possible considering the distance from home
and loved ones, and the realization that all were shortly
to go into action.
On Christmas Day only the necessary military duties
were performed, and the men were given the time to
themselves. The majority took occasion on that day to
attend services in some of the tiny chapels in the neigh-
borhood and to pray for the folks at home.
This attitude of devotion to Christian ideals on the
part of the men of the Yankee Division was noticeable
throughout their stay in France. It led to many com-
mendations. Prior to leaving home the majority had
been carefree, typical boys, who, though they realized the
necessity of religion in daily life, more often than not
gave little time to it.
When they arrived in France, however, and began to
come into contact with war's grim realities, they became
more sincere.
"God bless them," said Brigadier Mary Sheppard of
the Salvation Army, who spent months with the division,
"they were the best boys in the world. No words that I
can use would be too good for them."
39
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The days dragged on into January with General
Edwards going about daily and establishing personal
contact with his men. Practically every one, including
the General, suffered from colds and bronchitis, but he
continued his work of building up morale, which the
lack of training time had prevented.
I am an a^\^ully ingrained Yankee, [remarked General Ed-
wards], and I know one American could lick four or five of those
Dutchmen, If there is one thing in which we excel it is initiative.
Now my job was to aid, pat on the back and capitalize those
qualities which are not so prominent in otlier nations, — dig-
nify the non-commissioned officer, tell the private he has a
baton in his hand, pat the young commissioned officer on the
back and say, "Go out and get killed if you cannot lick the
Dutchman."
I had to go along with the whole business and supply the
lack of training and the lack of opportunity by capitahzing
the traditions of our blood and individuality.
So I took these battalions and said, "Bring them up around
me." I had a bad cold which afterward resulted in pneumonia.
We all had it. I would say to the men, "I am going to tell you
what I have seen up in the British front, and I am going to tell
you all that is going to take the place of training, and I want to
say to each one of you, play the game with your whole heart,
make good every effort. Just think of your home and mother
every day of your life."
"How about the salute.^" I'd ask. That is the thing that
the American soldier has less sympathy with than anything
else. If there is any way he can beat that salute he is going to
do it. I have passed a big crowd and I know what they said:
"Hell, here comes the old man," and then spend time trying
to tie a shoe or looking the other way, or jumping into a billet.
"You show me a crackerjack saluting command and I will
show you a disciphned command. The British Army salutes
and the Russian Army doesn't. Remember that a salute is
40
THE YANKEE DIVISION
nothing on earth in this game but the manifestation of a man's
self-respect. Salute a man that you loathe, salute an empty
automobile if you think there is some martinet inside of it,
and always put yourself right with the command.
"I believe that a salute is nothing in the world but an in-
heritance from savages, who said, 'I have no arms. I am a
friend, come on.'
"When you salute, give me the salute with your eyes. Keep
your eyes off the mud of France. When a man walks along
like that, his stomach will not function. He has a bad tongue.
His feet are wet. Keep your eyes up in the clouds and smile.
When you salute, look at the man you are saluting; give him
the tribute of your eyes and smile. Don't any one of you dare
to salute me unless he smiles. Let me know the officer that
does not smile back, and salute in acknowledgment of the
tribute that you gave him."
For the military police I had selected 325 men. Their colonel
and their crackerjack Major Dolan were told to go and pick
them, to be the rock of the Twenty-sixth Division. " Pick them
for character," I said; "pick them for size, pick them for
bowels, and I will show you the greatest military police in the
world."
They certainly picked them. I do not believe I ever had to
court-martial one of those men. They had me afraid.
One of them jumped on my automobile one day when that
fine soldier. Captain Simpkins, was with me. The policeman
said to my sergeant chauffeur: "The orders are 8 miles an hour
up this narrow street. You are going 12; stop it." The sergeant
looked at me. I said: "Obey him." I got to my house and
told Captain Simpkins to go back and compliment that lad.
Later I saw an officer in a magnificent trench coat pass one
of those big policemen. The policeman saluted, but the officer
gave him what Major Scorer used to call an S. O. S. salute. I
called the captain back, and told him that he was not going the
right way to pay a tribute to his flag. I said : " There is a man,"
pointing to the policeman, "who is playing the game, but you
41
THE YANKEE DIVISION
are not playing it. Salute him with the same care you salute
me. I salute a military policeman with as much care as I
would salute General Pershing."
Two days later Captain Simpkins and I were coming back.
The same big policeman stood there. There was a number of
soldiers standing around. I called the men around me and
said: "You see that street. Get down there double time, turn
around, come back and see if you can salute that soldier as he
should be saluted. I will watch it." They did as they were
told. I said: "Sentinel, I don't think that is very good, do
you?" "I don't think it is. General," said he. Then I told
the men to go right back and try it over again, or they would
trade places with the policeman. The next time the policeman
admitted that the salutes were correct.
That is merely an example of how I went after them every
day. However, when they did anything right I would tell them
so, and that was the soul of the Twenty-sixth Division.
All through November the artillery, trench mortar bat-
tery and ammunition train had been getting into shape
at Coetquidon, the artillery training camp. Then on
December 18, 500 ofBcers and men were sent to the divi-
sion area at Neufchateau to prepare billets for the artil-
lery brigade at Rimacourt. They were never occupied,
however.
The ammunition train, in command of Lieutenant-
Colonel William J. Keville, was in particularly bad con-
dition, owing to lack of equipment.
Arriving in France with practically no mobile equip-
ment, it was some time before the men of the train got
even a single truck on which the drivers could be in-
structed. A detail of twenty trucks was at length secured
from St. Nazaire, and these were at once put into service
hauling supplies to Coetquidon. The drivers were alter-
nated, so that the inexperienced were enabled to get
42
THE YANKEE DIVISION
practice. The men also got some experience handling
ammunition, carrying it up each day from Rennes for
artillery practice.
Like all other parts of the division, although it was
one of the most vitally important, the train suffered from
lack of necessary supplies. The men were also forced to
take part in road building and the construction of artillery
positions.
There was no motor equipment, no trucks to speak of,
and no machine shop in which to repair the trucks they
had. Another train turned over twentv-two trucks to
the 101st of which only three were mobile. However,
Yankee ingenuity can accomplish most anything, and in
a few days the men had fourteen of the trucks going.
The expected equipment never came except in part,
and for many months the ammunition train got along
with an outfit that was badly handicapped. On Janu-
ary 6 a divisional ordnance repair shop, mounted on a
truck, was attached to the ammunition train, but imme-
diately went to work repairing artillery material.
The artillery also lacked equipment, but to no such
extent, being helped out considerably by the French and
British.
The artillery had left its American 3-inch guns at
home, and on arriving in France started in to learn to
use the French *'75s" and the heavier "155s," corre-
sponding to our 6-inch gun.
The 75 was one of the most efficient weapons of the
war, about the same caliber as a 3-inch, but with improved
recoil mechanism and periscopic sight. With this gun
the French had done tremendous execution on the enemy,
and had attained an accuracy which it was impossible to
better. However, the Yankees took the gun, and per-
ceiving the advantages of the recoil mechanism, became
43
THE YANKEE DIVISION
so proficient in loading that the Germans afterward fre-
quently declared they were using a 3-inch machine gun.
The Yankee trick of loading on the recoil was difficult
and dangerous, but was much more rapid than the regu-
lation fashion.
The *'Y. D." artillery also became extremely accurate,
and learned to lay barrages with such deadly precision
that the "doughboys" later on took to "leaning on"
them. This expression means that the infantry kept so
close to their own barrage that unless it were as accurate
as possible in the nature of things, many of our own men
would have been killed.
Under the expert instruction of the French, who are
declared to be the best artillerymen in the world, the
Yankees became so proficient that they were frequently
called on to go into a sector in advance of the infantry,
and remain there to help out other outfits when their own
division had pulled out.
On the last Sunday in January the members of the
division, together with French troops and peasants, were
treated to an impressive spectacle. The 101st Infantry
was lined up, the men all wearing new trench caps which
had been secured for them by Colonel Logan, and Gen-
eral Edwards presented a stand of colors. The colors
were sent by Governor Samuel W. McCall of Massa-
chusetts in behalf of the people of the State, and were
accepted for the regiment by Colonel Logan.
It became necessary to reorganize divisional head-
quarters along new general staff lines developed by gen-
eral headquarters of the A. E. F.
This plan called for a chief of staff, — to which position
Colonel Shelton was appointed, — assistant chief of staff
G-1 for supply, administration and co-ordination, assist-
ant chief of staff G-2 for intelligence, and assistant chief
44
THE YANKEE DIVISION
of staff G-3 for operation. Major Pendleton had done
so well as quartermaster that General Edwards appointed
him G-1 of the division, in which position he was in
charge of all matters of transportation, supply of subsist-
ence, equipment, ammunition, construction, evacuation
of sick and wounded, replacements, material and person-
nel, animals, etc. The other two appointees were Major
Hyatt, aide to the General, as G-2, and Major Mack as
G-3.
In the meantime it had been decided that Major How-
ard, commanding the 101st Machine Gun Battalion,
should be made acting divisional machine gun officer,
and in December he had been sent to a British machine
gun school at Camiers. Then he joined the Canadians
in front of Lens, observing the machine gun work, and
did not return to the division until it had gone into an
active sector.
Soon after the organization along the new lines. General
Edwards was ordered to go to general headquarters at
Chinan. Taking with him his chief of staff and Major
Pendleton, he presented himself and was informed that
General Petain and the French government had persuaded
General Pershing to allow some of the Twenty-sixth
troops to go up to the Chemin des Dames and learn the
German tactics. The plan was to send two battalions.
General Castelnau, the "grand old man" in command
of that sector, said: "We are anxious to tell you every-
thing we know. We have lost thousands of lives that
might have been saved, but I am an old man and I have
got to admit that there is only one instructor in this war,
and that is the Boche."
Edwards was asked if he would allow these two bat-
talions to go up. Straightening himself to his full height,
he announced: "I want every man of the Twenty-sixth
45
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Division, and I will take them all up to the Cliemin des
Dames."
He was told that all of his troops had not had sufficient
training, but he replied: "Let them go up."
He was taken at his word, and the artillery brigade,
ammunition train, trench mortar battery and engineer
regunent were directed to proceed to the new area and
join the rest of the division. General Traub, who had
commanded the division in the absence of General
Edwards, with Major Pendleton and Captain Malick of
the French Mission, went up to Soissons as the advance
party of the division to make all arrangements.
The division was assigned to the Eleventh French
Corps under General de Mau d'Huy, part of General
Duchesne's army. The movement was very successfully
executed, and was witnessed by a number of American
officers from general headquarters.
The division entered the line on February 5 and
remained in the sector about one and a haK months.
The artillery went in first, and then the infantry, in
companies and battalions, entered the sector and relieved
the front line troops.
For the first time the division was concentrated with
every unit. The organization was split up and parts of
it were assigned to the Fourth French Division as a
matter of training.
It was necessary to have eleven distributing points by
motor beyond the end of the railroad, where all the sup-
plies arrived. In other words. General Edwards had
administrative control of the nearly 30,000 men, but did
not have the tactical control.
46
CHAPTER V
First United States Divisional Shot in War
The guns of Battery A of the 101st Field Artillery
went into action on the afternoon of February 5. At
3.45 o'clock one of the 75s fired the first shot of' a full
American division, much to the delight of the peppery
Colonel Sherburne, commanding the regiment. The
shell case was later sent home, and placed in the Massa-
chusetts State capitol. The 101st Infantry went through
to front line positions that night, and was the first National
Guard outfit, representing a full division, to get into
action.
It was a new and somewhat nerve-wracking experi-
ence for these New England boys. Filing one by one
into the line in the darkness of night, with French soldiers
guiding them, they took their places. It was a strange
feeling to realize that but a short distance away were
men who would gladly murder them at the first oppor-
tunity. All that night the sentinels peered anxiously
into the blackness of No Man's Land. Many times an
overwrought lad believed that he saw large bodies of the
enemy advancing toward the American lines.
The division was under the French in all matters
except supply, evacuation and ammunition. The troops
were scattered over 40 kilometers of front, and the daily
supply of various units with subsistence and forage, keep-
ing them properly equipped and uniformed, was a problem
which no other division had ever gone through or will
have to in the future. The roads were in frightful condi-
tion and it was a tremendous task to get supplies over
them.
47
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The various regiments went into different sectors [said Gen-
eral Edwards], and when the green battaUons went in it became
the duty of the German to identify them. In other words,
you get an order for identification. That means you have to
send out a raiding party, and you have to get some of the enemy
and make them talk, telling what outfit they belong to and
identifying the division, the battalion and the regiment.
This was called a quiet sector at the time. The French, by
a brilliant operation, had taken the Chemin des Dames in Oc-
tober of the previous year. They did not have many troops
and they sat dowTi and occupied it. The system of defence was
a series of coups de combats, with trenches about to the knee
and with tangent machine guns defending. The German im-
mediately felt out every one of my regiments. The 104th went
into this difficult place and the Germans put down a heavy
barrage in the rear of these groups of twenty or forty men with
machine guns. The idea was to prevent reserves from coming
up, and in the meantime rush in, gobble up the men, take them
home and say, "Here are some of these queer Americans we
have heard about."
The barrage was put down on those "green" men, and they
did not even lie down. They crouched in their holes, with high
explosives rattling on their helmets and killing several, and
when the barrage was lifted, jumped up and made a lot of
prisoners of the Germans.
The Chemin des Dames sector was considered quiet
by the French, but immediately after the arrival of the
New Englanders the German gave them a baptism of
fire. It was here that the first member of the division
to become a victim of the enemy met his death from shell
fire. He was Corporal John J. Crowley of the signal
platoon of the 101st Infantry.
During their six weeks' stay in the Chemin des Dames
sector, where previously some of the most sanguinary
actions of the war had taken place, the New Englanders
48
THE YANKEE DIVISION
participated in and repulsed a number of raids, but there
were no really large engagements. They also received a
trying out under fire which proved them to be of the best
soldier material, and won warm words of praise from their
French comrades.
General Edwards made a custom of always preceding
his troops into a new sector and making a personal recon-
naissance of the front to be taken over. As a result of
the knowledge thus acquired, he three times counter-
manded written orders when emergencies arose, and by
means of verbal directions saved his troops from unneces-
sary casualties.
Despite the fact that his action was opposed by the
higher command, the sturdy old fighter persisted, and
the results always justified him. In this way he saved
the lives of many of his men, and demonstrated the fact
that practical experience is superior to theory.
In this sector the New England troops were sand-
wiched in between French outfits, — a battalion of
French, then a battalion of Americans, and so on. Raid-
ing parties were made up of men from both armies,
with usually a French officer or non-commissioned officer
acting as mentor and guide.
On St. Valentine's day, after the Yankees had been in
action for a week, they got their really first opportunity
to take part in a night patrol. An order came through
calling for a patrol made up of 20 Americans and 20
French, the whole party to be under the command of a
French ofiicer. The 104th Infantry, which was holding
this particular spot with a French regiment, was asked
for volunteers, and the whole outfit volunteered to a
man. However, only 20 could be taken, and Lieutenant
James W. BrowTi was selected to lead them.
At the word of command from the French oflacer, the
49
THE YANKEE DIVISION
party wriggled out of their "fox-holes" and started
across No Man's Land. They had orders to go as far as
the German wire, and if possible to secure prisoners.
The German entanglements were reached without inci-
dent, and the men turned back after looking over work
which had recently been completed by the enemy. Part
way back moving figures were discovered between the
party and their own lines. Lieutenant Brown at once
ordered his men to lie down flat and open fire. The
Germans, for so they turned out to be, replied. The
Americans were armed with automatic pistols and rifles,
and their French comrades with rifles.
After about half an hour the German fire died down,
and the Americans and French started slowly forward.
They found a wounded German and took him to their
own lines, where he died a short time later.
In the meantime Sergeant John L. Latzig, who was
out on the flank of his patrol, in company with a French
poilu, saw a German crawling away into the darkness.
Latzig jumped on the German, and a rough and tum-
ble battle took place, in which the American was the
victor.
When the reconnoitring patrol reached its own lines
the roll was called, and eight men, together with Sergeant
Latzig, were missing. Although it was almost daylight.
Lieutenant Brown went out again to search for the miss-
ing men. German machine guns opened up on him, but
by diving from one shell hole to another he managed to
avoid being hit. After some time he descried a moving
party which turned out to be the men he was seeking.
It transpired that Latzig had started his prisoner for
what he believed to be the American lines. A flare
showed that he was heading in the wrong direction. It
also showed a number of Americans crouching in a near-by
50
THE YANKEE DIVISION
shell hole. The sergeant took command, and was on his
way in when the lieutenant met him.
For this act both the lieutenant and sergeant were
awarded the coveted Croix de Guerre.
A few nights later the Germans came over in a raid
directed against a company of this same regiment which
had come in for the first of its six days in the front line.
Prior to the raid the German artillery bombarded the
American lines, the fire waxing hotter until at 10 o'clock
it was intense. In a short time it ceased, and a barrage
was laid down which the German raiders followed. By
the bright light of the moon the Germans were seen by
the Americans passing through a wood.
When they reached open ground, however, the enemy
faltered and then broke. The "green" Americans, fol-
lowing a terrific bombardment, were waiting, and poured
in a fire which demoralized the Germans.
These two incidents, which were typical of the Yankee
Division, caused French commanders to shower General
Edwards with compliments.
The General's headquarters at this time were at Court-
trelles, some distance behind the lines, but he refused to
stay in them. Accompanied usually by his aide. Cap-
tain "Nat" Simpkins, or by Major Hyatt, he visited the
front daily, again and again subjecting himself to the
enemy fire. At all times he kept his finger on the divi-
sional pulse, dropping into regimental "P. C.s," or posts
of command, visiting dressing stations, and stopping now
and then for a few words of praise and encouragement
for the men. On two occasions horses were shot by
enemy aviators in front of him. In describing this later,
General Edwards said : —
51
THE YANKEE DIVISION
We were being bombed every night, and nothing on earth
gets on your nerves like bombing. The enemy had airplane
superiority, and when I went riding on my horse, as I did with
my staff officer, we always agreed whenever an airplane came
around — and we were a little doubtful whether it had a Ger-
man cross or a French circle on the fuselage — that we would
take cover. He'd ride one way and I another, and then we
would tumble from our mounts and roll into the woods. We
had to do that three times. The aviators would come over,
see some one on a good-looking horse, and turn loose with their
machine guns. I had two horses killed right in front of me.
They also attacked our balloons, and it was a commoa sight
to see French observers jumping with parachutes and come
floating do\sTi, depending upon the wind to take them over the
line.
An interesting story is told exemplifying the attitude
of the men in regard to General Edwards' custom of
visiting the trenches. One day at Chemin des Dames
the General made an inspection of the line. After he had
gone, Major Hammond of the 104th Infantry decided he
would go through and see what had happened.
In the trenches he came upon a spectacle which
astounded him. A "buck" private was standing, first
on one foot and then on the other, vigorously wiping the
mud from his shoes on his breeches and coat.
An irate sergeant, who had also witnessed the perfonn-
ance, suddenly rushed up and profanely demanded to
know what the private was doing. "Are you crazy?"
he asked. "No," replied the "doughboy" solemnly,
"but I'm damned if I'll let any General come through
here with more mud on him than I've got on me."
In this sector the 104 th was holding the line at Bois
Quincy, about February 9 or 10, when on the third night
the Germans attempted to put over a big raid. There
52
Brigadier-General John A. Sherburne
International Film Service, Inc.
Officers of 101st Regiment Infantry, Beaumont, France, May 6, 1918
rfia- ^"^ ~ .J i"^
Billets of Company C, 101st Ammunition Train, France
J
THE YANKEE DIVISION
were no trenches at this place, nothing but fox-holes and
heaps of mud at the outer edges of the woods. The
kitchens in the woods were on top of the ground instead
of underneath it, while officers and men lived in shacks.
The Germans put down an intense barrage and then the
raiding troops came over. They were repulsed with
losses, while the Yankees had only one wounded. The
following day Captain Hyatt went through the woods
and found that the ground was literally peppered with
holes, and the whole place torn up. He never could
understand how the New Englanders had escaped with-
out more casualties.
Late in February a big raid was started by picked
German troops, who were brought to the front in covered
camions, or trucks. Following a violent barrage, which
began at 9 o'clock of an extremely dark night, and which
lasted half an hour, the Germans crossed the canal
which divided the lines at this part of the front. The
enemy split into three parties.
One made a feint attack to draw the fire of the Ameri-
cans and French; a second crept noiselessly straight
across No Man's Land; while the third swung to the
right and attempted a flanking movement on the out-
posts. The watchful Yankees soon discovered what was
taking place, and with a withering machine-gun fire
broke up the attack. The picked German troops were
unable to stand the intense fire and retreated.
Prior to the beginning of this attack an American wir-
ing party, consisting of 32 men, under the command of
Lieutenant Ralph Bishop of the 101st Infantry, with a
French sergeant as guide, had gone out into No Man's
Land. Loaded with rolls of barbed wire and stakes they
were busily engaged when the barrage began to drop
around them. Lieutenant Bishop ran along the line,
53
THE YANKEE DIVISION
getting his men into small groups and ordering them into
shell holes. Then he made his way through both Gennan
and American barrages to his own lines, and reported to
the French officer who was in charge of the wire laying.
Again the young officer passed through the rain of shells,
and ordered back all the men he could find. The central
party of German raiders had in the meantime passed the
Americans without seeing them.
Lieutenant Bishop did not find all his men, and was
himself forced to join the last group who shot their way
back. On the way Bishop saw a badly wounded man.
Taking two of his party he went out, found a stretcher,
got the wounded man, and carried him to a dressing
station.
When the lieutenant left his own lines to go back
through the barrage the third time Sergeant Eric S. Olsen
and Corporal Earl H. Sanderson went back after him.
All three were recommended for the Distinguished Sei*v-
ice Cross.
By the time the Yankees left this sector a large number
had been recommended for Distinguished Service Crosses
and Medals, and a respectable-sized group had been
awarded the French War Cross.
During this time the division had suffered very few
casualties, and but twelve men had been sent to the hos-
pital with gas poisoning. This was a remarkable testi-
monial to the efficiency and morale of the men, — a
morale which had been built up by General Edwards
without the long months of training considered so neces-
sary by the majority of Regular Army officers.
There had already been many changes in the divisional
personnel. Officers had been relieved and transferred,
and other officers had been made from the ranks. Cap-
tain Hyatt was succeeded as G-2 by IVIajor Mackall, a
54
THE YANKEE DIVISION
stranger to the division, who had been sent over from the
States and who had had no experience. In January
Colonel Shelton had been relieved as chief of staff, and
succeeded by Colonel Dowell, while Major Maback, the
G-3 of the division, was later succeeded by Colonel Knieger.
These changes were made by general headquarters at
Chaumont, and the policy was continued to the end.
They constituted a great annoyance to General Edwards,
who would no sooner get a man on whom he relied in a
position, when an inexperienced Regular Army officer
would be sent to relieve him. In some cases such an
officer might have attended the Staff College for a time,
and having absorbed a quantity of theories, was con-
sidered to be perfectly capable of taking over the work.
One other incident at Chemin des Dames is worthy of
being recorded, as it exemplified the spirit of self-sacrifice
and desire to "play the game" of every member of the
division.
During a German attack grenades were being handed
to a squad of bombers by Corporal Homer J. Wheaton
of the 101st Infantry, a former Worcester newspaper-
man. These bombs were prepared by hitting the detona-
tors, after which the bomber heaved it with a stiff-arm
motion at the enemy. After the detonator is set off it is
but five seconds until the bomb explodes. Wheaton had
an armful of bombs, which he was handing out, when
one of them dropped to the ground and struck on the
detonator. The corporal saw it fall, and in a flash realized
that an explosion would kill a large number of his own
comrades. Without the slightest hesitancy he gently
deposited the bombs he held in his arms, and, leaping
forward, smothered the grenade on the ground with his
body. The explosion took place, but Wheaton was the
only man killed.
55
CHAPTER VI
Yankee Spirit Amazes the French
WTiile the infantry and artillery were getting their
training under fire, the other units of the division were
also learning rapidly. They also were under fire, but
were unable to fight back. Supply and ammunition
trains were continually coming up to the front over roads
which were plotted out on German artillery maps, and
which were swept by shell fire.
The engineers were engaged in laying narrow-gauge
railroad tracks, m.achine-gun emplacements, barbed-wire
systems, dugouts, excavations and .trenches, frequently
under direct fire from the enemy.
The engineer regiment was split up, even companies
being divided, so that it was extremely diflScult for
Colonel Bunnell to keep in touch with all units. How-
ever, he not only succeeded in doing this, but with the
assistance of French instructors brought his outfit up to
a high state of efficiency.
The men displayed the same fighting spirit that ani-
mated the other members of the division, and were
always glad to lay down their picks and shovels in favor
of the rifle.
Later on, when casualties were heavy, volunteers
would be called for to bury the dead. On these occasions
the regiment volunteered to a man, although as it fre-
quently happened, they had been working tirelessly for
days.
The same thing was true of the signal troops, hospital
corps and ambulance men. In fact, every member of the
56
THE YANKEE DIVISION
division was always ready to volunteer for extra duty,
and incidents occurred when men of the S. O. S. walked
miles for an opportunity of begging some officer to allow
them to get into the fight.
The French had attempted to impress on the Ameri-
cans the folly of volunteering for patrol duty, declaring
"it is not good." There never was a time when volun-
teers were called for to go out on patrol but that every
man in the Yankee Division who knew about it insisted
that he be one of those picked.
This spirit amazed the French, who had been through
three years of the most terrible warfare, and realized the
value of conserving lives.
Lieutenant Edward Hutchins of the lO^d Field Artil-
lery is the son of Mrs. Susan Hutchins of Beacon Street,
Back Bay, a cousin of General Edwards. Before the
division left for France Mrs. Hutchins charged the Gen-
eral with the welfare of her boy, and told him to be sure
and see that "Ed" did not run into any unnecessary
danger. The General agreed, and then, owing to the mul-
tiplicity of his duties, promptly forgot the entire matter.
It was recalled to his mind forcibly on the Chemin
des Dames, when he and Captain Hyatt rode over to
the aviation camp one day. There they met Lieutenant
Hutchins. "What are you doing, Ed.?" asked the General,
after the usual amenities. "Oh," replied the youth,
carelessly, "I'm doing observation work in airplanes."
"My God," groaned General Edwards, "what will I tell
Susie .f*" For be it known that artillery observation from
aircraft is probably one of the most dangerous jobs in the
service.
While in this sector the men of the division saw their
first German airship brought down. It was reached by
the anti-aircraft guns of the French at a height of 2,000
57
THE YANKEE DIVISION
feet. The machine broke in two, the pilot and observer
fell out, and the wrecked craft dropped to the ground
behind the allied lines. The Germans were almost bur-
ied in the ground, so tremendous was the force of their
fall. They were the first German dead the Americans
had seen, and as a result the New Englanders were some-
what awed. The French, on the other hand, were unaf-
fected, except that they were pleased that two more of
the enemy had ended their ability to make trouble.
Captain Hyatt, who was one of the first on the spot,
secured a map and pieces of the wrecked plane.
The Chemin des Dames, or "Road of the Ladies," is
a famous highway that runs along the top of a ridge.
When the Americans went into this sector the highway
had not been used since the beginning of the war, owing to
the fact that it was in full sight of the guns of both parties.
Shortly after arrival. General Edwards wished to go to
the headquarters of Colonel Hume, which was located
at Vaudesson. Captain "Nat" Simpkins, the General's
aide, declared confidently that he could find the place
with the aid of a map. The two climbed into the Gen-
eral's big limousine, driven by Sergeant Shea, and started.
Apparently Captain Simpkins' knowledge of map read-
ing was somev/hat faulty, for the party drove out boldly
on the Chemin des Dames, and proceeded jauntily down
that highway under the eyes of the German gunners. At
first the enemy was so astounded by this spectacle that
he did nothing. In a short time, however, he recovered,
and began sending over shells which landed in close prox-
imity to the car. General Edwards leaned forward to
tell the driver to go away from there, but it was not
necessary. Later Captain Hyatt asked Sergeant Shea if
the shells were falling close to the car. "I don't really
know," replied Shea, "I was too busy feeding her gas."
58
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Vaudesson, Colonel Hume's headquarters, had been a
town, but at this tune there was no semblance of a build-
ing and no cellars. "It was the worst shot-up town I
ever saw," said Captain Hyatt. "There was not even a
little pile of rock left. In a year or so, when the grass
has grown up, it will be impossible to tell that the town
ever existed."
The French were accustomed to going on raids and
patrols without rifles. They used knives, grenades and
bombs. General Edwards insisted that the Americans
carry rifles and pistols at all times.
In the latter part of February the 101st Infantry sent
over 40 men and the French contributed 40 men, all
commanded by a French officer. The Yankees used rifles,
and the party invaded the Gennan trenches, capturing
23 prisoners, including 2 officers. The American forces
had not a single casualty. The French had six. Fifteen
New Englanders received the Croix de Guerre for their
share in this raid. It was noticed that all the prisoners
were displaying black eyes, which apparently had been
acquired during the struggle in their trenches.
The use of the rifle on this raid brought a comment
from General de Maud 'Huy, which was extremely com-
plunentary. He said that the French soldiers had for-
gotten how to use the rifle, and must learn again to use
it like the Americans, who had given a lesson to the
French.
During this raid the 101st Machine Gun Battalion
helped put across a box barrage by indirect fire. This
also brought a letter from General de Maud 'Huy, as it
was the first time that machine guns had been used in
co-operation with the artillery in putting down a box
barrage.
In this sector the German had almost entire superi-
59
THE YANKEE DIVISION
ority in the air. Gennan airplanes used machine guns on
the roads, and flev/ low over the trenches, spraying them
with bullets. One day General Edwards was riding with
Captain Hyatt v/hen a wagon train appeared on the road
ahead of them. Suddenly a German plane dropped out
of the clouds, and, flying only about a hundred yards
above the road, opened up with a machine gun, killing
several horses. Not a shot was fired in return.
During the big raid on Paris a German bombing plane
was brought down in the sector occupied by the 104th
Infantry. Captain Hartwell, the supply officer, and
several of the men saw the descending light and followed
it. The machine had hardly struck the ground when the
captain pulled his pistol and called on the occupants to
surrender. There were four men in the Gotha, all officers
and all uninjured. They refused to talk to the Ameri-
can intelligence officers and were turned over to the
French.
Captain Hyatt, being curious, the next day strolled
over to French headquarters where he learned that the
Germans' whole story had been secured. One of the
Germans was commander of the squadron which attacked
Paris. He told where they came from and furnished the
order under which they were acting. They still had two
bombs of 300 kilos which they had intended to drop on
the American and French lines. They told their captors
that the French barrage around Paris was so intense that
they were unable to penetrate it. The Americans never
had any further trouble in securing information from
prisoners.
When the Yankees had entered the sector they found
that a sort of truce was maintained during the day.
French and German soldiers had washed clothes in the
canal at the same time, and it had been customary for
60
Colonel Frank M. Hume
Colonel Frank M. Hume and StaS
International Film Service, Inc.
Engineers of Twenty-sixth Division supplying Field Artillery with
Munitions, France
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the men of both sides to move about freely outside the
trenches.
The New Englanders could not understand this state
of affairs, and thej' called down the wrath of both sides
by opening fire on the first Germans they saw. During
this time one sniper of the 103d Regiment averaged one
German each day.
About the middle of March General Edwards received
orders to move the division to the Bar-sur-AuEe area,
where it was scheduled for a big advance problem. The
division had completed its front line training much more
quickly than had been expected, and the French were
enthusiastic.
As an evidence of the brotherly spirit existing between
the two armies, General de Maud 'Huy, commanding the
Eleventh French Army Corps, issued the following
order: —
Eleventh Army Corps, Staff,
Headquarters, March 15, 1918.
No. 9114 B-1,
S. C. No. 4817.
General Orders, No. 7.
We regret that our comrades of the Twenty-sixth Division
should leave us in order to fulfill their task elsewhere.
We have been able to appreciate their bravery, their sense
of duty and discipline, also their frank comradeship; they
carry away our unanimous regrets.
General Edwards has been pleased to consider the Eleventh
Corps as godfather to the Twenty-sixth Division; the Eleventh
Corps feels proud of the awarded honor, being sure that, wher-
ever he may be sent, the godson shall do credit to the godfather.
Le General de Maud 'Huy,
Commandant le lime Corps d'Arm^e.
61
CHAPTER VII
Move to Start a Big Drive
The division started out on March 20. On the 21st the
big Boche offensive began. A few days before the Ger-
mans had put over a gas bombardment which lasted thirty-
six hours. This was concentrated mostly on the 102d
Infantry. The men wore their masks five or six hours,
and the gas discipline was so good that the division had
only 250 casualties.
The German long-range guns shelled the railroads and
bombed the towns through which the Yankees passed on
their way south. It was difficult to move during the
day. It was at this time that Major H. B. Estes of
the 101st Engineers and Lieutenant Ralph Hopkins of the
101st Supply Company won decorations for sticking to
the job of entraining and loading supplies under the most
intense fire.
The infantry entrained at Soissons and Brisnes, and
proceeded down to the area around Bar-sur-Aube. The
artillery, ammunition train and other mobile units went
over the road. The division was concentrated in the area
about the 23d or 24th.
Before he left the Chemin des Dames the General had
received orders to hold maneuvers at Bar-sur-iVube for
the solving of practical problems. They were to advance
against the Forty-second Division, and plans were com-
pleted and about to be put into operation when they
were called off on account of the Boche offensive. The
62
THE YANKEE DIVISION
division was then marched overland to the training area
around Ruynel, where division headquarters were located
for two days.
This territory had not felt the hand of the great rav-
ager, War. The houses were whole and inhabited by
warm-hearted French peasants, who fed the men to reple-
tion with fresh vegetables, milk and eggs. There were
also streams of fresh water in which the men might bathe,
and the two days spent there were reminiscent of home
to the Yankees after their six weeks in the Chemin des
Dames sector. The inevitable rain was also absent, and
the sun shone brightly.
During this time the men of the division were visited
by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker. The secretary
made but a brief stay, and did not interfere with routine
by having the men turned out for inspection.
A short time later the Massachusetts Commission,
composed of Lieutenant-Governor Louis Frothingham,
Charles W. Baxter and Dr. John Coughlin of Fall River,
arrived. They visited the Massachusetts boys, and took
messages for their friends and relatives at home.
Two days after the division was concentrated in this
area order was received to proceed to the Toul sector
and relieve the First Division, part of which was in that
line, and a French division. On the day of the move the
orders were changed nine different times. Everybody
was up in the air. The order indicated an emergency
which necessitated the movement of many of the infantry
units by motor bus, while the annuals, supply company
wagons, and equipment were marched over the road
with the artillery and other divisional units.
The big German drive of March 21 had started, and
was sweeping along as though nothing in the world could
stop it. It was vitally necessary that the troops be placed
63
THE YANKEE DIVISION
in the Toul sector to relieve the French who had been
holding it with a part of the First Division.
Though the men had been able to secure but two days*
rest, they set off on their long journey with the custom-
ary, "C'est la guerre." Rain and snow fell alternately,
and the weather was cold, while at times it was impos-
sible to bring up supplies to every organization. The
mix-up in orders had prevented any real plan for supply
being made, and the result was that sometimes both men
and animals missed a meal.
The men stood tlie discomforts of the journey remark-
ably well, and the division reached the Toul sector on the
last day of March, immediately starting the relief of the
First Division and the French troops.
There had been so many changes in orders, and the
various movements had to be executed so quickly, that
all orders regarding supply were given verbally. As a
result there was some confusion in the sector. Some of
the infantry units of the Twenty-sixth, due to their
movement over the road by bus, were separated from
their transport, for several days. Advance preparations
had been made for their supply in the new sector. It
becam^e necessary to send up truck companies immedi-
ately to establish a quartermaster depot at the First
Division railliead, from which supplies were drawn daily.
The relief of the First Division by the Twenty-sixth
has been the subject of comment. There were two inex-
perienced officers, perhaps prejudiced, who made a report
of this relief, much to the disadvantage of the Twenty-
sixth. This report was read at the General Staff School
at Langres, and while the designations of the two divi-
sions were not mentioned, being referred to as "X" and
"Y" divisions, the nature of the report clearly indicated
that the First and Twenty-sixth were meant.
64
THE YANKEE DIVISION
According to authorities, the report the two officers
made was unfair in every detail and showed prejudice.
It was also said to have been proved by the report that
the two officers lacked the experience which would have
justified them in any criticism.
After the relief was completed the Twenty-sixth occu-
pied a front extending about 18 kilometers, which had
previously been held by one infantry brigade of the
First Division and a full French division. Therefore the
Twenty-sixth was the first American division to occupy
a sector as a division.
On April 3 the First Division was entirely relieved, and
General Edwards was given command of the sector.
It was the first time that the division was in line by
itself and under the control of its own officers.
It was fairly quiet here, with a little artillery strafing
at meal times. At breakfast, dinner and supper the
Boche would send over a few gas and high explosive
shells in an endeavor to put the kitchens out of business.
The 104th Infantry was occupying a salient between
Apremont, inclusive, and Bois Brule to Bussons, at the
foot of Mont Sec. This sector was on a level plain of flat,
marshy land from Apremont up to Flirey. The only ele-
vation occupied by the Twenty-sixth was Beaumont
Ridge. There was a bend in the road leading to Beau-
mont which was called Dead Man's Curve. The Ger-
mans held Mont Sec and the heights of the Meuse River.
They were able to overlook the Yankee sector and could
see directly into the lines. Every one hated Mont Sec and
the men would gladly have rushed it, but were not per-
mitted to do so. The German salient protruded into the
allied lines like a sore thumb.
When the Boche captured Mont Sec the French lost
10,000 men. The hill was honeycombed with concrete
65
THE YANKEE DIVISION
dugouts, machine-gun emplacements and observation
posts.
WTien the French occupied the sector the Germans
made strong attacks when their morale was low and cap-
tured numbers of prisoners. The next day the German
communique would call it a victory.
To the left of this wide sector was a salient in the Bois
Brule, or Apremont Woods, where the French had lost a
great many men, and where the Germans frequently took
prisoners. General Marchand of Fiishoda fame, who was
in command of the division on the left, afterwards told
General Edwards that three times the Germans had
attacked the salient and taken the garrison. As General
Edwards described it : —
The Toul sector we were in was a marsh. On the left were the
heights of the Meuse, with Apremont on our right, the salient
extending down to the Bois Brule, in front of Luneville, a
wood in a marsh, and all under the smashing fire of the Boche
artillery. At Bois Brule there was an entering curve on a
high mountain, and the place opposite where I had to put a
battalion had sixteen minnenwerfer. They have a normal
range of 600 yards, and they could smash down on the advance
trenches and do terrible damage. General Marchand of the
famous Fashoda incident was there, and he quietly told me
that he had been there about three years. He said that every
time the Boche morale was low all the enemy had to do was
to put a barrage beyond his front trenches, come over and take
some prisoners. That was the prospect.
I put Colonel Shelton, who had been placed in command of
the 104th Infantry, in that awful hole. I put the 102d in the
Bois Remiry, and I put the 101st in Rombacour, right between
the two of them. The sector had never been organized; it had
never been wired; it was two and a half times the size of an
ordinary sector.
And this green division went in and took over that sector as
66
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the first independent thing they ever did. Everybody told me
it was the worst place on the western front; that more French-
men had been killed there than was necessary. Behind that,
a little way, was the famous fort of Luneville, about which
there was a good deal of sentiment, like the Toul fort.
Dominating the entire sector was Mont See, held by
the Germans, which will never be forgotten by those who
took part in these battles. Whatever was attempted by
the Americans and French came directly under the view
of the Boche observers at Mont Sec.
As was customary, General Edwards went down and
made a personal examination of the sector. When he
saw the position held by Colonel Shelton he ordered him
to pull his troops back from the front line. The French
corps commander demurred to this proceeding, but Gen-
eral Edwards insisted that his order be carried out. He
declared that he was responsible to his own conscience
which would not permit him to sacrifice his men unneces-
sarily. He asserted that the G^nnans could cut oflF the
entire salient and capture the biggest part of the men of
the 104th.
The French commander said that the Germans would
come over and occupy that trench if the Americans gave
it up. Edwards replied: "That's just what we want
them to do. If they come over we'll lick hell out of
them."
That is exactly what happened. The Germans came
over, and the New Englanders withdrew and allowed them
to occupy the front line at Chauveau, as this particular
spot was known. Then, w^ith wild cheers, the Yankees
fell on the Boche with their bayonets ; killed a large num-
ber, took about forty prisoners, and drove the enemy
back to his own lines.
THE YANKEE DIVISION
General Edwards described it in these words : —
The second night we were there the Boche attacked after put-
ting down a barrage. My men did as they were told and ran
back. The Boche advanced, as the French thought they would.
They filled up the Chauveau front, and when they lifted the bar-
rage, without any order, the platoons of the 104th Infantry got up,
and, singing "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here," went after them.
At the same time Colonel Sherburne dropped a smashing
American barrage on the Chauveau front with his 75s. He
lifted it and allowed the Yankees to go ahead. They went
ahead, driving the Boche before them. They charged up the hill
into the front line German trenches, overrunning their objec-
tives, and had to be called back.
The plan of defence of the French on the left warranted a
fall back. The liaison between the Second Division was not
complete, and the Tenth Colonial Division fell right back and
exposed the flanlcs of the 104th Infantry. The enemy curled
round and got in behind it. The second day they brought up
700 shock troops, because the first time we had licked them and
had taken the first prisoners that had been taken in Apremont
for six months. Each lad got 1,000 francs reward for taking
those prisoners, which belonged to the Fifth German Landwehr.
I am getting a little ahead of my story. Two days after
they brought up 700 shock troops, together with two other
battalions, and they said: "We will show these Americans."
They came down again and got in behind our flanks. Our
men did the same thing again. And as soon as they had chucked
the Boche out of one place they would whack him in another.
The lieutenants did not have to do anything. The sergeants
would get up and indicate: "Follow me." They didn't say
it, because they could not have been heard above the shells.
And those men fought there for five days around Hill 320
in front of Apremont. They wiped out the 700 Germans, made
40 prisoners and buried 200 Boches. The French Army com-
mander cited 117 men of the 104th and they got the Croix de
Guerre m a very impressive ceremony when they were with-
68
Harris & Erviug
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew L. Pendleton
Number of 155 m.m. French Guns at Valdahon, France
American Soldiers being rushed to the Front in France
THE YANKEE DIVISION
drawn. They also pinned the Croix de Guerre on the colors
of the regiment, and I don't know that that ever occurred before.
During the engagement General Marchand was down in
the post of the Italian command. The French corps com-
mander was at my headquarters, and the French Army com-
mander visited me three times that day. He told me an old
observer who had been at Laonville for four years said that we
were whipped; that we had lost Hill 222; and that he could
understand why. I laughed at him and smoked a^cigarette.
It was very natural.
A new French division came to us about which we knew
nothing, and at the end of the thing the officer said that it was
about as game an action as he ever saw. It was the first time
that troops had ever won in that sector, and from that time on
we absolutely owned No Man's Land.
This general of the Thirty-seventh Division was General
Sabatier. He was relieved by the Tenth Colonial. When re-
lieved he said: "Those Americans are the queerest things I
have ever seen." He said that a Boche prisoner had told him
the Yankees were crazy. The Boche said: "They sing when
they use the bayonet, and they follow you right into your
own wire."
This general was a very generous man in his tribute. He
said: "I have lost a garrison generally whenever the Boche
wanted to come over and take it. I didn't know how to stop
it. A great American division comes in here and suggests a new
method to us people who have been fighting for three or four
years. The Boche had got our goats. Now that is all changed.
Now the Americans have got their goats. They don't need
anybody on the flank of their liaison. They have destroyed the
Fifth Landwehr division. They own No Man's Land. I take
off my hat to the Twenty-sixth Division."
In that warfare written orders were issued covering the
most minute details, but in this case the General stepped
in, and through his knowledge of the situation gave
verbal orders which were a decisive factor in our success.
69
CHAPTER VIII
Battle of Apremont
On the morning of April 10 the Boche attacked in force
the lines of the 104th Infantry. There were 800 men in
the raid, and they penetrated for a short distance into the
front lines. The 104th then counter attacked. They
fought through the night of the 10th and all day of the
11th, drove the Boche out of their lines, captured 48
prisoners and killed a large number. The American casu-
alties were very light.
After that fight General Edwards had a conference
with General Passaga, the French corps commander, and
it was decided to build a trench, wiping out a salient.
The 101st Engineers did this, working nights between
bombardments, and finished it in a few days.
During this battle of Apremont Forest there were inci-
dents of personal bravery too numerous to mention. The
men proved themselves to be absolutely fearless, while
their reckless bravery and ability with the bayonet
daunted the Hun. One incident, however, will bear repe-
tition at this time.
On the morning of April 12 orders had been received
for an advance by the 104th Infantry. Sergeant John A.
Dickerman of the Headquarters Company was in charge
of two Stokes mortars, the small trench artillery which
did so much damage. These two mortars were placed in
a screen just behind the second line trench. With Dick-
erman were Privates Alson, Knutson, Cole and Hovvdand,
and Corporal Henry Mack. Dickerman had orders to
70
THE YANKEE DIVISION
lay down a barrage of three minutes, after which the artil-
lery was to take it up and drop a barrage behind which
two companies were to go over the top in the first wave.
There was a heavy fog that morning.
Dickerman laid dowTi his barrage as ordered, but there
was no sign from the artillery. In the fog the signal had
not been seen. Then the Boches came over in an attack
against the American lines, and Dickerman opened up
with his mortars. They were the only protection between
the Boche and the 104th first line.
The men v/orked madly, dropping round after round
into the mortars, which took deadly toll in the attacking
force. Then the Germans started a creeping barrage.
The shells from the enemy guns exploded nearer and
nearer to the little party working the mortars. Sergeant
Dickerman and the men knew that it was only a question
of time, as it was easy to locate them. Still, they held
out. Suddenly a shell landed in the midst of the party.
Alson, Knutson and Cole were killed, and Rowland was
wounded. Corporal Mack escaped. Dickerman lost his
right eye and right foot, his left leg was torn and he had
many other wounds. For this all of the party, living
and dead, were given the Croix de Guerre.
The enemy was comparatively quiet after this until the
attack on Seicheprey on April 20 to the 22d. The Ger-
man "Sturntruppen," or Hindenburg's Traveling Circus,
as it was called, led the attack. These were a body of
picked shock troops, who traveled from place to place,
along the German line and delivered raids at regular
intervals. After a heavy bombardment they came over,
about 400 in number, with about 2,500 more Germans
following to consolidate the positions the raiders were
expected to take. They came over with full packs and
with orders to take the lines and hold them until they
71
THE YANKEE DIVISION
could be consolidated. Evidently the attack was designed
to break down the Yankee morale.
The Boches were favored by a heavy fog, and were
upon the New Englanders before they realized what had
happened. Company C of the 102d Infantry was sur-
prised, and practically the whole unit was captured.
Many desperate combats took place in the mist.
It was at this time that Colonel Bertrand, command-
ing a French regiment, led his troops in a counter attack
on Fleurv, mounted on a horse.
The fighting became general. Like their forefathers at
Lexington, the Americans fought from behind walls in
the little towns behind the front, and any other cover
they could find. Armed with machine guns and rifles,
some of these detachments held on for two days. At
the end of the fight Lieutenant Lockhart, unshaven,
drawn and haggard, reported to his commanding officer
and apologized for his appearance. He said that he had
been in a trench with his platoon and not a man had left.
Asked how many remained alive, he replied: "Nine sir."
Word came that at the convergence of two lines of
trench there were a party of Boches in a strong point.
Lieutenant Wilcox, with an automatic rifle and four men,
went up one trench. His platoon had been relieved, but
he could not take it out because of the barrage. At the
same time Lieutenant Horton Edmands, former Boston
newspaperman, took five men and went up the trench at
the left, headed for the same point. Lieutenant Wilcox
left two of his men to bomb a dugout on the way up, and
therefore had but two men with him when he came on
nineteen of the enemy in a communicating trench. He
immediately commanded them to throw up their hands,
and the whole party were taken prisoners.
In the meantime Lieutenant Edmands arrived at the
72
THE YANKEE DIVISION
strong point and found eleven Boches waiting for him.
Edmands ran up, pistol in hand, and his appearance so
terrified the Gennans that one of them threw his arms
around the young officer's neck and begged for mercy.
The man had been wounded in the arm, and his blood
flowed all over the American. Edmands gathered up his
prisoners, the wounded being placed in makeshift litters
and went back down the trench. For these acts both
lieutenants received the Croix de Guerre.
General Edwards told of the battle in these words : —
Then came an incident that is very important to me, and I
think I analyze it properly. That is the battle of Seicheprey,
where the 102d was stationed. It was the first battle where
any number of prisoners were taken. We had all become a
little cocky. The 104th stayed there, although they were
pretty badly cut up, because we had only a few divisions then
and the Boche divisions were in superior numbers on the western
front. We knew they were going to try to break through,
and the master minds had to keep divisions in reserve to rein-
force any line that might be threatened.
On the morning of the 20th of April we had a little bit of
evidence of larger concentration of Boche guns, and they were
a little bit more active. Early in the morning, 4 o'clock, the
most violent bombardment on all the rear areas, on Seicheprey,
Rombacaur and on the connecting trenches, took place. The
101st were at Ramschelle, and Colonel Logan's headquarters
were smothered. He was in the cellar of a church, and he and
Father O'Connor wore their masks for five or six hours. We
could not tell at first where the smash was coming. There was
a tremendously heavy mist, and the Boche was favored. Thir-
teen hundred shock troops came down between Seicheprey and
Ramschelle, and another 1,500 came around from Remier,
starting for Seicheprey, and the artillery just smothered us.
It was as much as a man's life was worth to try to get out of
Seicheprey by Beaumont, but they did it. There Lieutenant
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THE YANKEE DIVISION
H. Comfort, a doctor, ran back and forth through the barrage.
The ambulances ran on the main road to Seicheprey. A gallant
sergeant timed the shots and would shoot through. Most of
them were hit right into Seicheprey.
The Germans swept down into the middle of the town.
They overran our machine guns, and they had big clubs; they
carried 5-kilogram nitroglycerine boxes, and they all had trench
knives. This man. Captain Stanchfield, stood there. The
first thing he saw was two automatic guns playing on him, not
more than 10 feet away. They got into the middle of Seiche-
prey. And there v. as a gallant fellow by the name of Major
Rau, since killed, who stood there. There was also Lieutenant
Thompson, who gathered his men together and fought them.
And Captain Griswell, who came home suffering from shell
shock, was surrounded.
Three of our machine-gun crews were found sitting on their
machines with their heads down. Only one man got away
alive. In front of each machine gun were 10 to 15 Boches
lying around; there were over 400 Boche helmets on the ground.
They outgunned us by 4 or 5 to 1, and they kept up this
artillery concentration for over thirty-six hours. It was as
much as your life was worth to go anywhere. I would not let
them go to pick up our dead. We buried 164. The Boches
worked thirty-six hours with twenty-six pairs of litter bearers
taking away their wounded. We carefully examined prisoners,
and everybody else after that, and there is no doubt that their
casualties amounted to 1,200. We lost very nearly 150 pris-
oners. We had gassed or slightly wounded about 600, and the
permanent losses were about 200.
We found the Boche coming down the Laiville trench, and
we put all the Twenty-sixth artillery on that trench, as well
as the 69th, and we massacred them.
That night the Yankees counter attacked under Major
Rau, drove the enemy from the American trenches, cap-
tured a few prisoners, and buried more dead Huns than
74
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the Twenty-sixth had suffered in killed, wounded or
missing.
The 102d Infantry bore the brunt of this engagement,
and acquitted themselves in a way that brought more
compliments from the French. About thirty or forty
general American prisoners, with the 102d Infantry at
this time, were w^orking in this vicinity. When the fight
began the prisoners grabbed rifles from wounded and
dead comrades, jumped into the midst of the fray, and
each and every one proved himself to be a hero.
The bombardment which began on Saturday morning
was the m.ost terrific the Americans had yet experienced.
High explosives mixed with gas were sprayed all up and
down the line. The Boche was following the barrage
closely at right angles, and a great many Germans got
through the loosely held front line, which was nothing
but an irregular string of strong points.
The Germans intended to hold this line with their
storm troops until reinforcements could come up and
organize it. The Germans shelled the roads leading to
the front line in an attempt to prevent the Yankee reserves
from comJng up, but they came up.
In the midst of a deadly storm of shells they fought
with the rifle, bayonets, grenades, pistols and even their
fists. Although heavily outnumbered, the New England-
ers fought on and on. Hand-to-hand combats took place
in the streets of a little town just behind the lines.
Then the Boche retreated, carrying his own wounded
and also taking some prisoners. In retreating the Boche
came upon isolated platoons of Yankees, and swept some
of them along with them. Captain Griswold was with
one of these, but he managed to escape when a shell
dropped near his captors.
In the meantime the American artillery was pouring a
75
THE YANKEE DIVISION
devastating fire on the first line trench, now held by the
enemy.
During the engagement the engineers in this sector
fought abreast of the infantry. The 2d Battalion of
Infantry, which had just been relieved before the fight
began, returned to the front and "stood to." Many
small units which were not relieved stayed in their posi-
tions until the end.
The moral effect of Seicheprey on the allies was very
great, in that it showed the Yankees had, in their first
serious engagement, been able to stand up, take punish-
ment, and hold ground against especially trained shock
troops.
On April 28 the 104th Infantry was decorated with the
Croix de Guerre for its work in the battle of Apremont.
There were also 116 individual decorations given out that
day to officers and men of the regiment.
The ceremony took place in a large field, the battalion
marching from the billets, where it was being held in
reserve, having left the front line for rest. General
Edwards and his chief of staff were present, as was Brig-
adier-General Cole, commanding the brigade.
General Passaga, in his gray-blue uniform, arrived in a
big automobile and was greeted by the American officers.
With his aide. General Passaga advanced to the colors of
the 104th, followed by General Edwards, and pinned the
Croix de Guerre to them. He said: "I am proud to
decorate the flag of a regiment which has shown such
fortitude and courage. I am proud to decorate the
flag of a nation which has come to aid in the fight for
liberty."
He then decorated Colonel Shelton and the remainder
of the oflScers and men who had been cited. Among
these were Father Des Saulles, the Knights of Columbus
76
Captain Nathaniel S. Simpkins (deceased), Second Aide-de-Camp
to Major-General Clarence R. Edwards
Members of Twenty-sixth Division leaving for the Front, France
Captain H. M. Howe inspecting Members of Company C, 101st
Ammunition Train, in France
THE YANKEE DIVISION
chaplain, and the Rev. Walter Danker of Worcester, the
Protestant chaplain, who was later killed.
The order which resulted in these decorations was
issued by General Passaga, and read as follows : —
Thirty-second Army Corps,
Headquarters, April 26, 1918.
Staff G-1.
General Orders,
No. 737-A.
1
General Passaga, in command of the Thirty-second Army
Corps, mentions in the army corps dispatches : —
One Hundred and Fourth Infantry Regiment, U. S. A.,
under command of Colonel G. H. Shelton: —
For greatest fighting spirit and self-sacrifice during action of April
10, 12 and 13, 1918. Suffering from very heavy bombardments and
attacked by very strong German forces succeeded in preventing their
dangerous advance, and with greatest energy reconquered at the
point of the bayonet the few ruined trenches which had to be aban-
doned at the first onset, at the same time making prisoners.
General Passaga,
Commanding Thirty-second Army Corps.
A few days previously the following was issued : —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Force,
France, April 15, 1918.
General Orders,!
No. 29. j
1. The following General Order, issued by the general com-
manding the Thirty-second Army Corps, French, is published
for the information of this command : —
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THE YANKEE DIVISION
Eighth Army, Thirty-second Army Corps Staff-,
Third Bureau, Headquarters, April 14, 1918.
No. 1870-3.
General Orders,
No. 124.
On April 12, just past, the enemy, supported by powerful artillery,
made an attack in force on the lines held by the left of the Twenty-
sixth American Division and the right of the Tenth Colonial Division.
The struggle continued throughout the day and the nigbt of April 12
and 13.
In the course of the engagement, thanks to the vigorous and repeated
counter attacks of the Americans and of our Colonials, the enemy, in
spite of his superiority in numbers, was thrown back from several
trench positions where he had gained a foothold, and left in our hands
more than forty prisoners and a large number of dead.
During this fight, carried on under a severe bombardment, the
American troops gave proof not only of their splendid courage, which
we know, but also of a brotherhood in arms which was absolute and
ever present.
With such men as these the cause of liberty is sure to triumph,
Passaga.
Headquarters, April 14, 1918.
General Passaga, commanding the Thirty-second Army Corps.
2. The division may well be proud of such praises from one
so well qualified to speak of merit on the battlefield. I con-
gratulate the entire command, and desire especially to mention
the gallant conduct of the Third Battalion, 104th Infantry,
Second Battalion, 104th Infantry, and Company C, 103d
IMachine Gun Battalion, Vv^ho bore the brunt of the fight,
as well as Batteries D, E and F, 101st Field Artillery, three
platoons of 90 m.m. guns, manned by men of the 101st Field
Artillery, and the 101st Trench Mortar Battery, whose able
support of the infantry and machine guns made victory possible.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
78
CHAPTER IX
How They ** Kept the Faith "
The exercises connected with the awarding of decora-
tions were an ordeal to many of the men concerned. It
is related how when General Passaga was pinning the
Croix de Guerre on members of the 104th Regiment, one
boy, whose bravery had been of a superhuman order,
turned pale and fainted. French officers stated that this
was common, and that it was generally the most indom-
itable fighter who was most affected.
It was during this time, when one of the regiments
was in billets, that its colonel made an address to the men
which, for frankness and straight from the shoulder
expressions of opinion, had never been equaled in the
division.
He prefaced his remarks by recalling a talk he had
given the outfit before starting for the front.
I asked you then [said the colonel], to have faith in me. I
ask you now whether I have kept that faith, and whether what
I told you then was true, and whether I have helped to redeem
the promises I made you?
I feel that you have kept faith, and because of what you
have done I am proud of you; your superiors, the American
Army and your country are proud of you.
I told you three months ago that we were going to the front.
We did, and we gave a good account of ourselves. Then we
were sent to another front; we have here given an even better
account of ourselves, and for this you are largely to be thanked.
I warn you that the end is not here; after our rest we shall
be back in the line somewhere. Wherever we are, I count on
79
THE YANKEE DIVISION
you for the same loyal service you have given, the same grit,
the same determination to meet the Boche and to do him.
Don't let any one get the idea that we have done our full
part, for we may be called on soon to do more.
We are now in a rest period. But I have some bad news for
you; while resting we shall probably be requested to amuse
ourselves by putting up barbed wire.
I asked you to exercise self-control in that other talk and
you did. Courts-martial were wiped out. There has been a
little reaction, and I am appealing to you once more on this
score.
After all, it is up to you to keep your comrades from going
A. W. O. L, I don't want a yellow man in the regiment, and
when there is one I want you to help me get rid of him. And
the next time we go in — and it may be soon — I want you
to see that every man of your own squad is on his job.
Now, in spite of the presence of the chaplain, I'm going to
preach a little hate. You know now what war is, and you have
seen the men, face to face, who produced this war. In your
hearts you know the Boche is yellow. You have shown that,
man for man, you are the better. And you can beat him at his
own nasty game, if he is bound to fight that way.
You have seen your fellows hit and you have taken prisoners,
4 to 1, I believe. But that's not enough.
The Boche is a bully and he is always yellow. He can fight,
and he will go on fighting beyond where we can win. He will
try every nasty trick to kill you and to make you suffer. Don't
forget that. When you meet him remember what he has done.
I shan't be satisfied with even 40 to 1, and I don't want you to
be. Get every one you can. Go in cool of head, but with hatred
in your hearts and venom in your bayonets. Every Boche
killed brings the end of the war nearer.
The next engagement was in the rear of Fleury on
May 20, the division having taken over two more kilo-
meters of line on the right to relieve the French division.
80
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The Boche heard of it and attacked. Major McCarthy's
battahon of the 101st defended the sahent.
The attack was a failure. As the enemy came over,
he was met with a smashing rifle and machine-gun fire
which took the heart out of him and forced him to retreat.
During the engagement Major McCarthy sent back
word to divisional headquarters at Boucq: "We're ready
for them, but they are not coming over fast enough."
Probably the most interesting event during the Twenty-
Sixth's occupancy of this sector was the early morning
when a battalion of gas engineers put on a projector gas
attack on the unsuspecting Boche in the vicinity of
Fleury. Very little gas had been used by the Yankees up
to this time.
Major Watson, commanding the gas battalion, was
greatly pleased with the encouragement received from
General Edwards, and made finished preparation for this
attack. The projectors were placed under ideal condi-
tions, and the atmospheric conditions were most favor-
able. It was learned from prisoners late that night that
a regimental relief was going on when the projector gas
was put over, and they estimated that 2,500 Bodies were
evacuated.
It is known as a fact that within an hour following the
attack the Boche was desperate. He turned loose all the
artillery he had and peppered the entire sector without
any regard for where he was shooting. All the towns in
the back area, including Boucq, were subjected to bom-
bardment by long range guns.
The next event of importance on this sector was the
raid of Major Hickey's battalion of the 101st Infantry at
Reichecourt. Four or five days before the raid, about
May 25 or 20, the battalion was withdrawn from the line
and was taken to the rear. Here a place had been chosen
81
THE YANKEE DIVISION
as nearly like the terrain of the German lines as possible.
Aerial photographs furnished the necessary information
from which trenches like the Germans' were laid out.
There were also dugouts and machine gun emplacements.
The men of the battalion were then sent into these imi-
tation trenches, and for several days they practiced
taking them.
On the night of May 30 the divisional artillery laid
down a barrage and gassed the German second and third
lines and communication trenches. Then the battalion
went over. They found a few Boches left in the trenches,
and these they killed or captured. The remainder had
been destroyed by the artillery. This was the first big
all- American raid.
During these engagements the majority of the orders
were transmitted by telephone. There was constant tele-
phonic communication between divisional headquarters
and brigade and regimental commands.
On the morning of Sunday June 16, about 3.30, a
German plane came over and dropped bombs on Boucq,
where divisional headquarters were located, and Roy-
au-Meix and Juy-sous-les-Cotes, the towns in which
the headquarters of the two brigades were functioning.
These bombs were undoubtedly dropped so that the
Boche artillery could get the range.
The division suffered quite a few casualties, due to the
erratic fire. Also, as there were no dugouts at Boucq,
it became necessary to move divisional headquarters to
Trondes, where the staff could function.
One shell landed in the midst of a crowd of men who
had just come from church at Roy-au-Meix. Several cas-
ualties resulted, one of those killed being Chaplain
Danker. General Shelton's orderly was another. He
seemed to know by intuition where the shell was going
82
THE YANKEE DIVISION
to burst, and threw himself between his commanding
officer and the deadly projectile. The orderly was killed
but Shelton received only a wound in the cheek, while
his uniform, a new one that he had put on to wear to
church, was torn in several places by splinters.
The last engagement in this sector was at Xivray on
this date. The Boche laid down a terrific barrage, and
then advanced in three columns, two from the north and
one from the west. The enemy intended to surround
and capture the garrison, which was made up partly of
the 103d Infantry and Company D of the 103d Machine
Gun Battalion.
One of the enemy columns tried to get in behind from
the west and was annihilated by machine-gun fire. The
other two columns became confused under the treatment
they were receiving and fell back, leaving a number of
prisoners and many dead. The corps commander said of
this that it was the most brilliant piece of work he had
seen on any front.
The Germans had brought in long-range railway guns
near the foot of Mont Sec, which opened up and dropped
shells on the headquarters towns. A barrage was then
laid down on the first line at Xivray-Marvoisson, where
the 103d Infantry was holding. About 4 o'clock a strong
force came over and attacked. They got as far as the
village of Xivray when the Yankees made a stand. The
Germans did not get into the town. The few platoons of
New Englanders who were holding the front line then
counter attacked and drove the Boche back to his own
lines. Several prisoners were captured by the Americans,
whose casualties were slight.
Six hundred Germans were in the raiding party which
had for its object the envelopment of the ruins of Xivray-
Marvoisson. Before the raid had really started, the
83
THE YANKEE DIVISION
American observers saw the Boche in front of his own
hnes, called for artillery and machine-gun barrage, and
created considerable havoc before the German barrage
started.
The Germans went forward, and one officer took a
platoon across the road running from Xivray to Boucin-
ville, following his own barrage. One of his men being
wounded, he stopped to ascertain the extent of the inju-
ries. On looking up he beheld a group of Yankees with
fixed bayonets dashing at him, while his own party had
disappeared. The German officer surrendered, but later
complained bitterly about Yankee tactics. "The Ameri-
cans had no right to be where they were," he said. "They
were coming right through the German barrage and
might have been absolutely wiped out."
In the meantime the reserve units had gone forward
automatically to the relief of the Yankees in the front
line, and the Boche was once more driven off.
It was during this time that Captain Henry D. Com-
erais, on the staff of Colonel Logan, was wounded. He
was working on a map hanging on a wall in the head-
quarters of the 101st Infantry, up near the front. Colonel
Logan had just left his seat by the window when a frag-
ment of shell flew by the spot where he had been seated,
and, striking Captain Comerais on the right hand, tore
most of it away. His absence in the hospital as a result
was a great loss to Colonel Logan.
Before and after these engagements small raids were
being carried out. The results were not of sufficient
importance to obtain mention in the daily intelligence
bulletins. Nevertheless, these raids frequently developed
instances of dare-devil bravery and quick thinking which
were typically American.
On one occasion Lieutenant Thomas J. Quirk and
84
Marceau
Major John W. Hyatt
Unclerwooil tV Underwood, New York
Sergeant John Latzig, Company E, 104th Infantry,
with First German captured by an American
Soldier, February 17, 1918
Guarding an Old German Dugout, Bois d'Esparges, France, Septem-
ber 12, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
thirty-six men worked through the Boche wire by means
of a gateway which the enemy kept open for his own
patrols. The patrol managed to get into the town of
Apremont, well inside the German lines, when they were
discovered.
Before the Yankees could take cover a burst of machine-
gun fire got six men. Lieutenant Quirk decided that his
party were too few in number to stay and fight it out.
He gave the order for the men to retrace their steps. This
they did, taking the wounded with them. On arriving
at the gate in the wire they found that the opening was
being swept by a hail of machine-gun bullets, through
which no man might pass. After a short time devoted to
deliberation of the problem, the oflBcer decided that all
the bullets were flying at least 2 feet above the ground.
Whereupon he ordered his men to lie down and roll
through, which they did, dragging their wounded with
them. Every man got back to the Yankee trenches.
85
CHAPTER X
Boche Beaten at Own Game
And so the days and nights dragged by. The New
Englanders had by this time found themselves. They
were confident and assured, knowing that they had
received everything the Boche had to offer, and had
beaten him at his own game.
They had stood all sorts of hardships uncomplainingly,
had gone without sleep, food and equipment. And worst
of all, they had lived in horrible mud and the almost
continual rain without any lowering of morale. As a
matter of fact, they had grown stronger, and bore them-
selves with a quiet self-confidence which had been lacking
in the days of training at Neuf chateau.
While the Twenty-sixth Division occupied the Toul
sector, it was visited by Elsie Janis, the famous actress.
She immediately became extremely popular with the men,
and called the Twenty-sixth "my division." The young
woman, who was accompanied by her mother, wore three
silver stars, so that she could outrank General Edwards,
and Captain "Al" Ford was made her chief of staff. She
remained three or four days, giving outdoor entertain-
ments, and cheered the men up. Miss Janis paid the
division three visits in all.
On May 25 the Germans had started a drive on the
Chemin des Dames, which the Twenty-sixth had pre-
viously occupied. In order that the French on the Toul
sector might send units to take part in this battle, the
Yankee Division troops took over two more kilometers
of front, making 20 kilometers they were holding alto-
86
THE YANKEE DIVISION
gether, or more than twice the size of a normal sector.
The line extended from Boucainville up to Limay, and
included both places.
Owing to the great width of the sector, the problem of
bringing up food and ammunition was a tremendous one.
The roads were continually under shell fire, and during
the various engagements the truck drivers worked night
and day. During the Bois Brule fight, which lasted
five days and five nights, the guns consumed enormous
quantities of shells, but Seicheprey was the worst with
which the men had had to deal. During this engagement
the men of the ammunition train worked forty-eight
hours steadily, despite the fact that Colonel Keville in
command had attempted to arrange eight-hour shifts.
The road leading from Beaumont to Fleury ran prac-
tically parallel with the front, along a ridge of high ground
part of the way. The road from Beaumont left Fleury
road and wound down i^ito a valley, toward Mandres,
with a sharp curve. This was the famous Dead Man's
Curve, and was the scene of many casualties. A camou-
flaged battery was located in the vicinity and the German
shells were continually seeking it.
Throughout the Seicheprey engagement ammunition
and supplies were continually brought over this road,
notwithstanding the enemy shells. As a result the mem-
bers of the ammunition train came out with casualties
and not a few decorations.
One of the French regiments relieved by the Twenty-
sixth was the 162d, commanded by Colonel Bertrand.
He had been wounded six times and wore the Legion of
Honor, the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre.
His regiment had also been cited many times, and was one
of the elite organizations of the French Army. Colonel
Bertrand, who was later seriously wounded and promoted
87
THE YANKEE DIVISION
to brigadier-general, always led his men into action,
sometimes mounted and sometimes on foot.
On the last of June an order was received to the effect
that the New Englanders would be relieved by the Eighty-
second American Division, less its artillery, and a French
division which had just come out of the big offensive in
the vicinity of Soissons. The relief occupied three days
and nights. Fifty-two thousand troops were in motion
in this one sector during the three days of relief. So
well, however, were the plans for the relief, prepared by
the staff of the Twenty -sixth, executed that the Boche
had no intimation that relief was going on, and not a
single casualty resulted. This was something unprece-
dented in the history of relief.
The division concentrated in the next few days in the
vicinity of Toul, with Boche airplanes hovering over-
head and continually dropping bombs.
Then orders came for the division to proceed to a new
area, the location of which was not designated. How-
ever, information had been received that the division
was to be stationed in Pantin, a suburb of Paris, and
every one was jubilant. All believed that the Yankee
Division was to march in the July 4th parade in Paris.
Equipment was furbished up, and plans were made to
enjoy the leaves which every one was sure would be given.
The men had had but two days' rest up to this time, and
they felt that they were entitled to a change from the
life at the front.
The troops piled aboard the combination horse and
passenger trains which pulled out with their shouting
and singing freight. As the trains passed the tiny French
villages the men cheered and enthusiastically returned
the waving and cheering of the inhabitants.
Before the first train had reached Pantin, however, the
88
THE YANKEE DIVISION
men experienced acute disappointment. The station
was changed to Noissy-le-Sec, and the trains started
back for the front. It then dawned on every one that
the division was destined to go back into Hne.
The trains were dispatched to detraining points in the
vicinity of Meaux and Le Ferte, close to the sector lying
to the north of Chateau-Thierry.
On the 1st and 2d of July orders came in to relieve the
Second with the famous 5th and 6th Regiments of Marines,
which at Bois Belleau had stood off one of the worst of
the German drives. The marines and the remainder of
the Second Division had suffered heavily in withstanding
this push, and were badly in need of rest.
On the 6tli of July the Yankee Division had one brigade
of infantry in line, and the Second Division had one
brigade of infantry out. Then the Boche started the
Marne offensive, called the second battle of the Marne.
It was believed that this would extend to the north of
Chateau-Thierry, and orders came from the higher com-
mand to dispense with the relief. General Bundy, com-
manding the Second Division, was told to hold the
advanced sector with the troops he had, including one
brigade of the Twenty-sixth. General Edwards, with
his division, less the one brigade of infantry, and plus
the one brigade of the Second Division, was told to hold
the second line.
This situation continued three or four days, until it
was clearly indicated that the Boche would not extend
his operations north of Chateau-Thierry. An order then
came to renew the relief.
The division came up to the Chateau-Thierry sector
with the knowledge on the part of the stiiff officers that
what had gone before was practically child's play to what
was to come. They anticipated the break-through, but
89
THE YANKEE DIVISION
it is doubtful if any one realized that this battle was to
be the turning point of the war, and that much of the
success gained there by allied arms would be due to the
Twenty-sixth Division.
Not even General Edwards, confident as he was of the
ability of his men, realized that it was here they were to
make a name for themselves which would go ringing
down the corridors of time; that the story of their dogged
pertinacity, dare-devil courage and sheer cold nerve,
which carried them forward when their overworked
brains refused to function, would be hailed as the most
remarkable exliibition of fighting efficiency that had as
yet been seen.
As the division took over the sector General Edwards
issued the following : —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces,
France, July 11, 1918.
General Orders,!
No. 60. /
1. At the moment that the Twenty -sixth Division takes up
its position on its third sector in three months it is fitting and
proper that the division commander should take this oppor-
tunity to thank and congratulate the officers and men of the
Yankee Division on the record that they achieved, since the
division actively took its place in the fighting lines of the
allies for the common cause.
2. You have been taken from a sector where in three battles
you have shown that the blood of New England has not atten-
uated, and that the same spirit and traditions which your fore-
fathers made glorious at Lexington and at Bunker Hill still
survive in the generation which at Bois Brule, Seicheprey,
Humbert Plantation and Xivray have met and defeated the
picked troops of the enemy. His four years of experience in
active warfare and the ferocity of his methods have not daunted
00
THE YANKEE DIVISION
you, and on every occasion where you have been called upon
to face him you have distinguished yourself with notable valor,
and brought credit upon your division and upon the people of
New England from which you have come to engage in this
righteous conflict.
3, A great honor has been conferred upon the whole division
in that the French and American high command has at this
time picked your division to come into this critical sector.
That you have been so hurried to this sector is the evidence to
you all of the opinion of the high command of the mettle of
which this division is constituted.
4. The past months in battle have brought men and oflBcers
into that close union of confidence and affection which have
resulted in the growing morale of this division. Looking back
on the past four months with its spotless record and known
achievements, which have been recognized by both France and
America, it is with unqualified faith in the future and pride
of the past that I see the Twenty-sixth Division go into a new
sector, certain in my conviction that the men of New England
will prove once more that they are capable of every effort and
every sacrifice which the future may demand of them.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
91
CHAPTER XI
" Saviors of Paris "
The entire Second Division was immediately relieved,
concentrated in the Meaux area, and the majority re-
moved to Soissons. The Yankee Division men took
over the sector on an extended front, and were the only
troops between Chateau-Thierry and Paris. As a result
of their defence of this line they received the name of
the "Saviors of Paris."
Then Marshal Foch pulled off the boldest stroke
of the war. With the Boche very much occupied to the
east of Chateau-Thierry in the second battle of the
Marne, with his reserves drawn there in support of
operations. General Foch decided it was an opportune
moment for a counter attack to the right of the Boche
right flank; that is, on the sector north and west of
Chateau-Thierry. Chateau-Thierry was the nose of
a big salient, and was the pivot of Foch's plan to envelop,
by an advance towards the east and south, the Boche
in the salient. It was a bold stroke in that he had no
reserves, yet he knew that the Boche had pulled all his
reserves away to strengthen his attack on the Marne.
At this time Colonel Shelton had been promoted to
brigadier-general, and was in command of the Fifty-
First Infantry Brigade, General Traub having been trans-
ferred to another division ; General Cole still commanded
the Fifty-Second Infantry Brigade, while Colonel Sher-
burne of the 101st Field Artillery had been made brigadier-
general and commanded the artillery brigade.
"The Stars and Stripes," the paper published behind
92
Colonel George W. Bunnell
Underwood & Underwood, New York
Wild Boar, Mascot of M. D. S. Riders, Boucq, France,
April 4, 1918
V /f
WMLit'
/
"'■''.
lOlst Ammunition Train Theatre, France
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the lines by members of the American Expeditionary
Forces, comprehensively described the part taken by the
Twenty-sixth Division in this battle, as follows: —
The sector northwest of Cli^teau-Thierry was not a pleasant
place in the middle of July, 1918. The shallow and incomplete
trenches extending from near Vaux and Bouresches around the
east and north edges of the Bois de Belleau to a point near
Bussares were under constant harassing fire from the German
batteries running far back across the hills to the northeast,
while German machine guns and snipers were comfortably
installed all along the edges of the woods, the banks of the Ru
Gobert creek, and in the ruined villages of Belleau and Torcy,
close to the American front lines.
After a week of existence under such circumstances the
situation became irksome, and there was no regret or hesita-
tion in the ranks of the Twenty-sixth, when, on the night of
July 17, orders came from General Liggett, commanding the
First United States Corps, to go over next morning and chase
the Germans out.
There was no hesitation, but from the tactical standpoint
the problem was a diflScult one. As the division lay in sector,
the 101st Infantry was on the extreme right near Vaux, facing
north; then came the 102d Infantry, extending to a little
beyond Bouresches, facing east; then the 104th Infantry, in
the Bois de Belleau, facing east and northeast; and then the
103d Infantry, on the extreme left, facing northeast and north.
By the terms of the general counter-offensive the Twenty-
sixth Division was to act as a pivot until the bulge in the allied
front running northwest toward the Forest de Villers-Cot-
terets should be hammered in. This required the left of the
division to attack northward and northeastward, pivoting on
Bouresches and guiding on the One hundred and Sixty-seventh
French Division to its left, never getting ahead of the latter,
but swinging gradually to the northeast until the whole front to
its left should have been straightened.
This accomplished, it would next be necessary for the right
93
THE YANKEE DIVISION
of the division to attack, half of it to the eastward and half of
it to the northward, conquer the woods in front, and then
execute a half turn to the northeast to bring itself in alignment
with the general front. Then, and then only, a straightaway
advance to the northeast would be in order. It was a problem
for Yankee ingenuity to solve, and as usual it was solved.
Three support battalions of General Cole's brigade went
through the front line without artillery preparation, but covered
by a neutralization fire from the batteries of the 101st Field
Artillery, at 4.35 o'clock that morning, — the 2d Battalion
of the 103d Infantry, charging northeast out of the Bois de
Belleau to take the railroad line in the creek valley between
Bouresches and Belleau; the 3d Battalion of the 104th going
north to take Belleau and Givry and the railroad between them;
and the 3d Battalion of the 103d, on the left, also going north
to take Torcy and the railroad beyond.
A hea\y morning mist favored the attack, and the enemy
— the Two hundred and First Division of General von Boehn's
Seventh German Army — was taken by surprise. At 5.40 a.m.
a signal rocket, thrown up from Torcy, announced to the
American observation posts that Major Southard's men were
in the town, which, in fact, they immediately went beyond,
taking the railroad grade and creek bank, where they consoli-
dated their position.
The center battalion, becoming confused in the darkness of
the Bois de Belleau, had its attack delayed and did not jump off
until 7.30. But then, although the enemy was now thoroughly
aroused and making a vigorous resistance, the Americans
went through everything, — cleaned up Belleau and then
Givry in a sharp bayonet fight which was over by 8.30, and
then, emulating the Union troops at Missionary Ridge, rushed
on half-way up the slopes of Hill 193, north of Givry, before
they could be stopped.
This hill, however, was in the sector of the One hundred and
Sixty-seventh French Division, and though the advancing
troops of the latter were still far from it, the Americans were
recalled and the German machine gunners reoccupied it, as
94
THE YANKEE DIVISION
from it they had a commanding enfilade fire westward along
the front of the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division, and
a still better fire southward on any position the Americans
might take up along the creek valley or the hills east of it, as
far as Bouresches.
This last fact had a direct bearing on the attack of the Ameri-
can right battalion which went over, with the center battalion,
at 7.30 and captured the railroad and also the creek beyond,
but was obliged to fall back from the latter and to remain
clinging only with the greatest difficulty to the railroad grade,
owing to the enfilade from Hill 193. Here Captain Hosford's
men, burrowing out fox-holes along the grade, stayed all day,
while many such acts of heroism were performed as those of
Mechanic J. A. Thibodeau, who aided the wounded under
fire until a shot in the hand prevented him from carrying
stretchers any longer, when he joined the line and continued
fighting until shot again in the leg.
But across the fire-swept belt in rear of them it was im-
possible to bring supplies of ammunition, and after dark they
fell back to the edge of the woods, the detachment of the 102d
Infantry, which had gone forward with them and taken the
Bouresches railroad station, contriving to remain in possession
of this slightly less exposed point.
The battalion in Torcy and that under Major Lewis in Bel-
leau and Givry were not so badly off where they lay, but the
ground between them and the woods was an inferno, and on
it out of 22 runners going back and forth with messages during
the day, 5 were killed and 12 wounded, only a few getting
through, as did Private John W. Roy, Company H, who deliv-
ered one message after seeing three preceding rimners killed
and one wounded on the same route which he took.
There was nothing now for the Twenty-sixth to do but
hold on grimly and wait for the One Hundred and Sixty -seventh
Division to attain its first objective, the line Givry-Monthiers,
which included the summit of Hill 193. On the evening of the
18th the French were nearly up to Licy-Clignon, and the next
evening they were circling the western base of Hill 193. So,
95
THE YANKEE DIVISION
assuming that they would take the hill in a simultaneous assault,
a general advance of the Twenty-sixth Division was ordered
for 3 o'clock on the afternoon of the 20th, the object being to
align the whole front facing northeast on an intermediate
objective hne along the hill crests beyond the creek valley, and
extending from Les Brusses Farm, about a kilometer east of
Belleau, through Hill 190 to La Goneterie Farm.
There was no preliminary fire by the corps artillery, but
under such barrage as could be afforded by that of the division
the attack went off on time. On the division right the assault
troops of General Shelton's Fifty-first Brigade successfully
solved their difficult problem, the 3d Battalion of the 102d
Infantry, on the left, going northeast into the Bois de Bou-
resches and clearing it, after which, on the other flank, the
3d Battalion of the 101st Infantry drove north into the Bois
de la Halmardiere, echeloning on the left when in contact
with the other battalion, and thus swinging itself to face north-
east also.
On the division left, the Fifty-second Brigade had a harder
time. The shifting of battalions under the enemy's fire from a
front facing north to make an attack eastward involved some
nice maneuvering, but Major Lewis' tired men w'ent out of
Belleau, up the railroad, across the creek and took Les Brusses
Farm on schedule time, while Major Hanson's 1st Battalion
of the 103d Infantry, leaving the Bois de Belleau and sur-
mounting the same obstacles a little farther south, rushed
several machine-gun nests, took some prisoners, guns and
ammunition, and was firmly in possession of Hill 190 and in
liaison with the troops in the Bois de Bouresches by 6 p.m.
But unfortunately, the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh French
Division, in two gallant assaults, was unable to take Hill 193,
and through the night the German machine guns so swept the
American left that the captors of Les Brusses Farm were
isolated there.
The nut, however, was cracked. On the morning of the
21st the Germans, reeling from their repulse along CO bloody
miles to the eastward, and fearful now of being strangled
96
THE YANKEE DIVISION
out of Chdteau-Thierry between the Twenty-sixth and Third
United States and the Thirty-ninth French Divisions, were
in full retreat.
Leaving behind them at last the woods and the fields in
which for more than seven weeks, while the wheat ripened and
the poppies bloomed and faded, the doggedness of America
had been pitted against the stubbornness of Germany, the
Twenty-sixth swept forward in pursuit.
All day long it was a matter of marching across xountry
in columns headed by advance guards, and it was not until
near evening, after a march of nearly 9 kilometers had carried
the advance far across the Soissons-Chdteau-Thierry highway,
that heavy machine-gun fire stopped the forward movement
and brought warning that the enemy had made a stand in
the broad, shallow creek valley in which lie the tiny villages
of Trugny and, a kilometer north of it, Epieds.
Half a kilometer east of the villages, up the gently sloping
fields, was the leafy margin of the Bois de Trugny, bristling,
of course, with hidden machine guns, and spreading out south-
ward into the greater forest of the Bois de Barbillon. The
same old allied divisions, in fact, were up against the point of
the same old German salient, somewhat blunted, since it had
dropped back 6 kilometers from Chdteau-Thierry, but still
a point, with the Twenty-sixth United States on one side of
it, the Thirty-ninth French tearing blindly at the apex in the
obscurity of the Bois de Barbillon, and the Third United States
on the other side scaling the ravines from the Marne, with its
left flank at Mont St. Pere, not 4 kilometers from Trugny.
Excepting for the advance guard under Major Lewis, most
of the troops of the Twenty-sixth snatched a few hours' rest
two or three kilometers west of the German machine guns in
Epieds and Trugny, and along the country road between.
But at gray dawn they assaulted, one battalion each of the
103d and the 104th Infantry advancing on Epieds, two and
one-liulf battalions of the 101st moving along the edge of the
Bois de Barbillon, about a kilometer south of Trugny, in an
attempt to flank the villages.
»7
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The divisional batteries, emplaced four or five kilometers
back, did not know where the front lines were, and could not
deliver an effective barrage, while the enemy's artillery, ad-
justed by airplanes, poured in a deluge of gas and high explo-
sives. Moreover, there was an uncaptured German machine-
gun stronghold at La Gouttiere Farm, in the sector of the
One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division, which galled the
assaulting troops in left flank and rear.
Yet the men of the left and center went, 1,000 or more, into
the edges of Trugny and Epieds before they were turned back,
while the 101st Machine Gun Battalion, skirting with the
infantry of its regiment the Bois de Barbillon, penetrated the
Bois de Trugny, and, when finally forced back by concentrated
fire, stopped defiantly directly south of Trugny and stayed
there, on the enemy's flank. Three battalions of General
Cole's troops repeated the attack on the left in the afternoon,
but with no better success, for La Gouttiere Farm was still
untaken, the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division being
engaged all day in a bitter struggle beating off German counter-
attacks, — a struggle in which the Twenty-sixth Division
artillery several times took a hand by extending its zone of
fire entirely across the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh's sector.
Liaison was very difficult under such conditions, but it was
maintained by men like Corporal J. L. Casey, Company I,
102d Infantry, who once established communication between
his own and the regiment on the left across an open field 500
yards wide after three other men had been killed by machine
guns in making the attempt.
The location of the American front line being more accurately
known on the morning of the 23d, the artillery prepared the
way by fire of destruction for a renewal of the attack from
the right flank on the Bois de Trugny, which was made by the
101st Infantry, extended to the left by the 2d Battalion of the
101st Engineers, under Major Greenway.
At first handsome progress was made, and at noon the battle
line was in the eastern part of the woods. But later it en-
countered concentrations of machine guns in front and on
98
THE YANKEE DIVISION
both flanks so numerous and so skilfully concealed that they
could not be overcome, and the assailants, after suffering heavy
losses, were forced to fall back to the other edge of the woods,
leaving a good many wounded men among the trees. The
intensity of the struggle here was illustrated by such acts as
that of Sergeant J. W. Casey, Company F, who, after capturing
with his platoon two machine-gun nests and killing the occu-
pants, dashed out single-handed and killed three German
snipers who were shooting at his men.
The division by this time was so wearied by its losses and its
desperate fighting that during the night the corps command
placed Brigadier-General Wilham Weigel's Fifty-sixth Infantry
Brigade of the Twenty-eighth United States Division at the
disposal of General Edwards, to assist in carrying forward the
attack. Dispositions were made accordingly, but about 4
o'clock on the morning of the 24th patrols found that the
enemy, like a fencer on guard, had again jumped back.
Once more came the majestic forward sw^eep of the allied
battle front across the hills, the Twenty-sixth following in its
sector with the motorized 101st Machine Gun Battalion (divi-
sional) in lieu of cavalry, leading the pursuit in the direction
of the Jaulgonne-Fere-en-Tardenois highway, a good 5}/^
kilometers northeast of the Bois de Trugny. Pushing through
the central part of the Foret de Fere, the advance was held
up just west of the road early in the evening by machine-gun
fire, coming from the clearing and the massively constructed
buildings of La Croix Rouge Farm.
The flank divisions having also been stopped by opposition
along the same line, the Twenty-sixth waited for daylight to
resume the push toward the Ourcq, but before that time the
arrival of the Forty-second United States Division by autobus
permitted the weary Twenty-sixth to be at last relieved. Leav-
ing the 51st Artillery Brigade and the 101st Engineers to go
on for a time with the fresh division, the Twenty-sixth marched
back to a rest area at Etrepilly, the command of the front sector
passing from General Edwards to General Menoher at 7 p.m.,
July 25.
99
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The division, in its eight days of continuous battle, had
advanced a distance of 18}/^ kilometers, captured about 250
prisoners, four field-pieces, numerous machine guns, one pon-
toon train and quantities of ammunition. Its losses had been
about 5,300 officers and men, of whom 600 were killed. The
general commanding estimated that the permanent losses,
including killed, missing and badly wounded or gassed, were
about 2,000, many of the casualties being due to the fact that
the division, after gaining its first objectives, had to wait during
two days under severe fire for the forces to the left to come up
to the line established at the pivot by "New England's Own."
100
Colonel W. E. Sweetser
Underwood & Underwood, New York
Decoration of Regimental Colors of 104th Infantry (the First Ameri-
can Regiment decorated with Croix de Guerre for Bravery under
Fire), Boucq, France, April 23, 1918
I iiIiTiiat iiiiial liliii SiT\"ii'i', [uc.
Members of lOlst and 103d Field Artillery, Rangeval, France,
April 29, 1918
CHAPTER XII
Germans '* Pinched Out"
The *'Sta,rs and Stripes'" description of the battle,
while extremely comprehensive in the larger phases,
naturally omits many important details which at the
time it was impossible to secure. For instance, when
the division was held up at Epieds and Trugny, they
were ordered to make a frontal attack, after having
already made two without success. General Edwards
thought that would entail too great a sacrifice.
He suggested a flank attack, which would require the
division to move over to the right in the French sector
to launch the attack. Permission was given to do this
by the French corps commander on the right, and the
attack was made, but met with very strong and deter-
mined resistance. Then, at night, a situation arose that
demanded immediate action. General Edwards called
General Shelton on the telephone, and again gave him
verbal orders to attack through the Trugny Wood,
against which General Shelton and Colonel Logan advised.
Nevertheless, General Edwards ordered this movement
carried out and assumed the entire responsibility. His
instructions were obeyed, with the result that the Ger-
mans were pinched out of the stronghold, which made it
possible for the division to advance with little resistance
the following morning.
We had so many casualties [said General Edwards, in speak-
ing of this incident], that I went out and took a look for myself.
"Stop it," I said, "You're disobeying the orders of your array
101
THE YANKEE DIVISION
commander," said General Shelton. I said: "There is one
thing I'm going to take home with me, and that's my own
self-respect. I asked them to go and they'd go. I've got to
answer my own Leader: 'Have you done everything in your
power to win that battle with the least number of casual-
ties?'"
I ordered the 101st up at Trumiere. Some one said it couldn't
be done. I said: "It will be done. If necessary I will com-
mand the leading battalion myself."
Colonel Logan heard this. "General," he said, "if you
want it done it certainly will be done." I was told that Logan
said: "Tell General Edwards we will go any place under God's
sky that he suggests."
Captain McConnell led his command through those woods.
There were machine-gun nests in the trees, fox-holes and
snipers, and a gas barrage. Captain Leahy was killed. That
night I heard that they had left 400 of their wounded. I told
them to go back and recover the wounded and keep going.
They had been fighting steadily for seven days. They marched
forty-eight hours, night and day, without sitting down. General
Shelton said they were near done. They would fall asleep
against a tree and sleep sixteen hours. The word went down:
"Edwards wants it," and they went through out of personal
loyalty to me. There were many dead men, but the losses,
as always, were exaggerated.
When the Fifty-second Brigade relieved the marines in
Belleau Wood I walked around with fingers crossed and did
a little private praying. I was told of the large number of dead
marines and Boches. I'm a crank on things that affect morale.
It's a bad thing when making a relief to come on the dead
bodies of comrades. I decided they must be buried before our
men came in. I said: "Go and see if any of the engineers will
volunteer." Their colonel said that every company would
volunteer. That shows the camaraderie of this division.
Standing two days under fire and going out to bury thousands
of men.
Captain "Nat" Simpkins, my aide, begged me to keep
102
THE YANKEE DIVISION
away from the front lines. I wouldn't pay any attention to
him, and on the Marne I spent as much time with my boys as
I could.
On July 21 orders were received from the corps com-
mander to move divisional headquarters from Mery-sur-
Marne to Lucy-le-Bocage. The latter was formerly a
village, but at this time there was nothing left but piles
of stone which afforded no shelter. This place was
located on the side of a hill and was under constant shell
fire. The Yankee troops were moving forward at this
time, but it was decided to set up the headquarters kitchen
and serve luncheon. While luncheon was being served
the enemy began to drop gas shells in the vicinity, and
eating became a problem for General Edwards and his
staff. At length Captain Hyatt, declaring that if he
didn't eat he would die anyway, took off his mask and
finished lunch, an example which was followed by the
others.
Headquarters was then moved to Grand Ru Farm,
nearby, through fields covered with dead Germans. The
farm had been a Boche dressing station, and there were
a number of dead Germans in the barn.
The place was in filthy condition, and it was necessary
for it to be cleaned up before the staff could occupy it.
The thousands of dead men and horses had attracted
myriads of bluebottle flies, whose buzzing, of course,
could not be heard over the tremendous din caused by the
constant shelling. There w^as wreckage and debris every-
where, a typical scene of death and destruction. Because
of the flies, many of the men became aflSicted with acute
dysentery.
Owing to the fact that labor troops and engineers had
been so busy in keeping up the roads, and also taking
103
THE YANKEE DIVISION
part in the fighting, it had been impossible for them to
bury any of the dead. After the fight was over, and the
Boche had been driven back, Captain Hyatt made a
tour of the area, and saw thousands of German bodies.
He also saw enormous quantities of ammunition brought
in by the Germans for their offensive towards Paris.
There were piles as large as houses, some of which the
enemy had tried to blow up in his retreat, but without
success.
At Trugny the Yankees captured a German howitzer,
which later found its way to Boston Common. The
question as to how this was accomplished is answered by
the following letter: —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces.
From: Commanding General.
To: Commanding General, First Army Corps.
Subject: Disposition of Captured 210-m.m. Howitzer.
1. The troops of my division captured several field pieces
and other munitions, and also a 210 m.m. howitzer. This latter
piece was captured by infantry on the 22d of July at Trugny.
The piece is pretty well battered up, showing several shrapnel
and shell-splinter wounds on the wheels of the piece, as well as
the piece itself.
2. I request authority to ship this piece to Boston, to be
placed temporarily, at least, on the Boston Common as a
capture of this division, pending its ultimate disposition. This
piece is quite an unusual relic. It would delight everybody
in New England, and I believe it would have a propaganda
effect of stimulating recruiting. I understand this is not with-
out precedent, as other units have sent pieces to West Point.
3. I have this piece under guard at my headquarters, prop-
erly marked, and in view of the possible immediate move of
this division to some other locality I request that the piece
104
THE YANKEE DIVISION
be shipped to some A. E. F. base so that it may be forwarded
to the destination I suggest.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General.
After the men of the Yankee Division had been fighting
for six days or more without rest or sleep, their food was
brought up and put into their mess kits. Each man would
then seek a stump or rock to lean against, and it was a
common occurrence to see men sitting down, sound
asleep, with heaped-up mess kits in their hands.
Literally thousands of citations, both divisional and
French, were made as a result of the heroism of the
members of the Twenty-sixth during this battle. French
commanders showered General Edwards and his men with
compliments, and declared that it was the most brilliant
piece of work they had ever seen.
105
CHAPTER XIII
General Degoutte's Tributes
The following is General Degoutte's marginal comment
given to the French press after the advance of the New
Englanders at Chateau-Thierry : —
If one wants to judge the offensive spirit which animates
the Americans and their tactical methods, one has only to
follow in detail the operations of a division since the beginning
of our counter attack between Chateau-Thierry and Soissons.
It was on the 18th, at 4 a.m., that the order to take the first
line of German positions was received. The American division,
whose movements we will relate, was at that time northwest of
Chateau-Thierry, in the Bois de Belleau, at the pivot of the
Degoutte Army. This division was made up of New England
troops, and had taken the place of a division which took part
in the operations of Belleau and Bouresches, and it wanted to
distinguish itself as well as those €[\ie troops. But the divisions
placed at the pivot have to advance slowly, according to the
progress made by the wings.
On the very first day it was necessary to moderate the order
of the Americans, who would wilhngly have gone farther
than the first objectives. Indeed, at the signal of the attack
the American troops went with perfect discipline, in rear of
the artillery barrage, to the Torcy-Belleau-Givry line and the
railroad line up to the Bouresches station. They reached this
line in one sweep, almost without meeting any resistance, and,
excited by their success, they wanted to go farther.
However, it was necessary, before continuing the general
advance, to take Monthiers and Petret Wood, still strongly
occupied by the Germans. There was hard fighting on the part
106
THE YANKEE DIVISION
of the French troops on the left to annihilate the resistance of
the enemy.
In order to relieve them, the Americans, on the evening of
the 20th, made an enveloping maneuver which was crowned
with success. With splendid valiance they went in one sweep
as far as Etrepilly height, the Gonetrie Farm and Halmardiere.
It was a model surprise attack, and it was a revelation of
American audacity. Notwithstanding the machine-gun bar-
rage and the enemy's islands of resistance, they advanced for
2 kilometers, capturing three guns, a big minnenwerfer and
numerous machine guns. Moreover, 200 prisoners were taken
by the Americans.
I could not have done better in a similar occasion, with my
best troops.
The Germans then found themselves in such an unfavorable
position in Monthiers that they had to begin a retreat.
On the 21st the whole German line was in retreat, and the
Ch^teau-Thierry-Soissons highway was reached. The Ameri-
cans were cleaning the ground and vigorously pursued the
enemy's rear guard.
On the 22d a battalion of Americans occupied Epieds. There
was hard fighting in the village, and the enemy opened a violent
barrage fire. The fight was in open country, and on that day
it was not possible to take the village entirely. Rather than
to sustain heavy losses the commander of the American divi-
sion preferred to take his troops to the rear. It was necessary,
if the difficulty was to be overcome, to start the surrounding
movement again, and on the 23d the Americans sought to
enter the Trugny Wood, south of Epieds. The Germans
strongly opposed this attempt, and counter attacked with
energy, but they learned at their expense what American
tenacity is. Stopped once in the maneuver, the Americans
occupied the fringe of the wood on the 24th, entered it delib-
erately, took a whole company of German pioneers, and con-
tinued their advance with such fury that about 3 p.m. they
were at the fringe of the Fere Wood, and on the same evening
had reached the road from Fere-en-Tardenois to Jaulgonne.
107
THE YANKEE DIVISION
This American division has, therefore, realized in three
days an advance of as much as 17 kilometers at certain points,
fighting continuously night and day, and displaying the finest
military qualities.
All the liaison services worked perfectly, both at the right
and left wings, and between the units of the division, — a disci-
pline which caused the Germans to wonder and admire ani-
mated the attacking troops. They were marching with their
oflBcers at the head of the column and their bodyguards on the
flanks, as the French troops. The German prisoners were
astonished. "We do not see often those who command us,"
they declared to their captors; "you're lucky; like the French
you are led to the fight by your officers." The French and
American high commands worked during the action in as close
a harmony as the troops.
The general commanding the division in question is a leader
of men, broad-minded, precise in his orders, of practical mind,
who, from the first moment, dealt with the problems raised
by the operations under way with a mastery which cost dear to
the enemy.
These days, from the 18th to the 26th, give a new and em-
phatic proof of what the alliance of France and the United
States can do on a battlefield.
Later, General Degoutte sent the following communi-
cation to General Edwards : —
Army Headquarters, July 29, 1918.
From: Major-General Degoutte, commanding the Sixth Army.
To : General Edwards, commanding the Twenty-sixth Ameri-
can Division.
The battles fought by the Twenty-sixth American Division
from the 18th to the 24th of July have demonstrated the fine
military qualities of this organization and the gallantry of its
commander. General Edwards.
Co-operating in the attack north of the Marne, the Twenty-
108
Chaplain Michael J. O'Connor
International Film Service, Inc.
Anti-aircraft Gun of 101st Field Artillery, Chemin des Dames, France,
March 5, 1918
International Film Service, Inc.
Major-General Peter E. Traub and Staff at P. C. L'Hermitage, France,
May 11, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
sixth Division fought briUiantly on the line Torcy-Belleau, to
Monthiers, to Epieds and Trugny and in the Forest of Fere,
thus making an advance of more than 15 kilometers in depth,
in spite of the desperate resistance of the enemy.
I wish to express to General Edwards and to his gallant
division my high esteem and happiest congratulations for the
manner in which they have served the common cause.
Degoutte.
General Edwards, in reviewing the activities of his
division in the second battle of the Marne, issued the
following : —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces,
France, August 2, 1918.
General Orders, 1
No. 67. j
To the Officers and Men of the Twenty-sixth Division.
On July 18 you entered, as part of the allied drive against
the enemy, upon the offensive, and continued the offensive
combat until the major portion of the command was relieved on
July 25.
On the assumption of the offensive your position in the line
demanded an important and difficult maneuver. Your success
in this was immediate and great, and the way in which you
executed it elicited high praise from the French Army com-
mander. The eight days from July 18 to 25, marking the first
great advance against the enemy in which American troops
bore proportionately a considerable share, are sure of historical
setting. Your part therein can never be forgotten. In those
eight days you carried your line as far as any part of the advance
was carried. Torcy, Belleau, Givry, the Bouresches Woods,
Rochet Woods, Hill 190, overlooking Chateau-Thierry,
Etrepilly, Epieds, Trugny, and, finally. La Fere Woods and
the objective, the Jaulgonne-Fere-en-Tardenois road, belong to
109
THE YANKEE DIVISION
your arms. You are the recipient of praise, thanks and con-
gratulations of your Commander-in-Chief, You went unafraid
into the face of the enemy's fire; you forced him to withdraw
before you or to accept the alternative of hand-to-hand combat,
in which you proved yourselves morally and physically his
superior; you gave freely and gave much of your strength,
and of your blood and lives, until, pushed beyond mere phys-
ical endurance, fighting night and day, you still forced your-
selves forward, sustained almost by spirit alone.
These things are now part of your own consciousness. Noth-
ing can detract from them. Nothing that I can say can add to
them. But I can testify in this way to my pride in command-
ing such troops, so capable of achieving success in every under-
taking; and this testimony I give to each of you gladly and
with deep gratitude.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
These magnificent tributes to the boys of the New
England division were still further added to by com-
mendations from President Poincare of France and the
mayors of the arrondissement of Meaiix. These were
contained in the following order issued by General
Degoutte : —
No. 2283-3.
Sixth Army Staff, Third Bureau,
P. C, July 26, 1918.
Memorandum.
The President of the Republic, during a visit to the Sixth
Army, expressed his satisfaction over the results obtained, as
well as the proofs of valor and endurance shown by all the
units of the army.
The commanding general of the Sixth Army takes pleasure
in communicating to the troops of his army the congratulations
of the President of the Republic.
General Degoutte.
110
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Sixth Army Staff, Third Bvrbav,
P. C, July 26, 1018.
No. 2284-3.
Memorandum.
The Commanding General of the Sixth Army brings to the
attention of the troops of the army the following address received
from the mayors of the arrondissement of Meaux, in meeting
assembled, on the 20th of July, 1918: —
The mayors of the arrondissement of Meaux, in meeting assembled,
on the 20th of July, 1918, are happy to acknowledge the great victory
of the Sixth Army which, as at the time of the battle of the Marne,
has just saved their commune from the invasion which was threaten-
ing them.
Send to the valiant troops of the Sixth Army the most earnest
expression of their gratitude and admiration.
The President of the Congress of Mayors,
G. HUGEL,
Mayor of Meaux,
Deputy from the Department of Seine and Marne.
The Commanding General of the Sixth Army takes pleasure
in transmitting these congratulations to the troops of his army.
General Degoutte.
Again, on August 9, General Degoutte issued a General
Order, which read : —
Before the great offensive of July 18 the American troops,
forming a part of the Sixth French Army, distinguished them-
selves by taking from the enemy the Bois de la Brigade de
Marine and the village of Vaux, stopping his offensive on the
Marne and at Fossoy.
Since then they have taken a most glorious part in the
second battle of the Marne, rivaling the French troops in ardor
and gallantry. In twenty days of incessant fighting they lib-
erated numerous French villages and made, over difficult
terrain, an advance of 40 kilometers, which carried them beyond
the Vesle.
Ill
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Their glorious advance is marked by names which, in the
future, will make illustrious the military history of the United
States: Torcy, Belleau, Plateau of Etrepilly, Epieds, le Charmel,
the Ourcq, Seringes-et-Nesles, Sergy, the Vesle and Fismes.
The new divisions, under fire for the first time, showed them-
selves worthy of the old fighting traditions of the Regular
Army. They had the same ardent desire to whip the Boche,
and that discipline which always insures the carrying out of
orders of their commander, whatever the difficulties to be over-
come or the sacrifices to be made.
The magnificent results obtained are due to the energy and
skilfulness of their commanders, and to the bravery of the
soldiers.
I am proud to have commanded such troops.
Degoutte,
The Commanding General of the Sixth Army.
The final eulogy came from General John J. Pershing,
Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary
Forces, who, in a General Order dated August 28, 1918,
said : —
It fills me with pride to record in General Orders a tribute
to the service and achievements of the First and Third Corps,
comprising the First, Second, Fourth, Twenty-sixth and Forty-
second Divisions of the American Expeditionary Forces.
You came to the battlefield at the crucial hour of the allied
cause. For almost four years the most formidable army the
world had yet seen had pressed its invasion of France, and
stood threatening its capital. At no time had that army been
more powerful or menacing than when, on July 18, it struck
again to destroy in one great battle the brave men opposed to
it, and to enforce its brutal will upon the world and civilization.
Three days later, in connection with our Allies, you counter
attacked. The allied armies gained a brilliant victory that
marks the turning point of the war. You did more than give
our brave Allies the support to which as a nation our faith was
m
THE YANKEE DIVISION
pledged. You proved that our altruism, our pacific spirit, our
sense of justice have not blunted our virility or our courage.
You have shown that American initiative and energy are as
fit for the test of war as for the pursuits of peace. You have
justly won the unstinted praise of our Allies and the eternal
gratitude of our countrymen.
We have paid for our success in the lives of many of our
brave comrades. We shall cherish their memory always, and
claim for our history and literature their bravery, achievement
and sacrifice.
This order will be read to all organizations at the first as-
sembly formation after its receipt,
John J. Pershing,
General, Ccymmander-in-Chief.
Official:
Robert C. Davis,
Adjutant-General.
113
CHAPTER XIV
Sniper ** Gets " Young " Scotty "
''Scotty" was a sixteen-year-old member of an auto-
matic rifle squad of Company H of the 101st Infantry.
During the fight at Chateau-Thierry he was left the only
member of his squad, all the others having been either
seriously wounded or killed. "Scotty" was covering a
defile in a round through the woods, and with his auto-
matic rifle killed 3^ Germans who attempted to get by.
At length one of the enemy who could speak English
cried out, "Don't shoot, I'm an American." "Scotty"
raised his head, and a German sniper got him. His mother,
Mrs. Stuart C. Scott of Brookline, received the Croix de
Guerre awarded her dead son.
On July 15, when the enemy started his attack, the
101st Infantry absolutely wiped out a German attacking
party. Other attacks were made, however, and there
was almost incessant fighting for the next few days.
On the morning of July 18, when the allied offensive
was launched, the Fifty-second Infantry Brigade went
over with only four minutes of artillery preparation.
The Fifty-first Infantry Brigade was ordered to hold up
and wait for the advance of the line to the north.
One battalion of the 104th Infantry got lost in Belleau
Woods while on the way to the jumping-off place. The
men were subjected to gas and high explosives bombard-
ment, and had to scatter. After the bombardment
the battalion commander started to round up his men,
but it was some time before he got them all together,
and as a result the attack was late.
114
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The other battalion of the 103d Infantry got off on
the dot, and with a rush took Torcy, Belleau and Givry
in half an hour. Then they chased the Boche up Hill
190, but were recalled.
The battalion of the 104th, although starting late
captured all objectives, — Bouresches, the Bouresches
railroad station, and a mile of railway line. Then the
French on the left were held up and the Americans were
forced to hold on for two days, the 18th and 19th, while
subjected to flanking machine-gun fire. It was difficult
to restrain the men, who wanted to go forward and chase
the Boche into Germany. They wanted to attempt the
capture of a number of big guns which the Germans had
on their front.
On the morning of the 20th the line up north had
advanced far enough so that the New Englanders were
given orders to attack. Then the French were held at
Hill 190, and General Edwards was given permission
to go out and flank the hill. This v/as done by one bat-
talion who helped the French to capture this German
stronghold. The French then went on to Petret Woods,
where they were again held up by machine guns.
On the 21st the New Englanders captured Etrepilly
and Etrepilly plateau, and helped the French flank out
the machine guns. General Degoutte, commanding the
Sixth French Army, conducting the attack from the
Ourcq River to Chateau-Thierry, said that the capture
of Etrepilly plateau enabled the whole army to advance
on the next day.
By the 22d the Yankees had reached the Chateau-
Thierry-Soissons road, and on the 23d had gone as far
as Epieds and Trugny, which the 101st Infantry had
captured, but from which it was driven out by machine-
gun and artillery concentration. The Yankees attacked
115
THE YANKEE DIVISION
again on the afternoon of the 23d and recaptured both
towns. On the 24th the Americans reached the Jaiilgonne-
Fere-en-Tardenois road, where they were reheved on
the night of the 24th and 25th by the Forty-second Divi-
sion and elements of the Twenty -eighth Division.
When the Boche started his attack on the 15th there
was not a single organization between the Twenty -sixth
Division and Paris.
During this battle Major Green way of the 101st Engi-
neers took his battalion and helped capture Trugny.
This was but one of the many times when the engineers
fought as infantry.
The Twenty-sixth of course had no cavalry, and when
the enemy began to retreat, was apparently "out of it."
General Edwards, however, called up the motorized 101st
Machine Gun Battalion, gave it the right of way, and
sent it after the Boche as independent cavalry, with
orders to pursue with all speed. These were the first
troops to reach the Jaulgonne-Fere-en-Tardenois road.
The infantry only were relieved, the artillery and
engineers remaining until the line reached the Vesle
River. They were withdrawn on August 3, after having
advanced over 40 kilometers.
The whole division was then concentrated around
La Ferte, and on August 7 entrained for the training
area at Chatillon on the Seine River.
The following report of operations in the Chateau-
Thierry offensive was made by General Edwards : —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionart Forces,
France, August 7, 1918.
1. Following the receipt of memorandum of July 16, 1918,
Headquarters First Army Corps, subject, "Action to be taken
by the First Army Corps in case of the withdrawal of the
116
Chaplain Lyman H. Rollins
International Film Service, Inc.
Interior of Post Office on "Mother's Day," Boucq, France, May 12,
1918
International Film Service, Inc.
Officers of 101st Infantry examining Captured Machine Gun, Berne-
court, France, May 31, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
enemy," the division commander issued instructions No. 74,
and held several conferences with his brigade commanders,
discussing general plans for an offensive. (The location of the
troops of this division at this time in Pas Fini sector is shown
on Map A.)
July 18
2. In compliance with Field Orders No. 9, First Army Corps,
dated July 17, 1918, 17.30 o'clock (received at 22.15 o'clock),
these headquarters issued Field Orders No. 51, July 18, 1918,
0.30 o'clock, ordering an attack by the Fifty-second Infantry
Brigade (less 1-104 held as corps reserve) reinforced by three
half companies 101st Engineers, 101st Machine Gun Battahon,
and detachments 101st Field Signal Battalion and Sanitary
Troops, and supported by the Fifty -first Field Artillery Brigade
(plus 3d Battery, 181st French Artillery) and machine-gun fire
by units of the 51st from Givry to Bouresches (exclusive).
Brigade commanders with other essential division officers were
present at division headquarters when the division commander
explained the plans of the corps commander with whom the
division commander had been in conference.
3. On July 17, the commanding general. Fifty-second In-
fantry Brigade, had formulated and issued his general plan
of attack, and this plan, with some modifications due to a
change in the initial mission given the division, was issued as
an order to subordinate commanders immediately upon receipt
of division order for attack. The brigade commander ordered
three battalions, with machine-gun support, to attack at H
hour (4.35 o'clock, July 18), the remainder being disposed as
support and reserve troops. (See Map B.)
4. The left battalion (111-103) attacked at H hour and en-
tered Torcy at 5.40. The center battalion (111-104) was de-
layed, due to its difficult march in the dark in Belleau Wood
under shell fire. Captain McDade, temporarily commanding
111-104, was relieved by the brigade commander and was re-
placed by Major E. E. Lewis, 104th Infantry, who was in com-
mand of the front line in Belleau Wood. The attack was
117
THE YANKEE DIVISION
launched at 7.30 and* Belleau and Givry were taken by 8. SO.
The enemy was pursued up Hill 198 (north of Givry), but be-
cause this was outside the zone of action assigned to this division
the troops were withdrawn to the northern edge of the town.
The right battalion (11-103) could not reach its parallel of de-
parture at the designated hour, but attacked at 7.30, and at 8
had gone beyond the railroad to the Ru Gobert and had taken
Bouresches station.
5. The designated objectives were captured and held, but
the retention by the enemy of Hill 193 enabled him to impose
an effective machine-gun fire on our right battalion. This
battalion was also subject to a severe fire from Bouresches
Wood, both artillery and machine-gun. At nightfall, there-
fore, it was thought best to retire this battalion to the Belleau
Wood and relieve it by 1-103. (The disposition of troops
night of July 18, 19, is shown on Map C.)
Jnhj 19
6. Field Orders No. 11, First Army Corps, July 18, 22.40
o'clock, ordered a resumption of the attack on the following
morning, "particular attention being paid to regulating the
advance of each unit by the progress of the unit on its left."
At the request of the division on our left Major Lewis (111-104)
attacked Hill 193 from the south at 22 o'clock, July 18, and
established a line running north from Givry, but was obliged
to withdraw upon receipt of a message from the division on
our left to the effect that they could not co-operate in the
attack. The commanding general. Fifty-second Brigade, re-
ports that this difficult withdrawal "was executed with great
skill by the battalion and without any casualties." In view,
therefore, of the order that troops must regulate on units to
their left, this division made no advance on July 19.
July 20
7. In compliance with Field Orders No. 15, Army Corps,
July 20, 11.20 (received 13 o'clock), this division issued Field
Orders No. 55, July 20, 14 o'clock, ordering an attack on the
118
THE YANKEE DIVISION
entire division front at 15 o'clock. The most serious resistance
encountered by the Fifty -first Infantry Brigade was the machine-
gun and minenwerfer fire from the western edge of Bois de
Borne, Agron and Bois du Rochets, as well as an enfilade fire
from the dominating Hill 204 to the right of Vaux in the French
sector on our right.
The right of the Fifty-second Infantry Brigade was subjected
to disastrous artillery and machine-gun fire, but overcame the
machine-gun nests and occupied Hill 190. The advance of
the left of this brigade was retarded by enfilading machine-
gun fire from the left. The position of the elements of the
division before and after this attack are shown on Map D, the
line held on the night of July 20, 21 being as follows: Givry
Woods, one-half kilometer north of Les Brasses Farm, Hill
190, La Gonetrie Farm, Hill 201, Point 192 Vaux. (As shown
by the map.) Major Lewis, commanding, had to make the
detour into the French sector on his left north of Les Brasses
Farm.
Field Orders No. 17, First Army Corps, dated July 20, 20
o'clock (received at 21.10 o'clock), directed an energetic ad-
vance in column. Orders for this advance were issued by in-
dorsement at 21.35 o'clock, and were followed by Field Orders
No. 56, these headquarters. These orders contemplated ad-
vancing without reference to the progress of neighboring
divisions. Open warfare methods were employed. Field
Orders No. 18, First Army Corps, July 20, 23.30 o'clock, or-
dered the advance continued at dawn.
July 21
8. At 4 o'clock, July 21, the advance was resumed in accord-
ance with Field Orders No. 57, these headquarters, and the
Chateau-Thierry-Soissons road was crossed shortly after noon.
Division headquarters was opened at Lucy-le-Bocage at 5
o'clock July 21, and v/as moved to Grand Ru Farm at 15
o'clock the same day. At 16.25 a message was sent to brigade
commanders to press the advance with \'igor. A telephone
119
THE YANKEE DIVISION
message received at 16.36 from the corps commander, followed
by a written memorandum received at 18.30, directed that the
troops reach the Fere-en-Tardenois-Jaulgonne road by day-
light July 22, and in further compliance therewith. Field Orders
No. 58, Headquarters Twenty-SLxth Division, July 21, 17.25
o'clock, were issued directing that the attack be pushed with-
out delay or cessation. Our troops rushed forward until our
line reached the vicinity of Epieds and Trugny and road to
Verdilly (as shown on Map E), where the enemy had prepared
strong defences.
July 22
9. Field Orders No. 19, First Army Corps, July 21, 22.40
o'clock, were received July 22, at 0.30 o'clock. This order
at the time was not brought to my attention. As it was based
on army orders, my chief of staff thought it only necessary
to repeat it to the brigades, which he did, as follows : —
July 22, 1918, 1 o'clock.
Chi^ of Staff to Commanding General, Fifty-Jirst Infantry Brigade.
Herewith copy of Field Orders No. 19, First Army Corps. In com-
pliance therewith your brigade will take over the zone of action of
Twenty-sixth Division at 3.30 a.m. to-day. Fifty-second Brigade
will take over zone of action of One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Divi-
sion at 3.30 A.M. to-day. Make necessary dispositions to push on
vigorously.
10. This order was received at the Fifty-first Infantry Bri-
gade headquarters at 2 o'clock July 22, and immediately trans-
mitted to the regimental commanders, the 102d Infantry being
ordered into the zone of action of the Fifty-second Brigade.
The order did not reach the commanding general. Fifty-second
Brigade, until 5.30 o'clock. He had already (at daylight)
launched an attack against Epieds and Trugny, the 102d In-
fantry participating.
11. As soon as this order came to my attention, I was fear-
ful that the order — delivered in the dark to troops fighting
120
THE YANKEE DIVISION
as they were in assault night and day, and moving forward at
the rush with their objectives in mind — was bound to result
in the intermingUng of units, and probably confusion. As
soon as this matter was brought to the attention of the corps
commander he gave verbal instructions to suspend it, which
instructions were rushed to the front. But some units had
already taken their new positions. I quote the pertinent para-
graphs of this order: —
July 22, 1918, 1.05 o'clock.
Chief of Staff to Commanding General, Fifty-second Infantry Brigade.
Herewith copy of Field Orders No. 19, First Army Corps. In com-
pliance therewith your brigade will take over zone of action of One
Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division. Fifty-first Infantry Brigade will
take over that part of Twenty-sixth Division zone which you now
cover. Movement will be completed by 3.30 a.m. to-day. Push on
vigorously. Map herewith.
July 22, 1918, 1.10 o'clock.
Chief of Staff to Commanding General, Fifty-first Field Artillery Brigade.
Herewith copy of Field Orders No. 19, First Army Corps. In com-
pliance therewith following changes to be completed by 3.30 this date.
Fifty-first Infantry Brigade takes over entire Twenty-sixth Division
zone of action. Fifty-second Infantry Brigade takes over zone of
action of One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division Infantry on our
left. Govern your dispositions accordingly.
1. (a) General Situation. — The enemy is retreating on the entire
front of the Sixth Army. At 6 p.m. our troops had passed the ChMeau-
Thierry-Soissons road between the Ourcq and the Clignon, and reached
the road Bezu, Epieds, Chartreves.
(b) Mission of the Entire Army. — The same as to-day; that is,
strenuous pursuit of the enemy, each unit driving ahead with all its
power, without waiting for the other or paying attention to alignment,
to make the enemy's retreat a rout.
To hasten the advance, division commanders will conduct the fight
by going forward when they can exercise control.
(c) Action of Neighboring Corps. — The Seventh and Thirty-eighth
Corps will continue to advance alongside of us. They will protect
our flanks. Every one will push straight ahead.
121
THE YANKEE DIVISION
(d) Action of Cavalry. — A cavalrj' division, following in rear of
the Seventh Corps, will, at the proper time, pass through to the front
in the direction of Clerges, Coulonges, Courville, to intercept and
disorganize the enemy's communications.
2. (a) Action of First Army Corps. — The action will continue
to-night without cessation by the Twenth-sixth and One Hundred
and Sixty -seventh Divisions abreast, in their respective sectors.
On account of the narrowness of the corps' zone of action, the ad-
vance at daylight will be made by the Twenty-sixth Division, covering
the entire corps front. The One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division
at daylight will stand fast until the portion of the Twenty-sixth Divi-
sion assigned to take up the advance in the One Hundred and Sixty-
seventh Division sector has, with its reserves and divisional artillery,
passed through the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division.
When this has been accomplished, the One Hundred and Sixty-
seventh Division will follow the Twenty-sixth Division in the second
line at 3 kilometers distance, taking great care to avoid interference
with the movement of the rear elements of the Twenty-Sixth Division,
and the replenishment of ammunition supply.
12. The attack on Epieds-Trugny was pushed with vigor.
In the attack and after gaining the objective the troops were
subjected to machine-gun fire, not only from the region of
Epieds and Trugny, but also enfihiding fire from La Goutterie
Farm in the sector of the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh
Division, which enfiladed the attacking hnes from the left
rear. The 101st Machine Gun Battalion (divisional), as well
as the machine-gun companies assigned to regiments, advanced
with and gallantly supported the infantry in the attack. The
101st Infantry simultaneously attempted to outflank Trugny
on the east, but succeeded only in establishing itself in the
woods south of Trugny. The troops in Epieds and Trugny were
subjected to a heavy concentration of artillery and machine-
gun fire, and were withdrawn to permit further artillery prepa-
ration. The attack was resumed at 16 o'clock; the same char-
acter of artillery and machine-gun fire prevented retention of
the forward positions gained. At this time the division on our
left had not captured La Goutterie Farm, from the vicinity of
122
THE YANKEE DIVISION
which the enemy employed machine-gun fire with teUing effect.
During that day our artillery vigorously shelled La Goutterie
Farm, and by liaison we informed the division on our left that
we would cease at 17 o'clock, hoping that that would make the
way easier for its capture. (Map F illustrates the action of
July 22, as well as the situation at the close of the day.)
13. Our experience in the rush forward had shown the futil-
ity, without undue losses, of attempting a head-on attack of
Epieds and Trugny. The open wheat fields gave tao good a
sweep for the enemy's machine guns. I, therefore, determined
to throw in a wedge on the road through the Bois de Trugny,
and was confirmed in this decision by the verbal instructions of
the corps and by Field Orders No. 20, First Army Corps, in
accordance with which I confirmed my previous verbal orders
by Field Orders No. 59, Twenty-sixth Division, July 22, 22.30
o'clock. These orders demanded the penetration of the enemy's
line by a regiment in each division, with exploitations by the
entire division. The following message was sent to the Fifty-
first Infantry Brigade, and copies to other commanders for
their information : —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division, Expeditionary Forces,
July 22, 1918, 21.10 o'clock.
Message No. 2.
To Commanding General, Fifty-first Infantry Brigade.
1. Inclosing four copies of Field Orders No. 20, c. s.. Headquarters,
First Army Corps, for his information.
2. The 101st Infantry is designated to carry out the attack.
3. Orders will issue later.
By command, etc.
14. The Fifty-second Brigade had suffered a good many
casualties as well as the 102d Infantry, and I ordered Major
Greenway and his detachment, consisting of two and one-half
companies of 2d Battalion, 101st Engineers (with headcjuarters
at Etrepilly), to move forward and take the position previously
occupied by the 104th Infantry, and exploit the thrust of the
123
THE YANKEE DIVISION
101st Infantry extending to the right to gain liaison, antici-
pating that this thrust would outflank, as it did, the resistance
at Trugny and Epieds. Major Greenway encountered some
remaining machine-gun nests southwest of Epieds, and kept
them actively engaged, struck out to the right, in front of a
portion of the 102d Infantry on his right, and gained contact
with the 101st Infantry, when its leading elements fell back
from its advanced positions in the Bois de Trugny. He was
sent orders to take defensive position and hold ground gained
that night.
15. In the meantime, after a thorough artillery preparation,
the 101st Infantry attack was launched at 6 o'clock, and the
eastern part of the Bois de Trugny gained before noon. (Map
G illustrates this phase, showing also the position of remain-
ing troops held in readiness.) Good reports of the success of
this thrust continued to reach division headquarters — that
they had overcome all resistance, which consisted mainly of
machine-gun fire, gas and high explosive shells. Therefore
complete plans had been laid out for an additional push the
next morning by this regiment, both northeast and northwest,
and to move up available troops so that when it became neces-
sary to leapfrog through, the reserve battalion of this regi-
ment, or other troops, could push forward and force the pursuit.
At 2 o'clock that night report was received that the leading
battalion of the 101st Infantry had been subjected to a wither-
ing machine-gun fire from the front and on both flanks and
from machine guns in trees, with much gas; that the leading
elements were forced to withdraw, leaving a considerable num-
ber of wounded in their front, which they hoped to get out
that night and evacuate them to the right area in safety. This
announcement prevented a continuation of the artillery prep-
aration on the following morning.
16. At 12.30, July 23, Field Orders No. 21, First Army Corps,
were issued reinstating Field Orders No. 19 (directing the as-
sumption of the entire corps front by the Twenty-sixth Divi-
sion) and placing the 111th Infantry (Fifty-sixth Brigade) at
the disposal of the commanding general. Twenty-sixth Division,
124
Bachrach
Colonel J. L. Bevans
Captured Boche Gun, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France
luti'inational Film Servicv, Inc.
Bringing in Broken Rifles after Fight at Seicheprey, Menil-la-Tour,
France, May 2, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
for July 23 only, as division reserve. The Fifty-first Infantry
Brigade was directed by Field Orders No. 60, Twenty-sixth
Division, July 23, 16 o'clock, to take over the entire zone of
action of the Twenty-sixth Division, and the Fifty-second In-
fantry Brigade was ordered to assemble preparatory to reliev-
ing the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division, two battalions
of the 111th Infantry being placed at the disposal of the Fifty-
second Brigade to assist in accomplishing this purpose. How-
ever, Field Orders No. 22, First Army Corps, July 23, 19
o'clock, directed an attack by both the Twenty-sixth and One
Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division, necessitating the revo-
cation of Field Orders No. 60, Twenty-sixth Division, July 23,
20 o'clock.
17. About 18 o'clock, while at the front impressing brigade
and regimental commanders with the necessity of sparing no
men or ounce of energy in the pursuit of the enemy on the fol-
lowing morning, I received a telephone message that G-3
from the corps was waiting at my headquarters with important
orders. I immediately returned to my headquarters, which I
reached, as I recall, at about 18.30, and received letter No. 130
G-3, Headquarters First Army Corps, July 23, stating that the
Fifty-sixth Brigade of the Twenty-eighth American Division was
placed at my disposal, and that I was directed to utilize this
brigade and place it in line without delay in order to comply
with current orders of the Sixth Army Commander to drive
line forward. The orders further directed that as soon as the
Fifty-sixth Brigade had taken over the line from the Fifty-
second Brigade of my division to proceed promptly to the reor-
ganization of the Fifty-second Brigade with a view to utilizing
its battalions or regimental units as fast as they could be
reconstructed to carry forward continuously the front line of
my sector. I had before ordered two battalions of the 111th
Infantry of this brigade to be placed at the disposal of the
Fifty-second Brigade to assist in pushing forward his line and
relieving the Fifty-second Brigade. As soon as I received this
order I summoned all the brigade commanders, including Brig-
adier-General Weigel, commanding Fifty-sixth Brigade, and
125
THE YANKEE DIVISION
directed him to relieve the Fifty -second Brigade, and take com-
mand of the left subsector so that he could push forward in
the morning.
18. With the above letter I received a letter from the corps
commander directing me not to commit the 'Fifty-sixth Brigade
or elements thereof into the attack until they had time to make
reconnoissance. This seemed to be in conflict, and I therefore
directed my chief of staff to take the matter up, and he reported
to me between 20 and 21 o'clock that the provisions of this
last letter should obtain.
19. At 22 o'clock I received the report of the check of the
leading elements of the 101st Infantry. Being forced to con-
tinue the thrust through the Bois de Trugny until I could find
out whether the wounded reported in front of this element
had been evacuated, I communicated to the chief of staff of
the corps and was informed by him that the push forward must
be made by the Fifty-sixth Brigade, and that the army orders
would prevail.
July 24.
20. Having again summoned all the brigade commanders,
as well as Brigadier-General Weigel, I directed the latter to
move forward at H hour (4.05 o'clock), promising him com-
plete artillery preparation in the left subsector. He was also
instructed to send a battalion of the 112th Infantry to the
commanding general. Fifty-first Brigade, to move up through
the Bois de Trugny and pass through the leading elements of
the 101st Infantry, and continue the pursuit in that subsector
as well as the left subsector. This procedure was confirmed by
Field Orders No. 62, Twenty-sixth Division, July 23, 12.30
o'clock.
21. General Weigel told me that his men had not had any-
thing to eat for two days, and had no emergency rations; had
been marching two nights; that his 112th Regiment was in
corps reserve, and being unfamiliar with the ground, it would
be difficult for him to do so. I replied that he must overcome
all these difficulties and must move out as ordered, this being
126
THE YANKEE DIVISION
in accordance with my orders and the known wishes of the
corps commander. I ordered Major Greenway, who knew the
ground, to report to him so that the colonel of his 111th In-
fantry would have the advantage of Major Greenway as a
guide. I directed my chief of staff to accompany the battalion
of the 112th Infantry that had been turned over to Brigadier-
General Shelton with orders to explain the mission and push
them forward with all haste. I furthermore ordered another
of my trusted staff officers, Major Alfonte, to accompany the
leading elements of the 111th Regiment on the left. These
two oflScers, as well as Major Greenway, did everything pos-
sible to push this pursuit. In the morning, at daylight, Briga-
dier-General Weigel reported to me that in spite of the aid of
all my officers he had not been able to get his battalions up
and get them off at the H hour, and that he had had to delay
the attack. About that time, through liaison with the One
Hundred and Sixty-seventh Division, I learned that after artil-
lery preparation and the advance of the infantry they had found
none of the enemy on their front, and by the employment of
cavalry patrols they were moving out ahead of General Weigel's
left. I immediately declared off the divisional artillery prepara-
tion and directed him to send out strong patrols and to rush
and get in contact v/ith the enemy by every means possible —
to go out without any caution and get in touch.
22. I afterwards, being without cavalry, ordered my motor-
ized divisional machine gun battalion to move out, gave them
the right of way, and by all expedition to reach the objective,
the Jaulgonne-Fere-en-Tardenois road. During the evening the
advanced elements of the division, although later in starting,
were the first to reach this road and this objective, where severe
machine gun fighting was encountered. The other elements
were abreast those of the French, the division occupying a line
in the Foret de Fere (as shown on Map H).
23. Field Orders No. 23, First Army Corps, July 24, directed
the relief of the Twenty-sixth Division and Fifty-sixth Brigade
by the Forty-second Division. Field Orders No. 63, Twenty-
sixth Division, July 24, 16.45 o'clock was issued in accordance
127
THE YANKEE DIVISION
therewith, the Fifty-first and Fifty-sixth Infantry Brigades
being directed to continue the pursuit until relieved. The
Sergy plateau was designated as the next objective by Field
Orders No, 24, First Army Corps, July 24, and by Field Orders
No. 64, Twenty-sixth Division, July 24, 20.30 o'clock.
July 25
24. The night of July 24, 25 was spent in carrying out the
relief of elements of this division and of the Fifty-sixth Brigade,
the infantry of this division being concentrated in the vicinity
of Bois de Trugny and Chante Merle. The Fifty-first Field
Artillery Brigade and the 101st Engineers were attached to
the Forty-second Division, and continued in the operations.
The command of the zone of action passed to the command-
ing general. Forty-second Division, at 19 o'clock, July 25.
The reports of the commanding general, Fifty -first Field Artil-
lery Brigade, and the commanding officer, 101st Engineers,
will therefore cover a longer period than that contemplated
by this report.
25. During the period July 18-25, 1918, the following cap-
tures were reported: —
248 prisoners.
1 210-m.m. howitzer.
2 177-m.m. minenwerfer.
4 77-m.m. minenwerfer.
1 small minenwerfer.
1 88-m.m. field gun.
2 77-m.m. field guns,
9 machine guns (complete).
14 machine guns (incomplete).
1 pontoon wagon train (for infantry foot bridge).
A large quantity of ammunition, consisting of shells of all calibers
and small-arms ammunition.
26. The records of the statistical section corrected to date
show the following casualties : —
128
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Casualties, Offensive
commencing July 18,
1918.
"6
f
>>
o
■3
O
.9
J
1^
Division Headquarters,
-
1
1
-
-
-
2
101st Machine Gun Battalion,
8
8
26
-
1
-
43
lOlst Infantry
54
127
111
20
232
41
585
102d Infantry,
139
415
35
44
17
308
958
102d Machine Gun Battalion,
13
2
70
13
-
13
111
103d Infantry
176
307
290
18
335
74
1.200
104th Infantry
115
331
151
54
55
54
760
103d Machine Gun Battalion,
18
3
83
8
-
10
122
lOlst Field Artillery
19
7
18
6
10
-
60
102d Field Artillery
23
19
13
2
3
1
61
103d Field Artillery
13
5
42
-
2
-
62
101st Trench Mortar Battery,
1
-
2
-
-
-
3
101st Engineers
8
18
47
2
26
1
102
101st Field Battalion Signal Corps, .
5
-
2
2
2
-
11
101st Ammunition Train, . • .
2
2
2
-
-
-
6
101st Sanitary Train
-
-
3
-
16
-
19
40th Engineers
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
29th Engineers
1
-
-
-
-
-
1
Fifty-first Field Artillery Brigade,
-
-
1
-
-
-
1
Totals
595
1,245
897
169
699
503
4,108
This does not include the evacuation of sick and exhausted
which I estimated about 1,200.
27. It will be noted that this division not only gained its
objectives as ordered, but on occasions went beyond and had
to be restrained. Our losses were increased, due to the fact
that this division, being on the pivot and so early gaining its
first objectives, was exposed to disastrous artillery and machine-
gun fire while awaiting the general movement. After capturing
Torcy, Belleau and Givry, the left wing was obliged to wait
129
THE YANKEE DIVISION
thirty-six hours before starting out for their new objectives.
The division fought continuously, day and night, for eight
days. It made a total advance from its first line of 183^ kilo-
meters, and on the second double change of direction on both
flanks advanced 17 kilometers in four days.
28. The cold facts of the work of the 51st Field Artillery are
set forth in Brigadier-General Aultman's report. The work of
the artillery was magnificent. Every battery was ready and
willing to answer any call at any hour of the day or night.
Liaison with the infantry was the best liaison that was exhib-
ited during the attack. There were times when the difficulty
of accurately locating the most advanced infantry units made
it impossible to employ the artillery with fullest effect, but in
general the infantry was able to tell the artillery where to put
its fire and the artillery always promptly responded.
The infantry of this division was relieved on July 25. The
artillery was continued in the advance and paved the way,
first for elements of the Forty-second Division and later for
elements of the Fourth Division, being finally relieved on August
4, after seventeen days' continuous participation in the attack.
That the officers and men of this brigade have returned to this
division in a cheerful, enthusiastic frame of mind speaks vol-
umes for their discipline, training and physical condition, and
the fact that comparatively few animals were lost illustrates
the thoroughness with which this brigade has been trained.
29. The particular part the engineers played in offensive
action has been embodied in my report. In addition to this,
the officers and men of the 101st Engineers were indefatigable
in the work assigned to them. They worked in removing
road obstructions and repairing roads and bridges, and made
possible an uninterrupted flow of communication between the
advanced troops and the ammunition and supply echelons.
They were relieved August 2.
30. The supply system functioned perfectly. At no time
was there lack of supplies nor any great difficulty in getting the
supplies to the troops. The distributing points were advanced
as the troops advanced, and supply trucks delivered their
130
THE YANKEE DIVISION
rations to advanced positions, often under shell fire. The rail-
head remained at Nanteuil-sur-Marne. The initial distribut-
ing points were Montreuil-aux-Lions and Villiers-sur-Marne,
and later Vaux and Bouresches, although it was frequently
necessary to distribute supplies at more advanced positions,
particularly to elements of the Fifty-sixth Brigade, which had
been obliged to cut loose from their trains in order to enter the
zone of action on the prescribed day. The division continued
to supply its artillery and engineers until they were relieved;
some of them were 50 kilometers away.
31. The assistant chief of staff, G-1, suggests that during
an advance it would be preferable to issue canned meats,
canned vegetables, canned beans, canned potatoes, hard bread,
pulverized coffee, milk, sugar, salt, pepper, canned fruits, pre-
serves and jam in lieu of the regulation daily issue of fresh and
frozen beef, fresh vegetables, extracts and such articles as were
received during the advance. I indorse this suggestion.
32. The officers and enlisted personnel of the sanitary units
exhibited tireless energy in evacuating and caring for the
wounded. The commanding officer of the 101st Sanitary
Train reports the evacuation of 4,065 cases, the largest number
in any one day being 1,227 on July 23. These figures include
some cases of other divisions evacuated over our line, especially
during the latter portion of the period. The 102d Field Hospital
established a sifting station at Bezu-le-Guery, receiving wounded
from the ambulance companies, and, after giving such surgical
treatment as was immediately necessary, evacuating them as
follows : —
(a) Seriously wounded to 103d Field Hospital at La Ferte-
sous-Jouarre.
(6) Wounded to Evacuation Hospital No. 7 at Montan-
glaust.
(c) All others to 101-104 Field Hospital at Luzancy, where
patients expected to return to duty within five days were re-
tained and others evacuated to Hospital No. 7.
At times the stream of wounded was so heavy that the
regular facilities for transportation were reinforced by 10 trucks
131
THE YANKEE DIVISION
from the 101st Supply Train, 11 trucks and 12 ambulances
from the 116th Sanitary Train, as well as the trucks of the
101st Sanitary Train, making the total number of vehicles
about 140.
33. Telephone and radio connection was maintained by
division headquarters with First Army Corps and with sub-
ordinate commanders. The personnel of the signal battalion
in the advanced areas was continually working under severe
fire and exhibited exceptional bravery, at times being compelled
to leave their work to join the infantry in the actual defence of
positions.
Aeroplane liaison did not work out as satisfactorily as might
be desired. Infantry units were reluctant to show their panels
because of the frequent presence of enemy planes, but the avia-
tion service gave us, as far as their material permitted, valuable
information of the movements of bodies of troops.
Combat liaison with adjacent divisions was maintained with
practically no interruption. Forward communication was con-
tinually maintained by telephone, couriers and runners, and
supplies and ammunition were delivered every day to battalions.
34. Machine-gun Nests. — The greatest difficulty the divi-
sion encountered in meeting the demands and purposes of the
higher command to rush forward to pursue, irrespective of
flanks or any other elements, was the cleverly and ingeniously
placed machine-gun nests. Torcy-Belleau-Givry were the
main German line of defence. Again, Bouresches Wood, Borne
Agron and Rochet line were cleverly arranged machine-gun
and artillery positions. But the toughest nut to crack was the
concentrated defence on the crest of hills on the far side of
Epieds and Trugny, and finally the use of machine guns in
the Foret de Fere and vicinity.
35. These machine guns were located generally in the edge
of woods, in fox-holes, the depth of a man's shoulder, and oc-
casionally double-gun holes. Out in front, distributed in the
wheat fields, and excellently camouflaged, were any number
of other of these holes, mutually supporting, giving a field of
fire from 3,000 yards up to the gun. These guns not only
132
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k.i 1
K 1
1
Colonel Ernest L. Isbell
Service, Inc.
Hidden Kitchen of 101st Infantry, Bois de la Voisogne, France,
May 31, 1918
International Film Service, Inc.
Officers decorated with Croix de Guerre for Conspicuous Bravery,
Mononcourt, France, June 11, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
commanded the terrain of the reverse slope, but also the direct
slope to the gun.
36. An inspection of this groimd raises the question: How
could they have been taken?
37. I believe the tactics and methods to be employed wherever
time will allow is to feel out these gun nests by specially devel-
oped scouts with qualifications corresponding to those successful
in our Indian warfare, to discover the positions and avoid the
losses that a reconnaissance in force would suffer.
38. The 155's are the best agency when this information is
gained. We have just received our Newton-Stokes mortars.
The trench mortar battery therefore becomes another excellent
agency to destroy and neutralize these nests. In addition, the
woods may be combed from 3,000 yards with a hail of our own
machine-gun bullets, as well as the 115's, with time fuses, to
wipe out those nests cleverly located in trees, which is one of
the new elements of the German defence.
39. It goes without saying that wherever possible machine
guns must be flanked out by infiltration from both sides, and
this method was constantly used by battalion and regimental
commanders whose function it becomes in a rush of this kind.
40. Automatic Rifles. — The casualties of the Chauchat men
were abnormal. A great majority of the teams of the 102d
Infantry were casualties. As soon as a man dropped another
man would pick up the Chauchat and he would become a
casualty. Plainly, the cause to my mind is the exposure,
greater than with the rifle, of the man necessary to the effective
use of this arm, and I fancy furthermore that the glistening
barrel which results from the extra care necessary with this
arm, keeping it well oiled, discloses it to the German sniper
who has been instructed that it must be destroyed.
41. I understand that this exposure is eliminated in the
Browning automatic rifle, which has many other points of
superiority over the Chauchat. From reports it would appear
to me that the supply ought to be great enough to arm this
division immediately with these rifles. I cannot too strongly
urge that course in the reconstitution of this division, and I
133
THE YANKEE DIVISION
recommend a slightly greater proportion of Brownings than the
present Chauchat equipment. The Chauchat, since this
battle, is an unpopular arm in this division, due to the excessive
casualties. Men used to volunteer for it.
42. Artillery. — The function of the division artillery in
such an advance is solely to protect and permit the advance of
the infantry. The artillery did its work excellently. They had
too few gas shells. The proportion should be much greater
hereafter, even in open warfare. They can be effectively used
against machine-gun nests where the proper interval elapses
between the preparation and the assault. I also recommend a
much greater allowance of gas shells for all calibers for counter
battery work of the corps artillery as one of the best agents in
the neutralization of opposing batteries.
43. Tanks. — Several occasions in this eight-day advance
showed the practical use of tanks. Three or four times it came
forcibly upon us that we could get through with tanks easily
and save lives.
I have already made a special report recommending that
where the terrain permitted their use, tanks should be provided
in the proportion to each infantry battalion of three mitrail-
leuses tanks and one field-gun tank.
General Passaga, my former French corps commander, wrote
a memorandum on this subject, which I submitted to General
Headquarters. I am more convinced than ever that his recom-
mendations should be indorsed; that with our 155 artillery,
the use of the tanks that I suggest is the solution for over-
coming the German machine-gun tactics if we ever expect a
clean march through.
44. There is need of greater air service than we had in this
engagement, although I cast no reflections upon that air serv-
ice. Its personnel was excellent, and where the material held
out they did everything that could be expected, considering
their numbers. We suffered much from artillery concentra-
tions in conjunction with the opposition of machine-gun nests.
45. Information. — The most important thing of all to my
mind that confronts a division commander is the answer to
134
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the question: "Where is my infantry?" "The French and Eng-
lish commanders tell me it is the most difficult problem of all.
This information is essential for divisional artillery to perform
its role. Brigade and regimental commanders are reluctant to
give it its full protective employment unless the infantry line
is definitely known. We had a great casualty list of runners;
in some cases five runners would be shot down one after the
other, and it would be next to impossible to get through. The
wires provided in an organization would be cut by ^hell fire.
Airplanes, especially in a wood, could not discover infantry
panels. Our service in this sector, which made it mandatory
to take cover from all airplanes, made it difficult in the midst
of a fight, and hail of shells and machine-gun bullets, to dis-
tinguish between friendly and hostile airplanes, and the char-
acter of the terrain, covered with woods, as I say, when panels
were displayed, made it difficult for the machine flying even at
100 meters' height to distinguish them.
46. I purpose to use hereafter, if I can get the material, two
thin, light-weight wires per company, with three or four spools,
each holding a kilometer of wire, per telephone. This will
give eight wires to a battalion, the least number, I believe,
that will insure this information which must be had. Scien-
tific men tell me that a wireless field telephone is the answer.
But in the meantime I recommend the eight wires per battalion.
47. The Ford ambulances with which the divisional machine
gun battalion is equipped, though insufficient in numbers,
were of value in quickly transporting elements of this bat-
talion to the zone of action and in carrying ammunition. This
battalion could be made of much greater tactical value if
equipped with armored cars. It could then be used to material
advantage in exploiting a successful attack,
48. It was the constant endeavor of my staff to issue attack
orders as soon as possible after receipt of corps orders, for the
purpose of giving the maximum amount of time to subordinate
commanders to study the local problems and make appropri-
ate dispositions. Often, however, changes in the situation
necessitated changes in approved dispositions, and left insuffi-
135
THE YANKEE DIVISION
cient time to subordinate commanders for the deliberate exe-
cution of their missions. The telephone and verbal warning
anticipating army orders of which I was advised by the corps
were invaluable. The officers of my staff, as well as the com-
manding officers of troops, were indefatigable in the perform-
ance of their duties.
49. Morale. — The morale of the division was beyond all
praise. The infantry had to be restrained. The ground they
gained, casualties suffered and length of time of their effort
speaks for itself. I submit a copy of General Orders No. 67,
these headquarters, as my estimate of the conduct of officers
and men.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
This report gives an intimate view of the manner in
which modern battles are conducted from the various
headquarters of the high commands. It also shows some
of the difficulties encountered, and the manner in which
they were overcome. It will be noticed that General
Edwards speaks of the lack of airplanes, and also con-
demns the French "Chauchat" or automatic rifle. He
advocated the use of the new Browning gun, but it is
interesting to observe that although the War Depart-
ment claimed to be turning out thousands of these weap-
ons daily, the division was never outfitted with them.
In connection with the number of missing, reported
by General Edwards, it may be observed that the ma-
jority of these men later reported to their various com-
mands. In the excitement of battle many men become
separated from their individual units, and attach them-
selves to others. Then, when the battle is over and
things get straightened out, they return to their own
organizations.
136
CHAPTER XV
St. Mihiel Salient Wiped Out
The division got no rest at Chatillon, but at once began
work on training problems which are usually given to
troops before they enter the front line. The men worked
ten hours a day, going through close order drill and open
warfare, putting in three weeks.
On August 30 and 31 the division entrained at Chatil-
lon and proceeded to Bar-le-Duc and stations near by.
Then by night marches they moved to Suilly, south of
Verdun. It was originally the intention of the high com-
mand to put the Twenty-sixth into the sector around
Suilly and supply tanks. It is believed that extensive
operations looking to the reduction of Metz were con-
templated. These plans were changed, however, and
the Yankee Division was put into line between Les
Eparges and Vaux-les-Palameix.
An attack was decided upon for the purpose of re-
ducing the salient, and the artillery preparation started at
1 A.M. September 11. The troops who were to take part
were concentrated as secretly as possible by night. The
Gennans, however, had some inkling of what was to
take place, but believed the attack would be made two
or three days before the scheduled time. When it did
not take place they decided that it had been postponed,
so that on September 12, when it was actually launched,
they were taken by surprise.
The 26th Artillery was augmented by other regiments
of artillery, and a tremendous bombardment was put
over. At 7.30 p.m. on the night of September 12 General
137
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Edwards was alone in divisional headquarters at Rupt-
en-Woevre, when a telephone order was received for the
troops to jump off that night. The chief of staff and
all the staff officers being out, the General telephoned
to General Shelton's headquarters. Lieutenant F. M.
Linton answered the phone and reported that the brigade
commander was at the front. General Edwards asked
the young officer if he thought he could deliver a mes-
sage to General Shelton in a very short time. Lieutenant
Linton replied that he was sure he could. He was then
given an order to have troops pull out as soon as possible
for Vigneulles. Making his way through the lines of
trenches to the actual front, the lieutenant found Gen-
eral Shelton, delivered his message, and at 9 p.m. the
lO^d Infantry was under way for Vigneulles. This is con-
sidered a remarkable feat, owing to the difficulty of get-
ting through the lines during an action. In less than one
and one-half hours from the time the order was received
at divisional headquarters it was delivered at the front,
18 kilometers away, and immediately carried out.
Rupt-en-Woevre, the seat of divisional headquarters,
had absolutely no protection. That night, just at dusk,
a German flew over the town in a captured Allied plane.
Descending to within about 100 feet, he opened fire with
a machine gun and swept the streets. Fortunately there
were no casualties.
That same night airplanes bombed La Ferte, destroy-
ing the railroad station where four or five American
officers, ordered home, were waiting, together with a
number of French poilus. By some peculiar freak the
poilus were killed and the American officers escaped.
They drew their pistols, and, rushing outside, opened
fire in a vain attempt to bring down the aviators. At
Nanteuil, near Meaux, General Edwards, staff officers,
138
THE YANKEE DIVISION
and every one else were driven into the cellar of a chateau
one night by Boche avions. They found, however, that
the floors offered no protection so went back upstairs.
The bombs made tremendous holes, two of which were
about 500 yards from the chateau. These were in an
orchard, but when Captain Hyatt went over to examine
them, strange to say he found the trees were uninjured.
The noses of the bombs were pointed, causing them to
stick into the ground, and the force of the explosion was
downward.
At Couvrelles the Boches flew over every night on their
way to and from Paris, and seemed to be about to fly
into the windows of the billets.
One of the most beautiful sights I ever saw [said Captain
Hyatt], was after we took the St. Mihiel salient. The British
planes were bombing over Metz, and were focussed in German
searchlights. Way up in the air one could discern a tiny twinkle,
then two long fingers of light would go reaching up and up, until
one would locate the airplane. Then the other would be thrown
on it in such a way that they held it like a pair of shears. Im-
mediately shells would begin bursting around the plane, which
either rose higher and disappeared, or was brought down in
flames.
At the St. Mihiel fight [said Captain Hyatt], the troops on
our southern side went over at 5 a.m. There were two American
corps with reserves, and they had tanks and cavalry. On the
northwest side the Twenty-sixth attacked alone with a French
division on either flank. We had no cavalry and no tanks.
We did not attack until 8 a.m., so that the Germans were
warned and ready from the earlier attack. However, when
we went over we did it so quickly that the Boche was taken
by surprise. During this scrap a battalion of the 103d cap-
tured a battalion of Germans. The German major was a
count, while Major Shumway, commanding the Yankees, was
only twenty-four years old.
139
THE YANKEE DIVISION
We got our objectives on time, after heavy fighting over the
most terrible terrain. This was filled with concrete pill boxes
and machine-gun nests, and the woods were full of barbed
wire. There were scores of ravines running perpendicular to
our attack, so that it was necessary for the men to fight over
each one. The ground was covered with bushes about 5 or
6 feet tall, with a few trees, and barbed wire interwoven. This
sector had been held by the Boche since September, 1914, and
naturally was as well fortified as they could make it.
I don't know yet how the men got through this country
in the time they did, and with only 55 killed. I am willing
to wager that a man could not go there now, and with the same
obstacles, less the enemy fire, cross that ground as rapidly as
our men did that day.
After the first day's objectives had been gained we were
supposed to go to Thillot on the heights of the Meuse. The
telephone message received at 7.30 p.m., however, changed
the orders and directed us to proceed southeast to Vigneulles
and make contact with troops from the south. General Cam-
eron, who gave the order, in doing so said to General Edwards:
"Go to it, old boy; its a race between you and the First Divi-
sion." The Twenty-sixth had been ordered to reach there by
daylight if possible, but the town was captured at 2 a.m. Patrols
were immediately put out and they established contact with
the First Division at Creue. The First Division did not arrive
until 10 A.M.
It was in this battle that Captain Joseph McConnell was
killed.
Captain McConnell was leading his men over the Veau-St.
Remy road on the morning of September 13, in an attack on
the German positions, when he was hit by a shell fragment.
When the shell struck, McConnell ordered his men to dive for
cover, but did not have time to get into it himself.
At this time Major Parker of the 103d Field Artillery was
also killed, the only man to meet death in that regiment on
that day.
At Vigneulles American aviators were bombing, and on
140
Colonel Beaumont B. Buck
International Film Service, Inc.
Second Lieutenant Daniel Willard, 102d Field Artillery, being deco-
rated with the Croix de Guerre for Conspicuous Bravery, France
International Film Service, Inc.
Members of Battery B, 103d Field Artillery, examining Damage done
by German Shell, Rambucourt, France, June 24, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
account of poor liaison did not know that the Twenty-sixth
Division had captured the town. As a result thirty New
Englanders were wounded by bombs dropped by their own
aviators.
General Edwards, in arranging the original plan for the
attack, had put three regiments in the front line, with one in
reserve. As a result, when the change of orders came the
reserve regiment was immediately sent forward.
The fight lasted twenty-seven hours and was over by noon
of September 13. General Edwards and myself went into Vig-
neulles in an automobile, about 11 a.m. at which time we could
see the Germans retreating. The 101st Engineers had done
their usual wonderful work, and had built up the shell-torn
road so that it was perfectly passable.
When General Edwards sent the order to General Shelton
to go ahead. Colonel Alfonte, the divisional signal oflScer, was
sent out to see that the order was executed. By automobile
and on foot Alfonte caught up with the 102d after they had
been on the way about two hours. With his chauffeur he
joined Colonel Bearss and Captain A. F. Oberlin at the head
of the column, reaching the town about 150 yards in front of
the troops. As the four men were proceeding down a side street
they came upon a long German wagon train rolling down the
main thoroughfare. As the head of the wagon train column
came up Colonel Alfonte fired his pistol rapidly in the air.
Captain Oberlin in the meantime had dashed around the
block, and he too discharged a number of shots, giving the
Boche the impression that the Americans were present in force.
They immediately scrambled down from the wagons and threw
up their hands. They were ordered to pass by the officers and
drop their weapons on the ground. As the first rifle fell. Colonel
Bearss, who was unarmed, picked it up. In the meantime the
chauffeur had gone back and hurried up the troops, who took
charge of the prisoners.
Then Colonel Alfonte started a personal tour of inspection
of what buildings were left standing. Opening a barn door he
came upon an entire German machine-gun crew, asleep with
141
THE YANKEE DIVISION
their guns, and waking them up he took them prisoner, single
handed.
The Germans had a cage in the town in which they had been
wont to display captured Americans. This was immediately
filled with Germans, who seemed to resent turning the tables.
In the wagon train the Americans found 70 French boys,
about the age of fifteen, who were being carried into captivity.
Great was the rejoicing of the youngsters when they were freed
by "I'Americains." These boys had been torn from their
homes in St. Mihiel. In this train were also found quantities
of ammunition and plenty of good food, with the exception
of bread, which was very poor; and a lot of stationery which
was captured in a near-by town. As we were short of sta-
tionery at the time it came in very handy.
After the St. Mihiel fight. General Edwards and Colonel
James L. Howard, the divisional machine gun oflScer, rode up
and down in front of the front lines in an automobile, preparing
for the defence of the heights. The Boche had not consolidated
his position at that time, so the two officers were unmolested.
During this time Captain "Nat" Simpkins, General Edwards'
personal aide, was in a perpetual fidget, fearing that the Gen-
eral would be wounded or killed.
Colonel Alfonte was a remarkable character. Reserved and
quiet, he was always anxious to get into action, and continually
begged the General to allow him to go over the top. In the
raid of Major Hickey of the 101st Infantry, Colonel Alfonte
got permission to go along. His idea was to tap the German
telephone system and listen in on their conversations. He
went over with the raiding party, carrying telephone lines with
him, and kept in constant communication with divisional head-
quarters. The place was so shot up, however, that the German
telephone system was out of commission, so Colonel Alfonte
only got gassed for his pains.
During the battle of Chateau-Thierry Colonel Howard,
Colonel Duncan K. Major, the new chief of staff, and several
other staff officers were at the front, when a shell landed near
thejcn. The officers dived for a shell hole, but Howard, who
142
THE YANKEE DIVISION
was the last one in, was struck in the back by a splinter. He
was then forced to walk 2 miles before he could get an auto-
mobile to take him to the hospital.
In the St. Mihiel fight a German officer brought up a train
of empty trucks on the Tranchee-de-Calonne and drove right
into our lines. Before he realized his mistake he, his men and
the trucks were captured. There were eleven trucks, auto-
mobile ambulances and 70 horses with wagons. The troops
needed the horses badly, and as everything reported captured
had to be turned in, they failed to report the animals.
At Vigneulles we captured railway cars loaded with machine-
gun ammunition. We also got butter, sugar, meat and bread,
together with moving-picture machines and a very poor quality
of tobacco, with 2,600 men. We furthermore secured quantities
of beer.
We sent 150 men to the rear in charge of two guards and
put up a sign which read: "This way to the prison pen," so
the Germans would be able to find it.
143
CHAPTER XVI
Flank of Twenty-sixth Uncovered
At the beginning of the St. Mihiel fight the direction of
the American attack was southeast, the left half of the
front through open fields, the right half through bushy
woods. The French on the left of the Twenty-sixth ran
into stiff opposition and did not really get started at all.
The left flank of the New Englanders was therefore un-
covered, but they kept going. There was very little
German artillery fire, the majority of the Boche guns
having been withdrawn to prevent capture. They had
left a number of machine guns, however, which delayed
somewhat the advance of the 101st Infantry. By enfilade
fire the 101st drove out the Germans, capturing one lieu-
tenant and his whole platoon. The right of the line then
ran into machine-gun nests in the Remy Wood, but
cleaned them out.
The Yankees crossed the Grande Tranchee-de-Calonne,
the main artery for Gemian supplies, and reached their
objectives. Then it was that the telephone change of
orders came, and the 102d passed through the line of
the 101st and took up the advance to Vigneulles.
Many Germans were taken prisoner, the enemy seeming
only too anxious to "Kamerad" whenever Americans
came upon them. Sergeant "Larry" Conry of the 101st
brought the first prisoners in to divisional headquarters.
He was in a party that got lost going through No Man's
Land, when they came upon three Germans, one of
whom spoke English. Conry told him to lead the way
to the American lines and have no funny business about
144
THE YANKEE DIVISION
it. The prisoner replied that indeed he would make no
trouble, and that he would advise every German they
met to surrender. The result was that Conry eventually
arrived at headquarters with 37 prisoners.
On the night of July 14, at midnight, the Gennans put
over a barrage of high explosives and gas which lasted
for four hours and a half. The 101st Infantry was holding
the line at this spot, which included Vaux, the farthest
forward of any town in the line. Owing to the difficult
terrain, consisting of alternate woods and wheat fields,
both sides had night and day positions.
On the morning of the 15th the platoons which had
been holding the front line withdrew to their day posi-
tions. A short time later bodies of men were seen coming
down the hill and into the edge of the town. It was be-
lieved that these were Americans going into day positions.
The oncoming troops established a machine-gun strong-
hold in the old railroad station at Vaux, and occupied a
row of shell holes which comprised the only front line at
that place.
Then it was that Lieutenant Frank E. Bolin discovered
that the men were Germans, and this information was
sent back to Colonel Logan. The regimental commander
turned to Captain Thomas F. Foley, who had brought the
message, and said: "You've got to drive out those dogs
or we will be the laughing stock of the army."
Captain Foley went back and communicated by tele-
phone with the lieutenants commanding the front posi-
tions, who were "Jimmy" Rose and E. J. Price.
Lieutenant Price went forward, and after securing a
flanking fire on the enemy, started a counter attack. This
was organized in groups of two or three men. In one of
these groups was Douglas Ross of Hingham and Arthur
G. Irwin of Hull. Coming upon a machine gun at a corner,
145
THE YANKEE DIVISION
with two men operating it, Ross sent Irwin back for
bombs. When Irwin returned he found Ross in charge
of the machine gun and the two Germans dead beside it.
While waiting for Irwin, Ross shot one of the gunners.
The other stooped over his comrade, and straightened up
in time to see the young American charging at him. The
unwounded Boche turned and fled, whereupon Ross
shot him too.
Ross was also in a group that stormed the railroad sta-
tion, of which there was nothing left but four walls. They
ran up on two sides, tossing grenades over the walls and
bombing out the German machine gunners. As they
ran out Alfred Hall of Hingham, armed with an auto-
matic rifle, picked them off from a strategic post which
he had taken on the railroad line. There was no time
to take prisoners.
Lieutenant Price extended his line to the left when the
front-line shell holes were reached. Corporal Christopher
Sullivan with Privates Reginald Bates and James Cres-
well were sent to the left of a shell hole, and Arthur Irwin
and Thomas Kraus were sent to the right. There were
several of the enemy in the crater, and Private Reginald
Beale was ordered to keep them down with an automatic
rifle. The party worked up on the shell hole, with
Corporal Christopher Sullivan tossing in bombs. At
length they heard a cry of "Kamerad!" and, advancing,
discovered ten frightened Germans with their hands in
the air.
Throughout this time various small engagements were
taking place, little groups of Americans rushing the
enemy, and either taking him prisoner, or putting him
out of action. A hail of German shells was falling con-
tinuously, and it seemed a miracle that there were so few
casualties.
146
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Another party of Germans was discovered in a crater
on the right, and when Yankees advanced on them in
skirmish formation the Boches dove into httle dugouts
in the bank along the road. Lieutenant Frank E. Bolin
noticed sniping, traced it to the bank, and led his men
up. One of them who spoke German hailed the dugout
and advised the Boches to come out and surrender. They
promptly took him at his word and emerged. As they
did so two Americans who had been lying in aiiear-by
shell hole for some time, afraid to move, stepped out and
took charge of the prisoners, who were eight in number.
Company A, which was some distance back of the line,
sent up a party of volunteer stretcher bearers. These
men, who had begged for a chance to get into the excite-
ment, were Sergeant W. G. Weir, Musician David Henry,
and Privates John Mead, Garret Piggot, Roderick
McLeod, Chester Griffin, Frank Manning and John
Mitchell. The ground was so rough and so thoroughly
covered by the enemy fire that it was some time before
burial parties could go out and bury the German dead.
It was here that the 101st Engineers had volunteered
to bury dead marines and Germans after the Twenty-
sixth took over the sector; and it was also at this place
that Floyd Gibbons, the Chicago war correspondent, was
wounded and lost an eye.
The New Englanders were highly elated at their suc-
cess, and for hours visited back and forth among the
shell holes after the enemy had been driven off. The
prisoners said they had been ordered to hold the rail-
road bridge, and that a line regiment was expected to
follow up their attack and consolidate the position. They
said that four companies had been engaged in the attack,
two of them in the center and two on the flanks in sup-
port. They were from a regiment in the rear.
147
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The part played by Major jMiirpliy of the Machine
Gun Battahon in the capture of Vigneulles was of such a
character that General Shelton, commanding the brigade,
felt called upon to express his appreciation in a personal
letter. This action is most unusual in military circles,
and testifies to the importance of Major Murphy's ac-
complishments : —
Headquarters Fifty-first Infantry Brigade,
Twenty-sixth Division, American Expeditionary Forces,
September 15, 1918.
Dear Major Murphy : — The march of the leading ele-
ments of this brigade, consisting of the 102d Infantry and the
102d Machine Gun Battalion, on the night of September 12,
13, 1918, from our position at the close of the first day in the
attack on the St. Mihiel salient, for more than 9 kilometers
along the Grande Tranchee de Calonne to Hattonchatel and
Vigneulles, was of such unique and important character, and
was performed in such efficient and spirited manner, that I
desire to place on record my personal appreciation of this ac-
complishment.
Our orders required the brigade to pursue the retreating
enemy and to reach Vigneulles by daylight on the morning of
the 13th and there gain contact with our forces advancing
from the south and thereby prevent the escape to the north
of any bodies of the enemy still in the salient. To have at-
tempted to push forward a line covering our whole sector
would have meant, in view of the woods and difficulty of the
terrain, to fail in the accomplishment of our mission. The
only alternative was to push boldly forward on the only acces-
sible road through unknown hostile country, losing for the
time being liaison with the elements of our forces on our right
and left, and exposing the advance elements of this brigade to
the possibility of being cut off and surrounded by the enemy.
This alternative was chosen, and the lO^d Infantry and your
Machine Gun Battalion were selected to lead the advance.
The results are knov/n to you. You took up the march
148
Arthur S. Adama
Colonel John F. J. Herbert
Watering Horse Section, 101st Ammunition Train, France
Underwood & Underwood, New York
Group of Soldiers and Officers of Twenty-sixth Division who were
Decorated for Conspicuous Bravery at the Front, La Ferte, France,
July 12, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
about 21 o'clock on the night of the 12th. Before 2 o'clock
the follo\\nng morning the leading elements of the column
were in Vigneulles. Hattonchatel and Vigneulles were com-
pletely in our possession by 3 o'clock. Soon afterwards the
mission of the brigade had been completely accomplished. The
roads leading from the southwest had been blocked. The sur-
rounding towns had been garrisoned, our patrols seeking contact
with our forces from the south were in the plain below the
heights, and later this contact was established. Many pris-
oners and a large supply of stores fell into our hands. ~
I congratulate you and your battalion upon this success and
upon the bravery and fine spirit manifest throughout its
accomplishment.
Very sincerely j^ours,
George H. Shelton,
Brigadier-General, U. S. A., Commanding.
During the battle of St. Mihiel, the little town of
Rupt-en-Woevre was the advance post of command of
the Twenty-sixth Division. After the Yankees broke
through Les Eparges, driving back the Germans, General
Edwards received a letter from the old cure, who had
remained at his post while the enemy held the country
for four years. This letter, voicing the heartfelt thanks
of a people released from bondage, was made public in
General Orders, and was as follows : —
RupT-EN-WoEVRE, September 13, 1918.
Sir: — Your gallant American Division has just set us free.
Since September, 1914, the barbarians ha.ve held the heights
of the Meuse; have foully murdered three hostages from
Mouilly; have shelled Rupt; and on July 23, 1915, forced its
inhabitants to scatter to the four corners of France.
I, who remain at my little listening post upon the advice
of my Bishop, feel certain. Sir, that I do but speak for Mon-
seigneur Ginisty, Lord Bishop of Verdun, my parishioners of
149
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Rupt, Mouilly and Genicourt, and the people of this vicinity,
in conveying to you and your associates the heartfelt and un-
forgettable gratitude of all.
Several of your comrades lie at rest in our truly Christian
and French soil.
Their ashes shall be cared for as if they were our own. We
shall cover their graves with flowers, and shall kneel by them
as their own families would do, with a prayer to God to reward
with eternal glory these heroes fallen on the field of honor,
and to bless the Twenty-sixth Division and generous America.
Be pleased. Sir, to accept the expression of my profound
respect.
A. Leclerc,
Cur6 of Rupt-en-Woevre.
At the same time General Edwards received a personal
letter from General Hennocque, whose division, the
2d Cavalry (Dismounted) was on the right of the Twenty-
sixth during the battle of St. Mihiel. The French officer's
father served as an officer in the Union Army throughout
our civil war, and married a Gallipolis, Ohio, woman.
The letter read : —
2d Cavalry Division (Dismounted) Staff,
P. C, September 16, 1918.
My Dear Generax,: — Your letter of September 14 moves
me greatly. My division and I are very grateful for the con-
gratulations and thanks that you so kindly sent to us all, and
especially to the 8th Cuirassiers. Great is my joy to have been
able to be of service to one of those fine young American divi-
sions which have not hestitated to leave their homes and to
cross the Atlantic to come to our aid in the destruction of the
noxious beast, the Boche.
I am extremely happy to have fought by the side of such
a commander as you, who, by communicating to his agreeable
staff and to his troops his own dash, his optimism and his will
150
THE YANKEE DIVISION
to conquer, enabled his gallant division to smash the resistance
offered to it on the 12th and 13th of September, and to win
a brilliant victory.
In return, be pleased. General, to accept my most sincere
and enthusiastic congratulations upon the occasion of this fine
success which, added to the Chateau-Thierry achievement, is
but the first chapter of a famous epic.
Repeating the expression of the deep friendliness I felt for you
at the time of our first meeting, and my hope to fight again at
your side, I beg you. Sir, to accept this expression of the most
kindly feeling from your devoted "buck-eye."
Hennocque.
151
CHAPTER XVII
102d Infantry Cited
The obliteration of the St. Mihiel saHent was a mo-
mentous event, and won plaudits for the New Englanders
from all sides. On September 18 the Fifth Army Corps
of the American Expeditionary Forces issued in General
Orders a citation which read : —
1. During the recent operations for the reduction of the St.
Mihiel salient, one regiment in particular of the Twenty-sixth
Division should be mentioned as having acquitted itself in a
most inspiring manner. The 102d Infantry (Colonel Hiram L.
Bearss, commanding) was ordered late in the evening to march
at once on VigneuUes, in order to close the remaining gap
between the two attacks.
The regiment marched 5 miles in darkness through woods
infested with the enemy, captured 280 prisoners, and com-
pleted its mission long before daylight. The main roads of the
salient were cut off, and no more of the enemy could escape.
This fine example of courage and soldierly acceptance of
battle conditions is worthy of emulation. The corps commander
congratulates them and looks forward with confidence to a
continuation of their good work.
By command of Major-General Cameron,
W. B. BURTT,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.
In his Order of the Day, issued September 28, General
Edwards commented on the activities of his division as
follows : —
152
THE YANKEE DIVISION
1. Again it becomes my duty and pleasure to congratulate
this division on the important part it played in the battle of the
St. Mihiel salient, September 12-14, 1918.
Our task was to attack on the historic and hitherto impreg-
nable ground near Les Eparges, where in the past so many
thousands of French lives have been sacrificed.
In front of us the fortifications were manned by Germans,
with a No Man's Land on difficult slopes, churned and pitted
by four years of shelling, and with a mass of wire and other
obstacles from trench to trench.
The three infantry regiments in line, — the 101st, the 103d
and the 104th, — with the brigade machine-gun units, met a
determined resistance. The enemy machine-gun fire was
intense. The artillery without daylight registration did well,
during that part of the night allowed for preparation, in cutting
breaches through this mass of wire, which were completed by
the infantry before and during the attack.
The determined and effective methods of the infantry in the
attack on the machine-gun nests, the deliberate locating of
these nests, and the subsequent infiltration processes used
in overcoming these nests; the bold dashes wherever oppor-
tunity offered, in one case resulting in the 2d Battalion of the
103d Infantry rushing and capturing a hostile battalion of
greater strength before the enemy could raise his head; the
fine liaison and co-operation of the artillery; the expedition
with which follow-up roads were constructed by the engineers;
the enterprise of the medical, supply and other auxiliary units,
all combined to prove that its wide service and experience
have made this a veteran division.
I was pleased with all elements of the division,
2. By dark on the 12th the principal resistance of the enemy
had been overcome. Then came the order to close the gap
between our forces on the north and our troops advancing
from the south, in order to prevent the escape of the enemy
from St. Mihiel. Our mission then was to reach VigneuUes
before daylight, and there establish contact with troops of our
Fourth Corps.
153
THE YANKEE DIVISION
3. The 102d Infantry, in the division reserve, which had
followed the advance closely throughout the battle in readiness
for any such emergency, was ordered to spare neither energy
nor blood to accomplish this mission. The whole division was
pushed forward through the night, the rest of the Fifty-first
Infantry Brigade following the dash of the 102d Infantry, and
the Fifty-second Infantry Brigade moving out on the left
rear of the 102d Infantry, with the towns on the plain to the
northwest of Hattonchatel, to include St. Maurice, as objectives.
In less than one-half hour after receipt of this order the 102d
Infantry and the 102d Machine Gun Battalion were on the
march, led and inspired by the regimental and battalion com-
manders in person. They marched over 9 kilometers on the
only existing road, through a dense forest, in an unknown and
hostile country infested with the enemy, losing for the time
being liaison both to the right and left. The leading elements,
passing through Hattonchatel, reached Vigneulles before 2
o'clock in the morning, took complete possession of these two
towns by 3 o'clock, and pushing out occupied Creue and Heudi-
court and blocked the roads leading from the southwest, while
sending patrols further into the plain to gain contact with the
American forces coming from the south.
This advance force captured many prisoners, much ammuni-
tion, stores of all kind, and released many captive civilians from
St. Mihiel that the enemy in his hasty retreat was forced by the
102d Infantry to abandon.
With this advance force were the entire 102d Infantry, three
companies of the 102d Machine Gun Battalion, and part of the
101st Machine Gun Battalion from the division reserve. This
last part, abandoning its motors, marched 14 kilometers, carry-
ing its guns by hand the entire way.
By morning the whole command had taken possession of all
the towns in the sector of its advance, and was impatient to
pursue the enemy across the Hindenburg Line.
4, The towns of St. Remy, Dommartin, Thillot, St. Maurice,
Billy-sous-les-Cotes, Vieville-sous-les-Cotes, Hattonchatel, Han-
nonvalle, Vigneulles, Creue, Heudicourt, Wadonville, Avillers,
154
THE YANKEE DIVISION
and Butgneville, as well as the entire length of the Grande
Tranchee de Calonne, with a gain of 14 kilometers, belong
to your arms.
The division captured about 2,400 prisoners, large stores of
supplies and ammunition, horses, and motor transportation,
and about 50 guns.
I am proud of you. You are a shock division.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding,
155
CHAPTER XVIII
Edwards' Report on St. Mihiel
In his report of operations in connection with the reduc-
tion of the St. Mihiel saHent, issued October 7, General
Edwards went into the fight in some detail. As was cus-
tomary, he also made certain recommendations based
on his observations. The report read: —
1. On September G, 1918, Battle Instructions No. 1, Head-
quarters First Army Corps, giving the general outline of pro-
posed operations against the St. Mihiel salient, were received.
On the same date the Twenty-sixth Division relieved the
Second Division de Cavalerie a Pied in the Rupt sector, the
Commanding General, Twenty-sixth Division, taking command
of the sector on the 8th.
On September 11 Field Orders No. 77, Twenty-sixth Divi-
sion, were issued in accordance with Field Orders No. 17,
Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, ordering an attack on D
day at K hour. The attack was to be made with three regi-
ments in line, the 102d Infantry and 101st Machine Gun Bat-
talion being designated as division reserve. In each brigade
sector there were to be two battalions in the front line, each
battalion being assigned a machine-gun company, Stokes
mortar and 37 m.m. platoons, a section of smoke and thermite
troops of the 1st Gas Regiment, one-half company of engineers
and one 75 m.m. gun. The attack was to be preceded by an
artillery preparation and accompanied by a rolling barrage.
2. The following additional artillery units were put at the
disposition of the Twenty-sixth Division: 13th Field Artillery,
77th Field Artillery, 203d Regiment (9 batteries) (French 75s
motorized), 22d Battery, 5th R. A. P. (220 m.m. howitzers),
1st Battalion (2 batteries), 73d Regiment (270 m.m. coast
156
Colonel William F. Hayes
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General Pershing decorating Members of the Infantry, Engineers,
Artillery and Medical Corps with the D. S. C, La Ferte, France,
July 12, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
howitzers), 28th Battery, 176th Regiment (240 m.m. trench
mortar) .
3. The artillery bombardment commenced at 1 o'clock
September 12. The targets included five gaps in the wire to
be cut by 75s, and one by 150 m.m. mortars. This work was
done satisfactorily. Fire ceased for five minutes at H minus
three hours, and for ten minutes at H minus one hour and five
minutes, to allow sound ranging to be carried out. The pauses
were follov/ed, respectively, by five and ten minutes' gas con-
centration on back areas.
4. At 8 o'clock, September 12, the infantry attacked, fol-
lowing a rolling barrage, which advanced at the rate of 100
meters in four minutes. Liaison was maintained with flank
divisions by mixed combat groups, each consisting of one com-
pany of infantry and one platoon of machine guns from each
division, and between brigades by one platoon of infantry and
one section of machine guns from each brigade, all groups
advancing in line with support battalions. The terrain was
exceptionally difficult, being wooded and rolling and much
broken by trenches and shell holes and covered with mazes of
wire entanglements. The crossing of the latter was made
possible by the gaps cut by the artillery, and by gaps opened by
the infantry and engineers by means of wire cutters and Ben-
galore torpedoes.
For the first kilometer little resistance was encountered,
but later considerable machine-gun fire developed from Kiel,
Essen, Stettin and Prusse trenches. There was also some
hostile artillery fire; this v/as not very strong. The machine-
gun resistance was overcome by infiltration combined with
fire from the infantry weapons, and by gas and flame troops
v/hich rendered invaluable assistance.
A half hour's halt took place on the first intermediate ob-
jective, the Vaux-St. Remy road, during which the assaulting
battalions reorganized. Resistance was strongest on the right,
and this had caused considerable disorganization of the right
battalion, 101st Infantry. The reserve battalion was ordered
forward, and the 1-102 was ordered to leapfrog, the division
157
THE YANKEE DIVISION
reserve having at 10.15 o'clock been ordered to follow up the
assaulting troops. The advance continued from the first in-
termediate objective without much opposition on the right,
but meeting with stiff resistance on the left in I^e Chanot Bois.
In spite of this resistance the objective for the first day, the
Longeau Perme-Dompierre-aux-Bois road, was reached at
about 19 o'clock.
5. At 15.15 o'clock in the afternoon of the 12th Field Orders
No. 19, Fifth Army Corps, were received, stating that the
15th D, I. C. (French) would not advance beyond the line
Hannonville-Longeau Ferme; that it would organize the cap-
tured front from Montgirmont to Herbeuville (inclusive);
that it would transfer to the Twenty-sixth Division the cap-
tured territory lying between Herbeuville-Dommartin; and
that the Twenty-sixth Division would take over from the 15th
D. I. C. the captured territory above and would continue its
advance to Thillot-sous-les-Cotes (exclusive) and Dompierre-
aux-Bois (inclusive).
A little later in the afternoon the commanding general of
the 2d D. C. A. P., on my right, came to my P. C. and stated
that as the left of his division had reached its objectives with
the right of my division, he purposed, knowing the above or-
ders, and although the 15th D. I. C. had not captured the above
terrain, to continue his advance after the retreating enemy,
bearing to the left, or west, his objective in direction of St.
Maurice, and asked me if I would not go along on his left be-
cause it was the purpose to take the Heights of the Meuse.
I agreed to the proposition and sent out one of my staff officers
to the Fifty-first Infantry Brigade to get the troops ready to
participate.
In accordance with later instructions, which I received about
19.30 o'clock, this order was canceled, and I directed a push-
through advance on Vigneulles on the Grande Tranchee de
Calonne. I immediately transmitted this order myself by
telephone to headquarters Fifty-first Infantry Brigade, re-
ceived at 20.10 o'clock, and to the Commanding General,
Fifty-second Infantry Brigade, received at about 21 o'clock.
158
I
THE YANKEE DIVISION
An aide-de-camp of Brigadier-General Shelton received the
message at headquarters Fifty-first Infantry Brigade and took
the message to Brigadier-General Shelton, who was arranging
the pass-through of the 102d Infantry which had been held in
division reserve with the other elements in order to start this
turning movement above described; but he immediately
changed the objective to Vigneulles, and in a half hour after
the order had been received the 102d Infantry was on the
march. These orders were confirmed afterwards by Field
Orders No. 78, these headquarters.
The 102d Infantry, Machine Gun Company of 101st Infan-
try, and the lO^d Machine Gun Battalion led the advance.
The 101st Field Artillery was ordered to follow, escorted by
one battalion of the 101st Infantry, and followed by the rest
of that regiment. Due to the impassable condition of the
roads the artillery could not go forward, and when this became
evident the 101st Infantry proceeded without them. The
101st Machine Gun Battalion, in division reserve, was also
ordered to take part in this advance, and followed the 102d
Infantry. The leading elements of the lO^d Infantry, after
cleaning up Hattonchatel, reached Vigneulles at 2 o'clock,
September 13, and the 101st Machine Gun Battalion arrived
at the same place at 4.40 o'clock. One company of the 102d
Infantry, accompanied by machine guns, was sent to Creue,
and two companies, accompanied by machine guns, were sent
to Heudicourt. Detachments had been left to block the roads
crossing the Grande Tranchee de Calonne from the southwest
and prevent the passage of the enemy. Patrols sent out from
Vigneulles to the east and southeast gained contact ^\^th the
leading elements of the First Division. The 101st Infantry
reached Hattonchatel at 8 o'clock on the 13th.
6. The Fifty-second Infantry Brigade had been making dis-
positions to participate in the movement above indicated by
the commanding general, 2d D. C. A. P., and at the same time
I gave orders for the advance of the 102d Infantry I ad\ased
the commanding general of the Fifty-second Infantry Brigade
that he would move out by any roads that were possible, if he
lo9
THE YANKEE DIVISION
could find any, on the left and rear of the 102d Infantry ad-
vance. The left of the Fifty-second Brigade had been advanc-
ing irrespective of the fact that the 15th D. I. C. on the left
had not kept up, and was subjected to a good deal of enfiladed
fire from the territory in front of this French division through-
out the day.
Afterwards, when I learned of the impassability of the roads,
I gave the objective of this brigade from Hattonchatel to and
including St. Maurice. This brigade encountered considerable
resistance from machine-gun nests, but reached their objectives
indicated the next morning. There was great difficulty in the
dark, and going forward as they had to in battle formation, to
get messages from the leading assault battalions to the regi-
mental headquarters.
7. The movement forward of the artillery was delayed until
a road could be constructed across No Man's Land. However,
two of the accompanying pieces succeeded in crossing at 17
o'clock on the 12th. The road was made practicable at 13
o'clock, September 13, and the 101st Field Artillery, 102d
Field Artillery and 77th Field Artillery immediately moved
forward to new positions.
8. Infantry. — As stated above, to each assaulting battalion
were assigned a machine-gun company, Stokes mortar and 37
m.m. platoons, a section of smoke and thermite troops from
the 1st Gas Regiment, one-half company of engineers, and a
section of 75 m.m. guns. This was found to furnish the in-
fantry powerful means of overcoming machine-gun nests, but
the accompanying thermite or gas weapons could have been
more effectively used if commanders concerned had had more
training together. The problems encountered were those of
transporting the material across the difficult terrain and making
the proper tactical use of them by infantry commanders.
Combined training is necessary to produce complete co-opera-
tion and secure the best results in battle. Possibly the Stokes
mortar units could be equipped with the new long-distance
shell with thermite charges.
9. Engineers. — The divisional engineers are insufficient in
160
THE YANKEE DIVISION
number in an attack against long-established positions. The
various missions of assisting the infantry advance by wire
cutting, both by hand and Bengalore torpedoes; of getting the
artillery, including the accompanying guns, over to No Man's
Land; and of road building and general road repairing are more
than one regiment can cope with. Although in this operation
the 101st Engineers did unusual and devoted work, yet it was
twenty-four hours before the main body of the artillery was
able to cross No Man's Land. Engineers assigned to advanced
road work should be given the authority of Military Police,
and should receive instructions from the A. P. M. They will
thus be assisted in their own work of road repair, and at the
same time lighten the burden confronting the Military Police.
10. Artillery. — The rolling barrage, advancing at the rate
of 100 meters in four minutes, and uniform over the divisional
front, proved to be too fast for the right battalions, whose
terrain was covered with underbrush and much wire and
entanglements, although the left battalions were able to keep
close up behind it. It may not be practicable to have different
rates of barrage on the same divisional front, but in this par-
ticular operation the difficulty might have been met by the
employment of progressive concentrations rather than a real
barrage. This would not have given as much moral support
to the infantry as would a rolling barrage, but it is believed that
in this particular case our infantry has such confidence in our
artillery that this added moral support could have been dis-
pensed with in view of the advantages to be gained.
11. Machine Guns. — The 101st Machine Gun Battalion
(partially motorized), forming part of the division reserve, was
pushed forward behind the 102d Infantry to Vigneulles. The
roads across No Man's Land being impassable, the battalion
unloaded its guns and ammunition and carried them by hand,
accomplishing the march of 18 kilometers in seven hours, only
one man failing to finish. This performance was remarkable,
and was more than can normally be expected. Inasmuch as
the condition of the roads in No Man's Land will seldom permit
the motors to be pushed forward in the critical stages of the
161
THE YANKEE DIVISION
battle, it is believed that some form of light-wheeled mount
should be provided that can be carried on the motors with the
guns for use in such emergency.
12. Reserve. — The advance on Vigneulles showed strongly
the advantage of keeping a regiment as a unit in reserve. As
this regiment had been kept well in hand, the march on Vig-
neulles commenced within one-half hour after the order was
received.
13. Intelligence. — Prearranged plans for the collection and
transmission of intelligence information worked well as far to
the rear as brigade headquarters, but in rear of that intelligence
was often sidetracked. It is recommended that a forward
division intelligence center be established with direct wire
connections to the brigades and to the G-2 office, and with
runners for use in emergencies.
In this operation the division observers were divided into
two echelons so that one post was always in operation. The
assignment of an officer to the observer squad, though not pro-
vided in the tables of organization, greatly increased the value
of the information obtained. It is believed that the tables
of organization should provide for two officers with the divi-
sion observers. This would greatly increase the efficiency of
the service during attacks, and in quiet sectors these officers
could be used to supervise the training of the observers of
lower echelons. Observation posts selected during an advance
should be as near the axis of liaison as possible; but even so,
runners, telephone, wire, optical signalling apparatus and other
portable means of liaison should be provided to enable informa-
tion to get back promptly enough to be of value.
14. Traffic Control. — Experience in this advance emphasizes
the need of pushing traffic control posts forward closely behind
the advancing infantry, and of laying down a schedule of traf-
fic priority. During such an advance the allowance of Military
Police is none too great for the needs of a division. They
should not be depleted by detachments for corps or army
duties in an advance.
15. Air Service. — Although every effort had been made to
162
THE YANKEE DIVISION
improve the liaison between the air service and the infantry,
the results were not satisfactory. Perfect telephone com-
munication between division headquarters and the aerodrome
is essential, and squadrons if not forming a part of a division
should at least be permanently assigned to it, if perfect liaison
is to be obtained.
16. Liaison Agents. — Division liaison agents were assigned
to both divisions on our flanks and to brigade headquarters.
17. Posts of Command. — As above stated, the fact that the
commanding officer of the regiment in reserve was aisle to be
actually with his regiment enabled that organization to get in
movement very promptly when orders for the march to Vig-
neulles were received. On the other hand, an order received
at a brigade P. C. could not be delivered to the commanding
general for one hour, due to the fact that he was out with his
troops. The lesson is that though a commander should be well
to the front in order to follow the development of events and
to have his units in hand, he must nevertheless be in touch with
the higher command. These considerations can be reconciled
by pushing P. Cs. well to the front, and by requiring each com-
manding officer when he leaves his P. C. to have ready liaison
with it, preferably, depending on the distance, by some means
more rapid than runners.
163
CHAPTER XIX
102d Takes Prisoners
Having eliminated the big St. Mihiel salient, the
Twenty-sixth Division was pulled back to its original
sector, which extended way to the front due to the evacua-
tion of the Boche. This sector was on the crown of a
range of hills with the advanced posts far out in the plain
below. It was an ideal position, and the New Englanders
dominated the territory for miles around. The sector
had originally included the little town of St. Hilaire,
but because the terrain was difficult to hold, and be-
cause of the fact that the town was well within range of
the American artillery, it had been relinquished. It
was here that the Germans sent over a raiding party,
but it was met with a terrific fire, and turned back with
heavy losses, leaving a number of prisoners behind.
Meantime a conference of officers was held to meet the
officers of the Second French Colonial Corps. Here Colonel
Bearss, commanding the 102d Infantry, asserted that the
Germans were showing signs of activity opposite his
position, moving men down into the wood of Warville
and the town of St. Hilaire. He asked and received
permission to send out a strong patrol for the purpose of
taking prisoners.
Colonel Bearss, who was fonnerly an officer in the
Marine Corps, then selected four platoons, taking them
from every battalion in the regiment. Two of them,
commanded by Captain Oberlin, were ordered to go
straight into St. Hilaire and secure prisoners. The other
two were to support the flanks of the attackers. Then
164
International Film Service, Inc.
Lieutenant-Colonel William J. Keville
One of United States Railway Guns in France
Hearst News Film
President Wilson saluting American Soldiers who aided in winning
Victory at Chateau-Thierry, France
THE YANKEE DIVISION
four more platoons were picked, under Captain A. W.
Dillard, and an hour later than the St. Hilaire attack
were sent into the Bois de Warville.
WTiile waiting for the artillery preparation to cease,
members of the two parties made many wagers on which
would come back first with prisoners.
At 10.45 P.M. the artillery strafing changed into a rolling
barrage, and the St. Hilaire party jumped off. Then a
box barrage was laid around the town, and the^platoons
went forward, finding heavy iron wire on iron stakes
stretching across the road into town. Under an intense
machine-gun fire this obstruction was removed, and the
main body, headed by Captain Oberlin, rushed for St.
Hilaire. Just then there was a terrific explosion, and a
section of the road rose in air, carrying the captain and
several of his men with it. It had been mined by the
enemy. Fortunateljs no one was seriously injured, and
the party surged on. There was a scrambling in the town,
and when the Americans reached there not a Boche was
to be found. Angry and disappointed, the raiders were
forced to return with no prisoners.
At 11.45 the guns opened up on the woods which the
other party were to attack, changed to a rolling barrage,
behind which the American platoons crept, and then
switched into a box barrage. The Germans had planted
machine guns in the trees, and the bursts of flame from
these v/ere seen by Colonel Bearss, who was watching the
course of the attack. He immediately got in touch with
the heavy guns, and after a few high explosives had
dropped into the woods the machine-gun firing ceased.
The New Englanders advanced into the woods, and
there in the dark they engaged in hand-to-hand combat
with a considerable number of the enemy. There was a
good deal of confusion, ov/ing to the darkness, but the
165
THE YANKEE DIVISION
enemy fought only half-heartedly, and the Americans
secured a number of prisoners. Then, the time being up,
they returned to their own lines carrying fifteen of the
enemy with them. Only two slight injuries were reported
among the Yankee forces.
Dr. Charles Comfort of New Haven went along with
the St. Hilaire raiders, but had nothing to do. The Rev.
James P. Sherry of Lowell, chaplain of the regiment, at-
tached himself to the other party, and justified his action
by boosting Private John Cummings of New Haven up a
tree. Cummings wanted to locate a field piece and a
machine gun that were firing from somewhere beyond the
woods. This he succeeded in doing, despite the heavy fire
and the fact that he afforded an excellent target for the
enemy.
The next engagement of the division was on Sep-
tember 26, when the Argonne-Meuse offense opened. The
Yankee Division made a diversion attack at this time in
order to prevent the enemy from utilizing his artillery
from Woevre. While this engagement was of practically
small importance compared to the great offensive, it was
one of the most intense struggles in which the division
participated.
Out in the great plain of the Woevre were two towns,
Marcheville and Riaville. These towns were held by the
enemy, and the Yankees were ordered to take and hold
them for twenty-four hours.
For weeks the preparations for the Champagne offensive
had been going quietly on, and the Twenty-sixth were
beginning to feel that they were to be overlooked. On
the night of September 25, however, orders arrived.
Company cooks were told to prepare two cooked meals,
and the oflScers were then called to a conference at di-
visional headquarters. It was then learned that the
166
THE YANKEE DIVISION
artillery preparation would begin at 11.30 that night, and
at 5.30 the following morning the regiment, commanded
by Colonel Bearss, would start an attack against Marche-
ville. At the same hour the 103d Infantry would move
against Ria,ville, over to the left.
The whole attack was in charge of Colonel Bearss, who
went over the top with the men, accompanied by Colonel
James L. Howard, as liaison officer, and Major E. E.
Lewis, who commanded the attacking battalion.'
The two objectives were little villages, consisting of
groups of houses on country roads. There is a road
leading across the plain from Champion to Riaville, and
another from Saulx to Marcheville, while a third road
runs from Marcheville to Riaville. Crosswise there were
trenches, and around each town broad belts of wire.
It was still dark at 5.30, with blankets of smoke hang-
ing over the positions, and concealing the men. The
attacking parties worked up the trench systems until
they encountered machine-gun opposition, which they
flanked out. They reached the two towns some time
after daylight, and were immediately subjected to a
smashing artillery bombardment. Colonel Bearss and
Colonel Howard rode into Marcheville ahead of the
troops, and Colonel Howard personally directed the
machine-gun fire. Major Lewis and Major Hanson were
in and out of the two towns several times during the
day, and continually exposed themselves while directing
the attacks. At dark, orders were received to retire to
the original positions, and the men went back in good
order, one group holding back the enemy while another
withdrew. Twenty -nine prisoners were taken at Marche-
ville.
Major Hanson and the battalion attacking Riaville
early encountered opposition. They took cover in two
167
THE YANKEE DIVISION
mottes of trees, at the corner of a trench which ran across
the foot of the hill in front of Riaville. Shelled out from
these the Yankees came out into the fields, and under
what cover they could find re-formed and moved up to
the second ditch. Twice they reached a point a short
distance from the town, and each time were held up by
machine-gun fire. Then Major Hanson called for artil-
lery, but the German positions were impregnable. The
Boches were huddled in concrete pill boxes, against which
artillery fire was useless.
At 12.30 the artillery ceased, and the attacking forces
managed to make their way into the town, driving off a
counter attack. Then their machine guns held off the
Boche, while the enemy artillery pounded the town.
In the meantime the other party was having troubles
of its own. On the brow of the hill it ran into machine-
gun fire, and immediately started to flank out the em-
placements, which were mostly pill boxes. Colonel Bearss,
Colonel Howard and Major Lewis, with about twenty
men, most of them runners, reached the westerly edge of
the town, and took shelter under a high wall which was
still standing. From there they penetrated to the main
street, discovering a strong point and abri in a little square
where the road made a turn. Here headquarters were
established.
In the meantime the troops had gotten into the town,
and the Yankee machine guns drove the Boche out. The
enemy retreated up a trench toward the next town, and
from there launched a counter attack preceded by a
terrific artillery bombardment. When this counter at-
tack was made the New Englanders dropped back to the
trench in front, as the enemy had gone around to the
south and were attempting to flank them.
The headquarters party knew notliing about this, and
168
THE YANKEE DIVISION
before they realized what was happening were menaced on
three sides. They took up a position with their three
machine guns in the middle of the town, and began to
stand off the Germans. They managed to drive off the
enemy from the south, and then, their ammunition running
low, fell back around the wall, to the ditch. Here they
were again forced to fight, and eventually fell back to the
corner under an enfilading fire from the enemy.
The members of the little party were in a precarious
position when Lieutenant Linton, of General Shelton's
staff, came to their rescue. He had heard of their diffi-
culties back in Saulx, where he had gone with an order.
Lieutenant Linton gathered together some 25 men,
and dashing across the open country in face of the
enemy's fire reached the town. The other party sig-
naled from the trench, and he joined them. The in-
creased forces were sufficient to get the entire party to a
safer position.
It was during this time that Lieutenant Paul Hines, a
Boston newspaper man and assistant to the regimental
adjutant of the 102d, did something which won him the
Distinguished Service Cross. A wounded officer was
lying in the open in front of Marcheville, and Lieutenant
Hines announced he was going to get him. It looked to
be impossible, but the remainder of the little head-
quarters party agreed to give him what assistance they
could. Spreading out they opened a hot fire, and while
thus keeping tJie Germans busy the young lieutenant
and two men rushed out and brought back the wounded
officer.
It was at Marcheville that Lieutenant Linton met his
death, after conducting himself through the day in a man-
ner which gained for him the Distinguished Service Cross.
The citation read : —
169
THE YANKEE DIVISION
First Lieutenant Frederick M. Linton, deceased. Fifty-first
Infantry Brigade. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Marcheville and Riaville, France, September 25-26, 1918.
Lieutenant Linton, while acting as haison officer with brigade
headquarters, volunteered to carry a message from the front
lines to the rear through a terrific barrage and murderous
machine-gun fire. After successfully^ accomplishing this mis-
sion he returned with a platoon of reinforcements across an
open field through the same heavy fire. When the town of
Marcheville fell into the enemy's hands he volunteered to lead
a platoon in the counter attack, and was wounded while in
command. He retained command and held his ground with
the platoon until he received his second and fatal wound.
Home address, Mrs. Frederick M. Linton, 38 Fletcher Street,
Roslindale.
170
CHAPTER XX
Colonel Bearss's Report
The report of Colonel Bearss, who led the attack on
Marcheville and Riaville, is a brief, soldierly document,
and is of interest at this time. It read : —
Headquarters 102d United States Infantry,
American Expeditionary Forces, September 28, 1918.
From: Commanding Officer, 102d United States Infantry.
To : Commanding General, Twenty-sixth Division (through
military channels).
Subject : Report of attack on Marcheville and Riaville, Septem-
ber 26, 1918.
1. In accordance with the orders of the commanding general,
Twenty-sixth Division, the following troops attacked Riaville
and Marcheville: 1st Battalion, 102d Infantry; 1st Battalion,
103d Infantry; Companies A and B, 102d Machine Gun Bat-
talion, Fifty-first Infantry Brigade; Company B, 103d Machine
Gun Battalion, Fifty-second Infantry Brigade; Machine Gun
Company, 103d Infantry; Compa.ny B (less one-half), 101st
Engineers; Company F (less one-half), 101st Engineers; Fifty-
first Artillery Brigade; detachment, 101st Field Signal Bat-
talion; detached Sanitary Troops and Stokes mortar platoon;
37 m.m. platoons of 103d and 102d Infantry regiments.
2. At 5.30 A.M. the troops commenced their advance. At
6 A.M. a thick smoke screen, accompanied by a heavy barrage
of artillery and machine-gun fire, was put down in advance of
our line. At this juncture progress was very difficult and neces-
sarily slow, and because of poor visibility, due to the smoke
and resulting fog, our troops at times got to within 20 feet of
machine guns without detecting their presence. Hand grenades
too were thrown at us in abundance by a few of the enemy,
unnoticed through the thick fog, in shell holes near by.
171
THE YANKEE DIVISION
3. The town was entered after stubborn fighting at 9 a.m.,
and our objective reached at 10 o'clock. In this primary action
we captured about thirty prisoners. We found the town of
Marcheville infested with machine-gun nests, pill boxes, snipers
and grenade throwers. Old ruined buildings, broken-down
walls, innocent looking pieces of tar paper and other debris
concealed within or underneath machine guns and crews of
grenade throwers. Undaunted by the constant sniping from
ambush, and the persistent sputter of the hidden and unsus-
pected machine guns, our men charged in the direction of the
fire, routed the crews, and engaged them in a most bitter hand-
to-hand struggle. The treachery of the enemy was once more
manifest when they threw up their hands shouting, "Kamerad!"
Hardly had we ceased firing and called to them in German to
surrender, when we were greeted with a volley of grenades and
a fusillade of machine-gun bullets from points in the rear and
between the intervals of their formation.
4. The enemy was reinforced several times during the day
and counter-attacked violently, with the result that the town
changed hands four times, leaving us, however, in full pos-
session when at 19.45 o'clock, in accordance with our orders,
we returned under cover of darkness.
5. Our retirement was accomplished under the most terrific
artillery and machine-gun fire, but fortunately without any
serious casualties.
6. Of the valor and courage of the officers and men who
participated in the attack too much cannot be said in honor and
eulogy. Those who survived the combat, as well as the brave
officers and men who fell in the field, displayed that dashing,
courageous spirit, that tenacity of purpose and willing accept-
ance of hardship and sacrifice, that have become traditional
in the Twenty-sixth Division. They fought from sunrise to
sunset with but one thought and purpose, — to divert the enemy
from every other direction and purpose, and engage him as
bus'ly as possible throughout the day.
7. Our losses due to the extremely heavy artillery and
machine-gun fire, and the hand-to-hand fighting incident to
172
I
Purdy
Lieutenant-Colonel Frank S. Perkins
International Film Service, Inc.
Company B, 101st Supply Train,'' unloading Bread for Use en Route
to Front, Chatillon, France, August 28, 1918
International Filmj.Service, Inc.
First American Wounded of the 103d
Infantry, Bois d'Esparges, France,
September 12, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
carrying on our mission, are greatly compensated by the realiza-
tion that we carried out as perfectly as we could our mission
contained in division orders.
8. Among other officers who displayed exceptional courage
and bravery I must mention Major E. E. Lewis, 102d Infantry,
second in command of the attack, for his extraordinary initi-
ative, energy and bravery. He organized the position in
Marcheville, collected all the scattered units, established
liaison, and in the hand-to-hand fighting attendant on the
retaking of the town displayed a natural-born leadership, —
those soldierly qualities of coolness and bravery that were an
inspiration to all, and begot in the men under him a confidence
and bull-dog tenacity of purpose that are always productive of
success.
H. I. Bearss,
Colonel, U. S. M. C, Commanding.
In indorsing this communication Brigadier-General
Shelton said : —
1. This attack was made under division orders and in ac-
cordance with the plan of the 2d Colonial Corps for a deep
raid on each division sector on the corps front simultaneously
with and as a diversion for the main attack of the American
and French armies northwest of Verdun. The division orders
directed a raid by a battalion of the 102d Infantry on Marche-
ville, connecting with the raid by a battalion of the 103d In-
fantry on Riaville. Both operations were placed under the
command of Colonel H. I. Bearss, 102d Infantry. The limits
of the raid and objective were fixed practically by the limit of
effective artillery fire from our guns on the heights of the
Meuse. The plan further contemplated, after attainment of
the objectives, that the troops should remain in possession
thereof until nightfall. This was understood to be important
in accomplishing the purpose of the diversion on this front,
and was necessary to admit withdrawal of the troops across the
open plain under cover of darkness. The artillery prepara-
173
THE YANKEE DIVISION
tion began at 23.30 o'clock, September 25, and continued until
the infantry advanced at 5.30 o'clock, September 26.
2. The foregoing report of Colonel Bearss covers briefly the
main facts of the attack on Marcheville in so far as data were
available at the time it was prepared, immediately after the
return of his command to its normal positions. It does not
cover so fully the attack on Riaville by the battalion of the
103d Infantry because at the time of its preparation complete
reports from this battalion were not at hand. But Colonel
Bearss's bare recital of facts in no way does justice to the
remarkable accomplishment of his troops throughout the day
of September 26, and still less to his own fine conduct of the
attack, his brilliant leadership, and his remarkable personal
courage. The position attacked, known to be strongly held,
had been reinforced, it appears from statements of prisoners,
during the night preceding the attack. This reinforcement
may have been due to the warning afforded by the artillery
preparation, or to the activity of our troops in this sector
during the preceding ten days. The difficulties confronting the
attacking forces in this way were increased through the artil-
lery fire which the enemy was able to bring upon the position
while in our possession, and against which, due to the reactive
location of the enemy artillery and ours, it was possible to
bring no effective counter-battery work.
3. Due to the darkness and fog and the smoke screen
employed by the enemy, there was some delay in the first
entry of the main attacking forces into Marcheville. Colonel
Bearss, accompanying the advance with the liaison group con-
necting the two attacking battalions, was, with his staff,
actuallj^ on this account the first of our forces to enter Marche-
ville. Thereafter he personally shared with his staff in all that
his command endured throughout the day, and personally
directed the combat on the ground. It is not easily possible
to do full justice to all that was endured by all concerned in
this part of the operations, or to describe the courage and
fortitude that was displayed in the complete accomplishment
of the assigned mission. In my judgment these operations
174
THE YANKEE DIVISION
form one of the unique and heroic achievements of the war in
which every man taking part is entitled to credit.
4. Colonel Bearss showed himself throughout these opera-
tions, as he has shown himself on every other occasion since
coming under my command, fully capable of exercising brigade
command. Separate recommendation for his appointment as
brigadier-general will be submitted. Recommendations for
suitable rewards for others who distinguished themselves in
these operations will be forwarded as soon as they^can be
prepared.
George H. Shelton,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
175
CHAPTER XXI
Yankees Create Diversion
While occupying the Troyon sector, which it organized
after the battle of St. Mihiel, the Yankee Division named
its two subsectors "Massachusetts" and "Connecticut."
Its various P. Cs. were also given names of the capitals
of the States of New England.
At the beginning of the engagement of September 26,
from the Meuse beyond the Argonne, the role of the
Yankees was to make the Germans believe that they
purposed to break through and attack Metz. In this
way they created a diversion and helped out the main
attack on the Argonne-Meuse front. As a result of their
activities the following letters were received : —
Headquarters, Second Colonial Corps Staft,
October 5, 1918.
No. 29329.
From: General Blondlat, Commanding Second Colonial
Corps.
To: The Commander-in-Chief (through channels, General
commanding Second Army).
Subject : Proposition for Citation in Army Orders in Favor of the
1st Battalion, 102d Regiment of Infantry, U. S.
I have the honor to send you the report which I had the
General commanding the Twenty-sixth United States Division
make on the very hard and glorious combat in which this division
engaged on September 26, 1918.
The Second Colonial Corps had received orders to carry out
extensive raids to attract and fix the attention of the enemy as
176
THE YANKEE DIVISION
follows: "General Orders No. 20, September 20, 1918, of the
General commanding the First United States Army. The
Second Colonial Corps will hold the front of Bois le Chauffour,
inclusive, to Mesnil, exclusive. The Second Colonial Corps
will make a demonstration along its front, launching artillery
bombardment as well as making extensive raids at H hour."
The dimension and duration of the raid executed by the
Twenty-sixth United States Division certainly deceived the
enemy as to our intentions; the losses suffered by the^ troops
taking part in this operation were fairly severe, but there is no
doubt that those suffered by the Germans were much more
serious.
The spirit of sacrifice and magnificent courage displayed by
the troops of the Twenty-sixth United States Division on this
occasion were certainly not in vain. They seem to me worthy
of recompense and praise. Therefore I directed the General
commanding the division to address propositions to me on this
subject.
I urgently request that the 1st Battalion of the 102d In-
fantry be cited in Army Orders on the following grounds : —
Picked troops who, trained by Colonel Hiram J. Bearss, who led
the attack in the first line, carried out brilliantly and with splendid
energy a particularly delicate operation; engaged battle with a superb
dash; won a victory after a violent combat over an enemy who was
both stubborn and superior in numbers, entrenched in concrete shelters,
strongly supported by numerous machine guns and powerful artillery,
and who made use of, in the course of the action, infamous methods
of warfare; heroically carried out their mission in capturing in heavy
fighting a village where they maintained themselves all day in spite
of four enemy counter attacks, and thus furnished the finest example
of courage, abnegation and self-sacrifice.
»
I request further that the officers and men mentioned in
General Edwards' report receive each and severally the rewards
suggested for them by name.
Blondlat.
177
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Headquarters, Second Colonial Army Corps Staff,
October 7, 1918.
No. 29431A.
At this time, when the Twenty-sixth Division is leaving the
zone of the Second Colonial Army Corps, I wish to forward to
General Edwards and to his gallant division the expression of
my complete satisfaction, my best wishes for its successes to
come, and my hearty thanks for the brilliant services in the
attack on the St. Mihiel salient.
Although the Twenty-sixth Division was only under my
orders for a short time, I discovered on the part of all, both
officers and men, those qualities of discipline, ardor and esprit
de corps which characterize picked troops.
I thought it but my duty to call to the attention of the
French high command the fine conduct under fire of your men
in the glorious battle of September 26 ; they demonstrated once
again their high qualities of energy and spirit of sacrifice. I
have requested that citations be bestowed upon the brave men
whose conduct has been especially reported to me.
Blondlat.
The Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Oak
Leaf *'for extraordinary heroism in action" were awarded
Colonel Bearss, Lieutenant Colonel (formerly Major)
Lewis and Lieutenant Colonel Howard for the part they
took in the attack on Marcheville and Riaville. In an-
nouncing the awards the commanding general issued the
following: —
Colonel Hiram I. Bearss, 102d Infantry, for extraordinary
heroism in action at Marcheville and Riaville, France, Sep-
tember 26, 1918.
Colonel Bearss's indomitable courage and leadership led to
the complete success of the attack by two battalions of his
regiment on Marcheville and Riaville. During the attack these
two towns changed hands four times, finally remaining in our
possession until the troops were ordered to withdraw. Under
terrific machine-gun and artillery fire Colonel Bearss was the
178
THE YANKEE DIVISION
first to enter Marcheville, where he directed operations. Later,
upon finding his party completely surrounded, he personally
assisted in fighting the enemy off with pistol and hand grenades.
Lieutenant Colonel Evan E. Lewis, 102d Infantry, for extraor-
dinary heroism in action near Marcheville, France, September
26, 1918.
Being second in command of the assaulting troops. Lieutenant
Colonel Lewis displayed great bravery and rare initiative.
While under terrific artillery and machine-gun fire he reor-
ganized scattered units, established and organized positions in
depth, set up haison from front to rear, and in hand-to-hand
fighting personally led his men, inspiring in them a confidence
and tenacity of purpose that v>^ere productive of success.
Lieutenant-Colonel James L. Howard, division machine gun
officer. Twenty-sixth Division, for extraordinary heroism in
action at Marcheville, France, September 26, 1918.
Lieutenant Colonel Howard directed the machine-gun at-
tack in person. Entering Marcheville ahead of the troops, he
rendered great assistance while the town changed hands four
times. A\Tien he was in a small party, cut off and surrounded
by the enemy and under fire from every direction, by his cool-
ness and resourcefulness he assisted materially in aiding the
party to withdraw. He effectively organized machine-gun
defences when the enemy was endeavoring to drive our troops
from the town. During the entire day he was under intense
artillery bombardment, machine-gun and rifle fire, and in
hand-to-hand conflict with the enemy.
Thirty-two other officers and men were awarded the
same decorations at this time for the part which they
had played in various engagements. These included
Captain Robert Blood, Medical Corps, 103d Infantry;
Captain Charles W. Comfort, Medical Corps, 102d In-
fantry; First Lieutenant Henry Christiansen, Medical
Corps, 101st Ambulance Company; and First Lieutenant
Joseph H. Dunn, ambulance section, 101st Sanitary Train.
179
CHAPTER XXII
Transferred to Verdun
Following the successful diversion in the Woevre, the
Yankees were pulled out and transported up to the famous
citadel at Verdun, where they became the army reserve.
On October 16 three companies of the 104th Infantry
went into line. They marched 24 kilometers with noth-
ing to eat, and then, assisted by fifteen French tanks,
fought until morning. Fourteen tanks were lost in this
engagement, and the New Englanders had about 250
casualties. That afternoon they again attacked and
gained all their objectives.
As a result of this action. General Andlauer, the French
commander, sent the following commendation : —
Third Bureau, October 17, 1918.
From: General Andlauer, Commanding the Eighteenth Divi-
sion of Infantry.
To: The Commanding General, Twenty-sixth Division.
General: — At the moment that the Eighteenth Division
of Infantry is relieved in its sector by the Twenty-sixth Division
of Infantry, United States, I wish to send you my heartiest
thanks for the support given to its comrades of the 77th Regi-
ment by the 104th Infantry, which since its arrival in the sector,
attacked with tanks and succeeded, thanks to a stubborn in-
fantry battle, in forcing the evacuation of half of the edge of
the Bois d'Haumont by the enemy.
Andlauer.
The attack in question was of comparatively small
moment in the general scheme of things, but for those
180
Bachrach
Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph W. Beacham, Jr.
Internationul Film Service, Jiic.
General Pershing, General Edwards and Brigadier-General Cole
reviewing Troops at the Front, France
IntiTiiatioiial Film^^Scrvice, Inc.
German Signal Station, captured by Twenty-sixth Division at Bois
des Tetes, Ferine, France, September 13, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
who participated it was one of the hottest engagements
they had seen. The troops gained their objective, but
were unable to hold it, owing to the intensity of the fire
from the enemy. The ground was extremely muddy, and
the tanks went out of action either by sliding into shell
holes or capsizing.
There were numerous instances of personal bravery.
Lieutenant W. M. Leonard with his men held their place
for an hour and a half. Lieutenant Walter A. Tisdell,
who was alongside, joined Lieutenant Leonard, and with
two squads of men the young officers crawled through
the devastated area that had once been a wood to find
and rescue wounded. Lieutenant D wight T. Colby also
gained his objective when the tanks gave out, and he also
returned with his wounded at the close of the day. Cor-
poral John LaFleau was in a platoon which was sur-
rounded by the enemy and which shot its way out; the
corporal, however, was captured. Sergeant Benjamin
Shapiro captured a machine gun single handed. Only
one of the crew got away.
Charles R. Reville, a stretcher bearer, carrying in a
wounded man with a companion, felt the other end of
the stretcher sag. He looked around and found that his
comrade had been hit. Reville managed to drag the man
on the stretcher into a dressing station, and then went
back five times, bringing in a wounded soldier each time.
Another typical incident illustrating the spirit of the
division occurred during this tank attack. A company
of the 104th Infantry was lying in reserve near a dressing
station. The wounded were coming in faster than the
stretcher bearers could transport them to the ambulance
post two kilometers below. The "doughboys" were
asked for volunteer stretcher bearers, and the whole
company responded. They were immediately accepted,
181
THE YANKEE DIVISION
and for the rest of the day passed back and forth over a
shell-swept road, carrying wounded, although they knew
that it would be necessary for them to go back into the
line shortly.
The next day the division came up, and relieved the
Eighteenth French Division. The 101st Infantry was
given the left end of the line, on the crest of a hill. Next
to the right was the 102d, with the 103d on another hill
and the 104th in reserve. This sector was under severe
and constant shelling, which made it extremely difficult
to get up supplies and ammunition. Even the back areas
were sprayed by shells each day, and the German guns
were registered on crossroads and traffic thoroughfares.
However, the Fifty-first Artillery Brigade was heavily
reinforced, even naval 14-inch railway guns coming up
on the far side of the Meuse. These guns constantly
replied to the German bombardment, and the resultant
din was terrific.
It was at this time that the division received its greatest
blow, and one from which it never fully recovered. On
October 22, while General Edwards was organizing an
attack to start the next morning, he received orders re-
lieving him from his beloved command. The men of the
division were stunned. General Edwards had just taken
over a sector on the worst point of the whole line; for
three days he had suffered the most intense grief over
the death of his only daughter Bessie, who fell a victim
to pneumonia while working in a cantonment hospital
in the United States; and his personal aide, "Nat"
Simpkins, was also at death's door from the same disease.
The order relieving the General stated that he was to
be detached from the division and the American Ex-
peditionary Forces, and return home to train a new
division.
182
THE YANKEE DIVISION
For days he had been laboring under a tremendous
responsibility, submerging his own troubles under a
mass of details which customarily were handled by his
aides. Captain Hyatt had been promoted to major and
sent to the Staff College. Then Captain Simpkins was
taken sick and on October 12 was evacuated to the field
hospital. At the same time Brigadier-General Shelton
was also evacuated, suffering from Spanish influenza,
and Colonel Bearss replaced him. Lieutenant XHolonel
E. E. Lewis, who had just been promoted, succeeded
Colonel Bearss in the command of the Connecticut regi-
ment.
The story of how he received the news of the death
of his only child at Camp Meade was told by General
Edwards in the following words : —
I was up in the trenches when some one approached me.
" WTiat is the worst news you could receive? " he asked. " Mad-
ame?" I asked, in return [that being the manner in which the
General refers to his wife]. He shook his head and said that
wasn't it. Then I knew it must be Bessie. He gave me a
clipping. I was worrying about Captain Simpkins at the time.
The night was a terrible one. The roads were almost im-
passable and were raked by shell fire. The nearest cable oflSce
was about 14 miles away. I spoke to some of the motorcycle
despatch riders. I told them I must send a cable. Every man
volunteered. One of them then rode through with the cable
for Madame.
The gloom caused by this latest bereavement is best
reflected in a letter which the Rev. M. J. O'Connor of
Roxbury, senior chaplain of the division, and formerly
chaplain of the 101st Infantry, sent to General Ed-
wards : —
183
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Heajjquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces, October 17, 1918.
My Dear General Edwards: — I know how futile are
words to assuage the grief that has come to you in the loss of
your only daughter. I know how dear she was to you, and her
loss by death at a time when you are far from home and so
deeply interested in the destinies of the men under your com-
mand will draw from you all the virility of your manhood to
sustain the blow.
I realize that a heart like yours which has caused you to
show so much sympathy for afflicted parents and wounded
soldiers must feel deeply the grief that has come to you. Were
it possible for the officers and the men under your command to
lighten this burden, every man of them would feel it an honor
if his life could restore hers to you.
But we are powerless; yet if there be consolation in knowing
that there are thirty thousand hearts which desire to lessen your
sorrow, the Twenty-sixth Division grieves with you.
May God, who has placed this burden on you and your good
wife, give both of you the strength to accept it with Christian
fortitude.
Sincerely yours,
M. J. O'Connor,
Chaplain.
In that letter Chaplain O'Connor expressed the senti-
ments of every man in the division. General Edwards
replied thus : —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces, October 25, 1918.
My Dear Chaplain O'Connor: — Your note will be treas-
ured by my poor wife. It is beautifully like you, and I appreci-
ate it very much.
I got an official cablegram from the War Department about
Army Nurse Bessie Edwards, quoting a message from Mrs.
Edwards, the first I had received, that she had cabled me three
184
THE YANKEE DIVISION
times, that she was wath our daughter to the last, that she died
happy, and that Bessie had sworn in as a nurse with a chance
to come to France.
I did not beheve that God's inscrutable ways would demand
a daughter for the cause, and a second but more successful sac-
rifice than the other member of the family. However, it has
come, and it must be borne, together with this last separation.
Just say to the individuals of this Yankee Division as you see
them that my one wish is that they should carry onjunder the
new commander and continue in their glorious record. That is
the thing that is on our conscience that nobody can deprive
us of, and their loyal devotion and success are a great com-
pensation and a great comfort to me.
I will see you before I go.
Faithfully yours,
C. R. Edwards.
On the morning of October 12 word came from the
hospital that Captain Simpkins was very low and could
not recover. The Spanish influenza, from which he first
suffered, was complicated with nephritis, and pneumonia
set in. Word was sent to his two brothers, Captain John
Simpkins of an artillery outfit, and Lieutenant William
Simpkins, aide to General Shelton.
Captain John Simpkins managed to reach the hospital
shortly before noon, and found his brother conscious.
A short time later the stricken oflScer lapsed into a coma
and died.
In the meantime a press of business kept General
Edwards at his headquarters at Bras. WTien he did
manage to get away and rush to the hospital in a motor,
he arrived too late. His aide was gone.
The young man's death was a tremendous shock to
the General. They had been almost inseparable, and
occupied more the position of father and son than superior
185
THE YANKEE DIVISION
officer and subordinate. From the time the New England
division entered the Chemin des Dames until he became
ill, Captain Simpkins was constantly with the General,
and did what he could to protect him. General Ed-
wards' custom of exposing himself on the front was a
source of tribulation to his young aide, who vainly begged
him to be more careful.
Captain Simpkins seemed to possess the faculty of
knowing what the General was going to say before he
said it, and anticipating his wishes. After the departure
of Captain Hyatt, all the details of General Edwards'
business at headquarters fell on him, in addition to his
other duties.
Before visiting the hospital General Edwards sum-
moned his commanding officers to headquarters to bid
them good-by. They came, hardened fighters, who had
participated in all the famous battles of the division,
and General Edwards was the only cheerful appearing
man of the lot. Bravely and skilfully hiding his sorrows
and disappointments, the sturdy old soldier broke the
news. In a few simple words he told them what they
and the division had come to mean to him, and declared
that he would never forget them. He said that he had
received permission to remain with the organization
until the arrival of his successor, Brigadier-General
Bamford, for whom he bespoke the same loyalty and
devotion.
At the conclusion of that conference, hardened, war-
worn officers, who had been through all the hell that the
enemy had to offer without a sign, came out with tears
openly streaming down their faces. The most intense
gloom settled down over the division as soon as the news
became generally known.
For about nine months, with General Edwards to lead
186
THE YANKEE DIVISION
them, the New Englanders had gone through the most
strenuous experiences with only a few days of rest. Un-
deterred by fatigue, sickness, shortage of suppHes or
any of the fiendish methods employed by their resource-
ful enemy, they had piled up a record which vied with
that of the elite troops of the French Army. They had
been complimented and cited and decorated time and
time again. They had been hailed as shock troops and
"Saviors of Paris," and their fame was known through-
out the length and breadth of the land. And all their
glory they attributed to the leadership of Clarence R.
Edwards. He it was who stimulated them with his own
indomitable spirit, and caused them to go forward when
it seemed that human nature could do no more. It was
he whose unflagging optimism and cheery words lifted
them up, superior to privations and hardships. It was
their General who watched over them, cared for them,
and saw to it that their lives were not unnecessarily
sacrificed.
Nevertheless, it was necessary to "carry on," and the
New Englanders carried on. On the night of October 22
Colonel Bearss sent out an order announcing that the
attack on the following morning would probably be the
last fight the men would have an opportunity to make
under their beloved commanding officer. He urged every
man who was to take part to make the engagement a
fitting climax to the brilliant record of General Edwards.
In Colonel Bearss 's original order, which was issued
somewhat earlier, tlie last paragraph read : —
Every officer, non-commissioned officer and man, is de-
pended upon to uphold the glorious traditions of the Twenty-
sixth Division. All hell's flying artillery cannot stop this bri-
gade when it has once gone into action.
187
THE YANKEE DIVISION
On the following morning the attack began on the Bois
d'Haumont, the Bois des Chenes and the Bois d'Ormont,
with Hill 360 at its eastern edge. All the objectives were
gained except Hill 360. It was here that Colonel Logan
and Major Greenway of the Engineers personally urged
their men forward. It was also in this fight that Major
Hickey's battalion came to grief in the Bois Belleau, when
his rockets were not seen by two other battalions which
were to join in the advance.
The oflficial notes on the operations of the division at
this time said : —
The first day of the present effort to obtain possession of
the commanding heights in the easterly part of the region
between Bois de Consenvoye and Flabas ended to our ad-
vantage. At 19.15 o'clock of October 23 it was announced that
the division had reached its normal and exploitation objectives
(the latter being the Bois Belleau). The work of consolidating
the new positions and rectifying the line was ordered to be
begun at once, so as to insure us the possession of the Bois
Belleau, Bois des Chenes and the ground between, while patrols
were directed to maintain close contact with the enemy in the
Bois d'Ormont.
But the Germans came back strongly and at once. Under
the pressure of a heavy counter attack, supported by an in-
tense flanking artillery fire, the battalion of the 101st Infantry
which had gone through Bois Belleau was forced to relinquish
its gains, so that morning (October 24) found that part of our
newly won ground still in the hands of the enemy, — an enemy
who, as was learned from prisoners and deserters, had just been
reinforced and partially relieved by fresh troops of the one
Hundred and Ninety-second Division, — a class one organiza-
tion.
Our attack was, however, promptly renewed. Supported
most efficiently by the preparation, encaging, and smoke screen
concentrations of the divisional and corps artillery, and by
188
Lieutenant-Colonel P. W. Arnold
International Film Service, Inc.
Rushing Supplies to the Front, Mouilly, Prance, September 14, 1918
International Film Service, Inc.
Members of 101st Engineers filling in Shell Holes near St. Remy,
Meuse, France, September 16, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the machine gun battahons, the 2d BattaHon, 101st Infantry,
advanced against Bois Belleau at 15 o'clock October 24, while
the 102d Infantry (less 1st Battalion) attacked a line in which
the principal objective was Hill 360, starting at 16.30. Once
more a violent resistance was encountered. By the most varied
means, ranging from machine-gun nests hidden in trees and
the work of skillful snipers to bombardment by minenwerfers
regulated by aeroplane observation, the enemy contested every
inch of our advance. This was pushed steadily, nevertheless,
until darkness made a halt and a new consolidation necessary.
We had penetrated Bois Belleau to a depth of 500 meters, and,
further to the south, had advanced to the lower slopes of Hill
360. Night brought a new enemy reaction. Against the
heavily tried battalion of the 101st no less than four furious
counter attacks were directed in quick succession. Three were
resisted successfully, but the fourth pushed our troops back
again beyond the western edge of the Bois Belleau, only to have
them re-form and return to the attack at 2.30 o'clock. This
time they succeeded in establishing a line well in advance of
their original parallel of departure, while the 3d Battalion,
101st Infantry, moved up and extended the new line westerly.
Two companies of the brigade reserve (1st Battalion, 101st
Infantry) were sent in to support the 2d, which had suffered
considerably. At 11.30 o'clock (October 25), following a violent
interdiction and destructive fire by our artillery, the 2d and 3d
battalions of the 102d Infantry took up their advance once
more against Hill 360, while the 101st (less one battalion)
moved again to penetrate and exploit the Bois Belleau. Despite
the determined character of the attack, the enemy's resistance
was not overcome, and our line at noon of October 26 remains
practically where it was established at the conclusion of the
initial attack on October 23. The advance will be renewed
October 27.
Losses have not exceeded the normal, considering the in-
tensity of the fighting and the strength of the enemy's resist-
ance. What is noticeable is the unflagging spirit and deter-
mination of the troops, the tirelessness of the artillery, and the
189
THE YANKEE DIVISION
prompt and liberal assistance and co-operation we have re-
ceived from the resources of the corps. The task is recognized
as exceedingly difficult by all competent critics, but there is
every expectation that it will be successfully accomplished.
The fighting continued for five days and nights, through
underbrush and stumps that was old fighting ground. On every
hand were skeletons of French and German dead, which had
lain there unburied for several years. The artillery concentra-
tion was terrific, and frequently caused the New Englanders to
relinquish their gains, only to counter attack and retake them.
The 101st Infantry fought back and forth across one strip of
territory at least four times. On October 27 the objectives
were gained, and the fighting died down, to remain quiet until
after the 1st of November.
In the meantime, on October 24, General Edwards
issued his famous good-by order to his division. It read : —
1. In compliance with paragraph 48, Special Orders No.
293, General Headquarters, American Expeditionary Forces,
the undersigned relinquishes command of the Twenty-sixth
Division.
2. He thanks the division for its loyalty to him and for what
it has accomplished in the common cause. He bespeaks for his
successor in command the same loyalty and devotion, and he
leaves the division in full confidence that its same fine work
will continue to the end.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
At the same time he issued a farewell commendation
order to the Fifty -first Artillery Brigade, saying: —
1. To the artillery of the Twenty-sixth Division is due my
expression of admiration for its efficiency and aggressive fight-
ing qualities, and for its indefatigable support of our fine
infantry. Artillery can desire no higher tribute than the
J90
THE YANKEE DIVISION
conscious fact that it has gained the confidence, rehance and
thanks of the infantry.
2. During more than eight months of fighting service the
spirit of loyalty displayed by every officer and man of the Fifty-
first Artillery Brigade toward his duty, toward the Yankee Di-
vision and toward the division Commander has been fine.
3. The record of the Fifty-first Artillery Brigade in the
second battle of the Marne is glorious. It went with, sup-
ported and protected the infantry in its advance of 183^^ kilo-
meters by Chateau-Thierry, and afterwards, in succession, two
other divisions in the advance from the Marne to the Vesle
for a period of eighteen days, between July 18 and August 4,
with a gain of over 40 kilometers. It is a record of which the
entire division and our country justly may be proud.
I congratulate and thank the artillery brigade of the Yankee
Division.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
191
CHAPTER XXIII
Praised for Action at Hattonchatel
On October 23 General Edwards issued a citation of
his troops for their work in the operations at Hatton-
chatel. This citation, which was issued in General
Orders, read : —
1. The division Commander extends to the commanding
officer, Fifty-first Infantry Brigade, and the officers and men
of the following organizations, his hearty congratulations on
their great success in the operations of this date for the capture
of the heights of the Meuse in the region of Le Houppy Bois and
Belleau Bois: Fifty-first Infantry Brigade; 101st Infantry; 102d
Infantry; 101st Machine Gun Battalion; 102d Machine Gun
Battalion; Detachment, 101st Field Signal Battalion; De-
tachment, 101st Sanitary Train; 281st Aero Squadron (French) ;
Balloon No. 25 (French); Fifty -first Artillery Brigade; and
1st Battalion, 211th Field Artillery (French).
2. The attack as planned was difficult of execution, and
only to be attempted by trained troops. You carried it out
like the veterans you are, and with a dash and valor worthy
of the best traditions of the Twenty-sixth Division.
C. R. Edwards,
Major-General, Commanding.
In connection with the same operations the following
tribute was paid by the French corps commander: —
Headquarters, Seventeenth Army Corps Staff, 1st Bureau.
October 24, 1918.
From: General Claudel, commanding the Seventeenth Army
Corps.
To: The Commanding General, Twenty-sixth Division.
General: — The reputation of your division preceded it
here far ahead.
192
THE YANKEE DIVISION
To all its titles of glory gained in fierce struggles, and only
recently at the signal of Hattonchatel, it has added on the 23d
of October a page which perhaps is more modest, but still does
it great honor.
In a few hours, as at a maneuver, it has gained all the ob-
jectives assigned it in the difficult sector of the Woods of
Houppy, Etrayes and Belleau.
This operation is evidence, indeed, of superior instruction,
mobility and will.
I do not know how to thank you sufficiently for your as-
sistance, dear General, and it is my great desire to express to
you all our grateful admiration for your splendid division
which thus has added its name to all of those who have fought
to hurl the enemy back from the outskirts of Verdun.
On October 26 Brigadier-General Bamford arrived,
and General Edwards took his last farewell. He had
been given permission to take with him one aide, and
therefore asked for and obtained Major Hyatt, who had
been with him for years. His aide at the time of his
departure was Lieutenant Daniel Willard of the artillery,
a son of the president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
The final leavetaking was described by Dr. Morton
Prince of Boston in a letter to Governor McCall of Massa-
chusetts. He said in part: —
The American soldier from every part of the Union, as all
know, has won his place as a fighting man, and the Yankee
Division has earned a fame that can never be taken from it.
It need only point to its record when asked, "How have you
done?" Although the boys have been almost continually
fighting for nine months, with scarcely a respite, they are still
full of grit. The morale is as fine as ever, and the Ssprit de
corps and pride in the division undiminished.
I mention these things now because the first chapter in its
193
THE YANKEE DIVISION
war history is completed, the division having just bidden good-by
and God-speed to its beloved Commander, who has handed
over his devoted troops to another's able hands.
His great work in the field is finished unless the war con-
tinues. He trained and welded into a fighting unit an inex-
perienced collection of 27,000 men, a little army in itself, self-
sustaining in that it comprised every branch of the service, —
infantry, artillery, transport, intelligence, supplies, medical
corps, etc., and then he fought with them and led them to vic-
tory in one battlefield after another.
No wonder his soldiers are proud of their Chief. His great
talents as a soldier, testified to by his corps and army com-
manders, are now to be utilized by the high command for other
important service.
I arrived at divisional P. C. (the advanced post of command
during battle) just as the Commanding General was trans-
ferring his command to his successor, an able officer of experi-
ence who surely will lead the Yankee Division to further vic-
tories. Headquarters was a picturesque group of dugouts
arranged in two rows facing one another along an alley camou-
flaged overhead with boughs of leaves from enemy aeroplanes.
In the Commanding General's dugout were high officers and
members of his staff, while in the alley were grouped other staff
officers and headquarters troops. It was but natural and
pardonable that depression and gloom were depicted on the
faces of all, and that they should speak in subdued voices.
Though anxious to give the same loyalty to their new com-
mander,-they could, for the moment, think only of the past.
They were losing their chief to whom they owed everything,
and whom they had followed during nine months of constant
fighting.
The departing General was the only cheery one of the lot.
Wliatever he may have felt when leaving the soldiers he loved
and who loved him, he did not betray, nor did he give the least
sign of his private sorrows, for sudden news had just brought
grief into his heart in the death of two that were very near to
him, — his own daughter and an aide who was like an own son.
194
THE YANKEE DIVISION
This we all knew. But private grief was not allowed to weigh
with duty. He was a soldier through and through.
A few routine details had to be finished, papers had to be
signed. Then came the presentation of his staff to the new
commander, with a generous word of commendation for each;
a word of good-by and a grasp of the hand with one another;
the same with a kind word to each enlisted man at headquarters;
then he sprang into the motor car. At his invitation, I was
privileged to accompany him, and with a wave of his hand
and a last cheery good-by we were off, leaving sad faces be-
hind us.
The next day after a night at the main working headquarters
a final good-by was said by the remainder of the staff, and as
we turned back from where the departing motor left us we
heard the explosion of a great 14-inch shell that dropped its
fragments close to the car as it sped away, as if the German
in a last vain effort sought to destroy in impotent rage the man
who had beaten them on many a field, and there came to us
from a distance the cheers of the soldiers wishing their general
Godspeed.
There is not a soldier or officer in the division that does not
take the General's departure as a personal loss.
Following the relief of General Edwards the division
sustained another shock when Colonel Logan was relieved
from command of the 101st Infantry. With this famous
Boston outfit, a part of which as the old 9th IMassachusetts
he had commanded on the Mexican Border, Colonel
Logan had taken part in every battle fought by the
division. The regiment was considered one of the best
in tlie Yankee Division, and Colonel Logan was always
actively in command during its engagements. He was
sent to the reclassification area at the rear and there
acted as counsel for oflScers sent to Blois or Hendrecourt
for reclassification. He never lost a case.
A week after Colonel Logan's det)arture Colonel Frank
195
THE YANKEE DIVISION
H. Hume of the lOSd Infantry was also summarily re-
moved from command and sent to the rear. That left
only Brigadier-General Cole, Colonel Bunnell of the
engineers and Colonel W. J. Keville of the ammunition
train as the only commanding officers who went abroad
with the division. Major Pendleton, the G-1 appointed
by General Edwards, who had the task of looking after
supply from Neufchateau to Verdun, was also relieved
and sent home.
Lieutenant Colonel Cassius M. Dowell, who had been
the G-3 or operations officer of the Division, was given
command of the 103d, and his post was taken by Captain
Emmons H. Taylor of Hartford, who had been Colonel
Dowell's assistant. Colonel Dowell first appeared in the
division as chief of staff, succeeding Colonel Shelton. He
was replaced by Colonel Duncan K. Major, and then
sent away to a Staff School.
Colonel Logan was replaced by Colonel Horace B.
Hobbs, who had been division inspector for a few
months.
The next blow sustained by the New Englanders came
on November 8, just three days before the signing of the
armistice, and was a crushing one. It consisted in no
less than the removal of Brigadier-General Charles H.
Cole from the command of the Fifty-second Infantry
Brigade, which he had held from the time of its organi-
zation. Officers and men alike were stunned. They won-
dered where the lightning would strike next. Great was
the astonishment, not to say a stronger feeling, when it
was learned that General Cole was charged with lack of
"aggression" and permitting his troops to fraternize with
the enemy.
The man who had led one of the most famous brigades
in the American Expeditionary Force, a brigade contain-
196
Eichler Studios
Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred F. Foote
International Film Service, Inc.
General Edwards decorating Sergeant Joseph W. Casey, Company F,
101st Infantry, Moulin Brule, France, October 15, 1918
International I'ilni .Ser\ icr, inc.
Members of 103d Field Artillery inspecting 6-inch Gun near
Samogneux, Meuse, France, October 19, 1918
THE YANKEE DIVISION
ing the 104th Infantry, the first American regiment to be
decorated by the French, was not considered aggressive!
It was also pointed out that General Cole had issued
orders prohibiting fraternization before such orders came
down from the high command.
General Cole was relieved by an order from Brigadier-
General Bamford, who had been in command of the divi-
sion but a short time, and knew practically nothing con-
cerning his brigade commanders or other officers.
"I immediately demanded a board of inciuiry," said
General Cole. "They never called it. I was reinstated
by special order of General Pershing, as were both Colonel
Logan and Colonel Hume. They never asked me to sub-
mit any evidence in support of my assertion that there
was no foundation for the charge against me. And they
never submitted any evidence in support of the charge,
although the burden of proof was on them. They did not
have anything to submit."
The other regiment in General Cole's command, the
103d, was cited by both the French and the American
high commands for valor in action, and has a record for
prisoners captured superior to any unit in the American
forces in France.
General Cole's report to General Pershing gave a de-
tailed account of the work of the Fifty-second Brigade,
showing that it had earned the plaudits of the French
during the heaviest fighting of the war. He also showed
that he had served under eight division commanders
without a single complaint.
Within a short time official vindication and reinstate-
ment was received by the Massachusetts oflScer in the
following order: —
197
THE YANKEE DIVISION
France, November 30, 1918.
From: Adjutant-General, American Expeditionary Forces.
To: Brigadier-General Charles H. Cole, Center of Infor-
mation, A. P. O. 714, American Expeditionary
Forces.
Subject: Relief from Fifty-second Infantry Brigade.
1. I am directed by the Commander-in-Chief to inform you
that upon his personal examination of the papers reporting the
facts incident to your relief from command of the Fifty-second
Brigade, he is of the opinion that the facts did not warrant
your relief, and he has therefore directed that you be reinstated
to your former brigade.
2. Accordingly, orders will be issued in the near future.
By command of General Pershing,
Robert C. Davis,
Adjutant-General.
The reinstatement of Colonels Logan and Hume did
not come until February 4, during which time Colonel
Logan was busily engaged at Blois acting as counsel for
other officers so unfortunate as to come beneath the ban
of general headquarters.
This last battle of the Argonne was part of a gigantic
offensive planned by General Foch, which broke the Ger-
man line in several places and forced the enemy to come
to terms. Picked American divisions -u^ere used in con-
junction with the Allies, and the Twenty-sixth was one
of ten of the American divisions which went into line
twice during this battle.
Following the pinching off of the St. Mihiel salient,
which the New Englanders were instrumental in doing,
the stage was set for the big drive. The Yankee Division
held the right of the American line in what was known
as the Neptune sector. They were on the right bank of
the Meuse, with the other American outfits on the left
198
THE YANKEE DIVISION
bank, driving towards Sedan. To the New Englanders
fell the lot of pushing into the Argonne Forest, where
Major Whittlesey's "Lost Battalion" gained its fame.
The Yanlcee Division at this time was in the Fifth
Corps, commanded by General Charles P. Summerall,
which was a part of General Hunter Liggett's First Army.
In describing operations after the Twenty-sixth entered
the battle. General Pershing said : —
On October 18 there was very fierce fighting in the Caures
Woods east of the Meuse, and in the Ormont Wood. On the
14th the First Corps took St. Juvin, and the Fifth Corps, by
hand-to-hand encounters, entered the formidable Kriemhilde
line, where the enemy had hoped to check us indefinitely. Later
the Fifth Corps penetrated farther the Kriemhilde line, and the
First Corps took Champigneulles and the important town of
Grand Pre. Our dogged offensive was wearing down the enemy,
who continued desperately to throw his best troops against us,
thus weakening his line in front of our Allies and making their
advance less difficult.
On the 23d, the Third and Fifth Corps pushed northward to
the left of Bantheville. While we continued to press forward
and throw back the enemy's violent counter attacks with great
loss to him, the regrouping of our forces was under way for the
final assault. Evidences of loss of morale by the enemy gave our
men more confidence in attack and more fortitude in enduring
the fatigue of incessant effort and hardships of very inclement
weather.
With comparatively well-rested divisions the final advance
in the Meuse-Argonne front was begun on November 1. Our
increased artillery force acquitted itself magnificently in support
of the advance, and the enemy, by its persistent fighting of the
last weeks and the dash of this attack, had overcome his wnll to
resist. The Third Corps took Aincreville, Doulon and Ande-
vanne, and the Fifth Corps took Landres-et-St. Georges, and
pressed through successive lines of resistance to Bayonville and
199
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Chennery. On the 3d the First Corps joined the movement
which now became an impetuous onslaught that could not be
stayed.
On the 3d advance troops were hurried forward in pursuit,
some by motor trucks, while the artillery pressed along the
country roads close behind. The First Corps reached Authe
and Chattillon-sur-Bar, the Fifth Corps, Fosse and Nouart,
and the Third Corps, Halles, penetrating the enemy's line to a
depth of 12 miles. Our large caliber guns had advanced and
were skillfully brought into position to fire upon the important
railroad lines at Montmedy, Longuyon and Conflans. Our
Third Corps crossed the Meuse on the 5th, and the other corps,
in full confidence that the day was theirs, eagerly cleared the
way of machine guns as they swept northward, maintaining
complete co-ordination throughout. On the 6th a division of
the First Corps reached a point on the Meuse opposite Sedan,
25 miles from our line of departure. The strategical goal which
was our highest hope was gained. We had cut the enemy's main
line of communications, and nothing but surrender or an armi-
stice could save his army from complete disaster.
In all, forty-four enemy divisions had been used against us
in the Meuse- Argonne battle.
One incident in this last fight, when the names of Bois
d'Ormont and Bois Belleau were added to the rolls of the
Twenty-sixth Division, was related by General Cole.
Between these two places the New Englanders sustained
a bombardment exceeding anything which they had ever
undergone. High explosive and gas, mingled with machine-
gun fire, created a hell in which they fought and struggled
on for days.
On October 13 [said General Cole] General Edwards read the
newest list of citations to the men of the 104th Infantry. In-
cluded in this list was the name of Lieutenant Chester R.
Howard. The citation was for extraordinary heroism in action
200
THE YANKEE DIVISION
at Trugny on July 22. Although twice wounded, the young
officer had refused to be evacuated, and continued on duty
with his company during the attack and capture of Trugny
under hea\y fire, until he was incapacitated by a third wound.
Lieutenant Howard disclaimed this citation, declaring it must
be for some one else. Questioned by General Edwards it was
learned he had performed similar feats but on a different date.
The General promised to investigate the matter.
Howard told my aide. Captain Leggat, that he <^ould not
wear a medal belonging to another man, and asked him to
keep the matter before me.
The following day, when the 1st Battalion of the 104th was
detailed to the French, Lieutenant Howard was ordered to
take twenty-nine men and reach the town of Flabos. Howard
and his men never came back.
Until November 9 it was impossible to reconnoiter the ground
over which they had passed. On that day, however, — the
day on which I was relieved from command, — my brigade
went forward, taking the town of Flabos and passing beyond
its objectives. It was then we learned what had become of
Lieutenant Howard and his platoon. The bodies of the thirty
men were discovered in skirmish line on the ground, that of the
lieutenant slightly ahead of the others. Apparently they had
charged a machine-gun strong point, and had been wiped out.
We also found out later that Lieutenant Howard was the
right man named in the citation.
When General Cole was relieved, Brigadier-General
Shelton was transferred to the Fifty-second Brigade, and
Brigadier-General L. L. Durfee was assigned to the Fifty-
first. The division continued to carry on, although the
majority of their old officers were gone. Daily and nightly
they harassed the enemy. Many were the heroic feats
performed, and many were the Distinguished Service
Crosses and Croix de Guerre awarded as a result. It was
shortly before this time, on October 23-24, to be exact,
201
THE YANKEE DIVISION
that Captain David J. Brickley of the 101st Infantry
won the Distinguished Service Cross and promotion from
first 'heutenant. Brickley, who had risen from the ranks,
was decorated for "stubbornly resisting three strong
enemy counter attacks, and then, without aid, going
forward, and by effective machine-gun fire, driving the
enemy from and capturing a strong pill box which had
been raising havoc in our ranks."
Another Distinguished Service Cross man was Cap-
tain Edward Edmunds, Jr., of the 102d Infantry. On
October 27 Edmunds, then a first lieutenant, having
received an order from division headquarters for an accu-
rate report of the strength present in the front line,
crawled from shell hole to shell hole in broad daylight
and in plain view of the enemy, who kept him under con-
tinuous sniping fire from numerous machine guns. Unde-
terred, Edmunds counted every man in the front line of
the battalion he was commanding, and then returned and
made his report to the regim.ental commander.
First Lieutenant George L. Goodridge of the 101st In-
fantry, on November 8, with about thirty men, secured a
footing in an advanced enemy trench. The attacking
battalion met with stubborn resistance and fell back to
the starting point. Goodridge and his men held on until
relieved November 1 1 . He also received the Distinguished
Service Cross.
On October 25, Mechanic William F. Bolack, Machine
Gun Company, 104th Infantry, while taking a train of
machine-gun carts to the relief of his company in the
front line, was caught in a terrific bombardment. His
train was scattered, several of the mules killed and
Bolack was wounded. He had his wounds dressed, and,
refusing to be evacuated, passed through the bombard-
ment three times while reorganizing his train and carry-
20^
THE YANKEE DIVISION
ing out his mission. He received the Distinguished Serv-
ice Cross.
On November 9 Private First Class Abraham Cohen,
Sanitary Detachment, 103d Infantry, after three others
had failed in the attempt and were wounded, went out
under terrific machine-gun fire and gave first aid to a
wounded soldier. He also received the Distinguished
Service Cross.
The above are but a few instances, but they give a good
idea of the morale of the division, which, despite its cas-
ualties, hardships and the loss of its favorite officers,
including the beloved General Edwards, fought sternly
on.
203
CHAPTER XXIV
The Cessation of Hostilities
Despite the fact that rumors of the signing of an
armistice were being freely circulated, there was no let-up.
In fact, on the morning of November 11 the 101st In-
fantry was ordered to advance three times, and the 103d
was engaged in cleaning out machine-gun nests when the
firing ceased.
This cessation of hostilities was so abrupt that for a
time the New Englanders could not realize what had
happened. The artillery, of course, had been forewarned,
and shortly before 11 o'clock the shell fire increased in
intensity. Shells of all calibers went shrieking across, and
the din was terrific. The infantry paid but slight atten-
tion, however, being inured to bombardments. They
were going about their allotted tasks in the thorough
manner for which they were famed, when they suddenly
realized that the guns had ceased. The first feeling of
the "doughboys" was wrath, because they thought the
artillery had left them unprotected. Then they noticed
that the enemy were appearing openly behind their own
lines. Gray -clad figures were seen capering about in
strange postures. It seemed like a nightmare. Even
when panting runners came through, and confirmed the
shouted tidings of the Germans, the only feeling was that
of incredulity. When at last it was borne in on the dazed
minds of the men that war was over, at least for the time
being, they had but one thought, — at last they could
rest. All over the sector they dropped to the ground and
proceeded to take the first real rest they had enjoyed
204
Bachrach
Lieutenant-Colonel Horace P. Hobbs
Actual Combat between Allied and Hun Planes
ManoBuvering for Position
THE YANKEE DIVISION
since leaving home, — it seemed years before. Through-
out the long days and nights when they had struggled on,
fighting on sheer nerve, peace had appeared to be some-
thing which would never come. Tho.se who thought about
it at all were in the minority, and even these regarded it
hopelessly and dully as a beautiful dream which would
never come true.
It was some time before the men in the front lines were
able to participate in the gaieties indulged in by those
in the rear. The Germans, however, seemed overjoyed,
and attempted to fraternize with the Americans.
French and American troops in the rear, together with
civilians, cheered and shouted. The artillerymen had
attached ropes to their lanyards, so that every member
of a gun crew could help fire the last shot. After this
salvo they too joined in the celebration.
In villages behind the lines there were celebrations and
flag raisings all day. At night, in the city of Verdun,
French and New England troops took part in a parade.
This parade, held in one of the most historic and vener-
ated cities of France, was a climax to days of toil and
bloodshed and exhaustion. The parade, which included
Sengalese, the colored Colonial troops of the French forces,
was led by General Marchand. Four of the Yankee Divi-
sion regimental bands took part and gave concerts on
every public square. General Marchand made speeches,
and the populace and soldiers cheered until they were
hoarse.
In the meantime the sky was emblazoned with rockets
and flares sent up from all along the line, so that, except
for the lack of noise, it resembled an intensive bombard-
ment. That was the peculiar part of the whole day after
11 o'clock, — no noise; also lights burning at night, where
for years there had been darkness.
205
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The celebration in Verdun continued for several hours,
during which time Yankee Division men raised an Amer-
ican flag to the top of the wireless tower, and it flung
out over the broken land of France like a comforting
hand.
Immediately upon the cessation of hostilities General
Bamford secured permission for a percentage of the men
to go to the leave area at Grenoble. Shaved, bathed and
attired in clean clothing, the fortunate soldiers were re-
juvenated, and departed for their first leave in months
like a crowd of schoolboys.
On November 18, the day the division left the line,
General Bamford was relieved of command and Major
General Harry C. Hale assigned. On this day General
Bamford issued the following order : —
Officers and enlisted men of the Twenty-sixth Division, I
congratulate you upon your success in the war which has been
fought to a victorious end.
From your entry into the battle line on February 5, 1918,
at Chemin des Dames, as a division of recruits, until the cessa-
tion of hostilities on the 11th of November, 1918, when you
laid down your arms, fighting in the front line as a veteran
division, you have shown yourselves worthy sons of the country
that gave you birth.
Bois Brule, Xivray-Marvoisin, Torcy, Belleau, Givry,
Bouresches, Hill 190, Epieds, Trugny, St. Mihiel salient, Bois
d'Haumont, Bois Belleau, Bois d'Ormont and Bois de Ville are
indelibly written on your banners.
Of what followed after this, Lieutenant Colonel Hamil-
ton R. Horsey, assistant chief of staff, Gr-2, said : —
On November 18 the division was relieved in the sector
north of Verdun by the Sixth Division. It was then ordered
to march to the area east of Chaumont at Montigny le Hoi, or
206
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the eighth training area, a distance of about 137 kilometers from
the Neptune sector. The march was completed in seven days
by the division, with the exception of the artillery brigade, which
suffered casualties among the horses which made it barely
possible for the 101st and 102d Field Artillery to withdraw their
guns from the lines. It was necessary to furnish motor trucks
to haul the guns and caissons of the 103d Field Artillery (155m.)
from the line. For this reason it was impossible for the artillery
to proceed farther than Suilly, about one-third of the distance,
where was located the headquarters of the First American
Army. The artillery remained in the vicinity of Suilly until late
in December, when the brigade with material moved by train to
the Montigny le Roi area, where it again joined the balance of
the division.
Three days after arrival in the training area the division began
work on a program of intensive training, and started at once to
receive replacements for its greatly depleted units. Every
efiFort was made to bring the equipment of the division up to a
high standard, as we were constantly reminded by corps and
army headquarters that the existence of the armistice did not
necessarily mean a complete suspension of hostilities. It was
also stated that there was a possibility that the division might
have to go back in line.
The morale of the division at this time was especially good,
with the exception of the keen disappointment, which almost
bordered on disgust, felt by all oiBcers and men that the Twenty-
sixth had not been included in the Army of Occupation and per-
mitted to move forward from the advance line taken from the
Germans, together with the First, Second and Forty-second
Divisions, into and actually occupy the enemy territory. How-
ever, this point soon was forgotten, and the sole idea that seemed
to predominate the command was to adhere closely to the train-
ing program and polish up the efficiency of the division, absorb-
ing the large percentage of replacements in order that they
could present the best possible appearance to the people of
New England upon arrival home, which every one thought
would be in a short while.
207
CHAPTER XXV
President Wilson Dines with the Twenty-sixth
The division took a keen interest in the arrival in France of
President Wilson, because they rather anticipated they would
receive recognition from him while he was on foreign soil. They
were not disappointed in this, as an announcement soon came
from general headquarters that the President planned to spend
part of one day which he would devote to the troops in the field
with the Twenty-sixth Division, and would take Christmas
dinner with them.
The President, after reviewing a composite division made up
of troops from all divisions in the First American Army at
Hume (Haute Marne) on Christmas morning, proceeded by
motor, together with General Pershing, Mrs. Wilson, Ambas-
sador and Mrs. Jusserand, General Liggett, commanding the
First American Army, General Summerall, commanding the
Fifth Army Corps, General Harts, commanding the Paris dis-
trict. Admiral Cary Grayson and the personal staffs of these
generals, to Montigny le Roi, where dinner was taken v/ith all
of the officers of the Twenty-sixth Division.
The 102d Infantry, at the request of General Pershing, sent to
Chaumont on Christmas morning one battalion which acted as a
guard of honor for the President at general headquarters. This
battalion afterwards received letters of congratulation from the
Commander-in-Chief on its fine appearance and soldierly bear-
ing throughout the ceremonies.
After dinner the President, accompanied by General Pershing
and his party, inspected several of the billets of the 103d Infan-
try, and later returned to Chaumont, where he was again met
by the honor guard of the 102d. They conducted the President
to his train on which he returned to Paris.
The first indications received that the division had been
scheduled to return with the first units of the American Expedi-
208
THE YANKEE DIVISION
tionary Forces of the United States was closely following a
general inspection made of the division by fifteen staff officers
from headquarters of the First American Army. This inspec-
tion was the most thorough to which the Twenty-sixth had ever
been subjected, including as it did a close investigation and
survey into every phase of equipment and tactical efficiency.
Reports made by these officers to the army commander were
most flattering. Personal comments of the inspectors before
their work was half completed were that of five divisions they
had already inspected in the First Army, the Twenty-sixth
Division was rated by far the highest in every way. In fact,
this report was so flattering that many comments were heard
among the officers that it really sounded too good.
Telegraphic orders then arrived from the army directing the
Twenty-sixth Division to move by train into the American
embarkation center and prepare for their embarkation to the
United States. The movement was to begin on or about the
17th of January.
Close upon this order followed advices from general head-
quarters that French general headquarters had cited the 1st
Battalion of the 102d Infantry for its remarkable work in con-
nection with the operations against Marcheville on September
26, and that the battalion would be decorated with the Croix
de Guerre with palm by Marshal Petain, commander of the
French Armies of the East, on January 15,
Preparations for the ceremony were made, and Marshal
Petain, accompanied by General Pershing, arrived. The cere-
mony was very impressive. The battalion was paraded and
presented to the Marshal, together with the regimental colors,
and the latter was decorated, in the name of the Commander-
in-Chief of the French Army, with the French war cross.
At this ceremony Marshal Petain took the opportunity to
also decorate General Pershing with the Croix de Guerre, which
was one of the few foreign decorations which the American
Commander had not received from the Allied governments.
The Yankee Division arrived complete in the Le Mans area
of the American embarkation center on February 4, and division
209
THE YANKEE DIVISION
headquarters was established at Econmoy (Sarthe). Immedi-
ately a plan was evolved by the division commander. General
Hale, for a training program to cover a period of one month,
which was to be in the form of elimination contests, including
both military and athletic features, to culminate in an extensive
military and athletic tournament.
The entire division entered into this idea of training with
the best possible spirit and enthusiasm. As a consequence the
tournament was held on March 10, 11 and 12 with wonderful
success from every standpoint. This scheme of training and
organized amusement for the division was a novelty in the
American Expeditionary Forces, and has since been adopted
by them for other divisions remaining in France. There were
no individual contestants in the tournament. All units were
represented by teams of one squad of eight men to one company
of two hundred and fifty men. Prizes were given to each mem-
ber of winning teams. These were handsome silver and bronze
medals presented by Mr. E. A. Filene of Boston, and espe-
cially struck by a Paris jeweler from a design prepared by the
division.
General Hale also presented a beautiful silver cup to the
regiment whose team scored the greatest number of points in
the tournament, the cup going to the 104th Infantry.
Frequent comments were made by the headquarters of the
American embarkation center on the high efficiency of adminis-
tration of the Twenty-sixth Division while they were in the
Le Mans area. The division being a veteran organization,
having eighteen months' experience in service in France, they
seldom found it necessary to call upon other headquarters for
assistance or advice in administering their own affairs. This
was in decided contrast to other organizations who lacked the
advantage of long service overseas.
Orders were received at last for the division to proceed by
rail to the port of embarkation at Brest, where transport would
be provided to Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass. It was announced
that the division would sail about April 1, and tremendous
enthusiasm was aroused by the announcement that Boston
210
THE YANKEE DIVISION
had been designated as the port of debarkation in the United
States.
A fitting climax was then reached in the Yankee Division
service in France, where they had acted as the advance guard
of the American Army, and were pioneers in blazing the tra,il
for other divisions which followed them. They had also been
of great assistance to the balance of the army by furnishing
both officers and men for the establishment of many army
services which later cared for the supply and training- of the
American Expeditionary Forces.
This climax consisted in the erection at Le Mans of an im-
mense building to be used as a Y. M. C. A. hut for the American
Army who would return after the Twenty-sixth and pass
through the embarkation area on the way to the United States.
The funds for construction of this hut were contributed by the
town of York Harbor, Me., v/ho sent Miss Grace Thompson to
France to arrange the location of the building.
Actual construction work was done by the 101st Engineers
who added to their already enviable record in the American
Expeditionary Forces by completing the building, including
grading the ground, construction and wiring for electric lights,
in the remarkable time of thirty-two hours.
This building was located by permission of the French gov-
ernment in the Place des Jacobins in Le Mans. Facing the
large and historic cathedral is a most complete recreation
plant, containing a theatre, a large rest and social room with
cozy fireplaces, a canteen, administrative ofiices, ladies' rest
room, five sleeping rooms and a kitchen.
The building was made as typical of New England as pos-
sible, being painted white with green trimmings, and lattice-
work effect which broke the severe lines. The interior was
decorated with shields on which were painted the seals of
each of the New England States, and the insignia of the dif-
erent units of the Twenty-sixth Division, including the famous
"Y. D."
The structure was dedicated "York Harbor Y. D. Hut,"
and at a formal ceremony held in the theatre, at which were
211
THE YANKEE DIVISION
present representatives of all units in the division, was placed
in the care of Major-General Edward Read, commanding the
American embarkation center. Co-operating with the Y. M.
C. A. he will operate this Yankee Division Memorial for the
comfort and pleasure of the American soldiers in France.
The Christmas dinner, described so briefly by Colonel
Horsey, was indeed an event for the Yankee Division.
Because of their long service, and the fact that they were
one of the premier fighting divisions of the American Expe-
ditionary Forces, the Twenty-sixth was selected by Presi-
dent Wilson to act as hosts for him at dinner.
It was originally planned that he should eat with the
enlisted men only, and preparations were begun days
ahead of time. However, because of weather conditions,
and the fact that it would be necessary for the Chief
Executive to wade through mud, the plan was changed.
It was then decided that the presidential party would
dine with selected officers only.
The President arrived at Chaumont early in the morn-
ing and was greeted by General Pershing. The honor
guard from the 102d Infantry was on hand, as was the
famous band of the 101st Infantry, said to be the best
military band in France.
The official party proceeded to Humes, near Langres,
in automobiles, and found troops of a composite division
drawn up at attention waiting for the review. The
Yankee Division was represented by Company B of the
101st Infantry; Company K of the 102d Infantry;
Company F of the 103d Infantry; Company L of the
104th Infantry; a company of the 101st Field Signal
Battalion; Company F of the 101st Engineers; and
Companies A, B, C and D of the 102d Machine Gun Bat-
talion.
212
Colonel Robert Goodwin
I'lulerwood A: Underwood, New York
Members of 102d Infantry loading Supply Wagons with Food for
Men at Front, France, October 27, 1918
'Fanny," the Kaiser's Goat, 101st Infantry, Company K, Hartford,
Conn.
THE YANKEE DIVISION
A reviewing stand, draped in red, white and blue bunt-
ing, had been erected, and from this the President con-
ducted the review. The troops were drawn up in a hol-
low square, under command of General Alexander of the
Seventy-seventh Division. On every hand were thou-
sands of cheering French villagers, soldiers and officers
who were not taking part in the ceremonies.
The President addressed the throng of soldiers before
the review began, speaking with extreme brevity. His
speech followed a few introductory remarks by General
Pershing, who said : —
Mr. President and Fellow Soldiers: We are gathered here
to-day to do honor to the commander of our armies and navies.
For the first time an American President will review an American
Army on foreign soil, — the soil of a sister Republic beside
whose gallant troops we have fought to restore peace to the
world.
Speaking for you and your comrades, I am proud to declare
to the President that no army has ever more loyally or more
effectively served its country, and none has ever fought in a
nobler cause.
You, Mr. President, by your confidence and by your support,
have made the success of our army, and to you, as our Com-
mander-in-Chief, may I now present the nation's victorious
army.
Then the President stepped forward and said : —
General Pershing and Fellow Comrades: I wish that I could
give to each one of you the message that I know you are longing
to receive from those at home who love you. I cannot do
that, but I can tell you how every one has put his heart into it.
So you have done your duty, and something more, — you have
done your duty, and you have done it with a spirit which gave
it distinction and glory.
213
THE YANKEE DIVISION
And now we are to hail the fruits of everything you have
conquered since you came over, — what you came over for, —
and you have done what it was appointed for you to do. I
know what you expected of me. Some time ago a gentleman
from one of the countries with which we are associated was
discussing with me the moral aspects of this war, and I said
that if we did not insist upon the high purpose which we have
accomplished the end would not be justified.
Everybody at home is proud of you, and has followed every
movement of this great army with confidence and affection.
The whole people of the United States are now waiting to
welcome you home with an acclaim which probably has never
greeted any other army, because our country is like this country.
We have been so proud of the stand taken, of the purpose for
which this war was entered into by the United States.
You knew what we expected of you and you did it. I know
what you and the people at home expected of me, and I am
happy to say, my fellow countrymen, that I do not find in the
hearts of the great leaders with whom it is my privilege now
to co-operate any difference of principle or of fundamental
purpose.
It happened that it was the privilege of America to present
the chart for peace, and now the process of settlement has
been rendered comparatively simple by the fact that all the
nations concerned have accepted that chart, and the appli-
cation of these principles laid down there will be their appli-
cation.
The world will now know that the nations that fought this
war, as well as the soldiers who represented them, are ready
to make good, — make good not only in the assertion of their
own interests, but make good in the establishment of peace
upon the permanent foundation of right and of justice.
Because this is not a war in which the soldiers of the free
nations have obeyed masters. You have commanders, but you
have no masters. Your very commanders represent you in
representing the Nation, of which you constitute so distin-
guished a part.
214
THE YANKEE DIVISION
And everybody concerned in the settlement knows that it
must be a people's peace, and that nothing must be done in
the settlement of the issues of the war which is not so handsome
as the great achievements of the armies of the United States
and the Allies.
It is difficult, very difficult, men, in any normal speech like
this, to show you my real heart. You men probably do not
realize with what anxious attention and care we have followed
every step you have advanced, and how proud we are that
every step was in advance and not in retreat; that every time
you set your face in any direction you kept your face in that
direction.
A thrill has gone through my heart as it has gone through
the heart of every American, with almost every gun that was
fired and every stroke that was struck in the gallant fighting
that you have done, and there has been only one regret in
America, and that w^as the regret that every man there felt
that he was not in France too.
It has been a hard thing to perform the tasks in the United
States. It has been a hard thing to take part in directing
what you did wdthout coming over and helping you to do it.
It has taken a lot of moral courage to stay at home. But we
are proud to back you up everywhere that it is possible to
back you up, and now I am happy to find what splendid names
you have made for yourselves among the civilian population
of France, as well as among your comrades in the armies of
the French, and it is a fine testimony to you men that these
people like you and love you and trust you, and the finest part
of it all is that you deserve their trust.
I feel a comradeship with you to-day which is delightful.
As I look down upon these undisturbed fields and think of the
terrible scenes through which you have gone, and realize how
the quiet of peace, the tranquillity of settled hopes, has de-
scended upon us, while it is hard to be far from home, I can
bid you a Merry Christmas, and I can, I think, confidently
promise you a Happy New Year, and I can from the bottom of
my heart say, Grod bless you.
215
THE YANKEE DIVISION
With blaring of bands the review then took place, the
long columns swinging by in company front. The men
plowed doggedly through the mud, and in a short time
had all passed the reviewing stand.
The President and his party then re-entered automobiles
and proceeded to Montigny-le-Roi, where the Yankee
Division was anxiously awaiting them.
The dinner had been prepared under the direction of
Mess Sergeant Herbert A. Hoey, a former Worcester,
Mass., restaurant proprietor. He was assisted by Ser-
geant Paul Dufourd, a Boston restaurateur. The two men
had secured chickens, turkeys with dressing, cauliflower
and mashed potato, with cranberry sauce and pumpkin
pies. It had been a tremendous task to gather together
enough turkeys, to say nothing of plates, chairs and tables,
but it was done.
The menus were gotten up by the topographical section
of the intelligence department of the division, and con-
tained eight pages. On the front page was the famous
" Y. D. " with mistletoe. On the inside cover was the title
page, headed by an American eagle perched upon a shield
over which swords were crossed. Under this was printed : —
Memento, Christmas Dinner for President Wilson, by officers
of the Twenty-sixth Division, American Expeditionary Forces,
Montigny-le-Roi, France, December twenty-fifth, nineteen
hundred and eighteen. Printed in the field by Headquarters
Twenty-sixth Division, American Expeditionary Forces.
This last sentence was at the bottom of the page, and
was flanked by two more shields, the whole page being done
in colors.
Other pages were bordered with war sketches, while
the fourth and sixth contained brief histories of the battles
and service of the Twenty-sixth.
216
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The main ambition of the New Englanders at that
time was deftly set forth upon the back cover, by the
reproduction of a steamship plowing the Atlantic and
headed for the United States.
As the Presidential party entered the old school and
former hospital in which the dinner was given, the band
of the 102d Infantry outside gave ruffles and then played
*'The Star Spangled Banner."
The party took their seats, and, despite the fact that
there was no napery or silverware, the meal was thor-
oughly enjoyed. There was no speaking. As soon as the
dinner was finished the President left, merely waving his
hand and shouting "Good-by!" to the thousands of vil-
lagers and soldiers clustered outside. He then entered
his automobile and drove to some billets occupied by the
103d Infantry, which were on the road to Chaumont.
Two or three of these the President inspected, and in one
occurred an incident that brought many smiles to the
soldiers for some time afterward.
On each man's bunk was laid out his equipment, with
each article in a certain place, as prescribed by regula-
tions. Noticing a jointed stick the President called it to
the attention of General Pershing. The latter picked up
the stick, and straightening it out, explained that it was
one of the poles for a "pup" tent, so called, — the little
two-man tents which are carried on the march. After
examining it the President handed the pole back to Gen-
eral Pershing, who tossed it carelessly on to the bunk.
"But," said President Wilson, "suppose that man's bunk
is inspected again. He would get into trouble with that
pole lying like that. As your commanding officer I order
you to replace the pole the way it should be." General
Pershing snapped to attention, saluted and replaced the
pole in its proper position.
217
THE YANKEE DIVISION
This billet was on the second floor of a French stable,
and in order to enter it the President was forced to ascend
a ladder. While engaged in this more or less awkward
feat he was snapped again and again by moving-picture
operators and photographers.
In another billet the President started to relate a story
to a squad of men who were standing rigidly at attention.
Although the Commander-in-Chief put all his personality
into the tale, it apparently had no effect on the soldiers,
who continued to stare straight ahead. At last the Chief
Executive of the United States stopped talking, con-
sidered a moment, and then said: "I don't know what
command to give you to make you do it, but I wish you
would all relax a minute and look as though you were
interested in the story."
Promptly the corporal stepped forward one pace, faced
smartly to the left, commanded: "At ease!" and the
thing was done.
The visitors then went on their way to Chaumont,
while the remainder of the division proceeded to enjoy
their own Christmas dinners.
Later a telegram was received from General Pershing
by General Hale, which read : —
I desire to congratulate the division on the excellent work
of the battalion which represented it as guard of honor at
Chaumont; on the fine appearance and discipline manifested
by the men during the visit of the President of the United
States to the billets of the division; and on the splendid appear-
ance made by the detachments representing the division in the
review for the President at Humes, France, December 25, 1918.
It was impossible for all of the oflScers of the division
to attend the Christmas dinner, so only a certain per-
centage were picked. A list of these follows. It will be
218
THE YANKEE DIVISION
noted that even this brief roster shows a great many
changes in officers : —
Major General Harry C. Hale, Commanding General.
Brigadier-General George H. Shelton, commanding Fifty-
first Infantry Brigade.
Brigadier-General Pelham D. Glassford, commanding Fifty-
first Field Artillery Brigade.
Brigadier-General Charles H. Cole, commanding Fifty-second
Infantry Brigade.
Colonel B. Frank Cheatham, commanding 104th Infantry.
Colonel Percy W. Arnold, commanding 103d Infantry.
Colonel Duncan K. Major, Jr., chief of staff, division head-
quarters.
Colonel Horace P. Hobbs, commanding 101st Infantry.
Colonel Douglas Potts, commanding 102d Infantry.
Colonel Jacob A. Mack, commanding 102d Field Artillery.
Colonel George W. Bunnell, commanding 101st Engineers.
Colonel Warren E. Sweetser, commanding 101st Head-
quarters Train.
Colonel Robert E. Goodwin, commanding 101st Field Artil-
lery.
Colonel J. Alden Twachtman, commanding 103d Field Ar-
tillery.
Lieutenant Colonel Cassius M. Dowell, assistant chief of
staff, G-3, division headquarters.
Lieutenant Colonel William J. Keville, commanding 101st
Ammunition Train.
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred F. Foote, division inspector.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Stevens, di\Tision adjutant.
Lieutenant Colonel Elon F. Tandy, division quartermaster.
Lieutenant Colonel Harry B. Anderson, division judge advo-
cate.
Lieutenant Colonel William H. Dolan, division ordnance
oflScer.
Lieutenant Colonel John D. Murphy, division machine gun
officer.
219
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Lieutenant Colonel Frank S. Perkins, 101st Field Artillery.
Major Amaury du Boisrouvray, French Army.
Major Thomas L. Jenkins, division surgeon,
ISIajor Fred E. Jones, commanding 101st Sanitary Train.
Major William P. Carpenter, commanding 102d Machine
Gun Battalion.
Major Felix B. La Crosse, commanding 101st Field Signal
Battalion.
Major Thomas F, Foley, 101st Infantry.
Major Edward J. Connelly, 104th Infantry.
Major Henry H. Wheelock, 101st Supply Train.
Major Norman D. McLeod, 103d Field Artillery.
Major Herbert L. Bowen, 103d Machine Gun Battalion.
Major Hamilton R, Horsey, assistant chief of staff, G-2, divi-
sion headquarters.
Major Albert Greenlaw, assistant chief of staff, G-1, division
headquarters.
Major Stanhope Bayne-Jones, division sanitary inspector.
Captain Rawdon W. Myers, 101st Machine Gun Battalion.
Captain Linwood M. Gable, Medical Corps, 104th Infantry.
Captain Roger Williams, 103d Infantry.
Captain Irving E. Doane, 103d Infantry.
Captain John R. Feegal, 102d Infantry.
Captain James Brown, 104th Infantry.
Captain William F. Howe, 102d Field Artillery.
Captain James G. Rivers, 104th Infantry.
Captain Lee H. Cover, 102d Field Artillery.
Captain John Rachek, 104th Infantry.
Captain Robert O. Blood, assistant to division surgeon.
Captain Joseph H. Dunn, Medical Corps, 101st Ambulance
Company.
Captain Charles W. Comfort, Medical Corps, 102d Infantry.
Captain James H. Erlenbach, Medical Corps, 103d Infantry.
Captain John Humbird, 102d Machine Gun Battalion.
Captain Harry R. Howe, 101st Engineers.
Captain Thomas G. Holt, 101st Field Artillery.
First Lieutenant John P. King, division headquarters.
220
Lieutenant-Colonel Frank P. Williams
Boston Committee on its Way to meet the Home-coming Yankee
Division
Transport "America" bringing Home Some of "New England's
Own "
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Chaplain Michael J. O'Connor, division chaplain.
Chaplain Lyman Rollins, 101st Infantry.
Chaplain William J. Farrell, 104th Infantry.
First Lieutenant Ross E. Weaver, Medical Corps, 102d In-
fantry.
First Lieutenant Harry Christiansen, Medical Corps, 101st
Field Hospital.
First Lieutenant Crawford J. Ferguson, 104th Infantry.
Chaplain Thomas G. Speers, 102d Infantry.
First Lieutenant William H. Murphy, 104th Infantry.
Ul
CHAPTER XXVI
Animals of the Division
At this point it may be of interest to include a history
of the animals of the Twenty-sixth Division, which was
compiled by Captain Nicholas Biddle, the remount officer.
This history was gotten up and forwarded to General
Edwards because of the latter's love of animals, together
with the fact that they had served the Yankee Division
well and played an important part in its successes. The
history, although drawn up in military form, shows a deep
understanding and love for animals on the part of Captain
Biddle, and also again emphasizes the affection felt by
officers and men for the former commanding officer. It
follows : —
Headquarters Twentt-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces,
France, February 14, 1919.
From : Division Remount Officer.
To: Major-General Clarence R. Edwards.
Subject: Report.
The first issue of animals was received by the division during
the middle of November when in training in the Neufchateau
area. This issue consisted of some 400 head of French draft
stock, mostly horses. When unloaded at Rebeuville many of
them were in wretched shape, and a number died from emacia-
tion. A telegram was sent for curry combs and brushes, but it
was some time before a supply was received. The animals were
later distributed to the various infantry units, but this dis-
tribution was delayed, as there were not sufficient wagons or
trucks on hand to haul forage for them.
Shortly after this two shipments of good American stock,
made up of some 665 mules and 230 horses, arrived at Liffol-le-
222
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Grand from St. Nazaire. These animals were distributed to
all organizations, wnth the exception of the artillery, which at this
time was detached from the division.
The artillery brigade in the meantime, at Coetquidon, re-
ceived from the French remount service numerous issues of
animals, so that early in January it had some 3,000 horses and
200 mules. It was while there that the French mange first ap-
peared among the artillery animals. The 1st of Februarj%
just previous to the division moving to the Chemin des Dames
sector, north of Soissons, there were on hand approximately
280 draft horses, 330 riding horses, and 830 draft mules in the
units outside the artillery.
In the latter part of February, when the division w^as north
of Soissons, some 1,000 mules and 700 horses, mostly of Ameri-
can stock, were received from Bordeaux, St. Nazaire and the
remount depot at Bourbonne-les-Bains. These animals were
distributed to all organizations, including the artillery, which
had left Coetquidon early in February. While in this sector
nearly all the animals in the division were clipped.
On March 1 a detail from the 101st Ammunition Train was
sent down to the remount depot at La Rochelle and drew 500
horses of American stock, part of whom were turned over to the
artillery brigade in the rest area at Rimaucourt.
On April 3, when the division moved into the Boucq sector
north of Toul, there were several more small issues of French
stock. It was at this time that the French mange made its
appearance in earnest among the animals. Every effort was
made by the division to stamp it out. A dipping vat was estab-
lished at Sanzey, in charge of the IMobile Veterinary Unit.
Practically all animals were dipped at least four times, so that
when the division entrained for Chateau-Thierry scarcely a case
of mange remained.
It may be of some interest to relate at this point an incident
told by Major Merrillat, later chief veterinarian of the First
Army. At the time the division left the Neuf chateau training
area, in early February, he was in charge of the veterinary hospi-
tal at Neufchdteau. In a certain unit of the division horses
223
THE YANKEE DIVISION
of French stock had been received already badly infected with
mange. An officer of the unit was most anxious to remedy
conditions, and in order to try to do so he arranged with
Major Merrillat to turn in to the hospital at Neufchateau a
number of the worst mange cases and receive in return lighter
mange cases, no other animals being available. This incident
gives an interesting sidelight on the animal situation in the
American Expeditionary Forces at this time.
The 1st of July the division entrained for Chateau-Thierry.
From July 10 to July 25, when the division participated in the
great drive that was to decide the war, the horses and mules
were called upon to do heart-breaking work. In the artillery
brigade and ammunition train, especially, not only were the
animals exposed to constant shell fire, but were continuously
in harness from twenty-four to thirty-six hours, hauling guns,
ammunition and supplies. Many a poor beast died in harness
from sheer exhaustion, while others were blown to pieces by
shell fire. Forage rations at this time were far below the allow-
ance, and in order to keep the animals going at the front it was
necessary to send forward most of the grain that was received,
leaving the animals in the rear echelons to subsist on hay and
such grazing as was possible. As an illustration of the extreme
exhaustion to which the animals had been subjected, 800 ani-
mals were evacuated at Nanteuil-sur-Marne between August 13
and 22 by the Division Veterinary Corps. Tlihty of them died
on the road, over a distance of 8 kilometers. The artillery
brigade and ammunition train remained in line in this drive
until early August, after other units had been withdrawn.
The story is told by an eye-witness, after this drive, of a poor
bedraggled artillery man who was seen literally dragging his
exhausted horse behind him. Finally, both could go no farther,
and man and beast lay down together on the side of the road,
the man's head resting against the body of his faithful animal,
both utterly worn out.
At the time of the Chateau-Thierry drive the division had
several issues of French draft stock, including draft stallions.
A word about these stallions. Although big and powerful ani-
224
THE YANKEE DIVISION
mals they could not stand up under conditions at the front.
They worked hard at first, in fact, too hard, and soon exhausted
themselves, and fell off so in flesh and strength that most of
them were later evacuated. Doubtless, previous to their pur-
chase for the army, they had lived the well-regulated life of the
French farm horse, — short and easy hauls, ample feed and
shelter, with little or no hardships. Some of them had evidently
been used for breeding purposes, which made them soft and
unfit for hard continuous draft work without previous season-
ing. The division at this time also received several issues of
big fine French mares, beautiful stock, but many of whom later
slipped foals prematurely on account of gun fire. Immediately
they lost flesh and strength and appeared to shrink away, so
that most of them also had to be evacuated.
On August 11, when the division moved to the rest area at
Chatillon-sur-Seine, forage was again extremely short, so much
so, in fact, that the quartermaster authorized supply officers
to purchase grain and hay direct from French civilians. Every
opportunity was utilized to graze animals in this area.
From Chatillon the division entrained for Bar-le-Duc, and
from there proceeded over the road towards St. Mihiel, where,
on September 8 to 12, it prepared and took part in the great
American coup which flattened out the salient that had been a
thorn in the side of the French for four years. Again the animals
were exposed to heavy shell fire, but were not subjected to the
tremendous exhaustion that they underwent at Chateau-
Thierry.
After the St. Mihiel push a new lease of life was given the
animals of the division, and for about three weeks they enjoyed
more rest, comfort and care than they had received for con-
siderable time.
The division was moved September 14 to the Troyon sector,
and in the woods on either side of the Grande Tranchee most of
the animals were picketed. At first a certain number of horses
in the artillery were held up in the forward echelons, but after
a number of the horses were severely gassed, and still others
lost by shell fire, it was considered advisable to move practically
225
THE YANKEE DIVISION
all of them back to the rear echelons. This was done in spite
of the fact that they were a considerable distance to the rear of
the gun positions. However, as the sector was a quiet one, it
was thought better to move them back where they were far
more protected from shell fire, and take the chance of rushing
them forward if the gun positions had to be suddenly changed.
If this had not been done it is doubtful whether the artillery
would have been able to remain mobile, as there were no re-
placements of animals at this time. The plight of the gassed
horses was pitiable. Their skin became rough, they refused to
eat, with a consequent falling off in flesh, so that practically all
of them were subsequently evacuated.
Previous to this time a motor truck had been converted into
an animal ambulance by Captain Wilham C. VanAllstyne,
assistant division veterinarian. The ambulance held five
animals placed crosswise and separated by partition boards
dropped in grooves. By means of a runway which let down
behind it could be fully loaded in ten minutes. This truck
ambulance did most excellent work transporting gassed,
wounded and debilitated animals to the veterinary hospitals
many kilometers to the rear.
In spite of all efforts to prevent it, mange at this time again
appeared among the animals, especially in the artillery, and this
devastating disease appeared set on unhorsing the division.
In the St. Mihiel drive from 70 to 80 horses were abandoned
by the Boche and taken over by the division. Several of these
were suspected of glanders and destroyed. Most of the re-
mainder were good specimens, and later did excellent work.
Unfortunately the exact number of horses captured remained
somewhat of a mystery, as organizations were always most
modest in reporting them on their returns.
On October 8 the division, less the artillery brigade, moved
over the road from the Troyon sector to Verdun, the animals
making the distance of some 50 kilometers in excellent fashion.
The artillery brigade followed a few days later, having to wait
for the Fifty-fifth Artillery Brigade, attached to the Seventy-
ninth Division, to relieve them. This brigade was sadly handi-
226
THE YANKEE DIVISION
capped by lack of animals, and consequently did not arrive
when first expected. In fact, so limited was their animal strength
that it was necessary for the horses of the Fifty -first Field Artil-
lery Brigade to pull practically all of their guns into position.
These had previously been hauled by motor trucks as far for-
ward as possible.
The artillery brigade came over the road toward Verdun in
two night marches in excellent fashion, considering that many of
the caissons and guns were drawn by only four horses. The
brigade encamped in the Bois Sartelles, 5 kilometers south of
Verdun.
On October 18 the division received orders to enter the lines
and organize for an attack. Immediately guns were hauled
from 15 to 20 kilometers into position, all marches being made
by night.
It was at this time that a most stringent order was issued
by General Headquarters, American Expeditionary Forces, in
view of the serious situation of the artillery and animal trans-
port of the First Army, due to the shortage of animals. It
stated that every measure possible to conserve the strength
and improve the condition of animals on hand must be taken,
and that the continued mobility of the army depended upon
the immediate adoption of most radical measures. This order
further stated that only prescribed drivers should be permitted
to ride on teams or vehicles, and that drivers of machine-gun
carts and cannoneers would carry their own packs the same as
infantry. In the artillery the drivers would alternate, riding
one hour and leading the next, and at all halts drivers would
dismount.
The plan of keeping animals in forward echelons was again
tried in the Verdun sector, but was met with the severest kind
of animal losses from exposure, shell fire and gas. As a result,
the greater part of the artillery animals were taken back to the
more or less sheltered rear echelons, while the animals of the
infantry and other divisional units were stabled in the some-
what demolished but nevertheless sheltered casernes of Verdun.
Mules for the rolling kitchens, ration carts, water carts, and a
227
THE YANKEE DIVISION
number of mules for machine guns, had necessarily to be kept
up fairly close to the lines, and it was these animals that shared
the brunt of shelling and exposure. The plan, however, was
adopted to alternate these animals, so that after one had
served several days at the front it was brought back to a rear
echelon, rested and cared for, while another took its place.
Up behind the lines picketing of animals in small groups of
three, four and six was employed as protection from shell fire.
There was an instance, however, in a certain machine gun com-
pany, where this was not done, and twelve fine mules tied
together on one picket line were completely wiped out by a
shell landing directly beside them.
A word here, it is believed, should be said about the men
who drove the rolling kitchens, ration and water carts up the
lines, often along roads with no protection whatsoever, and
exposed to heavy shell fire. These so-called "mule skinners"
took care of their animals under conditions when it was bad
enough to have to look after one's self, yet without the glory
of the men in the trenches, although their work was often
equally as hazardous and courageous. An instance is brought
to mind of one of these men in the 102d Infantry grooming
his mules under shell fire who, when raising his head, was
found to have a piece of shrapnel lodged in under the skin of
his forehead. On being questioned as to why he did not go
to a dressing station which was near by and have it removed,
he replied, "I ain't had time as yet, but when I'm through
grooming this here mule I expect I'll drop over there." "Did
the shrapnel in his forehead hurt?" "Sure it did."
Once more mange began to run its devastating and dis-
heartening course through the artillery horses. As a preventive
measure the manes of all animals in the division were clipped
down close to the neck, while tails were clipped to a point 3
inches below the dock. Shortly before this an order had been
issued from the army that all horses infected with mange, or
animals suspected to be infected, should be evacuated immedi-
ately. The situation now became extremely grave. No stone
was left unturned in an endeavor to procure animal replace-
228
S. S. Agamemnon steaming into Boston Harbor, April, 1919
Welcoming Home the 102d Infantry and 101st Machine Gun Bat-
talion, April, 1919
Crowded Transport nosing into Pier, Boston Harbor, April, 1919
Members of Twenty-sixth Division returning on S. S. Agamemnon,
April, 1919
THE YANKEE DIVISION
ments at this time, but the demand was so far greater than
the supply that the task was well-nigh hopeless. The fact
that was always brought forward when a desperate appeal was
made for animals was that there were twelve or more divisions
who were even worse off than the Twenty-sixth, certain artillery
brigades not being able to move at all. Consequently what
animals were being received at the army depots were being
sent to them.
At last, about October 17, a shipment of French stock en
route from Bordeaux was switched at St. Dizier to the Twenty-
sixth Division to be unloaded at Baleycourt. This shipment
of 144 animals left Bordeaux made up of 96 artillery horses,
32 cavalry horses and 16 mules. One of the horses died en
route, and 38 horses and 4 mules were evacuated at the veteri-
nary hospital at Treveray, being in far too poor condition for
service at the front. Out of the 101 animals that arrived at
Baleycourt, 48 had to be evacuated immediately for debilita-
tion and mange, so that only 44 horses and 9 mules were left
to be issued to the division. From this number only 10 of
the horses could be considered draft animals, while only 5 of
the mules could be considered for heavy draft purposes. The
little, light-boned horses and mules, the latter doubtless Span-
ish, were issued to the machine gun battalions for use in the
machine-gun carts. Later the majority of these horses broke
down on the march back from the front. The little mules, on
the other hand, as usual went through everything, and at the
end were still ready for more.
The above shipment is just one illustration of the difficulties
of securing animals at this time for a division at the front. In
defence of this shipment it must be said that just previous, on
account of the desperate animal situation, telegraphic instruc-
tions had been issued to all remount depots to send forward all
animals that were even in fair condition.
Another order issued from general headquarters at this time
stripped all wagon companies attached to depots in the S. O. S.
to half strength. As a result of this the division was fortunate
to receive 200 draft mules from one of these companies. These
229
THE YANKEE DIVISION
were all excellent animals of American stock, and literally
saved the day for the infantry supply companies. Shortly
afterwards there was one other shipment from Bordeaux,
mostly horses in poor shape, besides one or two small or mis-
cellaneous issues of animals, obtained only after the greatest
effort.
The Argonne-Meuse offensive was then at its height. As
poorly horsed as the division was, all units were ready to push
forward at a moment's notice. In fact, practically all animals
and vehicles had been moved forward a short distance on a
preliminary order, ready to take the road again at any moment.
Events now happened in rapid succession. On November 11
the armistice was signed, and on November 14 instead of going
forward in the Army of Occupation, the division was ordered
to the rear. For nine full days the division, with the exception
of the artillery brigade, moved straight from the trenches over
the road to the eighth training area, east of Chaumont. This
was the last and longest hike the men and animals had been
called upon to undergo. They both came through with flying
colors, — certainly a record to be proud of.
The artillery brigade, when it reached the area north of Bar-
le-Duc, was detached from the division and became a part of
the army artillery. At the same time all but 400 of their
animals were turned over to the divisions that were going
forward in the Army of Occupation. The brigade again
joined the division in the eighth training area on the 20th of
December.
From the last of November to the middle of January the
animals were billeted in the various towns of the eighth training
area, some sheltered in temporary wooden stables, and others
in the stone stables of the French peasants. The constant rain
and mud during this period were the most discouraging features
in the care of animals. There were also cases of mange that
cropped out here and there among the animals, but these were
evacuated so that mange generally was kept fairly well in
hand.
On December 4, by orders of the Fifth Army Corps, the divi-
230
THE YANKEE DIVISION
sion turned over some 800 draft mules and 200 riding horses
to the Twenty-ninth and Eighty-second Divisions in the same
corps. These divisions, after the signing of the armistice, had
been ordered to turn over the greater part of their animals to
divisions going forward in the Army of Occupation, and con-
sequently were in a sadly depleted condition as far as animal
transportation was concerned. The Twenty-ninth Division in
particular had only some 350 animals at this time.
The last part of December the Fifth Army Corps sent out
notice of a horse show to be held at Nogent-en-Bassigny early
in February, in which the division was to participate, along with
the Twenty-ninth and Eighty-second Divisions. While prelim-
inary plans were being made for entries from the division, orders
for its return to the United States were received. As the first
units were to leave for the embarkation area January 20, all
plans for the participation of the division in the show were
abandoned. However, four mules and an escort wagon belong-
ing to Headquarters Troop had already been prepared for the
show. They made a splendid turnout, and it is firmly believed
would have carried off the blue ribbon. Significant of this is the
fact that when the last turnover of animals was made to the
Eighty-second Division, a special request was made for this
team to be turned over ahead, so that it could be entered by
them in the coming horse show. There were other equally
excellent teams in nearly every other organization in the division
which should have taken a prominent place in the show.
The latter part of January, just previous to organizations
entraining, all the remaining animals in the division were turned
over to the Twenty-ninth and Eighty-second Divisions, as,
with the exception of a few private mounts, no animals were to
be taken back to the United States. There were many sad
separations at this time. OflScers gave over their mounts who
had carried them since the division entered the line, while
teamsters gave up horses and mules who had borne every
hardship with them at the front from Soissons to Toul. Each,
doubtless, would never meet again.
If the question were asked: "Who did more for the animals
231
THE YANKEE DIVISION
of the Twenty-sixth Division than any one else?" the unani-
mous answer would be, "Major-General Clarence R. Edwards."
It was not only that he was a true horse lover and possessed a
thorough knowledge of animals, but it was the rare faculty that
he possessed of making the men take a pride in their animals
that did more for them than all the inspectors in the American
Expeditionary Forces, and there were many of them. There
was not a team that escaped his notice, and it was his quick
and hearty words of praise that made the driver feel that, after
all, his efforts were worth while. It was he who sat down and
wrote off the horse order in the Neufchateau area when the
first animals were received, and which was so excellent and com-
plete that it was later republished by general headquarters as
General Orders No. 65, April 30, 1918, to be followed by all
officers and men charged with the care of animals in the Ameri-
can Expeditionary Forces. It was also he who gave unlimited
backing to the division animal inspector and remount officers
who later joined the division, and made their work count for
something.
Great credit should be given to Captain John W. Mahoney,
who was appointed inspector of animal transportation by Gen-
eral Edwards in April, 1918, when the division was in the Toul
sector, as well as to Captain H. Kendrick, who was remount
officer with the division at St. Mihiel. Both of these men,
through their conscientious and untiring efforts on behalf of the
animals, were of great assistance to the division.
The Division Veterinary Corps, although operating often
under great difficulties, rendered much valuable service. A
great deal of individual credit is due to a number of veterinary
officers.
In compiling this brief history of the animals of the division
it is the hope of the writer that it will help the faithful beasts,
who did so much towards its glorious record, to receive their
share of the praise. They are now scattered far and wide, but
the memory of many of them, it is believed, will remain forever
with officers and men.
To Lieutenant Colonel E. F. Tandy, division quartermaster;
232
S. S. Agamemnon bringing Home Victorious Members of Yankee
Division, April, 1919
Getting Straw for Bed-sacks on Arrival at Camp Devens
Scrt-eu Telegram
General Edwards decorating Lieutenant Paul Hines with the D. S. C.
on the Boston Common
Members of Twenty-sixth Division back Home at Camp Devens
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Major Albert Greenlaw, assistant chief of staff, G-1; Captain
John W. Mahoney, adjutant, 101st Ammunition Train; and
Captain William C. Van Allstyne is the writer much indebted
for their assistance in the compilation of this history.
Nicholas Biddle,
Captain, Q. M. C,
Division Remount Officer.
233
CHAPTER XXVII
"Homeward Bound"
On December 30 the division was delighted to receive
a message from their former commander, General
Edwards. This message appeared in General Orders No.
122, issued by General Hale, which read: —
1. The following cablegram from Major-General Clarence
R. Edwards is published to the command : —
Major-General H. C. Hale, Twenty-sixth Division.
Delighted you have the division. My congratulations. Give my
love to the stout-hearted lads and tell them to carry on. "We are all
waiting to welcome you.
Edwards.
In the same order General Hale published a commen-
dation from the corps commander of the conduct of the
men while on leave. This read : —
1. The corps commander desires to express his sincere com-
mendation of the high standards of conduct and soldierly pride
manifested by the members of the Twenty-sixth Division dur-
ing their presence in the Auvergne leave area. Their behavior
was such as to attract the favorable notice of the commanding
officer of that area, and he was so highly impressed that he has
communicated his sentiments in a complimentary letter with
reference thereto. The members of this leave detachment
reflected credit upon the division, the corps and the American
Army, and have established a standard worthy of emulation
by all who succeed them.
2. It is especially desired to commend Captain William
Walker, 102d Infantry, in charge of the leave train, who dis-
played fine soldierly qualities, marked ability and earnest
234
THE YANKEE DIVISION
loyalty in the performance of all his duties. His leadership in
retaining full control of his men under all circumstances is a
high tribute to his eJBSciency.
C. P. SUMMERALL,
Major-General, Commanding.
By command of Major General Hale,
Cassius M. Dowell,
Acting Chief of Staff.
Following the inspection of the division, and the decora-
tion of the battalion of the 102d by General Petain, pre-
viously described by Lieutenant-Colonel Horsey, the next
event of importance to the New Englanders was the
order to move to the Le Mans area of the American
embarkation center. This order was received with the
greatest joy, as every member of the division. New Eng-
lander or otherwise, was anxious to get back home as soon
as possible. They were wearied of the inaction and
longed for peaceful pursuits. They had come across
willingly to do their share in the war, and had done it
in a way that brought compliments and decorations from
the greatest soldiers in the French Army. Now they
wanted to get back to their homes and families and
forget, if possible, what they had gone through. The
personnel of the division was greatly changed. Of the
National Guard officers who went over with the Twenty-
sixth less than a handful remained. The following roster
issued to the transportation officers at this time will show
how many changes had taken place : —
Roster of Commanding Officers. — Major-General Harry C.
Hale, commanding; Captain Paul L. White, A. D. C; Captain
Willis H. Hale, A. D. C; Captain Lawrence B. Cummings,
A. D. C.
Division Staff. — Colonel Duncan K. Major, Jr., chief of
staff; Major Albert E. Greenlaw, assistant chief of staff, G-1;
235
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Major Hamilton R. Horsey, assistant chief of staff, G-2; Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Cassius M. Dowell, assistant chief of staff, G-3;
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles A. Stevens, adjutant; Lieutenant-
Colonel Alfred F. Foote, inspector; Lieutenant-Colonel Elon
F. Tandy, quartermaster; Major Thomas L. Jenkins, surgeon;
Lieutenant-Colonel William H. Dolan, ordnance officer; Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Harry B. Anderson, judge advocate; Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Charles N. Sawyer, signal officer; Lieutenant-
Colonel John D. Murphy, machine gun officer; Colonel George
W. Bunnell, engineer; Major Charles W. Lewis, dental sur-
geon; First Lieutenant Keith P. Ribble, gas officer; Captain
WiUiam J. Henderson, motor transport officer; First Lieuten-
ant Otto J. Conzelman, acting veterinarian; First Lieutenant
Michael J. O'Connor, division chaplain.
Headquarters Troop. — First Lieutenant Thomas J. Byrne,
commanding.
101st Machine Gun Battalion. — Major Laurence H. Waters,
commanding. First Lieutenant Chester F. Comey, acting ad-
jutant.
Fifty-first Infantry Brigade. — Brigadier-General George H.
Shelton, commanding. Major Judson Hannigan, adjutant;
First Lieutenant Silas S. Clark, A. D. C.
102d Machine Gun Battalion. — Major William P. Carpenter,
D. S., at infantry school; Captain John R. Sanborn, command-
ing. First Lieutenant Gerald Courtney, adjutant.
101st Infantry. — Colonel Horace P. Hobbs, commanding.
Lieutenant-Colonel Henry N. Coleman, Captain Robert J.
Hammerslag, adjutant; Major Sidney G. Brown, commanding
1st Battalion; Major Thomas F. Foley, commanding 2d Bat-
talion; Major Harry B. Gilstrap, commanding 3d Battalion;
Major William J. McCarthy, unassigned.
102d Infantry. — Colonel Douglas Potts, commanding. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Thomas M. Hunter; Captain Cyrus C. Wash-
burn, adjutant; Major Clarence M. Thompson, commanding
1st Battalion; Major Harry B. Bissell, commanding 2d Bat-
talion; Major James D. Corbiere, commanding 3d Battalion;
Major James F. Johnson, unassigned.
236
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Fifty-second Infantry Brigade. — Brigadier-General Charles
H. Cole, commanding. Major Robert H. Barrett, adjutant;
First Lieutenant Francis V. Logan, A. D. C; First Lieutenant
John C. Leggat, A, D. C; First Lieutenant H. G. Lund,
A. D. C.
103d Machine Gun Battalion. — Major Herbert L. Bowen,
commanding. Captain Earle W. Chandler, acting adjutant.
103d Infantry. — Colonel Percy W. Arnold, commanding.
Lieutenant-Colonel William H. Beck; Captain William D.
Martin, Jr., adjutant; Major Horace C. Bates, commanding 1st
Battalion; Major Sherman M. Shumway, commanding 2d Bat-
tahon; Major William E. Southard, commanding 3d Battalion.
lOJ^th Infantry. — Colonel B. Frank Cheatham, commanding.
Lieutenant Colonel Anton C. Cron; Captain William H. Stiles,
adjutant; Major Edward J. Connelly, commanding 1st Bat-
talion; Captain John Rachek, commanding 2d Battalion;
Major James H. McDade, commanding 3d BattaUon; Major
Harry A. Mushan, unassigned.
lOlst Ammunition Train. ■ — Lieutenant-Colonel William J.
Keville, commanding. Captain Oliver Turner, adjutant.
101st Supply Train. — Major Henry H. Wheelock, command-
ing. Second Lieutenant Francis Wyman, adjutant.
101st Engineer Train. — First Lieutenant Schuyler R. Waller,
commanding.
101st Sanitary Train. — Major Fred E. Jones, commanding.
Major Owen H. Kenan, commanding field hospital section;
Captain Herbert W. Taylor, commanding ambulance section.
Fifty-first Field Artillery Brigade. — Brigadier-General Pel-
ham D. Glassford, commanding. Major Wayland M. Minot,
adjutant; First Lieutenant Livingston Whitney, A. D. C.
101st Field Artillery. — Colonel Robert E. Goodwin, com-
manding. Lieutenant-Colonel Frank S. Perkins; Captain
Benjamin H. Ticknor, adjutant; Major Erland F. Fish, com-
manding 1st Battalion; Major Ivar Hendricksen, command-
ing 2d Battalion.
lOM Field Artillery. — Colonel Jacob A. Mack, command-
ing. Lieutenant-Colonel John F. J. Herbert; Captain Ray
237
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Harrison, adjutant; Captain Lawrence B. Page, commanding
1st Battalion; Captain Roger C. Swaim, commanding 2d Bat-
talion.
103d Field Artillery, — Colonel J. Alden Twachtman, com-
manding. Lieutenant-Colonel Eugene T. Spencer; Captain
Stuart L. Bullivant, acting adjutant; Major Norman D.
McLeod, commanding 1st Battalion; Major Harold R. Barker,
commanding 2d Battalion; Major Stanley Bacon, commanding
3d Battalion.
101st Trench Mortar Battery (Detached). — Captain James
A. Walsh, commanding.
101st Engineers. — Colonel George W. Bunnell, commanding.
Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Bartlett; Captain Herbert C.
Thomas, adjutant; Major Porter B. Chase, commanding 1st
Battalion; Captain George E. Parsons, commanding 2d Bat-
talion; Major John F. Osborn, unassigned (D. S. at Paris).
101st Field Battalion Signal Corps. — Captain Russell Hobbs,
commanding. First Lieutenant Archie G. McPherson, adju-
tant.
101st Train Headquarters. — Colonel Warren E. Sweetser,
commanding. Captain Charles E. Akeley, adjutant.
26th Military Police Company. — Captain Michael J. Dee,
commanding.
101st Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop. — First Lieutenant
James W. Armour, commanding.
Mobile Repair Shop No. 1. — Second Lieutenant Harry C.
Davis, commanding.
Machine-shop Truck Unit No. 362. — First Lieutenant John
C. Aikens, commanding.
Machine-shop Truck Unit No. 377. — First Lieutenant Clint
O. Perrins, commanding.
Clothing Squad No. 11. — Second Lieutenant William E.
Coffee, commanding.
Salvage Squad No. 20. — Second Lieutenant Harding E.
Sponsellor, commanding.
Sales Commissary No. 10. — Second Lieutenant Sidney S.
McKinley, commanding.
238
THE YANKEE DIVISION
U. S. A. P. 0. No. 709. — First Lieutenant Alexander Mac-
donald, commanding.
The entire division had arrived in the Le Mans area on
February 4, and division headquarters was established
at Ecommoy (Sarthe).
It was on February 2 that General Pershing cabled to
Director-General John Barrett of the Pan-American
Union : —
Replying to your cablegram it gives me pleasure to send you
a message about Vermont and New England troops. Briefly
stated, they merit the warmest praise by the people they rep-
resent. They have maintained the best traditions of their New
England ancestors, and the spirit of '76 has been theirs. They
have played their full part in the splendid achievement of
American arms on the battlefield and in the supporting serv-
ices.
On the same date Secretary of War Baker wrote to
Mr. Barrett complimenting the Twenty-sixth Division.
In the course of his remarks he said : —
With the first and second Regular Army divisions, and the
Forty-second or Rainbow Division, the Twenty-sixth is num-
bered, they being considered the first four veteran divisions of
our great American Expeditionary Forces, and I would be glad
to have the people of New England know that their division,
the first of the National Guard troops to embark overseas,
bore itself with distinction and gallantry, and that it con-
tributed on every battlefield to America's real participation
in the fighting and the unbroken success of our arms.
Things seemed to be coming the way of the division
at this time, for on February 11 Colonels Logan and
Hume, who had been relieved of their commands, were
reinstated. The regiments of both oflScers turned out to
239
THE YANKEE DIVISION
meet them, after the colonels had reported to General
Hale. Never was there such a greetmg. Marching at
the head of their outfits the two colonels paraded to their
billets, where each was greeted by his staff. Both officers
found many strange faces.
Colonel Logan, who had been acting as counsel for
other officers at Blois, had presented his case to General
Pershing, and demanded a hearing. He was informed
that the officers he intended to summon as witnesses
could not be procured, whereupon he incorporated in his
brief summaries of what they would say. A hearing was
never granted to either Colonel Logan or Colonel Hume,
but both were simply ordered reinstated.
The last act of Colonel Logan at Blois was to win the
case of Major Allie Gray, also of the Yankee Division,
who was removed for discussing orders. He was also
ordered back to the division.
On February 19 the division was reviewed by General
Pershing, who pronounced it as one of the finest which
he had ever seen, and the equal of any in the American
Expeditionary Forces. The truck drivers worked for two
days getting the troops up to the reviewing field, some
of them being carried 20 miles. General Hale was so
pleased with this accomplishment that he wrote the fol-
lowing letter to Colonel Warren E. Sweetser: —
Headquarters Twenty-sixth Division,
France, February, 1919.
Colonel Warren E. Sweetser, Commanding Train Head-
quarters and Military Police, Ecommoy, France.
The successful review of this division on February 19 by the
Commander-in-Chief was made possible only by the extremely
efficient co-operation of the personnel of tiie divisional trains
in conveying a large part of the division to and from the review
ground.
240
THE YANKEE DIVISION
I am aware of the serious obstacles that beset the truck
drivers in carrying out their work in this connection, and have
learned with gratification of their loyal, untiring and effective
efforts in surmounting these obstacles. It is at times like these,
when such unusual, unselfish and arduous work is demanded
to insure success, that the mettle of the soldier is tried, and in
this case the prompt and loyal response to the demand shows
that the test was met in every instance.
I take this occasion, also, to congratulate you and the officers
and men belonging to the trains of this division upon their expert
skill in so long maintaining the trains in a serviceable condition,
and upon their labor and care in keeping them in a clean condi-
tion. And their discipline and efficiency in those respects are
equaled by their careful observance of road regulations.
I congratulate and thank you all.
Harry C. Hale,
Major-General,
United States Army, commanding.
General Pershing made an extremely thorough review,
after which he was entertained at a division show. His
opinion of the entire affair was expressed in an order
issued by Major-General Hale two days later, which
read : —
General Orders,
No. 15.
■}
Hbadquartbbs Twenty-sixth Division,
American Expeditionary Forces,
France, February 21, 1919.
1. The division commander congratulates the officers and
men of this command upon the splendid example of soldierly
appearance and efficiency presented by the division at the re-
view by the Commander-in-Chief on the 19th instant.
2. The magnificent spectacle of the entire division massed as
a unit; the remarkably alert, cleancut and healthy appearance
of the men; the uniformity and neatness of the equipment;
241
THE YANKEE DIVISION
the inspiring effect of the massed band; and finally the evi-
dence of training manifested in the thrilling march past, — all
were noted and repeatedly praised in warm terms by the Com-
mander-in-Chief, who desired that his satisfaction and admira-
tion be communicated to the command.
3. The division commander desires that this order be read
to the command at the first formation after its receipt.
By command of Major-General Hale.
Duncan K. Major, Jr.,
Chief of Staff.
The attention of the members of the division, which
flagged somewhat after the review, was spurred by the
military and athletic tournament. After this was over,
however, every one once more devoted his thoughts to
home.
At last, toward the latter part of March, definite word
came down that the division would begin to embark by
the 1st of April. Great was the rejoicing. The day of
days was at hand.
In the meantime Brigadier-General John H. Sher-
burne, who had been commanding a colored brigade, was
returned to the 51st Field Artillery. A number of other
former Twenty-sixth officers, including Colonel Thorn-
dike Howe, who had been divisional postmaster, were
also returned to the line.
The 101st Trench Mortar Battery, commanded by
Captain James A. Walsh of No. 12 Mayfair street, Rox-
bury, was the first complete unit to get away. As a matter
of fact, because they had turned in all their equipment
early, they had been able to sail from St. Nazaire on
March 30. This outfit, which was largely made up of the
old 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, reached Hoboken, N. J.,
on April 12. The 3 officers and 184 men were immedi-
ately sent to Camp Merritt for a few^ days, and then were
242
THE YANKEE DIVISION
shipped to Camp Devens, where they were demobilized.
They immediately hurried to their homes for a while,
pending the tremendous welcome which they were in-
formed was being prepared for the division.
On April 4, the big transport "Mount Vernon," formerly
a German liner, steamed proudly up Boston Harbor,
bearing 5,824 men of the Yankee Division, the vanguard
of the famous New England organization. Never was
there such a welcome as was given these home-coming
men. Official welcoming committee of the State and city,
headed by Governor Coolidge and Mayor Peters, met the
"Mount Vernon" at quarantine, while other oflBcials,
with friends and relatives of the returned heroes, almost
swamped a flotilla of small craft. The soldiers were bom-
barded with cigarettes, candies and all kinds of goodies,
while frenzied shouts of greeting and the tearful cries of
mothers were drowned out by a perfect din of whistles
from every boat in the harbor and factories on shore. It
was an indescribable scene and one never to be forgotten.
New England was welcoming her own, returned with
glory from a righteous war. Castle Island, Common-
wealth Pier and all the piers along the waterfront were
black with hysterical humanity. For many, however,
it was a sad occasion, for their loved ones slept under the
sod in France.
The "Mount Vernon" carried Major-General Hale with
his staff and division headquarters. Headquarters Troop,
Military Police, Headquarters Fifty-second Infantry
Brigade, 101st Engineers (less Company C), 104th In-
fantry and 101st Engineer Train. One of the first to meet
them and seize the hand of General Hale and his oflScers
was Brigadier-General Cole, who had been sent over in
advance of the division to help in the arrangements for
its reception.
243
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The first cry of the men, when the press boat neared the
side of the big transport, was, "Where is General Ed-
wards?" As it happened the General, believing that the
ship would not arrive so soon, was on a speaking tour in
Maine. Immediately, upon learning of the arrival of the
"Mount Vernon," he canceled his engagements and
hurried to Boston. He boarded the ship at 6 the next
morning and was warmly greeted.
The next day, April 5, with General Cole, he was on
hand when the steamer "America," carrying Brigadier-
General Shelton, Colonels Logan and Hume, and the
Headquarters Fifty-first Infantry Brigade, 101st Infantry;
103d Infantry (less Companies L and M), and Company
C, 101st Engineers.
The previous day's welcome was outdone, if that were
possible, as Colonel Logan is a son of Boston and the
commander of what was practically a Boston regiment.
His parents. General and Mrs. Lawrence J. Logan, his
brother Theodore, relatives and friends, including dele-
gations from many associations, were on hand to greet
him.
The boats from then on came into Boston in almost daily
intervals. On Monday, April 7, the "Agamemnon"
arrived, with the 102d Infantry complete. Companies L
and M of the 103d Infantry; 101st Machine Gun Bat-
talion; field and staff officers of the 101st Field Artillery;
Headquarters Company, 101st Field Artillery; A and B
Batteries, 101st Field Artillery; casual companies for
New York and Ohio, and 213 casual officers.
A coincidence was the presence on board of Major-
General Clement A. F. Flagler, commanding the Forty-
second (Rainbow) Division, whose transports were se-
cured by the Twenty-sixth in September, 1917, thus
permitting the local troops to reach France first.
S44
THE YANKEE DIVISION
The remainder of the boats came in on alternate days,
until finally, on April 21, the battleship *'New Jersey"
brought in the last units of the Twenty-sixth Division.
For the only time in its life Boston went crazy on April
25, when the reception and parade to the Twenty-sixth
Division took place. Seats were at a premium, and men
and women fought for places along the curb. Millions of
people were in Boston at this time to see the parade of
the Yankee Division, and a fitting reception was given to
the men from New England who had made the world safe
for democracy.
Two days after the parade the Division was mustered
out, and so ended the fighting New England organization.
245
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
Roster of Officers, Twenty-sixth Division, as Originally
Organized
Abbott, Frank J., .
Adams, Burton A.,
Adams, Frederick J.,
Adams, Lee,
Agnew, John A.,
Akeley, Charles E.,
Alcorn, William F.,
Alexander, Wilford S.,
Alfonte, William A.,
Allen, Bernard H., .
Allen, Franklin E.,
Allen, Lew,
Allport, Floyd H., .
Ames, Charles E., .
Amory, Harold,
Anderson, Robert H.,
Andrews, Albert E.,
Angell, Isaac H.,
Appleton, Donald, .
Apthorp, Robert E.,
Arnold, Davis G., .
Arnold, Howard C,
Ashby, Bertrand W.,
Ashley, J. M., .
Ashworth, Arthur, .
Atherton, Raymond M.
1st Lieut. (Bat. D), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. G), 104th Inf.
Major, N. G. M. C. (comdg. San. Det.), 101st
F. A.
2d Lieut., Inf., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf.,
S. O. 6, p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. (Co. D), 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Train, Mil. Police).
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. I), 103d Inf.
Major (Div. Sig. Officer), 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Dental Corps), 102d Inf.
Captain, 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., Inf., N. A., assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., Inf., O. R. C. (Co. D), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
2d Lieut., Inf., O. R. C. (Co. B), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
Captain (comdg. Co. E), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. K), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. C), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., F. A., N. A., assigned 102d F. A.,
S. O. 6, p. 2, 26th Div.
Captain (R. I. Cav.), comdg. Sup. Train.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Troop), 26th Div.
Major (Amm. Train, comdg. Horse Sec).
Captain (comdg. Mach. Gun Co.), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 10, 26th Div.
249
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Auer, Fred,
Averill, Ernest L., .
Avery, William J., .
Babcock, Donald S.,
Babcock, Harold P.,
Backarack, Sydney,
Badger, Phillip B., .
Bailey, Carl R.,
Bailey, Harry M., .
Bailey, Karl R.,
Bailey, Thomas W.,
Baker, Douglas M.,
Baker, Norman D.,
Baker, Theodore C,
Balch, C. B., .
Baldwin, D wight D.,
Baldwin, Robert, .
Ballou, Lande E., .
Barker, Harold R.,
Barnard, Charles T.,
Barnes, Raymond B.,
Barnett, William B.,
Barr, William H., .
Barrow, William H.,
Barrows, Walter G.,
Barry, John J.,
Bartlett, A. L.,
Bateman, Charles J.,
Beacham, Joseph W., Jr
Beard, Cornelius, .
Beaucer, Fred W., .
Beckman, Albert, .
Beebe, Henry A., .
Beers, Arthur C. T.,
Belcher, Alfred,
2d Lieut. (Bat. F), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut, (comdg. Sup. Co.), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (8th Mass.), Adjutant and Sup.
cer, Sup. Train.
Offi-
Captain (comdg. Bat. C), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bat. A), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. (Co. A), 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned lOlst Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. A). 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 102d Inf.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (Asst. Surgeon), S. O.,
Hdqrs. 26th Div.
Ist Lieut., 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (San. Troops, Dental Corps), 101st
F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Mass. Cav.) (Hdqrs. Troop).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F, A.,
S. O. 6, p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Bat. A), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 101st Inf., S.O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. F), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf.. S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. L), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., M. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 1st F. H.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans., S. O. 3, p. 13,
26th Div.
Major (comdg. 1st Bn.), 101st Inf.
Captain, 101st Eng.
1st Lieut., 101st Eng.
Lieut. Col., Inf., N. A. (Quartermaster).
1st Lieut. (Co. A), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. G), 102d Inf.
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 104th Inf.
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. H), 104th Inf.
250
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Bell, Edward C, .
Benner, Fred W., .
Bennett, Charles A.,
Bennett, Roger W.,
Bernheimer, Clarence M
Bernheisel, George H.,
Berry, Bernard M.,
Bertholet, George P.,
Bevans, James F., .
Binghon, Charles, .
Bird, Edward S., .
Bisbee, Spaulding, .
Bishop, Ralph L., .
Bishop, Wilton H.,
Bissell, Clarence E.,
Bissell, Harry B., .
Bissell, Herbert G.,
Blackman, Floyd H.,
Blair, Frederick G.,
Blaisdell, Frank G.,
Blanchard, Hugh C,
Blease, Ernest,
Bliss, Henry M.,
Blood, Robert O., .
Bobst, Frank T., .
Bogan, Frederick L.,
Boldt, Herman St. J.,
Bonney, Timothy D.,
Bowen, Charles W., Jr.,
Bowen, Herbert L.,
Boyd, Walter E., .
Boynton, William, .
Brassil, Thomas E.,
2d Lieut. (Co. H), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Bn.), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. (Co. B), 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. I, 26th Div.
2d Lieut.. O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Amb. Co. No. 4),
R. I. Amb. Corps.
Lieut. Col., Med. Dept. (Div. Surgeon).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., N. A. Inf., assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. G), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., Inf., N. A., assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (comdg. Amb. Co. No.
4), R. I. Amb. Corps.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. H. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 4th F. H.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
Major (comdg. Att. San. Troops), 101st Regt.
Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. H), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. B), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Bn.), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26 th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (8th Mass.) (Hdqrs. Co.), 104th Inf.
251
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Brearley, Harris J.,
Breen, Vincent C, .
Breslin, Robert H.,
Brewer, Arnold,
Brickley, T. J.,
Brigham, Arthur W.,
Brigham, William W., Jr.,
Bright, Horace D., .
Brooks, John E.,
Brown, Arthur G., .
Brown, Chester P.,
Brown, E. Lawrence,
Brown, James,
Brown, Joseph R., .
Brown, Ray F.,
Brown, Thomas W.,
Bruce, John S.,
Brush, Edwin M., .
Brushy, Willard E.,
Bryant, Myron E., .
Buckminster, William R,
Buehler, Arthur G.,
Buehler, Harold A.,
Bulkeley, Morgan E., Jr
BuUivant, Stuart L.,
Burbanck, Frank J.,
Burdick, Harry R.,
Burger, Ernest R., .
Burke, Daniel H., Jr.,
Burke, George E., .
Burnap, Arthur E.,
Burnell, George W.,
Burnette, William H.,
Burns, Cliflford S. F.,
Burr, Eugene F.,
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 10, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Amb. Co. No, 4), R. L
Amb. Corps.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut. (Co. E), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. H), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 1st F. H.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut , O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. H. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d F. H.
2d Lieut. (Co. G), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. E), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. K), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C, Att. 101st F. A., wait-
ing assignment.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Bat. F), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 10, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Mach. Gun Co.), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. H. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. E), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Colonel (comdg. Regt.), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. H), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 10, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. H), 104th Inf.
252
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Burton, A. W.,
Buxton, Bertram H.,
Byrd, Benjamin C,
Cabot, Charles H.,
Cady, Francis L., .
Cahoon, Harry E., .
Call, Edwin C,
Campbell, Harry B.,
Cannon, Charles J.,
Cannon, George B.,
Cannon, Peter L., ,
Capelle, George C,
Carlson, Francis O. P.,
Carpenter, Hector J.,
Carr, Andrew J.,
Carroll, Edward E.,
Carroll, John C,
Carter, Bernard S.,
Carter, Elliot A., .
Carter, George M.,
Gary, Melbert B., Jr.,
Case, Norman S., .
Casey, William J., .
Cashin, Arthur H.,
Cass, Lewis W.,
Cavanaugh, Frank W.,
Chaffee, Everitte S.,
Chamberlain, Rodman W., .
Chambers, Marten,
Chandler, E. W., .
Chandler, Theophilua P.
Chase, Errol C,
Chase, Harry G., .
Chase, Porter B., .
Captain (comdg. Motor Sec), Amm. Train.
Ist Lieut, (comdg. San. Det.), 103d Mach. Gun
Bn.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E) (absent, sick), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Major (8th Mass.), trans. 104th Inf., S. O. 19.
1st Lieut, (in hospital, struck by lightning),
101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. B). 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
Lieut. (Asst. Topog. Officer), S. O. 91, N. E. D.,
101st Eng.
2d Lieut. (Act. Sup. Officer), 102d Mach. Gun
Bn.
1st Lieut. (Co. M), 103d Inf.
Captain (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Ist Lieut. (Co. G), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C assigned 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut, (comdg. Bat. F), 103d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Eng. Train), 26th Div.
Major, N. A. (Asst. Adjutant).
2d Lieut. (Bat. B), 102d F. A.
Captain, R. I. F. A. (Regt. Adjutant), 103d
F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. E), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. (Bat. C), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 103d Inf.
Major (comdg. Bn.), 101st Bn. Sig. Corps.
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 101st Eng.
253
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Cheney, George W.,
Chisolm, William F.,
Choate, Roland H.,
Choquette, Wallace A.,
Christian, Daniel E.,
Christie, Daniel F.,
Clapp, R. A., Jr., .
Clark, Fletcher, Jr.,
Clark. Philip G.. .
Clarke, James F., .
Clifford, Charles C,
Clogher, Ambrose, .
Clunie, John T., Jr.,
Coar, Herbert C, .
Cobb, William L., .
Coburn, James F., .
Cochrane, James E.,
Cochrane, Jerry,
Cohn, Ralph, .
Colbran, Paul T., .
Cole, Charles H., .
Cole, George C,
Cole, Harry, .
Coleman, Augustus P.,
CoUey, Dwight T., .
Collins, George H.,
Comerais, Henry D.,
Comerford, John T.,
Comey, Chester F.,
Condren, George D.,
Connelly, Gregory L.,
Connelly, Peter F.,
Connor, Harold J.,
Connor, Michael A.,
1st Lieut. (Conn. Cav.) (Co. C), lOlst Mach.
Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. (Co. E), lOlat Eng.
Captain (Regt. S. O.), 102d F. A,
1st Lieut. (Co. D), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. M), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Bat, F), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. A), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. E), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Train Hdqrs. and Mil. Police).
Chaplain, 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut.. O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., N. A., assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6. 26th Div.
Brig. Gen. (comdg. 52d Brig.).
Major, Q. M. C. (Asst. Quartermaster).
2d Lieut. (Co. D). 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 101st Eng.
Captain (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Mach. Gun. Co.). 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Conn. Cav.) (Co. B), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Conn. Cav.) (Co. A), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
Captain (Co. K), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Sup. Co.), 102d Inf.
254
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Cook, Sydney A., .
Corbett, Edward F.,
Corbin, George A.,
Corey, R. T., .
Corkurn, A. D.,
Coughlin, Wallace E.,
Coulter, Andrew F.,
Courtney, Gerald, .
Cousins, John W., .
Cox, James H.,
Crafts, Addison F.,
Craig, George L., .
Cramer, John S.,
Crampton, Earl W.,
Crawford, Douglas C,
Crockett, Elbert M.,
Cronin, George J., .
Crook, Roland D., .
Cross, George I.,
Grossman, Charles T.,
Crowley, Edward W.,
Cummings, Frank B.,
Cunningham, Edward,
Cunningham, Ralph D.,
Curran, Arthur M.,
Gushing, Henry Dwight
Gushing, H. S.,
Cutchin, Joseph H.,
Cutler, David S., .
Dabney, George B.,
Daley, J. T., .
Daly, Thomas V., .
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), lOlst Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. G), 101st Inf.
Captain (comdg. Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6.
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. (Co. C), 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C., assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Veterinarian), Hdqrs.
Troop.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf.. S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut, (comdg. 4th Co.), Sup. Train.
Captain (comdg. Co. D), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. F), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (.5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Bat. B), 102d F. A.
Lieut. Col., 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned I04th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C, Dental Corps (San.
Troops), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 104th Inf.
Major (Instructor), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
Captain (comdg. Motor Sec), Amm. Train.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d Amb.
Co.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Captain (Adjutant, 1st Bn.), lOlst Eng.
2d Lieut. (Detached Service), Amm. Train.
Ist Lieut., N. G. M. C. (R. I. Amb. Corps),
4th Amb. Co.
255
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Dame, Ralph L.,
Dana, William B., .
Daniels, Roy A.,
Danker, Walter S.,
Davis, Charles E., .
Davis, Frank W., .
Davis, Frederick K.,
Davis, George F., ,
Davis, Joseph C, .
Davison, Harold K.,
Day, George T.,
Day, Wallace A., .
Dean, Thompson, .
Decker, Ray E.,
Dee, Michael J.,
Demelman, W^ alter W.,
Densmore, Edgar R.,
Desmond, Arthur W.,
Dewart, Murray W.,
Dexter, Allan L.,
Dickson, Robert B.,
Dinsmore, D. S.,
Doane, Harry L., .
Doane, Erwin E., .
Doherty, James A.,
Doherty, Walter G.,
Dolan, William H.,
Donahue, Louis A.,
Donavan, Frank L.,
Donavan, John J., .
Dowd, Eugene,
Dowell, C.,
Drake, Frank E., .
Driscoll, Joseph H.,
Driver, Robert M.,
Drohan, William L.,
2d Lieut., O. R. C., assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2. 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Bat. C), 102d F. A.
Captain (Chaplain), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. I), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Bat. A), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (6th Co.), Sup. Train.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Captain (Hdqrs. Train, Mil. Police).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. K), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (2d Bn. Adjutant), 101st Inf.
Chaplain, 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf.. S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), lOlst Eng.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned lOlst F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
Major (comdg. 1st Bn.), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. L), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut., 103d F. A.
1st Lieut., Dental Corps (San. Troops), 101st
Inf.
Major (Train Hdqrs., Mil. Police).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Major (comdg. 3d Bn.), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Sup. Train).
2d Lieut. (Veterinarian), lOlst F. A.
Lieut. Col., N. A. (Div. Judge Adv.), 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Co.), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf.. S. O. 6,
p. 1, 20th Div.
2d Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 101st Inf.
256
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Drown, Henry C, .
Dniry, Forrest H.,
Dudley, Oscar C, .
Dume, Ralph L.,
Dunbar, Donald E.,
Dunn, Charles E., .
Dunn, John A.,
Dunn, John H.,
Dunn, Leo F.,
Dwight, PhiUp J., .
Dwyer, William J.,
Eadie, Harold F., .
Eames, Harold M.,
Eaton, Ralph M., .
Eaton, William S., .
Echfeldt, Roger W.,
Eckert, John J.,
Eckle, John M.,
Edes, Samuel H., .
Edgerley, Arnault B.,
Edmands, Horton, .
Edmonds, Edward, Jr.,
Edwards, Clarence R.,
Edwards, Frank P.,
Edwards, H. Boyd,
Elish, Carl M.,
Elliott, George R., .
Ellis, Alexander,
Ellis, Walter C, .
Ely, Theodore W., .
Emerson, Bisphane H.,
Emerson, Harry D.,
Emsley, George,
English, Philip H.,
Enright, Thomas J.,
Erickaon, Edgar E.,
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 101st Eng.
l8t Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), F. H. No. 4.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (comdg. 2d Amb. Co.).
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. M), 104th Inf.
Captain (Co. H). 101st Inf.
Lieut. Col., 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. M), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut.. O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6.
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Veterinarian), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Conn. Cav.) (Co. C), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Bat. D), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. B). 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 102d Inf.
Captain, 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf.. S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Maj. Gen. (comdg. 26th Div.).
1st Lieut. (Sup. Officer, Bn. Adjutant), 101st
Bn., Sig. Corps.
1st Lieut., Chaplain, 101st Engineers.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Eng.
Captain, 103d Inf.
lstLieut.,N.G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.). 1st Amb. Co.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. F), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. M), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. M), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6.
p. 1, 26th Div.
257
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Erlenbach, James H.,
Erskins, Leroy G., .
Estey, Harold W., .
Evans, Charles H.,
Evans, James A., .
Evarts, Joseph A., .
Ewing, Arthur W.,
Ewing, John A.,
Fair, Harold I.,
Farris, Harry R.,
Fay, Henry A.,
Fay, William J.,
Felsted, Joseph E.,
Feltham, John H., Jr.,
Fenton, Roland T.,
Field, Charles W. W.,
Field, Elias,
Findlay, Roland G.,
Finney, Lawrence, .
Fish, Erland W., .
Fisher, Neal H.,
Fitzgerald, William P.,
Fitzgibbons, John, .
Flaherty, Lawrence J.,
Flanagan, James J.,
Flanders, Frank R.,
Fleming, John A., .
Fleming, Nicholas A.,
Flenniken, John,
Fletcher, Edward G.,
Flood, Martin J., .
Foegel, John R.,
Foley, John F.,
. Ist Lieut, N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), lat F. H.
. 2d Lieut., O R. C. assigned 101st F. A., 8. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
. Major (comdg 1st Bn.), 101st Eng.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
. let Lieut. (Vt. Inf.) (Co. D), 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
. Ist Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), Train
Hdqrs., Mil. Police.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
. Major (comdg. San. Troops), 103d Inf.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6.
p. 6. 26th Div.
. 1st Lieut., M. C. (San. Det.), 102d Inf.
. Captain (comdg. Co. E), 102d Inf.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 7, 26th Div.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 7. 26th Div.
. Captain (comdg. Co. A), 101st Eng.
. Captain (comdg. Co. C), 103d Inf.
. 2d Lieut. (Amm. Train).
. Captain (comdg. Bat. B), 101st F. A.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
. 2d Lieut. (Co. G), 101st Inf.
. 1st Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Inf.
. 1st Lieut. (Co. G), 101st Inf.
. 1st Lieut. (Co. I), 101st Inf.
. 1st Lieut. (Co. M), 104th Inf.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
. 1st Lieut. (Co. D), 101st Inf.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
. 2d Lieut. (Co. I), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
. 2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 103d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 7, 26th Div.
. 1st Lieut., 102d Inf.
. 2d Lieut., lOlst Eng.
258
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Foley, Thomas F., .
Foote. Alfred F., .
Ford, Alfred J. L., .
Ford, Leonard G., .
Forsberg, Oscar W.,
Forsythe, Edward C,
Foss, Reginald E., .
Foster, Chester C,
Foster, Dwight,
Foster, George W.,
Fowler, Mil burn M.,
Fox, M. K., .
Frances, Donald S.,
Francis, Walter L.,
Franks, Jerome A. O.,
Freeland, George C.,
French, Prentiss,
Frost, Rufus S.,
Frothingham, Huntington
Fuessenich, L. C., .
Fuller, William A.,
Fullerton, James R.,
Furber, Charles L.,
Gallulo, Michael J.,
Gallup, Dana T., .
Galpin, Perrin C, .
Galvin, John J.,
Gardiner, Edward H.,
Garland, Kimball R.,
Garlick, William J.,
Gatchell, Walter G.,
Gates, Ernest A., .
Gay, Grant E.,
Geer, Clarence W.,
W.,
Captain (comdg. Co. G), 101st Inf.
Major (comdg. 3d Bn.), 104th Inf.
Captain, O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 11, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., M. G. M. C. (comdg. San. Troops),
102d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6.
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C assigned lOlst Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 103d F. A,
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6.
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Mach. Gun
Bn.. S. O. 6, p. 7, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C. assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. M), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut, (absent, sick since call), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. C), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.). 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 2, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. L), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Mach. Gun
Bn., S. O. 6, p. 7, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. A), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
Major (comdg.), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
Major (comdg. San. Troops), 104th Inf,
2d Lieut., 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. H), 102d Inf.
259
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Genard, Aimes D.,
Geofifrion, Alfred J.,
Gettings, James A.,
Gibbs, Frank, .
Giblin, John F. A.,
Gifford, Charles C.,
GUbert. W. J..
Giles, Charles B.,
Gillis, Fred K. J.,
Glass, James, .
Gleason, Marten H
Glynn, Edward J.,
Golver, Joseph A.,
Goodhue, Charles D.,
Goodnough, Henry E.,
Goodrich, George L.,
Goodwin, Robert E.,
Gordon, Douglas, .
Gordon, Sumner S.,
Gorfinkle, Bernard L.,
Gould, Daniel I., .
Guile, Edward M.,
Guinman, Clarence J.,
Gully, Edward J., .
Gunter, Fred G., .
Grabfield, Gustav A.,
Grandgent, L.,
Gravel, Romeo A.,
Gray, Albert C.,
Gray, Edwin R.,
Gray, John L., Jr.,
Green, Walter,
Greene, Roger A., .
Greenlaw, Albert, .
Griffin, Ashley J., .
Griffin, PhiUp J., .
1st Lieut. (Co. A), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 13, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., 101st Eng.
2d Lieut. (Hdqrs.), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (Staff, Motor Sec), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut. (Bat. F), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Captain (Asst. Surgeon).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned Amm. Train,
S. O. 6, p. 12, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Bn. Sig. Corps.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Major (comdg. 1st Bn.), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned Amm. Train,
S. O. 6, p. 12, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned Amm. Train,
S. O. 6, p. 12, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. G), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned lOlst Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Co.), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. B), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 1st Amb. Co.
Captain, O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 11, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Bat. E). 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.) (Aide-de-Camp, Brig.
Gen. Traub).
Lieut, Col., 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. H), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 103d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Tr. Mor. Bat.).
Captain (Regt. Sup. Officer), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. L), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
260
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Grigas, Raymond B.,
Grimwood, Earl F.,
Grindle, Wade L., .
Griswold, Alfred H.,
Hadley, Harold E.,
Hadley, John A., .
Haggerty, James A.,
Hale, Richard A., .
HaU, Harry G.,
Hall, John W.,
Hall, Murray T., .
HaU, Ray W., .
Hall, Roswell E., .
Hall, Samuel A.,
Hallett, Ralph H., .
Hamilton, Ralph S., Jr.,
Hammann, George L.,
Hammond, Ernest K.,
Hammond, Oliver W.,
Hammond, Thomas J.,
Hanley, Gerald T.,
Hannigan, Judson, .
Hansen, Arthur B.,
Hanson, Roy L.,
Harbane, William C.,
Harbold, Robert P.,
Harding, Henry A.,
Hardwick, Sydney C.,
Hardy, John A.,
Harriman, Lynn H.,
Harris, Robert V. K.,
Harrop, Daniel S., .
Hart, Charles E., Jr.,
Hart, Ezra D.,
Hartwell, Everett S.,
Hartwell, Herbert F.,
Hartwell, P. B.,
2d Lieut., O. R. C., assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C., assigned Amm. Train,
S. O. 6, p. 12, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 103d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 101st Eng.
Major, 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. G), 102d Inf.
Lieut. Col., 101st F. A.
2d Lieut., 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. A). 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned Amm. Train,
S. O. 6, p. 12, 26th Div.
Captain (Hdqrs. Co.). 103d F. A.
Captain (Regt. Adjutant), 101st Eng.
Major (comdg. 1st Bn.), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. M), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned lOlst Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. I), 104th Inf.
Captain (Bat. B), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut., 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. D), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Major, N. A. (Asst. Instructor), 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 101st F. A.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (comdg. San. Troops),
Hdqrs. Train, Mil. Police.
Captain, 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C, Amb. Co. No. 4.
Ist Lieut. (Aide-de-Camp, Brig. Gen. Traub).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Bat. A), 103d F. A.
Captain (Regt. Sup. Officer), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Staff, Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
261
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Harwood, Benjamin P.,
Hascall, Theodore C,
Hassett, Leonard W.,
Hasty, Percy A.,
Hause, Robert E., .
Hawkes, Edgar B.,
Hayes, Robert,
Hayes, William C,
Hazel tine, Frank G.,
Healey, Thomas F.,
Healy, Jeremiah J.,
Healy, John E.,
Heiser, Jerome M.,
Helff, Joseph R.,
Hemingway, Harold,
Hepburn, William, .
Herbert, John F., Jr.,
Herrick, Harold W.,
Hickey, James F., .
Higgins, Royal F., Jr.,
Higgins, William, .
Hill, Lucius E.,
HUl, Mahlon T., .
Hiller, John A.,
Hills, Orlando G., .
Hinds, Charles S., .
Hines, Paul H.,
Hobbs, Henry C., .
Hobbs, Horace B., .
Hobbs, Marland C.,
Hobbs, Russell,
Hoegan, Joseph A.,
Holmes, John J.,
Holmes, Robert P.,
Homeister, Henry J.,
Hopkins, Ralph P.,
6,
6,
1st Lieut. (Act. 2d Bn. Adjutant), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (San. Troops), 103d F. A.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Train Hdqrs. and Mil. Police).
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 101st Inf.
Colonel, comdg. 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O
p. 1, 26th Div.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (San. Troops). 102d
Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. L), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d F. H.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 102d Inf.
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Conn. Cav.) (Co. D), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
Captain (Co. L), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Bat. C), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bat. D), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O
p. 4, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C
p. 3, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S
p. 3, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 104th Inf.
Lieut. Col. (Inspector).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
6,
assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
0.6,
2G2
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Horn»r, Alb«rt A., .
Hoiford, Elson A., .
Hosmer, George W.,
Houley, Joseph P.,
Howard, James L.,
Howard, Ralph W.,
Howe, H. M., .
Howe, Harry R.,
Howe, Thorndike D.,
Howe, William F., .
Hoyle, Henry R., .
Hudson, W. N., .
Hugo, John G.,
Hume, Frank M., .
Huntington, Frederic D
Hurley, James S., .
Hutchius, Edward,
Hyatt, John W.,
l8t Lieut.. N. G. M. C. (Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga.),
101st F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. L), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 102d Inf.
Major (Conn. Cav.) comdg. lOlst Mach. Gun
Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Motor Sec), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Eng.
Lieut. Col., 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bat. C), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Horse Sec), Amm.J^rain.
Major, N. G. M. C. (Surgeon), 102d Inf.
Colonel, comdg. 103d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Bat. A), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. G), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 8, 26th Div.
Captain (Infantry) (Aide-de-Camp, Maj. Gen.
Edwards).
Inches, Henderson,
Ingersoll, Colin M.,
Ireland, William D.,
Irving, George E., .
Isbell, Ernest L.,
Jacobs, Carlton D.,
Jenkins, Lawrence D.,
Jenkins, Thomas L.,
Johnson, Albert E.,
Johnson, Edward A.,
Johnson, Norman P.,
Johnson, Orville P.,
Johnston, Clyde C,
Jones, Fred H.,
Jones, Frederick E.,
Jones, John A.,
Jutras, William A.,
1st Lieut, (comdg. Bat. D), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Regt. Inf.,
S. O. 3. p. 13, 26th Div.
Colonel, comdg. 102d Inf.
Captain (Topog. Officer), 101st Eng.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Major, N. G. M. C. (comdg. San. Troops), 103d
F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 104th
Inf.
1st Lieut. (Div. Staff), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
Major (Asst. Surgeon).
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 103d Inf.
263
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Kane, Robert,
Kavanagh, Arthur J.,
Kearney, James R.,
Keenan, Barry,
Kelleher, S. B.,
Kelley, Herbert N..
Kellog, Francis F., .
Kells. Walter D., .
Kelly, James V.,
Kenealy, Martin A.,
Kennon, Blaisdell C,
Kenny, John, .
Kerr, James, .
Keville, W. J.,
Kilpatrick, Charles J.,
King, Frederick A.,
King, George M., .
King, John P.,
King, Malcolm L., .
Kingston, James M.,
Kirby, Edward J., .
Kirkpatrick, A. H.,
Kirwan, Thomas A.,
Kittredge, Paul E.,
Kivenaar, William J.,
Kluge, Ernest J.,
Knauth, Felix W., .
Knight, Henry P., .
Knowlton, John G. W.,
Kroll, Nolan, .
2d Lieut., N. A., assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans, 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), Amm.
Train.
Captain (comdg. Co. L), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (San. Troops), 101st Eng.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 101st Inf.
Captain (Regt. Sup. Officer), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut, Co. M, 104th Inf.
Lieut. Col. (comdg.), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 103d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 4, 26th Div.
Major, comdg. 2d F. H.
Major (comdg. Motor Sec), Amm. Train.
1st Lieut. (Officer Interp.).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Veterinarian), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. K), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. A), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. M), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut., 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Bat. A), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. H), 104th Inf.
Major, N. G. M. C, comdg. F. H. No. 4.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 102d Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 3, 26th Div.
LaDue, Charles P.,
Lahey, James D., .
Lamb, Edwin E., .
Lamkin, Howard W.,
Landon, Horace Z.,
Lane, Albert S.,
Lane, Ralph W.,
Lang, E. H., .
2d Lieut. (Co. H), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Inf.
Lieut. Col., 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 101st Eng.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
264
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Langdon, Duncan, .
Langdon, George, .
Langill, Morton H.,
Larkin, George W.,
Lawler, Daniel H.,
Lawrence, William D.,
Leahy, Francis H.,
Leavenworth, Dana T.,
Lee, Christopher H.,
Lee, Joe, .
Leggat, John C,
Lentine, G. E.,
Leslie, Howard C, .
Lewis, Lester T.,
Lewis, S. Alger M.,
Lincoln, Clark R., .
Lincoln, Winslow S.,
Linton, Frederick M.,
Livingstone, Thomas F.
Lockart, Charles E.,
Locke, Arthur F., .
Logan, Donald B., .
Logan, Edward L.,
Loomis, James L., .
Lothrop, Everett W.,
Love, Robert W., .
Lovely, Bernard H.,
Lovett, Robert N.,
Lowell, Eugene P.,
Lowell, Harry L., .
Lucke, Frederick H.,
Lund, H. Gardner,
Luscombe, Walter S.,
Luther, Earl F.,
Luther, Willard B.,
Lydon, John J.,
Lynch, James H., .
Lynch, W, H.,
Lyon, James A.,
2d Lieut. (Bat. B), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Bat. A), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 3d Amb. Co.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. K), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. I), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (D. S. Hdqrs., 52d Brig.), 6th Mass.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Surgeon), 101st Mach.
Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. (Bat. D), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. (Bat. A), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut, (comdg. 3d Co.), Sup. Train.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. M), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 104th Inf.
Colonel, comdg. 101st Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. B) , 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Jr. M. O.), F. H. No. 4.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 101st Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. G), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. H), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. B). 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Sup. Co.). 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bat. E), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (D. S., N. E. D., S. O. 85), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. A), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
2d Lieut. (Veterinarian), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st Inf.
McDade, William A.,
MacDonald, Alexander,
Captain, 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (3d Bn. Adjutant), 104th Inf.
265
THE YANKEE DIVISION
MacDonald, Herman A
MacLeod, Colin G.,
MacLeod, Norman D.,
Mackenzie, John A.,
MacMillan, Robert W.,
Maddocks, L. E., .
Madison, Burdette R.,
Mahoney, Daniel P.,
Mahoney, John W.,
Main, Mathew W.,
Mains, Charles F., .
Malaney, C. E.,
Malcahyt, Raymond F.
Maloney, Leonard J.,
Malonson, James H.,
Maloon, Robert I.,
Mansfield, Lawrence K.
Mansfield, Thomas H.,
Manson, William B.,
Marion, John F.,
Marley, Thomas, Jr.,
Marston, Roy L., .
Martin, Harry G., .
Mason, Edward H.,
Master, Mellville E.,
Mattson, William R.,
Mau, Clarence R., .
Maubach, A. A.,
Maynard, Oscar J.,
Mayo, Walter J., .
McBrayne, Winfred,
McCarthy, Eugene J.,
McCarthy, George E.,
McCarthy, William J.,
McConnell, Joseph W.,
McDowell, Jeremiah J.,
McGar, Frank H., .
McGrew, Donald R.,
McKenna, Peter G.,
McKenney, Henry J.,
McLeod, Stuart, .
McMath, D. E., .
McMillan, R. F., .
McNair, Morris L.,
1st Lieut.
2d Lieut.
2d Lieut.
2d Lieut.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
2d Lieut.
1st Lieut.
2d Lieut.,
1st Lieut. (Bat. F). 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bat. C), 103d F. A.
(Bat. B), 103d F. A.
(Co. I), 104th Inf.
(Co. D), 101st Eng.
(Veterinarian), 103d F. A.
(Mach. Gun Co.), 104th Inf.
(Co. B), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
(3d Bn. Adjutant), 101st Inf.
(Co. F), 103d Inf.
Captain, N. G. M. C, comdg. 1st Amb. Co.
1st Lieut. (Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 104th Inf.
(Co. G), 102dlnf.
, N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d Amb. Co.
O. R. C, assigned lOlst Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 1, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Bat. D), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. M), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6.
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 5,
p. 6.
Captain (comdg. Co. E), 103d Inf.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. K), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. E), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Adjutant, 1st Bn.), 102d Inf.
Major, N. A. (Asst. Chief St.).
2d Lieut. (R. I. Cav.) (comdg. 2d Co.), Sup.
Train.
Major, 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. F), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d Amb. Co.
2d Lieut. (Tr. Mor. Bat.).
Captain (Co. B), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. A), 101st Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. D), 6th Mass.
Captain (comdg. Co. L), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.) , 1st Amb. Co.
2d Lieut. (Co. L), 103d Inf.
Captain (Regt. Adjutant), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
Lieut. Col. (Asst. Quartermaster).
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
266
THE YANIvEE DTWSTON
McNamee, Frank A.,
Merriam, Dana S.,
Merrill, Harold H.,
Metcalf, Donald C,
Metcalf, Ernest T. H.,
Meyers, Richard F.,
Miller, Edgar F., .
Miller, Richard H.,
Mills, Hiram W., .
Miner, R. B., .
Minot, Wayland M.,
Mitton, Harry D., .
Montooth, Charles,
Moore, E. Judson, ,
Moore, Russell V., .
Morgan, William B.,
Morrill, William H.,
Morrison, Dana S.,
Morse, Charles H.,
Moyse, George G.,
Munyon, Benson G.,
Murphy, Edward R.,
Murphy, Gardner, .
Murphy, John D., .
Murphy, Thomas F.,
Murphy, William A.,
Murray, Archie F.,
Murray, William H.,
Murtaugh, Joseph E.,
Myers, Rawdon W.,
Nagle, William T.,
Nash, Arthur N., .
Needham, Daniel, .
Needham, Sumner H.,
Nelson, Gustav A.,
Nelson, Hendrick C,
Newcomb, Erwin B.,
Newell, Harold G.,
Newman, William E.,
Newton, E. H.,
Newton, J. Willard,
1st Lieut. (Bat. B), lOlst F. A.
2d Lieut., 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut., 103d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st
F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant), 101st Mach. Gun
Bn.
1st Lieut. (Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
Captain (Bn. Adjutant), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Bat. D), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut, (comdg. 1st Co.), Sup. Train.
2d Lieut. (Co. E), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. D), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Bat. F), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Bat. A), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Co. G), 104th inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st
Eng.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Mach. Gun Co.), 101st Inf.
Captain (Regt. Adjutant), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned 104th Inf., S. O. 6,
p. 5, 26th Div.
1st Lieutenant (Co. A), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. H), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. H), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 3d Amb. Co.
Major (R. I. R. A.), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 101st F. A.
Captain (comdg. Bat. F), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Bat. C), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. K), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Horse Sec), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 101st F. A.
267
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Neval, Henry,
Nevers, Harry H., .
Nielsen, Edwin B.,
Norris, Robert B., .
Northrop, George A.,
Norton. Charles N.,
Norton, Paul J.,
Nye, George I.,
Gates, William H.,
Oberlm, Frederick,
O'Brien, James J., .
O'Brien, Patrick, .
O'Connell, Daniel, .
O'Connor, Michael J.,
O'Donnell, Timothy J.,
O'Keefe, John A., Jr.,
Osborn, John F.,
Owen, Albert S.,
Page, Lawrence B.,
Palmer, Osborne, .
Park, Joseph M., .
Parker, George A.,
Parker, George O.,
Parker, Harold E.,
Parsons, George E.,
Paton, John A.,
Payne, Arthur N., .
Peaslee, John D., .
Pell, Charles E., .
Pellett, Charles A.,
Pendleton, Andrew L.
Penney, George S.,
Perkins, Frank S., .
Perkins, Holton B.,
Perrins, John, Jr., .
Petrofsky, Joseph J.,
Petty, Orville A., .
Phillips, Edward H.,
Pickett, Samuel C,
Pierce, RouU A.,
Pinches, Francis W.,
2d Lieut. (6th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Major, N. G. M. C. (comdg. San. Troops), 101st
F. A.
Major, N. G. M. C. (comdg. San. Troops), 101st
Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Eng.
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. F), 103d Inf.
Captain (Regt. Adjutant), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 103d Inf.
Ist Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. E), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. lOlst Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Chaplain), 101st Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. H), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant), 101st F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st
Bn., Sig. Corps.
Captain (comdg. Bat. B), 102d F. A.
Ist Lieut. (Co. B), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut. (Co. K), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Bat. C), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Train Hdqrs., Mil. Police).
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d F. H.
Captain (Regt. Sup. Officer), lOlst Eng.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
Captain (Train Hdqrs., Mil. Police).
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 104th Inf.
Captain (Staff, Amm. Train).
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
Captain (Aide-de-Camp, Maj. Gen. Edwards).
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Co.), 104th Inf.
Major (comdg. 2d Bn.), 101st F. A.
Lieut. Col., 101st Eng.
Major, comdg. 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Chaplain), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. E), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O), Ist F. H.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 102d Inf.
268
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Piper, Frank, .
Plummer, Charles W.,
Pond, William G., .
Potter, James F., .
Powell, Lester L., .
Power, John D.,
Powers, James J., .
Powers, Theodore H.,
Pratt, Bronsdon A.,
Pratt, George L., ,
Quirk, Thomas J., .
Rancourt, Mark P.,
Rancourt, Thomas J.,
Rand, Raymond R.,
Rapport, David L.,
Rau, George A.,
Reardon, Frank J.,
Redmond, Ernest R.,
Renth, Clifford,
Reynolds, Charles P.,
Richardson, Edward B.,
Rieke, Henry A., .
Rivers, James G., .
Robart, Ralph W.,
Robbins, Howard W.,
Roberts, George A.,
Robinson, George K.,
Robinson, Warren E.,
Rodger, James V., .
Rogers, Albert R., .
Rogers, Fred H.,
Rogers, John A.,
Root, William H., .
Rosoff, Abraham, .
Rotch, Charles M.,
Rushford, Edward A.,
Safford, Ralph K., .
Saltmarsh, Charles H.,
Sanborn, John R., .
Sanders, Thomas, ,
Sargent, Lester F., .
Sayrers, William J.,
Scanlon, Harry W.,
Scarborough, Clarence G
Scarles, Herbert C,
1st Lieut., N. G, M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d Amb. Co.
2d Lieut. (Bat. A), 101st F. A.
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Co.), 6th Mass. Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. M), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. E), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 6th Mass. Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 3d Amb. Co.
1st Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 103d Inf.
Ist Lieut. (Co. K), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Hdqrs. Co.), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 1st F. H.
Major (comdg. 1st Bn.), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. I), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Bat. E), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. B), 101st F. A.
Major (comdg. 1st Bn.), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. L), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. K), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d F. H.
(Bn. Adjutant), 103d Inf.
(D. S. Hdqrs., 52d Brig.), 6th Mass.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
Inf.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
1st Lieut.
N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), F. H. No. 4.
(Bat. A), 102dF. A.
N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 101st Eng.
Major (comdg. San. Troops), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Bat. D), 101st F. A.
Captain (2d Bn. Adjutant), 101st Eng.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 6th Mass. Inf.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 104th Inf.
269
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Schley, William S.,
Schuyler, Philip L.,
Scorer, Charles E., .
Scott, Harley J.,
Searle, Chester A., .
Shanahan, William J.,
Shanley, J. L.,
Shannon, William H.,
Sheldon, Harold P.,
Sheldon, Harry G.,
Shelton, George H.,
Sherburne, John H.,
Sherman, Roger,
Shipke, John, .
Shumway, Sherman N.,
Shunney, William P.,
Silbees, Henry O., .
Simkins, William G.,
Simonds, George S.,
Simons, Aiken,
Simpkens, Willard,
Simpkins, John R.,
Simpkins, N. S., Jr.,
Slate, Demund J., .
Small, Deane B.,
Smith, Arthur,
Smith, Charles W. H.,
Smith, Corburn,
Smith, Emery T., .
Smith, Frank L.,
Smith, Harold W., .
Smith, Harry F., .
Smith, R. E., .
Smith, S. Stewart, .
Smith, Walter B., .
Southard, William E.,
Spencer, Harry E.,
Sprague, Charles H.,
Spratt, Charles W.,
Stackpole, Markam W.,
Stanchfield, Charles C,
Staten, Chester E.,
Stevens, Frank W.,
Stevenson, William,
Stewart, Duncan M.,
Stiles, William H., .
Stillwell, Thomas K. P.,
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 2d F. H.
Captain (Train Hdqrs., Mil. Police).
Captain (Asst. Quartermaster), 26th Div.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut., 103d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Motor Sec), Amm. Train.
2d Lieut. (Veterinarian), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Train Hdqrs., Mil. Police),
Lieut. Col. (Chief of Staff).
Colonel (comdg.), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (Sup. Co.), 101st F. A.
Captain (comdg. Mach. Gun Co.), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. E), 103d Inf.
Captain, 103d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Sup. Co.), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. C), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
Lieut. Col. (Adjutant), 26th Div.
Captain (Asst. Ord. Officer), 26th Div.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Co.), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Aide-de-Camp, Gen. Edwards),
101st F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. D), 104th Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
1st Lieut. (Co. G), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Co.), 101st F. A.
Colonel, 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Bat. F), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. M), 102d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 101st Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 101st Bn., Sig. Corps.
2d Lieut. (Bat. D), 103d F. A.
Major, 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. D), 101st Eng.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), 3d Amb. Co.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Chaplain), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. B), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
Captain, 104th Inf.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (comdg.), 3d Amb. Co.
Captain (Co. C), 104th Inf.
Major, 6th Mass. Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 104th Inf.
Major, 104th Inf.
270
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Stoddard, Malcolm L.,
Stowe, Roy E.,
Strickland, Daniel W.,
Stromwell, Edgar A.,
Strong, Joseph W.,
Sullivan, George W.,
Surls, Joseph K., .
Swaim, Roger D., ,
Swan, Carroll J.,
Sweetser, Warren E.,
Swett, Guy I.,
Talbot, Bertell L., .
Tarbell, George G.,
Taylor, Emerson G.,
Taylor, H. W.,
Taylor, John C.,
Tenney, Walter N.,
Tenney, William N.,
Thomas, Chester C,
Thomas, Harold C,
Thompson, Clarence M.
Thompson, Frederick J.
Thompson, Harold W.,
Tibbetts, George A.,
Tickner, Benjamin H.,
Tidd, John H.,
Tobey, , .
Tobey, Walter P., .
Toelken, Julius W.,
Toppan, William J.,
Towne, John G.,
Traub, Peter S.,
Trombly, Arthur P.,
Turner, Oliver,
Twachtman, J. Alden,
Twitchell, Clarence C,
Tyler, Samuel A., .
Vail, Robert, .
Valle, Paul B.,
Vitalis, Mario M. de,
Wade. William W.,
Walcott, William W.,
2d Lieut. (Co. I), 10.3d Inf.
2d Lieut, (Bat. E), 103d F. A.
1st Lieut. (Co. D), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. G), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut.. 101st Eng.
Captain (comdg. Co. E), 6th Mass. Inf.
1st Lieut.. N. G. M. C. (San. Troops). lOlst
Eng.
Captain (D. S.. Ft. Sill, Okla.), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. D), 101st Eng.
Colonel, comdg. Train Hdqrs.. Mil. Police.
Ist Lieut. (Co. D). 103d Inf.
Captain. N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 101st Eng.
Captain (Regt. Adjutant), 102d Inf.
Captain, N. G. M. C. (San. Troops). 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. M). 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 102d Mach. Gun Bn.
Major. N. G. M. C, comdg. 1st F. H.
1st Lieut. (Co. C). 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut. (Co. C). 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
Captain (comdg. Co. K), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. D). 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. C), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San, Troops), 101st Inf.
Captain (Regt. Adjutant), 101st F. A.
1st Lieut. (5th Mass.), trans. 101st Inf., S. O. 3,
p. 13, 26th Div.
Captain (Hdqrs. Co.), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. C), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. K), 104th Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. F), 101st Eng.
Major, N. G. M. C. (Asst. Surgeon), 26th Div.
Brig. Gen., comdg. 61st Inf. Brig.
Captain (comdg. Bat. E), 102d F. A.
2d Lieut., O. R. C, assigned Amm. Train,
S. O. 6. p. 12. 26th Div.
Captain (D. S.. Ft. Sill. Okla.), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. L). 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Co. L). 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Bat. B). 102d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Mach, Gun Bn.), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut.. O. R. C, assigned 101st F. A., S. O. 6,
p. 6, 26th Div.
Captain (Brig. Adjutant), 61st Brig.
1st Lieut.. N. G. M. C. (San. Troops). 101st Eng.
271
THE YANKEE DIVISION
Walker, William, .
Wallace, George M.,
Wallace, John B., .
Wallbridge, Robert E.,
Waller, S. R., .
Walsh, James A., .
Walsh, James F., .
Walsh, James J.,
Ward, Stanley A., .
Ware, George H., .
Ware, John,
Warner, Frederick L.,
Warren, Walter E.,
Washburne, Cyrus C.,
Waterman, Paul,
Watson, Selden S.,
Watts, Edward R.,
Webster, Earle,
Weeks, Charles S., .
Weisel, Admund T.,
Welbourn, Marshall A.,
Welch, William H.,
Wendell, Percy,
Wesselhoeft, Conrad,
Westbrook, Stillman F.,
Wheeler, Carroll N.,
Wheelock, H. H.. .
White, Ralph F., .
White, Ralph G.. ,
Whitney, WilUam H.,
Wigglesworth, Norton,
Wilcox, Leroy S., .
Wilkerson, Charles P.,
Williams, Frank P.,
Williams, Howard S.,
Wilson, John E.,
Wing, Persons W.,
Winslow, Harold,
Woef, Frank E.,
Wolcott, Oliver,
Wood, Howard C,
Wood, Jack B.,
Woods, John C,
Woods, John F.,
Woods, Wesley H.,
2d Lieut. (Co. L), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. D). 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Adjutant, 3d Bn.), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut., Eng. Train.
1st Lieut, (Tr. Mor. Bat.).
2d Lieut. (Co. L), 101st Inf.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (Jr. M. O.), lOlst F. A.
2d Lieut. (Bat. C), 103d F. A.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 104th Inf.
Ist Lieut. (Co. A), 101st Eng.
Ist Lieut. (Co. D), lOlst Eng.
1st Lieut. (Bn. Adjutant, 2d Bn.), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. H), 102d Inf.
Major, N. G. M. C. (attached 101st F. A., await-
ing assignment).
Major (Asst. Quartermaster).
1st Lieut. (Bat. F), 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. D. C. (San. Troops), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Bat. B), 101st F. A.
Major (Div. Ord. Officer).
lstLieut.,N. G. M. C. (Jr. M.O.), IstAmb. Co.
Captain (comdg. Co. C), 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
2d Lieut., 102d F. A.
1st Lieut., N. G. M. C. (San. Troops), Train
Hdqrs., Mil. Police.
1st Lieut. (Co. B), 101st Mach. Gun. Bn.
2d Lieut. (Bat. D), 101st F. A.
Captain, Q. M. C. (Asst. A. M.).
2d Lieut. (Co. K), 103d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 103d Inf.
Captain (comdg. Co. I), 102d Inf.
1st Lieut. (1st Bn. Adjutant), 101st F. A.
2d Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. A), 102d Inf.
Lieut. Col. (Asst. Surgeon).
1st Lieut. (Mach. Gun Co.), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. D), 103d Inf.
1st Lieut. (Jr. M. O.), F. H. No. 4.
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 102d F. A.
Captain (comdg. Co. A), 101st Mach. Gun Bn.
Captain (comdg. Hdqrs. Troops).
2d Lieut. (Co. F), 104th Inf.
2d Lieut. (Co. C), 103d Mach. Gun Bn.
1st Lieut. (Adjutant, 2d Bn.), 102d Inf.
2d Lieut., 101st Eng.
2d Lieut. (Co. B), 103d Inf.
Young, William H.,
2d Lieut. (Bat. E), 101st F. A.
272
INDIVIDUAL SERVICE RECORD
INDIVIDUAL SERVICE RECORD
Name
Address
Volunteered at
Drafted at
Draft number _.
Called for service
Age on entering service
Trained at
Length of training period in the United States.
First Assignment
Date 19.
.at.
275
Sailing and Arrival in France
Entrained at.
Detrained at
Embarked, port of
OnS. S -
Arrived, port of
Disembarked at
Entrained for
Incidents of trip
Beginning of Life ** Over There "
Billeted in 19 to 19.
Training Period Abroad
.days at _ from 19 to 19.
.days at from 19 to 19.
276
Departure for the Front
Entrained at 19.
Detrained at. 19.
Off for the front 19 Arrived 19.
Name of battle front Location
Entered trenches first time ^..19.
Number of days in trenches
Longest period in trenches days at
From 19 to 19.
Battles
Battle of 19 to 19.
Battle of
19..
..to
19
Battle of.
19..
..to
19
Battle of
19..
._to
.19
Battle of
19..
..to
.19
Battle of
19..
..to
19
277
Furloughs
Places Visited
Casualties
Injured at 19.
Nature of injury
Injured at 19.
Nature of injury
In hospital 19 to 19.
In hospital 19 to 19.
Convalesced at 19 to 19_
Gassed at 19.
"Over the top" times, from 19___to 19 _
278
Transfers and Promotions
Transferred from 19.
To at.
Promoted from 19.
To. _at_
Commanding Officers
Honorable Mention
Honorable discharge at close of war 19.
At
Cited for honorable mention for
279
Decorations received
In Memoriam
Name Age
Killed in action 19.
Died of wounds at - 19.
Died of disease at 19.
Died of accident at -19.
Died at sea 19.
Buried at 19.
Mustered Out — Arrival Home
Embarked for home on S. S . 19.
At ----
Arrived, port of 19.
Disembarked 19.
Entrained for camp 19.
At Detrained 19.
Mustered out. 1 19.
Entrained for 19_
Arrived home 19.
280
Incidents of Special Interest
281
Signatures of Commanding Officers and Men of My
Division
282
Signatures of Commanding Officers and Men of My
Division
283
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