Officers and Men of the Famous Negro Division Whose Heroic Conduct Gained for Them the Distinguished Service Cross---Details of Their Deeds of Heroism in. Action----Special Mention of Officers and Men by Various Commanding Officers.
The gallant Ninety-second Division, composed entirely of colored American troops, received a great number of citations and awards for meritorious and distinguished conduct on the battlefields of France, and besides those who earned the coveted medals there were many more members of the Division who were specially mentioned in communications from Headquarters and by the commanding officers of the various units, as appears hereafter. The lists given below, however, are necessarily incomplete, as many recommendations for awards were still under consideration when this volume went to press.
The following is reproduced from a January (1919) issue of the Army and Navy Journal:
"COLORED TROOPS OF THE A. E. F. VARIOUSLY HONORED.
"Colored troops forming the 92nd Division of the A. E. F. have recently been awarded many honors. The entire 1st battalion of the 367th Infantry have been cited for bravery and awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French military authorities.
"The citation was made because of the bravery and fine service of the battalion in the last engagement of the war, the drive toward Metz on November 10 and 11.
"Major-General Martin, U. S. A., commanding the 92nd Division, has cited a number of colored officers, noncommissioned officers and privates of the 365th Infantry for meritorious conduct in action at Bois Frehaut on 'November 10 and 11. The officers cited are Captain John L. Allen, Lieuts. Leon F. Stewart, Frank L. Drye, Walter Lyons, David W. Harris, Benjamin F. Ford, George L. Gains, and Russell C. Atkins, all U. S. A. In another order, Lieut. Nathan O. Goodloe, of the machine-gun company of the 368th Infantry, was commended for meritorious conduct in the Argonne Forest. In the entire Division, fourteen colored officers and forty-three enlisted men have been cited for bravery in action and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The total casualties suffered by the Division since its arrival in France number 1,748. Of officers, six were killed in action and one died of wounds; 46 officers were wounded and 39 gassed. Of enlisted men, 31 died of wounds, 203 were killed in action, 543 were wounded, 661 were gassed, 40 died of disease, and 28 were reported missing."
The following letter of commendation is self-explanatory:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION, 367TH INFANTRY FROM: Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 367th Infantry.
TO: Commanding Officer, 367th Infantry.
SUBJECT: Conduct of Company A.1. I wish to call attention of the regimental commander to the meritorious conduct of Company A on the night of November 2 and 3.
2. Under intense shell fire of gas and H. S. lasting two hours, the company maintained its advanced positions, staying there without any shelter and finally repelling the enemy raid and capturing one prisoner.
3. The conduct of Captain Peter McCall, his officers and men was such as deserves the highest commendation, and in my opinion merits mention.
(Signed) CHARLES L. APPLETON,
Major, 367th Infantry.
Extended space would be required to detail the meritorious work of the individual units of the Division throughout the several operations in which it participated. In the Argonne-Meuse offensive, after overcoming its first extreme difficulties, the 368th Infantry performed gallant service. Among the officers whose conduct was mentioned for gallantry in the Argonne, were Captain T. M. Dent, promoted after commendation for special bravery and heroism; Captain R. A. Williams, who also won commendation of his regimental commander for skillful handling of his troops in the crucial advance through the Argonne; Lieut. Charles G. Young and Captain Thomas E. Jones, of the 368th, who each won the D. S. C. for extraordinary heroic, service and gallant conduct in the Argonne Forest.
Of the 367th Regiment, the unit organized and trained by Colonel James A. Moss, much could be said of its excellent record, both in the St. Die sector and in the Argonne and on the Moselle in front of Metz. In this last-named position it rendered its most distinguished service during the closing days of the war. On the 10th of November, an attack was made on Pagny, a stronghold of the German line opposite the Metz forts. In the general advance, two battalions of the, 56th Infantry, a white unit on the left of the 367th, after advancing a half mile abreast of the 367th, became hopelessly entangled in the enemy's wire entanglements and were being slaughtered by German machine-gun batteries. Our own advance was stopped, and a part of the 367th was sent to the rescue of the 56th in order to cover their withdrawal from the perilous position. The 367th dispatched two machine-gun companies, one of their own and the other from the 350th machine-gun battalion. A counter fire was turned on the German positions, which silenced their batteries, while the 56th retired leaving a third of their men dead or wounded. In the meantime the 367th held the position until relieved by reinforcements from the 56th and then resumed their advance toward Pagny. Doubtless the entire forces of the 56th would have been wiped out but for the timely rescue of the 367th. For this action the entire battalion was cited by the French commanding officer under whom the 56th was brigaded.
The Distinguished Service Cross of the United States was awarded to the following officers and men of the 92nd Division, for the heroic deeds and exploits stated after their respective names:
HORTON, VAN, Corporal, Company E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2168859). Medal Number 431. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
During a hostile attack, preceded by a heavy minenwerfer barrage, involving the entire front of the battalion, the combat group to which this courageous soldier belonged was attacked by about twenty of the enemy, using liquid fire. The sergeant in charge of the group and four other men having been killed, Corporal Horton fearlessly rushed to receive the attack and the persistency with which he fought resulted in stopping the attack and driving back the enemy.
Home address: Mrs. Minnie Horton, mother, Route 5, Box 93, Athens, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near Pont-à-Mousson.
FISHER, AARON R., 2nd Lieut., 366th Infantry, Medal No. 432. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 3 September 1918.
Lieut. Fisher showed exceptional bravery in action when his position was raided by a superior force of the enemy by directing his men and refusing to leave his position although he was severely wounded. He and his men continued to fight the enemy until the latter were beaten off by counter attack.
Home address: Benjamin Fisher, father, General Delivery, Lyles, Indiana.
Lieut. Fisher was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 45, Sept 18, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
WILLIAMS, JOE, Pvt., Company E, 366th Inf. (A. S. 2169035). Medal No. 430. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Williams was a member of a combat group which was attacked by twenty of an enemy raiding party, advancing under heavy barrage and rising liquid fire. The sergeant in charge of the group was killed and several others, including Private Williams, were wounded. Nevertheless, this soldier with three others fearlessly resisted the enemy until they were driven off.
Home address: Mrs. Carrie Gordon, friend, Octon, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 21, 1918, near Pont-à-Mousson.
BROWN, Roy A., Pvt., Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. 2168841). Medal No. 434. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Brown was a member of a combat group which was attacked by twenty of an enemy raiding party, advancing under a heavy barrage and using liquid fire. The sergeant in charge of the group was killed and several others, including Private Brown, were wounded. Nevertheless, this soldier with three others fearlessly resisted the enemy until they were driven off.
Home address: Mrs. Ellen Brown, mother, 620 Madison St., Decatur, Ala.
Medal presented to above-named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near Pont-à- Mousson.
MERRIFIELD, ED., Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2817S23). Medal No. 435. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Merrifield remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Mrs. Lucinda Merrifield, mother, Greenville, Illinois.
Private Merrifield was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 17, Sept. 30, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
HAMMOND, ALEX., Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A S. No. 2169003). Medal No. 436. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Hammond remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Will Hammond, father, Rt. 1, Harvest, Ala.
Private Hammond was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 17, Sept. 30, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
BELL, GEORGE, Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2168986). Medal No. 437. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Bell remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Mrs. Clara Bell, mother, Rt. 2, Athens, Ala.
Private George Bell, Co. E, 366th Inf., deceased, Sept. 16, 1918.
CLINCY, WILL, Private 1st Cl., Company F, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2169151). Medal No. 438. For extraordinary heroism in action near Frapelle, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Clincy showed exceptional bravery during an enemy raid. His teammate on an automatic rifle having been mortally wounded and although he was himself severely wounded, he continued to serve his weapon alone until the raid was driven back.
Home address: John Clincy, father, 2616-6th Alley, N. Birmingham, Ala.
Private 1st Class Will Clincy, Co. F, 366th Inf., was evacuated to Base Hospital (no record of number), Sept. 4, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Division.
YOUNG, CHARLES G., First Lieut., 366th Infantry. Medal No. 931. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 27-28 September 1918.
Lieutenant Young, while in command of a scout platoon, was twice severely wounded from shell fire, but refused medical attention and remained with his men, helping to dress their wounds and to evacuate his own wounded during the entire night, and holding firmly his exposed position covering the right flank of his battalion.
Home address: Mrs. Millie G. Young, wife, 1802 Greenlaw St., Austin, Texas.
WATKINS, LEWIS, Private 1st Class, Co. A, 350th Machine Gun Battalion (A. S. No. 2816183). Medal No. 1139. For extraordinary heroism in action near Eply, France, 4 November 1918.
Private 1st Class Watkins accompanied an infantry patrol, acting as gunner with a heavy machine gun. When a large party of the enemy had worked around the flank of the patrol and was advancing across a road along which the patrol was withdrawing, Private Watkins went into action with his gun at a range of less than 100 yards, although the order to withdraw had been given. Displaying exceptional coolness and bravery under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, be succeeded in dispersing the enemy. He was the last of the patrol to retire.
Medal presented to above named soldier December 2, 1918, near Pont-à-Mousson.
LAWRENCE, JACKSON S., Major Medical Corps, 368th Infantry. Medal No. 1052. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Major Lawrence with two soldiers voluntarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Florence McC. Lawrence, wife, 405 S. 42nd St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Medal presented to above Officer November 26, 1918, at Villers-en-Haye.
DAVIS, THOMAS H., Private 1st Class, Sanitary Detachment, 368th Infantry (179930). Medal No. 1053. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Davis with an officer and another soldier voluntarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Francis Davis, mother, 49 West Lincoln St., Hampton, Va.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 26, 1918, at Villers-en-Haye.
HANDY, EDWARD H., Private 1st Class, Company B, 368th Infantry (1799754). Medal No. 1054. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Handy with an officer and another soldier voluntarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Rosena Gibson, sister, 2627 1/2 Virginia Ave., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 26, 19189 at Villers-en-Haye. .
RIVERS, TOM, Private, Co. G, 366th Inf. (No. 2169507). Medal No. 1633. For extraordinary heroism in action near the Bois de la Voivrotte, France, 11 November 1918.
Private Rivers, although gassed, volunteered and carried important messages through heavy barrages to the support companies. He refused first aid until his company was relieved
Home address: Mrs. Cornelia Rivers, wife, R.. F. D. 2, Box 7, Opelika, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier December 11, 1918, at Maron.
LEWIS, BERNARD, Private, Co. A, 368th Infantry. Medal No. 858. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Lewis, during an attack on Binarville, volunteered to go down the road that leads into the village, to rescue a wounded soldier of his company. To accomplish his mission, be was compelled to go under heavy machine gun and shell fire. In total disregard of personal danger he brought the wounded man safely to our lines.
Home address: Mrs. Martha Lewis, mother, 135 E. St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 8, 1918, at Villers-en-Haye.
JAMES, JOSEPH, Hqrs. Co., 368th Infantry (1798927). Medal No. 1731. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private James went to the aid of a wounded companion under very severe machine-gun and artillery fire and brought him to cover. He stayed with the wounded man, giving him all possible aid until assistance came, when he returned to his place with the platoon.
Home address: Mrs. Martha James, mother, 1622 N. Alde St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Medal presented to above named soldier January 2, 1919.
JONES, THOMAS EDWARD, 1st Lieut., Med. Corps, 368th Inf. Medal No. 1844. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville France, 27 September 1918.
Lieutenant Jones went into an open area subjected to direct machine-gun fire to care for a wounded soldier who was being carried by another officer. While dressing the wounded runner a machine-gun bullet passed between his arms and his chest and a man was killed within a few yards of him.
Home address: Mrs. Leonie Jones, wife, 509 O St .1 N. W., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above Officer January 2, 1919.
BRECKENRIDGE, ROBERT M., Private 1st Class (Deceased), Company H, 365th Infantry (1967624). For extraordinary heroism in action at Ferme de Bel Air, France, 29 October 191S.
Although severely wounded in the leg from shell fire, Private Breckenridge, an automatic rifleman, continued in action, crawled forward for a distance of 100 yards to a position where he obtained a better field of fire, and assisted preventing an enemy party from taking a position on the company's flank. In spite of his wound, Private Breckenridge continued to use his weapon with great courage and skill until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire.
Next of kin: Amelia Wilson, mother, Route 5, Box 95, Hennessey, Oklahoma.
POLLARD, RUSSELL, Corporal, Co. H, 365th Infantry (1967745). Medal No. 1899. For extraordinary heroism in action at Bois Frehaut, France, 10 November 1918.
During the assault at Bois Frehaut, Corporal Pollard, a rifle grenadier, conducted his squad skillfully in firing on hostile machine guns, until his rifle was broken. He then used his wirecutters with speed and skill under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. Although wounded in his right arm, he continued to cut the wire with his left hand, and assisted his men in getting through it, until ordered to the dressing station a second time by his company commander.
Home address: Caroline Pollard, mother, Weatherford, Texas.
PURSLEY, EARL, Private 1st Class, Medical Detachment, 366th Infantry (2170837). Medal No. 1900. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseux, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Pursley voluntarily carried a wounded soldier from an exposed position under intense enemy shell fire for a distance of 400 yards to dressing station. He then immediately returned to the position and helped to dig out men who had been buried by the explosion of a shell.
Home address: Earl Pursley, father, General Delivery, Hickman, Ky.
Medal presented to above named soldier 2 January 1919.
There were issued from Headquarters of the 92nd Division and also by the Commanding Officers of the various units of the 92nd Division through successive periods expressions of special commendation of various officers and soldiers. Among those which may be quoted are the following
Company M, 368th Infantry,
Trench Brealau, 94.1-71.75,
3 October, 1918.FROM: The Commanding Officer, Co. .11. 368th Inf.
TO: The Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion.
SUBJECT: Lt. T. M. Dent, 368th Inf.
1. I desire to call the attention of the Battalion Commander to the work of First Lieutenant T. M. Dent, 368th Infantry, during the days covering the advance from Vienne-le-Chateau.
2. Lieut. Dent was the only officer present with me during the greater part of that time and his conduct was at all times characterized by fearlessness and initiative. His platoon captured a German automatic rifle which covered the bridge crossing the Vallee Moreau and he later on the same day, 28th September, led his platoon to the wire in front of Trench Clotilde at 92.5-73.5, but owing to heavy machine-gun fire from his right was unable to remain there or to penetrate the unbroken wire.
3. In the event of another detail from this Company to the First Corps Schools, I request that this officer be given the opportunity to further increase his value to the service by attending said schools.
R. H. WILLIAMS,
Captain, 368th Infantry,Headquarters 92nd Division,
Army Post Office No. 766.
American Expeditionary Forces.
October 11, 1918.General Orders No. 27.
1. The Commanding General desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Captain R. A. Williams and First Lieutenant T. M. Dent, both of the 368th Infantry. During the days of the fight around Vienne-le-Chateau both of these officers displayed courage and leadership, and their conduct should be an example to the other officers of the Division.
2. The Division Commander desires to commend the conduct of Private Philip Estrada (1766914), Battery A, 350th Field Artillery, who at the risk of his own life saved Corporal Alfred Tinson (1767196), Battery B, 350th Field Artillery, from drowning on or about the 8th day of August, 1918.
By Command of Major General Ballou. (Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Lieut.-Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.HEADQUARTERS 92ND DIVISION
A. P. O. 76628 November, 1918.
General Orders No. 35.
*.......*.......* II. PVT. BERT WALKER, 367th Infantry. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious conduct of Pvt. Bert Walker, 367th Inf. Pvt. Walker, on November 9, 1918, in the vicinity of Villers-sous-Preny after it was learned that the road leading to Villers-sous-Preny had been so heavily shelled by gas shells as to make it almost impassable---volunteered to assist in carrying gas masks down this road to organizations in position, and made several trips through this gassed area, helping to equip and protect against a heavy gas attack which troops were later subjected to.
III. LIEUT. E. B. WILLIAMS, 367th Infantry. The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Lieut. E. B. Williams, 1st Battalion Gas Officer, 367th Infantry. During the action around Villers-sous-Preny this officer was gassed, but maintained his post until all shellholes were properly covered and his entire area free from gas. Lieut. Williams refused to rest until ordered to do so by his superior officer.
By Command of Major General Martin. (Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
American Expeditionary Forces29th November, 1918.
General Orders No. 36.
I. 2ND LIEUT. NATHAN O. GOODLOE, 368th Infantry. The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of 2nd Lieutenant Nathan O. Goodloe, Machine Gun Company, 368th Infantry. During the operations in the Forêt D'Argonne, September 26 to 29, 1918, this officer was attached to the 3rd Battalion of his regiment, and on September 28, during the course of action, it became necessary to reorganize the Battalion and withdraw a part of it to a secondary position, and he rendered valuable assistance. The movement was carried out under a continual machine-gun fire from the enemy, and Lieut. Goodloe's calm courage set an example that inspired confidence in his men.
II. WAGONER TOM BROWN (1725697), Hq. Det., 351st M. G. Bn. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious conduct of Wagoner Tom Brown, 1725697, Headquarters Detachment, 351st Machine Gun Battalion, who, as driver with a combat wagon carrying ammunition to organizations going into action near Vienne-le-Chateau, in the Argonne Forest, on September 27, 1918, displayed marked devotion to duty, exceptional coolness, and great courage under fire. The ammunition was hauled over a shell-swept road and Wagoner Brown insisted on completing his work, even after his wagon and horses had been hurled into a ditch; he, despite a painful injury, worked faithfully until be had extricated his horses, and his conduct was such as to merit having it called to the attention of. members of the Division as worthy of emulation.
By Command of Major General Martin. (Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry,
Adjutant.HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
American Expeditionary Forces1st December, 1918.
General Orders No. 37.
I. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders for meritorious conduct in action at Bois Frehaut near Pont-à-Mousson, France, .November 10-11, 1918, the following named officers and enlisted men:
Major E. B. Simmons, Regimental Surgeon, 365th Infantry;
Captain John H. Allen, Machine Gun Company, 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Leon F. Stewart, 2nd Bn. Scout Officer, 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Frank L. Drye, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Walter Lyons, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Bravid W. Harriss, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Benjamin F. Ford, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
2nd Lieut. George L. Gaines, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
2nd Lieut. Russell C. Atkins, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Richard W. White, 2073368, 2nd Bn. Scouts, 365th Infantry;
Sergeant John Simpson, 2074325, M. G. Co., 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Robert Townsend, 1967208, Company " E ", 365th Infantry
Sergeant Solomon D. Colston, 2073518, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Ransom Elliot, 1967307, Company " G ", 365th Infantry;
Supply Sergeant Charles Jackson, 2073816, Company "H", 365th Inf.;
Corporal Thomas B. Coleman, 1967082, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Corporal Albert Taylor, 2091.596, Company " E 365th Infantry;
Corporal Charles Reed, 2073745, Company "'G, 365th Infantry;
Corporal James Conley, 2073730, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Private 1st Class Jesse Cole, 2817706, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Private 1st Class Earl Swanson, 1967391, Company "G", 365th Inf.;
Private 1st Class James Hill, 2091205 (deceased), Co. "H", 365th Inf.;
Private 1st Class Charles White, 2089235, Company "H", 365th Inf.;
Private George Chaney, 2655690, Company "H", 365th Infantry.II. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders for meritorious conduct in action as specified below, the following named officers and enlisted men:
During action near Frapelle, France, September 3, 1918:
Sergeant Isaac Hill, 2169092, Company " F ", 366th Infantry.
During action near Lesseux, France, September 7, 1918:
1st Lieut. John Q. Lindsey, Company "E", 366th Infantry.
During action near Heminville, France, November 10-11, 1918:
1st Lieut. Edward W. Bates, Medical Corps, Ambulance Co. No. 368;
Sergeant Werter L. Gross, 2167835, Company "A", 366th Infantry.By command of Major General Martin: (Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official: EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
Army Post Office No. 766
American Expeditionary Forces6th December, 1918.
General Orders : No. 38.
I. SERGEANT RUFUS B. ATWOOD, 1974547, 325th Field Signal Battalion.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Sergeant Rufus B. Atwood, 1974547, 325th Field Signal Battalion. On the morning of November 10, 1918, while returning to the switchboard in Pont-à-Mousson, a shell struck the house in which the switchboard was being operated, breaking all the lines. Sergeant Atwood rendered valuable assistance to the officer in charge in reconstructing the switchboard and connecting new lines under heavy shell fire. When the ammunition dump began to explode in the same neighborhood, he remained on the job, tapping new connections. After repairs were made from the first explosion, there were two to follow which completely wrecked the switchboard room and tore out all the lines which were newly fixed. Sergeant Atwood was left alone, and he established a new switchboard and the same connection they had at first. The coolness with which he went about his work and the initiative he took in handling the situation justifies his being mentioned in orders.
II. PRIVATE CHARLES E. BOYKIN (Deceased), Co. "C" 325th Field Signal Bn.
The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious conduct of Private Charles E, Boykin, Company C, 325th Field Signal Battalion. On the afternoon of September 26, 1918, while the 368th Infantry was in action in the Argonne Forest, the Regimental Commander moved forward to establish a P. C. and came upon a number of Germans, who fled to the woods, which were found to be alive with machine guns. The Commanding Officer ordered the woods searched to the top of the hill, the officer in charge of the scouting called for volunteers, and Private Boykin, a telephone linesman, offered his services and set out with the rest of the detail. While trying to flank an enemy machine gun another opened fire, killing him instantly.
By command of Major General Martin: (Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff,Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.HEADQUARTERS 92ND DIVISION
A. P. O. 76616 November, 1918.
General Orders No. 32.
I. The Commanding General wishes to call the attention of the command to the excellent and meritorious conduct of the following officers and enlisted men:
Major Warner A. Ross, 365th Infantry.
Captain William W. Green, 365th Infantry.
Sergeant Rufus Bradley, 2073505, Company E, 365th Infantry.
Bugler Junius Jules, 2075822, Company H, 365th Infantry.During the advance of November 10, 1918, in the action of Bois Frehaut, these officers and men displayed such exceptional bravery and coolness under fire as to merit commendation in orders.
This order will be read to the command at first assembly after its receipt.
II. The Commanding General wishes to call the attention of the command to the excellent and meritorious conduct of the following officers and enlisted men of Company A, 366th Infantry:
1st Lieutenant William H. Clark, 1st Lieutenant William Jones, 1st Sergeant Eugene Love, Sergeant Gus Hicks, Sergeant Richard Parker, Sergeant James E. Green, Corporal John H. James, Corporal Fred Lewis, Corporal Ben L. Moore, Bugler Irvin Turpin, Pvt. 1st Cl. Fred Littlejohn, Pvt. 1st Cl. Ed Martin, Pvt. 1st Cl. Riley Porter, Pvt. 1st Cl. Ames Robertson, Pvt. 1st Cl. Mathew Rose, Pvt. 1st Cl. Lonnie Rice, Pvt. 1st Cl. Richard Wells, Pvt. 1st Cl. Henry Williams, Private Conce Cooks, Private Willis Coles, Private Charles Dozier, Private Frank W. Franklin, Private Harvey Hite, Private Leonard Morton, Private Clarence Leake.
In the action near Bois de Voivrotte, France, on November 11, 1918, these officers displayed such excellent qualities of leadership and courage, and the men such heroic conduct and attention to duty under fire, as to merit commendation in orders.
This order will be read to the command at first assembly after its receipt.
By command of Major General Ballou. (Signed) ALLEN J. GREER,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.Official:
EDW. J. TURGEON,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.
Adjutant.HEADQUARTERS 372ND INFANTRY
S. P. 179, France
Granges, Vosges.December 23, 1918.
(1383)
FROM: The Acting Adjutant.
TO: Captain Clarence S. Janifer, 92nd Division, American E. F., France.
SUBJECT: Decoration.1. It is with pleasure that I inform you that you have been awarded a Croix de Guerre with citation in the orders of the 157th Division. The approval of the award was received from the Personnel Section, G. H. Q., American E. F., on December 14th.
2. The citation is as follows:
1st Lieut. Clarence S. Janifer, M. C. Surgeon 3rd Battalion 372nd Infantry.
"Fearless to danger, established his First Aid Post on the battlefield in front of Bussy Farm September 28, 1918, following the Battalion in the open fields, giving help and relief to the wounded and dying at first hand."Pending the receipt of the official citation from the 157th Division, this letter will serve as authority for the wearing of the Croix de Guerre with a silver star.
(Signed) PRESTON F. WALSH,
Captain Infantry, U. S. A.I certify that the above letter is a true copy.
T. T. THOMPSON,
1st Lt., Inf., U. S. A.
There were many such commendations of individual soldiers issued during the period of the stay of the 92nd Division in France.
No officer in the 92nd Division won the respect and devotion of his men more completely than did Brigadier-General Malvern-Hill Barnum, commanding the 183rd Brigade. That General Barnum felt a deep attachment to his command is shown by the following letter addressed to the entire brigade:
A. P. O. 714, France.
22 December, 1918.From: Malvern.-Hill Barnum, Brigadier-General, U. S. A.
To: The Officers and men of the 183rd Brigade.
Subject: Relief from command.The order detaching me from command of the 183rd Brigade was unexpected and coming, as it did, just as the Brigade was moving, made it impossible for me to give expression to my regret at having to sever an association of over a year and one that will be one of the pleasantest recollections of my Army career.
Having organized and trained the 183rd Brigade and commanded it through its active service in the present war, I can speak for the willing compliance to all requirements that made the work very enjoyable. When men work with their hearts as well as their heads and hands, the best results are certain to follow.
I feel that the officers and enlisted men of the Brigade may justly be proud of the record made and I believe that history will accord them no little credit.
I trust that each one will do his utmost to insure to the Brigade the finest record possible during the remainder of its period of service.
Finally in returning to their homes I trust that each one will take with him a high sense of responsibility as an American citizen and a keen desire to perform faithfully whatever duties fall to him in the future.
With such a heritage from his Army service each one will not only have helped win the war and thus rendered a great service to humanity, but will himself have become the gainer through the remaining years of his life.
(Signed) MALVERN-HILL BARNUM. This letter will be published to all members of the command at the earliest opportunity.
By order of Colonel Parrott. .............................Hq. 366th Infantry........................................(Signed) R. D. MCCORD,
.............................December 24, 1918.......................................Capt. and Adjt., 366th Inf.
Glorious Record of the 367th Infantry Regiment-Colonel James A. Moss---Presentation of Colors at the Union League Club---The "Buffaloes" in France---How They "Saw It Through" at Metz---Their Heroic Conduct Under Fire---Regimental Colors Decorated by Order of the French High Command---A Tribute From France to "These Sunburned Americans."
Quite naturally, and with pardonable pride, all the officers and men of each unit of the 92nd Division regard their particular unit as having contributed most to the glory of that Division and to the record of the achievements of Negro troops upon battlefields overseas. However, it will probably not be disputed that the 367th U. S. Infantry was, in some respects, the most notable unit of the 92nd Division.
The 367th Regiment was organized at Camp Upton, N. Y., on November 3, 1917, pursuant to Order No. 105, War Department, 1917, and Special Order No. 72, Headquarters 77th Division, 1917. Colonel James A. Moss, Lieutenant Colonel William G. Doane, Majors Charles L. Mitchell, Fred W. Bugbee and William H. Edwards were assigned to and joined the regiment, 3rd November, 1917, per Order No. 105, War Department, 1917.
Pursuant to telegraphic instructions from the War Department, 2nd November, 1917, Major Henry N. Arnold, Inf. R. C., was transferred to the regiment vice Major William H. Edwards, transferred to the 306th Machine Gun Battalion.
The Captains of the regiment (with the exception of the Regimental Adjutant, Commanding Officers' Headquarters and Supply Companies), also the 1st and 2nd Lieutenants, graduated from the Officers' Training Camp, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, were assigned to and joined the regiment 3rd November, 1917, per Special Order 72, Headquarters 77th Division, 1917.
The Regimental Adjutant, Captain Frederic Bull; Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company, Captain Benjamin F. Norris, and Supply Officer, Captain Charles L. Appleton, were transferred to the regiment 3rd November, 1917, from the 152nd Depot Brigade, 77th Division, per Special Order No. 72, Headquarters 77th Division, 1917.
The enlisted personnel of the regiment was assigned from selective draft men, who joined as follows:
In November, 1917: New York, N. Y., 1,198; Camp Devens, Mass., 22; Camp Custer, Mich., 301; Camp Lewis , Wash., 100.
In December, 1917: Camp Travis, Tex., 300; Camp Pike, Ark., 600; Camp Lee, Va., 300.
Six enlisted men from the Regular Army were transferred to the regiment.
During the period, 3rd November, 1917, to 31st December, 1917, the troops of the regiment were given training and instruction daily, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, in the prescribed course of instruction for officers and men.
The field officers, regimental adjutant, regimental supply officer, regimental surgeon, and the commanding officers of the Headquarters. Company, nine in all, were white, while all the company officers (87), except the commander of the Headquarters Company; the medical officers, except the regimental surgeon; the dental surgeons, and the chaplain, 97 in all, were colored officers. The colored officers, with the exception of the chaplain, were all graduates of the Fort Des Moines (Iowa) Officers' Training Camp.
The enlisted men (3,699) were drafted from various parts of the country, quotas having come from Camp Devens, Camp Custer, Camp Lewis, Camp Lee, Camp Pike, Camp Travis, and about 1,500 from New York and Brooklyn. An enlisted training cadre of 19 men was assigned to the regiment from the 25th U. S. Infantry.
Being trained at Camp Upton, near New York City, the attention of the metropolitan press was focused upon this particular regiment, which was commanded by a Southern officer, Colonel James A. Moss, a West Point graduate, who was born in Louisiana. Colonel Moss early began to put the 367th Infantry "on the map" after the regiment was organized; first by speaking before the Union League Club and other important organizations in the City of New York, and by the formation of the 367th Infantry Welfare League, the object of which was to keep open the line of communication with the home ties that the colored soldiers had left behind. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt became its Honorary President, following an address he made to the men of the regiment at Camp Upton, October 18, 1917. Colonel Roosevelt was delighted with the regimental singing and was fervent in his praise of the men. The officers of the League were: Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Honorary President; Hon. Charles W. Anderson, First Vice-President; Dr. W. M. Moss, Second Vice-President; Dr. William Jay Schieffelin, Treasurer, Captain Walter B. Williams, Secretary; George W. Lattimore, Field Secretary, and Colonel James A. Moss, Commandant, 367th Infantry.
This regiment paraded with the 77th Division through the streets of New York City on the occasion of the celebration of George Washington's birthday, February 22, 1918, and was acclaimed by the metropolitan press as presenting a fine soldiery appearance; this was especially noteworthy in view of the fact that nearly one-half of the men had been drafted from the far South and had come up from cotton plantations and fields without previous military experience.
A particularly notable incident in connection with the stay of the 367th Infantry at Camp Upton was the "presentation of colors" by the Union League Club on Saturday, March 23, 1918. The Union League Club during the Civil War always stood firmly and boldly for equal rights of American citizens, regardless of color. It decided, in 1863, to enlist Negroes of New York State in the Union Army and within one month raised $18,000 for that purpose and in November, 1863, one thousand and twenty Negroes---a regiment---were in training on Riker's Island. There remained in addition six hundred men, who formed the skeleton of a second regiment which the club subsequently raised. These regiments were known during the Civil War. as the Twentieth and Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops. Later the club assisted in the recruiting of two more colored regiments. The recruiting of Negro soldiers, however, was not regarded with general favor. The then Governor of New York State not only refused his authority, but withheld his sanction of the movement, and it became necessary for the Union League Club to obtain the proper authority from the War Department at Washington. It was not a matter of surprise, then, that the Union League Club decided to present a "stand of colors" to the 367th Infantry that comprised so large a number of colored draftees from New York City and State for service in the World War.
The 367th Infantry regiment was a part of the first contingent of the 92nd Division that sailed for overseas, leaving the port or embarkation at Hoboken, N. J., on June 19, 1918, and arriving at Brest, France, on June 29, 1918. The regiment made a notable record in France---the entire First Battalion of the 367th (Buffalo) Infantry being cited for bravery and awarded the Croix de Guerre, thus entitling every officer and man in the battalion to wear this distinguished French decoration. This citation was made by the French Commission because of the splendid service and bravery shown by this battalion in the last engagement of the war, Sunday and Monday, November 10 and 11, in the drive to Metz. This battalion went into action through a valley commanded by the heavy German guns of Metz, and held the Germans at bay. While the 56th. Regiment retreated, but not until it had suffered a heavy loss. In the record of operations of the 92nd Division as a whole, the detailed statement of the glorious part played by the 367th Infantry (see Chapters XI and XII) will be noted. It may be said that this unit lived up to its regimental motto---"SEE IT THROUGH."
Particular reference is made to this regiment (the 367th U. S. A.), not only because its splendid record at home and achievements overseas merits special mention, but also for the purpose of bringing out in bold relief the fact that it is possible for a white man born and bred in the South to learn to appreciate the real worth of the Negro soldier and, whenever placed in command of them, to treat them as all American soldiers should be treated and to accord to them a full measure of respect, opportunity, and credit. This has been notably true in the case of' Colonel James A. Moss, Commanding Officer of the regiment, who enjoyed the confidence and even the affection of the men of his command. It will be interesting, in this connection, to read the tribute which he paid to the Negro as a soldier and military officer, and which was issued as an "Introduction" to a booklet concerning his regiment of colored soldiers:
STATEMENT BY
COLONEL JAMES A. MOSS, COMMANDING 367TH INFANTRY, U.S.A."Having been born and reared in the State of Louisiana, whose confines I did not leave until I went to West Point at the age of eighteen, and having served eighteen years with colored troops, including two campaigns, what I say about the colored man as a soldier is therefore based on many years' experience with him in civil life and in the Army---in peace and in war, in garrison and in the field.
"If properly trained and instructed, the colored man makes as good a soldier as the world has ever seen. The history of the Negro in all of our wars, including our Indian campaigns, shows this. He is by nature of a happy disposition; he is responsive and tractable; he is very amenable to discipline; he takes pride in his uniform; he has faith and confidence in his leader; he possesses physical courage---all of which are valuable military assets.
"The secret of making an efficient soldier out of the colored man lies in knowing the qualities he possesses that are military assets, and which I have named, and then appealing to and developing them---that is, utilizing them to the greatest extent possible.
"Make the colored man feel that you have faith in him, and then, by sympathetic and conscientious training and instruction, help him to fit himself in a military way to vindicate that faith, to 'make good.' Be strict with him, but treat him fairly and justly, making him realize that in your dealings with him he will always be given a square deal. Commend him when he does well and punish him when he is refractory---that is to say, let him know that he will always get what is coming to him, whether it be reward or whether it be punishment. In other words, treat and handle the colored man as you would any other human being out of whom you would make a good soldier, out of whom you would get the best there is in him, and you will have as good a soldier as history has ever known---a man who will drill well, shoot well, march well, obey well, fight well---in short, a man who will give a good account of himself in battle, and who will conduct and behave himself properly in camp, in garrison and in other places.
"I commanded colored troops in the Cuban campaign and in the Philippine campaign, and I have had some of them killed and wounded by my very side. At no time did they ever falter at the command to advance nor hesitate at the order to charge.
"I am glad that I am to command colored soldiers in this, my third campaign---in the greatest war the world has ever known.
(Signed) "Jas. A. Moss,
Colonel 367th Infantry."
Colonel Moss has the reputation of being one of the best-known military authors in the world. He has written twenty-six military books, of which several have been for years regarded as standard. His "Manual of Military Training" has been called the "Encyclopedia Britannica of the Army." His "Officers' Manual" a guide in official and social matters, is used by practically every young officer entering the Army. His "Privates' Manual" was adopted several years ago by the United States Marine Corps, and a copy is placed in the hands of every recruit. Other books of his, such as "Non-Commissioned Officers' Manual," "Army Paperwork," "Infantry Drill Regulations Simplified," "Field Service," "Riot Duty," "Company Training," and "Applied Minor Tactics," are also regarded as standards among all military men. Since his graduation from West Point in 1894 Colonel Moss's service has been distinguished. It includes a record of three campaigns. In addition, he was aide-de-camp for three years to Lieutenant-General Henry C. Corbin, during which time, although only a captain in the Regular Army, he had the rank, pay, and allowances of lieutenant-colonel. For three years he was instructor at the Army Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1911 and 1912 he was on special duty in the office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Leonard Wood, by whom he had been specially selected to reduce and simplify the administrative work of the Army. Not only is he the father of the present system of Army correspondence, but he also gave to the service the new, simplified pay and muster rolls, and several other labor saving blank forms that have done much to reduce military administrative work.
Perhaps the secret underlying the splendid relations that continually existed between this Southern white Army officer and the colored soldiers and officers of his command, is partly disclosed in the brief biographical sketch of his military career given above, for, whenever a THOROUGHLY EDUCATED WHITE MAN meets the EDUCATED TYPE, AND BETTER CLASS OF NEGRO MEN, like most if not all of those comprising the officer group of the 367th Regiment, the difficulties connected with the so-called Race Problem are simplified and reduced to the minimum.
The success of the 367th U. S. Infantry therefore strongly suggests (1) that whenever white men are put in command of Negro troops they should be of that high intellectual and moral caliber that will enable them to appreciate bring forth, and develop the best that is in the colored men of their command; and (2) that Negro officers are more and more demonstrating their fitness and capacity to command men of their own race.
17th Glorious Story of the 369th United States Infantry, formerly of the New York National Guard---The Regiment That Never Lost a Man Captured, a Trench, or a Foot of Ground---First Negro Troops to Go into Action in France..
The first effort to organize a colored National Guard regiment in New York City was sponsored by Charles W. Fillmore, a colored citizen, who afterwards was commissioned a Captain in the "15th" by Col. Hayward. The effort to secure proper approval of such a regiment was more or less abortive until Gov. Charles S. Whitman, following the gallant fight of Negro troops of the Tenth Cavalry against Mexican bandits at Carrizal, authorized the project and named Col. William Hayward, then Public Service Commissioner, to supervise the task of recruiting an organization. It was found that there were more than two hundred Negro residents of the city who had seen service in the regular army, or in the militia of other states. With these as a nucleus the work of recruiting began on June 29, 1916.
By the first of October, ten companies of sixty-five men each had been formed, and the regiment was then recognized by the State and given its colors. By April 8, 1917, the regiment had reached peace strength, with 1,378 men, and was recognized by the Federal Government. Two weeks later the organization was authorized to recruit to war strength. The 600 men needed were recruited in five days after the applicants had been subjected to a physical examination more stringent than that given in the regular army. The first battalion of four companies was recruited in Manhattan; the second battalion was composed of Brooklyn men, and the third of men from Manhattan and the Bronx. "There is no better soldier material in the world," said Col. Hayward, following the organization of the regiment. "Given the proper training, these men will be the equal of any soldiers in the world."
Col. Hayward in a personal memorandum to the author submitted the following diary of dates in the history of the 15th, New York, which afterwards became the 369th Infantry prior to its going overseas:
"July 15, 1918, mobilized at various halls and meeting places where regiment was recruited and went to Camp Whitman, near Poughkeepsie, N. Y., for muster-in to United States service;
"August 2, Machine Gun Company sent to Ellis Island to guard German spies and internes;
"Two companies-1st Battalion, Harrison, N. J., for guard duty on Jersey railroads and certain essential factories.
"One company---1st Battalion, ---guarded tunnels and bridges New York Central and other railroads from New York City to the Adirondack Mountains in small detachments;
"One company, in and around New York City, including guard duty on seized German ships;
"Second Battalion, less one company, pioneered Camp Upton.
"Fourth company, on guard over Iona Island near West Point and Bear Mountain;
"Third Battalion, pioneered Camp Dix.
"First week in October, Regimental Headquarters, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, Headquarters and Supply Companies to Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg.
"October 12, assembled and secretly transported at 9 to 10 A. M. via Fifth avenue busses and elevated railroads and on foot in various parts of New York City to dock at 95th street and East River, and transported to Hoboken. Embarked on transport "Hoboken." Second day at sea ship broke down and limped back to Hoboken. Regiment moved to Camp Merritt.
"October 23, back to Hoboken to sail October 27. Owing to incomplete equipment, unable to sail and battalions stationed at Camp Mills, Park Avenue Armory, Van Cortlandt Park, 2nd Field Armory and other armories in New York City.
"November 12, moved secretly with colors eased and drums forbidden to play, at 10 A. M. by train to Hoboken and marched through the principal street to transport "Pocahontas" at Pier 3. Ship on fire and regiment remained on board, sailing again December 3.
"December 4, collision at sea;
"December 5, regiment repaired ship;
"December 27, landed at Brest. Right side up."
In sending the diary, Col. Hayward adds the following significant statement:
"We had no wrecks, no fires, no explosions, no escaped prisoners during our tour, prior to sailing. Gen. Hoyle, Commanding General Eastern Department, said ours was the only regiment, regular or national guard, on this duty against which no complaint had been filed by civilians or others."
Training the men presented some difficulty. At first they were drilled in Lafayette Hall, 132nd street and Seventh avenue, New York City. But the place was altogether too small and many of the fifty squads which drilled nightly had to take to the streets to carry out the maneuvers of their drill sergeants. Later they went for three weeks to Camp Whitman. An announced plan to send the regiment to train at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, S. C., caused a storm of protest from the citizens of the South Carolina town.
"The most tragic consequences," they insisted, "would follow the introduction of the New York Negro with his Northern ideas into the community life of Spartanburg." The Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce drafted resolutions protesting against the training of Negro troops at Camp Wadsworth, which were sent to New York State officials. The resolutions, however, had less weight than the exigencies of war and, early in October, the 15th Negro Infantry detrained at Camp Wadsworth. The "tragic consequences" did not materialize. Certain stores refused to serve Negro customers and were, in turn, boycotted by the white soldiers, but the chief result of the Fifteenth's visit to Spartanburg was an increased respect in some measure, at least, for the black soldier.
While at Spartanburg the regiment was supplied with the latest things in trench shoes, heavy underwear, and other overseas supplies. This led the men to expect immediate transfer overseas. They were, indeed, ordered overseas, but as Colonel Hayward's memorandum quoted above indicates, the regiment made three distinct starts for France before it finally got away from America. The accident that caused the first turning back .occurred when still in sight of the Narrows. The vessel was disabled by a bent piston rod and had to put back to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs. Four days later the ship put out again, only to halt when fire was found in the reserve coal bunker. Putting back to Hoboken, the sorely tried Fifteenth counted the hours until a new transport could be obtained. Hours became days, and days ---weeks, but still no other ship offered.
Finally, oil December 3, 1917, the Navy Department notified the transport's commander to put to sea. But while the pier lines were being cast off a storm started to blow up, and by the time the "Pocahontas"---nameless at the time---reached the outer bay, the greatest blizzard of the year was raging. Clouds of snow, through which nothing could be seen, forced the "Pocahontas" to drop anchor. She had hardly done so when a huge hulk, appearing suddenly through the murk, bore down upon the transport's bow and cut a ten-foot hole in her side. then the storm abated in the bay, but a new one arose below decks, where 3,000-odd exasperated soldiers were maintaining their belief that no such place as France existed. The captain of the transport was for turning back again to the Navy Yard. The hole was above the water-line, be admitted, and there was no great danger impending as a result of the collision, he said. Nevertheless there would be an inquiry, and it was necessary that he be present to state his case.
"I can see no reason for turning back except that of fear," said Col. Hayward to the captain. The captain did not turn back. There was an ambulance assembly unit on board with electric drills. Ten hours, it was said, would suffice to make sufficient repairs to enable the vessel to proceed. The bent plates were drilled out and double planking erected in their place. Concrete was then poured between the planks. The result was not elegant, but the ship was water-tight and best of all, still bound for France.
Brest was reached on December 27 without incident except for an epidemic of German measles which attacked the crew of the transport, but which was escaped by nearly all officers and men of the Fifteenth.
From Brest the regiment was transferred to St. Nazaire, where the troops were put to work constructing a huge railroad yard, building roads, and unloading ships. The fact of being ill the country "where the war is" helped the impatient soldiers to endure their lot for awhile, but before long there was a general feeling that "while stevedoring may be all right, it is not war," and the officers were besieged with apologetic and respectful queries, "When do we fight?"
The answer was assumed to have been supplied when, early in January, the Third Battalion was ordered to Colquidan, in Brittany, where there was a big American artillery camp. It turned out, however, that peace was still longer to bear down upon the spirits of the Fifteenth. At Colquidan, they found, as well as an American artillery camp, there was also a large German prison camp, and it was for the purpose of guarding this camp that their services were required.
Three weeks passed, and then the Third Battalion received orders to join the rest of the regiment at Givry-en-Argonne, there to be formally transferred to the French high command and to be known as the 369th Regiment d'Infanterie Etats Unis (United, States Infantry). Actual fighting was still afar off, it seemed to the soldiers, for they were put to training under French officers. One hundred and twenty picked men and a number of officers were sent to the French Divisional Training School, where they were taught to use the French arms, including grenades, French bayonets, rifles and machine guns. Upon the completion of the course others of the former Fifteenth were sent to take this training.
They proved apt pupils. In grenade-throwing they easily outdid their instructors, and in bayonet work they demonstrated great skill. They surprised the French, also, with the manner in which they acquired the French language. Many of them were talking quite fluently after a week with their French comrades. It turned out, however, that many of the soldiers hailed from Louisiana, and that their new environment merely had revived forgotten memories of the French language.
In May the regiment went to the Main de Massiges, a part of the French line which offered the greatest danger as well as the greatest opportunity for training in trench warfare and raiding. A small number of the Fifteenth's men were sent with each French company, with instructions to observe all regulations and familiarize themselves with the tactics of the French. The French "poilus" were delighted with their colored comrades and soon sought to teach them all they knew.
After two weeks' experience obtained in the manner described, the 369th was sent into action in the Bois d'Hauze, Champagne, where the regiment, unassisted by the French, held a complete sector, which in length constituted 20 per cent of all territory held by American troops at the time. In this action, which lasted until July 4, 1918, when the colored soldiers, their ranks thinned by the deadly German fire and completely worn out, were relieved by the 4th French Chasseurs-à-pied.
By this time the fighting effectiveness of the Negro troops from New York was recognized by the high command, and after resting behind the lines for a few weeks they were transferred and placed in the path of the expected German offensive at Minancourt, near Butte de Mesnil, where they bore the brunt of the German attacks of July 15 and thereafter. Against the enemy in this action the old Fifteenth was completely successful, holding against the German fire, repelling German attacks and by counter-attacks becoming possessed of the front line German trenches.
At the end of July the regiment, after a three days march to the rear, went into training for open warfare, but had hardly started work when a hurry call was sent to them to take over the same place in the line which they had left a few days before. Motor lorries were impressed and the New York soldiers hastened back to the front, arriving in time to assist in repelling the most violent German attacks.
During the action which followed it was the policy of the French strategists to retreat from the lines then held after having "gassed" all the dug-outs. The advancing Germans thereupon were met with such heavy shell fire that they were forced into the underground shelters and so fell by the hundreds, victims of the noxious fumes released by the French.
The men of the 369th, advancing again after this defeat of the enemy, found enough Mauser rifles lying beside the dead Germans to equip an entire brigade. Finding the German Mauser to resemble the Springfield formerly used by the American troops and preferring it to the French weapon furnished them, the men of the Fifteenth promptly adopted the captured rifle, and it was with considerable difficulty that the French equipment was finally restored to them.
Early in September the men of the 369th were transferred from the 16th French Division, in which they had been serving, and made an integral part of the 161st French Division. And then, on the morning of September 26th, they joined with the Moroccans on the left and native French on the right in the offensive which won for the entire regiment the French Croix de Guerre and the citation of 171 individual officers and enlisted men for the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor, for exceptional gallantry in action. The action began at Maison-en-Champagne; it finished seven kilometers northward and eastward and over the intervening territory the Germans had retreated before the ferocious attacks of the Fifteenth and its French comrades.
A month later a new honor came to the regiment---the honor of being the first unit of all the Allied armies to reach the River Rhine. The regiment had left its trenches at Thann, Sunday, November 17, and, marching as the advance guard of the 161st Division, Second French Army, reached Blodelsheim, on the left bank of the Rhine, Monday, November 18. The 369th is proud of this achievement. It believes also that it was under fire for a greater number of days than any other American regiment. Its historian will record:
That the regiment never lost a man captured, a trench, or a foot of ground; that it was the only unit in the American Expeditionary Force which bore a State name and carried a State flag; that it was never in an American brigade or division; that it saw the first and the longest service of any American regiment as part of a foreign army; and that it had less training than any American unit before going into action.
A highly significant letter written by Col. Hayward to the author shortly after the 369th reached France and went into training may be quoted
"DEAR SCOTT:
"Am writing this from away up on the French front where the 'Fighting Fifteenth,' now the 369th U. S., is really fighting in a French Division. We are known to the French as 369 R. I. M. S. and our Secteur Postal is No. 54, France.
"I have two battalions in the trenches of the first line and the third in relief at rest just behind our trenches. The three rotate. Our boys have had their baptism of fire. They have patrolled No Man's Land. They have gone on raids and one of my lieutenants has been cited for a decoration. Of course, it is still in the experimental stage, but two questions of the gravest importance to our country and to your race have, in my opinion, been answered.
"First: How will American Negro soldiers, including commissioned officers (of whom I still have five), get along in service with French soldiers and officers---as for instance a Negro regiment of infantry serving in a French combat division?
"Second: Will the American Negro stand up under the terrible shell fire of this war as he has always stood under rifle fire and thus prove his superiority, spiritually and intellectually, to all the black men of Africa and Asia, who have failed under these conditions and whose use must be limited to attack or for shock troops?
"We have answered the first question in a most gratifying way. The French soldiers have not the slightest prejudice or feeling. The poilus and my boys are great chums, eat, dance, sing, march and fight together in absolute accord. The French officers have little, if any feeling about Negro officers. What little, if any, is not racial but from skepticism that a colored man (judging of course by those they have known) can have the technical education necessary to make an efficient officer. However, as I write these lines, Capt. Napoleon Bonaparte Marshall and Lieut. D. Lincoln Reed are living at the French Officers' Mess at our division Infanterie School, honored guests.
"The program I enclose gives you an idea of the way I've cultivated friendship between my boys and the poilus. You should have seen the 500 soldiers French and mine, all mixed up together, cheering and laughing at the show arranged while the Boche shells (boxcar size) went screaming over our heads.
"Now, on the second question, perhaps I am premature. But both my two battalions which have gone in have been under shell fire, serious and prolonged once, and the boys just laughed and cuddled into their shelter and read old newspapers. French company got shelled and it was getting very warm around the rolling kitchen. The cooks went along about their business in absolute unconcern until the alarmed French soldiers ran to them and told them to beat it. One of the cooks said, 'Oh, that's all light, boss. They ain't hurting us none.' They are positively the most stoical and mysterious men I've ever known. Nothing surprises them. And we now have expert opinion. The French officers say they are entirely different from their own African troops and the Indian troops of the British, who are so excitable under shell fire. Of course, I have explained that my boys are public school boys, wise in their day and generation, no caste prejudice, accustomed to the terrible noises of the subway, elevated and street traffic, of New York City (which would drive any desert man or Himalaya mountaineer mad) and are all Christians. Also, that while the more ignorant ones might not like to have a black cat hanging around for fear it would turn into a fish or something, they have no delusions about the Boche shells coming from any Heathen Gods. They know the child-killing Germans are firing at them with pyrocellulose, and they know how the breech mechanism works.
"I am very proud of what we've done and are doing. I put the whole regiment through grenade (live grenade) practice. Nasty, dangerous business. They did it beautifully. I found one rank arrant coward, who refused to throw. Said he couldn't. Another threw prematurely after igniting the bomb. We asked him why he did not wait for the command to throw (barrage). He said, 'Kunnel, that old grenade, she begun to swell right in my hand.' The boys keep writing home that the 'war is not so bad if you just go at it right.' Well, a very wise command somewhere, I don't know where, has let us go at it right. You know I've always told these boys I'd never send them anywhere I would not go myself, so I went first to the trenches, prowled around, saw it all and came back to the regiment to take in the battalion which was to go in first. When they saw me covered with mud, but safe and sound they said 'How is she, Kunnel?' 'She's all right,' I said. They all laughed and then the sick and the lame of that battalion began to get well miraculously and begged to go. Captain Clark called for twelve volunteers for a raid and the company fell in to the last man---all wanted to go, and he had to pick his twelve after all.
"Do you wonder that I love them, every one, good, bad and indifferent?
"Personally I am well, strong, and the happiest man in the world. I've learned more about the military game, at least the fighting of this war, since I have been here with the French than I learned in all the years as drummer boy, private, Sergeant, Captain, Major and Colonel Second Nebraska Infantry, Spanish War, Maneuvers, Officers' School, Gettysburg and Leavenworth problems, etc., etc., and all the time I spent with my present regiment in the New York National Guard.
"And another thing, I believe I know more about Negro soldiers and how to handle them, especially the problem of Negro and white officers, than any other man living today. Of course, the other regiment I commanded for three years was a white regiment, so I had a lot to learn, but I've learned it and I wouldn't trade back now.
"Suppose after I've held my sector up here by blood and iron two or three months, some National Guard Brigadier, who has just arrived in France, will come along and point out all the mistakes I've made and tell me just how to do it. Well, 'C'est la guerre' as we French say.
"Brother Boche doesn't know who we are yet, as none of my men have been captured so far, and the boys wear a French blue uniform when they go on raids. I've been thinking if they capture one of my Porto Ricans (of whom I have a few) in the uniform of a Normandy French regiment and this black man tells them in Spanish that he is an American soldier in a New York National Guard regiment it's going to give the German intelligence department a headache trying to figure it out.
"We a proud to think our boys were the first Negro American soldiers in the trenches. Jim Europe was certainly the first Negro officer in. You can imagine how important he feels! In addition to the personal gratification at having done well as a regiment I feel it has been a tremendously important experiment, when one considers the hosts of colored men who must come after us. I wish I had a brigade, yes, a division or a corps of them. We'd make history and plant the hob-nailed boots of the 'Heavy Ethiopian Foot' in the Kaiser's face all right.
"We were so disappointed that the Secretary didn't get up to see us. The town we were holding then had been named by me 'Bakerville' and it is so on our maps.
"Regards and good wishes to you.
"Sincerely, "WILLIAM HAYWARD." ----
The men of the 369th came to be known among the French and the Germans as "Hell Fighters." The regiment participated in the action which followed the German offensive on the 15th of July, 1918, when the Germans were reinforced by released prisoners from Russia, so that they then had their maximum forces.
They had broken through the British line and disaster was at hand. This was east of Rheims. The Germans had also torn through the French at Montdidier and had gone through for 30 or 40 kilometers.
During the 191 days that the regiment was in the trenches there were weeks in that immediate sector when there was nothing between the German army and Paris but these black men from America. It was through the action of the men of the 369th in capturing German prisoners on the night of July 14 that the expected German attack was learned. When the French found out that the great German offensive was coming, their forces did not remain a thin blue line. Gen. Gouraud, who commanded the Fourth French Army, took his troops out of the front line trenches over a front of 50 kilometers, and when the attack occurred he had the 369th on one flank of a 50-kilometer line and the old 69th New York, a part of the Rainbow Division, on the other. When the German fire fell on these front line trenches for five hours and twenty minutes, the shells fell on empty trenches except for a few patrols left in reinforced trenches with signal rockets, gas shells, and a few machine guns. When the hour for the German infantry attack came, these patrol let off their gas bombs and signal rockets and the massed allied artillery let loose on the massed Germans, who were literally smashed and never got through to the second line of the 369th. On the other end they did get through, crashing into the Rainbow Division and the old 69th New York, which met them hand-to-hand in some of the most terrible fighting of the war.
There are many outstanding exploits of the men of the 369th and of Col. Hayward himself. In Belleau Wood on June , 6, 1918, the regiment came up to the German front lines where it met a very heavy counter-attack. Some one suggested that they turn back. "Turn back? I should say we won't. We are going through there or we don't come back," was what Colonel Hayward said as be tore off the eagles of his insignia, grabbed a gun from a soldier, and darted out ahead of the rest of Company "K," which went through a barrage of German artillery that was bearing down upon it. A French General ordered the regiment to retire, but Colonel Hayward, who, of course, was under direct command of this French General said: "I do not understand you."
Then the French General raised his arms above his bead and cried:
"Retire! Retire!"
And then Colonel Hayward, with his hat knocked off, came running up and cried: "My men never retire. They go forward, or they die!"
A Prussian officer captured by the "Black Watch," as the 369th was called after they had reached the Rhine, is said to have remarked: "We can't hold up against these men. They are devils! They smile while they kill and they won't be taken alive."
The regiment was eleven times cited for bravery in action, and Colonel Hayward himself received a citation, reading: "Colonel Hayward, though wounded, insisted on leading his regiment in battle."
Following is the citation awarded the 369th for its courage and valor in the great offensive in the Champagne, September and October, 1918, by the French Commanding General:
CITATION FOR CROIX DE GUERRE
Sous le Commandement du Colonel HAYWARD qui, bien que blessé, a tenu à conduire son régiment au combat, du Lieutenant Colonel. PICKERING, admirable de sang-froid et de courage, du Commandant COBB (tué), du Commandant SPENCER (grièvement blessé), du Commandant LITTLE véritable entraineur d'hommes, le 369, R. I. U.S. qui lors, des attaques de Septembre 1918, voyait le feu pour la premiere fois, s'est emparé de puissantes organisations ennemies, énergiquement défendues et a enlevé de haute lutte le village de S--------- , a fait des prisonniers, ramené 6 canons et un grand nombre de mitrailleuses.
TRANSLATION:
Under command of Colonel HAYWARD, who, though injured, insisted on leading his regiment in the battle, of Lieutenant Colonel PICKERING, admirably cool and brave, of Major COBB, (killed), of Major SPENCER (grievously wounded), of Major LITTLE, a true leader of men; the 369th R. I. U. S. engaging in an offensive for the first time in the drive of September, 1918, stormed powerful enemy positions energetically defended, took, after heavy fighting, the town of, S--------, captured prisoners and brought back six cannons and a great number of machine guns.
A typical story of the dare-devil courage of the men of the 369th is afforded in the exploit of Elmer McCowin of Company
"K, " who won the Distinguished Service Cross. He tells his own story as follows: "On September 26 the Captain asked me to carry despatches. The Germans pumped machine-gun bullets at me all the way. But I made the trip and back safely. Then I was sent out again. As I started with the message the Captain yelled to bring him back a can of coffee. He was joking, but I didn't know it at the time.
"Being a foot messenger, I had some time ducking those German bullets. Those bullets seemed very sociable, but I didn't care to meet up with them, so I kept right on traveling on high gear. None touched my skin, though some skinned pretty close.
"On the way back it seemed the whole war was turned on me. One bullet passed through my trousers and it made me hop, step, and jump pretty lively. I saw a shell hole six feet deep. Take it from me, I dented another six feet when I plunged into it hard. In my fist I held the Captain's can of coffee.
"When I climbed out of the shell hole and started running again, a bullet clipped a hole in the can and the coffee started to spill. But I turned around, stopped a second, looked the Kaiser, in the face, and held up the can of coffee with my finger plugging up the hole to show the Germans they were fooled. Just then another bullet hit the can and another finger had to act as stopgap.
"It must have been good luck that saved my, life, because bullets were picking at my clothes and so many hit the can that at the end all my fingers were hugging it to keep the coffee in. I jumped into shell holes, wriggled along the ground, and got back safely. And what do you think? When I got back into our own trenches I stumbled and spilled the coffee!"
Not only did Lieut. George Miller, Battalion Adjutant, confirm the story, but he added about Private McCowin: "When that soldier came back with the coffee his clothes were riddled with bullets. Yet half an hour later he went back into No-Man's-Land and brought back a number of wounded until be was badly gassed. Even then he refused to go to the rear and went out again for a wounded soldier. All this under fire. That's the reason he got the D. S. C. "
Corporal Elmer Earl, also of Company "K," living at Middletown, New York, also won the Distinguished Service Cross. He explained: "We had taken a hill September 26 in the Argonne. We came to the edge of a swamp, when enemy machine guns opened fire. It was so bad that of the fifty-eight of us who went into a particular strip, only eight came out without being killed or wounded. I made a number of trips out there and brought back about a dozen wounded men."
On authority of General Pershing, Colonel Hayward himself presented the Distinguished Service Crosses to the heroes among his regiment. Then, from the hands of General Collardet, of the French Army, he received the medal of the Legion of Honor. But even among this list of distinguished heroes those who knew of the exploits of Sergeant "Bill" Butler insisted upon calling for him and making him the object of their attentions.
It was on the night of August 12, 1918, while the fighting was raging in the Champagne District, that Sergeant Butler's opportunity came to him. A German raiding party had rushed the American trenches and, after firing a few shots and making murderous use of the short trench knives and clubs carried for such encounters, had captured five privates and a lieutenant. The victorious raiders were making their way back to their own trenches when Butler, occupying a lone position in a forward post, saw that it would be necessary for the party to pass him.
The Negro sergeant waited until the Germans were close to his post, then opened fire upon them with his automatic rifle. He kept the stream of lead upon the raiders until ten of their number had been killed. Then he went forth and took the German lieutenant, who was slightly wounded, a prisoner, released the American lieutenant and five other prisoners, and returned to the American lines with his prisoner and the rescued party.
Under the heading, "Trenton Has Nothing on Salisbury," The Afro-American of Baltimore said: "Trenton, New Jersey, may have her Needham Roberts, but it takes Salisbury, Maryland, to produce a William Butler. Roberts had his comrade, Henry Johnson, to help him in repulsing a raiding party of Germans, but Butler took care of a German lieutenant and squad of Boches all by himself. Herbert Corey, a white newspaper correspondent, in telling of the incident said that Butler came 'a-roaring and fogging, through the darkness with his automatic, and 'nobody knows how many Germans he killed.' It was for this that General Pershing awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross recently and the citation read: 'Sergt. William Butler, Company L, 369th Infantry (A. S. No. 104464). For extraordinary heroism in action near Maison de Champagne, France, August 18, 1918. Sergeant Butler broke up a German raiding party which had succeeded in entering our trenches and capturing some of our men. With an automatic rifle he killed four of the raiding party and captured or put to flight the remainder of the invaders. Home address, Mrs. Jennie Butler, Water Street, Salisbury, Maryland.'
"The rest of the State of Maryland and the whole United States now has its hat off to Butler of Salisbury."
And the New York Tribune, on April 28, 1919, said: " 'Bill, Butler, a slight, good-natured colored youth, who until two years ago was a jack-of-all-trades in a little Maryland town, yesterday came into his own as a hero among heroes. More than 5,000 men and women arose to their feet in City College stadium and cheered themselves hoarse while representatives of two Governments pinned their highest medals upon the breast of the nervous youth. Sergeant Butler was one of a list of twenty-three members of the famous 15th Regiment upon whom both France and the United States conferred medals of honor because of extraordinary heroism on European battlefields. But by common consent his name comes first on the list a list that was made up only after a careful comparison of the deeds of gallantry that finally resulted in the breaking of the Hun lines."
Of the 369th it may be stated that although the Germans never captured a single man, they killed nearly 200 of them and wounded more than 800 others, but on the other side of the score were to be found more than 400 Germans captured by the Third Battalion of the 369th alone, and countless men of the enemy killed and wounded.
It proved itself to be one of the most efficient military units of all the Allied forces. The officers and men were constantly cheered by the gratitude of the French, who never failed to place in evidence their appreciation for the wonderful fighting prowess of the men of the 369th. The French were amazed not only at the proficiency of the men as soldiers but at their proficiency in laying railroad tracks, which was the first duty assigned them near one of the larger French ports. The 369th laid many stretches of track, pushed them into alignment, gave twists to the bolts, and proceeded half a mile farther down to repeat the performance. "Magnifique!" exclaimed a party of French officers who watched them do the work.
The story of the wanderings of "the old 15th," of its hard fighting in France, of its returning to America, and of the triumphant procession through the streets of New York City, down Fifth Avenue, is one of the proudest possessions of the Negro race and of American arms.
Five colored officers went over with , the 369th Regiment. These officers were afterwards transferred to the 92nd Division. Considerable criticism followed the transfer of these colored officers from a colored regiment which had won such renown as the 369th. Col. Hayward, however, gave the following as reason for the transfer:
"In August, 1918, the American Expeditionary Force adopted the policy of having either all white or all colored officers with Negro regiments, and so ours were shifted away (though Lieut. Europe later was returned to us as bandmaster, whereas he had been in the machine gun force before). Our colored officers were in the July fighting and did good work, and I felt then and feel now, that if colored officers are available and capable, they, and not white officers, should command colored troops. I hope, if the Fifteenth is reconstructed, as it should be, colored men will have the active work of officering it, from top to bottom.
"There is splendid material there. I sent away forty-two sergeants in France who were commissioned officers in other units. I would have sent others, but they declared they'd rather be sergeants in the Fifteenth than lieutenants or captains in other regiments. "
Story of the 370th U. S. Infantry---Another Negro National Guard Regiment That Won Distinction on the Battlefield---Chicago's Colored Fighters---Called "Black Devils" by the Germans and "Partridges" by the French Because of Their Proud Bearing---First American Troops to March into the Fortified City of Laon---Their Stubborn Resistance at the Oise-Aisne Canal.
The Eighth Illinois National Guard Regiment, which during the great war came to be known as the 370th U. S. Infantry, was the only regiment in the entire United States Army that was called into service with almost a complete complement of colored officers from the highest rank of Colonel to the lowest rank of Corporal. Having been brigaded with French troops and given every opportunity to get into the thickest of the fray and to demonstrate their bravery, ability, and solidarity as fighting men, the brilliant record made by this regiment effectually served to answer the question as to whether colored soldiers would follow colored officers into battle.
Below will be found the record of events of the 370th U. S. Infantry (formerly 8th Illinois Infantry) from July 25, 19179 the date of responding to the call of the President, to March 11, 1919, the date of demobilization of the regiment.
Pursuant to the call of the President, dated July 3, 1917, the regiment reported at the various rendezvous on July 25, 1917, as follows:
At Chicago, Illinois-Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Machine Gun Company, Supply Company, Detachment Medical Department, and Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H.
At Springfield, Illinois---Company I.
At Peoria, Illinois---Company K.
At Danville, Illinois---Company L.
At Metropolis, Illinois---Company M.
On the date of responding to the call, the Field and Staff was as follows:
Colonel Franklin A. Denison, commanding the regiment.
Lt. Col. James H. Johnson, duty with the regiment.
Major Rufus M. Stokes, commanding the 1st Battalion.
Major Charles L. Hunt, commanding the 2nd Battalion.
Major Otis B. Duncan, commanding the 3rd Battalion.
Captain John H. Patton, Regimental Adjutant.
On August 18, 1917, Company G proceeded to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, for the purpose of preparing camp for the arrival of the remainder of the regiment. This company was present at Camp Logan during the riot in Houston which involved certain colored soldiers of the 24th Infantry, U. S. A., in the latter part of August, 1917, and was commended by the public, the press, and military authorities for its conduct and general bearing.
At the end of October, 1917, on the date of the closing of the Second Liberty Loan campaign, out of a total of 2,166 officers and enlisted men, belonging to the regiment at that time, 1,482 officers and men subscribed $151,400.00 to the Second Liberty Loan. Approximately 96 per cent of the regiment took out $10,000.00 War Risk Insurance.
There was some question in military circles as to whether or not this regiment should be sent overseas, to meet the Huns with its colored Colonel and a full complement of colored officers; but the splendid way in which Colonel Denison had handled his men and maintained discipline at Camp Logan, and at Camp Stuart (Newport News, Virginia), proved to the War Department that he was every inch a man, that he was an intelligent and experienced soldier, and a competent officer who knew how to command and to guard the interests of his regiment. It is especially pertinent to refer to the discussion as to whether this regiment should be sent Overseas with a colored commanding officer and its entire colored officers, personnel, because, at that time, Colonel Charles Young, the veteran colored officer, a graduate of West Point, who had given the best years of his life to the United States Regular Army, had been retired from active duty on the strength of a report submitted by a Medical Board of Examiners, before which he was called, and who decided that he was physically disqualified to lead a regiment of colored soldiers on the battlefields of France. Such service was not only Colonel Young's fervent desire, but it was the equally fervent hope of colored Americans that he would be permitted to do so.
The morale of the colored people was, therefore, very much depressed by the retirement of Colonel Charles Young over his earnest protest and the protest of his legion of friends. Negro newspapers, reflecting the sentiment and desire of the Negro people, urged that be. be not only retained and actively utilized as an officer of the National Army, but that he be given what they believed to be his rightful reward---namely, promotion in rank to at least that of a Brigadier-General. The futility of these requests and protests, and the failure of repeated efforts to have the findings of the Medical Board which passed upon Colonel Young's case reviewed, and set aside, so that he could be placed in active command of a Negro regimental unit, gave rise to suspicions of unfair play and disturbed the morale of colored Americans generally. For another colored Colonel to be denied active service would have further dampened the morale of the colored people, especially in view of the openly expressed feeling on their part that the highest ranking Negro officer in the United States Regular Army had been unjustly denied active service in the world's greatest war and had been likewise deprived of promotion to the next rank above him---that of Brigadier-General which he would have automatically received upon being called to active duty.
Colonel Denison, however, proceeded overseas with his regiment, which was the first American regiment to set foot upon the soil of Alsace-Lorraine-territory that had for nearly fifty years been wrongfully held under German domination.
After about six weeks' training under French instructors, the regiment was considered sufficiently trained to go into the lines, and on June 12 and 13, 1918, pursuant to Ordre Particulier No. 30, Headquarters 10th Division, French Army, dated June 11, 1918, the regiment marched to Morvillars (Haut-Rhin), entrained and proceeded to Ligny-en-Barrois (Meuse), detrained and marched to stations as follows: Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Supply Company, and the 1st Battalion at Nancois-le-Petit (Meuse); the 2nd Battalion and Company K (Depot Company) at Trouville (Meuse); the 3rd Battalion at Velaines (Meuse).
The French instructors referred to were needed in view of the fact that the men of the 370th Infantry, when they arrived at Grandvillars, were relieved of all of their American equipment, with which they had been trained at home, and were re-equipped with French arms and equipment exclusively, including French rifles, pistols, helmets, machine guns, horses, wagons, and even French rations, which consisted of food sufficient for about two meals per day, while the American ration had provided for three meals per day. But in spite of difficulties arising from difference in languages, the issuing of French arms, ammunition and other equipment, and the French ration, which was considered insufficient, the regiment made rapid progress.
On June 21, 1918, the regiment began occupying a sub-sector, Han-Bislee, St. Mihiel sector. This being the first time the regiment had occupied positions in the line, it was deemed advisable by the Division Commander to intermingle the 370th with French troops, in order that officers and men might observe and profit by close association with veteran French troops. Thus, the 1st and 2nd Battalions, commanded by Majors Rufus M. Stokes and Charles L. Hunt respectively, were intermingled with platoons and companies of the French battalions. Except for occasional shelling and rifle and machine gun fire of the enemy, nothing of interest occurred while in the sector, and there were no casualties.
On the night of July 3-4, 1918, the regiment was withdrawn from the St. Mihiel sector, marched to Loxeville, and entrained for the Argonne Forest. Various positions were occupied in the Argonne until August 16, 1918. The particular sector occupied by the 370th Infantry was exceptionally quiet at that time, except on one or two occasions. In this position the regiment suffered its first casualty, namely, Private Robert E. Lee of Chicago, Company E, Machine Gun Company No. 2. It is highly encouraging to note the fact that General Mittlehauser, the French general in command of the entire division, although burdened with important official duties, found time to attend in person the funeral of this brave Negro soldier, who was buried with every military honor.
While in this sector, a portion of the regiment engaged in its first offensive encounter with the enemy. The Stokes mortar platoon, under the command of First Lieutenant Robert A. Ward , took part in a "coup de main" (raid), on August 4, 1918, having as its mission the filling-in of the gaps in the French artillery barrage. For his work during this raid Lieutenant Ward and his platoon were highly commended by General Mittlehauser.
On August 16, 1918, the 370th was relieved from its position in the Argonne Forest and sent for rest behind the lines near Bar-le-Duc. On September 1, the regiment again began to move toward the front lines, and by easy stages, proceeded to positions in the Soissons sector. On September 16 Companies G, H, I, and L were pushed forward to positions in front of Mont des Signes, and from that date to September 21 took part in the various battles and engagements incident to the capture of this exceptionally strong enemy position.
One platoon of Company F, under command of Sergeant Matthew Jenkins, especially distinguished itself by capturing a large section of the enemy works, turning their own guns on them and holding the position for thirty-six hours without food or water, until assistance came and the position was strengthened. For this meritorious work in this engagement Sergeant Jenkins received both the American Distinguished Service Cross and the French Croix de Guerre.
Company F was relieved on September 21, spending the night at Antioche Farm and proceeding to Mont des Tombes (Aisne) the following day and taking position in reserve; Company G was relieved on September 21, 1918, and proceeded to the caves near Les Tueries (Aisne); Companies I and L were relieved on September 22, 1918, and proceeded to Antioche Farm and Tincelle Farm, respectively, and placed in reserve. From September 19 to 21, the organizations not engaged in the front lines were employed in constructing defensive works between Antioche Farm and Vauxaillon.
Prior to September 21, the regiment had never occupied a full regimental sector, the companies and battalions having been theretofore attached to various French units of the 59th Division. Pursuant to Order 187/S, Headquarters 59th Division, French Army, dated September 21, the regiment for the first time took over a full regimental sector. The 1st Battalion relieved the Battalion Garnier of the 325th Regiment of Infantry, French Army, in the positions outlined by La Folie-l'Ecluse on the Oise-Aisne Canal and the Farm Guilliminet. The 2nd Battalion went into the support position at Mont des Tombes and Les Tueries, and the slopes west of Antioche Farm. The 3rd Battalion went into reserve at Tincelle Farm. The Headquarters Company was stationed at Levilly and the Supply Company at Monte Couve.
On September 25 Company K (Depot Company) changed station from Duvy (Aisne) to Resson le Long (Aisne). On the night of September 26-27 the 2nd Battalion, commanded by Captain John H. Patton, was ordered to relieve with like units one-half of each of the companies of the 1st Battalion in the lines. The relief was completed about 2:00 a. m. An attack along the Oise-Aisne Canal was ordered at dawn on September 27, 1918. By extreme effort the remainder of the 2nd Battalion was brought up to the front, relieved the remainder of the 1st Battalion, commanded by Major Rufus M. Stokes, and the attack began as ordered. The attack continued from the morning of September 27 until October 4. The 2nd Battalion was relieved by the 1st Battalion after having gained possession of the railroad track and woods to the northeast of Guilliminet Farm.
On September 30 the 3rd Battalion, commanded by Lieut. Colonel O. B. Duncan, was ordered to make an attack with the Ferme de la Rivière as the principal objective, and about 3:00 p. m. on that date the attack began. The fighting in front of the Bois de Mortier, which woods the enemy held strongly, continued and it was not until October 4 that it was certain that the enemy had been driven across the canal.
From the 27th of September to the 4th of October the 370th was subjected to severe shelling and to murderous fire of numerous machine guns and rifles. After the 2nd Battalion was relieved by the 1st Battalion on October 17, Company G of the 2nd Battalion supported the 1st Battalion until October 3, 1918. During this time patrols from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were out between the lines night and day, making effort to locate machine-gun nests in the Bois de Mortier and making other necessary reconnaissances.
On October 4, just before dawn, a reconnaissance in the Bois de Mortier was ordered. As the enemy strongly held the woods, a patrol consisting of volunteers was ordered to make the reconnaissance. Captain Chester Sanders and the necessary 20 men readily volunteered and at 3:30 a. m. crossed the canal and penetrated into the woods about 50 meters east of the Vauxaillon-Bois de Mortier Road, more than a hundred meters within the enemy lines. When reaching this point they were discovered by the enemy and were fired on by numerous machine guns. The mission of the patrol being to discover whether the woods had been abandoned by the enemy, the patrol retired to the French lines under heavy machine gun fire and shelling without the loss of a man.
October 4, 1918, pursuant to Order No. 330/S, Headquarters 59th Division, French Army, the 1st Battalion was ordered to make the following dispositions: Company A sent to the 325th Regiment of Infantry, French Army; Company B sent to the 232nd Regiment of Infantry, French Army. These companies to be used as reinforcements for those regiments. October 6, 1918, General Vincendon, commanding the division, went on leave and General Rondeau. assumed command.
October 7, 1918, at 4:30 a. m., after five minutes' violent bombardment by the French artillery, three raiding parties started into the triangle formed by the Oise-Aisne Canal, the railroad, and the Vauxaillon-Bois de Mortier road. The mission of these raiding parties was to capture prisoners. One of these parties under command of 1st Lieutenant Elisha C. Lane entered the triangle, gained the trenches along the south bank of the canal and ejected the enemy after a hand-grenade fight, Lieut. Lane and two enlisted men being wounded. This party was unable to hold this trench on account of its being exposed to enfilade fire from two directions. The other two patrols established themselves along the railroad and sent small patrols into the triangle, but were unable to establish themselves therein. No prisoners were captured.
During the night of October 7-8 Company C of the 1st Battalion relieved Company F of the 2nd Battalion in the lines near l'Ecluse. Company C continued the effort made by Company F to establish themselves in the above mentioned triangle, but were unable to do so for the same reasons that prevented Company F from remaining therein. On October 10 the remainder of the 1st Battalion moved up into the front lines, relieving the rest of the 2nd Battalion, and the units of the 3rd Battalion in the lines along the Oise-Aisne Canal in front of the Bois de Mortier. The 2nd Battalion went into reserve at Antioche Farm and the 3rd Battalion went into division reserve at Mont des Tombes.
A general advance having been foreseen, Order No. 1978/3 of the Division provided that after the objective, the Laon-La Ferre Railroad, was reached, the Division would be relieved by the 33rd Division, French Army, and sent into the reserve for rest. The alarm for the advance was given at 9:40 a. m., on October 12, and the various units of the regiment proceeded to the Zones of Assembly previously assigned. The 1st Battalion was given the mission of clearing the Bois de Mortier. The 2nd Battalion was placed at the disposition of Lieut.-Colonel Lugand of the 232nd Infantry, French Army. Company F and one section of Company E (Machine Gun Company No. 2), were detached from the 2nd Battalion and sent to join the Battalion Garnier of the 325th Regiment of Infantry, which had as its mission the mopping up of the hills and woods from near Anizy-le-Chateau to a point near Crepy. One company of the 325th Regiment of Infantry, French Army, was attached to the 2nd Battalion to replace Company F. The 3rd Battalion was assigned as reserve of the division, the command of which was assigned to Colonel T. A. Roberts.
Soon after the alert was given, the pursuit began. The 1st Battalion advanced through the Bois de Mortier and successfully reached the first objective, Penancourt, on the same date. The 2nd Battalion began the pursuit on the morning of October 13, having been assigned as the support battalion of the 232nd Infantry, and passed Anizy-le-Chateau, the Farm Fontenille, Tervanne, Cessières, and Butte de Sevresis, and bivouacked at dark with the head of the battalion resting at the north edge of the Bois d'Oiry and the rear on the National Road.
On October 13 the 1st Battalion continued the pursuit via Cessières to a point to the west of Molinchart. The 3rd Battalion rested in the Bois de Mortier the night of October 12, and next day went to Manneux Farm. For the work done in this general advance, the 1st and 2nd Battalions were complimented by the Commanding General---the 1st for its passage of the exceedingly strong position in the Bois de Mortier, and the 2nd for a well-conducted march in pursuit via Anizy-le-Chateau.
The regimental P. C. moved up to Cessières and late in the night of October 13 the division was ordered into rest for twelve days. The first ten days were spent in hard work on the roads, but the last two were given over to the issue of badly needed clothing and equipment. These twelve days found the regiment at the following places: Regimental Headquarters at Susy; 1st and 2nd Battalions in the St. Gobain Forest near Le Cateau; the 3rd Battalion at Manneux Farm. By Order No. 4442, Headquarters 59th Division, French Army, dated October 16, 1918, the General Commanding the division thanked the Colonel of the 370th Infantry for the good work done by the regiment in aiding the Engineers in the repair of roads and the cleaning of villages in the devastated districts.
On October 19, 1918, Major Rufus M. Stokes was relieved from command of the 1st Battalion and Captain John T. Prout assigned to command the battalion, Major Stokes being assigned to the Supply Company as administrative officer.
On October 27 the regiment was again ordered into the lines, and pursuant to Ordre de Mouvement No. 30, I. D. 59th Division, French Army, the 2nd Battalion during the night of October 27 proceeded to Farms d'Allemagne and de Cordeau. On the following night, October 28, the 2nd Battalion proceeded to a position in support to the northeast of Grandloup, remaining in various positions near Grandloup until November 5. Except occasional shelling and some machine gun fire on the support positions, nothing of interest occurred to the 2nd Battalion while in position near Grandloup.
On October 29 the 1st Battalion left camp in the St. Gobain Forest and proceeded to Chambry, rested for the night, and on the following day, October 30, moved up into the support position about one kilometer to the northwest of Grandloup. On November 1 Regimental Headquarters moved up to Chambry.
On November 2 the 1st Battalion was moved to new positions with a view to the defense of Grandloup in case of enemy attack, Companies B and C taking position in the open trenches to the southwest of Grandloup and Company A to the southeast of the village. On November 3, an enemy shell struck in the mess line of Company A, at the Farm Chantrud, killing 35 men and wounding 41, making it necessary to withdraw this company from the lines. On November 4, Company C of the 1st Battalion relieved a company of the 325th Regiment of Infantry in the front lines in the vicinity of Brazicourt Farm. The positions of the 1st and 2nd Battalions received severe intermittent shelling while in these positions.
On November 5, the enemy began again to retreat and the pursuit recommenced and continued until November 11, 1918, the date of the signing of the armistice.
On November 5 the 2nd Battalion, commanded by Capt. John H. Patton, moved out in pursuit of the enemy via Farm Attencourt, Autremontcourt, and bivouacked in the woods north of Erhecourt Farm for the night. The position was shelled intermittently during the entire night. At 6:00 a. m. the following day, in a heavy rain, the pursuit was again taken up, the battalion proceeding to the Farm Bellimont, arriving at about 11:00 p. m., and resting until 6:00 a. m. the following morning, November 7, at which time the battalion moved out and proceeded to Longue Rue de Bas, arriving about 9:30 p. m. At 3:30 a. m. the battalion proceeded to Beaume, arriving at 5:30 a. m., and reporting to Lieutenant-Colonel Lugand, 232nd (French) Regiment of Infantry. An attack was ordered at 6:30 a. m. by the division. The 2nd Battalion occupied a position on the left of the division with the 68th Regiment of Infantry on the left. At 6:30 a. in. the battalion moved out to the attack. The first operation, crossing the River Thon, was successfully accomplished, and the battalion continued the attack eastward towards Aubenton for about one and one-half kilometers, pushing the enemy back as it went. The enemy, fighting a rearguard action, had located numerous machine guns to the south of Leuze and along the heights stretching in the direction of Aubenton. The 68th (French) Regiment of Infantry, on the left, did not advance as anticipated, thus exposing Company H to an enfilade fire from machine guns located to the south of Leuze , and the company suffered severely. About 11:40 a. m. the advance was ordered stopped and preparation made for another attack, which began at 2:00 p. m. and continued until dark, at which time the battalion had reached its objective, the Hirson-Mezières Railroad. Casualties during the day, 4 killed and 2 officers and 33 enlisted men wounded. On the morning of November 9 the advance began again and the battalion continued the pursuit until dark, when it occupied positions from Goncelin, the advance outpost, to the woods northeast of Tarzy. On November 10 the battalion received orders to continue the pursuit with La Verte Place, Belgium, as the objective.
The French military officials, as will be seen by the official communication which follows, always called the battalion by the name of the battalion commander. Thus the 2nd Battalion, just referred to, commanded by Capt. John H. Patton of Chicago, Illinois, was termed "the Battalion Patton."
232ND REGIMENT D'INFANTRIE
(Translated)FROM: Lieut. Colonel Lugand.
TO: Captain John H. Patton. .................................November 7 , 1918.
1. ORDER OF OPERATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY OF THE 8TH. In the morning of the 8th, the 59th Division will attack as follows.
First Operation: Passage of the River Thon, occupation by the advanced lines of the line Bas-Val-la-Caure to LaHayette.
2. The 6th Battalion of the 232nd Infantry and the Battalion Patton will turn off at Aubenton towards the Northwest. The 325th Infantry will occupy Aubenton. On the left the 68th Infantry will attack Leuze.
3. Axis of the march of the 232nd Infantry Le Four Chaux, Hill 246, Fligny.
4. Limit of the left of Battalion Patton, Bas-Val-la-Caure, Lisiere, south of Mattin Rieux.
5. Formation---
On the right the 6th Battalion of the 232nd Infantry will form an advance guard "in echelon" in rear of the left of the Battalion Patton, having two companies in the first line, one company in the second line. The company on the right of the first line will march on the "axis of the march" of the regiment, so as to be 600 meters from the company on the left of the 6th Battalion. Battalion Patton will attack on the left of the 232nd each time the enemy resists during the forward movement.
6. The movement will commence at 6:30 a. m.
7. Battalion Patton will maintain "liaison" (keep in touch) with the 6th Battalion on his right and with the 68th Infantry on his left.
8. The Command Post of the Colonel will be at Beaume.
(Signed) LUGAND.
On November 6 the 1st Battalion received orders to take up the pursuit in support of the Battalion Michel of the 325th Regiment of Infantry, and proceeded to Hill 150, near St. Pierremont, via Brazicourt, Vesles-et-Caumont, Rapiere. The Battalion P. C. was stationed on the road to Marle and this road was shelled intermittently during the night. On November 7 the battalion continued the pursuit, advancing through St. Pierremont, Taveaux-et-Pontsericourt to Maison De Garde, south of Nampcelles. At Val St. Pierre, Company C of the battalion, commanded by Captain James H. Smith, by a series of flanking operations, drove the enemy from a position they occupied with three field pieces (77's) and two machine guns, causing them to abandon the cannon, which were taken by Company C. The enemy left several dead on the field and evidently had defended the position to the last. For this action, Company C was decorated with the French Croix de Guerre. On November 8, the battalion was ordered to Camp at LaHayette. On November 9 the command advanced to Mont Plaisir. On November 10 the battalion moved south to a position at Farm LaHayette. On November 11 it proceeded to Fligny, at which place it was found at the signing of the armistice at 11:00 a,. m. on November 11, 1918.
On November 5 the 3rd Battalion began the pursuit and rested in the open field at night on the 5th and 6th. On November 7 the battalion moved up and passed Bosmont, Tarveaux, Virginette, Lambercy, Mont Plaisir, and on into the front lines at the Rue Larcher. At the Rue Larcher the battalion passed under command Of Colonel Pernin, of the 325th (French) Regiment of Infantry. On November 9, the battalion passed under command 'of Lieut. Colonel Lugand and was ordered to attack Pont d'Any. The objective was reached, the enemy retiring before the advance of the battalion. On November 10 the battalion continued the pursuit to Etignieres, where it was stopped temporarily by heavy shell fire. On November 11 the battalion again took up the pursuit with Reginowez as the principal objective. Later the objective was changed to Gue d'Hossus, Belgium. The battalion reached its objective a few moments before the signing of the armistice.
On November 12 the 3rd Battalion, pursuant to Order No. 2082/3, Headquarters 59th Division, French Army, retired from Belgium and took station at Auge (Aisne). On November 15 the regiment changed station as follows: Regimental Headquarters and the 1st Battalion to Dagny (Aisne) ; the 2nd Battalion to St. Clements (Aisne) and the 3rd Battalion to Morgny (Aisne). On November 16 the regiment changed station as follows: Regimental Headquarters and the 1st Battalion to Barrenton-sur-Serre (Aisne); the 2nd and 3rd Battalions to Froidmont-Cohartille (Aisne). On the following day, November 17, Regimental Headquarters and the 1st Battalion changed station to Verneuil-sur-Serre (Aisne).
From November 17 to December 12, 19187 the regiment was engaged at its various stations in cleaning and repairing roads and villages in the immediate vicinity of its stations. On December 12 the regiment formally passed from under command of the French and on the same date left the various villages in which cantoned and marched to Soissons, arriving in the afternoon of the 13th. On December 15 Capt. John H. Patton was relieved from command of the 2nd Battalion and resumed his duties as Regimental Adjutant and Major R. M. Stokes was relieved from duty with Supply Company and was assigned to command the 2nd Battalion.
The usual cantonment duties were performed at Soissons until December 23, 1918, on which date the regiment entrained for the American Embarkation Center at Le Mans, arriving on December 25, 1918, and going into cantonment. While stationed at Le Mans, the regiment was engaged in the various inspections incident to embarkation for the United States until January 8, 1919, on which date the regiment entrained for Brest, arriving there on January 10 and going into camp at Camp Pontanezen.
Until February 1, 1919, the regiment engaged in the various delousings, inspections, etc., incident to embarkation and on that date began embarking on the SS. La France IV, Colonel T. A. Roberts assuming command of the troops on board and Captain Patton the duties of Transport Adjutant. The embarkation having been completed on February 2, the steamer sailed for the United States, arriving at New York on February 9, and proceeding to Camp Upton, Long Island, for station.
February 15, 1919, the regiment entrained at Camp Upton, Long Island, N. Y., en route for Camp Grant, Illinois, via Chicago. On February 17 the regiment arrived at Chicago, detrained, and proceeded to the Coliseum, where the citizens had arranged a reception for the returning regiment. At 2:00 p. m. the regiment paraded through the "Loop" district of Chicago and at about 4:00 p. m. entrained for Camp Grant, Illinois, arriving the same date and going into barracks.
From the date of arrival at Camp Grant, the regiment engaged in the various duties incident to preparation for demobilization until February 24, on which date the discharge of officers and enlisted men began, and continued until March 12, 1919, on which date the regiment formally ceased to exist.
In commenting upon the friendly and cordial relations which existed between French, English, and Negro officers overseas Capt. John H. Patton, at one time commanding the 2nd Battalion, 370th Infantry (and who, together with Capt. James E. Dunjill and Lieut. Charles S. Parker, 366th Infantry, 92nd Division, were the only three. Negroes who served in the capacity of Regimental Adjutants during the war), made the following statement:
"Both French and English officers were very friendly and hospitable in their relations with the colored officers of the 370th Infantry, which unit was brigaded with French troops. They made no discrimination whatsoever in their treatment of Negro officers, with whom they fraternized freely and truly regarded them as brothers in arms.
"Colonel Franklin A. Denison and Lieut.-Colonel Otis B. Duncan were frequently entertained at lunch, not only by officers of their own rank, but occasionally by French generals, for instance, by Gen. Hirsbauer, Commander 2nd French Army; Gen. Lebuc, commanding the 73rd Division; Gen. De Boisuide, commanding the 10th Division; Gen. Savatier, commanding the 34th Division; Gen. Pauliner, commanding the 40th Army Corps, and frequently by Gen. Mittlehauser, who was the commanding officer of the 36th (French) Division.
The first American Distinguished Service Cross won by the 370th Regiment was awarded to Corporal Isaac Valley, Company. M, in the following language: "When on July 22, 191S, a hand grenade was dropped among a group of soldiers in the trench and when he might have saved himself by flight he (Corp. Isaac Valley, Company M, 370th Infantry), attempted to cover it with his foot and thereby protect his comrades; in the performance of this brave act he was severely wounded."
While serving under General Mangin, the French commanding officer of the Tenth Army of France, the men of the 370th U. S. Infantry came to be known as the "Black Devils" by the Germans because of their fighting spirit, and were facetiously called "Partridges" by their French comrades because of their proud bearing.
Lieut.-Colonel Otis B. Duncan, commander of the Third Battalion, 370th Infantry, formerly the old Eighth Illinois National Guard Regiment, who was raised from the rank of Major to Lieutenant-Colonel at Camp Stuart, Newport News, Virginia, March, 1918 (being the highest ranking Negro officer in the American Expeditionary Forces), in speaking of the military campaign overseas in which the 370th U. S. Infantry participated, spoke in St. Louis of the difficulties which his men had to face and of the hardships they had to endure. He related some of the deeds of the regiment, but modestly refused to speak of his personal exploits. He wears, however, the French Croix de Guerre, with silver star, conferred by the French Government through General Vincendon, who, in a general order, relates how the Third Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel Duncan's command) took Logny, and "carried away by their ardor of the previous week could not be stopped short of Gue d'Hossus, on November 11th after the armistice."
Colonel Duncan continued: "Beginning September 27, 1918, we sailed into them and drove them back to the Ailette Canal, where they made a stand, facing us not 50 yards away. The fighting here was fierce. The Germans had placed barbed-wire entanglements in the canal, but we avoided these with pontoon bridges and continued our drive. We reached what was known as Mont des Signes, or "Monkey Mountain." We took up our position here between "Monkey Mountain" and the German line, near a narrow-gauge railroad. Here we encountered more concrete emplacements, dugouts, and barbed wire, and in getting to the Germans every man of us had to climb up on that railroad embankment, where we were fair marks for any kind of shell the Germans sent over. Naturally we lost many of our men.
"The 370th Infantry," Colonel Duncan said, "was the first regiment of allied troops to enter Petit Chapelle, in Belgium, and the citizens gave them an ovation. In the advance made by Gen. Mangin's army in its 59-day drive, from September 11, 1918, to the date of the Armistice (November 11, 1918), one or another of the units of the regiment was always under shell fire and fighting. In Petit Chapelle the regiment established its lines while German combat troops still were in the town."
Colonel Duncan served for 16 years with the Illinois National Guard, and saw service on the Mexican border, where he held the rank of Major. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in April,. 1917. His home is in Springfield, Illinois, where for twenty years he was connected with the State Department of Education. The order citing him for bravery which was signed by Gen. Vincendon of the French Army, reads:
"The General commanding the Fifty-ninth Division cites to the Order of the Division Military the following names
"Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan, Otis B., commanding the Third Battalion of the 370th R. I. U. S.
"In command of a battalion during the operations of September, October and November, 1918, up until our victorious armistice, with the very best of tact and highest type of judgment.
"At all times during the pursuit from the 6th of November to November 11th, 1918, he was present in person and was an example of bravery and endurance for his soldiers.
(Signed) "VINCENDON."
On the Soissons front the 370th Regiment met with the strongest resistance of the enemy. Companies F, G, H, I, and M distinguished themselves in the great drive. They took "Hill 304" from the Germans, and the Tenth French Army, with which this unit was fighting renamed it "370th Infantry U. S. Hill" in honor of this Negro regiment.
Death Valley was another exciting place for this unit, for they had advanced into the Hindenburg line and every inch of ground that was won had to be held with science and grit. The "8th Illinois Regiment" gave a splendid account of itself, and proved at the Oise-Aisne, Canal to be among the world's greatest troops. Their position was near the center of the 59th Division, in the same spot where France had lost division after division.
Suffered 20 per cent casualties, lost ninety-five men and one officer killed outright.
Lost only one prisoner to the Germans in all the months they fought.
Captured many German cannon and German machine guns.
Participated in the final drive against the Germans on the French sector, advancing in the final stages of the war as far as thirty-five kilometers in one day.
Were the first American troops to enter the French fortress of Laon when it was wrested from the Germans after four years of war.
Won twenty-one American Distinguished Service Crosses, sixty-eight French War Crosses, and one Distinguished Service Medal.
Fought the last battle of the war, capturing a German wagon train of fifty wagons and crews a half-hour after the Armistice went into effect.
Refused to fraternize with the Germans even after the Armistice was signed.