■IP 'J ( ^: ' 'HI' I III 1 MB Bf N\ 1S^' ( ;< '■!(■■' r ( ^' V / ( r K ^^^^^^:^?^ , \ ) ■z f J ■s ' (, I ( .) i J I J ,i. C0L0M;I, IIKNItY A. Al.LKX. iiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiniiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii HISTORY OF CO. "F" I08TH ENGINEERS. 3 3RD DIV. COMPILED AND EDITED by 1 ST LT. ROBERT P. RICHARDS and SGT.. 1st CLASS, JOHN R. BEALL APPROVED BY COL. HENRY A. ALLEN uiiiiniiuiiMMiiiiinMiiiiiHiHiiiniiiiiiiiMiniMiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiMHiniiiiMiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiHiiniiiinimiiumiiHmiHMiiiiiinu Dedicated to THE COMRADES WE LEFT "OVER THERE." iiiiiiMimimiiiiiimiiMiniiiniimiiHiiimniMiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniitiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiniiiniMiiiiiiHiMniiiHiMiininHininniiiiiiHnnniimnMn © SRir URL N May 17, 1917, Federal authority was given and Lt. Col. Henry A. Allen, Chief Engr. 111. Nat'l Guard ordered by the Adj. Gen. of the State to organize the 1st Reg't 111. Engrs. One Company, Company "A," had previously been authorized and was but partially recruited. On July 22nd the other five companies of the regi- ment having been recruited up to strength, the various recruiting stations throughout Chicago were instructed to assign all recruits to Company ^'F." Captain Ralph C. Harris was given command, and Lieutenants Ernest V. Lippe and Chester L. Brundage were assigned to the company. Preliminary drilling was done during the evenings at the Municipal Pier, Chicago, and on the morning of July 25th the company reported here for duty in response to the President's call and under the orders covering the mobilization of the National Guard. On August 1st the regiment was inspected by the Federal Authorities, and on August 7th was mustered into Federal Service. The following roster shows all the officers and men who formed the original Company "F" which entered the Federal Service on the above date: Officers. Capt. R. C. Harris 1st Lt. E. V. Lippe 2nd Lt. C. L. Brundage Privates: Privates: Ahem, Joseph F. Benson, Frederick E. Anderson, Arthur Blaiichard, Frank T. Anthony, Earl A. Boemmols, Frank M. Brada, George S. Babian, Simon J. Breska, Charles E. Barrs, William B. Brooks, Ralph P. Bassett, Howard R. Brownlea, Bruce Bennett, Evan H. BroAvn, Ray E. Bennett, Francis H. D. Buclier, Andrew J. Privates: Bunker, Edward D. Burnham, Horace B. Burr, Thomas F. Burtt, Albert F. Byrnes, Martin V. Carlson, Paul L. Cary» William K. Chapman, Frederick L. Cielic, Albert J. Clark, Owen C. Clark, Thomas Cooper, Louis Corcoran, Henry M. Cronin, Daniel P. J. DeSalvo, Carmen DeSchepper, Dominon Donovan, Edward M. Dougherty, Frank T. Dwyer, Frank Ehnore, Charles E. Engle, Charles F. Erickson, Elmer Erickson, Ehner E. Fay, Chester H. Fitzgerald, Timothy J. Flower, Ralph Fridrichs, Richard L. Fry, Raymond J. Gale, Earle S. Gassmere, George W. Gilbertsen, Albert 0. Glowacki, Antoni Privates: Grady, Patrick J. Green, George H. Greg, Louis Haehlan, Clarence C. Hanley, Michael Hannon, Edward Hanson, Arnold T. Hansen, Sophus G. Harper, Paul J. Harris, Stanley G. Hay, Simon D. Heilmann, Leonard Hellwig, Randolph W. Hendricksen, Robert A. Herman, Clyde E. Hoyt, Howard L. Hunt, Leonard W. Iwert, Frederick A. Jones, George A. Jones, Milton A. Jordan, Charles D. Kausch, George Keenan, Harry J. Kersten, George R. Koster, Herbert Kerkowski, Gustave Kebsch, Charles W. Kiefer, Peter P. Kirby, Cyril J. Kohout, Frank W. Kreneck, John T. Privates: Privates: Leslie, Walter M. Lewis, George H. Lowry, Thomas Lund, Fred May, Frederick A. Mayfield, Leonard Mays, Richard G. Marsolais, Edward L. McDonnell, Thomas J. McEldowney, Ernest E. McGrath, Dennis A. McKee, William J. McManaman, Edward F. Meagher, John S. Mendenhall, Edward Mentgen, Martin J. Miller, Sam Moore, George R. Morgan, John B. Mulcahy, Robert J. Mulderick, William J. MuUauer, Edward Muller, Charles R. Murphy, Michael B. Murray, Daniel Niemuth, William C Nelson, Earl V. Neubert, Fred W. Nawrot, Peter J. Olsen, Charles J. Olsen, Elmore G. Olsen, Harry H. Oakes, David S. Parker, Joel W. Pascente, Sollie Penny, Thomas J. Petersen, Hans G. PoUey, Frank E. Racyk, Mathew A. Rasmussen, Harold E. Rathert, Henry A. Renshaw, Harry F. Robinson, Louis F. Robinson, Chester R. Roorda, George T. Ross, Clarence J. Rumsey, Schuyler J. Ruzich, Max Saelens, Marcel E. Scroggins, Elmer R. Seeley, Earle T. Sheffield, Stephen R. Small, William J. Smith, Virgil B. Spruling, Eric N. Stanley, Royal Steiner, Louis H. Tanck, Edwin Tevis, Walter S. Thayer, Lambert W. Thom, William Thulis, Edward M. VanDorpe, Ralph Vermeire, Aimie Wallace, John J. Wallin, Charles A. Privates: Privates: Walsh, George B. Wing, Lloyd R. Weber, George A. Winiiegge, Herman 0. Weinberg, Wayne E. Wood, Harry C. West, Roy G. Wood, Harry R. White, Roy C. Wood, Ralph E. Whitelaw, John B. Whitney, Ralph B. Zak, George A. Williams, Glen R. Zeigler, Benjamin M. Williamson, William A. Zychal, Frank Military instruction was started at the Municipal Pier, suitable arrangements were made for housing the men and work on the organization was continued until September 6, 1917, when the regiment was ordered to entrain for Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, which was to be its training camp. At this time Second Lieutenant John M. Heath was assigned to the company and Second Lieutenant Chester L. Brundage was promoted to First Lieutenant. Company entrained at 7 a. m., September 6, 1917, with three officers and one hundred and sixty-four men; arrived Camp Logan, Texas, 4 a. m. September 11, 1917, Lieutenant Heath reporting upon arrival at Camp Logan. At Camp Logan the regiment reported, as Divisional Engineers, to Maj. Gen. George Bell, Jr., commanding the 33rd Division, and was designated as the 108th En- gineers. The company remained in training with regiment at Camp Logan, Texas, from the date above given until April 23, 1918. During this time instruction was given covering all military operations, and included a large amount of engineering work. The best example of the CAPTAIN RAbl'li O. IIAKUIS. ■3. ^~ „.<:(■. i ••? engineering work done by the company was a wooden trestle bridge 220 feet long and 18 feet wide crossing a gully 34 feet deep. This bridge was designed and con- structed entirely by members of the company and was built of timbers cut near the site. The bridge was de- signed to carry a ten ton moving load. Towards the end of the training period orders were given for many regimental inspections, the company be- ing subjected to searching examinations covering mili- tary work, engineering work and equipment. The result of these inspections showed that on leaving Camp Logan the company was proficient in all work and was com- pletely supplied with Quartermaster, Ordinance, Engi- neering and Signal Corps Equipment. During the period of training many changes oc- curred in the personnel of the company due to men being physically unfit, transfers, promotions, etc. In addition, the authorized strength of the company was increased from four officers and one hundred sixty-four enlisted men to six officers and two hundred fifty men. During this time the following enlisted men of the company were commissioned Second Lieutenants and as- signed to other organiaztions : Sergt. Fred W. Neubert Sergt. Timothy J. Fitzgerald Sergt. Louis F. Robinson Sergt. Frederick L. Chap- Sergt. Earl V. Nelson man Sergt. Elmer E. Erickson Corp. Walter F. Gates Sergt. William J. Linn Corp. Glen R. Williams Sergt. Stanley G. Harris Pvt. William J. Shea On April 23, 1918, the company consisting of four officers and two hundred forty-three men entrained witli the regiment at 3 p. m. for Camj) Merritt, N. J., en route to France, arriving at Camp Merritt on April 2Sth, 9 p. m. The regiment remained at Camp Merritt until the morning of May 7th, when it proceeded to Port of Em- barkation, Hoboken, N. J., and embarked on the U. S. Transport ** George Washington." The transport sailed at 4 p. m. May 8, 1918. The following oflBcers and men then comprised Com- pany "F" 108th Engineers; Captain Ralph C. Harris 1st Lieut. Ernest V. Lippe Ist Lieut. Oscar W. Urbom 2nd Lieut. Philip E. Cole 1st Lieut. William M. Ward 2nd Lieut. Robert P. Richards 1st Sergeant: Sergeants: Brownlea, Bruce Bunker, Edward D. o * -, A m Burtt, Albert F. Sergeants, 1st Class: n -j • i t^- i i x ^ ' Fridrichs, Richard L. Caswell, George E. Hay, Simon D. Kausch, George Kohout, Frank W. Sergeants, 1st Class: Morgan, John B, Moore, George R. Supply Sergeant: Wood, Harry R. Mess Sergeant: Mullauer, Edward Stable Sergeant: Bennett, Evan H. Sergeants: Bassett, Howard R. Beall, John R. Benson, Frederick E. Gish, Albert R. Jones, Milton A. Novak, Frank Peterson, Hans G. Rathert, Henry A. Spurling, Eric N. Winnegge, Herman 0. Zak, George A. Corporals: Barnes, William L. Brada, George S. Byrnes, Martin V. Campbell, Gordon C. Clark, Thomas Corrigan, John J. Damon, Ross C. DeSalvo, Carmen Engle, Charles F. Fay, Chester H. o < fa 7". < c: :_ D ■r' lit o cc iX K r < a ^ o is o T. •Ji i o c I >^ c >5 Corporals: Gale, Earl S. Gardner, Matt J. Gassmero, George W. Green, Harrv S. Hanley, Michael Helhvig, Kandolpli W. Hoffman, Philip A. Horrigan, Thomas F. Hoyt, Howard L. Jones, George A. Kirby, Cyril J. Li ska, Andrew Muller, Charles R. Niemuth, William C. Nuss Peter J. Olsen, Charles J. Redington, Philip W. Richards, Frederick C. Rumsey, Schuyler J. Ruzich, Max Samulowitz, John Thayer, Lambert W. Wallin, Fred H. Weber, George A. W^est, Roy G. White, Rov C. Wood, Ralph E. Whitelaw, John B. B II filer s: Cary, William K. Olsen, Elmore G. Iforsrshner: Brand, R()))ert B. Cooks: Cronin, Daniel P. J. Donovan, Edward M. Racyk, Mathew A. Robinson, Chester R. Thulis, Edward M. Wagoners: Brown, Ray E. Clark, Owen C. Dwyer, Frank Lowry, Thomas Muthert, Charles E. Pilcher, Leslie J. Privates, 1st Class: Anderson, Arthur Bengtson, Crispen E. Bishop, William A. Blanchard, Frank T. Blaney, George Burnham, Horace B. Buxton, Herbert E. Casey, Emmett M. Clausen, Albert Cronkrite, Carlon V. Elliott, Robert H. Frandsen, Frank P. Fry, Raymond J. Flower, Ralph Gillx'rtsen, Albert 0. Glowacki, Antoni Gotstein, Archibald W. Grey, Louis Grossi, Tito H(M-man, Clyde E. Irish, Joseph Privates, 1st Class: Jackson, Byron R. Kebsch, Charles W. Kresten, George R. Lewis, George H. McEldowney, Ernest E. McGrath, Dennis A. Mayfield, Leonard Moore, Charles E. Mulcahv, Robert J. Murray, Daniel Olsen, Harry H. Parker, Joel W. Penny, Thomas J. Policy, Frank E. Polacek, William Redington, John L. Robrecht, Cyril Saelens, Marcel E. Sanders, Norman W. Schellenberg, Martin H. Shannon, Raymond C. Small, William J. Standish, Vincent Teutsch, Carl M. Topp, Frank J. Vick, Anund H. Walton, Charles A. Whitney, Ralph B. Weinberg, Wayne E. Wieneke, Obie F. Wiltgen, Vincent J. Williams, Paul E. Winchell, Joseph F. Mentgen, Martin J. Privates: Anderson, Joseph F. Armbruster, William M. Appilson, Harry Babian, Simon J. Baker Daniel W. Barnowski, Jr., Adolph Benrud, Relbert Bergstrand, Victor L. Berlly, Sam Blaha, Joseph J. Boemmels, Frank M. Bodin, William C. Boscamp, Arthur Brown, Raymond 0. Burns, Ray J. Burr, Thomas F. Carlson, Arthur W. Carlson Paul L. Cassel, William F. Christensen, Archie J. Christensen, Einar H. Claskey, John W. Considine, William Cooper, John A. Cooper, Louis Diorkes, William Eddy, George B. Edgecomb, Edward J. Gilsenan, Patrick J. Glowania, Thomas W. Godenrath, Emil J. Gran, Carl Green, Thomas J. Gurney, Ben 10 Privates: Haire, Fred Hauiion, Edward Hansberry, Peter Hansen, Carl Y. Hansen, Sopbus G. Henry, Edward J. Hibbott, William H. Hougb, Isaac G. Hughes, Patrick W. Jansen, Fred Johnson, Scott L. Jones, Harold Journey, Joseph H. Kester, Herbert Kiefer, Peter P. Konvalinka, William F. Larsen, Harold L. Lerner, Harry Leslie, Walter M. Levens, Augustus Lindenmeyer, Alfred C. Lund, Fred May, P'^rederick A. Marshall, Claude F. Marxman, Carl ]\rcKee, Harold J. McKee, William J. Meehan, Tliomas C, McCoIlum, Edgar D. McDonnell, Thomas J. Mellors, Charles H. Mills, William H. Muloahy, John P. Murphy, Michael B. Privates: Nystrom, Albert H. Ortgiesen, George G. Palmer, Joe W. Parks, Glen D. Pascente, Sollie Pasquale, Cesidio Pelland, Raymond L. Petras, Frank Plouffe, William A. Rankin, Drue A. Rasmussen, Svend A. Renshaw, Harry F. Richards, Charles R. Robinson, Robert T. Ross, Clarence J. Sandberg, Samuel A. Scholl, Herbert P. Schuett, Clifford W. Schultz, Louis R. Secky, Charles Sherman, Walter W. Speechley, Charles A. St Hoor, Paul V. Steiner, Louis H. Stuart, Stanley Sutherland, Thomas Tanck, Ed^\^n V>olk, Emory W. Wall, Stewart Y. Wallin, Charles A. Warren, Harry C. Watts, Ray H. Weinberg, William A. Wells, Leroy W. 11 Privates: Privates: West, William A. Zasadil, Edward T. Wiersbowski, Bennie Zeitz, William C. Wilson, George W. Zeigler, Benjamin M. Wing, Lloyd R. Zychal, Frank Young, Walter F. Dougherty, Frank T. The trip across the Atlantic was made without special incident and on May 18th company debarked at Brest, France, and proceeded to Pontanezen Barracks, three miles from Brest where it remained until May 25th when it entrained at Brest and proceeded to Oisemont, arriving there at 1 :30 a. m., May 27th. The regiment went into bivouac and later the same day marched to Tailly, Avesnes and Etrejust. At Etrejust, the company, along with the Second Battalion, went into billets and remained at this station until the 13th of June, w^hen the regiment was ordered by train to Poulanville. The various units of the regi- ment were then provided with guides and marched to the various bivouacs which they occupied during prac- tically the entire time while in this sector of the Somme. The guide for Company "F" apparently lost his way causing the company to make a very long, hard march, at last arriving at Manor Copse between Amiens and Villers Brettoneaux. In this sector the regiment performed its first work under direct fire, which work consisted in the construc- tion of various forms of fortifications in the defense system, being engaged in actual work of organization of ground for defense with the Royal Engineers. Companies **A," "B" and "C" were placed at the disposal of the 3rd British ('orps and Companies **D," "E" and **F," Headquarters and Train at the disposal of Australian Corps, Brilisli 41 li Army, all under the 12 ■Jl o o a command of the C. E. of the 33rd Division. Company **F" was, for the most part, directly under Maj. Laman- bee, C. R. E. Australian Corps, British 4th Army, The woods in which we were camped during this time was also occupied by one of the heavy tank sections of the British Army, and the decision having been made to put on a little show for the celebration of July 4th, the Hamel stunt was planned and brilliantly executed, the tanks from the woods participating and afforded Com- pany *'F" their first "close up" of sanguinary fighting. The interest of the boys of the company was divided be- tween watching the numerous German prisoners coming back from the front and the various games which were played before a large audience of Australians and French; the most exciting one being the ball game with the Ambulance Corps attached to the 37tli French Ter- ritorial Division then stationed at Boves. The enjoyment of the day was materially increased by the almost con- tinuous music furnished by a neighboring Australian Band. The Australians on this front during, the entire time we were stationed there, kept the line in practically as much turmoil as did the 33rd Division later, — con- stant raiding parties and artillery strafeing made it im- possible to locate the actual front as it changed niglitly. During the month of July and the first part of Aug- ust the entire regiment was busy constructing the final defense line for the City of Amiens, digging a complete system of trenches in th(> chalk hills and supervising the work of hundreds of British labor tr(»()|)s, and (lining the latter part of July built n number of improved con- crete machine gun emplacements and strong points, be- ing able to make some valuable inipioxcments in the cement work and methods of construction. The evening of August 7th tlic companx was called together and informed they were to take |)arl in an i!n- 13 . portant operation that would require all their endurance, and at 6 :30 p. m. they marched to the support line through the village of Gentelles and Cachy, at which latter place they were reported to a Lieutenant of the Mounted En- gineers of the British forces. Company was held at Cachy until dark and then commenced to fill trenches and open up the bands of barb wire to the front line trenches making a clear passage for the Canadian and Australian Cavalry, 20 yards wide. The enemy was suspicious and restless, and considerable shell and ma- chine gun fire was swept over the Allied positions but this part of the work was accomplished without losses. Reaching the front line trenches it was found full of Canadian Infantry ready for the "hop over" and the company entered an abandoned trench to await the opening barrage which fell at 4 a. m. and at the "H'* hour or twenty minutes later the infantry left the trenches and Company **F" following, started to fill the first line trench. This was half completed when Jerry's counter-barrage fell and we lost five men in as many minutes but the task was soon complete and the company moved over to Jerry's wire and trenches which were found full of dead and wounded Boche and terribly cut up by the British barrage. At one time during the oper- ation a large shell brushed the sleeve of one of the men and buried itself in the earth where it would have cost a platoon had it not proved a dud. The English Engineers on learning that it was the men's first time "over" praised and admired their grit and spirit and remarked "They will do." The fog on this morning was so thick that a line of men had to be established between working parties to avoid their going astray. By the time work on the sec- ond Jerry trench was under way the first line of tanks, same being males, passed, and five minutes later the 14 second line of tanks, which were females, went forward, the third line consisting of supply tanks and whippets coming some time later. Immediately after the infantry had reached Jerry's lines an ever-increasing stream of prisoners began to come back accompanied by wounded of both enemy and friends, and by 8:30 a. m. the captured were coming in by hundreds and due to the swiftness of the advance many oflficers, some of high rank, were included. The work was completed by 7 :15 a. m. and one divi- sion of Canadians, one company of mounted engineers, a mounted signal company and a regiment of light artillery passed over the road. The initial attack of the heavy Allied Offensive in front of Amiens had many interesting features and the secrecy of the preparations was greatly augmented by several days of wet and cloudy weather, which not only concealed the movement of immense supplies and tre- mendous additions to artillery strength, but also re- stricted Boche aero bombing expeditions for which this front was particularly noted and where a clear night meant a certainty of many earth racking explosions, some of the larger bombs then coming into use weighing half a ton or more, and despite elaborate British anti-air- craft preparations and night flying battle planes, much damage was often accomplished. A stunt tried out in this initial move was to place four extra machine gunners and an officer in each of the large tanks which were to go to a pre-arranged line some miles back of the German front and protect these small groups until they were **set" in some improvised posi- tion and then to leave them and cruise back to the fight- ing zone for supplies and to aid in reducing any resistance^ found to be still holding out and later to return to the outposts they had established. This plan which un- 16 doubtedly aided greatly in demoralizing the enemy and cost him dearly was, however, "fini" for the brave men in the little parties, as few of them escaped, owing to the impossibility of sufficient ammunition supply. The attack was pushed with great vigor and speed and right behind the infantry, heavy and light tanks fol- lowed, many "supply" tanks loaded with ammunition, rations, barbed wire, etc. During the swift advances of the first few days following, water and ammunition was frequently taken to advance units by aeroplane w^iich de- livered the supplies via small parachutes and the planes were of immense assistance in indicating strong points, bombing enemy lines of retreat or reinforcement and in directing artillery support. Company " F " returning from its all night and most of the morning job of opening up the way for the cavalry was met and personally complimented on the speed and intelligence with w^hich its part had been executed, by the Major commanding the Mounted Engineers, and the cavalry made a wonderful spectacle going out in the early dawn, in the pink of condition and with perfect discipline to strike terror w^ide and swift behind the German lines. The work of this night was divided between Com- panies ''D" and *'F," the former one being assigned to the rear area operation and the latter to keep in touch with the infantry and work forward. The following description of the day's and night's work by Company **F" written by Sergeant Michael Hanley, who participated in the operation is both vivid and interesting: *'The morning of August 8th will always be remem- bered by Company "F" 108th Engineers, and their gal- lant comrades in arms, who carried out one of the most eventful and successful feats of our offensive on the Western Front. 16 ■'J l4„ o o < ^f^'s^-Pii Heretofore, our experiences had been confined to strengthening the supports and seeing Jerry's shells sparsely scattered in our vicinity, witnessing an occa- sional aeroplane fight, and seeing our big guns in action. Certain men had been detailed to familiarize themselves with engineering work along the front line and quite a few who considered themselves slighted made stolen marches and returned brimful with news. Wednesday evening we were informed that a little stunt was to be carried out and that we were expected to do our utmost to insure its success. The unflinching spirit and tenacious effort displayed by our boys a few hours afterwards proved conclusively that they w^ere in it heart and soul. Towards the zero hour, the officer in command, Lieut. Urbom, with a British officer as guide, got the men lined up, put them in charge of non- coms, and enjoined them to show what they were made of. Each detail had its special task and no German shell or machine gun bullets were to deter them from their pur- pose. Sergeant Hay was selected to establish communi- cation with the infantry ; undismayed by Jerry 's opening barrage, he soon had a bunch of volunteers — Murphy, Casey, Tom Clark, Wierzbowski and Williams, through Jerry's shot and shell, they groped their way to the in- fantry position and soon returned, but not all to report their mission completed. Emmett Casey, who had shown unflincliing courage and bravery throughout was des- tined to pay the price. A piece of shrapnel glancing from Sergeant Hay's helmet struck him below the heart. He soon regained consciousness and tried to belittle the event but gradually became weak and succumbed to his wounds within an liour. Casey's unselfishness, socialibility and fearlessness had won liim the admiration of all and his name shall ever be endeared by his many friends and comrad<'s. Tom Clark and Williams were also wounded 17 on this occasion. The other of the company boys were no less immune from danger. Through the barrage they went tearing down barbed wire fences, filling in trenches and building a highway ahead of the advancing cavalry. The Boche machine gunners were on the job, but ow- ing to a fog in the early hours of the morning they did not meet with their coveted success in picking any big number of us off. We did not evade them all, however ; and some of the boys have souvenir bullets that glanced off their helmets or were inbedded in their shoes. Quite a few of the boys were wounded in the arms or legs, and one more of our old pals got a fatal hit from a piece of shell. This comrade, Eoss, was liked by everybody. Though of a quiet and apparently timid disposition, he possessed a latent courage which proclaimed him second to none in that night's adventures. The boys will not soon forget him. A profusion of courage and grit was displayed by privates, as well as officers and non-coms. The officers and sergeants, however, had the greater responsibility. The coolness and courage of Lieutenants Urbom, Ward, Richards and Cole instantaneously won the confidence of the men. This confidence was further instilled by the examples of courage set by Sergeants Morgan, Kohout, Kausch, Benson, Caswell, Jones, Winnege, Rathert, Burtt and Brownlea. Company "F' did its part, and did it well, and a new bond of friendship and confidence has been spun among the boys who participated." In recognition of the excellent work done by the Sec- ond Battalion of the 108th Engineers while in this sector, the following letter was received by the Commanding General 38rd Division from H. W. Higginson, Major General, Commanding 12th Division Army in France: 18 "To the General Commanding, 33rd. American Division. Will you convey to the officer commanding, and all ranks of the 2nd Bn. 108th U. S. Engineers, the thanks and high appreciation of all ranks of the 12th Division for their valuable assistance during the recent oper- ations. The work carried out by this Battalion very ma- terially assisted in strengthening the sector then held by the Division under my command. I much regret that as we were engaged in active operations against the enemy I was unable to personally thank the oflScers and men for their loyal co-operation and valuable work, and also that I have been unable to write before, as the 12th Division has been continuously engaged with the enemy since August 8th. I desire also to express to you my personal thanks for having placed your fine Battalion at my disposal. It has been a great source of pleasure to all ranks of the division under my command to have had the opportunity of serving alongside their comrades of the American Army in our struggle with the common enemy. (Signed) H. W. Higginson, Major General. Commanding 12th Division British Army in France. 2nd September, 1918." The following letter from A. E. W. Harman, Major- General, Conmianding 3rd Cavalry Division, is quoted: "General Staff, 3rd Cavalry Div. G. B. 100-138, 15-8-18. P^ourtli Army. T dosiro to liring to the notice of the Army Com- inniidcr tlie cxccllont work accomplished by "D" and 19 ^'F" Companies of 108 Battalion U. S. A. Engineers during and prior to the recent operations. They were employed on the construction of the Cav- alry track from Tronville Wood via Cachy to our orig- inal front line. This work was carried out and completed between the hours of 9 p. m. on August 7th and 4 a. m. on August 8th. After our infantry advanced the track was con- tinued over the enemy's line. I consider the rapidity and efficiency with which the task was carried out, often under shell fire, reflects great credit on the U. S. A. Engineers. It was largely due to the energy shown by them that the Cavalry were able to advance without any interruption. I propose to submit certain names as soon as possi- ble for immediate recognition. (Signed) A. E. W. Harman, Major-General, Commanding 3rd Cavalry Division. 18th August, 1918. )> "33rd American Division. The Army Commander has much pleasure in direct- ing me to forward the above letter from the G. 0. C. 3rd Cavalry Division, and to thank *'D" and "F" Cos. of the 108th Bn. U. S. A. Engineers for the great assist- ance they gave to the success of the recent operations. Major-General, General Staff, Fourth Army. H. Q., Fourth Army, 17th August, 1918." Also, in recognition of tlie work done by the 33rd Division while in this area, the Commanding General of the Division, received the following letter from H. Raw- linson, General, Commanding the Fourth Army: 20 y. **33rd Illinois Division. On the departure of the 33rd Division from the Fourth Army I desire officially to record my admiration of the energy, keenness and soldierly qualities exhibited by all ranks during their period of training under my orders. The marked advance which has been made and the satisfactory standard fighting efficiency that has been reached reflect high credit on all concerned, and guaran- tee that the Division will render brilliant service to the Allied cause w^herever it may be employed as a fighting division in face of the enemy. My regret is that it will not have further opportunity for offensive action whilst in the Fourth British Array, but portions of the Division have already acquitted them- selves most gallantly, and I desire to tender my warm thanks to those units engaged for their brilliant suc- cesses in the Hamel offensive and at Gressaire Wood. I greatly regret the departure of the Division and offer to General Bell and all ranks under his command the best of good fortune in the strenuous times which lie before them. (Signed) H. Rawlinson, GeneraZ, Commanding Fourth Army. H. Q., Fourth Army, 21st August, 1918." An echo of the above stunt was in the conferring of the British military medal on Captain William M. Ward (then acting first lieutenant) and First Lieutenant Simon D. Hay (then sergeant first class) for the conspicuous and vahial)le part they played in the a))ove operation. August 9th found us under orders to move to a little valley back of Morlancourt, dubbed ])y the boys of the Battalion "Death Valley." During progress of this 21 march halt was made to inter the bodies of our fallen comrades of the August 8th operation, with full military honors in the Austral cemetery south of Blangy, burial services being conducted by Captain Ralph C. Harris. Our sojourn in this valley was a busy one — adding and strengthening new positions occupied by the British troops northeast of Corbie, much of the work being per- formed at night, and at times under heavy shell fire and gas. While bivouacked at this place an excellent piece of work was performed by the company in the clearing of the Amiens-Bray road. In this connection it is to be noted that Company "F" was one from which a detail could be chosen for dangerous, arduous duty or just plain work, and each man had enough sense of loyalty to stick on the job and were still there when the job was finished and until or- dered to return to camp. Company was withdrawn from the Morlancourt front and regiment was assembled at Querrieu Woods August 21st, remaining there three days, preparatory to entraining for the American front at Verdun, breaking camp at Querrieu Woods at 7 :15 P. M., August 24th, and marching to Amiens, entraining from the St. Roche sta- tion 1:25 A. M. of the 25th, proceeding by "Slow Train in Arkansas" via Beauvais, the southern outskirts of Paris; Chateau-Thierry, recently taken from the Ger- mans ; Epernay and Bar-le-Duc, to detrain at Nancois-le- Grande, near Ligny, at which place Division Headquar- ters was established, having moved in ''40 Homme and 8 Chevaux," and detraining early in the morning of Au- gust 26th. March was taken up to the village of Stainville, where the regiment went in training until the evening of the 31 st, when it started on a long march to Gery, arriv- ing 3:15 A. M., September 1st, pitching camp southeast 22 of town. After five days training regiment marched four miles, the evening of the 5th taking auto trucks to Nixe- ville, where it arrived 8 :30 A. M. of the 6th, and at which point the regiment went into barracks, remaining for two days; broke camp at 7:45 P. M. of the 8th and Company **F" marched to Longbut Farm where it arrived 10:00 P. M. same date and was quartered in dugouts. Eight days were spent at this camp on road work and reconnais- sance of the Meuse Sector, after which, on the evening of the 16th, 8:00 P. M., company marched to Montzeville, ar- riving at 11 :00 P. M. During the following six days com- pany was employed in strengthening defense of Hill 304 and making reconnaissance in the Forges Creek Bottom, considerable of this work was done under shell fire. Mate- rial for this work was drawn at the Germonville dump. At 8:00 P. M., on the 22nd, on orders from regimental headquarters, company broke camp at Montzeville and marched to Fort Choisel, where company was quartered in dugouts, and started on road work and reconnaissance in front of Cumieres and along the River Meuse, checking up on bridge mines in the district, and taking the depths of the River Meuse. On regimental order, 7 :00 P. M., of the 25th, company left camp at Ft. Choisel and moved to Cumieres where the men were armed with picks, shovels and duck boards, in addition to rifles, ammunition and packs, and proceeded to Gallowitz Tunnel, going through to the front line trenches and following the 132nd Infan- try in attack on Bois-de-Forges. After a severe bombard- ment of the wood by the American artillery, in which thermit shells were used for the first time in any quan- ity and whose brilliant flashes were an awe-inspiring spectacle, the wood was cleared in quick time by an ably executed turning movement and the company assisted the infantry in consolidating positions on the east of the wood, facing the River Meuse, returning the sanu' even- 2S ing to work on the road from Cumieres to Forges, remov- ing tram rails and starting the filling in of shell holes, sleeping for a few hours in the morning in some old trenches and a drizzling rain, continuing the following day repairs on the Cumieres Forges road, which road was badly needed for the bringing up of the artillery and rations necessary for the progress of operations beyond Dannevaux. Work on this road continued up to the 7th of October and was accomplished under direct observa- tion and shell fire, including gas, heavy and light H. E. and shrapnel, day and night, many days a total of four to five hundred coming over. Two bridges were necessary and were built over Forges creek, as at this point the stream was divided; stringers for the same were taken from the destroyed enemy strong points in the village of Forges, and the road was kept passable at all times for the transport of ammunition and rations, in spite of dif- ficulties in procuring material and almost continuous rain. The work of the 108th Engineers in this operation was complimented highly, as is attested in the following memorandum from the 66th Infantry Brigade Head- quarters : HEADQUARTERS 66TH INFANTRY BRIGADE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. October 2, 1918. MEMORANDUM NO. 10. 1. On the morning of the 10th September, 1918, this Brigade took over the lines occupied by part of the 120th (French) Division. This famous front, where for four years some of the most desperate battles of the war have been staged, is known as the DEAD MAN'S HILL Sec- tor. Since the beginning of the war more than a million 24 '/. men have been killed and wounded in this formidable stronghold. Opposite to us the enemy were so strongly entrenched, having a swamp, a river and heavily t'ortihed heights as protection, that they did not even anticipate an attempt on our part to make an attack at this point. in spite of these obstacles we decided to cross and prepared to bridge the swamp and the Forges Creek by means of bundles of fascines, duck boards and planks which were brought up and placed in the outpost trenches during three nights before the attack. Enough material was brought forward to construct four bridges, each 200 yards in length. On the night before the morning of the attack, the extremely difficult and dangerous operation of cutting lanes through barbed wire entanglements was accom- plished. These bands of wire stretching all along in front of our trenches in places exceeded 200 yards in width. The assembly of the troops before the signal to attack was also a very difficult and complicated task, but the lines of columns were formed ready to file out of the lanes in the wire without confusion. The night of the attack was very quiet and as there was a full moon we expected to have difficulty in getting out of the trenches without being observed; but fortu- nately, as the moon rose, a heavy ground mist gathered which undoubtedly saved us many lives. About midnight the big guns of the Corps and Army began their prepara- tion and from then on kept up an ever-increasing roar. At 5:30 A. M. when our Division Artillery began their barrage on the enemy front lines and our infantry left the trenches, the bombardment was terriffic. Onr plan was to attack with both regiments side by side in the line, each supported by its ovm reserves, and by two companies of machine guns. T"'^nd(^r the protec- tion of our barrage, they left the trenches in an orderly 25 manner, crossed the bridges which our engineers hud pushed out over the swamp, and formed upon the other side of the Forges stream. The 132nd Regiment on the right had, as its task, to attack and drive the enemy from FORGES WOOD. This wood which was at first tliougiit to be fairly open, turned out to be a tangle of trees and underbrush thickly sown with wire entanglements and machine guns. Our troops performed their task with bravery and dispatch, and, making a turning movement, surrounded some of the enemy who were heavily entrenched with machine guns near the bend of the river to the south, and attacked them from the rear, much to their surprise. This l)rought the 132nd Regiment to their objective on schedule time and with remarkablv few casualties considering the formid- able obstacles they had to overcome. The 131st Regiment had to attack independenth^ of any support, excepting its own reserves, in a northerly direction through the fortified remains of two towns and along the edge of the celebrated JURE Woods. The Divi- sion on their left having been held up, they still proceeded and attained their objective (the river MEUSE) accord- ing to schedule without wavering, and with faithful obe- dience to their orders. The Machine Gun Companies, which accompanied the Battalions in the attack, rendered excellent service. Notwithstanding the difficulties in getting their guns across FORGES Creek and AVoods, they followed closely behind the Infantry and maintained perfect liaison with it. The machine gun barrage was delivered accurately and offered good protection in covering the creek. A Company of Corps Gas troops accompanied the advance and aided by laying smoke screens at certain points. The courage and tenacitv of the Engineers, who had to precede the Infantry and who remained to hold and repair the bridges over wliicli the infantry passed under the tire of the enemy is to be specially commended. Over lUUU prisoners, including 28 ofhcers, were cap- tured by the Brigade, many of these were from famous Prussian regiments. Many batteries of cannon, both heavy and light, 150 machine guns (many of which were turned upon the re- treating enemy), enemy signals, ammunition, and much war material were also captured. The comparatively small losses of our o\\ti troops were due to the systematic way in which the attack was planned and carried out, and to the admirable initiative on the part of officers and men in keeping their forma- tions and proper direction so that none interfered with the other and everyone's effort was co-ordinated to the attack as a whole. Unusual judgement was used in reducing machine gun nests with very little loss, by attacking them on the flanks and rear. Special care was taken that details of the attack were known by platoon leaders, and privates were informed of the extent of the attack and what was expected from them. Our liaison arrangements were admirable and w^e were enabled to keep in touch with each other through- out the battle and during the consolidation. 2. The Brigade Commander directs that this Memoran- dum be read to each platoon in all organizations of the Brigade. 3. Ho wishes to express his satisfaction with the results accomplished by the Brigade, and congratulates his com- mand on their successes. BY COMMAND OF BT?TOADTET? OF.XERAL WOLF: H. P. ERSKTNE, Captain, Bde Adjutant. 27 Ill further recognition of the work of the 33rd Divi- sion in the Battle of the Meuse-Argoime, the following General Orders issued from Headquarters 33rd Division, are quoted below : HEADQUARTERS 33RD DIVISION AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES A. P. 0. 750 FIH-wlj-grj. Luxemburg, 24th January, 1919. General Orders) No. 11) MEUSE-ARGONNE BATTLE A corrected copy of G. 0. 232, H. A. E. F., dated 19th December, 1918, has been received from G. H. Q. and is published below for information and compliance with the final paragraph thereof. Bulletin No. 141, Headquarters 33rd Division, dated 28th December, 1918, — which pub- lished the original copy of G. 0. 232 — is, therefore, can- celled. It is with a sense of gratitude for its splendid accom- plishment, which will live through all history, that I re- cord in General Orders a tribute to the victory of the First Army in the Meuse-Argonne battle. Tested and strengthened by the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient for more than six weeks you battered against the pivot of the enemy line on the western front. It was a position of imposing natural strength, stretching on both sides of the Meuse River from the bitterly con- tested hills of Verdun to the almost impenetrable forest of the Argonne; a position, moreover, fortified by four years of labor and designed to render it impregnable; a 28 y. position held with the fullest resources of the enemy. That position you broke utterly, and thereby hastened the collape of the enemy's military power. Soldiers of all of the Divisions engaged under the First, Third and Fifth American Corps and the Second Colonial and Seventeenth Corps — the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, -ith, 5th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 32nd, 33rd, 35th, 37th, 42nd, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 81st, 82nd, 89th, 90th and 91st American Divisions, the 18th and 26th French Divisions, and the 10th and 15th French Colonial Divisions — you will be long remembered for the stubborn persistence of your progress, your storming of obstinately defended machine gun nests, your penetration, yard by yard, of woods and ravines, your heroic resistance in the face of counter- attacks supported by powerful artillery fire. For more than a month, from the initial attack of September 26th, you fought your way slowly through the Argonne, through the woods and over the hills west of the Meuse ; you slowly enlarged your hold on the Cotes de Meuse to the east, and then, on the 1st of November, your attack forced the enemy into flight. Pressing his retreat, you cleared the entire left bank of the Meuse south of Sedan, and then stormed the heights on the right bank and drove him into the plain beyond. Soldiers of all army and corps troops engaged — to you no less credit is due; your steadfast adherence to duty and your dogged determination in the face of all obstacles made possible the heroic deeds cited above. The achievement of the First Army wliich is scarcely to be equalled in American History, must remain a source of proud satisfaction to the troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The American peoph^ will remember it as the realization of the liitlierto potential strength of the American contribution toward the cause 29 to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater reward for a soldier or for a soldier's memory. This order will be read to all organizations at the j&rst assembly formation after its receipt. By Command of Major General Bell, William H. Simpson, Lieut.-Coionei, General Staff, Chief of Staff. Official : Frederic L. Huidekoper, Lieut.-Colonel, A. G. Division Adjutant. In connection with the stunt of September 26th, 1918, the follow^ing narrative written by Sgt. Hanley of the company is both interesting and vivid : "Previous to the big push north of Verdun, along the Meuse, the company had been located part of the time at Longbut Farm and the remaining part at Montzeville. The roads adjacent to the front were in very poor condi- tion and its was the engineers' job to put them in repair. Occasionally Fritz sent forth his compliments in the shape of h. e.'s but nothing to speak of. It had been whispered round that a consignment of iron rations was being prepared to express to Fritz but nobody seemed to know exactly when or where that event was coming. How- ever, on September 25th our suspense was ended — the order had arrived. We were instructed to make up our packs and prepare to hike to Cumieres, with arms and ammunition. On the previous evening we had been to Cumieres and had taken some fascines from there to 'No Man's Land.' The job was more tiresome than hazard- ous. Those old bundles were feeling heavier at every step and it was some relief to pained shoulders when the journey was ended. Our task on the night of September 30 *-^ X K E- y. r C C c y. y. 5 o a. V. 25tli was no less tiring, with a pack, pick, shovel, rifle and ammunition, we were detailed to take some duck boards through a tunnel on to 'No Man's Land.' On the way some one distributed hard tack amongst us, but those who succeeded in holding on to that precious acquisition until they reached their destination were in the minority. Our first task completed we were lined up along the front line trenches and ordered to 'stand to' and be ready to go over with the infantry after the zero hour. In the meantime a large number of men from the engi- neers had been detailed to build a way through a marsh crossing 'No Man's Land.' This was a hazardous task, as the enemy's patrols had become wise and transferred the information to the rear. As a result, artillery and machine gun fire opened up, and some of the men got wounded and the majority narrowly escaped. At the zero hour our guns opened up with a terrific crash; the dough boys were in line waiting to jump the parapet and sustain the good name already won by the 132nd in their battles of the Somme. Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps may count a good deal, but the tenacity of the dough boy, leaping over the parapet and defying the combing bar- rage of the enemy machine guns, is the zenith of valor and value. Our company went over with the second wave of the infantry, some of the boys getting wet in the swamp, this however, seemed but an insignificant annoyance at the moment and our hike along the side of Forges wood gnve us time to got dried out. Li our passage through 'No Man's Land,' Jerry's counter barrage seemed ineflfect- ive, but on our arrival in the woods he certainlv made up for it and rained shells thickly round us. TTere also wo had a rather novel experience with a Boolie neroplnno — which was probably bent on a reconnoitorincr tour, nf 1h(» sight of us he swooped do\\Ti and turned his machine gun 31 on us. The boys thought it a grand opportunity for dis- playing their prowess as marksmen, and soon a regular rifle barrage was turned on the Boche, who quickly re- treated. It was rather disappointing not to witness a nose dive, but later it was rumored that the Boche had been seen to come to terra firma a little further to the north. After rushing through the woods, and striking a lucky find — one of Jerry's kitchens — we had a much rel- ished, hasty repast. This, with a short rest, gave us re- newed vigor. We set out again toward the Meuse and on the side of the hill facing Jerry, and not more than 800 yards distant, laid out a line of trenches and partially completed them. At Consenvoye, across the river, we could see a few Germans moving about and one running helter skelter from the bridge which he had mined and set off the fuse. Lieut. Richards, who w^as with us, took a few pop shots at them but a few seconds later the bridge went up. Some kind fate prevented Jerry from turning his machine guns on us, probably from fear of revealing his gun positions; anyhow, luck was with us and we re- turned to Cumieres just about all in, after some thirty hours' constant grind and without sleep for forty-eight hours." One evening, about October 5th, between the time of the grand attack September 26th and the extension of the same to the east bank of the Meuse, October 8th, a never to be forgotten sight took place on our immediate front. A combined Allied daylight aeroplane bombing expedition was made and big triplane bombers went over us in flocks of five to forty, together, taking the usual battle formation of the wedge similar to flocks of geese, and each squadron was accompanied by numbers of bat- tle and observation planes. Over three hundred planes were in sight at one time, and as soon as the flocks began to swing over the Jerry lines a few desultory shots were 32 a Si I ^ s § ?. ^ ^- ^ y. y. 73 3S < Oh O o o m a o i-( o fired at them by the auti-aircraft guns, and everything was stiii except lor the nuni ot the Dig maclnnes and tne deep, distinct detonations of the bombs bemg rained on the enemy positions. It took some hours for the enemy to revive enough to start his usual shell lire schedule, and prisoners captured later said that the effect was highly demoralizing. October 8th, the company, by regimental order, crossed the river Meuse at Champ Neuville, following the French "over" at Samognaux, and immediately start- ing repairs on the road to Brabant for the passage of sup- port to the American infantry engaged at Brabant and Consenvoye; removing tank mines and putting the road in passable condition as far as Brabant by evening of the same day, continuing operations on to Consenvoye the following three days under severe shelling, after which the company was ordered to their former work on the road through and beyond Forges, until it was moved out of this sector. The Division was complimented in G. 0. 155, which is here quoted: Headquarters 33rd Division American Expeditionary Forces France, Oct. 18th, 1918. General Orders No. 155 1. The Commanding General calls attention with pleasure to the following communication, dated 15th Oct. 1918, from Hqrs. 17th French Army Corps: "Officers, N. C. O's. and soldiers of the 29tli and 33rd Divisions (U. S. Divisions), IGth, 2r)th and 10th Divisions. Yon have conquered Lawavrille, Bois-de Caures and Bois-d'IIaumont, you have reached the crest of the I'OR- MONT and passed le RTCTTENE and Boise-de-Chanme. The Austro-Germans have lost in an arc of 15 kilo- 33 meters their observation points which had defied the heroic defenders of Verdun. The 6th of Oct. you advanced with a magnificent dash on the formidable slopes and across powerful and deep enemy breast works. The following day you pursued and attempted to advance and held against all enemy counter attacks. You obliged him to bring hastily a number of reinforcements which did not succeed in taking from you one handful of ground; 5800 prisoners, more than 50 guns and material and machine guns not yet counted, are the achievement of these great days. All Infantry, Artillery, Engineers, Aviators, Staffs and service have your part in the success. American sol- diers, French soldiers, both white and black, you have rivaled in valor and comradeship to tear off the bandage which still aflflicts our immortal Citadel. I am proud to have commanded you. Signed ''Claudel" By Command of Major General Bell William K. Naylor, Brigadier General, Chief of Staff. Official H. S. Hooker Maj. A. G. Acting Div. Adj. At 8 :00 p. m. on the night of Oct. 19th the company marched with the regiment to Verdun, arriving about midnight and were quartered in the old Citadel, and the boys had an opportunity of viewing this old and once beautiful city, now largely in ruins. At 10 p. m. the night of the 20th, the company, with the regiment marched to Dugny, arriving at 1 :30 a. m., and was billeted in the village. After two days' rest they were moved out of Dugny, 12:30 a. m., Oct. 24th, S4 •A" TYPE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTED BY -F" COMPANY NEAR RIAVILL-K. r.UIDGE mil.T i:V COMPANY 'K' I.M M Kl >! AT I :i , V I'l )r.I,0\V 1 .\. ; THK CUANTIXC oK THE ARMISTICE To EACIMIATK IV » M ,() \V L\\ ; 11' OP BOCHE ARMY. going to Mouilly, where they slept in the village church, which had been partially wrecked by shell hre. The next day the company was moved into dugouts in Mouilly "Woods. During this march the regiment was in reserve to the First Army, then occupying the St. Mihiel Sector. Immediately on arrival at Mouilly Woods, the company was employed in road repairing between Les Esparges and Tressaveaux, and later between Tressaveaux and Fresnes, and Tressaveaux and Combres, also laying out a line of redoubts and in doing much reconnaissance. Com- pany "F" being the northwesternmost company of the regiment. Regimental Headquarters being established at Tilly-sur-Meuse. This Sector, which was reputed to be a quiet one, immediately began to warm up with the arrival of the 33rd Division, as most of them usually did, and after the first few days of work, which was accomplished out of observation at Les Esparges, orders came to repair the road through Tresaveaux, and with the protection of two dark drizzly days, the road through the town, which had no attention for almost four years and been shelled num- berless times, was put in fair shape, but the following day being a bright one, the enemy took photographs of the work and from that time on the men were constantly under shell fire. It seemed thereafter the enemy practice to fire on this village at more or less regular intervals of from ten to thirty minutes with from five to thirty shells, and one night there was thrown into the town approxi- mately one thousand gas shells. Many narrow escapes from casualties in serious number were avoided and the company with its seemingly unfailing good luck had but few and only slight wounds. During the latter part of October tho compnnv sus- tained a groat loss in the separntion of rniitniii Harris from the organization and his return to the States, hav- S5 ing been recommended for a majority in a new unit wliich, happily, was never needed and not, thierefore organized. To Captain Harris, who had been company com- mander through its entire existence up to that time must be credited in a great measure the development of a body of men, second to none in efficiency and esprit de corps and a discipline so thoroughly inoculated into all the older men of the company that it could never be eradi- cated, and was in groat measure the cause of their com- parative immunity from danger in their various under- takings. On the night of November 9th the company was with- drawn from the Tresaveaux Combres Road and with the entire regiment rested and prepared for an early morn- ing move November lltli when regimental order placed the entire available strength and all the transport of the company at the disposal of the Commanding Officer of the 130th Infantry, which was drawn up on the reverse slope of the hill back of Herbueville ready to lead the reserve across the zone of advance and prepared to make passage possible for the artillery and troops following. The company stood all the morning on this hillside and at 11 :00 a. m. word came in by telephone that the armis- tice had been signed; company then returned to camp, arriving at 2:00 p. m. Following is roster of Company F as of November 11, 1918: COMPANY *'F" COMMISSIONED OFFICERS C. 0., Captain Ralph C. Harris (acting Maj. 2nd Bn.) 1st Lt. Julian C. Campbell 1st Lt. Robert P. Richards 1st Lt. Philip E. Cole 2nd Lt. Norman L. Huffaker 2nd Lt. Ralph H. Baughmau 36 KEGIMKNTAL BAND COMES IP KltUM KCHTIOKNACH TO BERDORF TO SERENADE 2ND BN. <^-^ V / tr t^^ MEMBERS OF t'O.MI'ANV K" HKSTIM; AT RuA I 'SI I > I-; IN UN I:M I'.orRG NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS Grade and Name Where From 1st Sgt. Edward D. Bunker Chicago, 111. Sgt. 1st cl. Frederic E. Benson Chicago, 111. Sgt. 1st cl. George Kausch Cleveland, 0. Sgt. 1st cl. Frank W. Kohout Ft. Atkinson, Iowa Sgt. 1st cl. George Moore Chicago, lU. Sgt. 1st cl. Herman 0. Winnegge Chicago, 111. Sergeant John R. Beall Mattoon, 111. Sergeant Albert F. Burtt Momence, 111. Sergeant Robert H. Elliott Downers Grove, 111. Sergeant Earl S. Gale Chicago, 111. Sergeant Harry S. Green Albion, 111. Sergeant Randolph W. Hellwig Marengo, 111. Sergeant Patrick W. Hughes Freeport, 111. Sergeant Edward MuUauer Chicago, 111. Sergeant Frank Novak Chicago, 111. Sergeant Henry A. Rathert Mora, Minn. Sergeant Philip W. Redington Chicago, 111. Sergeant Max Ruzich Chicago, 111. Sergeant Roy G. West Elgin, 111. Sergeant Roy C. White Chicago, 111. Supply Sgt. Harry R. Wood Chicago, 111. Mess Sgt. Thomas F. Horrigan Chicago, 111. Stable Sgt. Howard L. Hoyt Chicago, 111. Corporal George S. Brada Charles City, Iowa Corporal Thomas Clark Lakewood, Ohio Corporal Albert Clausen Evanston, 111. Corporal John J. Corrigan Maywood, Til. Corporal Ross C. Damon Chicago, Til. Corporal Charles F. Engle Chicago, Til. Corporal Frank P. Frandsen South River, N.J. Corporal Raymond J. Fry Chicago, TU. Corporal Matt J. Gardner Wausau, Wis. 37 Grade and Name Where From Corporal Micliael Hanley Chicago, III, Corporal Philip A. Hoftman Belle Jr^laine, Wis. Corporal George A. Jones Chicago, ill. Corporal Andrew Liska Chicago, 111. Corporal J oseph H. J ourney Chicago, 111. Corporal Leonard Mayiield Zion City, 111. Corporal Thomas J. McDonnell Chicago, 111. Corporal Ernest E. McEldowney .Chicago, 111. Corporal Charles H. Mellors Coif eyville, Kansas Corporal Charles E. Moore Chicago, 111. Corporal Charles R. MuUer Chicago, 111. Corporal Daniel Murray Chicago, 111. Corporal William C. Niemuth Oshkosh, Wis. Corporal Charles J. Olsen Chicago, 111. Corporal John L. Redington Chicago, 111. Corporal Chester R. Robinson Chicago, 111. Corporal Schuyler J. Rumsey Chicago, 111, Corporal John Samulowitz Peosotum, 111. Corporal Marcel E. Saelens Chicago, 111. Corporal William J. Small Chicago, 111, Corporal Vincent Standish Chicago, 111. Corporal Carl M. Teutsch Chicago, 111. Corporal Fred H. Wallin Chicago, 111. Corporal William A. West Marshfield, Wis. Corporal Ralph E. Wood Chicago, 111. Corporal John B. Whitelaw Chicago, 111. Bugler William K. Gary Oak Park, 111. Bugler Fred Jansen Davenport, Iowa Cook Adolph Barnowski, Jr Edgar, Wis. Cook Horace B. Burnham Chicago, 111. Cook Daniel P. J. Cronin Providence, R. T. Cook Edward M. Donovan Chicago, Til. Cook Mathew A. Racvk Cicero, 111. 88 Grade and Name Where From Horse-shoer Robert E. Brand Chicago, 111. Wagoner Victor L. Bergstrand Chicago, 111. Wagoner Ray E. Brown Chicago, 111. Wagoner Thomas Lowry Chicago, 111. Wagoner Thomas Meehan Fontana, Wis. Wagoner Glen D. Parks Canton, 111. Wagoner Leslie J. Pilcher Loda, 111. Wagoner William A. Plouffe Chicago, 111. Wagoner Joseph F. Winchell Lewistown, Nebr. PRIVATES, FIRST CLASS Arthur Anderson Chicago, 111. Simon J. Babian Chicago, 111. Crispen E. Bengtson Chicago, 111. Sam Berlly Chicago, 111. William A. Bishop Chicago, 111. Frank T. Blanchard Chicago, 111. George Blaney Green Bay, Wis. George W. Bullock Calumet, Okla. Thomas F. Burr Chicago, 111. Harold F. Buttrick Hillsboro,N. H. Owen C. Clark Fond du Lac, Wis. John W. Claskey, Jr Chicago, 111. William Dierkes Chicago, 111. Ralph Flower Zion City, 111. Albert 0. Gilbertsen Chicago, 111. Antoni Glowacki Chicago, 111. Thomas J. Green South Bond, Ind. Lewis Greg Chicago, 111. Tito Grossi Palos Park, 111. Edward Hannon Chicago, 111. Robert A. Hendrickson Chicago, Til. Isaac G. Hough Apploton, Iowa 89 PRIVATES, FIRST CLASS— Continued Name Where From Byron R. Jackson Argos, Ind. Charles W. Kebsch St. Louis, Mo. George R. Kersten Chicago, 111. Herbert Kester Chicago, 111. George H. Lewis Chicago, 111. Fred Lund Chicago, 111. Frederick A. May Grand Rapids, Wis. Martin J. Mentgen Chicago, 111. Robert J. Mulcahy Chicago, 111. Thomas Penny Chicago, 111. Frank E. Policy Oshkosh, Wis. William Polacek Chicago, 111. Drue A. Rankin Monmouth, 111. Charles R. Richards Chicago, 111. Cyril Robrecht Highland Park, 111. Norman W. Sanders Sidnaw, Mich, Martin H. Schellenberg Scribner, Nebr. Clifford W. Schuett Chicago, 111. Thomas Sutherland Evanston, 111. Frank J. Topp Chicago, 111. Anund H. Vick Stoughton, Wis. Charles A. Walton Chicago, 111. William A. Weinberg Chicago, 111. Wayne E. Weinberg Chicago, 111. Ralph B. Whitney Chicago, 111. Lloyd R. Wing Chicago, 111. Obie F. Wielneke Brussels, 111. Paul E. Williams Cliicago, 111. George W. Wilson Lake Forest, 111. Edward T. Zasadil Chicago, Til. Vincent J. Wiltgen Chicago, 111. 40 u O fa a o ■< fa D O <5 a o PRIVATES Name Where From Joseph F. Anderson Cleveland, 0. Harry Appelson Chicago, ill. William L. Barnes Carboudale, 111. John D. Barrett Passaic, N. J. Howard R. Bassett Taunton, Mass. Joseph J. Blaha Chicago, 111. William C. Bodin Chicago, 111. Arthur Boscamp Chicago, 111. Ra3'mond O. Brown Chicago, 111. Ray J. Burns Menominee, Mich. Gordon C. Campbell Escanaba, Mich. Arthur W. Carlson Chicago, 111. Paul L. Carlson Chicago, 111. Archie J. Christensen Half wav, Ore. Einar H. Christensen Chicago, 111. William Considine Chicago, 111. Louis Cooper Lansing, Mich. John A. Cooper Chicago, 111. John C. Davis Indianapolis, Ind. Carmen DeSalvo Chicago, 111. Frank T. Dougherty Chicago, 111. Robert J. Dunlap Michigan City, Ind. Francis H. Dw^er New York, N. Y. George B. Eddy Chicago, Til. Edward J. Edgecomb Greenwood, 111. Elzie Evorman Kirkland, Ind. Stewart B. Fox Plymouth, Pa. Aloysius Franz Crown Point, Ind. Francis J. W. Funk Okmulgee, Okla. Robert E. Garrity Holyoke, Mass. Patrick J. Gilsenan Chicago, Til. Otto Glosser Patrolia,Ill. 41 PRIVATES— Coutiuued Name Where From Emil J. Godenrath Chicago, 111. Thomas W. Glowaiiia Chicago, 111. Carl Gran Chicago, 111. Ben Gurney Stevens Point, Wis. Joe W. Mack Michigan City, Ind. William Hamlin Macon, Ga. Peter J. Hansberry Beloit, Wis. Carl Y. Hansen Chicago, IlL Sophus G. Hansen Chicago, 111. William F. Harnack New York, N. Y. Edward J. Henry Chicago, 111. William H. Hibbott Chicago, 111. James A. Johnson East St. Louis, 111. Scott L. Johnson Chicago, 111. Harold Jones Chicago, 111. Welzie Jones Owensville, Ind. Peter P. Kiof er Chicago, 111. George A. King Washington, D. C. Harold E. Larson Chicago, 111. Harry Lerner Chicago, 111. Walter Leslie Chicago, 111. Augustus Levens Rodden, 111. Alfred C. Lindenmever Lake Forest, 111. Joseph W. Losekamp Harrison, 0. Leroy W. Mathews Tiosa, Ind. Albert J. McCahn Lynn, Mass. Harold J. McKee Milwaukee, Wis. Edgar D. McCollum Downers Grove, 111. William H. Mills Chicago, HI. William Mobley Gaithorsburg, Md. John P. Mulcahy Chicago, 111. Albert H. Nystrom Chicago, 111. 42 '■ PRIVATES— Continued Name Where From Joe W. Palmer Chicago, 111. Sollie Pascente Chicago, 111. Cesidio Pasquale May wood. 111. Frank Petras Chicago, 111. Svend A. Rasmussen Chicago, ill. Harry F. Renshaw Chicago, 111. Robert T. Robinson Munising, Mich. Claude H. Robertson Williamson, W. Va. Peter Rybinski Detroit, Mich. Hebert P. Scholl Chicago,Ill. William Schrader Auburn, Ind. Lewis Schultz Beloit, Wis. Charles Secky Chicago, 111. William B. Skillen Whitinsville, Mass. John Slagter Grand Rapids, Mich. Paul V. St. Hoor Chicago, HI. Edward Stark Detroit, Mich. Lewis H. Steiner Chicago, 111. Edwin Tanck Chicago, 111. Lambert W. Thayer Chicago, 111. Edward Thulis Chicago, 111. Emory W. Volk Oconto Falls, Wis. Stewart Y. Wall Chicago, 111. Charles A. Wallin Chicago, 111. Harry C. Warren Liverpool, HI. Ray H. Watts Clinton, HI. George A. Weber Chicago, 111. Bennie Wiorzbowski Ludington, Mich. Walter F. Young Joliet, 111. George A. Zak Chicago, 111. William C. Zeitz Wilson, N. Y. Frank Zychal Chicago, HI. 48 « > • l-l -*^ o et rt 01 • r— t • 1— 1 0) ^ 4J ^ a Q fa as I 0) ;-i O) !3 GQ 02 CM o C(3 bo o -o .2 fa -S ;-i P. O CO a 0) ■t-> ni (V O 3S3SS3S1 3333 CCC3CCC ccca ooooooo oooo (UQjoiajaiaia) a>a>aia)2S PI'S: mmmamcQpQ mmcQingg °>>(»« m cc cc »r aT m OT J« 5" J" =" S S S S S S S ■=• S ^ S 555522222 222222222'^=«5i22S OO" 00- OO' OO' OO' OO" OO" OO' OO" OO" «r t-" t;-' tO C^' t;^' j^' ^ ^ 00* jH fj 3333333 333S33aiH-3_^ jatf^xJxi,3xJom^x3J5 u u t; (a bi Wi Ih (h j3 ja ^ ,3 xj ja CQ CO CG CQ 03 CO 3 d O o f^ rn m O O *-4 a a X X H U 0) 01 3 3 s s CO 03 O i Pi aS > > 'C "C "C cu a. Ph PQ O o 3 -O »-5 O a u o a o U O O fc 0) ^ 0> OP OJ (P rt rt rt rt > > > Ph di Oi 3 2 « o -fl :ii 2 rt o> 5tf "^ J >> a *j 3 — m ^ t> « 0) C? t- — • CO PU 44 SECTION OF CAMOUFLAGED ROAD. HUllKll'; AMI KIINS III" I'lU'J.NEfc?. Following members of Company **F" died from dis- ease while in the A. E. F. : Corporal Frank P. Frandsen Pneumonia Pvt. 1st cl. Vincent J. Wiltgen Pneumonia During the period from November 12th to December 6th the company, being on the left wing of the regiment, was engaged in making repairs to roads — Tressaveaux, Fresnes and Riaville — removing tank walls and barri- cades from same. Six bridges were constructed by the company within its working area, same being built en- tirely from salvage and material from German dumps. Also, during this time the company made a thorough search in a district assigned by regimental order for road mines and mine fields, and where found, were neu- tralized and withdrawn, in an area bounded by Fresnes, Hennemont, Buzy, St. Jean, Allamont and Harville. Approximately twelve hundred mines and tank traps were removed during the time. While removing a tank trap on the morning of No- vember 21st, Sergeant Henry A. Rathert was killed and Private William C. Zeitz wounded, due to accidental ex- plosion of a mine. Private Zeitz was evacuated to a hospital and Sergeant Rathert 's body was interred in an American cemetery located at Hannonville morning of November 22nd. Burial services were conducted by the Chaplain of the 131st Infantry. While engaged on the above work many Italian and Russian prisoners, released by the Germans, were re- turned through this sector and, as the company had orders to feed all such prisoners, our mess sergeant took good care of them and saw that plenty of bully beef and hard tack was handed out to them, much to the satisfac- tion of the company, who had been living quite largely on these rations for some time. 45 In recognition of the efficient work done by the 33rd Division while in the Troyon Sector, General Orders No. 150, Headquarters 33rd Division, is here quoted: HEADQUARTERS 33RD DIVISION AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES Luxemburg, 16th December, 1918. General Orders) No. 150) 1, The following letter is published to the Division in recognition of its work in the Troyon Sector : HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY Amer. E. F. France, 12th December, 1918. From : Commanding General, Second Army. To : Commanding General, 33d Division, Amer.E.F. Subject: Activity of the 33rd Division prior to the Arniistice. 1. Upon the transfer of the 33rd Division, from the Second to the Third American Army, I desire to express to you my gratification at the vigorous and successful activities of your division during the period of active operations preceding the Armistice. 2. The 33rd Division, although occupying a broad front, was called upon to advance towards Conflans, and was engaged in the performance of this mission at the time that hostilities ceased. 3. On November 6th to 7th, when accurate informa- tion of the enemy's intentions was greatly desired, raid- ing parties from your division penetrated to Chateau 46 o > O zn « < O H o < a X. d'Auliiois and captured 21 prisoners, including one oflBcer. On November 7th to 8th, your reconnaissance patrols entered Bois d'Harville and St. Hilaire and brought back eight prisoners. On November 9th to 10th, you drove the enemy from the towns of St. Hilaire and Marcheville and, at the time of cessation of hostilities, your division had occupied these towns, as well as the towns of Butgneville and Riaville. 4. The conduct of the 33rd Division exemplified its ability to execute promptly and thoroughly the tasks which were given to it. There was shown, on the part of both officers and men, an efficiency and fighting spirit which are highly commendable. (Sgd) R. L. Bullard, Lieut.-General, U. S. A. This order will be read to the troops at the first for- mation after receipt, by the Commanding Officers of each unit. By Command of Major General Bell. William H. Simpson, Lieut. Colonel, General Staff, Acting Chief of Staff. Official: Frederic L. Huidekoper, Lieut. Colonel, A. G., Division Adjutant. General Orders No. 144, Headquarters 33rd Divi- sion, 11th November, 1918, are here quoted, which cover the activities of the 33rd Division from the date of its arrival in France to the signing of the armistice, Novem- ber, 11th: 47 HEADQUAKTERS 33RD DIVISION AMERICAN EXi^EDITIONARY FORCES France, 11 November, 1918. General Orders) No. 144) The armistice has been signed and hostilities have ceased, at least for the present. The Division Commander takes this opportunity of expressing his appreciation and pride to all ranks for their eflScient and effective work. Shortly after leaving New York in May, 1918, the Division took station witn the Britisli in tlie defense of Amiens. Un tne morning ot July 4tn, 19i£), part oi it attacked, and Americans tor the lirst time m mstory were associated on the battleheld with Australians, winning the victory of Hamel, described by the Commanding (ien- eral of the Australians as "an historic event of much sig- nihcance that will live forever in the annals of our re- spective nations." The dash and gallantry displayed on this occasion was recognized by the British Commander- in-Chief and recorded by the King. The engagement had far reaching results. On the 9th of August at Gressaire Wood and Chippily the Division materially assisted the beginning of what developed into the final British ad- vance and were again honored by the British nation. On September 26th and October 9th, as part of the First American Army, it carried all its objectives in the Verdun Sector and held the territory won on both sides of the Meuse. It has been awarded decorations by our Govern- ment and our former French Corps Commande r has asked that recommendations be submitted for the Croix de Guerre. Such is the record of this Division. The Commanding General congratulates officers and men, soldiers of the Great War, on ihese things done by them in the service of their country. 48 This order will be read to the troops at the first formatiou alter receipt by the Conmiaiidiug Officer of each umt. By Command of Major General Bell, William K. Nay lor, Brigadier General, General Staff, Chief of Staff. Official: W. S. Hooker, Maj. A. G. Actg. Div. Adjutant. December 6th found the company under orders from regimental headquarters to move forward; company left camp at Mouilly Woods at 3 :15 p. m. that date, marched to Hannonville, where mess was served at 8 :30 p. m., and resumed march and marched to Bugteneville, where they were billeted for the night, occupying billets formerly occupied by the Germans. This town was occupied by the Germans up to November 10th when they were driven out by the 33rd Division. December 7th, company left Bugteneville 9 :30 a. m. and marched with the regiment to Droitmont, arriving at 3 :30 p. m. Stop was made near Friauville for noon mess. Company was billeted in a three-story brick build- ing at the mouth of one of the iron ore mines, of which this part of France is famous. December 9th, regiment left Droitmont at 8:00 a. m. and marched to Brioy, arriving at 3:00 p. m. Stopped for noon mess near Aubue. December 10th, regiment left Briey at 9:30 a. m. and marched to Mont, arriving at 2:30 p. m. Sto])ped near ^Nfainville for noon mess. December 11 til, regiment l(>ft AfoTit at 9:15 a. m. and ■IS marched to Ruxweiler, arriving at 3:4-5 p. m. Stopped near Bolliiigeii for noon mess. December 12tli, regiment left Ruxweiler at 10 :00 a. m. and marched to Tetingen and Kayl, Luxemburg, arriving at 12 :15 p. m. December 14th, regiment left Tetingen and Kayl at 10:30 a. m. and marched to Fentange, arriving at 3:00 p. m. Stop was made near Battinbourg for noon mess. December 15th, regiment left Fentange at 10 :00 a. m. and marched to Rammeldange and Hostert, arriving at 3 :00 p. m., where the Second Battalion was billeted. December 18th, company with regiment, which was in nearby villages, left Eammeldange at 10:15 a. m. and marched to Haller, arriving at 4 :15 p. m. December 22nd, Second Battalion left Haller at 9 :30 a. m. and marched to Berdorf , arriving at 1 :00 p. m. From the time of arrival in Berdorf, Luxemburg, be- gan the long and arduous wait until orders would move us homeward. The people of the little Duchy gave us an exceptionally hearty welcome, but during the succeeding months the sentiment best expressed in the follo\ving phrase was predominant, "War is hell, but peace is worse." During the stay considerable effort was made to re- gain the proficiency the company, battalion and regiment had formerly attained in drill and in which they had gro-uTi "rusty" while engaged in actual engineering oper- ations. The tedium was also relieved in a measure by small road repair details and others of similar nature. The company finally moved with Second Battalion out of Berdorf April 29th by truck to Fttelbruck, where they entrained for Brest, France, at which point the regi- ment underwent more inspections and finally embarked 50 i!i-:.\r'ri i''i'i, si'<;'i' M':.\i; .\iri-M;i;ri iai.. I'orit (lit JM\J'; .M4i.i;s I"i;i>.m i;i;ki >< ii;r on the U. S. S. Harrisburg, homeward bound, May 15th, proud of the two service cnevrons on their sleeves. Few troops beside the iuiSth Engineers were on board the vessel and alter an uneventiul trip ot eight days we steamed into iSiew iork nnd the tooting of whistles and the huzzahs of friends who had come out on harbor craft to welcome us. Disembarkation was followed at once by a bountiful meal served by the lied Cross, and the regi- ment entrained for Camp Mills after being ferried to Brooklyn. At Camp Mills another round of inspections and de- lousings, plus a few days' delay, and the regiment was on its way to Camp Grant via Chicago, arriving in Chi- cago early June 5th and meeting friends and relatives at Grant Park, then followed a triumphant march down Michigan Boulevard before wildly cheering hundreds of thousands of admirers. A banquet at the Morrison Hotel tendered by a proud city and friends followed. The same day saw the regiment detraining at Camp Grant, Illinois, and speedily mustered out, the paper work being com- pleted and the boys of Company *'F" leaving the camp June 9th, 1919. The friendships formed and the memories of days spent together under heavy stress and strain will forever hold the members of the company in a bond of loyalty which will grow stronger as the years pass. At the end of all this must be entered an appreciation of a few of the many individual men who have shown keen intelligence, willingness to co-operate and a deep sense of duty and responsibility, which make for cHiciency in any organization, hut particnlnrly iii nn engineer unit, and though some of these men have already been honored by promotion, nnnibers more would have boen called to assume higher duties had the great stngglo continued, — Sergeants Bro^Tilea, Koliout, Morgan, Kausch, Burtt Hughes, Novak, Hellwig, Corporals Liska, Clark, Clausen and McEldowney. The above does not begin to cover the conspicuously valuable members of the company nor does it take account of an unusually even-handed first sergeant. Ser- geant Bunker ; a most reliable and efficient man in charge of company paper work, Sergeant Beall: a wide awake and forehanded supply sergeant, Sergeant Wood, and assistant, Sergeant West; a loyal stable sergeant, Ser- geant Hoyt, and our transport men, and last, but not least, the "man of many griefs," our much berated but much loved Mess Sergeant Horrigan, and his busy crew. In valedictory, it must be said that, to the intense in- terest, close attention and foresight of the commander of the regiment, of which this company is a part. Colonel Henry A. Allen, that any success, past, present or future, of the company, is largely due. 52 BEOINXIXO r)F PASAREI.I^E ACROSS FORGES SWAMP. JERRY I'lI.L BOX" IX RriXi:i> 1 >\V lOhl.IXC IX FORGES AT TIRX OF THE ROAD. APPENDIX. The following is the passenger list of the company as It embarked from France, together with the addresses at which they can be reached or information had of them: Robert P. Richards, first lieutenant 939 W. 2nd St., Pomona, Cal. William M. Parkhurst. 1st Lt 520 Clark St., Stevens Point, Wis. Lewis E. Eastwood, 1st Lt 7030 Tulip St., Philadelphia, Pa. Norman L. Huffaker, 1st Lt 4430 Ellis Ave., Chicago, 111. Walter Kishbaugh, 2nd Lt Second St., Newquehoning, Pa. John B. Morgan, 2nd Lt 6331 Peoria St., Chicago, 111. Corydon R. Cook, 2nd Lt 431 Bauer St., Hammond, Ind. Edward D. Bunker, 1st Sgt 7222 S. Morgan St., Chicago, 111. John R. Beall, Sgt. 1st class 921 Lawndale Ave., Chicago, 111. Frederick E. Benson, Sgt. 1st class. . .530 N. Harvey Ave., Oak Park, 111. Randolph W. Hellwig, Sgt. 1st class. .R. R. No. 3, Sta. C, Columbus, O. George Kausch. Sgt. 1st class 1011 E. 76th St., Cleveland. Ohio Herman O. Winnegge, Sgt. 1st class 257 W. 4Sth Place, Chicago, 111. Walker Faust, Sgt. 1st class 1511 Olive Ave., Chicago, 111. Fred D. Smith, Sgt. 1st class Gen. Del., Volga City, Iowa Harry R. Wood, Sup. Sgt 2159 Sayre Ave., Chicago, 111. Thomas F. Horrigan, Mess Sgt 252 Lafayette Ave., Dayton, Ohio Howard L. Hoyt, Stable Sgt Gen. Del., Pecatonia, 111. Chester R. Robinson, Corporal 1115 S. Grant St., Chanute, Kan. Adolph Barnowski, Cook Box 41, Edgar, Wis. Daniel P. J. Cronin, Cook 51 W. River St., Providence, R. I. Edward M. Donovan, Cook 837 N. Crawford Ave., Chicago, 111. Mathew A. Racyk, Cook 5003 32nd St., Cicero, 111. William Skillen, Cook 11 C. St., Whitinsville, Mass. William K. Cary, Bugler 2700 Piedmont Ave., Berkely, Cal. Fred Jansen, Bugler 101 Michigan Ave., Davenport, Iowa Robert H. Elliott, Sgt Gen. Del., Downers Grove. 111. Max Ruzich, Sgt 2518 Augusta St., Chicago, 111. Philip A. Hoofman, Corp Gen. Del., Belle Plaine. Wis. Roy G. West, Sergeant 439 Villa St., Elgin, 111. Herbert Kester, Private 6543 Carpenter St., Chicago, 111. Emory W. Volk, Private Gen. Del., Oconto Falls, 111. Walter M. Leslie, Private 7836 Emeral Ave., Chicago, 111. Charles B. Miller, Corporal 5318 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. Joseph J. Blaha, Private 818 S. Tripp Ave., Chicago, 111. Leonard Heilman, Private 2115 Fulton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Archie J. Christensen, Private R. F. D. No. 1, Halfway, Oregon Bennie Wierzbowski, Private R. F. D. Box 48, Ludington, Mich. Alfred C. Lindenmyer, Private. .709 Washington Circle, Lake Forest. III. Crispen E. Bengtson, Private 1342 Winona St., Chicago, 111. Paul L. Carlson, Private 11359 Church St.. Chicago. 111. Fred H. Wallin. Corporal 3312 W. 61st Place. Chicago. 111. Joseph W. Journey. Private 3120 Monroe St.. Chicago, 111. Annnd H. Vick, Private R. F. D. No. 3. Stoiighton. Wis. Russel M. Wanless, Private Gen. Del., Strome. Alberta. Can. Schuyler J. Rumsey, Private 208 W. Monroe St., Chicago, 111. r..T APPENDIX Elzie F. Everman, Private Gen. Del., Kirkland, IncL Thomas J. Penny, Private 3440 Union Ave., Ciiicago, 111. John L. Redington, Corporal Gen. Del., Hageman, IlL Otto Glosser, Wagoner Gen. Del., Petrolia, 111. William A. Plouffe, Wagoner 3655 W. Arthington St., Chicago, 111. Stewart Y. Wall, Private 7 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, 111. Edgar D. McCollum, Private 110 Saratoga St., Downers Grove, 111. William C. Niemuth, Corporal 17 Vinland St., Oshkosh, 111. Ray J. Burns, Private 618 Dunlap Ave., Menominee, Mich. Frank T. Dougherty, Private 1315 Travis St., Chicago, 111. Edward Hannon, Corporal 309 Prairie Ave., Chicago, 111. Albert J. McCahan, Private 214 2nd St., Huntingdon, Pa. Paul V. St. Hoor, Private 6243 Drexel Ave., Chicago, 111. Sophus G. Hausen, Private 1345 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago, 111, Leroy E. Mathews, Private R. R. No. 1, Tiosa, Ind. William M. Mobley, Private 5 Brooks Ave., Gaithersville, Md. Isaac G. Hough, Private General Delivery, Appleton City, Mo. Lewis Greg, Private 2902 Emerald Ave., Chicago, IlL Ralph E. W^ood, Corporal 4907 W. Ohio St., Chicago, 111. Eric N. Spruling, Private 224 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park, 111. Coye C. Vergowe, Private 1111 N. Fife St., Tacoma, Wash. George A. King, Private 2825 Olive Ave. N. W., Washington, D. C. Robert P. Robinson, Private 332 Superior St., Munsing, Mich. George W. Bullock, Private General Delivery, Calumet, Okla. William C. Bodin, Private 2301 Belmont Ave., Chicago, 111. Ralph Flower, Private 2408 Elisha Ave., Zion City, IlL Vincent Standish, Private 2617 4th St., Ocean Park, Cal. Charles A. Walton, Private 7029 Harper Ave., Chicago, IlL Guy I. Quillen, Private General Delivery, Delmar, Del. Clarence A. Walseth, Private General Delivery, Ajus, Fla. Welzie, Jones, Private General Delivery, Owensville, Ind. Patrick W. Hughes, Sergeant 1930 N. Koster Ave., Chicago, 111. Frank Novak, Sergeant 2419 S. Ayres Ave., Chicago, 111. Daniel Murray, Sergeant 7159 Honore St., Chicago, 111. Harry S. Green, Sergeant General Delivery, Albion, 111. Paul E. Williams, Private 409 46th St., Moline, 111. Svend A. Rasmussen, Private 7013 N. Elizabeth St., Chicago, 111. Robert J. Mulcahy, Private 7136 Peoria St., Chicago, 111. George A. Jones, Corporal 4610 Harding Ave., Chicago, 111. Albert H. Nystrom, Private 5412 Ingleside Ave., Chicago, 111. Victor L. Bergstrand, Wagoner 4646 Race Ave., Chicago, 111. James A. Johnson, Private 1237 Cleveland Ave., East St. Louis, 111. George B. Eddy, Private 5958 Midway Park, Chicago. 111. Charles R. Richards, Private 6623 Kenwood Ave., Chicago, 111. Francis H. Dwyer, Private 65 St. Andrews Place, Yonkers. N. Y. Thomas C. Meehan, Wagoner 2806 S. G. St., Tacoma, Wash. Marcel E. Saelens, Corporal 7215 S. Campbell Ave., c:hicago. 111. Martin H. Schellenberg. Private Box ;!04, Schribner, Neb. Patrick J. Gilsenan, Private 551 N. Laramie Ave.. Chicago. 111. Ben Gurney, Private 1263 Baker St., Grand Rapids, Mich. John Slagter, Private 10 Mulder Ave.. Grand R.ipids, Mich. Arthur W. Carlson. Private 8612 S. Morgan St.. Chicago. 111. Cyril J. Kirby, Corporal 715 Roscoe St., Chicago, IlL 54 APPENDIX Stanley Stewart, Private 323 Lincoln St., Dayton, Ohio Frank J. Topp. Private 2816 23rd St., Chicago, 111. Thomas F. Burr, Private 7621 N. Marshfield Ave.. Chicago, 111. Charles A. Wallin. Corporal 7524 Cornell Ave., Chicago, 111. Stewart B. Fox, Private 13 Willow St., Plymouth, Pa. Joseph F. Winchell, Vv'agoner General Delivery, Burchard, Xeb. Leonard Mayfield. Corporal 2604 Elisha Ave., Zion City, 111. Thomas Lowry, Wagoner 6445 S. Winchester Ave., Chicago, 111. Lambert W. Thayer, Private 5464 Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, 111. Charles J. Olsen, Private 2359 Ballou St., Chicago, 111. Harry Appilson, Private 52 E. Long St., Columbus, Ohio Albert O. Gilbertsen, Corporal 1650 N. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, 111. John P. Mulcahy, Private 717 W. 63rd PI., Chicago, 111. Chester H. Fay, Corporal 330 Foster Ave., Bellville, Ont., Can. Lloyd Wade, Private Gen. Del., Sorento, 111. William Schrader, Private R. R. No. 1, Auburn, Ind. William Dierkes, Private 224 N. Clark St., Chicago, 111. George A. Weber, Private 1508 N. Avers Ave., Chicago, 111. George A. Zak, Private 4035 Fillmore St., Chicago, 111. Norman W. Sanders, Private Gen. Del., Sidnaw, Mich. Thomas Clark, Corporal 1282 Edwards Ave., Lakewood, Ohio Joe W. Palmer, Private 106 N. La Salle St., Chicago, 111. John D. Barrett, Private 450 Highland Ave., Passiac, N. J. Horace R. Tudor, Private 4257 Botonical Ave.. St. Louis, Mo. Robert E. Garrity, Private 771 Dwight St., Holyoke, Mass. Philip W. Redington, Sergeant Gen. Del., Hageman, 111. Roy C. White, Sergeant Gen. Del., Alabaster, Mich. Michael Hanley, Sergeant 537 W. 42nd Place, Chicago, 111. Arthur Anderson, Private 4417 Calumet Ave., Chicago, 111. Harold F. Butrick, Private Gen. Del., Hillsboro. N. H. Harry F. Renshaw, Private 3915 Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, 111. Matt J. Gardner, Corporal 623 Werle Ave., Wassau, Wis. Harold J. McKee, Private 10 32nd St.. Milwaukee, Wis. Clint D. Woodrum. Private 1239 10th St.. Miami, Fla. Frank T. Blanchard, Private 1625 N. W. Ave., Chicago, 111. Ralph B. Whitney, Private 6200 Dorchester Ave., Chicago, 111. John W. Clasky, Jr., Private 3134 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 111. Tony Gunick. Saddler Gen. Del., Bement, 111. Clifford W. Schuett, Private 963 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Charles H. Mellors, Corporal Gen. Del., Haddam, Kan. Glen D. Parks, Wagoner R. F. D. No. 1, Table Grove, 111. Leslie J. Pilcher, Wagoner Gen. Del., Lodi, 111. William Hamlin, Private 304 Morgan Ave.. Macon, Ga. Claude H. Robinson, Private Gen. Del., Crandall. Tex. Martin J. Mentgen, Private 6036 N. Clark St.. Chicago, 111. Ray E. Brown, Private Gen. Del., Grand Tower, 111. Robert B. Brand, Horseshoer 4443 Wilcox Ave., Chicago, 111. Charles F. Engle, Corporal 450 E. 39th St., Chicago. 111. Joseph W. Losecamp. Private R. R. No. 4. Harrison, Ohio John L. Stottlemeyer, Private Gen. Del.. New Canton, 111. Frank E. Polley, Private 473 John St., Applolon. Wis. Owen C. Clark, Private 649 Indiana Ave.. N. Fon du Lac. Wis. Carl Y. Hansen. Private Gen. Del.. Borup, Denmark 55 APPENDIX Frank Petras, Private 4638 Komensky Ave., Chicago, III Charles W. Kebsch, Private 4524 N. 9th St., St. Louis, Mo. Andrew Liska, Corporal 1610 S. Paulina St., Chicago, 111. Harold Jones, Private 1522 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, 111. "William H. Hibbott, Private 6222 Dorchester Ave., Chicago, 111. Horace B. Burnham, Private 1310 N. 35th St., Omaha, Neb. Raymond O. Brown, Private 4210 W. 26th St., Chicago, 111. Obie F. Weineke, Private Gen. Del., Brussels, 111. Albert W. Staehle, Private 3727 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo. William Harnack, Private 355 E. 19th St., New York, N. Y John Samulowitz, Corporal R. F. D. No. 55, Peostum, IlL William Armbruster, Private Gen. Del., Yorkville, 111. Louis Cooper, Private 122 S. St. West, Lansing, Mich. Edward J. Edgecomb, Private 1400 15th St., Troy, N. Y William A. West, Corporal 246 Jackson St., Oshkosh, Wis. Gordon C. Campbell, Private 715 Wells Ave., Escanaba, Mich. Herbert P. Scholl, Private 10308 Ave. N., S. Chicago, 111. George S. Brada, Corporal 404 Riching St., Charles City, Iowa Robert J. Dunlap, Private 1001 Kentucky St., Michigan City, Ind. George W. Wilson, Private Brushwood Road, Lake Forest, 111. Charles Secky, Private 1902 E. 9th St., Cedar Rapids, Iowa William H. Mills, Private 10145 Ave. M., S. Chicago, 111. Thomas W. Glowania, Private 1900 Harvey St., Chicago, 111. Carl Gran, Private 234 5th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Ross C. Damon, Corporal 6420 Ellis Ave., Chicago, 111. Charles E. Moore, Corporal 18 N. Sacramento St., Chicago, 111. John C. Davis, Private 906 !• airfield Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. Ray H. Watts, Private 305 N. E. St., Bloomington, 111. Albert F. Burtt, Sergeant Gen. Del., Momence, 111. Albert Clausen, Sergeant 1002 Davis St., Evanston, 111. Earl S. Gale, Sergeant 610 W. 56th St., Chicago, 111. William Polacek, Private 4735 Western Blvd., Chicago, 111. Raymond L. Pelland, Private Gen. Del., Bend, Ore. Carmen De Salvo, Private 762 Bunker St., Chicago, 111. Carl M. Toutsch, Corporal 2931 Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, 111. William A. Bishop, Private 2650 Wilcox Ave., Chicago, 111. Robert A. Hendrickson, Private 627 N. Drake Ave., Chicago, 111. Sam Berlly, Private 739 Paulina St., Chicago, 111. Peter P. Kiefer, Private 4942 S. Wells St., Chicago. 111. Arthur Boscamp, Private 1933 S. Jefferson St., Chicago, 111. Peter Hansberry, Private 1156 5th St., Beloit, Wis. Thomas J. Green, Private 620 S. Fellow St., S. Bend. Ind. John H. Corrigan, Corporal 213 N. 3rd Ave., Maywood, III Harry Lerner, Private 1019 S. Seely Ave., Chicago, IlL William Considine. Private 452 W. 47th St., Chicago. 111. Harry C. Warren. Private Gen. Del.. Liverpool, 111. Alfred P. G. Quade. Private R. R. No. 2. Blue Island. 111. Joe. F. Anderson. Private 14113 Ardenall Ave.. Cleveland. Ohio George H. Lewis, Private 2202 W. 107th Place, Chicago. 111. John A. Cooper. Private 2317 Belmont Ave.. Chicago, 111. Thomas J. McDonm-ll. Privnte 356 W. Marquette Rd.. Chicago. 111. Antoni Glowacki Pr'v;ite 4235 Melrose Ave.. Chicago. 111. Robert A. Snow, Private R. R. No. 1, Basic City, Va 56 ^' ' ^Lottsaatiauii^ SAMPLES OF GERMAN TANK AllXKS. HCXDREDS OF WHICH "F" COMPANY REMOvn<:n. I I ( ■«»' 'k . l-W r- 'IMOKKAIX !••< iKM i;i:I.V Ci i\- i;i! lOl ) IIY FdlM'ST. Iii:\'ASr ATi:i > l".Y V1:AUS (11" \VAI{ I.N \ici\irv i>i' ST Ki:.MV. I'KAXCIO. f^ <^ V-^,. ^^-^ *\ !..-\ .ii:uKY i'uis( >.\i;ks < ix K(».\i> work. APPENDIX Thomas F. Werner, Private 4821 Melrose St., Frankford, Phil., Pa. William A. Weinberg, Private 2836 N. Richmond St., Chicago, 111. Frank M. Boemmels, Private Main St., Martin Grove, 111. Cesidio Pasquale, Private 2405 Ave. L., S. Chicago, 111. Edward M. Thulis, Private 4643 Union Ave., Chicago, 111. Ernest E. McEldowney, Corporal 5458 Crystal St., Chicago, 111. Cyril Robrecht, Private 4635 Greenwood Ave., Chicago, 111. Stanislaws Rastankowski, Private 260 Person St., Buffalo, N. Y. Louis R. Schultz, Private 962 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. Einar H. Christensen, Private 1775 Berteau Ave., Chicago, 111. Charles H. Speechley, Private 32 S. Albany Ave., Chicago, 111. Louis Waters, Private 1629 Wells St., Ft. Wayne, Ind. Raymond J. Fry, Private 1038 S. Sangamon St., Chicago, 111. William F. Cassel, Private 647 Kohn St., Morristown, Pa. Robert L. Earle, Private 1807 University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa Adam J. Wilcheck, Private 51 Marcy Lane, Ashley, Pa. Eloysius M. Franz, Private Gen. Del., Crown Point, Ind. Claude W. Fenton, Private Gen. Del., Big Springs, Tex. Sollie Pascente, Private 918 N. 24th Ave., Melrose Park, 111. Edward J. Henry, Private 1933 Mohawk St., Chicago, 111. Tito Grossi, Corporal Box 16, Chicago Ridge, 111. Peter Rabinski, Private 1001 St. Aubun Ave., Detroit, Mich. Frederick A. May, Private R. R. No. 3, Grand Rapids, Wis. Frank Zychal, Private 2255 Marshall Blvd., Chicago, 111. Simon J. Babian, Private 2418-20 W. North Ave., Chicago, 111. Lloyd R. Wing, Private 2052 CuUom Ave., Chicago, 111. Edward T. Zasadil, Private 2868 W. 21st Place, Chicago, 111. Joe Hack, Private 117 Fogarty St., Michigan City, Ind. Thomas Sutherland, Private 2800 Harrison St., Evanston, 111. Louis H. Steiner, Private Gen. Del., Trenton, 111. Wayne E. Weinberg, Private 4354 Berkley Ave., Chicago, 111. Charles W. Belleu, Corporal Gen. Del., Wyco, W. Va. Robert O. Hempstead, Private 807 E. 9th St., Little Rock, Ark. Fred Lund, Corporal 4935 Henderson St., Chicago, 111. 67 (Clipping from English "Daily Mall") FINE WORK OF AMERICAN ENGINEERS Crossing a Marsh to the Attack • American Army, October 1, 1918. The American Army is consolidating its gains in the Argonne region, and it is improving roads with an energy that promises to solve one of the most difficult problems they are confronted with. There is a unit here consisting mostly of lads from Chicago. In the recent attack its flank was resting on the Meuse just above Verdun. German guns had been concentrated on the other side of the river in expectation of an attack in that direction, but they actually attacked northwards over steep thickly-wooded heights and amid deep ravines. Their first difficulty was to cross the marshland at the Forges Brook and to penetrate the dense Forges Wood covering one side of a formidable height. The Germans dismissed the possibility of an attack over the marshes and massed their troops behind Forges Village, southeast of the wood, where they thought the firm soil would attract the United States troops in preference to the brook. But the doughboys, with great audacity, crossed the marshes and the brook and sent two columns forward, one to swing to the right through the wood behind the Germans and the other in a direct line for Gercourt. The operation was a complete success. The Germans were taken by surprise, and this accounted in a great degree for the haul of over 1,000 prisoners in this section and many guns. But, striking as the tactics were, the plans were equally fine. In the dark, engineers laid down duckboards and avenues of laced twigs, by which the infantry could get a firm foothold on the marshes. Small bridges were thrown over the brook, and when the Infantry crossed Engineers standing in the water held them up to prevent them from giving way under the tramp of thousands of feet. The Infantry started out In a thick fog. They had to pass through 100 yards of barbed wire and then cross marshland. Following a trail of ropes and duckboards they reached the brook 6,000 strong. Many crossed over the bridges, but the majority waded the water, and in the face of the enemy's fire followed close behind their own barrage up the wooded height called Forges Wood. At the same time a heavy machine-gun barrage was maintained by the Americans on the Village of Forges, which materially aided In deceiving the Germans. Three officers and 70 men were captured in a dugout before they had time to realize that the Americans had advanced. All the de- fenses and barbed wire in the wood could not stop the dashing Americans, and they swept the place clear. They then swung up the west bank of the Meuse and took Drillancourt and Gercourt, Dannevoux was captured later. The Germans, realizing their mistake, hurriedly rushed up re- serves to Brifulles on the Meuse. These were seen by the Americans, and soon the artillery was pouring shells into the mass of railway trucks containing the Germans. October 2. 68 AvAVSiDi'; siiuiNi': si:t in tuki-: m;.\k i;i:i:im h;i-. i.r.\i;Mr.< >CKt THE PKAIRIE DITISIO^. By William Lewis Judy. (All rights reserved except where credit is given.) The Thirty-third Division has a nicit-name, a distinguishing in- signia, and a rattling reputation. In the States they called us the "Prairie Division." Over here we are the "Yellow Cross Division." When we shall shake hands again with the Goddess of Liberty and smell again that familiar smell of the Chicago Stock Yards, we shall once more be the "Prairie Division." Now, who are we, anyhow? Well, we fought with the bloomin' British on' the plains of Picardy in Northern France in July and August, 1918, and when the decorations were handed out on that bright summer's day on the green behind the old chateau at Molliens-au-Bois, King George himself was there to pin the medals on the breasts of the Illinois boys. We fought side by side with the Tommies,— good pals they were, — and with the Americans of the British Empire — those fighters after our own hearts — the Aussies — I mean the Australians, the daredevils of a rough and ready Empire. They it was who paid us the biggest compliment ever given a Yank crowd over here. The whole world now knows the famous phrase and I'll tell you how it came about. The Aussies celebrated the Fourth of July with us at Hamel when we went over the top together up near Albert, and after it was all over, they took us by the hand and said: "You'll do us, digger, but you fellows are damned rough." Here, too, took place an event that shall be forever glorious in the annals of England and America, — here for the first time in history the soldiers of the two mighty nations fought side by side in a common cause, and this event shall grow more glorious and more sacred in years to come when these two mighty nations look back to it as the first symbol of the new and greater union between them. We fought with the French and now we are to get fifty Croix de Guerre. The King of Belgium heard about us and is sending us eight of his medals. The Congress of the United States gave us seven Medals of Honor. They have given forty-eight to the whole A. E. F. and the Prairie Division is wearing one-seventh of the total. Pretty good, eh? The big safe at Division Headquarters is now too small for it is crammed with D. S. C.'s, from our own G. H. Q. — one hundred and ten to date, to be exact — and more of them on their way. We have a lot of doughboys like Corporal Paul Hobsrhied of the 13l8t infantry. He's wearing a D. S. C. because up to Chipilly Ridge he laughed at the Boche snipers, made a dash at them, on his way stopped at a German dug-out, rapped on the door with a few hand grenades, and single handed chased out thirty Germans yelling "Kamerad," and brought them back as prisoners. Then there is Corporal Jake Allex. another of Joe Sanborn's boys. Jake and his squad charged a machine gun neat and himself stuck the bayonet into five Germans. The fifth Boche was tough and the Cor- poral's bayonet broke off iniade of him. But Jake gave him the butt of the rifle, sent one more German to Kingdom Come, and captured the 68 remainder of the crew. In the Prairie Division, we don't look down on Corporals since these things happened. We've a buck private in the 124th Machine Gun Battalion, Clay- ton Slack— slack by name but not by nature. He's going to get a Belgium Medal, a Croix de Guerre, a Medal of Honor, and may be a lot of others, because all alone he rushed a machine gun nest, tagged ten Germans as prisoners, grabbed two loaded machine guns which were killing our men, turned 'em around and gave the Germans Hail Columbia with a shower of their own bullets. Now I come to the grand old men of 'em all — Colonel Joe of the 131st, of the Dandy First of the Old Illinois National Guard. He's sixty-three but likes a fighting spree. Out in the front he went at Gressaire Wood, and led his men over the top, across No Man's Land, and on the run, took a hill that the Germans said they'd hold forever. They're still there holding the hill, but hiding under the ground and some wooden crosses. Well, the Colonel had his steel hat knocked off by the burst of a shell, but say — have you seen him on dress parade? There's a Distinguished Service Order which the King of England gave him and I think he's the only American officer wearing one of 'em. There's our own D. S. C. — he's got that, of course. And there's a Belgium medal too that is his pride. Ask a Boche where he had the hottest time of his life and he'll tell you at Consenvoye Bridge, when Colonel Allen's engineers in the lead, the Prairie Division chase him out of the Bois de Forges, held by the enemy for four years with the boast of the Boche that it could never be captured — especially by Americans. We have fought everywhere in the A. E. F. We have been with the British, with the French, with the French Colonials, and with our own troops. There are three American Armies — First, Second and Third — and we've been in all of 'em. There are nine American Corps and we've been in all of them except the First and Eighth. We've got the record in this regard. Our troops have camped along the North Sea, on the Somme, on the Meuse, and on the Moselle. They have passed through Chateau Thierry; they have bivouaced in Germany, they have rested in the shadow of the Amiens cathedral; they have marched through the shell torn streets of Verdun; they have eaten bully-beef in Alsace- Lorraine; and now they are wintering in Diekirch, that famous resort of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. From Texas to Deutschland we have traveled and now we know it's true when they say — "Join the Army and see the world." What Division captured more prisoners and more guns, and advanced more kilometers than any other Division except three or four? The Prairie Division. What Division captured 1,436 prisoners in one day? The Prairie Division. What Division has a general wearing a wound chevron? The Prairie Division. What Division was one of the five American Divisions rated by the German High Command as first class? The Prairie Division. What Division Commander was praised by G. H. Q. because the horses of his Division and the care of them "stood as a perfect model 60 of the standards that ought to exist in these matters throughout the Army? The Prairie Division. Our Division colors are yellow and black; fast colors, guaranteed not to run. The design is a yellow cross on a black circular back- ground two inches in diameter. Yellow is an unusual color for a fighting crowd, but in far-away Texas, when we marked our equipment for over-seas. Colonel Gardenhire had only yellow paint, and that is why we have used yellow. It's a good color. It is the distinguishing color of the Cavalry and, in the Philippines, the Yellow Cross on Government property terrified the superstitious natives and kept them from stealing it. Over here it had the same effect on the Boche. We are proud of the Yellow Cross and proud of the fighter who has been our leader from the day the Division was organized — Major General Geo. Bell, Jr., known by all the rank and file of the Regulars as "Do it Now" Bell. "When the French officially took possession of the City of Metz, the capital of Lorraine, on the 8th of October, 1918, bringing to pass their dream of half a century, the troops selected from the entire A. E. F. to represent the United States in the grand parade before the President of the French Republic, before Premier Clemenceau, Marshal Foch, Marshal Retain, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig and our own General Pershing, were none other than a bunch of Chicago lads, the battle scarred doughboys of the 131st Infantry, who had carried the Yellow Cross to victory every time they "hopped the bags." They led the procession at Metz and the Governor-General of Lorraine said that their appearance and conduct merited the highest praise. The boast of the Thirty-third is that it never lost a fight, that it never received an order in battle which it did not carry out, and that an objective was never given to it that it did not take from the enemy on scheduled time. It is more than a boast — it is cold truth recorded in the books of the German armies as well as in the records of our own G. H. Q. We came to France with a great reputation to uphold and high standards to maintain, for we are the Prairie Division; we hail from the fields of Illinois, out where the prairies begin their stretch, out where the East joins the West, and the best of the two is kept. Behind us are the traditions and glories of a great State — a State which in that other great war — the greatest until its time — gave to the nation its great leader in the White House — Abraham Lincoln, and its great leader on the field of battle — Ulysses S. Grant. We have fought as worthy sons of worthy sires. We shall return from our long journey strong men and noble, victors and proud, because in the hottest of the battle, in the front ranks of the bravest, we fought as only Americans can fight. We shall march down Michi- gan boulevard, victors and glad, yet with a bit of shadow in our faces, for we are not forgetful of our brave comrades who went away with us and with us did not return, because on the sacred soil of I ranee they fell fighting bravely for their flag and the honor of thoir Division, and forever more they rest on the fields where their fame was won— In the shades of the forests of the Argonne and by the banks of the Romnie. They did not die in vain, neither have we fought in vain who fought by their side as they fell. They who in later years shall wear til the Yellow Cross in token that they fought with the Prairie Division, shall wear a badge of high honor, and a fitting distinction for the brave men and fearless fighters they showed themselves to be. Written at Diekirch, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Europe, Four- teenth day of March, nineteen nineteen. The following, by Richard Henry Little, is taken from the Chicago Tribune of May 5th, and shows how mistified the Germans were when they tried to analyze the American Army, and how con- vinced they were that they would, with or without provocation attempt the impossible. **BRAVE BUT TEMPERAMENTAL The first observation the Major read was that 'Americans are very brave and active but highly temperamental,' I said, 'Like a prima donna?' The Major said that was it exactly. He amplified the record by saying that one could never tell just what Americans were going to do, because he didn't believe that they knew themselves. He said the German high command thought the Americans did not take the war as seriously as the French, who were fighting in front of their own homes, while with the Americans it was more of a sporting proposition and the men wanted to get all the adventure and excite- ment out of it possible. ADVANCE AT ANT TIME The next observation noted down at Spa was to expect the Americans to try to advance almost at any time, whether the advance was advisable from a military standpoint or not. The Major amplified this record by saying that suppose the Americans were in woods with a swamp in front of them commanded by the enemy guns, military science would argue against pushing the American line forward at that point. If the Germans were confronted with English or French troops In such a piece of country, they would thin down their line, because they would know that no advance would be attempted. With the Americans it was different. Their own officers might order them over or else the men might get tired of sitting round in the woods and decide for themselves to go across the swamps, or perhaps the flies might be bighting them, or mosquitoes, or they might get mad because their rations had not come up. In any of these events they might try to take it out on the enemy." The following from the "Pontanezen Duckboard" of May 14th, 1919, may be of interest, it being the official paper of the American camp at Brest. **HAIR RAISING ROAD JOB DONE BY THE 108TH ENGINEERS The first regiment of divisional engineers to pass through Pon- tanezen for service at the front, was the 108th Engineers of the 33rd Division, under the command of Colonel Henry A. Allen. That was a year ago. They are here again, this time bound for home. 62 WORKING PARTY OP ENGINEERS SI.Il'PING OIT INTO "NO MAN'S L.AND' IN THE EVENING DUSK. ifriiiiinin V \ i-oMi'AXY 'I' AT i;i:sr- ri:.\i n.\< ; i-i.\\i, i\sri;rTU)N uv ci;ni;i;al !;i;i.i.. iunisiox ci >.m.ma.\i 'KR. The 108th has made a fine record, both on the Somme with the British and in the Meuse-Argonne with our own army. In fact their work began right here at Pontanezen. They landed from the George Washington on May 18th and the next day had construction details on barracks, a Y. M. C. A. hut, at the light plant and at the Penfield waterworks. WITH ENGLISH On May 23rd the 108 Engineers entrained for the unknown, and a few days later found themselves among the 'Tommies' and the 'Aussies' of the British Fourth Army. The training there was actual work with the Royal Engineers, in the line from Amiens to Albert. Hamel — Chipilly Ridge — ^Morlancourt — Villers Brettaneaux — all these are of personal significance to these men from Illinois who were making acquaintance with the 'Auzzies,' the gruelling job of the Engineer, the 'cootie' and the budding British offensive in quick suc- cession. Dugouts, trenches, wire, pontoon bridges, roads and water supply became familiar. The most ambitious undertaking in this sector probably, was the building of the track for the combined Cavalry attack on August 8th by companies "D" and "F." This required the building of a road twenty yards wide and about three thousand yards long through the first line wire and trench positions under artillery fire and the menace of the German protective barrage. This bit of work was highly praised by the British high command and was part of a brilliant and highly successful use of the combined attack of large bodies of Cavalry, Tanks and Infantry supported by the Artillery." «S University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. a ,: . z ^^V Z ^ 1Qq|7 m. I WHS m m ^